Page 4 of Breaking Ties

The medic smiled. “You are descended from those crafted by the designers. That gives you a rank before you even step on the station.”

“Oh, wow. So when can I eat?”

“We will assemble an honour guard for you.”

“Why?”

“Because we have not had one of your kind awaken on your native soil.”

“How did this happen?” Aubrey asked.

“No one knows, but there have been a few of your people with assessor and other visitor genetics surfacing. You are going to remain under guard until your bond is secured, and then your protection will be up to the bondholder.”

“Bondholder?”

“You are new to the stars, and a value will be assessed on you and your skills. From there, you will be offered to those who are looking for that skill set. They pay the Education Station, and you are in a set contract until you earn the bond cost back, at which point, you are free to travel or seek your fortune. That is how it works for many of your people.”

“How long have you been on this mission?”

“Two years. You are some of the last that we will collect. Search teams will come next, and after that, a final scan will be done for life signs before your world is surrounded with satellites for security.”

Aubrey was quiet as she imagined her world completely silent and dead. She inhaled and said, “Right.”

Three large male medics stepped toward her. “Lady, we will escort you to the food tent.”

“Oh, that is where they are.”

The medic who had treated her nodded. “I believe I understand the issues, and they will not be in contact with you. Your vessel is on the way.”

“How do you know that?”

“It’s on my tablet. The station is very excited.”

“Why?”

“Because after notifying them during your transformation, Hmrain have begun converging on the station in an effort to win your favour.”

“I thought I went up for bond.”

The medic who had greeted her grinned with shark-like teeth. “Not you. You get to choose.”

“Ah. This will be interesting.”

“I believe so. I will be listening for word of your exploits through the gossip channels.”

“How much longer are you here?”

“Eighty days. The final sweeps have already begun, herding your people toward the nearest site. Outriders are being brought from many worlds, and some Hmrain are bringing large ships to help with the final evacuation.”

Aubrey paused. “If a woman comes in with a vine tattoo or a wide scar down the left side of her face, put her into that same healing unit. You will be surprised by the results.”

The medic paused and made a note. “Vine tattoo or wide scar. Or wound?”

“Yes. Her family hates the mark, but they were moving on foot. They believe that their pilgrimage should take them to the end of the world, but they are heading this way.”

“This woman is a believer?”

“No, she is their martyr, but I was kept from rescuing her by my own people. They thought it was funny. I really, really wish to make sure that she is all right.” Aubrey exhaled. “It’s important. She’s important. I could see it before, but now it is flaring and bright in my sight. Her partner looks like a stone wall, with a serious face and focused gaze. His pattern looks like this.” She drew the mark in the air, and the medics recorded her movements. She smiled. “Her pattern will look like this.” Her fingers moved in the twisted vine and surrounding marks.