Page 40 of Warrior's Captive
Tai’ri instructed Yanok to make a few half-hearted bids, and eventually sprawled in his seat, head tilted back on his head in despair at his boredom.
“Sir,” Yanok said eagerly.
“Our next offering, a human female and fetus, from planet Earth of the Solari System.”
Tai’ri sat up, not having to fake the exclamation that fell from his lips.
She was medium height, a swath of light brown hair falling over her full chest. They’d draped her in a white cloth across her chest and groin but nothing else except for strategically placed chains of silver and gold, little gems winking in the light. Her hands cupped her protruding uterus and she stared at the windows with a desperate, frozen fear that clenched Tai’ri’s heart. This female could have been Vivian, and his baby.
“Bid,” Tai’ri snapped. He gathered himself and pointed. Trembling finger, remembering to pitch his voice correctly. “I want that one, Yanok. Get her for me.”
He didn’t wince when a spate of furious bidding sent the price well over the budget for this operation. Ibukay wouldn’t care—in fact, the fact that there was another bidder with deeper pockets than usual meant new players on the scene—and even if she did, Tai’ri wouldn’t let this female go to a dark fate. He’d pay for her himself.
“Sold,” the auctioneer said.
The panel lit up with instructions on where to transfer funds. It included instructions on the medical care and feeding of his new human as well as the return policy.
Tai’ri fixed it with a glare.
“Sir?” Yanok said anxiously. “You are happy with your purchase?”
That jolted him back into character. “Of course. I wasn’t expecting another bidder. We’ll have to make economies this week.”
“Perhaps forgo this weeks’ vacation to Sentari 11,” Yanok murmured. “We could do something modest. You were looking at that new line of sky yachts.”
“I do want to learn to pilot,” Tai’ri said, then rose. “Well, let us go claim our new pet.”
14
They were takento a sitting room, sparsely but elegantly furnished with a single seating arrangement.
Bare walls, one entrance and exit. Furniture bolted down, of course, and not even fabric draping the walls that could be used as a weapon. Refreshments were set out on a low table, and Tai’ri sprawled on the adjacent divan, moodily examining the selection of small bites. Yanok hovered over his shoulder, glanced longingly at the food, but didn’t touch it since Tai’ri gave it one disdainful glance then pushed it away. They waited for a short time before the female he’d purchased walked in, arms still curled protectively around her stomach. The green skinned auction clerk entered behind her.
“Everything is in order; the funds have cleared,” the Hyunthu said in her precise voice. “Thank you for your purchase. Your package has been sent according to the instructions on file.”
Tai’ri inhaled, looking her over. “She comes with a wardrobe? Her medical files?” He waved a hand. “Never mind, I’ll dress her myself, though if she catches a chill on the travel to my residence . . .”
He allowed displeasure to show on his face. It curled, true and unfeigned, deep in his gut. Every rotten, corrupt player in the puzzle they killed in battle, tried and executed or imprisoned for life, was one more piece on the path to shattering this filthy industry forever.
The human female’s eyes flickered toward him, then back.
“Come,” he said, snapping his fingers, and rose.
The door opened, and in walked Zhiannur. “I do so hope you are pleased with your purchase.”
“Whether I’ll be pleased remains to be seen,” Tai’ri said. “This whole affair has been rather shoddy, but I suppose I’ll just have to endure.”
“No one appreciates your true worth,” Yanok murmured, giving the broker a resentful look under his lashes. “We should return. I must have at least three hours for your facials tonight, or we needn’t evenbother.”
“Of course,” Tai’ri said.
“I can’t be expected to work under these time constraints,” Yanok wailed, shaping his hands as if he wanted to strangle air. “These things take time. I am already sostressed.”
Tai’ri stared at him with alarm. “Please, comport yourself. Wine, victuals, my servant needs refreshment!”
“No, no, we need to return so I can begin the herbal infusions! Does no oneunderstand?”
“Bring the alien,” Tai’ri snapped, “we depart forthwith.”
