page 3 

From outside her room, she could hear anguished screams down the row of cheap housing. Her fear intensified, and she began to pant. Whatever they intended, she would fight them to the death if necessary.

She watched the three intruders fan out at the foot of the birthing bed, facing her. Again she shifted her body to shield her crying babies.

"Get out. Get out!" she shouted, her voice thundering in the tiny room. "You have no business here."

"Watch her," the Viis said to his men. He was speaking in the common patois of the abiru, or slave races. "She's weak from birthing, but she's still dangerous."

The mother's alarm continued to grow. She panted with it, her rage mingling with her fear. She was poor, a grade-two worker in the docks. Her mate was on shift duty even now. With all her heart and soul she longed for him to come, but she knew it was impossible. He did not know she needed help. He thought her safe within the birthing room. Gods' mercy, why were these brutes here?

One of the enforcers pulled out a rope from his pocket and shook its coils free. The rope curled and straightened as though alive, suspending itself above the ground. A loop formed in one end. Dry-mouthed, the mother stared at it.

"No," she panted. "No!"

"Get back," the Viis said harshly to her. He pointed at the wall near the door. "Stand over there and be quiet."

She knew what they wanted then. It flashed over her like heat. Growling, she flung herself across the bed to protect her cubs, but the Toth moved faster.

He tossed the loop at her, and the rope settled itself over her head and throat. At once she felt a sharp pulse of energy enclose her throat, then a sizzle of pain.

b a c k  •  n e x t

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10

h o m e  •  a l i e n    s p e c i e s  •  e x c e r p t   •  a   n e w    u n i v e r s e  •  o r i g i n s  •  a r t