Read Vall's Will for Free Online Page A

truth.
    “Plymon,
you don’t own me.”
    “I—”
    “No!
Silence! We made it clear to each other at the beginning of this mission that
we were only going to be fekk companions in times of physical need. And that’s
all we are. Are you receiving me? That’s all we are, outside of our jobs! There
is no emotional attachment here. I’m not your bonded mate. I haven’t been
selected for you, and you have not decreed intent. You have no hold or control
over me. And you fekking don’t have any say over whom I spend the night
with!”
    Plymon remained
rock still and silent, but the dark look on his face spoke volumes. Will placed
her hands on her hips.
    “Do you
want a reassignment when we arrive at Blaise Temporum?”
    “That was
another issue I wanted to ask you about,” he finally spoke. “Why the
Precorut outpost? Why not return to Regency Base Sixteen, as per
regulations?”
    “Because
Precorut is halfway between Sixteen and the Anglites’ home planet. There’s no
sense in making their people go all that extra distance, when the outpost is on
our way, and will cut their travel time in half.”
    “But regulations—”
    “I have the
right to overstep regs and do what I feel is more beneficial to the crew and
guests. You know that. Stop trying to beat shields with me.”
    The anger
between them was slowly dissipating, like moisture in a hot vacuum tube. Plymon
lowered his arms, but otherwise he didn’t move.
    “Do you
want a reassignment?” she repeated.
    “Not at
this time,” he replied. “Permission to return to the bridge?”
    “Granted,
but our discussion isn’t over.”
    She watched as
he left the tiny room. Once the door shut behind him, she sat on one of the
cushioned seats and stared at the floor.
    She should have
recognized the signs, but this mission was consuming her to the point where
she’d lost all sense of subtlety. At some point, Plymon had fallen in love with
her, and she’d never seen it happen. Maybe the other crew members had, but none
of them would say anything to her. After all, it was her business and not
theirs. And Nion warriors were an intensely private race.
    Getting up, she
went over to the small desk and board, and buzzed her navigation officer.
“Magnus, how long before we reach the Precorut outpost?”
    “Four
hours, Captain.”
    Good. Hopefully,
by the time they released the Anglites, she would have an idea what to do with
Vall.
    Speaking
of…
    “Gayt.”
    A handful of seconds
later, the xenobiologist answered. “Gayt here.”
    “What’s the
status on Vall?”
    The woman
laughed softly. “He’s taking his third shower.”
    “Third?”
    “Oh, he’s
loving it, Captain. You won’t recognize him once we’re finished here.”
    “How much
longer do you think he’ll be?”
    “From the
looks of it, not for a while. If you want my opinion, I’d say he’s never had
one before in his life.”
    He’s been a
prisoner of the Ben Objure since he was nine years old. I’d say he’s never had
a shower before, either.
    “I want to
talk to him after he’s finished.”
    “That might
be a problem. He’s scheduled for a nap after this.” That was Gayt-speak
meaning Vall had already been given his medication to help him rest. Add in the
somnolent effects of the showers, and their guest could be out for a
considerable length of time.
    Will nodded to
herself. “Very well. We’re scheduled to arrive at Precorut in four hours.
Will he be on his feet by then?”
    “That
shouldn’t be a problem,” the scientist assured her.
    “Has he
been fed?”
    “Two bowls
of soup, and a large brekk dumpling.”
    “Good. If
you need me, I’ll either be in my quarters, or in the dining bay.”
      Her stomach reminded her she hadn’t had
breakfast, either. Plus, she could make do with an hour or so nap before their
arrival.
    Her only regret
to leaving him at the station was the fact that she wouldn’t have the chance to
question him when he was ready to talk. To hear him speak.