Chapter 33: Katakia station

Qualin

Katakia station was as busy and crowded as ever. It functioned mainly as a trading post with rotating shops and markets as well as a few permanent ones and a few hundred residents. But at any given time, there was easily a few thousand people onboard.

There are semi-fairly elected leaders and a somewhat respectable peacekeeping force. So while bribery is an economic staple, anything too violent or disruptive is quickly shut down.

However, Katakia was in a particular part of space sort of between several legal territories: the Allawayia system were LaMihinnia was central to the rule of law, and things like slavery were banned long ago. Then there were Rataran Empire and Lacrazah system; slavery is common place in both. Katakia was just far enough removed to avoid conflicts with neighboring governments, while located conveniently enough for peoples from all over to gather.

Over all, a perfect place for black market dealings. I'd been here a number of times with Murcoross. In fact, it was where he caught me attempting to steal from his merchandise for the thieves guild that had owned me previously. Guess I should be grateful he just hacked my collar and stole me, rather than killing me. The fact that the years I'd spent with that asshole had ultimately lead me to Minor added to the odd sense of gratitude.

But this was no time to reminisce. Apparently, the last time we'd been through here, Murcoross had taken a job from Abujar without my knowledge. Probably while I was on that bullshit job stealing from some random ship with no real valuables. Not our usual m.o. and obviously an intentional waste of my time.

I didn't know they'd even seen Abujarh on that run. It's not like I was usually kept in the know, but still, this job seemed a bit more secretive then normal. Which means Abujarh may be laying extra low until he gets word that the job's done. Could he have heard it went bad?

The laws of LaMihinnia are too strict for the kind of ilk who would associate with him; he couldn't have much in the way of ears and eyes there, so he could still be waiting to hear from Murcoross. Best bet would be to play like I'm a messenger. I just needed to find the right hand to grease to give me a location...

My eyes scanned the crowd as we we made our way through the busy market place. It was full of the usual hussle and hustlers. I mused mentally that if my five companions were carrying valuables, they should watch there pockets.

'We don't carry valuables. nothing that we can't create when we transform.' Galaxy responded. It was strange hearing his voice in my head, but it wasn't too off-putting.

Then I realized I also wasn't carrying any valuables. Hard to grease hands when your own are empty.

'We can get money. Gold, or jewels. I don't really understand currency, but those things seem to be fairly universal, at least in places like this.' Stardust chimed in, I could feel the mild curiosity in her voice and glanced to see her watching everything around her casually.

It was a little surprising how well they were all blending in and moving through the crowd without really looking like we were all together. Yet no one got lost or really separated. The light hum of each of their minds seemed to indicate each one's direction and relative distance. Quite effective.

Minor was staying right behind me. Galaxy was just ahead, looking like our master, though I was directing him where to go and looking for possible contacts. The other three were mingled throughout the market, meandering between shops and stalls, but neither far away nor moving in noticable unison. Even I wouldn't have pegged us all for one group, and that's one of my many talents.

Finally, a familiar face caught my eye. A fellow beastling and resident of the station. His master was one of the corrupt guards that Abujarh had paid off. He'd know where we could find him.

'So we should make our way over to him?' Galaxy asked.

'Not all of us. It'll make him uncomfortable. plus, it would be strange for a master to approach an unfamiliar slave for a conversation. Let me just slip over and chat privately.'

'Can I go with you?' Minor asked, his hand gently brushing against mine. His sense of protectiveness was palpable, though he was being good about not showing it on his adorable face.

'Of course.' I smiled, giving his hand a brief caress before anyone could notice and started over to Hor'rom. A little nervousness came over me as I realized Minor might find out I used to sleep with him. I didn't want him to feel hurt or jealous. There really wasn't anything for him to feel jealous about, but still, maybe better if he didn't find out...

I froze dead in my tracks. Shit. As soon as I had thought about it, he had probably heard me. I glanced back, and sure enough, Minor had stopped walking a few steps back and was staring at the floor. I couldn't see his face, but I could sense the hurt.

I started to reach for him, everything else forgotten, and didn't notice I'd crossed into another man's path. I felt the impact and caught myself, stumbling away and lowering my head. Fuck!

"Watch where you're going you filthy beastling!" The man shouted at me after we collided.

"Hey! You ran into him!" Minor snapped, snarling up at the man.

Without a word, the man slapped Minor across the face. The hit was hard, the sound ringing out through the busy market. Not that it drew more than a cursory glance from a few passersby. A master hitting or beating a slave was hardly worth noticing.

I felt the growl begin in my chest, but bit it back. We weren't supposed to draw attention. As much as I wanted to to break the asshole's arm for striking my lover, that would just cause problems.

But I wasn't going to let Minor be hit again. I moved in front of him, keeping my eyes down and hands clasped in front of me as a sign of deference to a master. "Apologies, master." I pulled out my most charming and subservient tone. "He is new from the wilds and learning. The fault is all mine for stepping away from him. When I realized my mistake, I was too hasty and ran into you. I'm terribly sorry!" I smiled and tried to make myself look small and timid, flattening me ears and crushing sightly.

"Wild animals should be kept on a leash." The man scoffed. He was tall. From the Lacrazah system based on his clothing and greyish, rough skin. Dangerous. They were the sort that had no qualms skinning my sort.

I knew the blow was coming and was already braced for it. It felt eerily natural to fall back into this lifestyle, after all, it had only been, what? Days? My time with Minor had started to feel like a lifetime, but also like a mere dream. This was reality. This was life outside of the protective bubble he had welcomed me into. And this was nothing. I could take a blow and play the part of simpering slave.

What I was not expecting came from behind me. The instant the man in front of me began to raise his hand, the hair on the back of my neck prickled as the threads of energy around me began to spark and dance menacingly. Even there color had changed to a murderous red. There was also a feelingly that started in the back of my skull. Rage.

I was so intent on shielding Minor and diffusing the situation that I hadn't considered his reaction. I cut my eyes back to him. He really did look like a wild animal, fangs fully beared, pupils constricted to narrow slits, and his whole body tensing to strike.

Shit.