His Human Conquest Page 11

  “I’ve been all over this planet now,” he says, slowing us down as we approach a coast. “It’s truly beautiful, Jillian. I understand why humanity would want to defend it, to keep it.”

  We cross over a vast desert, then take a turn and fly over a majestic mountain range.

  “Its people, too, can be quite beautiful,” he continues. “At least, that’s what I think. Some Dominars dismiss primitives, no matter how much they’ve accomplished culturally, socially, or artistically. They wouldn’t care that humanity has been to the brink of destruction before and come back from it. But seeing your growth, and the speed at which you’ve blossomed into a well-disciplined pet, I’m convinced that humanity will endure here on Earth. And I believe you are going to lead your people to great success in accepting their new world.”

  “Thank you, sir,” I say. I know he’s paying me a great compliment, but it makes me nervous. I’m not sure how I feel about having so much responsibility on my shoulders. He may be used to determining the fates of whole planets, but it’s still a lot for me to imagine. Still, knowing he’s confident in me brings a great deal of comfort and pride. Coming from him, it means a lot.

  It could also make me happy because of the way I feel for him. Am I falling in love with him? How does one know when it’s truly love?

  He pilots the ship to a waterfall and settles in front of it. All around me, the ship shimmers, disappearing; I shriek, looking beneath me and seeing nothing but the river below.

  “Hey, hey,” says Vol, holding me close. “We’re fine, pet.”

  Smiling sheepishly, I look around, stunned by the beauty now all around us. I stare until Vol turns my cheek to kiss me. Sighing happily, I moan as his arms reach lower, navigating down to my ass. Giggling, I wonder if the entire ship is invisible, or if Vol and I could be seen by anyone who happens to be around.

  I’m about to slip out of my singlet when we hear an electric chirping sound.

  “Sorry,” Vol says as the ship rematerializes around us. “I’m getting a call; Briette thinks it’s important.”

  A hologram appears in the air between us—a human woman looking about my age. With long, dark hair and ruby red lips, she’s incredibly attractive.

  “Commander Vol. My name is Sabine Marchessault, and I have been appointed special diplomat to the Dominars’ Forward Delegation by the United Nations. I would like to speak with you as soon as possible.”

  Interesting.

  “Have the world governments not tried to make contact before now?” I ask, realizing I have yet to hear a message like this.

  “After the minor debacle at the beach, I’ve been disregarding everything from Earth,” Vol explains. “I wanted my actions to speak louder. Now, I feel they have, so I recently opened up a channel for communication.”

  My eyes go wide, imagining how terrifying it must be to contact an alien conqueror and not hear back. “What if they sent messages before begging to surrender?”

  He chuckles, shaking his head. “We’ve analyzed the contents, just in case. I don’t know how you’ll feel about this, but we receive demands for your return on a daily basis.”

  “Wow.” I probably shouldn’t be surprised, but I never thought about that. “Maybe I should tell them I’m okay.”

  Vol nods. “Soon, you’ll do exactly that. You’re learning self-discipline—the next time you speak to humanity, you’ll be ready.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  He hugs me, then takes a deep breath.

  Briette, patch me through to Ms. Marchessault, he says through our nanites.

  The frozen hologram in front of us fades out for a second, but then reappears. Instead of the image being of just her face, this time it’s everything from head to toe. Dressed in an impeccable black suit and skirt, with her hair tied in an impossibly tight bun and eyebrows waxed into sharp lines, she looks like an exacting professional—just the kind of person to be selected for diplomacy with an ancient alien.

  “Commander Vol, thank you for responding to my call,” she says, staring at him. “I’m deeply honored to meet you.”

  I know she sees me in her peripheral vision, but she keeps her focus trained on Vol. She’s so disciplined, I realize. He’s going to like her, isn’t he?

  “Ms. Marchessault, I am honored as well. Congratulations on your appointment to the U.N. Am I correct to assume you are interested in establishing diplomatic relations?”

  “You are,” she replies, nodding. “However, I am also hoping to make a request.”

  Vol smiles, curious. “Go on.”

  She clears her throat, then says, “The United Nations would like to ask for a cessation of all alien military actions until we can hold a joint meeting with the Dominars to discuss the future of Earth.”

  Yeah, I’ll bet they’d like that.

  I nearly snort out loud; thankfully, Vol’s trained me to hide my reactions.

  “I think that’s a great idea, Ms. Marchessault,” he replies. “How about tomorrow?”

  His answer surprises me, but I suppose it makes sense. He’s toppled zealots, autocrats, and kingpins—he’s proven to be an unstoppable force. Why not turn to diplomacy now? Most of the world governments should be more than willing to capitulate.

  “I’m—I’m sorry, Commander,” says Marchessault. She looks up into the corner of her eye as if something’s buzzing in her ear. She’s most likely being fed some kind of instruction.

  “Sorry?”

  The woman doesn’t answer right away, still distracted by something. “We’re going to need time to prepare,” she says at last. “The nations of Earth would like to form a cohesive agreement on how to proceed as one world, fully united for the first time in history. Considering the circumstances, we feel this will now be possible. It’s our hope that six months should be enough to reach a point of satisfaction significant enough for the summit. We humbly ask that the Dominars hold off from further strikes until then.”

  Vol nods as he listens. When she’s finished, he waits before replying, appearing to give the matter serious thought. However, I’m fairly certain he’s just humoring her.

  “Your concerns are understandable,” he begins. “However, as your governments will not be dictating any of the terms of Earth’s surrender, any summit held between our people would only serve to provide yours with information. You will be there to listen, and ask questions. Is that understood?”

  Marchessault bristles, though I’m not sure if it’s from what Vol said or whoever else is listening on her end.

  Without waiting for her to answer, he continues, “However, I do understand that planetary conquest leads to unrest and uncertainty. We accept that humanity will require a period of adjustment, to allow the new reality to sink in. So, in the interests of making this work best for everyone, I will grant you one month to prepare for this meeting. The best way you can do that is to know the questions you would like to have answered.”

  Marchessault reaches for her ear and pops out a small black bud. She cups it in her hand and crosses her arms behind her back. “Very well, Commander Vol. One month.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Marchessault. Just let us know the exact time and location, and we’ll be there.”

  “Yes, of course. And about your military—”

  “I will put nonessential operations on hold,” Vol says. “But no promises.”

  “Thank you, Commander,” she says before cutting the connection.

  Vol sighs, turning back to me.

  “What can I do to help?” I ask him. “I can brainstorm the kinds of questions they’re likely to ask.”

  He kisses my cheek, then launches our ship into flight, rocketing up out into space. “I’m fine, pet. I’ve done this plenty of times. What I’d like to do is focus on you. I want to intensify your training, to make sure you’re ready.”

  “Me?”

  Vol smiles as Redeemer comes into view. “Of course, Jillian. You’re coming to the summit as my guest, so you better be prepared.”
>
  Chapter Fifteen

  Jillian

  The voice wakes me from a sound sleep.

  Jillian Wexler, can you hear me?

  Opening my eyes, I turn to see Vol asleep next to me. He’s breathing heavy, unconscious.

  Jillian, are you there?

  It’s not being spoken out loud; I’m hearing it in my head, through my nanites. The voice sounds familiar, but I can’t quite place it.

  I don’t hear anything. Are you sure this is working? the voice says.

  I hear you, I think back. Who is this?

  Who else would be contacting me this way but Vol?

  Hang on, I’m going to try something.

  Nothing happens at first, and I start wondering if I’m dreaming. Then I notice a glow in the air: a hologram forms in front of me, though it’s blurry and taking a while to sharpen. I turn to Vol, but he hasn’t stirred.

  Jillian, it’s good to see you. Are you alright?

  As the hologram gains focus, I finally identify the speaker: Corporal Dutton Bradley, the man who got me into this whole situation so many weeks ago. It feels like another lifetime.

  What’s going on? How are you doing this?

  Bradley smiles. We’ve hacked the Dominar tech. Once we broke the nanites, we could access literally everything else.

  My jaw drops and all I can do is stare at the hologram. I’m no expert in technology or war, but if humanity has broken Dominar technology, couldn’t that give Earth a fighting chance of defeating them? Or is that just a dream? For all I know, the Dominars could be fully aware that this conversation is happening.

  Are you alone, Jillian? We thought this might be your nighttime, but if now’s not a good time to speak…

  I turn to Vol, who looks to be in a deep, blissful sleep.

  I’m not alone, but as long as only I can hear you, it’s fine.

  Good, says Bradley. How are you doing, are you okay?

  I am, I reply. I can’t even begin to describe the experience I’ve had since meeting Vol, but the truth is, I’m in a good place. Telling another human this shocks me, but it’s how I feel.

  Seriously? You’ve been in captivity since—

  I said I’m okay, Bradley. It started off a little difficult, but I’ve not been mistreated. Can you see me? Do I not look okay?

  You do, Bradley admits, trying not to smirk.

  Looking down at myself, I realize I’m nude.

  Goddamnit, I snap, covering myself with a sheet. You could have said something.

  Sorry.

  Sighing, I ask, Why did you contact me? What do you want? I doubt there’s much I can tell him that he doesn’t already know, unless he’s interested in what they serve for lunch on Redeemer or what it’s like to get spanked by a Dominar.

  We want to know more about Vol. You’re close to him. What can you tell us?

  I grin, staring at his ripped chest as it rises and falls, and then lift my gaze to his perfect, beautiful purple face.

  He’s challenging, but wonderful, I say at last. He makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than the life I used to live—but also that even in such a vast universe, I still matter.

  Bradley rolls his eyes. That’s not what I meant, Wexler. Let me be specific: is Vol serious about this summit, or is he just going to fuck us over?

  It figures that’s what he wants to know.

  He’s conquering Earth, Bradley, I say. The summit isn’t going to change that. I don’t know what you want to hear. If he lied to Ms. Marchessault, he hasn’t confessed to me.

  Bradley’s brows narrow angrily. You don’t think he’s just getting us to conveniently gather up world leaders into one place so he can round them all up with ease?

  I actually laugh out loud at the idea. I can’t help it. Realizing what I’ve done, I look to Vol, but he still seems fast asleep.

  Sorry, no. I doubt he’s planning anything like that, I say. He doesn’t need to, as you’ve seen. Dominars don’t need to resort to cheap tricks.

  Bradley looks away from me and his face falls, upset by something. No, I suppose they don’t, he mumbles. Swallowing his frown, he looks back at me. We’re developing a plan to rescue you. All you need to do is convince Vol to bring you to the summit.

  I almost say the first thing that comes to mind, that Vol is already planning to do that, but instead I hold my mental tongue. Instead, I ask, How?

  We’re reverse-engineering all the Dominar tech we can. By the time you get to the summit, we should be able to deactivate your shackles and nanites. If we requested an audience with you alone, would Vol grant it?

  Yes, I mumble. I’m sure he would. But is that what I want?

  Good, says Bradley. I’ll be in touch soon. Stay strong, okay?

  Yeah, thanks, I reply, though my words just echo in my mind.

  I lie back down in bed, though I’m wide awake. For weeks I’ve learned and grown with Vol—I’ve fallen for him. I don’t really miss my old life on Earth. Is that wrong? Shouldn’t I be homesick every day? Shouldn’t I be loyal to my own people, instead of the aliens?

  The fact is, I trust Vol. I believe what he’s doing is helping humanity. He seems true to his word. What if Bradley and his people somehow defeat the Dominars, and undo all he’s accomplished? Without the Dominars, won’t the terrorists and dictators and crime lords return? What if humanity gains Dominar technology but misuses it—what if we’re not ready for such power, and use it to destroy ourselves? Isn’t that why the Dominars are here in the first place?

  I should tell Vol about this. If I don’t, I’m betraying him. But if I do, I could be betraying my entire species. Maybe knowing about life existing throughout the galaxy will help unify humanity. Maybe successfully thwarting an alien takeover will keep us together.

  Sighing, I turn over and bury my head in a pillow. I need time to think this over. There’s weeks until the summit—I can make up my mind before then.

  Fuck.

  The summit!

  If Bradley and his people attempt to rescue me, who says they won’t also be launching an attack? Won’t people be in danger? Maybe even the Dominars? I don’t care what Bradley thinks, I have to do something to prevent that. Just, what?

  And if I do side with Vol, what will that mean for my future? I can’t live on Redeemer forever—at some point I’m going back to Earth, right? What if people know I chose an alien over humanity? What if they want payback? Will I even be safe on Earth anymore? If not, would Vol grant me asylum somewhere?

  Maybe I’m just too tired, but the idea of never coming back to Earth doesn’t upset me all that much. Perhaps if I had a boyfriend or any really close friends, I’d feel more connected to my home. I liked my job, but as far as learning about space goes, what could be better than living with the Dominars?

  I must roll a million other questions around in my head, because my mind is still racing when Vol finally wakes. “Pet, are you okay?” he asks, seeing that I’m up.

  “Couldn’t sleep,” I mumble.

  Frowning, he sits up and rubs my bare shoulder. “Is something wrong?”

  “I’m just feeling under a lot of pressure,” I admit. “It’s hard to know what’s right these days.”

  He leans over and kisses my cheek. “I understand, pet. Really. Come on, get up.”

  “Yes, sir,” I reply, trying to suppress a yawn.

  He grins, patting my ass as I stand. “Don’t worry. After the day I’ve got planned for us, you’ll sleep just fine.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Vol

  I’m not so out of touch that I don’t notice Jillian’s distress. There’s so much going on in her life that she never imagined; of course she feels overwhelmed and stressed. She handles it very well, all things considered. Today, however, she deserves to be rewarded. A little relaxation—and maybe more than a little submission—will hopefully clear her mind.

  When she gets out of the cleaning station, she inhales deeply through her nose. Her eyes light up as she sees t
he breakfast spread set out in front of us. I pull out a seat for her, and wink as she stares at the food. I’ve got fried chicken eggs, singed bread squares, and assorted fruit cubes, in case she wants more familiar dishes. However, she ignores all of it. I laugh as she licks her lips, trying to choose between the prito eggs, the ohastrix nuggets, and the steamed wuh grains.

  “It all looks so good,” she says, stomach rumbling.

  “This is an Ohalessan breakfast. It’s all delicious. Go on, pet. Try whatever you like.”

  Smiling, she loads her plate and digs in. As I watch, she tastes everything, moaning as she discovers each new flavor. I’m almost jealous: what it must be like to try all this for the first time! “Would you like to know what all of this is?” I ask.

  Still chewing, she nods.

  I explain the origins of the various foods, providing holographic images of the plants and animals. She laughs at the prito, a goofy, flightless bird, but when I show her the ohastrix, she puts down her fork.

  “They look very graceful,” she says.

  “They are,” I reply, playing a recording of the quadruped at full gallop. Long, spindly legs propel the animal through a forest, moving too fast for most predators to follow.

  “Vol, are you from the same planet as them?” she asks.

  I shake my head. “No, not at all, why?”

  She blushes, turning away. “Sorry. It’s… they’re… and you…”

  “What is it, pet?”

  Laughing, she points to the hologram. “They’ve got purple fur, okay? And you’re purple. I wasn’t sure if that was, like, not a coincidence.”

  Grinning, I wink at Jillian and take a big bite of the ohastrix. “It is, pet. There are far more creatures in this galaxy than there are colors of visible light.”

  “Oh,” she says. “So, what’s the best food you’ve ever had? Or is this it? It’s the best I’ve ever had.”

  I chuckle. “You know, I’m not sure I could point to a favorite. This stuff is all good, but I’ve been to thousands of worlds. When I conquer one, it’s not unusual for the dignitaries of that planet to bring me their finest delicacies to earn my favor. So, I’ve tried some truly wonderful food and drink in my long life.”