Page 4 of Bought and Shared
Though I was hoping for a civil service job, I was allotted that of a contracted companion instead. At this startling news, my mother had wept, my father had raged, and I’d panicked.
My family had immediately applied for an exemption to the service, due to our religious background, but we’d been denied and I’d been collected on the first of the month like all the other eligible women whose numbers had come up.
“What’s your major?” I ask, curious what it would be like to go to college. I’ve only ever known my small community. The idea of advanced learning, branching out, and meeting new people sounds like heaven to me.
“Chemistry. I’d love to study all the new medical advancements made by the Voltan. Maybe even one day help build upon them.” Cadence’s voice is wistful.
That’s impressive. I’ve only ever learned to read and write and do basic math at my school. Feeling embarrassed by her superior intellect, I stare down at my hands in shame. “I’ve never even been outside Utah before.”
Pity enters Cadence’s pretty eyes then. “Do you want to travel?”
I didn’t even have to give my response any thought. “Yes! I’ve dreamed of it my whole life!”
Not that I ever expect much to come of that dream. My parents have my whole life mapped out for me. Travel isn’t even a consideration in those plans.
“Well, maybe your Voltan master will help you do that. I hear they’re very generous with their companions,” she delicately points out.
I appreciate how she couches the term so that I don’t flinch from the brutal truth of our new reality. “Maybe.” I’m sure my voice sounded as nervous as I felt. I’m on the very edge of becoming completely overwhelmed by all this and I’m just trying to keep myself from collapsing from the fear rippling in waves up and down my body.
Two girls begin to argue in the corner of the large room then and we glance up to see what the fuss is all about. They’re squabbling over which bunk is theirs. I’m not sure why that should even matter. We’re only going to sleep here for a single night. I can’t imagine why such a short stay warrants any sort of tension.
As their argument escalates, the same soldier from the bus enters the room. Striding over to the women, Lieutenant Crom easily pulls them apart as they suddenly lunge at one another.
Effortlessly holding them apart, Crom’s deep voice cuts through the space like a gunshot when he shouts, “Enough!”
Instantly, the two women cease their struggles and lower their heads submissively at his censure.
“As much as I like to watch two scantily clad women crawl all over each other,” he jests, holding them apart by the scruff of their necks, “I won’t have disorder in my barracks. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” both women grudgingly concede.
“Yes, what?” He demands, not accepting their pitiful apology.
“Yes, Sir,” they each dutifully provide.
Crom grins. “Good. Now, get ready for dinner. You’re being served in the mess hall promptly at five-thirty. The men are looking forward to it. It’ll be the first time in weeks some of themhave even laid eyes on a woman. Needless to say, your presence is much anticipated.”
The room begins to buzz with excitement and chatter when the Lieutenant shares this information. Most of the women begin to unconsciously straighten their dresses and preen their hair at the idea of being viewed by the Voltan. Cadence and I look at each other, both wearing twin conflicting expressions as the others busy themselves for their first interaction with their potential masters.
When Crom passes by Cadence and me, he stops and gives us both a thorough once over. His eyes linger on my dark-haired friend for a moment, and he shakes his head, mumbling something about needing to “make more money”.
Looking at me sharply then, he orders, “Don’t do that,” when I begin to wind my hair into its usual, severe bun.
Cadence frowns at him and asks, “Why not?” on my behalf.
Crom’s gaze swings between the two of us before he answers. “Because it’s beautiful and the men will want to see it down.”
Possessing a wild streak that I don’t, Cadence arches a challenging brow at the Lieutenant. “And why should that matter to us?”
Crom invades her space and leans down so that their noses are practically touching. “Like I told your friend earlier, the Voltan don’t like to be challenged. They liked to be pleased. So, if you know what’s best for you,” he warns, “you’ll do what you’re told or we’ll make you do it!”
At 5:25 on the dot we’re escorted to the dining hall. Not wanting to make waves, Cadence and I wear our hair down and loose. Looking around at the other women, I see that most of them have also chosen to wear makeup. I can’t deny that I’m jealous of how good they look. I’ve never been allowed to wear makeup before. My parents consider it vain and vulgar and I’ve never pushed the issue.
Regardless of their opinions though, at eighteen, I wouldn’t even know where to begin with the stuff. Things like lipstick, rouge, and eyeshadow are foreign concepts to me. If I even attempted to apply them, I’m sure I’d look like a ridiculous clown instead of living artwork like some of these women do now.
Cadence reaches over and squeezes my hand when she notices me fretting. “It’s all going to be okay,” she promises, extending a warm smile my way to calm my raw and jangled nerves.
As soon as we step into the cafeteria, I can feel the soldiers’ eyes crawling all over us. The weight of their perusal feels as though I’m trying to walk forward through a brick wall, crushing against my chest and twice as oppressive.
