Page 9 of Taming Chaos

“I’ve got authorization to increase the bid if necessary.”

“I’d advise against that. I’m going to pull our offer.”

“You don’t have the authority to do that, Winters. You’re a goddamn analyst, not an agent. Your job is to provide me with advice, and the only reason you’re here is because some desk-humping asshole in Central Command had to tick a fucking box. It’s my job to decide whether I’ll take your advice, so shut the hell up and let me handle this.”

Torin’s hackles rose as he listened to the heated exchange. The man called Markov was arrogant and condescending. Fool. Some humans simply failed to recognize their limitations.

“What are the terms of the new contract?” Markov asked, ignoring Winters’ sharp intake of breath—a sound of pure, unadulterated frustration.

Torin’s irritation rose along with hers. His fingers twitched, seeking the familiar comfort of his sword-hilt.

“There is a job opening specifically for a human. It needs to be filled urgently. Are you willing to help us?”

No, no, no. Someone was about to get screwed, and it wasn’t the Ephrenians.

“What do you need?” Markov sounded genuinely surprised.

“Her.”

Ah, fuck. They are seriously going to do this body-trade thing in front of me? Now he was going to have to intervene. He had a particular loathing for the flesh trade, and humans had the potential to become a sought after species. Thank the Goddess Kythia had met its downfall, because otherwise there would be a steady stream of human slaves heading toward the Dark Planet right now.

A soft snort escaped his lips. Since when had he grown so attached to these contrary beings? Well, not to all humans. Just the ones that interested him.

“I’m not interested in any job offer.” Winters stepped back, her voice full of poorly concealed alarm.

“One of our clients has need of a human companion. You will be well taken care of.”

“I’m sorry, but no.”

“We accept.” The one called Markov leaned close to Winters and whispered in her ear. “Since you love aliens so fucking much, why don’t you go and work for them?”

“What the hell are you doing, Markov?”

“Just acting in Earth’s best interests.”

“Y-you can’t be serious.”

“You’re going to be our bargaining chip, Winters. There’s a nice, what’s the word… serendipity to it, don’t you think? You set up this meet, and now you’re going to be the one who seals the deal.”

“Markov, stop fucking around. You don’t have the authorization to do this. Central Command will have your ass if you try anything stupid—”

“The CC wants plasma guns. Analysts like you come and go, but a weapons haul like this doesn’t come along every day.” Markov looked up at the Ephrenians. “We accept.”

“No…” As Winters looked around, the armed human guards stepped back, creating an empty ring around her. It was as if a pack of wild animals were casting out one of their own.

Four more Ephrenians appeared on the ramp. Now there were ten in total. They stood about a head taller than the humans, and with their reflective ovoid helmets, they looked cold and impassive. Like the others, their long, lean bodies were clad in shimmering metallic suits. A slim breathing apparatus rested against their backs, feeding life-sustaining air into their helmets.

The lead Ephrenian handed a small metal disk to Markov. “Your acceptance has been recorded. Here is a copy for your records.” He turned to face Winters, his smooth helmet reflecting her pale face, distorting it into a shapeless pink and brown blob. “Your people have decided to sacrifice your life for the greater good. You should be honored, but I sense you are unwilling. Do not shame yourself, human. It is a fair deal.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to go ballistic on you.” As Winters lifted her chin to glare at the Ephrenian, her hood fell back a little, revealing determined brown eyes.

Torin noticed the quiver in her voice. He saw the way she clenched her fists. Her entire body was trembling beneath that dark cloak.

Oh, but she was furious.

Betrayal. Humans seemed to be almost as good at it as Kordolians.

Nobody came to the defense of poor, dignified Winters, the mysterious human who spoke Ephrenian. Shocked and alone, she stood in the center of the ring of humans with her head held high, the anger rolling off her in waves.

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