Maybe Denise broke the rules and faced the consequences.
Maybe she did fall in love, and her lover whisked her away in the middle of the night.
Maybe she really was just reassigned, and the staff gossip has gotten out of hand.
“Hey,” Lira says, noticing my expression. “You're not Denise. You’re not alone. And the Sovereigns are taking extra precautions with you, and you’ve got me, and I’m the best receptionist in this sector. I know everything there is to know about this job and life at the Spire. Just keep your head down, do your job, and everything will be fine. And the one thing you can absolutely count on about Sovereign Rafe is that he doesn’t make the same mistake twice. It’ll be over his dead body that anything happens to you, and you should feel truly honored that he’s taking such a keen interest. Besides,” she adds with a smile, “the work itself is interesting. We welcome guests from all over the galaxy, and the benefits really are incredible.”
I look around my luxurious suite again, trying to recapture that earlier sense of possibility. Maybe I'm letting my fear overshadow this opportunity. Maybe Denise's story, whatever it really is, doesn't have to bemystory.
“You're right,” I say, forcing myself to sound confident. “I’m not my predecessor.”
“Once you learn the protocols and settle into the routine, you'll love it here. I promise.”
“Are there any other humans working here? Besides me?”
“Right now? No, but that doesn't mean anything. The Ascendant Alliance employs humans at other locations, and some have completed their contracts successfully and then moved on to other opportunities afterward, like any other galactic citizen.”
Something in her tone suggests she's not telling me everything. There’s something rehearsed in her kindness, but I don't press. I'm not ready for the full truth; I’ve had enough horror stories for one day.
“I'll let you rest,” Lira says, heading toward the door. “Your uniforms are in the closet. We start at First Chime tomorrow. Your room will activate with plenty of time for your waking rituals.”
“The room will activate?”
“Yes. The environmental systems know your schedule. At First Chime, the walls will glow pale gold, the air will fill with citrus and star anise, and you'll hear three harmonic pulses. If you want, the computer can tell you your entire schedule, just ask.”
After she leaves, I find my uniforms in the closet—the same elegant black tunics with luminous blue piping that Lira was wearing—along with what appears to be formal attire for special events and more black shoes.
As I try on one of the uniforms, I catch my reflection in a mirror-like panel. The cut is flattering; the fabric is unlike anything on Earth, lightweight yet substantial, and seems to adjust to my body temperature.The Celestial Spire's emblem sits over my heart, glowing faintly like the twin moons outside my window.
I look professional. Competent. Like someone who belongs in this incredible place.
But as I change back into my familiar Earth clothes and sink onto the bed, which immediately adjusts to cradle my body perfectly, conflicting emotions tear me apart.
The human slaves in the lobby.
The Venus Lock.
Denise's disappearance.
The rules.
The punishments.
The Sovereigns controlling my sex life.
I can’t help but wonder if Denise came here, saw the same things I did, thought that she could make a difference, and was disposed of.
Oh Jesus.
Am I strong enough for this?
20
PROTOCOL AND POWER, EVE
The reception deskgleams with an iridescence that still unsettles me after five hours. The material—some alien composite—seems alive under my fingertips, warm and responsive to touch.
“The hierarchy is crucial to understand,” Lira says, her green eyes intense as she guides me through the complex web of galactic social structures displayed on the holographic terminal. “The Imperials consider themselves the pinnacle of civilization, followed by the Ancient Worlds like Lyra. Reima Two citizens rank third tier, which is still quite prestigious, but different. Our civilization is newer, and our rank comes through economics rather than a long history.”
