Page 16 of Fated to the Orc

“I’m aware of the concept, yes, but that’s not why I’m here!”

As I say those words, my blood turns to ice.

Is that not why I’m here?

I’m a woman. Not the youngest, but everything down there still works. My mind flashes back to that strange job interview.

The suits at the Department of Interstellar Affairs barely asked about my credentials or work history. They were only interested in my dating history. My sexual history. My blood tests.

Oh god.

Thatiswhy I’m here.

I signed up to be a concubine for an orc.

Evelyn

“Relax,Dr. Carter. I think you’ve got the wrong idea.”

Dr. Kelly gives me a reassuring smile. Or, I think he’s trying to be reassuring. In truth, his smile gives me the creeps.

Panic grips my chest like a vice. I want off this rock. I want to get out of here. I just want to be back home.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but I’mnothaving orc babies,” I say, my voice trembling.

“Of course you’re not,” Dr. Kelly says. “Sit down, please.”

Someone hands me a glass of cold water. I close my eyes and take deep breaths.In. Wait 5 seconds.Out.In. Wait 5 seconds.Out.

“You were hired because you’re a gifted scientist, nothing more,” Dr. Kelly says. “I merely pointed out that the orc is attracted to you, a human woman, which — for the purposes of researching orc-human compatibility — is a good thing, yes?”

“I guess so?”

“Yes. It is. You are tired from your long journey, Dr Kelly. I suggest you retire to your room and rest for now. I believe a video message just came in from your sister. I’m sure it’ll lift your spirits.”

“Hey,sis! Checking in with you, as promised. As you can see, the house is squeaky-clean. No dirty plates in sight. And I applied for four jobs today. But enough about me — I can’t wait to hear from you! Please, tell me everything! Love you!”

I replay the video-message from Maddy over and over again in my room at the base. My tiny, tiny room. I’ve got a bed and a desk and a chair, and that’s about it.

At least Ihavemy own room. The soldiers that patrol this place all sleep in bunk beds. As tiny as it is, I’m grateful for a place where I can be alone and straighten out my thoughts.

This place is anightmare.

I knew I wasn’t traveling to some high class luxury resort, but I still expected something a bit less spartan. A bit less military. A bit less high-security-intergalactic-prison-slash-brothel.

I would like to hop onto the first shuttle out of here, but that’s not going to be possible. I signed a contract keeping me here for two years.

I replay the message. At least Madelyn looks happy. She’s smiling. And she’s right — the house looks clean! That’s good.

Because of the distance there is no direct, live communication with Earth from Xavros. We can record video-messages toour loved ones, and they’ll be relayed to Earth as quickly as possible…

After being highly scrutinized, of course. There is no privacy here.

And so I can’t tell Madelyn the truth. I can’t tell her what I’m working on. What theywantme working on.

I just received my orders for tomorrow.

They want me to retrieve a sperm sample from Varkul.Manually.

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