My officer nods and leaves. My first officer tells me that she is still on this ship and her life sign is strong. That assures me a little. To not look like a fool, I enter into a conversation about current diplomacy, or lack of it, with our own government and the rumors that the Imperials are putting pressure on Silvers to sell their Water people volunteers. This is a conversation that interests me, so thankfully, it distracts me from thinking about Volunteer 4711’s whereabouts too much.

Twenty minutes have passed, and neither my valet nor my officer have returned. We are sitting down to dinner now. I am concerned, but I cannot show it. For the first time, I am confronted with the truth that my fondness for my valet goes beyond my appreciation for her loyalty to me. And I cannot stop thinking about what I will do if someone on this ship harmed her.

CHAPTER 19

VOLUNTEER 4711

I am surprised to see so many other females in the other ship’s officers’ lounge. The other human woman immediately approaches me.

“If you have a minute, I have a gift for you.”

“I can’t imagine you have anything I want,” I reply curtly.

She takes out a handheld communicator, which I’m shocked she is allowed and shows me an image.

“How did you…?” I ask.

“It was being auctioned off by your farm, and I had my commander buy it for you. I knew you’d want it.”

“But why would you do that for me?”

“Consider it a peace offering. We didn’t get off on the right foot, and since we’re going to be together for the foreseeable future, I thought it was the least I could do. Especially since you have no other jewelry, being a slave and all.”

I look around the officers’ lounge, and I really have nothing to do. I don’t think anyone will notice if I slip out for a minute. “Do you have it with you?”

She holds up her hands on her tight red dress. “Do I look like I have pockets? You’ll have to come with me if you want it. We will be right back.”

I look around, and it’s true no one will notice if I slip out for a few minutes. My Commander is busy in conversation, and his drink is full. I nod to the human woman and follow her out the door.

I think she purposely takes me a very long and confusing way to her quarters, making a lot of turns when she doesn’t have to. Also, I feel the time is ticking by, and I don’t want to get into trouble. “I’m going back. I can’t be away this long.”

“We’re almost there. Just a little further,” she says.

As soon as I round the corner, though, I don’t see her anymore. I turn back, and out of nowhere is a large Silver male.

He asks me, “Where are you going?”

“I was just looking for the other Water woman,” I reply. I call out to her, but the Silver male laughs at me. I realize then I’ve been had.