AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Farewell.” I end the call, still reeling from the information I’ve just learned. Heartbonds are possible between Darrvasons and humans. And afluxxingrebel group is likely planning an attack on my people.
After logging on toJansonna’smain computer system, I begin collecting information about Nathan Gonlaz, and I’m able to hack every encrypted file I encounter.
Once I have the information I need about the male’s private quarters and work schedule, I can’t resist conducting another quick search.
For Jenny.
I enter the pretty female’s name and pull up every file I can find on her, though there aren’t many. Finally, I discover the piece of information I’m seeking—her age.
Eighteen.
Younger than I expected, and she won’t turn nineteen for another eight months, but she’s still considered an adult among her people.
A growl of satisfaction leaves me.
I log off the computer system, gather several of the small, barely visible surveillance devices I secretly brought aboard theJansonna, then depart my quarters.
Chapter7
JENNY
“I’m sorry, Jenny,”Dr. Hanes says with a shake of his head. “But until further notice, women between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five will not be permitted to receive hormone suppression shots. I realize you’re due for another one soon, and it does seem as though your last one has worn off a bit early, but I’m afraid I can’t help you. Captain’s orders.”
“Captain’s orders?”Eighteen to twenty-five. That doesn’t quite make sense when the Darrvasons want females between the ages of nineteen and twenty-five. Unless the terms of the alliance changed and it hasn’t been announced yet… My stomach flips at the thought. Wouldn’t surprise me. An announcement about planet 58-Z hasn’t been made yet either, though rumors about the planet continue to swirl through the worldship.
Dr. Hanes shifts in place, looking uncomfortable. “Eighteen-year-olds eventually turn nineteen, which as you know is the age at which Darrvasons believe females come of age. The injections last for a year, or at least they’re supposed to, and the captain wants to make sure we have a steady supply of women ready to be willing mates, especially since there have been a rash of marriages on the ship lately, making the pool of eligible women even smaller. Who knows when we’ll reach a habitable planet? You might be nineteen or twenty by the time that happens. I’m sorry, I wish I could help you, but it’s out of my hands.”
“A steady supply of women ready to bewilling mates? What, like we’ll magically become so… soindecentthat we’ll be totally fine with being ripped away from our family and friends to go off and become some alien’s broodmare?” My face flames as my anger deepens. Fuck Captain Warren. I suddenly have the urge to go sing my heart out in Leona’s Speakeasy. I suddenly have the urge to use my talents to get a crowd riled up against the current command structure and all the stupid rules and laws we’re compelled to follow.
Dr. Hanes holds up a hypospray. “I can give you something for your anxiety, if you’d like.” He smiles and waves the medical device.
“I don’t have anxiety,” I say through clenched teeth. I hop off the exam table and rush out of the medical bay…
…only to come face-to-face with Officer Brute.
He stares down at me with a stunned expression, and I have no doubt he just heard every word of my conversation with the doctor. Dammit. I keep forgetting that Darrvasons possess excellent hearing. Then I abruptly remember the conversation I had several days ago in the classroom with my mother and wonder if he heard it. Still in teaching mode, we’d conversed in Galactic Common. Does he know Mom wants to try buying Ellie back from her Darrvason mate?
“Don’t you have anything better to do?” I snap, and to my great mortification, my chest heaves and I realize I’m close to tears. I spin on my heel and rush down the corridor, anxious to reach the elevator before Brute can catch up.
By some stroke of luck, the elevator doors start shutting behind me just as I step on. It’s crowded, and I fight for a spot, but I manage to squeeze in and turn around just as Brute rounds the corner.
Feeling a bit better, and a tad mischievous, I lift my hand and wiggle my fingers at him.
Just before the door closes, he emits a thunderous growl that causes several people in the elevator to gasp.
“What’s his problem?” an elderly man asks.
“Who knows? Darrvasons are so temperamental, I suppose anything could set him off,” says a young woman.
“I think he wanted us to hold the elevator for him,” adds a little girl. “Why didn’t we hold the door for him?”
“Because Darrvasons are dangerous, sweetie, and we ought to stay away from them,” replies the girl’s father.
I block out the rest of the conversation, and I’m the first person to step off the elevator when it reaches Deck Twenty-Two. I’m eager to return to my quarters. Tonight, I’ll visit Leona’s Speakeasy. I’ll sing all night, drink at least four beers, and tell Officer Brute to take a nice long walk out an airlock if he tries to interfere.
As I’m pondering how I’ll evade him, the arrogant male steps into my path. His face is livid, his nostrils are flared, and his muscles are tense. I take a step back.
“How did you get here so fast?”
