She must have heard tales of the Bond before. Humanity is both terrified and fascinated by the link between Aurelians and human women. I can only guess at the lies Allie has been told about the Bond.
She might have even heard the common falsehood that the Bond is a form of mind control – that it will force her into subservience.
But in truth, it’s oh, so much more. The Bond can’t make you do anything you don’t want to…
It can’t create needs in you.
…but what it can do is draw out all the dark desires you’ve kept buried deep inside. The things you refuse to admit you want, even to yourself.
Just look at me, and my two battle-brothers. Because of the overwhelming power of the Bond, I’ve lost my career. My home. My honor.
And yet, potentially, I’ve gained so much more.
Now, Allie won’t suffer the same fate as most other humans – to live a short, bright life before winking out. Now she’s been Bonded with us, Allie will live for thousands of years – all through the mysterious power of the Bond.
Allie is feisty and cunning, though – and I’m glad I have two other allies in dealing with her. Somehow, I know she’s going to be more than a match for all three of us even combined.
But all we have to do is convince her that a future with us is better than a life alone – out there in the cruel, uncaring universe. We can give Allie our devotion. Our strength. Our protection.
In fact, if it ever came to it, I’d give her my life.
But is it enough? Is all I have going to be enough for her?
“Hadrian,” I order, “take the controls. Stay on course… for now. We don’t want our signals to show us veering off path. Not yet.”
Kitos cocks his head questioningly. “Where are you going?”
“To speak with Allie. She needs to know we aren’t taking her to Colossus.”
Hadrian snorts. “She already knows that. She knew that even before we did. She played us like an Aurelian flute.”
I snort. My respect for Allie only grows. She was trapped, alone, and without weapons – imprisoned on a ship headed for her a jail cell. As a captive, she had only one weapon at her disposal – and yet she used it to get exactly what she wanted.
We’ve already lost the first battle against her. I’m not too confident about the next one, either.
“She does know it,” I admit, “but it will still be good for her to hear it from my mouth. She’ll have questions about the Bond.”
I stand, thinking over everything I’m about to say to Allie. Suddenly, the comms-link flashes.
I wince, seeing it’s Inspector Haratar calling us. Dammit, his instincts are so keen I’ll have to watch every word so I don’t slip up.
“Your eyes,” Kitos warns.
My eyes?
By the Gods! I nearly forgot!
The proof of our deed is right there in our eyes. Mine changed the moment I Bonded with Allie – turning from the slate-grey ubiquitous to all Aurelians, to the hue of the brightest diamond. Thank the Gods for Kitos and his sharp mind.
“AI,” I demand, “answer the call – but no video! Cut the video feed and then accept the transmission.”
The AI beeps – and a moment later, the hologram of Inspector Haratar appears in front of us.
“Apologies, Inspector,” I announce – knowing he’ll be confused not to see our images on his own display. “The damage to our ship was more extensive than we first thought. Video feed is having issues – along with engine, shield, and reporting. We may need to divert for repairs.”
Inspector Haratar doesn’t give much away, but I was looking for signs of suspicion. I immediately see the tiny furrow of his brows. I realize I’ve already spoken too quickly, without any form of greeting. It’s as if I have something to hide.
For a moment, the Inspector General is silent. Then he quietly says:
“That’s acceptable, Lieutenant Daccia. It coincides with what I require from you, in fact.”
I raise an eyebrow – not that he can see it.
“A triad of Law Enforcement agents has captured two smugglers. They’ll rendezvous with you on the planet of Salcus. They’re only three standard days away. You’re just two. You’ll be taking custody of their prisoners for transport to Colossus. I’ve added funds to your mission budget for repairs and living expenses. Divert your course.”
The information sets my mind racing.
Salcus. I haven’t heard much about this planet. I know it’s on the outskirts of Aurelian rule, just beyond the Empire’s control. Slavery, murder, and drugs are all part and parcel of the planets on the outskirts of the periphery.
“AI, set course for Salcus.”
Inspector Haratar pauses. “The two smugglers aren’t dangerous, and they’re only facing five years imprisonment. I don’t imagine they’ll risk anything that could increase their sentence. I shouldn’t foresee any complications with this pickup. I’ll send over the brief.”
With this pickup.
Haratar said everything by saying nothing.
He is suspicious something might happen while we transport Allie to Colossus.
Too bad for him it already has happened.
The files Haratar transmitted arrive almost instantly. The two smugglers’ profiles appear on the three-dimensional display. I give them both a brief glance. Humans, both in their mid-thirties, both wanted for ‘soft crimes’ – in this case, trying to bring merchandise onto an Aurelian-protected world without paying the import tax. They’ll get a slap on the wrist – which, for the robust Aurelian courts, means five years imprisonment.
“Everything looks to code,” I close the holograms. “We’ll make the pick-up and bring the prisoners back to Colossus. Is there anything else, Inspector Haratar?”
I’m aching to get off this call. There’s something off about the Inspector. His eyes are a little too squinted. I’ve seen this expression on his face before – but only when something doesn’t add up during the testimony of a supposedly friendly witness.
But the Inspector isn’t giving anything away.
“Very good,” he says coolly. “Now, tell me –
