Page 9 of Ancient Rising

“The archive of her world.Whatever could be saved data-wise is on that crystal.You can learn about their societies and technology.She received one from us when we intersected with a merchant vessel returning stolen property.” He extended an arm and beckoned to his mate.

The mate came back with the child still nursing.She was pulled against Kethen’s side, and he looked so blissfully happy with her against him.

Ra felt a pang of jealousy at the expression on his brother’s face.

The mate looked at him and said, “Don’t think that this is that sweet.He is just hoping that the baby won’t take everything again.He’s into the leftovers, and I get tired of punching him in the head to get him off.”

Ra paused and then started laughing.“I will be in touch, Kethen.You have an interesting mate and a lovely child.”

“Thank you, big brother.I hope to hear from you soon and hope your handmaid is a suitable mate.”

“What if she isn’t?”Ra frowned.

“Then, ask her if she knows anyone.All surviving humans are out here.She might be able to help you look.”

“Interesting.I will look for the crystal and see if they are the same people I knew.They look very different.”

Kethen’s mate smiled.“It is a combination of early nutrition and torture in my case and a medical mishap in the case of Harwin and Kris.I will leave it to Harwin to share the details.Oh, and I got taller after Kethen and I mated.”

Kethen chuckled.“She did.Well, brother, enjoy the new world you have woken to.Call with any questions.”

Ra nodded.“Thank you.”

The screen went blank, and he returned to the machine that was slowly bonding the woman back together.It seemed that he had to wait and see what kind of creature emerged from the unit when the repair was complete.He went to the textile machine and entered her measurements.She would need clothing when she emerged, and her blood marked her as a handmaid whether she liked it or not.

Chapter Three

Harwin jolted awakeand slowly sat up.“Oh, shit.”She wasn’t wearing her loose clothing.She looked like she stepped out of a tomb relief.The linen skirt was wrapped and looked to be knee-length.She was wearing a belt, ankle cuffs, and wrist cuffs; the weight on her neck and chest was the part that irritated her.She was dressed as a servant.No fabric over her breasts.She was covered with a wide beaded collar that covered her from shoulder to shoulder, and the wide curve covered her breasts as long as she didn’t move too much.

She sort of liked the golden-wrapped sandals.She flexed her feet and then stood up.She had no idea where she was in the pyramid but was still inside.The stone walls were very familiar.

She walked toward a hallway, and a flying drone stopped, even with her face.“Oh, hello.”

The drone kept her from moving, and then a deep voice spoke in formal Hmrain.“Follow.”

She nodded, and some hair slipped forward, showing her that her hair had been tightly braided and gold filaments were woven in.Someone had some time on their hands.Probably a bot.

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