by Maia Starr
“What I need is to go home!” she exclaimed.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “But right now, that isn’t possible.”
“When will it be possible?!” she exclaimed.
I thought about what Supreme Leader Aloitus had said about an overpopulation of humans on our planet and sighed. Perhaps I could come up with a solution that was good for everybody.
“I will work on it. For now, however, if you do not calm down, you are going to spend the majority of your time on this planet unconscious. Is that what you want?”
Her eyes flashed defiantly. “You have no right to do this.”
“Actually, I have every right. And I am giving you an option. Either you cooperate, or you will face the consequences for insubordination.”
Her chin jutted out, but she seemed to be calming down a bit.
“I am Second in Command,” I told her. “If you cooperate, it is possible I can send some women back to Earth. But if you refuse and continue destroying valuable property, you will remain here indefinitely.”
Her complexion paled, and I walked away from her knowing that my words would be enough to keep her calm.
“How did it go, Commander?” Jerd asked once I ducked out of the tent.
“The situation has been subdued,” I replied.
“That is good news,” Jerd replied.
I nodded, walking away from the tent with a stretch, and my stomach rumbled. This whole trip had been nothing but stressful. Now that I was home, it was time to enjoy a real meal and relax for the first time in far too long.
***
“Welcome back, Commander,” Trillis said, smiling sweetly at me.
“Hello, Trillis,” I said, sitting down at last in my own home.
Trillis had been in my life ever since I was a small boy. She had been appointed to serve me, much like a nanny or a maid. Instead of resenting it, though, she felt honored by the privilege of working for the Second in Command. And it took pressure off of my parents to care for me. They had been doing their part in the effort to repopulate Jenal’k, and were plagued by several other children who were not blessed with the same privileges I had received upon their birth. My siblings required most of their time and energy, and, even now, most of my paycheck.
“How was your mission?” she asked, placing a steaming hot bowl of my favorite Thressl’n stew in front of me.
“Successful,” I said. “For the most part.”
“Trouble with Aloitus?” Trillis asked, sighing and sitting down across from me.
“Always,” I sighed. “He had me stand up in front of everyone and tell them it was my fault if something bad happened because of the humans.”
“What?” Trillis asked, anger leaking into her aged voice. “He approved the proposal revolutions ago!”
I shrugged. “That’s Aloitus for you.”
“Well, I think you would make a much better Supreme Leader than Aloitus. Rumor is quickly spreading about the last scandal.”
“Oh?”
This made me perk up. If the community at large decided together that Aloitus was too corrupt to maintain his hold on power, then I would be promoted. That meant no more flying.
“Yes, word has gotten out. Someone in a high position at the palace was scorned one too many times, I think, and threatened to come clean about everything. Aloitus wanted to put him in the holding chamber, but a group of rebels helped him go into hiding before Aloitus’ henchmen got to him.”
“Wow, a lot happened while I was gone,” I said, mulling over this new information. It was no wonder Aloitus was being so aggressive about the females. He knew anything that went wrong would look bad and potentially turn the populace against him. Did he really think he wouldn’t deserve that if it happened?
“It was a long time to be out in space,” Trillis said, looking at me knowingly. She was the only person who seemed to understand just how much I despised being out in space for such long stretches of time. I had never told her, but she had been with me since I was a small child. She knew me better than I knew myself in ways.
“Yes,” I said, still feeling embarrassed to speak out loud about my detest for leaving home. “I’m glad to be back.”
“What is Earth like?” she asked, changing the subject.
“It’s dismal,” I said with a short laugh. “But…”
“But?” Trillis asked, raising an eyebrow at me. It wasn’t often that I withheld anything from her. In a way, this kindly older female was my best friend and confidant.
“I met a human female,” I eventually said.
Trillis brightened.
“That’s only natural,” she said, trying to play it cool. “That’s what you went there for.”
But from the way her eyes were sparkling, I knew that she was already guessing what was going on.
“I’ve never seen anybody like her before,” I said. The powerful surge of longing I’d felt simply laying eyes on her the first time had been overwhelming. And now, I couldn’t go five minutes without fighting thoughts of her out of my head. And I still didn’t really know her name. Doctor was only a title. I hadn’t thought to ask while she was coherent. Things had just moved so quickly.
“What is she like?” Trillis asked, pouring me a cup of hot flek.
“She’s…beautiful,” was all I could say.
“You know, you have the right to claim whichever female you like,” Trillis said. “You never use your status the way you should. You could claim her right now, and nobody would be able to stop you. Even Aloitus would shrug it off.”
It was true. I hadn’t thought of that before. Trillis’ eyes sparkled as I scarfed my meal down as quickly as I could and rose from the table.
“Thanks, Trillis,” I said, bowing deeply to her. She gave me a shorter, graceful bow in return, and I could hear her tinkling laughter as I left.
***
“Understood, sir,” the Thressl’n female in charge stepped aside and allowed me through the entrance of Camp 7, the camp full of the females I had delivered personally. My eyes scanned the long rows of sleeping women and immediately fell on the golden-haired human who had consumed my thoughts for so long.
“Rise,” I said, standing over her.
Desire raced through me when her clear eyes settled upon me, and her full lips settled into a pout.
“Why?” she asked, refusing to budge.
“Do you really want to challenge me?” I asked, fixing a stern look on her. I was surprised at myself. It was so natural for me to treat her the way Thressl’n men treated the women they were mated to for years.
She didn’t speak and rose from the small metal bed.
“You know, it’s cold in here,” she said to me, raising her arms in the air and stretching deeply. My eyes wandered the curves of her body, sparks of desire igniting deep inside of me. “You should get these girls some blankets.”
“Of course,” I said, frowning. It was strange to be dealing with such heavily water-based creatures. The Thressl’n didn’t have issues with body temperature regulation unless we were sick, but humans were so fragile. Maybe it really was a mistake to combine our genetics. But what choice was there?
“Where are we going?” the human asked.
“What is your name?” I said, without answering. How was I to tell her that she was my chosen mate? I had a strong feeling this wouldn’t go over well, and I wanted to save the dramatics for the privacy of my own home.
“Lain,” she said begrudgingly. “Dr. Lain Brousseau. But just call me Lain. Do I just call you Zerk’k?”
“Well I suppose it would be silly for you to call me Commander Arkti,” I said. “So yes.”
“All right,” she said, fixing her eyes forward. I led her to my modest hovercraft and waited for her to step inside.
“What is that thing?” she asked. I could almost hear the gears in her head turning as she walked a circle around my vehicle. Her hand flickered toward her back pocket, but she seemed to think better of it.
&
nbsp; “Get in,” I said. I didn’t have the patience for small talk. For a female, she asked a lot of questions. Weren’t humans ever taught to know their place? She was exceptionally rude. And yet I couldn’t help but find it oddly charming.
She waited to observe me get into the driver’s seat of the vehicle before following suit.
“Just because I’m going with you doesn’t mean I like you,” she said, as soon as the doors closed and we were left in the quiet, intimate atmosphere of the craft.
“It doesn’t matter whether you like me or not,” I said, though I couldn’t help but be stung by her words. “You are on this planet for one purpose. And if you don’t serve that purpose, you are going to suffer immensely.”
Lain glowered out the window and crossed her arms over her breasts. I took the chance to study her more closely. Now that we weren’t pressed for time, it was easier for me to take in all the details of her face.
Her neck was long, and her skin a pleasant pink color that was uncommon on the planet Jenal’k. Her lips and cheeks were a much darker, more sensual red, particularly when she was angry, as she was now. And her body, though tiny in comparison to the highly muscular Thressl’n race, was soft and supple. It awakened desires in me I didn’t know I was capable of.
We were both lost in thought for the rest of the ride, until I stopped the hovercraft in front of my home. We sat in silence for a moment before I finally spoke.
“This is going to be your home from now on. I expect you to stay out of the way and to make yourself comfortable. Now follow me; I’ll show you where you’ll sleep.”
Lain glared fiercely at me before hopping out of the vehicle. I sighed. This might not end up being as easy as I thought it would be.
“Oh, hello,” Trillis said, her eyes wide as she took in the human female. She bowed at Lain, and Lain hesitated for a moment before bowing back awkwardly. The way she bowed was wildly improper, and both Trillis and I had to fight to keep from laughing. It was a sweet gesture though, and we both appreciated it.
“Trillis, this is Dr. Lain Brousseau. Lain, Trillis is here every day. Her apartment is upstairs if you ever need anything while I’m away. Trillis, I expect you to take care of her as you’d take care of me.”
“Of course, Commander,” Trillis said, her eyes sparkling. I think both of us knew that my interest in this female went beyond breeding purposes. But convincing the human of that would be another story.
“It’s nice to meet you, Trillis,” Lain said. Trillis laughed in delight.
“It’s nice to meet you, Lain,” she repeated carefully.
Trillis glanced up at me, and it was clear we were both thinking the same thing: this was going to be interesting.
Chapter 11
Dr. Lain Brousseau
I followed behind Zerk’k, staring at his broad, muscular back as he led the way through his home. It was fascinating to see the layout of the structure. It was similar architecturally to ancient Japanese building structures, but the appliances inside were far different from anything one could find on Earth. It was clear I was dealing with a very advanced civilization.
“This is the washing room,” Zerk’k said, leading me down a very narrow hallway. I peered inside the room and frowned when I didn’t see what I was used to seeing in the bathrooms back home. “Don’t worry, I’ll ask Trillis to show you how it works. I’m sure you’re more comfortable with other females in that regard.”
I refused to answer. Why was I getting this special treatment when “other females,” as Zerk’k called them, were still trapped in the oppressive tents on the other side of the settlement?
Zerk’k didn’t seem perturbed by my silence at all and simply continued the tour.
“This is where I work. You are never to enter this room.” He looked back at me, his metallic purple eyes serious. “Do you understand?”
I wanted to do something extreme, something angry, but as he looked at me, his expression softened.
“I know this is all very different for you,” he said, his handsome face contorted with the effort to word his thoughts well enough to me. “I’m sorry that you are in a situation you do not wish to be in. I felt there was no other choice. In time, I hope you are able to forgive me.”
Before I could answer, Zerk’k turned away and continued walking down the narrow hallway. I sighed in frustration. What was with this guy? And why was it I found him to be, in ways, so irresistible? Maybe it was something in the drugs they’d been feeding me over the past day or so. Something was probably messing with my hormones. Whatever it was, I wished it would stop. My body couldn’t take much more of this push and pull feeling. I didn’t want to be attracted to my captor. It seemed so inappropriate.
“And here is the bed chambers,” Zerk’k finally said. “It is the most private room in this space. Everybody has utmost privacy here. We will share this space until further notice.”
My stomach dropped. He seriously expected me to share the bedroom with him? No way.
“Don’t you have a living room or something?” I stammered, backing away from the door. “I’ll just sleep on the couch.”
Zerk’k’s face darkened, and suddenly his hands were on my shoulders. It happened so quickly that I barely had time to register the way he carried me, as if I were light as a feather, and shoved me against the wall in the bedroom. The door closed with a quiet click behind us.
“What did I tell you?” he hissed. “This is the only way. Do you think you would be here if there was another choice? Do you think I want the other Thressl’n men to lay their hands on you?”
I was shocked by the prospect, and the passion in his voice when he spoke. I almost wanted to believe him.
“This is where you are safe. This is where I can protect you. And,” he added, his face hovering close to mine, “this is where I will make you mine.”
My body was on fire. His display of power should have scared me. Maybe even prompted me to fight. But somehow, my brain was locked on only one thing, and I had to keep myself from surrendering to the overpowering desire that was begging me to give in to this mysterious man’s power.
If he would have held me there a second longer, I don’t know what would have happened. But thankfully, he let go of my wrists.
“I understand that you are not ready yet,” Zerk’k said, his beautiful eyes gentle and understanding. “I will not force a family upon you. But in time, I am confident that you will see, as I see, that this was meant to be.”
Zerk’k broke eye contact with me and headed for the doorway. My legs were like jelly, and I couldn’t bring myself to follow him. He didn’t seem to expect me to, though. As he crossed the threshold of the door, he seemed to think better of it and turned back to me.
“The Thressl’n believe in destiny. We are given roles that are fated for us. And just as every job on the Planet Jenal’k is predetermined, so must be the loyalty of my hearts.”
And with that, he walked out the door.
***
“Meal time, dear,” Trillis said cheerfully over the intercom in the bedroom.
I looked up from my notebook, reluctant to leave my work. I had been consumed in outlining every experience of my ordeal in detail, and had been so busy doing it that I’d almost forgotten I was capable of feeling hunger.
I stood up, my heart pounding at the thought that I would have to face Zerk’k again. I was furious at him, but another, secret part of me was thrilled by the thought of encountering him again. But I had to stay composed. It wasn’t my real feelings speaking for me. It had to be the chemicals in my body that were being altered by Thressl’n drug compounds. I had to stay strong. I refused to be just breeding machine for Commander Zerk’k’s degrading mission.
“It is nice to meet you!” Trillis said, bowing deeply at me when I arrived at the table. It was elaborately decorated, and filled with foods I had never seen before.
“Hi,” I said, wondering if I should correct her. But it seemed like a nice spin on an old gr
eeting from Earth. I chose not to say anything and sat down in front of one of the plates.
To my surprise, Trillis sat down at the other.
“Where is Zerk’k?” I asked, frowning.
“He had business to take care of,” Trillis said, spooning the foods onto my plate. “Poor boy is always so busy. His job takes its toll. But it is as destined.”
“Thank you,” I said, looking down at the food on my plate. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that Zerk’k wasn’t there to share my first meal on his planet. He was the one who had brought me here after all. But it couldn’t be helped. And anyway, I couldn’t stand him. Even if I missed him when he was away, as soon as he was around I wished he would disappear.
“It must be very different for you,” Trillis said, demonstrating how to use the strange utensils on the table. She was very intuitive, and a kind teacher.
“Yes,” I said, my mind flashing back to the bizarre feelings I was having toward Commander Arkti. There was nothing normal about this. I had never even felt so aroused near the men I’d dated on Earth. Whatever the Thressl’n were giving me, it must have been strong.
“He’s really not a terrible man,” Trillis said. “I can only imagine what you must be thinking. Being stolen so callously from your own world. He truly does have your best interests at heart.”
“My best intentions?” I scoffed. “What would he know about that?”
“You do realize that sooner rather than later, you will have no home planet to speak of?” Trillis said, taking a spoonful of a bright orange substance and chewing it pleasantly. “You were chosen to survive that catastrophe and aid in the creation of a superior race. A race that, perhaps, will turn out to be superior to the Thressl’n.”
“I don’t care about any of that,” I grumbled. “I’d rather die with my own planet. He had no right to kidnap so many women from our homes. They have families!”
“I assure you, they don’t,” Trillis said quietly. “We do take these things into consideration.”
My cheeks burned and I bit into one of the foreign substances on my plate. It was true that I didn’t have much family to speak of. Perhaps the same was true of the rest of the human women on Jenal’k.