Chapter Two #2
Kaylee nodded. “A very refined district on Leonid-One. Leonid-One is considered the jewel of the Felix Orbus Galaxy—especially if you ask the people who live there. He seems very polite—and pompous. But that’s probably just nerves.
I bet after you two spend a couple of days together, have a few meals, a little wine... It’ll be great.”
Sasha nodded, lips pressed together. What if it wasn’t great? She didn’t want to turn him away. She knew he was desperate for a child, and she was desperate to fulfill her contract and get the full payment, plus a bonus on delivery, and fully twice the credits if she had twins.
This would be so much simpler if there were test tubes and injections involved, so much simpler if she didn’t have to play nice, physically or emotionally.
Come on, Sasha. Don’t fall into that trap, into old ways of thinking. This is a good thing, with good people, and a new start. Bodies are just bodies, and the whole thing will probably be over quickly each time.
Well, hopefully not too quick. Her mouth dried out when she thought about the size of Rupex, the Captain of the Comet Stalker, and his petite blonde wife, Layla.
Her tongue practically disintegrated when she thought of how big Talos was next to Wendy.
Dr. Marcus mentioned the size difference, but he didn’t seem concerned about it.
He simply said that humans and Felids were compatible with a little patience.
“Does he seem like the friendly, patient type?” Sasha drained her glass and pushed her bowl away. Her empty stomach was still hungry, but her nerves were now calling the shots.
Kaylee’s voice was noncommittal. “Well... Well, he seems very eager.”
Sasha swallowed down a question. She probably was coming off as nervous, and nervous females were probably not the right candidates for surrogacy that might rebuild a race, heck, that might rebuild a galaxy!
Eager? Eager to meet me? Or screw me into the mattress? Or to get this over with?
Or was “eager” simply code for “impatient”?
“I’ll get a shower and get ready to meet him.”
“He’ll have his own quarters, right next to yours. There are six sets of what we’re calling the surrogate suites. When you’re ready, just send him a message through the ship’s communication system. He’ll be listed like you: position, then name. He’ll be Guest: Farhet.”
“Got it. Where should I meet him? The dining area? My quarters?”
Kaylee shrugged. “It’s up to you. Wherever the mood takes you.”
What if my mood is so nervous, I can’t think straight?
“One of us will sit in with you while you get to know each other, and when you two mutually decide you want privacy, you can just let us know.” Kaylee leaned in and whispered, “Believe me, this is like a floating love boat.”
“But I’m not going to be in love! Love complicates things, and this is a business contract.”
“Well, I know, but... You know, the slang that people use. Physical expressions that often go along with love. When you want to have a good time. Physically.”
Kaylee blushed and stopped speaking, and Sasha took pity on the woman, nodding as if she agreed.
Kaylee continued. “Everyone here is on board with the fun side effects of surrogacy. Abi and Layla were both surrogates to start. Not that it lasted long before Rupex and Marcus were proposing!” Kaylee chuckled. “I know you and Farhet might not end up the same way—”
“We will not end up the same way,” Sasha said firmly.
“But you might as well enjoy yourselves?”
Sasha nodded, and her mind circled back to Kaylee’s description. Eager.
Well, let’s hope that it’s contagious, she thought as she saw Kaylee out and then retreated to the shower.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN, THE human Queen is not ready now? I was informed when she arrived. She’s been here for several days.”
Marcus looked at the impressive Leonid, a tall, striking figure in an immaculate suit and an overbearing manner.
“I’m sure you recall that the chromosomal compatibility injections must be given at the right time in the reproductive cycle.
Another two days should have Miss Cordovair ready.
In the meantime, there’s nothing preventing you from getting to know one another and enjoying each other’s company.
And if you’d like any advice on practical matters, we have a few members of the medical crew on staff who are in Felid-human relationships.
They could help answer questions. I’m certainly available, as is my wife, who is also our coordinator. ”
“I am not some cub. I don’t need coaching.”
“Very well, then I’ll take you to your quarters so you can prepare for your visit.
” Marcus eyed the Leonid, a trickle of dislike entering his soul, something he shoved away fiercely.
He was a doctor, sworn to help all. “Just be patient and allow things to develop naturally. It’s an awkward sort of situation, and a sense of humor and friendship will go a long way to easing that. ”
“This is a business transaction. I don’t need to befriend her, I simply need to fertilize her.”
Marcus knew his snarl betrayed him, and in other circumstances, he didn’t think the pompous Leonid would have tempered his speech or his attitude—but because Marcus was holding all the cards, including the surrogate in question, Farhet chuckled and gave an ingratiating smile.
“I’m sorry. It’s just best not to involve emotions in a potentially difficult situation. Don’t you agree, Doctor?”