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Story: Lost Companion

“Did it?”

“I don’t think so, but they said it did, and we are trapped here. Stuck servicing the most brutal and grimy males and females in the sector. They stowed you here and told us to keep you hidden. Do you know why?”

“I have friends who will look for me. Is this a Hmrain system?”

“No. It’s a shadow system in dispute.”

She laughed. “Great. This is going to be fun, then.”

Sam said, “Is it? They said they were bringing the Daughters of Rath to stop the uprising.”

“I need some water, and are the Daughters here?”

“They are in orbit. We can hear some of their signals.”

“Can you get me to a com? My legs are wobbly.”

Sam and another woman wearing barely anything supported her and walked her to the com, where another exhausted woman looked at her nervously.

“May I use the com?”

“Begging doesn’t get us anywhere. They say they are coming to end this tomorrow.”

Riley sat in the com seat and used the Daughters’ secure frequency. “Good day. This is the brothel, coming to you with a request.”

“How did you get this frequency?”

“I was on Arro, and there was a test, Martegel.”

“How many tries did it take you?”

“Five, but who’s counting? I would very much appreciate it if you didn’t bring the pain to the escorts.”

“Riley? Is that you? Are you all right?”

“I literally got out of a cold sleep capsule five minutes ago. So, what has gone on while I have been away? Did Ranna ever pick a proper manicure colour?”

There was relieved laughter on the other end. Martegel said, “We still have to appear. It’s our contract.”

“Cool, cool. But you don’t have todoanything, right? You just have to witness the end to the conflict.”

“Technically, we have to participate in it.”

“Great. Cheer me along. I need a shuttle to get the ladies out of here.” She looked at some. “How many are you?”

“Thirty-eight. Thirty-nine with you.”

She returned to the call. “Thirty-nine escorts, all in need of a sudden change of job. They are breaking bond contracts and altering terms to fit their wants. None of these women signed up to work in the brothel.”

“Oh. That does change things. The warship will drop the large shuttle, but you have to get to it. Can you manage that?”

“I hope so.”

Sam waved. “We have three defense units here, but we are having an issue reprogramming them for our purpose.”

Riley nodded. “Good thing I am well-rested. I have some work to do.”

“See you tomorrow, Riley.”