Page 11 of Alien Engineer's Mate

"Thomas and Sarah Morgan were my foster parents for eighteen years." Her fingers twisted together. The humans couldn’t see it, but he could from where he was. "I was with them from when I was three years old until I escaped last month."

Maax studied Taylor's reaction. Nothing. Her expression remained perfectly controlled. The social worker wasn't as composed, her fingers darting across her tablet.

"I have no record of any complaints?—"

"You won't have." Jade's shoulders tightened. "The Morgans were careful. They let us talk to anyone from the authorities alone and they made sure all the paperwork was perfect."

"Please," Tisshel said, "tell us about your time with the Morgans."

Jade drew in a deep breath. "They took in foster children for the money. We weren't kids to them though. We were just free labor and a steady income. I cooked, cleaned, did maintenance... whatever they wanted. If I was too slow, or if I made mistakes—“ She paused, steadying herself. "They had ways of punishing us…extra work, less food.”

The lawyer started to object, but a look from Taylor silenced him.

"When I turned eighteen," Jade continued, "they managed to get me declared mentally incompetent. Some doctor I never met said I wasn't capable of living independently. That meant they could keep collecting payments and keep using me for work. I spent three more years trying to find a way out."

Her hands trembled, but her voice was firm as she looked at the human representatives. "The Morgans areverygood at appearing concerned and caring to authorities. They only take one or two children at a time… they’re easier to control that way. They know exactly what to say, how to make it look like any problems are the child's fault."

Fury built in Maax's chest. An image of Emily huddled in the closet with the bag she’d just been dropped of with at the Morgans flashed through his mind. Jade’s words explained so much about his daughter's early behavior when she’d arrived on the station.

"Thank you, Lady Jade," Tisshel said. "If you don’t mind, I have one final question. In your experience, what happens to children who try to report the Morgan’s?”

"They were transferred to other homes for 'behavioral issues'." Jade’s voice hardened. “I never saw any of them again."

Taylor leaned forward, the first movement she'd made.

"You understand," she said, "that this testimony will be required at the inquiry into this matter?”

Jade lifted her chin. "Yes. I'm ready to testify. They need to be stopped."

Taylor looked at her directly. "The Morgans lost their lives in an… unfortunate house fire a few weeks ago."

Shock flowed over Jade’s face, and Maax kept his expression neutral. So her mate hadn’t told her what happened that night...

Taylor nodded once and turned to Tisshel. "I believe you have supporting documentation for Emily Morgan’s case?”

"Multiple files." Tisshel's earlier gentleness was gone. She produced document after document. "Medical records from the lead healer on station who is personally dealing with Emily’s care, as well as financial transactions and sworn statements from other former foster children who've since come forward. The pattern is quite clear."

Maax watched the humans' reactions as Tisshel outlined the evidence. The lawyer's aggression faded to resignation. The social worker went white. Taylor’s expression didn’t change, as though she’d already heard everything Tisshel revealed.

"The Centauri-Four Accords," Tisshel continued, "specifically address the rights of minors in cases like this. The Proximax Convention further supports intervention by recognized authorities… which Warrior A'Taav, as a registered representative of the Latharian Empire, certainly qualifies as."

She produced another document. "I've already filed with the Intergalactic Courts. They've issued a preliminary ruling supporting Warrior A'Taav's intervention and the current custody arrangement."

“In that case,” Taylor said. “I think we are done here. Thank you all for your time.”

She made a small gesture, and both her companions began gathering their materials, a hint of defeat in their mannerisms.

“You are more than welcome.” Tisshel rose and turned to Jade with a small, formal bow. “Lady T’Kaan, thank you for your assistance in this matter.”

“You’re welcome.” Jade paused at the door, meeting Maax's gaze. "Thank you. For getting her out of there."

She looked as if she wanted to say more, but Maax silently urged her not to. There was no need to give the humans any more information than they already had. But Jade just inclined her head again, and then she was gone.

Taylor stood, drawing all attention without apparent effort.

"The courts will require ongoing documentation of Emily's care and development," she stated.

"Of course," Tisshel answered, waiting for Maax's confirming nod.

---