Legend Beyond The Stars by S.E. Gilchrist Page B

had been a tower of strength during those dark months, giving affection unconditionally for the first time in years, nagging Alana into facing each day, forcing her to continue her studies, attain her entrance to military college. The twins with their endless energy had been determined to include their older half-sister in their ploys. Slowly her enthusiasm for life had been rekindled.
    Her stepfather Colin had been such a brick, especially since Alana had always treated him with a wary reserve, refusing to acknowledge him as part of her family. He had accepted this but had never failed to treat her in return with gentle consideration.
    Alana drew in a deep shaky breath as she remembered how Colin had used his resources as one of the most successful retail businessmen in the country which used to be called Australia, to ensure Scott disappeared out of Alana’s life. Had she ever really thanked him? Told him how grateful she was for his support? Thanked any of her family?
    Too late now.
    That opportunity may never come again.
    She pressed her knuckles against her mouth until the bones ground against her teeth. I will not cry . The moment passed and she opened her eyes, tapped the switch to turn off the cleansing programme. It was time to face a new day and ensure she fulfilled her obligations in keeping these women safe.
    She would not fail anyone else.
    Before leaving the tube, her eyes caught her distorted reflection in the flexi glass. She pulled a face at her image and ran a hand through her hair tugging at the ends. No, there was nothing there to evoke any feelings of overwhelming passion in the opposite sex. She had learned that lesson from Scott too well.
    So why her? A sickening mixture of confusion and anxiety churned deep in her gut. Chewing her lower lip, Alana stepped out of the cleansing tube to find Jessamine leaning against the curved wall, examining one of her long black braids.
    Alana snapped her teeth together and did her best to evade the keen glance her friend shot at her. It was apparent she was not going to be able to keep the events of the night before undisclosed.
    “We’ve all been ordered to assemble in some room on a different level. Norman called it ‘ The Claiming Room’ . I’m a mite curious as to what’s goin’ on. Any suggestions, Captain?” asked Jessamine.
    “Some.” Alana finger combed her hair. She reflected on the passage of words she had with Commander Tarak. Perhaps it would be best to keep her suspicions to herself for a while longer. She chose her words with care. “I believe it’s an area where these aliens will claim a slave, that is, one of us.”
    “Wooah there, honey. Surely you’re not serious?” Jessamine’s brown eyes flashed with annoyance. “There ain’t no way I’m gonna be dragged off by some hideously deformed monster. I do my own claimin’.”
    ”It might relieve your mind somewhat to know they’re humanoid,” Alana said wryly while smoothing out the wrinkles on her trousers.
    “Humanoid?” Jessamine’s jaw dropped open. She emitted a soundless whistle. “Get out of here. Tell me, tell me everything.” She grabbed Alana by the arm and dragged her over to the bunk, thrusting her down so quickly, Alana whacked her hand on the metal bar at the base.
    “Ouch!”
    She scooted over on her bottom and rested her head on the wall. The wall flexed giving the impression it moved against the weight of her body. She frowned and pressed her fingers against the smooth surface. It was supple and made a faint rippling movement.
    How strange . Her friend’s loud voice interrupted her musings. With a sigh, Alana brought her attention back to the matter at hand.
    “Come on, give,” Jessamine repeated. Her face softened. “That bad, huh?”
    Alana sat up straight and looked at her, chin up, determined. “I made a wrong decision and one I will not be repeating.”
    “If that guy hurt you—I’ll make sure he pays.” Jessamine’s brown eyes glowed