My Kingdom Come Book 1: The Saints We See (Complete)

Chapter 25: Arrival

664 standard years after the signing of the Alliance treaty

Mikhail met the captain at the hatch. He pulled the necklace holding his vial over his head and handed it to him. 

The captain looked at the vial laying in his palm for a moment, then closed his fingers over it. He looked up at Mikhail. "You're sure?"

Mikhail nodded.

The captain shrugged, pulled the necklace over his own head and tucked the vial under the collar of his tunic. He pulled a set of handcuffs from his belt and handcuffed Mikhail's hands behind his back.

Most of the crew was already there. The last few members joined them shortly and they stepped out into the night. The Jurverian formed a ring around Mikhail, with the captain at the head. They moved through the busy docks, out into the marketplace. There was a sleek black hover car waiting there, a large Ulkaar was standing by the back door.

The captain walked towards the Ulkaar.

The Ulkaar opened the door and a T'odea stepped out. He stared greedily at Mikhail with his wide-set, mud green eyes. His hands rubbed together slowly. "You've brought my merchandise back to me." His voice was high and reedy, matching his thin, slight frame.

So, this was the man who owned him. Chentzo. Mikhail stared at him. Did you watch my mother die? He wondered.

"There's something you need to know." The captain said. "He's been claimed by a Jurverian."

Chentzo's hands stopped moving. "What does that mean?"

"He is considered by the family to be a Jurverian. He can claim one life from the family business. If the mark on his body is removed there will be retaliation and only his master can kill him without repercussions from us. Other than that," he shrugged. "Nothing."

Chentzo's hands began moving again, rubbing together in a circular motion. "That's of no consequence. No one would dare kill him but his master anyway."

"We've delivered on our contract. We're ready to take our payment." The captain said.

"Let me examine my merchandise first." Chentzo stepped forward. and the captain moved out of the way. The feeling of Chentzo's elated greed slithered over Mikhail as he moved closer. Mikhail shuddered.

Chentzo was short, the top of his head only coming up Mikhail's chin. He stared at Mikhail. "You're a bold one, to be looking your master in the eyes."

Mikhail immediately let his gaze drop.

Chentzo chuckled softly. "Uncuff him, captain. I'm sure he wont try to run with all of you here."

The captain stepped behind Mikhail and unlocked the handcuffs.

"Take off your clothes, boy. I want to see you."

Mikhail's body froze, his stomach turned. He had known. Galor had done his best to explain to Mikhail in detail what it would mean to be treated like an object, but hearing the words was one thing. To have it actually happening was another.

"Do you want me to have my man strip you?" Chentzo purred. He gestured at the Ulkaar standing by the hover car door. "He would enjoy that."

Mikhail mechanically jerked his tunic over his head and dropped it in the dirt then he unbuckled his pants and pulled them off. He tucked his thumbs in his undershorts and hesitated. He'd never felt so reluctant to strip out of his clothes. He looked up at Chentzo.

Chentzo smiled at him cruelly.

Mikhail let his eyes drop. He pulled off his undershorts and dropped them in the dirt as well. He stood trembling in the chilly night air, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.