Ginny

GINNY

T he Habosu drags me along the filthy corridor from my cell. I think I'm on a space ship, given the distant hum and the slight vibration underfoot. I remain concerned as to how I got here, and it's something I'm going to attempt to find out, if only so I can work out a possible escape plan.

Except who am I kidding? I'm a few weeks away from giving birth. I have a bump the size of old London Town and my mobility is pretty poor.

But I'm sure I could fire a laser pistol if it came down to it, and that might be enough, just as long as I keep my baby safe.

I have to hope Asteron comes for me.

I'm shoved through a set of double doors and find myself in a stinking area with a large video screen. The stench is coming from the Habosu, and I raise a silent thanks to the gods of morning sickness that it has subsided or I would be throwing up.

Instead I cover my mouth and nose with my hand. It's not like I need to charm the Habosu.

"Take her image. Show the king we have her," the extremely ugly Habosu who dragged me here growls.

"He says he will pay the ransom," another Habosu with a scar running from his mouth up to his ear replies.

My stomach dips. What does this mean? Is Asteron coming for me, or has he just paid and expects them to return me unharmed? Anger rolls in my veins at the mere idea that anyone should try to extract money for the safe return of a loved one.

But why would Asteron pay? I hope he cares about me, but I don't want these horrible creatures to get an ounce of satisfaction, or Asteron's credits, in order to further their foul cause.

I square my shoulders and pull myself up to my full height, which isn't much, and currently consists mostly of baby bump. Whatever is happening, I'm a queen now, and I'm not going to be intimidated by these space trolls, or Kevin, who I've just spotted lurking in a dark corner like the cockroach he is.

"Then I demand you release me, immediately," I say with all the confidence I don't have.

A huge Habosu unfolds himself from a chair just in front of me. At his back is a double-headed battle axe I recognize.

"You are not in any position to make demands, human." He towers over me. "Queen or not, until the credits come through, you are a female and subject to whatever we wish to do with you."

There are a few filthy laughs which echo around the bridge of the ship. He leans into me, his body odor threatening to take on a life of its own.

"And for the Habosu, females only have one purpose, even ones as full of disgusting Xnosson progeny as you are."

"You don't want to do this." I stare up at him, every inch of me vibrating with anger. "When Asteron comes, and he will come, you will pay for what you've done, many times over."

The chief Habosu sneers at me.

"Ever had a Xnosson bull horn in an orifice it's not designed for?" I query. "Because you soon will."

For a second, a look of fear flits over his gnarled face, scarred and with a crooked fang sticking up from his bottom lip. Then bravado replaces it.

"Your king is paying for your release, pathetic human. Your threats do not bother me."

"Good." I attempt to fold my arms and fail, letting them rest on my bump instead. "Because when he comes, you won't be ready. And when he comes, he will cut you down like the coward you are."