A soft knock on my door and a meek throat-clearing rouses me out of the bed. With no windows or daylight, it’s impossible to know what time it is.
“Just a sec!” Every muscle in my body screams when I throw the blanket off and hobble across the room. I’m still sore from two days of endless walking, and I don’t think my feet will ever fully recover from the blisters. I swing open the door and standing in the hall is another brethren.
“Blessed Goddess, your morning meal has been laid out for you. Might I escort you?”heasks, keeping his eyes trained on my feet. I shift a little, not feeling comfortable with the way his expression shifts. Abrethrenwith a foot fetishis just as alarming as the ones who look me up and down.
Ugh. I guess the “male gaze”exists no matter where you are in the universe.
Youlittle freak. Keep your eyes to yourself.
“Keep it professional, buddy. My eyes are up here.” I give him the two-finger point and motion from his eyes to mine.
He blushes and bows his head, clearlyembarrassedI called him out.
“Have you seen my clothes anywhere?” I ask.
“Those rags were not fit for a goddess. They were destroyed.”
“What? Those were mine. Who told you to get rid of them?”
I suspect I already know the answer. They did not have the right to take away my clothes. I’m pissed.
“Brethen told us that you would be pleased to have your new clothes,” he says, sounding defensive.
“Which brethren? Never mind, I already know.” I throw my hands up in defeat.
“We all speak as one brethren,” he says.
“Sure, you’re all the same. Except for when the boss barks ordersat you.” I’m taking my frustrations out on this guy when they should be directed at Boss.
I really wish I had my coveralls back.
The dining room goes silent when we step in. Their robes rustle when they turn to watch me weave my way through the tightly packed room.
Boss is at the front of the room standing over everyone like a prison warden. I stare him down, trying to get it across that I’m not intimidated by him.
“The goddess is not pleased. You have failed in your one true purpose. Food is only for those loyal to Her Sublimity. Prostrate yourselves, and maybe you can eat next time,” he announces.
Now Ireallydon’t appreciate him speaking for me. He’s not going to use me as his bullshit excuse to refuse food to anyone.
That’s it. The goddess is coming out.
“Everyone, enjoy your meal. You’ve all been great brethren.” I stare at Boss, daring him to defy me.
A sickening smile stretches across his face, and he bows. “What a gracious and forgiving mistress we have been blessed with.”
TWELVE
Tai
It’s nightfall by the time the Oo’rahim colony comes into view. I could have easily passed the small sandstone dome if the visor hadn’t already shown me what to look for before I harvested its parts.
My legs are weak from running nonstop for the last few hours, but the run cleared my mind. I focus on my objectives: caution, expediency, and if they’ve got Bri—extraction.
I approach with my hands out so any potential guards can see I’m not a threat. My blaster is safely tucked away, out of sight, under my pant leg. Just because I don't see any guards doesn’t mean they aren’t here.
My boot lands on something metal and I freeze. It could be a number of things. This is when the visor would have come in handy. My mind goes straight to “land mine” and the possibility of losing another limb to Sabaak.
I take a slow breath and consider my options.
