“You cannot intervene unless the life force of your human Protected is in jeopardy or there is an imminent threat to multiple racers. There will be aggressive actions taken toward your Protected. They may cry, scream, andget dirty.You are here for their safety, not to judge their choices.
“Any racer who feels unsafe need only say ‘no’ and security measures will be initiated. If a male prevents a woman from speaking in any manner, he will be contained. As a last resort, if these security measures are rendered ineffective, you will be given the okay to enter the race grounds and intervene. Otherwise, you will remain outside of the play arenas at all times.
“Please be aware that any actions you take in a race arena will be televised. Some of your actions in the other areasmaybe televised. But all games are live and will not be edited. Let me repeat that. They willnotbe edited as they arelive. Any questions?”
A young man raises his hand.
The older woman points to him.
“Let’s say our Protected is of a gentler nature, and perhaps realizes she isn’t ready for this. If she hides herself in the field, do we have permission to collect her?”
“Yes, after the race or game is finished.”
“Will cameras focus on her in such a state?” he adds.
“No. This is intended to be a fun way to get to know one another and pair up with mates. It doesn’t always happen that way, so drones tend to stay where the action is highest. We can speak privately if you are concerned.”
“Any other questions?” She glances in my direction and almost gasps.
I’m torn between watching Zariah and running. I don’t know what she sees or wants with me, but it’s rare that surprise encounters have ever been to my benefit.
“The race will start in about twenty minutes. That’s all for now.” She steps down with the help of a large ABR guard who’s slightly taller and thinner than I. The woman walks through the crowd, directs to a door with her eyes, and leaves through it. I’m certain she wants me to follow, but I’m not sure if I should.
I’m here for Zariah, not myself.
“Where are you going?” Keo asks. “They’re going to race soon.”
I check the screens. A large transport has been detected at the edge of lunar space.
“Just need to check on something.” I slip through the doorway and find the woman standing in a small office with two guards. My gut tenses, expecting a fight.
“Easy, Lazariot. Sima buude kinmashka acinim.”You are Protected here.
My body weakens, and I slump back against the door. I have not heard my native tongue since I was a child.
“Onalla.”Thank you.
7: Elix
The elderly woman before me wears an ABR badge that boasts the symbol of a solar system above it. She calmly answers a holovid call from concerned Retterwan about the security of the Alien Bride Race. She reassures them but clearly states that it is categorized as a reality game show where anything can happen, and contestants must accept the terms to participate.
“Now—” She closes the holo screen and looks up at me. “My name is Rosy. I am the founder of this organization. You’re probably wondering why I can speak your language.”
I straighten.
“Years ago, I was married to a Larisien for some time. I learned everything I could to make him feel at home.” Rosy turns something on her wristband, and a milky sheen slips from her body.
“Ma’am,” her guard protests. “You should not drop your shield around an unfamiliar threat.”
She scowls at him. “He won’t hurt me. It’s not in his core. I’m more likely to be stabbed in the back by someone who’s worked hard to get close to me.”
The guard’s eyebrows lift, and he gives her room to walk around her desk.
“Do you have any descendants?” I dare ask.
She shakes her head. “But I know how many eyes are going to be on you if you leave the observation rooms looking like you do. Racers are going to get distracted, females and males.”
“Because I’m Lazariot?”
