Chapter 2

Normally,I don't concern myself with the delivery or removal of any of the subjects brought to the research center, but an odd smell has me moving toward the farthest viewer to see what's going on below.

TheKorgons are bringing in the pod with the newest female inside. A warming sheet covers her completely as they have activated the awakening sequence. The hover stretcher stalls out in the hallway and a slender, pale arm falls off the side. My nostrils flare. Intrigued, I make my way down the stairs, and just as I am approaching the room they are preparing for her. Volten stops me.

"Commander, we just acquired the newest subject from Qyinn. She is still unconscious, but I would like to go ahead and proceed with some of the basic tests while she is under. If the rumors prove to be true, we have no way of knowing exactly what species their blood might be poisonous to."

"Volten, you have been overseeing all these females for the last Orbital rotation. You do not need to tell nor ask me for approval." I must have gotten too close to one of the doors because it slides open, and I get a glance of the frail human female lying on the bed inside. She is scarred all over and extremely malnourished. For some reason, this enrages me.

"For the love of the Lord of Light, Volten. See to the female's comfort before you start poking and probing at her. With all those eyes, you would think her current weakened state would have been the first thing you noticed. I understand you are simply trying to do your job, but they are still sentient creatures and should be treated accordingly."

Ipush past him, leaving him to do his job. The sight of that female in that room hits too close to home. Females are precious in the outer sectors. That's why I make a point to return the ones I have taken in better condition than they were found. When they are returned to their homes, they are fully compensated for their unknown services.

WhenI originally approached the Jynrel about this process and what I needed their help with, that was the first stipulation. The females were not to be kept for more than a few rotations; they were to be returned with enough credits to better themselves. My only rule was that I didn't want a mother or wife taken. I would prefer it to be a single adult, with little interaction with others of their race.

This, of course, has made it much harder to obtain the subjects, but it makes it easier on everyone all around. Now these human females are a completely different case. They were taken from their homeworld Orbital rotations ago, to be sold as slaves and breeders. There were rumors floating around that SybrusOne was taking orders for the frail yet fertile females at one time, but it was never proven.

Unfortunately, these human females won't have the option of going home, as their planet no longer exists. Now the only protection they have is from what should be my closest friend and ally. Instead, it's a male I have always held at arm's length, CommanderDaR. He is a brute of a male who runs his part of the sector with a fair but strong hand. I have high respect for him and the way he manages the issues thrown before him, but my pride has kept me from reaching out for his assistance.

Weeach come from unique backgrounds. DaR was born in an opulent and supportive world. Whereas, I had to fight my way to the position I hold now. We were supposed to work together, for the better of our entire solar system. However, I made it clear from the beginning that I didn't want, nor need, his assistance. Once again, my arrogance overruled my common sense even though I know it is wrong. I still can't make that call.

DaRhas always been a favorite of the Elders. I personally have no respect for the ones who believe they know what's best for all. If they were so all-knowing, they could or would have helped the Jynrel when they lost their entire planet. Instead of labeling them pirates just because they were simply trying to find a way to survive. They have turned a blind eye to the fact that the Banham have been rebuilding their forces and the Waldrin are invading unsanctified areas with no help or word from our precious Elders. Because of their continued disinterest in my sector, I knew I would receive no aid from them and that's what has forced my hand with this hidden research facility.

Myangry steps stomp down the long corridor as all these thoughts run through my head. I feel like the entire universe is against me. I have to find a way to save my people, and so far, I am failing.

Thedoor is still open in the last room in the corridor. TheKorgons have already gone and the Chilten are working on restabilizing the small creature lying lifelessly in the bed in the middle of the room. I have seen several of her kind, but nothing like this creature before me.

WhenI was a youngling, my mother would tell me stories of an unbelievable being that haunted the caves under our world. A being that held the rays of our sun within themselves. Hair so bright it would hurt to look upon it, with piercing green eyes that could see into your soul. The being was small but was a force so strong men bowed at her feet. I can remember plainly the picture Mother planted of her in my mind. If dreams could manifest themselves, mine just did, because here lies the proof.

Iam beside the bed before I realize I have even taken a step. My hand shakes as I reach out, touching the gold strands lightly billowing around her head. She is so small I could crush her, yet all I want to do is pull her into my arms and keep her safe. When one of the Volten moves her leg, I actually growl; I don't think I have ever made that noise.

Whena buzzer sounds around me, I jerk back only to see the Chilten removing the warming blanket. Her flesh suddenly bared for all to see. My eyes trace every inch of her skin, the vision lying before me will forever haunt my memories. She lies lifeless on the bed. Resting, she has the look of youth, and I can't find a single mark or an imperfection on her pale skin anywhere. Her delicateness is too fragile for the cruelty of this world.

TheChilten maneuvering her around roughly has my runes flaring up, and I step back. Never in all my rotations have I felt such a pull to another. Confused by my reaction, I make myself walk away. It takes every ounce of my will power not to grab her up and run. I am in a fog as I walk down the long corridor. Whyare my runes pulsing under my skin, and why of all the females I have come across in my lifetime, do I feel such a link to that creature?

Thesound of a struggle has me turning.