Page 19 of Grulen

“Six minutes before the gas releases.”

They caught up with two other Jalaxians—one with dreadlocks, the other with braids.

“Yaz and Lezon.”Tren tilted his head at the two new ones.They reached a huge hangar bay.“Hold on, Morgan.”

Morgan almost screamed as they rose into the air without warning.Tren weaved a bit before straightening out.

“Sorry about that.First time using the hover jetpack carrying someone.It threw off my center of gravity.”

Morgan held on and nodded.Holy fuck, this is scary.

Ahead in the air, a large door opened and the Jalaxians aimed for it.Morgan squinted and noticed a slight disruption in her vision.It must be a cloaked ship.For a minute, I was reminded of the Cheshire cat’s smile surrounded by nothingness.

A huge, scary-looking Jalaxian with his head partially shaved waited for them.Once they safely landed inside the cargo area, he closed the door.

“Lezon, escort Morgan to the med bay.You and Abby treat her and let me know what she may need.The rest of you on the bridge with me.”Makai hustled off, his tail swaying, the others following him.

Morgan walked with Lezon in the other direction.Sleek doors opened and they stepped into a med bay.She looked with a critical eye.After spending so much time with the healers on Costonia, she recognized quality equipment.Whoever these Jalaxians are, they didn’t stint on their med bay.

“Welcome to theFortitude, home of the Wing Raiders.I’m Abby Quinlan.I was a nurse practitioner on Earth and Lezon here is our medical officer.”A brunette with soft brown eyes held out her hand.

Exchanging handshakes, Morgan smiled.

“Morgan Calloway.Teacher, former exotic dancer, slave, and test subject.”

“Wow, definitely some stories there I bet.Let’s get you checked out.Then you can clean up and eat.”

“Could I shower first?The Zuvgran weren’t very hygienic when it came to their prisoners.”

Abby looked at Lezon who smiled and nodded.

“Why don’t you see if you can find something for Morgan to wear after she cleans up and I’ll stay with her,” Abby said.

“I’ll check the stores and return soon.”

Abby led her to the bathroom in a corner of the med bay.She ensured Morgan knew how to operate the sonic shower and gave her some towels.

“I’ll be in the office.If you need any help, just yell.I’ll knock to let you know when the clothing is here.”

“Thanks.”

After the door closed behind Abby, Morgan peeled off the tunic and tossed it aside.I’m never wearing that again.

In the shower, the sonic vibrations tingled.Morgan moaned at the sensation of dirt and grime leaving her hair and body.It’s been so long since I’ve felt clean.I wish it was hot water, but I’ll take what I can get.Beggars can’t be choosers.

She hiccupped back a sob and rested her head on the wall, taking measured breaths.Poor Kiki and Colleen.I wish they could have held on long enough to be rescued, too.

Hearing a knock, she watched warily when the door opened and a pile of clothing slid into the room.The door closed and she was alone again.Get it together, Morgan.Figure out what’s going on and make a plan.Survive.

Eventually, she stepped out of the shower and picked up the clothes.She grimaced when she saw the bandeau bra and panties knowing Lezon had picked them out.Another male choosing my clothes.

Realizing she was being petty and she really didn’t want to wear a medical gown, she sighed and pulled on a soft T-shirt, leggings, socks, and slippers.She found a comb and worked to get the snarls out of her long hair.Braiding it, she used a string in the same compartment as the comb.Popping a tooth-cleansing tablet onto her tongue, she savored the minty taste and the sensation of a pristine mouth once again.Damn, I almost feel like a human being.

She inhaled deeply, then squared her shoulders before leaving the bathroom.Both Abby and Lezon smiled when they saw her.

“You look like you feel better,” the brunette said.

“It’s amazing what feeling clean can do for you.”

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