Page 10

“It would be faster. Oh, my name is Morgan.” She let out a gasp as he scooped her up in a bridal carry and the Jalaxians ran much faster. Obviously, I was holding them back.

Tren cocked his head listening to someone in his ear, then said, “It should, but I haven’t tested it yet.”

Makai veered to the right. He stopped in front of a ventilation shaft and looked at Tren.

“You have something that will keep them asleep?”

“Of course I do.” Tren put Morgan down. “Just a moment while I take care of this.”

Makai’s lips tipped up. Tren grabbed some canisters from his pockets and tapped several buttons before placing them in the shaft. He picked up Morgan again and they ran.

“How long?”

“Six minutes before the gas releases.”

They caught up with two other Jalaxians—one with dreadlocks, the other with braids.

“Yaz and Lezon.” Tren tilted his head at the two new ones. They reached a huge hangar bay. “Hold on, Morgan.”

Morgan almost screamed as they rose into the air without warning. Tren weaved a bit before straightening out.

“Sorry about that. First time using the hover jetpack carrying someone. It threw off my center of gravity.”

Morgan held on and nodded. Holy fuck, this is scary.

Ahead in the air, a large door opened and the Jalaxians aimed for it. Morgan squinted and noticed a slight disruption in her vision. It must be a cloaked ship. For a minute, I was reminded of the Cheshire cat’s smile surrounded by nothingness.

A huge, scary-looking Jalaxian with his head partially shaved waited for them. Once they safely landed inside the cargo area, he closed the door.

“Lezon, escort Morgan to the med bay. You and Abby treat her and let me know what she may need. The rest of you on the bridge with me.” Makai hustled off, his tail swaying, the others following him.

Morgan walked with Lezon in the other direction. Sleek doors opened and they stepped into a med bay. She looked with a critical eye. After spending so much time with the healers on Costonia, she recognized quality equipment. Whoever these Jalaxians are, they didn’t stint on their med bay.

“Welcome to the Fortitude , home of the Wing Raiders. I’m Abby Quinlan. I was a nurse practitioner on Earth and Lezon here is our medical officer.” A brunette with soft brown eyes held out her hand.

Exchanging handshakes, Morgan smiled.

“Morgan Calloway. Teacher, former exotic dancer, slave, and test subject.”

“Wow, definitely some stories there I bet. Let’s get you checked out. Then you can clean up and eat.”

“Could I shower first? The Zuvgran weren’t very hygienic when it came to their prisoners.”

Abby looked at Lezon who smiled and nodded.

“Why don’t you see if you can find something for Morgan to wear after she cleans up and I’ll stay with her,” Abby said.

“I’ll check the stores and return soon.”

Abby led her to the bathroom in a corner of the med bay. She ensured Morgan knew how to operate the sonic shower and gave her some towels.

“I’ll be in the office. If you need any help, just yell. I’ll knock to let you know when the clothing is here.”

“Thanks.”

After the door closed behind Abby, Morgan peeled off the tunic and tossed it aside. I’m never wearing that again.

In the shower, the sonic vibrations tingled. Morgan moaned at the sensation of dirt and grime leaving her hair and body. It’s been so long since I’ve felt clean. I wish it was hot water, but I’ll take what I can get. Beggars can’t be choosers.

She hiccupped back a sob and rested her head on the wall, taking measured breaths. Poor Kiki and Colleen. I wish they could have held on long enough to be rescued, too.

Hearing a knock, she watched warily when the door opened and a pile of clothing slid into the room. The door closed and she was alone again. Get it together, Morgan. Figure out what’s going on and make a plan. Survive.

Eventually, she stepped out of the shower and picked up the clothes. She grimaced when she saw the bandeau bra and panties knowing Lezon had picked them out. Another male choosing my clothes.

Realizing she was being petty and she really didn’t want to wear a medical gown, she sighed and pulled on a soft T-shirt, leggings, socks, and slippers.

She found a comb and worked to get the snarls out of her long hair.

Braiding it, she used a string in the same compartment as the comb.

Popping a tooth-cleansing tablet onto her tongue, she savored the minty taste and the sensation of a pristine mouth once again. Damn, I almost feel like a human being.

She inhaled deeply, then squared her shoulders before leaving the bathroom. Both Abby and Lezon smiled when they saw her.

“You look like you feel better,” the brunette said.

“It’s amazing what feeling clean can do for you.”

“Hop onto the med bed and let’s see if you need anything specific.” Lezon gestured to a table.

Morgan ignored the internal wince at the thought of an examination. Her breathing sped up.

“No one is going to hurt you or do anything you don’t want, Morgan.” Lezon’s sky blue eyes showed compassion. “We just want to make sure the Zuvgran didn’t do any permanent harm.”

Abby patted Morgan’s arm.

“Just lie down and let the med bed scan you. There is no invasive portion of the exam and it’s painless.”

“No restraints?” The hesitancy in her voice shamed Morgan.

Abby’s nose wrinkled in disgust. A low growl emanated from Lezon’s chest and his tail flicked.

“No, no restraints. If you move too quickly, it might interrupt the scanner and skew the readings, but that’s the worst that can happen.” Lezon’s tail slowed.

Morgan let Abby help her into position. A soft green light shimmered around her. Lezon tapped a control at the side of the bed and a hologram appeared above her, but she couldn’t read it from her position. Several minutes passed, then the light winked out.

“You can sit up now.” Abby raised the head of the med bed.

“It looks like you’re malnourished and dehydrated.

Several contusions, but no breaks. With your permission, I’d like Abby to draw some blood and obtain some DNA so we can run some other tests to see what any potential long-term effects of the Zuvgran’s experimentation might mean for you,” Lezon said.

“Okay.”

“After Abby is finished taking the samples, she’ll take you to the cafeteria to eat.

I’m going to prescribe a daily nutritional supplement and a salve to help your body heal.

We’ll scan you weekly in case we need to adjust the supplement until everything is balanced as it should be.

Hopefully, the samples won’t indicate any other necessary treatment for you.

” Lezon’s fangs peeked out as he smiled at her.

“Is there anyone we should contact to let them know you are here?” Abby tilted her head and gently rubbed the top of Morgan’s hand.

“I need time to process before anything else. Is that okay?”

“Whatever you want, Morgan. I believe Captain Makai will offer you options to stay with us or take you to a settlement or colony if you would prefer that. Right now, I see no reason for you to rush to a decision.”

“What are the Wing Raiders? Abby said something about that when we met.”

“We’re mercenaries.”

Morgan’s lips pulled tightly together. Abby interrupted.

“They’re the good kind. They rescue beings, provide security, although admittedly sometimes they also spy.”

“Nothing illegal or immoral?”

“Immoral, no. Sometimes we skirt the boundaries of legal.” Lezon chuckled.

“Okay.”

“Let’s get you something to eat, then we’ll set you up in your own quarters. If they’re done on the bridge, maybe you can meet everyone else before you rest.” Abby lowered the med bed and Morgan hopped off.

“Food sounds wonderful.” Anything has to be better than the slop the Zuvgran gave us.