Chapter Twenty Six
The women were literally laid bare. They'd been stripped and prodded, poked, pulled and finally, scrubbed clean and brushed. They'd been inventoried by a man named Bane. After inspecting them like cattle, he'd spoken to Dontor and Damyus, clearly deliberating the best course of action to take, but now they were left cold and alone. Tarya was grateful she'd had the protection spell on her necklace, though it had been somewhat painful, the frustration that grew in the men at being unable to remove it had been somewhat satisfying, especially when they decided to give up.
"Nothing like a unique bonding session," quipped Tarya.
"I take it you're choosing to laugh rather than cry," queried Deanna as she inspected the bruising and scrapes that were already forming and beginning to heal around Tarya's neck . Tarya sighed, fully aware that this was a far more unusual and exposing situation for the other two.
"I'm sorry. Are you both okay?" She added, Beverly smiled.
"We've not really much of a choice, do we?" Responded Beverly.
"What's going to happen to us?" Deanna asked, appearing slightly more unnerved than the other two.
"Well, putting together everything we've learnt so far, we are going to be sold to whoever offers the highest amount of whatever currency they use. Whoever it is, wherever it is, I guarantee it'll be a male who'll want to control us. If they are currency orientated, no doubt we'll be used to make them more, one way or another."
"Beverly, are you delicately trying to say we are going to be sold to work in a nighthouse?" She just shrugged her shoulders in response to her best friend's frankness.
"Possibly not," added Tarya, "you two are young and beautiful, you may well find yourselves a dashing and sort after counted man of your dreams."
"Oh stop it," teased a teary Deanna.
"I'm sorry, I can't help myself, you were right, laugh or cry… Doone!" Tarya stopped abruptly, Doone had clearly been trying to contact her for a while. The other two looked on in hope that at least they were still in contact with the others, but before she could relay anything to them, the door opened.
Bane returned with three guards, all were carrying clothing.
"What's going to happen to us?" Beverly bravely asked.
"Ah you two will be a challenge for someone won't you? One piece of advice, don't speak until spoken too, you may have an easier time of it." Tarya was slightly miffed he didn't insinuate she would be trouble, though he probably assumed that she knew how to behave merely because she was the same species.
"What a magnanimous piece of advice to offer, thank you," Beverly returned bitterly. He sighed and approached her.
"How fortunate that you are due on stage soon, I wouldn't want to scar your pretty face beforehand." He ran his fingers down her cheek as she refused to relinquish eye contact, remaining resolute.
"Tonight will be interesting, that's for sure, "he continued. "I have no idea how this is going to go. You all have advantages and disadvantages. I'm sure you'll all be thrilled with your summaries; get used to being told who you are now… Now to my favourite part, dress up. I couldn't decide what angle to take with you, as I have no idea who will want to pay the most." He moved to Deanna, squaring her to him so he could admire her further. She hoped he wouldn't notice her tremble.
"You've upped the stakes tonight that's for sure. I've had to send the men around informing everyone that a standard night of shuffling around old cargo has transformed into a once in a lifetime opportunity, that is why we are running a bit late, but don't worry, it'll be worth it." Bane clicked his fingers and the men approached the women in turn.
"Put these on." They didn't even bother to inspect the clothing; they'd have been grateful for fig leaves at this point. However, when they finally donned their new attire, it still left very little to the imagination.
The shuttle had returned to the Enterprise and the Admiral had ordered everyone to engineering.
"Lieutenant Worf, did you manage to make contact?"
"Captain Picard managed to contact us, due to the situation on the surface we need to await his contact. Any contact from our end could endanger the away team further."
"Are we really still calling them an away team, Lieutenant?" Geordi exchanged a keep quiet look with Worf.
"And what is the situation, Lieutenant?" Nechayev added.
"The Captain, Commander and Doone are in the hands of the resistance, it sounds like they are a very underground organisation, but are trying to help them. Counsellor Troi, Dr Crusher and Tarya are about to be sold."
"Sold?" Queried Geordi with deep concern.
"Does anyone know in what context this would be?" Nechayev diverted.
"I would imagine your worst nightmare and I'd like to think you won't be close. At least, that would be nice for you, but not so much for them." Starnel finally offered. The Enterprise crew looked slightly unnerved, it wasn't the way one would usually address an Admiral, but they also realised she would account for this. It felt as though nothing they could do would make anything right now.
"Do they still have their communicators with them?" Asked the Admiral.
"It would seem at the very least the Captain still does, so it's likely to assume Commander Riker will have his too, as for the others, it's possibly they may have been taken from them by now," offered Worf, "especially if they are being held captive."
"So, even if we did decide to break down this barrier, we would have to scan for life signs anyway, which could mean we may not manage to retrieve everyone that has been 'trapped', for want of a better word."
"It would only be Doone we'd struggle to locate, but there may be a way around that nearer the time." Suggested Data.
"Did the Captain give any indication of when he would make contact again?"
"No Ma'am. Time is also not monitored on the surface as strictly as we monitor it. They merely go by the time of day they are in, a rough approximation, so even if he wanted to give a specific time to contact us that would be difficult.
"Of course it would be, wouldn't it." The Admiral hung her head and placed her hands on the console in front of her.
"I guess all we can do for now is wait, Keep working on a way to bring down or compromise the barrier, just in case."
"Aye Admiral," responded Geordi.
The women were being lead through a seedy, dank bar area. Every eye in the room was leering at them and if they walked close enough, hands would reach out to try and grab, fortunately the guards were batting them away.
"If you want to touch, you'll need to buy!" Shouted Bane as he led them into a large theatre-like room in the back of the building. The stage curtains were dark red and musty, and the stale smell of smoke that emanated from them could almost be tasted.
They were taken onto the stage, Beverly and Deanna were holding hands, Deanna reached out to grab Tarya's too. The stage was brightly lit, and large, round lights shone in their eyes. It was very warm and sticky, to the extent they were all starting to glow.
In front of them they could just about make out a series of large round tables, men sat around, chattering amongst themselves. Deanna was glad she couldn't make out what they were saying. The clattering of cutlery and raucous laughter was beginning to grate. Ale was being poured in abundance and the stale smell of alcohol and whatever it was they smoked was nauseating. The thought of their impending fate didn't help. She was glad she wasn't alone right now. Friends, both old and new were more comforting than she could ever imagine. Whatever it was they were about to go through, at least they weren't alone.
Bane ascended to the stage and smashed a gong. Everyone's attention turned his way, and folk raised their tankards whilst shouting 'Wahay' in Unison. They then began to bang quietly on the table, getting faster and faster as time elapsed, until one splicing hand gesture from their host commanded instant silence.
"Well, I'm glad you've taken this night as seriously as I intend. A once in a lifetime opportunity has arisen to acquire, one, possibly two, if not three, very unique individuals. Virgins to our land, and ways, these women possess exotic qualities and fiery personalities. Be sure they will test you to your limits."
'Beyond their limits,' Tarya mind whispered to Deanna. Deanna gave her a curious side glance, wondering why she was far more relaxed than she should be right now.
"Exhibit number one. Named Beverly she's a tall and athletic individual with flame red hair and ocean coloured eyes. They call her kind human, but she has a wicked tongue on her, be sure to understand she will need a bit of taming." Beverly cringed, with the exception of the word ocean being used to describe her eyes, it wasn't the first time she'd been informed of the rest, albeit not so abruptly. She listened as the mumbling grew around the tables.
"Exhibit number two. Deanna, a quieter and shorter individual. Her deep coal eyes are easy to get lost in. Her emotions easier to read and her soft skin and dark curls will have you enraptured. They call her kind Betazoid. Unfamiliar with our ways, she too will need to learn what it means to serve. Both of these women will mean adventures into pastures unknown, but they do come with a caveat – they do not live for a very long time. Possibly to only around a hundred and twenty years, they are also frail, hurt them and it could be irreparably. A negative I hear you say! Possibly… but I put it to you that you will have limited additions who will offer a unique experience - no one else will be able to offer anything like it." It was clear from that last statement where they were being marketed.
"Exhibit number three. Though more familiar in nature she holds the secrets of the south. In fact, she is purported to be one of their leaders. Whilst older than the others she remains a true beauty and believe me, her body tells a thousand tales. She is also an original, adding to her uniqueness." There were many gasps at that last statement.
"As you have already been informed, this is a sale of two lots. Beverly and Deanna are lot one and Tarya lot two. If you wish to split the ladies, that is your business and up to you to work out amongst yourselves. Team up how you wish I don't care. You may begin."
After a few moments, the bids started flooding in; it was hard to keep up. Eventually, they began to slow, Tarya was frozen at 850 coins, the highest bidder being Malcus. She cringed, why on earth would he want her, it must have to do with her being a southerner she concluded. Deanna and Beverly were in a bidding war between two men. Set at 900 coins the men were clearly nearing the top of their limits. Tarya only hoped one of them was the man Doone had spoken of. It finally settled on 950 for the pair.
"Final bids down one… two… sold!" Lot one to Seldor, don't keep us in suspense as to where you will be placing them now", everyone cheered to that as the knot grew in Deanna's stomach. "Lot two, Lord Malcus, congratulations on your new woman. I hope she provides all you need." Everyone was far quieter now. Malcus approached the stage with a great air of authority. He took the shackles from Bane and placed them around Tarya's wrist.
"You belong to me now." He pulled her abruptly and she stumbled to him as he proceeded to drag her from the stage.
"No!" Shouted Deanna after her, Beverly gripped her hand tighter.
'I will come and find you soon.' Tarya calmly relayed to Deanna, who visibly relaxed, albeit in confusion. Before she could fully compose, she felt the cold steel wrap around her wrist and she and Beverly were pulled closer. Bane handed the chain to Seldor.
"Remember now, don't keep us waiting too long." Bane winked and patted Seldor on the back as he walked off, satisfyingly cradling his new pouches, bulging with coins.
