Candidate (Selected Book 4) (8 page)

Then the administrator offered one last set of directions before striding from the grounds. A moment later, the women were freed. I expected the competition to begin, but instead, some of the women hurried to the racks of weapons. Others moved to the perimeter and wandered from alien to alien, sometimes talking, sometimes just moving along.

Apple moved to the nearest rack, tested the various weapons, and finally selected a long stick. She gave it a good spin, and she looked pretty good. She did some stretching, spun the staff a few more times, then returned to the center.

A few minutes later, all the women had gathered back at the center. Then there was a chime, and the competition began.

Apple and another woman, also with a staff, began running for one of the exits. Two of the aliens moved to intercept them, and two more waited nearer the entrance. Apple and the other woman tried to dodge around the two waiting aliens, but the aliens were faster and interposed themselves. Twice more the women tried to make it around, and each time, the two aliens were faster.

Apple and the two women looked at each other, nodded, and took off in the opposite direction. Both aliens chased them. Apple looked over her shoulder, saw the aliens were catching quickly, and yelled, "Spin, now!"

Both women spun around, their staffs spinning even faster. The other woman's alien was able to stop outside of range of her staff, but Apple connected hard on her alien's ribs. There was a loud crack! And he drew backwards. Apple didn't give him a chance to recover. She went after him, attacking hard, spinning the staff quickly, and she hit him twice more, both times in the same place.

The alien stepped out of range.

The other woman called out. She wasn't doing very well, and she had entered into a game of tug of war with her staff. Her alien was winning. Apple spun, took five steps, and brought her staff down hard on the second alien's arm.

There was another crack, and I gave out a loud cheer.

"You go, Apple!" I yelled.

That alien howled, releasing the other woman's staff, and turned on Apple. The two women harried him, and they were doing a good job driving him out of their path. Apple's first alien had appeared to retreat completely.

But then a new alien arrived.

"Not fair!" I cried. "She beat hers."

Apple didn't even see him coming. He arrived from behind her. She reached back with the staff, and he grabbed it from her, wrenching it away.

"Cheater!"

Then he grabbed her, pulled her to her chest, and backed away from the battle.

Moments later, he set a screaming Apple into the cage. She seemed as offended by the turn of events as I was.

Apple and the other woman were the last to be captured, having given the competition a better run than the other women. Without Apple's help, it only took a little longer for her alien to yank her staff away and toss it to the side. She turned to run, but he chased after her, catching her one handed, then dragged her to one of the cages and tossed her in. He wasn't as nice as Apple's alien had been. On the other hand, I thought he might have a broken arm.

I hoped it hurt, the asshole.

At this point, the camera seemed to hover over Apple's shoulder. She stood at the door of the cage, shaking the door and screaming.

It didn't do her any good.

But I watched as Apple watched the rest of the fight. Her alien was overcome by another, and that one by a third, and this one was Tom Baskins. Tom held off one challenger, and then it was over.

He turned to Apple, breathing heavily, blood running from a wound on his forehead.

"I am Tom Baskins," he said in slow English.

"I don't care who the hell you are," Apple screamed. "Lay a hand on me, and I swear, I'll do my best to kill you."

"You tell him, Apple!" I yelled.

"Are you injured?" he asked.

"What do you care, you animal?"

"You will be my mate. It is my responsibility to care for you."

"I'll never be your mate," she replied. "You can get that idea out of your head right now. You're not my type."

"Perhaps you will change your mind," said the alien. "If you are uninjured, you must be returned to your cell. Do you wish to walk, or should I carry you?"

"Touch me and I'll kill you."

Her threats didn't seem to bother him. He opened the cage door, and she backed away from him. So he stepped in, cornered her, then simply held out a hand, waiting. Apple stared at the hand for a while.

"Perhaps if you pretend to like me, I will grow complacent, and you will find your opportunity to kill me."

"Funny," she said. "Get away from me."

"I must return you to your cell. Take my hand, and you may walk. Or if you prefer I carry you, I can do so."

"Fuck you," she said. She didn't give him her hand. She kicked him, and it looked like a good kick, too, right where it should have counted.

It didn't appear to count very much. She cocked to give it another go, but he reached out and grabbed her, picking her up. He was amazingly gentle about it, although he gathered her flailing limbs so she couldn't continue to fight.

The video faded.

Over the next two hours, I watched the rest of Apple's videos, one after another. Some of the challenges were quite long, and so those I skimmed. There were five additional challenges between Apple and her alien. They were numbered one through five, so I guessed the first one I'd watched didn't receive a number. Apple won the first and fourth, but the alien won the other three. I didn't think that was surprising.

What was surprising was the way Apple's demeanor changed over the course of the challenges. Each of the videos began with images of what she'd been doing since the previous challenge. At first, she was left in her cell with nothing to do, and the highlight of her day was being allowed to shower. She started the first challenge no happier than she ended the arena. After that, she began spending time with her challenger, and then she began wearing a visor. At the end of the third challenge, even though she lost, she hugged her alien. At the start of the fifth, he had her arm around her, and she was allowing it. At the end, when he captured her for the last time, she laughed and told him he better kiss her before he put her in the cage, if he knew what was good for him.

I couldn't believe it.

I went digging for the next one to watch, but the visor told me I had an incoming call from Jasmine Brighteyes. I accepted.

"You may stay up all night watching those if you want, but I don't recommend it. Morning comes early."

I considered a glare, but I didn't have the energy. "Did you see which one I watched?"

"Apple Hayes. Did you pick it for her last name?"

"I did."

"That was only a few weeks ago," she said. "Your almost-namesake did quite well. In effect, she bested one opponent herself and assisted to nearly best another."

"They cheated after that."

"There is no cheating."

"She beat hers, but another came and attacked from behind."

"Ah. The rule is simple. One challenger per candidate, but if she bests one, then another can step forward."

"It was cowardly to take her from behind."

"There are some that suggest she should have been more aware," said Administrator Brighteyes. "On the other hand, the others saw what he did, and they were not kind to him during the subsequent battle."

"So they agreed with me?"

"They agreed his actions didn't offer Apple proper honor."

"And what do you think, Administrator?"

She looked at me for a moment. "If I answer, will you agree to tell no one?"

I smiled. "This should be good. Yes. I won't say a word to anyone."

"I think if-" then she pronounced a name I couldn't reproduce. "-had managed to remain Apple's challenger, I would have helped her win."

"Would you really?"

"It may have depended upon subsequent actions. My help may have been limited."

"I understand," I said.

"You have new mail. You can stay up all night if you want, but I'd recommend you read your mail and go to sleep. The visor can help you."

"I saw."

"Read your email, and I will stay here in case you have questions."

"All right," I said slowly. I went into command mode, which overlaid the menu on top of Jasmine's image. The email was from Jessica Maple.

Hello, Andromeda,

I enjoyed our time in the pool today. I have discussed you with Administrator Brighteyes. She explained your desire for daily activity, and so I have an offer for you.

Will you accept a Challenge with me? We could share a meal afterwards.

Yours,

Jessica Maple

I read it twice then dismissed it. "You're right," I said. "I have questions. Have you read it?"

"No, but she told me what she was going to ask."

"She wants me to become her mating candidate?"

"That is not the offer. She offers a challenge, but it would be in fun. You would negotiate the nature of the challenge as well as the reward for the winner." She smiled. "You have been invited on your first date, Andromeda. Are you going to accept?"

"I didn't think she was interested in something like that."

"She may not be. This may be a date between friends."

"I'm not going to go on a date the way you've been letting me dress. For that matter, I'm not doing any challenges like this, either."

"If you find yourself in the arena at the end of our agreement, you'll be dressed very much like you are now," she countered. "But no, I agree with you. Did you see that Apple was dressed appropriately for her challenges? You may not entirely like what I give you, but you will accept my decisions. Do you wish to accept Jessica Maple's offer?"

"Is it safe?"

"I do not believe you are asking the question that seems most obvious. Yes, it is physically safe."

"I guess I was asking if there's anything hidden. Am I agreeing to more than what is obvious?"

"You are agreeing to a challenge, the nature to be determined. There would be a reward for the winner, but it would be a minor reward, and it would be arranged between the two of you. You would share a dinner and conversation afterwards, like you might for a date with a human woman. There is no lingering obligation beyond any implied by the reward of the challenge."

"What if she demands a reward I don't wish to pay."

"You negotiate, and you may always back out if you cannot come to an agreement. I will not force you."

I studied her carefully. "This seems, I don't know. Easier than I was expecting."

"I suppose it does. What will you tell her?"

"I should accept."

"Before you do, I will warn you. I believe you should accept, but I do not promise you will enjoy the challenge. You may hate it, but you won't know until you try it. But even if you hate it, you'll learn something, and you'll have a nice dinner afterwards." She smiled again. "I believe in your old job, you occasionally were required to manage expectations."

I laughed. "Yes, I was. All right. I'll tell her I accept."

"Very good. You're already on the schedule. Good luck, Andromeda. I will see you in the morning."

Her image faded away. I returned to email. It took me a while to decide what to say, but in the end, I kept it simple.

Good evening, Jessica,

I would love to accept your offer of a challenge followed by your company. Thank you. I look forward to our time together.

Andromeda

And then I lay down and asked the visor to help me to sleep.

I woke suddenly, but not jarringly. One moment I was asleep, and the next I was awake, my eyes open. I was on my side, staring at the wall. There were no covers, and even in the hottest weather, I always slept with at least a sheet pulled over me. I stared at the grey wall for a moment then rolled onto my back, looking up through the glass ceiling of the cell. I scanned around, but I didn't see any aliens watching me.

I stood then took care of my morning needs. With no other choice, I sat back on the bed and decided to study for work.

Breakfast arrived. I ate efficiently, still studying, but then I rose, returned the tray to the delivery nook, and washed up.

I consulted the visor. I had time, if I wanted to spend it. I walked to the front wall of the cell and then asked the visor to show me back to the pool.

Access granted.

A door appeared in the glass. I actually wasn't sure that would work. But I didn't look a gift door in the mouth. I stepped out of my cell.

Like it had before, the visor guided me through the facility. I didn't have unlimited time, so I walked efficiently, padding along the empty passages in my bare feet and skimpy clothing. I hoped I didn't run into anyone.

I made it all the way to the females' locker room without encountering anyone, but as I stepped in, I heard voices. I didn't recognize the language. I froze for a minute, but I was determined. I strode in. I collected a robe and a towel and moved to my locker, then I came to a stop.

Halfway through a state of undress was an Octal. She was talking to a tall, furry alien. The Octal's back was to me, but the furry alien saw me and raised her eyes to me. Then she nodded in my direction, and the Octal turned.

She made a gesture with her hand. "Good morning, Andromeda Hayes."

I smiled. "Good morning, Dark Skies." Then I paused. "This is terrible. You are Dark Skies, yes?"

She made the gesture again. "Yes. You cannot tell us apart?"

"You are the only Octal I have met. I don't know if I could tell you apart from another."

"We are as distinctive as humans," she replied. "But the differences may not be as obvious to you as they are to me." Then she gestured. "This is Gentle Rain. The humans call her species Wookies."

"Oh, I think I'll remember that," I said. I stepped forward and offered my hand. "I am pleased to meet you, Gentle Rain. Do you speak English?"

She took my offered hand, engulfing it in her own. "I do," she replied. "If you speak carefully." Her voice was low, with rich tones, like a female version of James Earl Jones.

"Oh, I love your voice," I said.

"Thank you," she said. She rolled my hand over, still engulfed in hers. Then she reached with her other hand, but she stopped before she touched. "Do you mind?"

"No," I said.

She caressed the back of my hand with two fingers, then her fingers slid up past my wrist almost to my elbow before she withdrew. That was when she released my hand.

"You also have fur," she observed. "I thought humans wore no fur below their heads."

"We actually can be quite furry, although not as furry as you." I paused. "Do you know why humans call you Wookies?"

She made a rumbling sound deep in her chest. "I have seen all the
Star Wars
movies. Humans make such clever movies."

"I imagine yours are much better."

"Actually, no. My species does not create such art. We perform plays, which can be very elaborate, but nothing like human movies."

I turned to face Dark Skies. "I have been remiss."

"Oh? Have you?"

"I would not presume, of course, but I wonder."

"What do you wonder?"

"Do we have a hugging relationship? I thought after our last time together, we might, but human and Octal ways may not be the same."

"I was not sure, either," she said. "I would like a relationship that includes hugs."

And so I stepped forward, and we wrapped arms around each other. I then whispered into her ear, "Thank you for your kindness during our first meeting."

"You are not upset you lost our battle of wills."

"I would rather have gone home, but I could not have won."

We tightened for a moment and then separated. "You are here to swim?" she asked.

"Yes. Are you coming or going?"

"I had just arrived when I encountered Soft Rain," she replied.

"Will you allow us to swim with you, Andromeda Hayes?" asked the Wookie.

I looked at them and smiled. "If you call me Andromeda. Americans do not usually use both names together past the initial greeting."

"Then I will."

"I just need to change," I said. I turned to my locker then offered a small prayer to the Goddess of Mating Candidates. I opened the locker.

"Damned goddess," I muttered. No swimsuit had materialized. I turned my back on Dark Skies and Soft Rain, pulled the camisole over my head, then slipped the robe on. The camisole and undies went into the locker, and I closed it.

When I turned around, both aliens were watching me while talking in whatever language they were using. I offered a tentative smile. Administrator Brighteyes' plan to keep me off balance was still working, but I was determined to push through it. "I'm ready."

Dark Skies took just a moment. She stripped out of the rest of her clothes, slid a quickly folded stack into her own locker, and then offered a gesture.

The Wookie kept her fur on.

They followed me to the pool. I walked to the edge of the pool and looked at the small number of swimmers. There were four humans swimming laps: two women and two men. They were wearing swimsuits. I sighed.

Then there were several aliens. One was also swimming laps, but he was doing them underwater, and the entire time I watched, he went back and forth but never came up for air.

The Octal and Wookie stepped to my side. I pointed. "Can he breath down there?"

"That is a female," said Dark Skies. "I do not believe she is breathing. I believe she holds her breath. But perhaps she has an apparatus or perhaps she has altered her body to allow her to breath in the water."

"Oh, wouldn't that be fun," I said.

"If you were one of my mates," said Dark Skies, "perhaps I would give you this enhancement."

"You can do that?" I asked.

"If you were Octal, I could," she replied. "As a human, I do not know, but I believe we could."

There were three other aliens, including another Wookie. "Is that a friend?"

"That is a male of my species," said Soft Rain. "Yes, he is my best friend."

"Best friend, or a mate?" I asked.

She made her rumbling sound, and I decided it was her form of a laugh. "He is my brother. We are twins. We are here growing accustomed to the weather. He wishes to compete for a mate."

"And you? Do you wish to compete for a mate?"

"I have not decided," she replied. "Human males do not interest me." Then she looked me up and down slowly. "I have not decided how I feel about human females." She rumbled again. "Perhaps my brother and I would choose to compete for you."

I turned and stepped close to her, moving well into her personal space. She looked down at me. I couldn't read her expression, but her eyes looked kind. I set a hand on the center of her chest. "I have no interest in a male Wookie, Soft Rain."

Soft Rain stared at me. Beside me, Dark Skies snorted. I turned to face her. "Do you find me amusing?"

"I find you very amusing, but currently it is Soft Rain that amuses me more."

"Why does she amuse you?"

"Look. You have left her speechless."

I turned back to the Wookie. She continued to look down at me, her mouth open slightly, but she was saying nothing. I removed my hand. "Did I do anything wrong?"

"No, little human," said the Wookie. "Did you just invite me to compete for you?"

"Not exactly, but I bet if you learn more about me, you'll figure out what I did offer." Then I stepped away, moving to the clothing rack. "Would one of you ask the males to turn away until I'm in the water?"

It was Dark Skies who spoke. I turned my back, slid the robe from my shoulders, hung it up, and then tossed the towel at a chair. Score! Two for two.

Then I turned and ran for the water, my eyes flicking to the underwater swimmer, then diving deeply, making sure I didn't dive on top of her.

Remaining underwater, I swam to the far end of the pool. But it was as far as I could hold my breath, so I came to the surface, took a deep breath, then pushed off from the pool, returning to the bottom to swim back.

I did another back and forth, but then when I reached the deep end for the third time, the underwater swimmer was waiting for me, hovering in the water and watching me approach. I gestured up and surfaced, and a moment later she surfaced in front of me.

"Is English your preferred language?" she asked, speaking slowly and carefully. I had to cock my head to understand her accent, but then nodded.

"Yes," I said. "I am Andromeda Hayes. You should call me Andromeda."

"It is my pleasure," she replied. "You should call me Cherish. I did not know humans could swim in this fashion. Will you explain?"

"I'm not sure what is surprising," I said.

"Humans swim like that." She gestured with her hand to the men and women still swimming their laps.

"That is one way humans swim," I said.

"Have you been altered to breathe the water?"

"No. I hold my breath." I demonstrated briefly, then gestured. "One length of the pool is as far as I can swim this way."

"Oh, I see. A simple answer. You are not like the other humans here."

"We all like to believe we're unique," I said. "In what way am I different?"

"You swim under the surface, and you do not hide your body."

"Ah. I am considered a mating candidate. Administrator Brighteyes will not give me a swimsuit. I think she is a voyeur."

"I do not know that word."

"She likes to watch."

The alien gave three quick barks. "I will remember this word," she replied. "I believe you are right."

At that time, Dark Skies and Soft Rain swam up to us. I moved to the edge of the pool, using a hand to steady myself. "Do you three know each other?"

"I am sorry," said Soft Rain. "I do not know this Tutor."

"Tutor? Is that the name of your species?" I asked Cherish.

"Yes," she said.

"Well. Cherish the Tutor," I said formally, "This Wookie is called Soft Rain." The two offered greetings. "And do you know this Octal, Dark Skies?"

"Yes," said Cherish. "Dark Skies and I have met. My pleasure, Dark Skies."

"My pleasure, Cherish," replied the Octal.

"Well, everyone knows I am a mating candidate, as unwilling as I may be. Dark Skies works here. Soft Rain is here to support her brother. And are you here to compete for a mate, Cherish?"

"The Tutor do not compete," she replied. "I hope for a willing mate. I have not seen you before, Andromeda."

"I arrived mid-term, you could say," I said.

"You are unwilling. Have you then decided to attempt to win your freedom in the arena? You know your chances there are slight."

"I do not believe I would care to face Soft Rain's brother in the arena," I said. "My time this morning is limited, and I wish to swim, but I have two offers for all of you. I would offer to accept companions while I swim, and I would offer friendship." And then I took a deep breath, kicked off the pool, and began swimming. A moment later I felt a brush against my arm, and Cherish easily swam beside me. And when I surfaced at the other end, I discovered both Dark Skies and Soft Rain were also swimming with me, but at the surface.

And so we swam.

* * * *

The aliens stayed with me for my entire swim, and then we left as a group. They spoke together in another language, although that was okay. But they surrounded me for the walk back to the locker, and then when I headed for the shower, they followed me.

I washed efficiently, trying to ignore the other three all watching me while they showered. But I turned to the Wookie.

"That's a lot of fur to wash," I said. "And even more to dry."

"As a child, I hated taking baths," she replied. "But I love to swim and do not wish to smell of the chemicals afterwards. And so I must shower." But then she offered her rumble. "I wouldn't suppose you would wash my back."

I laughed. "Sure, but then I must hurry."

"If you do not have time-"

"I have time." I stepped over and collected some of the shampoo from the dispenser. Soft Rain turned her back to me, and I began to work in the shampoo. A moment later, Dark Skies stepped to my side, and so there were two of us washing the Wookie.

"Oh," she said. "That feels good." She looked over her shoulder and rumbled. "I am being bathed by an Octal?"