Page 20
Story: Lost Companion
His feathered wings kept pace with hers as they flew to the spaceport. Nizzen looked at her and said, “I believe I understand now. She is part of you.”
“She is. She helped me process things I had been avoiding for centuries. I could not stand against her relentless cheer.”
Her father headed straight for his shuttle, and Ranna saw the streak of light that was Horib’s emergency vehicle. Ranna dove toward the ship and took the parcel from Horib before streaking over to her father’s side. She landed and ran inside the shuttle. “I want to come with you.”
“No. You have been in this situation once before. I don’t want to risk you again. I will get the companion back.” He looked at her, and she glanced between him and the captain.
Ranna swallowed and thrust the bundle at him. “There is her favourite blanket that we made, a necklace that matches one I made, a dagger that the Sisters gave her, two outfits with underwear, and some shoes. She prefers boots, but Horib tried to keep it compact. Bring her home in one piece, Father, or I will not forgive you.”
He took the bundle and hugged her with his free arm. “If I do not get her back, I will not forgive myself. You will have to get in line. I will bring our companion home.”
She looked up at him. “Our companion?”
“By the time I bring her back, your contract will have expired. Her next contract will be with me.”
Ranna blinked back relieved tears. “Will I get a new brother or sister?”
“Not if I don’t get moving. Now, get clear of the shuttle. We are going to move fast.”
Ranna nodded and left, grabbing Nizzen and flying for the station.
When she landed a safe distance from the shuttle, she looked to Nizzen. “Now, tell me what you know about this.”
“I thought it was a joke. He said he wanted her, had heard her people were powerful companions. When she rejected him, he got mad. He said that no station bitch was going to reject one of the greatest bloodlines of the system, but then he said he was leaving after the theatre.”
Ranna looked at him, pulled him to her, and kissed his forehead. The information streamed into her. She was relieved. He was telling the truth. He was a bystander, not an involved party. “I am very glad you didn’t participate. I am beginning to have affection for you.”
Nizzen sighed in relief. “I am as well. Why is your father so concerned?”
Ranna looked at the shuttle lifting off. “I think it is because she is leaving as my companion and returning as his. I have to say, I am not upset about it. She is going to make a great mother.”
Her suitor blinked. “Oh, fuck. That explains so much. Nelako is dead.”
Ranna watched the ship streak skyward. “He will be. My father is brutal when it comes to women being abused. The abusers don’t survive the initial greeting.”
* * * *
Riley woke in a coldchamber, and it was on a warming cycle. She looked up through the clear field and blinked. Female faces were peering down at her. One of them was Terran.
She opened the capsule, and the Terran lifted her out and hugged her. “Ohmygod. I never thought we would be able to wake you.”
“Oh, what a welcome. I gather that the creep kidnapped me.”
“You have been sold to a brothel on a mining world.”
“What? Fuck no.”
The ladies nearby murmured.
“We also happen to be in the middle of a revolt. I am sorry it took us so long to wake you, but it wasn’t a priority.”
“No problem. How long has it been?”
“Three months.”
“Oh, that’s not good.” She looked down and was still wearing her theatre dress. “What kind of revolt?”
“I am Sam, and I used to be a cook at the mine. One day, someone from admin grabs me by my arm and walks me over to the brothel, telling me that the contract I signed gave them the right to reassign me.”
Table of Contents
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- Page 20 (Reading here)
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