Riley was willing to give the Osivoire the benefit of the doubt, till she recalled people who knew the serial killer Ted Bundy, also called him a gentleman. The human tank in front of her bought the chance to have dinner with her. He undoubtedly wanted to see whether bidding for her was a good investment. In Riley’s book, that automatically meant he was no gentleman. Regardless, Riley was going to be sweet as pie, until she was given further reason not to.
“I am called Aculus. What is your name, tiny female?”
“Riley.”
“Riley,” his voice rolled the R, making it sound like a growl. “It’s a pleasure. What will you have?”
“I’m not familiar with the menu, or what I might be able to eat.”
“Permit me to order. I’ve been given a list of things that disagree with you.”
“By all means then,” Riley replied with a pleasant smile.
Aculus placed his order with a Verrater waitress. The woman was wearing a two-toned shiny mini dress that matched the décor. It was still bizarre seeing the evolved rodents. Riley turned back to Aculus when she felt his eyes boring into her.
“I’m guessing you’ve never seen a Verrater before you arrived at Distraho.”
“I’ve never seen an Osivoire, or most of the people here.”
“Where in the universe did you come from, unusual little Riley?”
Aculus panned her hair and tattoos. His expression was more curious than avaricious, so Riley didn’t tense up under his scrutiny.
“I couldn’t say, but I’m not from around here.”
Riley didn’t know the name of the galaxy where the human colony was located, and she wouldn’t tell him if she did. She doubted the Milky Way would mean much to Aculus either.
“Indeed, yet you don’t seem terribly disturbed by your circumstances,” Aculus replied.
“This isn’t my first abduction. Would you like to see tears? I can summon some if you’d like,” she said sarcastically.
Riley was afraid. She was sad for Exo. She was worried about June and Ion, and the colony. She was sick about what her brother might be up to. All of it was gnawing at her, and yet none of it changed a damn thing.
“No. I appreciate that your eyes aren’t watering. I also appreciate that you aren’t trembling in fear. It is a rare sight. Usually the Topus implant chattel with a mood moderator, to make them more pliant. Based on the way you fought your last handler, I would say they didn’t give you the same implant.”
“Oh, they did. Unfortunately, it’s doing the opposite of what they expected. For example, based on your comment about how the chattel usually behave, I’m thinking this isn’t your first visit to Distraho. That doesn’t make me think warm and fuzzy thoughts about you. I’m working really hard, repressing the urge to take this funny fork, and come at you across the table.”
“Is that so?” Aculus appeared more amused than worried.
“Yes, it is. I’m sure it would be a foolish endeavor, considering your armored skin. Although your eyes look pretty vulnerable.” Riley smiled as she fingered the wavy pronged utensil.
It probably wasn’t smart to threaten the bony tank, but she wasn’t lying. Keeping her anger under wraps, along with her mouth was difficult. Riley had never been good at filtering what thoughts made it out of her mouth, now it was twice as hard.
Aculus’ eyes widened at her audacious reply, then chuckled.
Well, I guess it’s good I didn’t offend him.
“Fascinating. You are such a small, fleshy, delicate thing, and yet you don’t seem to fear for your life.”
“I’m a rare commodity. But I’m not delusional. I know that won’t keep me from getting killed.” Riley thought about Exo with a grimace. “The reality is, none of us make it out of this life alive. The threat of death is the only leverage these people have. Well, kill me, don’t kill me, I’ve ceased to care what they plan to do to me. The Overseer and whoever my buyer is, will do whatever despicable thing their lack of morals dictates. What I do, or don’t do, really won’t influence that. A bastard is a bastard.”
Riley wanted Aculus to know that if he bought her, she wasn’t going to roll over and beg. Maybe she shouldn’t advertise that she would be trouble, but then again, Riley didn’t really care. All Riley had left of herself was her verve. She’d be better off dead if she let that little spark die.
The drinks arrived and Aculus passed her a white and pink swirled concoction. Riley took a hesitant sip. It had two distinct fruity flavors, one sweet, one slightly savory.
“Based on your expression, it must be good.”
“It is. Thank you. It’s leaps and bounds better than the dirty water spigot in my cell. They can cram stuff in my head, but somehow a cup is too much to ask.”
“Riley, I am pleased to see that you aren’t simple minded,” Aculus chuckled. “I wasn’t sure, considering the way you fought then danced.”
“Oh?” Riley said as she took another sip.
The comment made her wonder if Aculus needed a slave that had a functioning brain.
“Yes. There are many creatures that I have encountered that are ruled by their baser instincts. The fact that you are fighting the implant’s effects is encouraging.”
“Since you appreciate my intellect, you won’t mind if I ask you a question. Tell me, Aculus, why are you at a slave auction?”
“There are more than slaves going up for sale.”
With the way his thin mouth turned down, Riley wondered if she hit a nerve.
“So, you didn’t plan to buy a slave, but somehow I caught your eye. I’d like to say that I’m flattered, but I can’t.”
“I have only purchased a moment of your time,” he gritted out.
The conversation went quiet. Aculus didn’t appreciate his dirty laundry being aired.
The truth hurts. Doesn’t it, buddy?
The server arrived at the table carrying a box, rather than their food.
“What is this?” Aculus asked.
“It is for the female. The Overseer expresses his gratitude.”
The Verrater waitress looked impressed as she set the tiny box on the table. Riley nodded to the woman in appreciation, as she opened the box. Riley smiled as she pulled out her necklace.
“Tell the Overseer thank you,” Riley replied.
She quickly put on the necklace concealing her thumb drive, then sighed in relief. Riley didn’t realize how much tension she’d been holding in check, till it all fled her body with the one sigh. She glanced up at Aculus to see him staring at her with narrowed eyes.
“The Overseer is sending you gifts?”
“Returning my property,” Riley replied.
“That seems rather generous, considering you are a slave.”
“You know our earlier discussion, well I informed my host of the same thing. I wanted my necklace back. It’s junk, but it’s my only connection to home. I informed Cuttles I could either help him make a small fortune off me, or I could be a tiny little nightmare.”
“Cuttles? You call the Overseer, Cuttles?” Aculus chuckled.
“Yes. He reminds me of a cuttlefish from my home-world,” Riley snickered, feeling happy for the first time in days.
“I think I underestimated you, Riley. Not only are you not a simpleton, but you are shrewd.” His thin-lipped mouth smiled.
“I am not pleased by my situation, but I’m not a moron either. If you have plans to bid on me, fine. I’m sure we can come to some sort of accord, like I did with Cuttles.”
“Really? You think you will be able to bargain with your new master?” His bony brows rose. “What do you think your purpose will be after you’re purchased?” Aculus asked.
“I’ve tried not to dwell on it. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll be the new exhibit in some sort of crazy zoo.”
“Perhaps, if you weren’t humanoid. But it’s more likely you’ll be warming someone’s bed.”
“Thanks for the reminder,” she murmured.
Riley recalled hear
ing the video list all the people she was compatible with, when it showed her in all her glory.
How could I forget? Riley frowned. You didn’t forget, not really. You just pushed it aside.
Riley knew exactly what she was doing when she used her sex appeal to lure the crowd. At the time, all she could concentrate on, was getting back her necklace and the hidden map. Now that she had it, she was cruelly reminded of the position she was in. Somehow the thought of dying was less frightening.
“It could be worse. You could be being sold into harsh labor, or as food.”
Riley cringed.
“It’s just like a man to say something like that. So, tell me Aculus, when you buy me, are you going to hold me down and force yourself on me, or are you going to take the time to woo the exotic slave girl?” Riley snapped.
Riley was glad dinner arrived. Aculus looked angry, and she really didn’t want to hear his response to her flippant question. She was starting to think she should’ve kept her mouth shut, except there was no putting those bullets back in the gun. Hopefully Aculus wouldn’t complain. She never promised Cuttles that she’d be a pleasant conversationalist, just that she wouldn’t hurt his guest. Still her mouth was going to get her into trouble.
Riley was no longer in the mood to eat, but she knew she needed to.
At least it tastes decent. Sort of like Thai, Riley thought as she shoved another bite in her mouth.
The second dinner was done, Hoda collected Riley, and took her back to the viewing gallery to shake her ass some more. The hours onstage passed quickly, and she was soon being led back to her cell. Her uneasiness grew with each step toward the dank chamber. Riley feared Cuttles was going to show up to take back the necklace, after her shitty behavior at dinner. The thumb drive was like a weight around her neck. She entered her cell and collapsed onto the ratty mattress, then curled into a ball.
I can’t do this, she sobbed. It’s too much.
Riley was trying hard to hold it together. It had been easier when Exo was around. She’d forced herself to be brave for the both of them. But now she was all alone.
Riley opened her eyes when she felt a wad of fluff nuzzle her arm.
“Hey, Speck,” Riley sniffed. “At least you didn’t leave me.”
Riley cuddled the furry little cor close to her chest, as she prayed for the oblivion of sleep.
Chapter 4. Sacrifice
Cyprian de Praefectus
Cyprian’s handheld pinged, rousing him from a fitful slumber. He walked into the washroom and shut the door before answering.
“Good day, Tytus,” Cyprian greeted the tech savvy warrior. “I don’t guess this is a social call.”
“No, but it’s good to hear your voice.”
“Hello,” June, Tytus’ mate, said as she popped her head into the screen besides Tytus. “Did you seriously find Riley and Exo?”
“Yes.”
“Thank god.” June nodded. Her eyes looked like they might spill tears at any moment.
“Kagan is taking the threat you reported seriously. He moved Dagaa, Madhava and myself into the manor, with our females. He didn’t want to tip off the traitor, so he’s using the excuse that the human females insist on being close, to care for baby Graca.”
“It’s true, in a way,” June added.
“Good. Whoever this traitor is, I doubt they’ll question some unfamiliar human custom.”
It was a very good precaution. All of them clustered together would not only protect Kagan and his family, but also Dagaa, since the threat likely extended to him as well.
“When we started this mission, I never imagined this was the direction it would go.” Tytus shook his head in disbelief. “The cruiser with the palladium to buy the Toufik is making good time. Since you reported last, they’ve made it over a third of the way to Ashtoret’s location.”
“That is good time. Unfortunately, we may have an additional problem. Riley is attracting quite a crowd. I don’t know if I’ll be able to buy her and Exo both.”
Cyprian didn’t mention how Riley was attracting attention. The female had him frustrated on several levels with her audacious display. He’d awoken in the middle of the night to find his shaft stiff, as the image of the violet haired siren faded into his dreams.
“If that happens, keep an eye on whoever wins the bid and bargain with them. Kagan is sparing no expense.”
“The Miran Sona vessel hasn’t come up for auction yet,” Cyprian reported. “But we know it’s here.”
“I’m sending you the override that Ion gave me, for when you do find it. It’s a vocal key. Ion also said that Exo would’ve deleted the vessel’s critical data, if he had a chance.”
“I got it,” Cyprian confirmed his comm received the transmission. “Let’s hope Exo was successful.”
“Even if he was successful, the vessel still has the ability to traverse wormholes, so we need to get it back,” Tytus added.
Cyprian groaned. He felt like they were making progress at a glacial rate.
“Understood.”
“By the way, I found that vial; the one with the chip of metal that we removed from the gallinacus.”
“I know the one.”
Cyprian recalled the giant raptors that descended on the salvage yard in mass. His crew had just started on this mission, and were in the process of repairing the cruiser that brought them to Distraho, when the clutch of raptors attacked. Usually salvage yards kept the nasty predators at bay, since one was enough to gut a full-grown male.
“I haven’t had a chance to analyze the bit of metal yet, but with your recent findings, I’m not getting a good feeling. I’ve also been monitoring any communication going off-world. I haven’t intercepted anything unusual, but watch your tail.”
“Please be safe,” June added.
“I will. Thank you. I’m glad you’ve got my back,” Cyprian replied, then disconnected.
If Tytus had a bad feeling about the chip of metal found in the overgrown bird, that meant something. With everything Cyprian learned, he was beginning to wonder if his cover was blown the moment they left the capital city. If the traitor was close enough to Kagan to be a threat, and knew enough about their plan to send the raptors, then it reasoned the traitor also knew his and Vintor’s identity.
That might explain Mave’s refusal to trust us.
It didn’t really matter. Cyprian still had to play his part. Now he just had to be more cautious than before. It was imperative he discover who the traitor was, and bring their people home.
There was a knock on the door and Cyprian answered.
“Outta my way, I’m going to be sick,” Vintor garbled as he shoved Cyprian aside.
Vintor bent over the commode as he wretched out loud, kicking the washroom door closed in the process. Cyprian frowned in concern, till Vintor stood with a smile.
“They’re talking about exploring. I’m not feeling well, so I’m going to stay behind,” Vintor said with a wink.
“You’ve been around the humans too long. This is the kind of stunt those females would pull.” Cyprian’s brow rose in amusement. “I’m guessing you plan on snooping around.”
“Who me?” Vintor said in a high-pitched voice, as he put his hands on his hips, like the females did when they were mad.
Though Mave didn’t trust Vintor enough to tell him who his traitorous partner was, they trusted him enough that they might leave something incriminating behind in the suite.
“It’s a good idea,” Cyprian snorted as Vintor maintained his effeminate pose. “Nothing’s new back home. Tytus is keeping an eye on communications going off-world. He didn’t say for sure, but the traitor might have sent the gallinacus to the salvage yard.”
“Son of a metcor,” Vintor cursed, understanding the implications. “Do you think the chips we found in the raptors, were what put the traitor in debt to the Jurou Biljana?”
“Could be,” Cyprian shrugged. “Tytus did send me the code to access the Miran Sona ship, if we manage
to find it. Alright I’m going to join the others and attempt to play nice,” Cyprian said, after his quick summary. He paused at the washroom door with a frown. “Oh, one thing more.”
“What?”
“I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this, but I think it’s time to cull one of the smugglers from the herd, and convince him to talk.”
Cyprian planned to bring the smugglers to justice, to remove them of their liberties, and send them to a labor camp. That changed the moment he learned Daimio Kagan’s life was in danger.
“I understand,” Vintor replied with a grim nod. “Adeoda is Mave’s lieutenant. I’m certain he knows something.”
There was no avoiding it. Adeoda was a nasty bastard, who enjoyed hurting others for the fun of it. Cyprian wouldn’t lose any sleep with that warrior out of the picture.
“Sweet mother of Kali. I hope I didn’t eat whatever he’s hacking up in there,” Cyprian commented as he exited his bedroom and plopped down in a chair.
“That’s too bad. We were heading out to see what trouble we can get into,” Pacen said.
“I know you’ve got your tail in a knot, because I won’t tell you who my friend is,” Mave began. Cyprian’s brow rose in censure. “I understand your perspective,” he quickly added. “But you must also understand mine.”
“I do understand. I realize we just met. Unfortunately, age old friends or not, you’ve dragged me into quite a situation. Not that I don’t think it has merit. I just like knowing who’s getting me killed if this goes bad,” Cyprian explained, attempting to sound sympathetic and more reasonable than he had the night before.
“Understood. You help us watch our backs with the Jurou Biljana and I’ll introduce you to my friend personally.”
“Fine.”
Cyprian relaxed his shoulders so he appeared mollified, though really, he remained aggravated. Mave was still stringing him along.
“Are you coming?” Mave asked as the smugglers headed for the door.
“I suppose Vintor will hail us if he’s on the edge of death,” Cyprian said as he followed the band of bastards.
They reached the viewing gallery, where’d they’d eaten the night before, and found it crowded.
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