Lethal Impact Read online

  Fee blinked. “Therapy? I thought you guys were here to sell us.”

  He scowled. “Of course not. You are a dying species on a rotting world. We are making a profit, of course, but you have a chance to go and live normal lives, as well as some of your kind, may choose to enrich other populations.”

  “You say choice like it is a real thing.”

  “When it comes to reproduction, it is. You will be given a fertility suspension when you arrive on the station.”

  She grabbed her arm.

  “The one you had implanted was removed. You were growing scar tissue, and it would soon impede nerve function. The new treatment will have fewer side effects and will remain in your system until your contract ends unless you gain authorization from your employer to remove it earlier.”

  She blinked. “So, I am otherwise healthy? I mean, aside from the issues you have mentioned.”

  “Indeed. I am going to get your escort and settle you on the shuttle. As the first one on, you will be the last one off. It will keep you safer from those who seem determined to prey on you.”

  Fiona nodded. “Thank you. Ready when you are.”

  Her assessor smiled and helped her to her feet. He escorted her outside and into the shuttle, speaking softly with one of the crewmembers who was standing near the entrance. Their language wasn’t clear, but the look of concern that the crewman gave her was unmistakable. He was looking at her with pity on his pale green features.

  She was escorted to the front of the wide chamber and settled into a chair. Her companion harnessed her in and stood at the edge of her row.

  Five minutes after she had been settled in, the men from the shelter emerged in the ship and one, in particular, headed toward her.

  Her escort stopped the man from entering her row and from sitting behind her. The man in the long smock scowled. “I have the right to sit where I want.”

  With carefully chosen words, her escort said, “That is true on your world. We are leaving your world, and from that moment on, you have no rights other than those that we have allowed you to have. Choice of position in a vehicle is not one of those rights.”

  One of the other crewmembers grabbed the human by his shoulder and sat him down near the rear of the vehicle.

  Fiona wasn’t smiling, she was nervous. That sort of man tended to use subterfuge and sneak attacks. She was going to need to be on guard when she reached the base.

  One week and seventeen languages having taken up home in her mind, Fiona was feeling much better. She was in her general knowledge and etiquette course with other human women when one of the medical staff knocked politely on the door.

  “Instructor?”

  “Yes, Medic.” The instructor paused her lessons.

  “I require Fiona, Samantha, and Dione for assessment, please.”

  “Ladies, please go with the medic.”

  Fiona got to her feet and nodded politely to the instructor before she walked to the door.

  The other two women joined her, and as a group, they followed the medic down the hall for whatever she needed them for.

  “Please go with your attendant, and when your assessment is over, you may return to your class.”

  Fiona nodded. There was no arguing on the station. They had the right and the ability to fire you out an airlock if they wanted to.

  The male attendants in the medical bay were waiting, and Fiona reached out to let the one with the scanner check the identification on her wristband.

  The attendants were cream-yellow in skin with a slight metallic shine. Their faces all showed a focus on their purpose, and she couldn’t help but guess that they were looking for something. Fiona went with the man who had her name on a clipboard, and he led her into the hive of cubicles without a word.

  The comfy analyst couch and the small stool were strangely familiar.

  “Please recline. Keep your clothing on. I will be touching your wrist only.”

  “All right.” She settled on the couch, made sure that her skirt was pinned under her thighs and she leaned back and tried to relax.

  He pulled the stool next to her, and he did place his fingers on the inside of her wrist. “Please, meet my gaze, and I will begin my assessment.”

  She looked into his silver eyes, and the world faded away. Fiona felt her blood rushing through her veins, pleasure, fear, every emotion ran through her.

  Just as suddenly as the ride started, it stopped. Her attendant was sheened with the same sweat that covered her.

  Fiona took stock of her body and felt the distinct pulsing of a faded orgasm along with arousal.

  “What happened?”

  He blinked slowly. “I took your psyche for a tolerance test. You have a high ranking, and it will remove you from the labourer class.”

  “Oh. Right. Well. Good.” She blinked. “Can I return to class now?”

  “You may return to the entryway. Your escort will take you to a different instructor.”

  “Why?”

  “If labour is no longer an option, you will need heavier protocol courses.”

  She blinked. “Oh. Right. Thank you.”

  He helped her to her feet and led her back to the front of the med centre.

  “She will go into class one. The report is being filed.” Her attendant nodded to the medic who had escorted her.

  The medic blinked. “Ah. Of course. Just a moment.”

  She quickly spoke into her wrist unit, muttering about a new one.

  “Wait here, Fiona. Your guards are on their way.”

  With no other option, Fiona waited. Whatever was happening was out of her hands.

  Chapter Three

  The bond auctions were a secret, but they were also why Fiona had been tested so early.

  It had taken her three weeks in her etiquette and language class, but she had finally gotten it out of her tutor. A human had been an ideal bondservant for a Hmrain, and that was a very big deal. The Hmrain didn’t just own businesses or mines, they owned star systems.

  Fiona’s test had shown that she had the same capability for sensuality. She wasn’t keen on that idea, but she had been assured that she was not going to be a whore. If she were a sexual bondservant, it would be to a single patron. The counselling that she had gotten over the last few weeks had allowed her to make peace with that. She would have a place as a companion to her patron, see the stars, and enjoy herself until her contract was up.

  If she did catch the eye of one of the rare Hmrain, she would have to deal with it, just as she would any other patron.

  Oddly enough, she was not too worried about the likelihood of a Hmrain. The one that had gotten the first human was a fluke, and there were so few of the species that folks were lucky to see one in a lifetime.

  Her tutor tapped on the desk. “Demonstrate the pour.”

  Fiona came out of her deep thoughts and poured the tea equally into the five cups, pouring once per cup and making each pour equal.

  “Excellent. Do you have dance class after this?”

  Fiona nodded. “Yes. And defense class after that.”

  “Good. The next bond auction is in two days. Will you be ready?”

  Fiona shrugged. “I don’t know. I will be as ready as I can be.”

  “That is a very sensible answer. I am pleased with your progress, but keep your focus. The Hmrain are huge, powerful, and dangerous.”

  Fiona smiled as she tidied up the tea implements. “It is doubtful that one of them will appear if one of their kind has already been and gone.”

  Her instructor smiled. “A sensible conclusion.”

  Fiona got the feeling that she was being humoured. But really, what were the odds?

  Fiona was hustled to the groomer a day early. She was taken out of her dance class and run through the scrubbing, bathing, oiling, and brushing with bizarrely intense haste.

  No one would tell her what was going on, which was not unusual, but it was
extremely annoying.

  The soft blue gown wrapped across her breasts, snugged along her ribs, and then flowed loose. Underwear was not an option, but after a month at the base, she wasn’t fixated on it anymore. Her periods had been halted, and with the shift, she had gotten used to the draft.

  The dress flowed around her ankles, and the new slippers matched it precisely. With her hair pinned up away from her face and flowing down her back, she felt like everything was as under control as she could manage. Control was an illusion at this point. Nothing was happening as it should.

  One of her guards collected her and gave her a small nod. “Your potential patron has requested that you join him for dinner.”

  “Um... okay.” She looked around. “Where am I going?”

  “Your escort is on the way. They will take you to the private chamber, and they will bring you back. At no time are you to engage in any intimacy with the Hmrain.”

  Fiona blinked. “It is not on my list of planned activities.”

  “Good. You will be given a full set of scans when you return to make sure that he did not overstep this privilege.”

  She inclined her head. “Of course.”

  “Remember your etiquette and training. Do not look at him unless he demands it.”

  “Right.” She folded her hands in front of her and turned to face the guards that had arrived to take her to her dinner date.

  Eight men and women of Grorian extraction were waiting. She stepped forward, and they surrounded her in a seven-foot wall of bodies. She had no idea where they were taking her, but they were doing it in state.

  The Grorians were used around the base for the most exotic and important visitors. She had never heard of them being used for a trainee bondservant before.

  The Grorians never failed to draw a crowd, but their retractable spikes generally kept the onlookers at a safe distance. Fiona felt very safe but very conspicuous.

  The guards slowed, and she slowed her steps. Without a word, they parted, and she was left with one exit and one exit only.

  Fiona stepped forward, and a host bowed low, motioning her to follow him through a private hall and to a large door. The door opened, and she stepped inside, joining the only other occupant in the space large enough for twenty.

  “Well, you are quite lovely. That much matches the other one of your kind. Turn around, please.”

  She blinked, and her gaze slammed into his. Molten silver was the only colour that she could imagine. It was a high contrast to his rich green skin and complemented by the white of his hair and eyebrows. His wings were the same brilliant green, and she had to ask, “What did you say?”

  He smiled slightly. “Turn around. I have never seen one of your species before, and I don’t want surprises. If you have a tail, I would like to know now.”

  She turned slowly and felt a blush heat her skin. When the turn was finished, she resumed her submissive posture.

  He chuckled. “Why do I think that that posture doesn’t suit you?”

  She flicked another glance at him. “I don’t know. How much do you rely on instinct?”

  He grinned. “I can observe, and what I observe is that being quiet and demure gets on your nerves.”

  She tried to look down again. “I have no comment.”

  He sighed and got to his feet. “Come here, little one.”

  His height was near to seven feet, and his wings arched above him, making him look taller. She tried to keep her gaze on his feet, but his torso was bare, with the exception of some glowing tattoos, and it was hard to look away.

  “I am Aarak. What is your name?”

  He took her hands in his and simply held them, letting the feel of callouses and rough skin sink in.

  “Fiona.”

  He asked, “Would you care for a meal, Fiona?”

  She blinked. “Yes, please.”

  “Allow me.” He pulled her by the hands, and when she was near the end of the table where he had set up residence, he held a chair out for her.

  She smoothed the gown around her backside and sat down. “Thank you.”

  “Thank you for joining me, though I am aware that you didn’t have an option. I confess to extreme curiosity.”

  Fiona watched as he settled on a tall stool that left his wings free and clear. “Curious about what?”

  He grinned. “About your species. I have taken the liberty of ordering for you.”

  “Thank you. I am still not accustomed to the variety of foods available here.” She folded her hands in her lap again and looked down. All of the etiquette that had focused on meeting a nearly mythical species was suddenly making sense.

  “While you are with me, I would ask that you look at me.”

  “It goes against protocol, sir.”

  “Aarak.” He leaned toward her, and she could swear that he had the most interesting scent. She had shut her senses down, and her time on the station was helping, but he was the first male she was aware of.

  She looked into his molten silver eyes and whispered, “Aarak.”

  “Better. Ah, here is your meal.”

  She turned and was shocked as half a dozen servers came in, each carrying a tray and eating utensils.

  “Please, say I am not supposed to eat all of it.”

  Aarak chuckled. “No, but you must taste each one. I am trying to get a lock on your senses. Taste is the easiest calibration.”

  “I thought that this was just to interview me.”

  He cocked his head. “The interview was the light contact with your hands. Your body has tremendous potential, as does your mind. You simply need to feel secure enough to let yourself go.”

  She stared at the array of food that was arranged around her position in a semi-circle. “I have not been given the opportunity to give; the taking has always come first.”

  “Ah, yes. Your file indicated that you were used as currency.”

  She went pale. “Yes.”

  “That will not be the case in my service. If you are my intimate bondservant, you are mine alone. Your time will be yours when I do not require you. You may educate yourself, learn dance, art, language, or administration. You have a star system’s worth of knowledge at your command.” He smiled slightly. “When you are my bondservant.”

  She was stunned.

  “Eat, eat.”

  She looked at the wide bowl she had been given and took a portion of everything, settling the food in an attractive manner before she took her first bite. She fought the smile. It reminded her of her favourite Indian takeout.

  She ate a few more bites of two unimpressive offerings and then struck on something fun. A quick glance at her host showed that he was watching her idly, and there was a small smile on his lips.

  “Why isn’t my history an issue for you? Most males wouldn’t want a female who had been handed around. I am damaged. Mentally, if not physically... anymore.”

  “They hurt you?” He frowned.

  “Some of them. I was something to be used. Simply a convenience that they rented.”

  He nodded. “That will not be the case in our situation, just so that you are aware. Yes, there is a strong sexual element but nothing deviant, and your pleasure is paramount.”

  She paused. “Why are you telling me all this? Don’t you just bid on me tomorrow and then see if you are the highest bidder?”

  Aarak smiled. “I wanted you to know that you have nothing to fear, and I wished to clear up a few things that were obfuscated in your file.”

  “Like my sexual history?”

  “Like your ability to still feel pleasure. Based on your file, I wasn’t sure if it was possible, though your assessment said it was.”

  She blinked. “Is that what that was about?”

  “Yes. Sensuality level determines your ability to be an intimate bondservant. Your level is exceptionally high.”

  “So, I have been told.” She sighed.

  Aarak reached
out and took her hand. The warmth from his fingers enveloped her and ran along her nerves.

  To Fiona’s shock, she started to get wet. Her pulse picked up, and she shifted in place. She looked at him in surprise, and he smiled.

  “Eat your dinner, Fiona, and while you do so, tell me what wonders you would like to see.”

  She thought about what she wanted, and for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel desperate when she did so. As she ate, she told Aarak of her dreams of seeing the stars and learning what was out there.

  When she had completed dinner, he helped her to her feet, kissed her cheek, and sent her back to her special quarters with her honour guard around her.

  If he didn’t bid on her after that, she was going to be pissed.

  Chapter Four

  The bond auction was nerve-wracking. Fiona was being kept for last, and she paced for hours before her turn was up.

  Aarak was strong, imposing, but he appeared to be a male of his word. If she was going to end up having sex with one of the species of aliens she was compatible with, it might as well be someone who could keep up a decent conversation. Despite her internal assurances, she was also very sure that he was going to disappoint. No one that had ever come close to offering her freedom had ever not disappointed her.

  “Come with me, Fiona.” The Ymilian woman with scarlet skin came into the room for the final time.

  Fiona turned from her intense study of the wall, and she followed the handler out of the holding lounge and down the hall toward the bond auction.

  “Step onto the stage and move if we ask you to.” The handler smiled slightly, nodding her head as she withdrew from the pool of light.

  It was like being in the weirdest high school play she had ever heard of. Fiona walked to the centre of the stage and faced the darkness where she could sense gazes trying to see through her clothing.

  The descriptions must have been silent because bids began to course in. The number climbed, and Fiona got nervous. If Aarak was bidding, then someone was bidding against him, and that made her nervous.

  She remained calm until the announcement pealed out. “Bidding closed.”