Chapter Fourteen — Part 4

“And why didn’t you go public and ask friends and family for help?”

“Because nothing illegal has occurred. I never officially accepted full custody of the boy. Slavery isn’t legal on Kottanna, but selling slaves is acceptable business — we deal with our criminals that way, and with unwanted children. So my hands as a legal official are tied. If I do anything overtly, I’ll lose my job — and probably end up on a slaver ship myself.”

“So you’re attempting to do something covertly. It’s people like you who keep us pirates in business. Give me the name and description of this baby boy — and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Well, for starters he has my hair, my eyes, his mother’s nose, and he’s five years old.”

“Five years. It took you five years to take your son into custody?” wondered at the oddity of this situation.

“I can’t nurse him, after all.”

“Yes, well, continue.” Something didn’t feel right about the Commander’s story.

“Here’s his picture. He was taken aboard a slaver ship bound for Earth, for sale on the local market. That was three days ago — they should arrive on Earth a couple of days ahead of you.”

Commander Barrot gave me a hologram of his son, and I set it on the table, studying it closely. “As it so happens,” I said, wondering how such an odd coincidence could come to pass, “I’m in route to Earth now. If I should see your son, I’ll do what I can to ensure his best interests. Good day.”

Captain Reed escorted the man back to the airlock, and sealed him in his own ship. The Persimmon shifted us back to Realspace without warning me, and I put my clothes back on before heading for the bridge. I buttoned my last button and belted my sword and pistol to my side.

“I don’t trust him.” Tiffany said.

“Neither do I. He’s hiding something.”

“Did he promise you a reward?” She asked.

“No. He asked me for a favor.”

“And of course he didn’t sleep with you. So I really don’t trust him.” Tiffany said.

“I didn’t want to sleep with that man. I just wanted to be out of my clothes so I could change into an angel in Realspace. I like a little melodrama once in awhile.”

“Very cunning, daughter, and very dangerous.” She clicked her tongue. “I think he’ll have a hang over, that’s for sure. What if he was a mean drunk?”

“I knew you would take care of me.” I put Persimmon back on course. “We’ll send a closed frequency broadcast when we get there, and try to make contact with any Lenitian traders.”

Kotian hissed a surprised warning. “The Lenitians are not our friends, Gracie. Things could get ugly.”

“We’re going to Earth to meet a Forever Child, and it is strange luck that Commander Barrot stopped us and asked for help. I may not trust the Commander’s intentions — but the least I can do is check and see to the safety of the children.” I closed my eyes and let my mind drift. “How long until we’re in Earth orbit?”

“A few days in Otherspace at most Captain Bit.” The Persimmon answered cordially. I spent a few hours studying the limited information on the Scandivats, and afterwards took a long, discontented nap. The ship’s engines hummed me to sleep, and in that slumber I dreamed about Fluff, dreamed of losing him, and dreamed of starting over. I woke up shaking.

When I woke up, I started thinking about my mission on Earth. I tried to piece together Commander Barrot’s story — but none of it made sense. I had only stopped one ship and freed a half dozen slaves, hardly enough of an act for me to have the kind of reputation that’d have legal officials pounding on my door.

One thing I was certain was true, the future life of a child hung in the balance, and it would be impossible for me to let a boy go through what Tiffany went through growing up. It had been hard on me then — when I could only make life easier for her by making everything seem all right. Now, as an active participant, I would actually be able to change the future of whatever slaves I freed.

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