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Since I’m going to be here a few, I turn my attention to the woman seated at the table with me. “Hi there. I’m Kim.”
She glances up at me, and her expression is one I remember well—hopelessness, sadness, and she looks as if the life has been beaten out of her. “Hi.”
“What’s your name?” I don’t recognize her, not that I expect to, but it’s oddly fascinating to see another human face in the space station.
She ducks her head again, her curly hair masking her expression. “Does it matter? No one calls me that anymore. My owner calls me Fat-face.”
I grimace. “Mine used to call me Skinny Flanks.” Not that mine are particularly skinny, but compared to his, I guess they were. “What’s your human name?”
“Sophie.”
“Hey there, Sophie.” I can’t help but notice her shock collar. “So…did your owner just buy you?” Her clothes are rich and her hair is clean, but that doesn’t tell me much. Her dress is entirely see-through, which could mean she was just purchased, or her owner doesn’t care if she’s cold or not.
“Oh no. I’m just his favorite toy.” Sophie gives a bitter little laugh and messes with one of the folds of her dress, picking at invisible threads. “He doesn’t like to go anywhere without me. Shows me off to all his friends.”
Ugh. Jerk. “I hate him already.”
Her mouth tugs up in one corner, a reluctant almost-smile. “He’s not the worst master I’ve had, but he’s pretty close. How long have you been in captivity?”
“I was for five years, but I’m free now. I’m actually here with my husband.”
Sophie looks stunned at my words. “Your husband? You married an alien?”
“A good one! I promise.” I smile happily, thinking about Nassakth. “The best alien, really. He’s very kind and generous and—”
“And he still makes you wear a collar?” Sophie clearly doesn’t believe me.
I touch the band at my neck. “This was my idea, actually. I knew we were coming here and I suggested it. He wasn’t happy but I also know what it’s like for a human that isn’t accompanied by anyone.” I shrug. “So I’m putting up with it.”
The look on her face is openly skeptical. It’s clear she doesn’t believe me about my “good” alien husband. I can’t blame her. Maybe a year or two ago—or even a month or two ago—I’d have said the same thing. But Nassakth has taken his time with me. He’s been calm and gentle and patient and now I can’t imagine a day without him.
“It’s been six long years and three masters for me,” Sophie says in a flat voice. Her eyes are defeated, her shoulders slumped. “Some mornings I don’t know how I keep going. I just want to go home.”
“There’s no way to go home. The only ones that fly to that end of the galaxy are slavers and you know they aren’t interested in a mission of mercy.”
Sophie just sighs, her head hanging. “I know. It’s a stupid hope, but I’ve got to have something to hold onto on days when it’s really bad.”
I’ve been there. How many times did I wish death on my old master? How many times did I want to run away, except I couldn’t, because I knew that whatever was out there was worse for a human alone? I want to reach over and touch her hand, but I’m not sure if Sophie appreciates a gentle touch—or any touch—at this point. I lean in, my heart breaking for her.
I can’t save all the kidnapped humans thrust into slavery, but surely I can do something for this one. “I can help you get out of here,” I whisper. “Do you want to try?”
“And go where?”
“I live out on a farm planet—”
A man clears his throat. I look up at Kaspar and notice he’s listening in on the conversation, and he shakes his head quietly at me. Right. I just met her. Probably not good to babble my address.
I try again, deciding to keep things in more general terms. “There’s a group out there helping humans. They find homes for them. Give them jobs and a place to live. It’s not Earth…but it’s not slavery, either.” She hesitates, and I continue. “It’s your choice, truly. If I’m being too pushy, just tell me to be quiet. But if you want to escape,” I gesture at Kaspar. “Just tell him ‘hamburger’ and he’ll put you in contact with his human sister.”
Sophie watches me with intense, hungry eyes. She glances up at Kaspar, and when he nods, I can see her tremble all over. “This place.” She licks her lips, nervous. “This place that shelters humans…is it a praxii world?”
What an odd thing to ask…odd and coincidental. “No. I can’t say more than that just now, but praxiians are rare.”
“Good,” she says viciously. “I never want to see one again. I hate them all.” Her hands fist in her lap. “Horrible, unfeeling monsters, all of them.”
