like a prison and more like the clear beaches surrounding Dasos. Now there was an ominous depth to the dark waves hidden by shadows cast by the setting sun. The memory made my heart sink. What happened to Josiah? Was he even alive?
"I forgot that Ethros is an island. If I knew we were going on vacation, I would have brought a swimsuit," Jules mused as the transport hit a wave and my stomach lurched once again.
"This isn't a vacation, sweetheart." Blan looked at her like he wanted to slap the smirk off her face. His hard eyes were unyielding and penetrating. Every time she made an easy comment about our situation, it riled him up.
"What do you plan on doing with the Walker?" Jules asked while picking at her nails. I heard an edge in her breathing, despite her nonchalant tone. I wasn’t surprised by the approach. She always viewed me as a Walker, and now she would be in a community of like-minded prejudice. I had hoped that we were making strides in our friendship, so it stung when she so easily dehumanized me.
"I'm sure Cavil will assign her a job."
"Well, she's pretty useless. Can't clean or keep her mouth shut. I mean, I guess she’s a decent cook. And she's loyal, which is hard to find in a good Walker these days. Otherwise, she's a waste of space."
I bit the inside of my cheek so hard that salty blood coated my tongue. Jules was playing the part of my Holder. And she was playing it well.
"She seems pretty defiant. You should've put a fetter on her a while ago," Webb piped in while scratching the inside of his nose. I dipped my head and stared at the floorboard of the transport while pinching my thigh. “When I heard Dormas was liberating Walkers, I couldn’t believe it. Ethros doesn’t tolerate insubordination. Everyone pays their dues.”
"And she's not even wearing an ear tag, it’s like you want her to run away. I get what you’re trying to do in Dormas, but it’s never going to work. Walkers are like the roaches of the empire. There’s no sense of loyalty. It’s disgusting." Blan scraped his tongue against his top teeth while wrinkling his nose.
"Yes, well, she amuses my brothers some. You know how there’s a shortage of women in Dormas," Jules explained carelessly.
"Ah, that makes sense. I bet she does a hell of a lot more than simply amuse them." Blan leaned forward and slowly snaked his tongue over his bottom lip. “I’ve known men that enjoy the pleasures of a Walker from time to time. Some find the filth appealing.” Webb looked me up and down with hungry eyes .
"Could you please at least pretend to be a gentleman? No need to be so vulgar," Jules scolded with a wave of her hand.
"I don't see how anyone could find a Walker attractive. Even without her tag, I saw her for exactly what she was," Blan said. He pressed closer to me, and I held my breath.
"And what’s that, Sergeant Blan?" Jules asked.
"A filthy Walker."
Chapter Three
The transport transitioned from the water to land with a thud, and we were jostled around inside as it propelled us towards a dimly lit city full of stucco buildings. Tall trees filled the skyline and tents lined the sand close to shore.
We glided through town as I observed all the makeshift homes with brightly painted doors and flowers that bloomed in their gardens. It was a beautiful place, and under different circumstances, I might have been able to enjoy the views. But Blan’s hot thigh pressing against mine was a constant reminder of how much danger I was in.
We pulled up to a brightly lit mansion with a coral colored door illuminated by street lights. When the transport doors opened, I took a moment to pause and collect myself before Blan shoved me outside. I walked as slowly as I could up the drive, taking in my surroundings and cataloging all the information I could. I rolled my neck and straightened my spine. I resolved to stay diligent. If I were going to survive this, I couldn't let my emotions dictate my decisions. So with a small smile and fiery eyes, I made my way up the winding drive.
The air was light, crisp, and smelled of salt. A breeze picked up the curly strands of my hair as the moon shined brightly upon us. In any other situation, I might have been in awe