CHAPTER 5
The terms are ridiculous. Even the emotionless robot filing the paperwork seems surprised by the six hundred percent interest rate and the fifty year term.
But it performs its task as programmed. And we wait for the secondary receipt, telling us it’s been sent off to the courts. Legally registering the debt with the Sovian government.
It feels so strange to see the words on the screen. It feels even stranger when I have a stamped and sealed hard copy.
“I kind of didn’t think they did this sort of thing out here. I didn’t even know you guys had paper.”
“That’s not exactly paper, but I guess it’s close enough.”
“Are we done?” I ask the robot.
“Your contract is completed. Registration pending. Do you require any further assistance from me?”
”No.”
“Thank you for using lawbot services. Please consider us again for any and all of your future legal needs.”
It rolls back into a compartment, leaving us alone in a room that is all too sterile.
The hallway leading from it isn’t much better.
“You own me now.” Ferrok says, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Do you want me to call you mistress?”
“Maybe…” I’ve never considered the idea before, but I don’t hate it. “But I don’t own you. That’s just paperwork and bullshit to keep you alive. Because I like you alive.”
“I like me alive too.”
“Is it done?” Mooralan asks, waiting for us in the corridor.
“Yep. It’s done. Hopefully, it gets there in time,” I say.
“Should we take a vacation until the paperwork’s been logged?” Mooralan laces his fingers in Ferrok’s.
“I’d like that,” he says, “Where would we go?”
“Someplace warm?” I’m thinking beach and bikini.
“Hell’s pretty warm.”
I freeze at the words. I know that voice.
When I turn to look at the Trulavian, I flinch.
“I told you I hoped we wouldn’t meet again… I am sorry that was not an option in the end.”