The Breeding Experiment - Laurann Dohner Page 0,45
bigger dumbass than I pegged him to be.”
Gnaw nodded.
Clark lowered his voice. “I also wanted him to see you that way to prove another point. No human would survive if you decided to sexually assault them. Or at least they’d be suffering some serious damage.”
“I would never.”
“I know, son. I’ve got some more shit to do before my shift ends, and have to check in with all the teams to make sure they don’t want me present if they still need to give statements. Are you good to make it back to your family cabin?”
“I am. My gratitude, Clark.”
The male grinned at him. “None of that crap. You’re one of my boys, son. Don’t you ever forget it. I’ve got your back. Go assure Roth that I didn’t let you down. I know it bothers him when I take charge.”
“He respects you. We all do.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Gnaw left the male and hurried to his home. His grouping was waiting, some of them appearing worried. “It is fine.”
Roth came to him first. “You stuck to the slightly altered version?”
“Yes.”
Maith growled. “This doesn’t mean we owe anything to Doctor Brick. I’m not allowing her to poke at me with needles, or willing to lie still for her invasive scans. Nor am I answering her rude questions.”
Gnaw hid a smile. He knew the male got annoyed when the alien specialist requested anything from him. Maith complained about it often.
Chapter Eleven
Darla felt guilty about telling Becky the edited version of what had happened between her and Gnaw, once they’d had time to really talk. She trusted Becky, but someone could trick her sister into sharing what she knew. Then they’d all get into trouble for lying to officials. Darla wasn’t willing to risk her job, Jessa’s position, or Gnaw’s future.
That had been a few days before. Now, Becky was nervously pacing in the one-bedroom cabin Darla had been assigned. Their new cabins ended up being a few doors apart on the same level. It was the first day of their new jobs. “What do we know about working on a fleet ship? Nothing!”
Darla had eaten breakfast before the door chime had announced her sister’s arrival. “We grew up working in a greenhouse. I’m sure it’s similar. They grow things. We grew things.”
“That’s different.”
“It’s not. You always wanted friends, right? Well, I was told at least forty people work in the gardens during the day shift.”
Her sister paled. “Forty?”
“You’re nervous. It’s understandable. But we’ll be together. It’ll be fine.” She ran her hands over her new brown uniform. It was two pieces, a short-sleeve shirt and long pants. The shoes were strange, with holes on the tops. The pamphlet that had come with the package of work wear had stated they were designed that way to help them dry faster. She supposed it made sense. Garden work meant dealing with a lot water.
“I’m glad we were assigned the same hours and days.”
Darla smiled at her. “Me too. That was really nice of them.”
“Do you think it’s because of what happened?”
“You mean the Elth?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe. Either way, I’m grateful.” Darla glanced at the clock. “We need to go or we’ll be late. I memorized our route to work yesterday.”
“So did I. This ship is so big!”
“It is. I’d heard that fleet ships were like cities in space. They really are.”
Darla led her out of the cabin and they made their way to a lift, traveling alone up a few decks. Then they got off, following the signs that led them to the garden section. The massive double doors opened at their approach, and she smiled.
The lighting in the room amazed Darla. It appeared as if they were stepping off a spaceship and right onto a planet surface. Not like Radison. It was all bright colors, sunshine, and neat sections and levels.
A man who looked to be in his late fifties, who also wore a brown uniform and sported the same holey shoes, turned to them with a smile. “You must be Becky and Darla. I’m Joseph, your one-man welcoming committee. Are you ready for a tour?”
Becky grinned. “It’s so beautiful. Is this what Earth looks like?”
“No. A good portion of our produce is from Earth, though.” He started walking, pointing out different sections of colors, explaining what was being grown in each area. He stopped by a small bench and lifted the seat, pulling out two book-sized data pads. “These are yours. Keep them stored inside your lockers, which I’ll show you in the employee