Ansariland by J. Alan Veerkamp

Author:J. Alan Veerkamp [Veerkamp, J. Alan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LGBTQIA+, Sci-fi, Gay, alternate universe, family-drama, futuristic, alpha males, bonded, sex industry, prostitution, PTSD/post-traumatic stress, space pirates
Publisher: NineStar Press, LLC
Published: 2021-08-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

The cargo door slammed shut with Arad’s hand on the access pad. Green text switched to red.

***LOCKED — Rank Access Enabled***

The Ansariland would only allow a captain or above to open the door and grant access to the supplies and sleeping DemiShou inside. Since the system wouldn’t see anyone from the Nightingale as important enough, the others would stay hidden, stay safe. When it was still the Midas Ascending, Serene’s attitude and the various restrictions had been based on him being the cabin boy. Repeating the process made him feel a bit hypocritical, but he’d promised to protect Shichi and Hachi, and he refused to break his word. The Nightingale’s crew didn’t need to know about them to repair the ship.

“You remembered to close out the history and sensor logs?” Roku asked.

With a finger swipe, Arad blanked the screen. “Yep. With a little luck, it’ll keep our cover story. Let’s get going. They’re waiting.”

Arad turned and headed for the airlock with Roku in tow. The argument over leaving Roku behind to prevent any problems with the new crew was quashed as fast as it appeared. Roku would never be Arad’s dirty secret.

Outer space didn’t greet them when they opened the airlock. A claustrophobic tunnel extended from the Nightingale’s hull to dock the two ships together, allowing access between them. Arad pressed the control on the far side to signal their arrival. He hoped they wouldn’t have to wait long. The airlock wasn’t exactly Arad’s favorite place these days. He hadn’t set foot in there since the spacewalk. It was the portal to outside after all.

A beep accompanied the start of underlying mechanicals. Seals parted and air blew through the tunnel as the outer hull hatch motored into the wall. The interior door sat wide open with a full view of the Nightingale’s cargo hold and their crew.

The space was larger yet less open than the Ansariland’s, with rows of shelves and metal boxes eating up the available real estate. Strangely, Arad found himself thankful not to see a series of containers filled with sleeping DemiShou.

Leaning against a stack of crates, Hodge sipped from a steaming metal cup, hands safe from the heat by a pair of thin insulated gloves. Everything about the man screamed sensible relaxation. Standing by his side, Yosei would likely challenge that in her pink hair, jumpsuit, and clunky boots. Her spiky hair barely the height of Hodge’s shoulder, the pixie-sized tech had a face that was practically filled by her eyes and smile as Roku stepped through the doorway. Hodge placed a hand on her shoulder before she launched herself at them. Yosei vibrated with excitement, the impending question avalanche barely restrained. When she settled, he placed his cup on the crate and walked over to shake Arad’s hand.

“Welcome aboard, Arad.”

“Thanks. This is Roku, my first mate.”

Without the slightest hesitation, Hodge reached around Arad and gave Roku a hearty handshake. “Good to meet you. Sorry it couldn’t be under better circumstances, but I’m glad we can show you a little hospitality.

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