Hor'rom
Qua's friend was certainly interesting. I could see why he was so attached. Cute and feisty was a delicious combination. Too bad they seemed determined to shut down my three-way suggestion. Maybe Qualin would loosen up again eventually. I mean, we'd been trading favors for at least a few years now. It was always business, mixed with pleasure, but I'd always thought we were pretty amicable.
I wasn't really listening as Qua negotiated. Of course, yeah, if they really could pay in precious gems, I wasn't gonna refuse, it just might take a minute for my previous expectations to settle down. It was disappointing...
Then the newbie said something about taking me somewhere.
"What do you mean? I can't leave. Not without my master's permission." I scoffed. This guy really must be fresh from the wilds.
"We can take you anywhere you want to go without anyone here being able to do anything about it. We can get you far enough away that your "master" won't be able to touch you."
"How about LaMihinnia?" Qualin chimed in with a smirk. "That's a good place full of opportunities for a clever guy, and no slaver would bother chasing you there."
"Yeah, sure, but getting there is the problem." I practically hissed at them. "You're no fool, Qua, you know the punishment for attempting to run, for even talking about it!" I lowered my voice and leaned in. "Now, how the hell do you think you can smuggle me of off this station? My master is in charge of ship inspections, and everyone here knows me and who I belong to. We get caught, we're dead!"
"Relax." The newbie dismissed my argument with a wave is his hand. "We don't need a ship and we're not going to smuggle you out, we'll teleport. Clean, simple, no chance of being caught. We're do it all the time."
"...Teleport...?"
"That's how we got here. Just a few minutes ago." Qualin added, looking rather smug.
"Wait... what?" How the hell did they expect me to believe such shit? Qua had never given me false info or given me reason not to trust him. But this?
"Here, it's faster just to show you."
"Wha-" before the words could leave my mouth, the newbie grabbed my arm and Qua's hand and threads of energy wove around us too fast for me to react. Then they tightened and pulled, yanking us towards the newbie and into darkness. My stomach lurched as the solid metal of Katakia disappeared beneath me. Then I was hit with brisk, fresh air and the smell of soil and plants.
I opened my eyes and tried to focus. It was bright. We were outside, in the sun, on grass, and surrounded by trees. I blinked as I carefully stood, still afraid of losing my last meal, and looked around.
We were on a hill overlooking a sprawling coastal city. The marble buildings glistened in the morning sun and the water in the distance mirrored the clear blue sky. Transports were coming and going from the harbor and space port with well ordered efficiency. And a beautiful palace towered above it all on an opposite hillside.
"Welcome to the Royal City of LaMihinnia." Qualin commented with his smug expression. "And don't worry, the trip gets less jarring with experience."
"This... this is an illusion." I knelt, feeling the grass and dirt. It felt real. But then again, how could I judge? I hadn't been outside, felt the sun or solid ground, in.... years. "I've heard of people who can do this. Nehwallians can do things... I've heard they can make very realistic illusions, they-they can trick you into almost anything."
"This is real." The newbie said. "We can help you start a new life here, or anywhere. My family despises slavery. As long as you don't cause trouble, you'll be able to start a new life."
"What about immigration status? I'm sure there are regulations about citizenship. If I were to be deported" My mind started to race. Was this real? I hadn't even dreamt of freedom since I was a cub fresh off the slave ship.
"We can sort that out. We're friends with the royal family so we can vouch for you if there's any issues."
"Seriously? The royal family?" I looked between them both, certain they were shitting me. They both looked back calmly, no sign of deception on their faces.
"So? Do we have a deal?"
"All you want is to know where Abujar is?"
"Get us face to face. As soon as we have eyes on him, one of my siblings will bring you back here."
"If this is some kind of a trick..." My jaw clenched. I could feel my body trembling. The possibility of freedom setting in. It definitely seemed too good to be true. "I could just tell you where to go... and you leave me here. Don't take me back there."
"You want to be dumped here with nothing but the clothes on your back?" Qualin made a valid point. "I'm resourceful. But I do have a nice little cache stored... if you deliver it to me, I'll give you a cut."
"No need." Qualin smiled and glanced at his friend. "I don't really need that kinda stuff anymore." His face got that serious look. "But if you screw us over, you realize he could dump you somewhere in the middle of that ocean." He gestured offer his shoulder to the vast expanse of water.
"Have I ever welched on a deal?" I chuckled.
"Fine, but you have to let me read your mind so I know exactly where to find Abujar."
"I know where he's currently hiding out. My master just recently had me deliver some of his merch that was 'confiscated' during an inspection." I glanced around the beautiful scenery again. "I guess if this is possible, mind reading isn't a big leap. And a small price to pay."
He gave a curt nod and moved a little closer. The energy around him began to concentrate, swirling around my head and connecting to his. I fought the urge to break the connection.
"Concentrate on the exact location. picture it on your mind...." I did as he said, and only a moment later, he turned away and the flow of energy returned to normal. "Got it. Let's head back."
Qua nodded to him and glanced at me. "You sure you're good here?"
"I can handle myself. I'd rather start here with nothing, than risk going back there and getting stuck somehow." I chuckled. "But... you know that little hideaway on level seven?"
He thought for a moment and nodded. It was one of my go-to places for our meet ups.
"The little panel on the back wall. If you can get what's there and bring to me, I'd be appreciative."
"Sure. If I get the chance."
"Fair enough." I took another look around. "And Qua, this better not be a trick."
***
Qualin
The look on Hor'rom's face was almost desperate rather than threatening. For a moment, I remembered that his life was far from good, despite the little privileges he enjoyed and the jovial attitude he managed to maintain. And I was genuinely happy for him.
"You'll be fine." I couldn't help the smile spreading across my face as I pulled Minor into my arms.
"If you get into trouble, tell a royal guard or go to the palace gate and tell them King Draco's son, Minor, sent you."
"You're a prince? I didn't know our kind had royalty? Or could do the things you've done..."
"I'm a different species." He shrugged nonchalantly, clearly not interested in explaining further.
Hor'rom simply shrugged.
"Alright, we need to go. So, good luck. We'll track you down once our business is settled to check in."
"Sounds good... and, um.... Thank you."
Minor nodded and wrapped his arms around me before we were swallowed by darkness and appeared again on Katakia station.
It took me a second to realize we weren't in the same alley, but in a familiar maintenance shaft on level seven.
"I saw this place in his mind. Grab his stuff. It's not much so we'll drop it off after we handle what we came for."
"Thank you." I kissed his cheek, letting my lips linger for a moment and running my hands slowly through his hair. "I know that was hard for you."
I felt the tension in his body melt and he relaxed against me. "I was caught off guard. And didn't care to see what you two did here..." he shuddered a little, "but I also felt his character and your feelings towards him. he's a friend, kind of, but not a rival for your heart."
"Definitely not." I gently trailed kisses across his face.
"So I'm fine helping him and taking him his stuff... but if he tries to touch you, he'll pay!" his hands gripped my hair, not enough to hurt but my head was immobilized as he pulled back to meet my gaze. "Nobody gets to touch you except me. Not ever again!" There was no anger, but he looked almost hungry as his grip turned to a caress and he lunged for my mouth.
I met his kiss with a chuckle and light purr. The reality that sex would never be casual, or a form of trade, or part of my job ever again, was setting in. The sense of relief was almost surprising. 'Now that I know how this feels,' My hands rubbed along his back and pulled him tighter against me as I tried to pour my thoughts into him without breaking the kiss, 'How could I bare the crap I used to tolerate?'
We both chuckled and my hand slid down to his ass, eager for more.
'Eh-hm! Pardon us, not to interrupt, but don't forget we're all waiting!' Galaxy's voice echoed in our minds, stern but also amused.
'Right! sorry...' Minor pulled away, looking embarrassed. "Mission first...' He nodded towards the back panel and I collected the hidden parcel. Not quite a small fortune but enough currency to help start a new life. I tucked it away and took Minor's hand so we could rejoin his siblings.