Sophie (Planet Double Dick #27)

Sophie

“They’re back!” I am shocked. This means In-Sar and El-Frankin have survived their trip to the Uncivilized Tundra.

“Yes, exhausted, battered, but yes, they are here at the farmstead,” Mel says. Her voice is tense as it comes down the thread to my ear. I can’t tell if she is about to blurt out good or bad news. She’s unreadable.

“And Tammy?” Rachel asks quickly, saying the words that are on my tongue.

We are on a three-way call.

“They saw her,” Mel says. “They actually saw her.”

“What?” I say, shoving my hand through my shower-damp hair. “And did they bring her home?”

“No.” I hear the choke in Mel’s throat. “They couldn’t.”

“No? Why not?” I ask, disappointment sinking in my chest. We needed her home. She belonged with us, on this side of the border.

“She is being held captive by the Jakarty.”

“Oh no, poor Tammy. What kind of state is she in?”

“They say she looks well. Dishevelled, with her gown gone she wears old clothing, but she is being fed and has shelter.”

“And…” I swallow and take a deep breath. “Is she being used as a breeding machine by the males of the Jakarty?”

That is one of our biggest fears.

“Apparently not. He’s some kind of rebel leader and gave his word he wouldn’t mate with her.”

“Why would he do that?” Rachel asks.

“They’ve struck a deal.”

“What deal?” I walk from my bedroom to the upper hallway of our bala and look out at the urban landscape—spiked orange roofs, glistening pillars and a set of towering technology buildings to my right that seem to pierce the lavender-hued sky with their needle points.

“They have to return his brother. King Athos is holding him prisoner.”

“Okay.” Rachel extends the word. “And how hard is that going to be?”

“Near impossible.” I hear the despair in Mel’s voice. “They’d have to break him out of prison if they can even find out where he is being held. And how can they know that without inside information?” She pauses. “Tr-Agan is still refusing to tell the king that Tammy is even missing.”

“Tr-Argan is in agreement with Ar-Hagan about not telling the king,” Rachel says. “What about Ba-Daden, Sophie?”

“I think he could be persuaded, he doesn’t like going against His Majesty, but he says it’s not his place; it’s El-Frankin’s responsibility to confess his crime. He lost her.”

Mel judders in a breath. “I don’t know what to do.”

We are all quiet for a moment and then Rachel speaks, “I know I’ve said it before but I still think we should tell Visha. She’d understand and help us, I am sure of it. She’s a cool chick.”

“How could she help?” I ask, wondering if we are allowed to refer to the queen as a cool chick.

“Perhaps she has access to information about prisoner’s whereabouts, or she could subtly ask the king or one of the military personnel,” Rachel says. “I don’t know. I just feel like we have to do something. I feel so helpless, it’s horrible.”

“Me too,” I say, turning from the window and going back into my bedroom. “Tammy would be working her butt off to get us back.”

“Too true,” Mel agrees.

“And Visha is different now to when we first met her,” Rachel goes on, “She’s not that hysterical, terrified woman any more. She’s got a handle on life and a handle on the king. She could be a powerful ally for us.”

“I’m in,” Mel says quickly. “I just want my sister back, and if we have to take risks to do that, then so be it.”

“I’m in too,” I say, walking around the room but barely noticing my steps. My mind is whirring with these new developments.

“Right, we have a plan.” Rachel is decisive. “I’ll call her and ask if she wants to visit me here, in the mountains, for coffee. Tr-Argan has already left for the lab.”

“You’re just going to call the queen and ask her for coffee?” I say.

“She’s only been queen for a nanosecond,” Rachel says. “And I bet she’ll enjoy some female company and a trip out of that huge palace she rattles around in.” She pauses. “Why don’t you both come too?”

“No,” Mel says. “I want to stay here, in case by some miracle Tammy comes home.”

“Fair enough,” I say. “But I can come. Ba-Daden has taught me to drive a vehz, I’m mobile now.”

“Oh, that’s good,” Rachel says. “And perfect timing. I’ll see you soon.”

“Let’s hope Visha can make it and isn’t knee-deep in royal duties,” Mel says.

“Don’t you mean let’s hope the king isn’t two cocks deep in her and she can spare us the time.” I risk a small giggle.

It pays off and Mel and Rachel do the same.

We end the call and I feel brighter, more optimistic. The inertia of not doing anything, of not knowing, has been awful these last few days. Now we know Tammy is alive and well we are ready to formulate a concrete plan to get her back.

“I heard you laugh.”

I turn. Ba-Daden has emerged from his shower. He has a towel wrapped around his waist, the bulge of his two cocks plainly visible. His dark purple skin sparkles and his broad shoulders and thick biceps bulge with muscle.