“Yours? Don’t you mean ours?”
“Of course,” Robinson said smoothly, nodding his head to placate Trask. “Sector has ruined what could have been an explosion of human evolution with their humanity laws. On Mars, we can be God.”
“You should let Tarak Dev go, though,” Trask said sharply. “This obsession you have of destroying him will be your Moby Dick.”
“He betrayed me!” Robinson snapped. “He betrayed what Sector was reaching for, bringing life back onto a dying planet. He chose his wife over science.”
“Right. He chose his wife over his job, while you chose your work over your wife, and you let it ruin a friendship.”
Robinson glared at the screen, wanting to put his fist through it and into Trask’s mouth. No one needed to remind him of his time in DC and how he’d been turned on by a man he’d mentored and given everything to, including his trust.
Appearing to realize the error of his ways, Trask took a deep breath. “What do I do about Sector Main?”
“You have the means to hide everything,” Robinson murmured. “Don’t forget that the new biotech formula can alter memories if needed.”
“Of course!” Trask took another breath. His anxious demeanor eased. He smiled. “Oh, I just remembered something. If you’re determined to bring him down no matter what, I may have found a way to get your whale.”
Robinson cocked his head. “How so?” Perhaps Trask will continue to be of use to me after all.
“Nate Stockton is one of the nanotech recipients. He has a cousin, Ben Stockton, and one of the undercovers managed to get the DNA of that cousin’s husband.” He reached for a tablet and brushed his fingertips along the screen. “The sample matched to an ex-NFOP officer. Dain Cardile. We can use Ben and Dain to track down Nate Stockton and Tarak Dev.”
Robinson grinned. “Wonderful. Do you what you need to do to get that cousin under Sector control. Force him, if you need to. Once we finish with the farm, you can leave Earth and join me on Mars. Sector will have no more control over my vision of a perfect society.”
****
Ben entered the apartment and called out for his cousin. “Nate? Are you here? Ranger?”
Dain closed the door behind him and hung up his respirator. “We must have missed them. Let me hit the head, and then we can make plans for visiting the testing center.”
When he disappeared into the back room, Ben went into the kitchen to grab something to drink. He didn’t know what to think about his husband’s new status of ex-New Force Order Police. They were like the FBI of old, except the NFOP could be judge, jury, and executioner rolled into one person if need be. Once the corrupt governments of Earth collapsed and scientists took over, many laws changed. Sector rose to power and created a policing branch, eliminating much of the appellate jurisdiction as well as the three strikes law. Law-breaking now had consequences, leading to a swift decline in many infractions. It made Ben a little uneasy to know Dain had been one of those immovable forces, and he wondered how many life decisions his husband had judged.
Dain came back out and laid a computer tablet upon the table, bringing up a holographic map of Sector headquarters. “This area over here is where the testing is done. Most of it is health testing.”
“Weeding out the ordinary people?”
“Well, if they’re rigging the system based on DNA, then they’re looking for specific genes.”
“But you’ve already been chosen,” Ben said. “Would they even test you?”
Dain shrugged. “Could be a formality. They don’t want it getting out that the whole system is a lie.”
Another thought hit Ben. “Poor Nate. He’s been wanting to go to Mars pretty much his whole life. Our ancestors were pioneers there, and he’s always wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
“Not you?”
Ben shrugged. “Not really. My impulse in Florida to get in on the action was more of a drunken moment of insanity. Sure, I’d said it’d be interesting to be on a brave new world, rely on each other, grow closer, but truthfully? I’ve never had the drive to leave Earth like Nate has. Always seemed to be too much trouble. So why go? From what you’ve been saying, there’s no better life there to be had.”
“You don’t know how true that is.”
“Why?”
“The Mars Colony is a very segregated city,” Dain said. “The rich live like royalty, and the rest of the population service them.”
Ben frowned. “Like servants?”
“Yes. Or worse. Some people are indentured to some of the upper echelon. Like slaves.”
“Why isn’t this more widely known?”
“Sector needs the credits it generates from the entry sales,” Dain said. “Just think. If there was a chance you’d be a slave to someone, would you buy a ticket?”
“I see,” Ben said. “So, someone who won a lottery ticket probably isn’t going to live the high life, right? Like Nate? How bad is it going to be for him?”
“I don’t know,” Dain replied. “Not easy. He’ll probably work his ass off. Ranger will be in the same boat. I can predict that they aren’t going to have an ounce of time to themselves or enjoy their new lives.”
“Why didn’t you say something?” Ben demanded, running his hand through his hair. “If you’d have told Nate how Mars really is, perhaps he wouldn’t have bought that ticket!”
“There are things in my past I couldn’t tell you, Ben. You now know things about me you shouldn’t. I wanted to tell you, but I also had a loyalty to my past. I’m sorry.”
“Did you not trust me?”
Dain cupped his face. “Of course I trust you. You’re the only person I’ve ever loved, Ben.”
Ben stood up on tiptoe to kiss him gently on the lips. “I love you, too.”
Dain wrapped his arms around his neck to bring him closer, and Ben kissed him deeply. He had been fortunate enough to find the best kisser in the universe. Grinding his cock into Dain’s pelvis, the reciprocating hardness let him know he was just as turned on. As he was about to suggest they continue in their bedroom, a beep came through the comm unit, letting them know someone wanted to talk.
“That’ll be them,” Dain said softly.
“How do you know?”
“They’ll want their lab rat as soon as possible, I suspect. Might as well get this over with.”
He walked away from Ben to answer the call. The comm-vid came on, showing a pretty redheaded woman.
“Hello. Mister Cardile?” she asked.
“Yep, that’s me.”
Her extremely white teeth flashed as she smiled. “My name is Gemma, and I’m calling to congratulate on your win—”
“Can I decline my win?”
She blinked. “Excuse me?”
Dain folded his arms across his chest. “Can I decline?”
Gemma lost a little of her fake enthusiasm. “If you wish to back out of the lottery, you’ll have to put in a formal request at Sector.”
“Of course. At Sector. Okay, Gemma, then I’ll do just that. When should I go?”
Any pleasantry she had abruptly disappeared. “Since you seem to be in a hurry, Mister Cardile, be at Sector tomorrow, oh-nine hundred sharp.”
Dain gave her a mock salute, and a second later, the comm-vid shut off. Ben moved forward and wrapped his arms around his husband.
“Wow, that was an intense back and forth.”
Dain turned in his embrace and pulled Ben in close. “That’s nothing to how it’s going to be tomorrow. You up for this?”
“I’ve got your back.”
He leaned in again for another kiss, just as the front door opened and Ranger walked in.
“Oops! Sorry, guys,” Ranger said.
“No worries,” Ben said with a sigh as he and Dain broke apart. “What are you doing home so early?”
“Coworkers heard about Nate winning the lottery. They kept interrupting my work to ask questions, so the bosses told me to go home early. Nate here?”
Ben shook his head. “No. We were just discussing Dain’s win.”
Ranger shook his head in disbelief. “Unreal how two from this family won the damn thing, isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Dain muttered. “Unreal.”
“You planning on going in to test?” Ranger asked.
“Kinda have to, don’t I? I mean, that’s part of the fine print no one reads.”
Ranger frowned. “I thought, ultimately, you get to say a final no if you change your mind.”
Dain shook his head. “No one gets away from Sector. It’s something to consider as you and Nate go forward. Well, I’m going to head to bed. Have a good night.”
Ranger nodded, still looking thoughtful. Dain took Ben’s hand and led him to their small bedroom. Once ensconced in their own world, they could stay hidden for the rest of the night. Just the two of them, and Ben had a horrible feeling that this was probably the last time they would have a moment to themselves. Tomorrow he and Dain would go to Sector to step into the farce of winning the damn lottery. He sat down heavily as the weight of it washed over him.
“Are you okay?” Dain asked softly, sitting next to him on the bed.
“Everything is going to change, isn’t it?”
Dain nodded. “Yeah. I got out of the New Force Order Police because I disagreed with Sector’s policies. Now I’m going back, and I hate the reason why. But I’ve been thinking this might the one chance to bring Sector’s crimes to light.”
Ben’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“If I can obtain evidence of their lottery manipulation, it might get us out this. And get us away from Sector.”
“You’re talking about spying.”
“I’ve done worse for the NFOP,” Dain reminded him. “How hard can it be to expose their overreach? Perhaps if I can find the evidence it might open up a negotiation for checks and balances. Omnipotent power is never a good thing for a rule of law.”
Ben sighed. “I don’t want you to put yourself in danger.”
“I already did that when I went into that damn bar.” He shook his head. “We may not have wanted this, but here we are. I need to know you’re okay with my plan.”
“Okay with it? Not really. But when we decided to say vows, we included the lines for better or worse. No matter what, I’m with you. But no more secrets between us. Okay?”
Dain nodded. “Agreed. No more secrets.”
Ben reached for Dain’s fly, smiling as Dain did the same thing. This was one of the best things about their lovemaking, that they didn’t need any prep time to jerk each other off. They both were usually ready anytime and anywhere. Reclining back, they both shed their clothes in a hurry to grab each other’s dicks.
“That feels so good, Ben. Harder. Jerk me harder.”
Ben moaned at the words and tightened his grip. His lover loved a little bit of pain with the pleasure, so he worked Dain’s cock with quick tugs, milking the pre-cum from the tip. Yet Dain wasn’t all about taking, giving as well as he gripped Ben’s dick. He didn’t use as much pressure, for which Ben was thankful. He didn’t like the pain so much. Up and down they pumped each other. It was erotic and hot, and Ben wasn’t sure how long he was going to last. Too much had happened during the past few days, too many highs and lows. He needed this release desperately, if only to alleviate the tension thrumming through his body.
He would have preferred to slow down, but he couldn’t stop the orgasm welling up. He closed his eyes, his body spiraling out of control, and a second later, he came with a shout. Dain followed soon after, cum splashing on his hand.
“I love you,” he breathed, panting slightly.
“I love you, too,” Ben murmured.
Chapter Four
“So, what’s the game plan?” Ben muttered as he and Dain approached the grandiose gates of Sector headquarters. The silver metal spikes at the tip, resembling Poseidon’s trident, were polished to a high gloss, which was the only thing that sparkled in the dreary world of grey. The bars were meant to keep those inside safe, but in reality, it only separated the haves from the have-nots.
Dain tightened his fingers around Ben’s hand. “We’ll be separated for testing. Just be honest about everything, because they can suss out lies.”
“Nate had to report to the SPL Center. So why do we come here?”
“I’m guessing because I’m special,” Dain said dryly, injecting a heavy dose of sarcasm into the last word. He glanced up at the tall, towering glass building, which spoke of an opulence that seemed cold and aloof. Glass was a luxury that really made no sense in a city known for unexpected sandstorms, but it certainly made a grand statement.
They moved through security and checked in at registration, and Dain was surprised at the vast number of people waiting. A hum buzzed through the air at the low volume conversations between people. Most of it was swallowed up in the vast foyer of the building, but he wasn’t that interested in their excited vibes. Under the tension that permeated the air like sour perfume, a nervous energy buzzed, causing his own paranoia to rise. It was a well-remembered cloak that had strangled him one too many times, back when he’d been an officer of Sector, although he had used that intensity to get promoted rapidly through the ranks. He’d often did the dirty deeds Sector demanded, so it didn’t take too much effort to spy the armed guards keeping a careful eye on the waiting suckers who were eager to try to get away from the polluted Earth. One wrong move on anyone’s part and the gigantic foyer would become a pool of blood.
It was almost enough to get him to leave and drag Ben behind him. Screw finding out what Sector was doing. He wasn’t willing to chance his or Ben’s life. But just as he turned to his partner in an attempt to leave, a woman suddenly appeared at his side, holding a clipboard of papers.
He recognized her instantly. “Cara Mia.”
She inclined her carefully coiffed head in greeting. “Mister Cardile. We meet again.”
“Look, Ben. It’s the woman who made all of this happen.”
“Guess she didn’t use a glamor cube,” Ben replied. “Although I guess she could be using one now.”
Cara Mia didn’t lose her pleasant-looking façade, but the corners of her mouth dipped just a fraction. It gave him a slight measure of satisfaction seeing her annoyance.
“So good of you to join us,” she continued, ignoring Ben altogether. “Yes, I did make all of this happen and because I found you. You’re special, and because you’re special, I was able to get a big promotion.”
“Are all of them special winners, too?” he asked, pointing to the large group.
“VIPs,” she answered succinctly. “Now, if you follow me, I’ll take you to the testing facilities.”
“I have a few questions before we go,” Dain said.
“All your questions will be answered by Doctor Trask. We’ll start with the medical exams. Those will be conducted first before we do any other testing.”
“And if I refuse?” he asked softly.
“Refuse?” She cocked her head, looking generally confused. “Why would you want to do that?”
He took a step closer, so only she could hear his answer. “Because you and I both know I really didn’t win the Mars Lottery.”
She jerked back, glaring at him with a cold, calculating stare. “I wouldn’t go around slinging slander, Mister Cardile. Now, if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to your testing site.”
“And Ben?”
Cara Mia glanced behind him. “Ah, yes. Your husband. I’m afraid he’ll have his own separate testing. Right this way, gentlemen.”
She made a “come on” gesture with her hand and began leading them away from the foyer crammed with people. It seemed like they were about to get the royal treatment of hitting the DNA jackpot, but a whole belly of unease kept urging him to make a break for it. He’d learned long ago Sector could be ruthless in their desire for power and absolute control, and he certainly didn’t want to go down that rabbit hole again. But on top of his instinct to
run was another desire, a need to expose the scientists for their omnipotent reign. So, he squeezed Ben’s hand and followed after Cara Mia, the sway of her body as she walked reminding him of a snake’s pattern as it slithered away.
They rode in a glass elevator, watching all the people become tiny little moving dots, until they arrived on the twenty-fifth floor. Once again Cara Mia led the way, stopping in front of a large door where a sign simply stated “Medical”.
“Here you are, Mister—I’m sorry, I don’t know your last name,” she said to Ben, with a fake smile.
“Stockton,” Ben replied. “Benjamin Leonard Stockton. My cousin Nate Stockton also won the lottery. What’re the chances two people in the same household could win something so valuable?”
She didn’t bother answering. Instead, she cleared her throat and pulled out a form in the clipboard she held. “Just hand this to the medical assistant. It’s a general medical exam form. They’ll take care of you.”
Ben took it. “Thanks.”
Dain cupped his face. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
Ben nodded. They kissed, and then he opened the medical door to disappear inside. Leaving Dain all alone with the woman who had roofied him to steal his DNA.
“For the record,” he said nonchalantly to Cara Mia. “I think you’re a fucking bitch.”
She blinked, looking a little startled, as if she was surprised he’d be so blunt.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” he said. “What you did was tantamount to rape. You took something from me without permission, so for all intents and purposes you’re forever a fucking bitch to me.”
The cool pleasantries she’d been giving fell aside, and for a split second her ugliness scratched the surface. “As a man you don’t get to use that word. Men commit the lowest debasements every day, so if I have to steal a few saliva cells to level the playing field, so be it. Sector is trying to help mankind, to ensure our salvation on a world that’s dying, so don’t lecture to me about what I took without permission since it’s the only way humans are going to survive.”
Future, Betrayed Page 3