Dear Readers:
Thank you so much for the positive comments! I am so glad you are enjoying the story so far. I apologize for the time lapse between submissions and to make up for it, have included chapters 2 & 3.
All my best - Emerald
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Phase 2 β Contract Explained
How long I slept, I'll never know, but when I woke up, I felt absolutely wonderful and more refreshed than I'd felt in...well, ever. You would think sleeping on a table would have been more than a little uncomfortable, but it didn't seem to affect me in the least.
I swung my legs off of the table and stretched my muscles, my back popping in several places. Although I'd had a restful sleep, it was quite disconcerting not to have clothing.
Mind you, I'm not a prude; I walk around my apartment naked, and I have...no, had a boyfriend, so I was willing to get naked with a man; but, like any woman, I prefer at least a little clothing when talking to others.
Here, I had nothing. There was no hiding at all β not even behind a chair or table. Even my neck felt naked...and so did my back. I reached to touch the nape of my neck and was horrified to discover the lack of hair covering it. Oh, my God, the bastards had cut off my beautiful hair! It had been cut in a bob. Damn them! I'd never felt so exposed and violated.
I began to search the room in earnest for an exit, running my hands over as much of the surface of the walls and floor as I could reach. Incredibly, the small room seemed void of creases or indents for doors.
Every single surface was smooth; there were no outlets or windows, no air vents or decorations of any kind. How were the grays entering and leaving the room?
Frustrated, I turned around to sit on the table once more only to discover it had disappeared as well. I never even heard it move, yet, it looked as though it had never been there at all.
A voice behind me made me jump. "Human woman," said the professor, "it is time for sustenance."
I turned around, and he was suddenly there holding a tray of food. I peeked around him, but still found no door.
Crossing my arms over my breasts, I said, "I'm not hungry."
He took a few paces toward me then set the tray on the floor. "If you eat, I will tell you about Phase 3," he bribed.
By now, the scent of bacon, eggs, toast, pancakes, and maple syrup had wafted its way toward me. Dammit, it did smell delicious, and my stomach growled in response.
"Is it poisoned?" I asked and then felt immediately ridiculous for even asking. Sure, Sid, your abductors are going to tell you they poisoned food, and then you'll definitely eat it.
"No, human woman, poisoning you would be counter-productive." He motioned to the floor for me to sit, "Relax, enjoy your breakfast, and I will explain what happens next."
Food was a decent distraction from my nakedness. I sat on the floor in front of the tray and ate until I was stuffed. It was as wonderful as it smelled. The entire time, the gray simply stood a few feet away from me, watching my every move and never saying a word.
After I finished the last swallow of juice, I asked, "I want to know who you are before you tell me anything else."
The professor stared at me with his huge black eyes but remained silent. Now, I was getting angry. "I said, who are you?" I asked in a raised voice.
He held up his hand and stated, "I am conferring with my colleagues as to the depth of information I can offer."
Hmm...so this guy isn't the head honcho after all. He's some lackey sent to deal with the prisoner.
"We are a nomadic race who specializes in acquiring certain kinds of property. Our customers require specific types of merchandise, and we search the galaxy to meet their requirements. You will find that, while in our care, you will be treated well and your every need will be met. Your health will not deteriorate, and you will not age."
I thought a moment before asking my next question. "Okay, but why do you need me? Am I some kind of liaison? If that is the case, I'm going to need something to wear."
The professor shook his head, "No, human woman, youβ"
"I can't go around naked," I interrupted. "And my name is Sidney."
"You will remain calm," he said, matter-of-factly, and once again, I was instantly relaxed. "To continue: you, human womanβ"
He stopped talking because I glared at him hard and was cursing at him like mad in my head. Would it kill him to use my name?!
He continued, "...Sidney, are the property of which I speak."
Even in my calm state of being, I knew something was not right about that sentence. Property...I was property. Each time I felt anger over being referred to as this property, my inner hackles rose; however, the emotion was interrupted by such calming waves, I couldn't dwell on it if I wanted.
"Our branch specializes in sexual gratification and primitive breeding practices, where a womb, sperm and egg are required to procreate. We will loan your body to our clients for their sexual needs and breeding purposes. If they succeed in the process of fertilization, they will keep you to produce more of their young."
Some part of my brain absolutely didn't like what he was saying, and my breathing increased ten-fold. Sweat broke out all over my body, and I began to shake uncontrollably. Finally, the pent-up emotions came crashing over me, and I fully understood my predicament.