Jailed Read Free

books.
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    Kori went for a sunny afternoon at the beach with Nikada. Norod had left two days ago, after fulfilling his duties as host. Nikada didn’t say where he was and Kori knew it would be impolite to ask.
    Nikada smiled at her, the bright light painted her a lovely gold. “I still can’t believe that you picked my brother over me.”
    “It wasn’t a direct competition. I simply am not attracted to women. While I am sure I would enjoy your attentions, I would have no urge to reciprocate and that would make me feel guilty. Well, after a while.”
    She grinned and got comfortable in her Masuo beachwear of strips of fabric that covered her groin and breasts. The Masuo was a living organism that used the host for survival. It could form any piece of clothing that the wearer could imagine, as long as all layers connected in some way.
    Nikada laughed. “I do love your honesty. It is refreshing when so many would flatter me to get into my bed and then leave me the next day.”
    “I won’t get in your bed, but you also know I have to leave.”
    “I know, but for today, enjoy the sun.” Nikada stretched luxuriously and lay in the chair, completely relaxed.
    Kori smirked and tried to mimic her but knew that she fell far short. Norod’s claw marks were still around her hips, but she had found a bathing suit design that masked the small punctures.
    He was gone. He had kissed her good night, stroked her cheek and left her in a cloud of relaxation and musk. It wasn’t the worst goodbye she had ever had, but his leaving the house had surprised her.
    Kori received a message. There was the possibility of a long-term assignment as a records keeper on a space station. The final negotiations were happening that very day, but it was up to the species to say whether or not they would accept a Terran on their station. The Yalki were said to be rather fussy.
    She would check her messages in a few hours to see if they wanted her. She crossed her fingers that she could get a new job and stop sponging off her friend.
    Despite Nikada’s enthusiasm, Kori had been raised to pull her own weight. She had worked from the moment it was legal, all through school and right up until the moment she had left Earth for an adventure in doing her job on new worlds. It wasn’t nearly as exciting as she had once imagined.
    Clerical work was the same throughout the universe.
     
    After five hours, Kori was a little sunburned and shocked out of her shoes. They had accepted. A transport was being sent for her and she didn’t need to do anything except be at the spaceport when she was notified of their arrival. She should expect transport in three days.
    She took a quick shower and met Nikada for dinner. When they were both halfway through the meal and conversation had lulled, Kori said, “I got a contact from the archive.”
    “Did you?”
    “I did. I will be out of here in three days.” She twisted her lips and watched her friend’s expression.
    “Oh. I had hoped you would be here longer.”
    “I am very sorry. It was not my intent to cause you distress. I merely have to get back to work to earn my living. I can’t live off the generosity of friends.” Kori inclined her head.
    “I know what you think, but it is no strain. We could support nine more like you if necessary.”
    Kori sighed. “I can’t not do something. I have worked all my life and this vacation coming after my time in Janial is too much relaxation. I have to put myself into action.”
    Nikada cocked her head. “Can I come for a visit?”
    “I don’t know. Do you have any business on Yalki Station?”
    The look of confused distaste on her features betrayed Nikada’s disdain. “You are going to work for the tree people?”
    “I am guessing that I am.”
    Nikada sighed. “I guess that if that is where you are, that is where I will have to go.”
    Kori grinned. “Well, we have three days. What kind of trouble can we get into that doesn’t involve