She was guessing it was nerves.
Janae didn't fear where they were going. She had heard all the stories about problems with the program, but it was for science, or so she told herself. Still, the rumors remained in her mind.
Everyone knew them.
Volunteers being turned away.
Or worse.
Claimed.
And not in a good way.
They were getting closer to the Kantenan main world. Outside, she finally got to see a few glimpses of asteroids—the Kantenans were known for their mining operations.
And she even thought, though she wasn’t sure, that she’d seen some ships flying around the asteroids.
Maybe she was making up stories to alleviate her nerves.
It wouldn’t be the first time she let her thoughts carry her away.
She'd heard that the Kantenans were tough. Humanoids with scales of armor on their backs were some of the more intimidating humanoids in the Galactic Alliance. At least on this side of it.
Like all humanoids, the Kantenans were bipedal, but their armor was considered a sign of status, giving them a distinct look. As large as they were, they also were a very prideful species. They lived on honor and ceremony under their intimidation, or so she'd been informed.
Janae, like everyone else, had been given a list of basic etiquette when dealing with them, in any capacity.
She pulled out her data card and looked at it again.
Chosen or not, they had a specific protocol.
One stood out in her mind.
If a Kantenan claims you for his mate, you are bound to him. Exclusively. Indefinitely.
When she first read that, it had taken her aback. Even now, thinking about it, it still startled her. It was instant, definitive. There was no questioning the bond that was created. How they chose was a mystery, even the etiquette didn't explain who was chosen and why.
One of those alien hormone things, Janae guessed. A lot of humanoid species had hormonal response systems.
Participating in this study was a risk, but she was willing to take it. She'd lost far more than the potential freedom in her short life. When she palmed the agreement with her imprint, she knew there was no guarantee, but really, was it any worse than what she already had?
Trying to survive on the streets and scrounging for food and water was a hell she wouldn't wish on anyone. This opportunity may have saved her life. She felt cleaner now than she had in months. You don’t realize how important being able to bathe and groom properly would improve your life until you can’t.
The rumors claimed that the Kantenans treated their females like queens.
If you were chosen.
That's why she was going.
To see if she would be chosen.
She glanced at the beautiful women all around her. Some were stunning. Glossy hair, perfect appearance. They were the image of ideal female companions.
She, however, wasn't.
She was pretty sure that she'd been selected because the recruiter needed less-than-perfect females to round out the selection, so the beautiful ones looked even more beautiful.
So, her odds were low.
