Brianna by Judy Mays - Celestial Passions 01 Read Free Book Online

this happen?”
    Lorilana’s voice was tired. “Decent people didn’t let this happen, Brianna. Almost everyone who would have denounced this policy was absent from the meeting that ratified it. We were tricked, very cleverly. You see, my husband was First President of the Academy of Science immediately before the Wafhkte debacle. The legislative sessions had been over for three days, and the Academy was in recess. My husband and I had left for our annual vacation, as had most of our allies in the Academy.
    While we were gone, Rodak don al’ Bakom, the Second President, called an emergency meeting. My husband was deposed as First President, and the new Tests for Humanity were passed. Even though we’d received an emergency message, we arrived too late to prevent passage. All we could do was modify some of the tests and lower passage requirements to 75%.”
    Struggling to control the tremors wracking her body, Brianna asked, “Weren’t the other people on your planet against this new policy, or does the Academy make the laws?”
    Again, Lorilana sighed. “The general population has no say in determining Academy policy, nor has Bakom tried to interfere with the laws of Drakan. And, as I said, ours is a very hedonistic race. Much of the population sees nothing wrong with sexual tests.”
    “But you don’t have to tell the Academy I’m here,” Brianna said in a hopeful voice. “Can’t you just take me back home?”
    “I wish it were that simple. Miklan chose to bring you on board because of the danger for you on your planet. Bakom knows you’re here and will do everything in his power to get you back.”
    “Back?”
    “When you transported up, Bakom was waiting. He gave both Miklan and Cindar sedatives and spirited you away before our own medical staff arrived. We only knew about you because one of my staff mentioned a bundle Bakom and his assistants carried to their lab. Mithrin had already been administered, but Char and I arrived before the drug was able to take any real effect. Since you were wounded, we were able to take you back to Medical where I gave you the antidote. After all, the Tests mandate a ‘healthy’ specimen be examined, and at that point we were unsure whether or not you’d survive. I couldn’t deny Bakom access to Medical, though, and he monitored your progress. As soon as you were judged to be healthy, you would have once again fallen under his control. That’s why you’re here.”
    “Here?”
    “The Captain’s quarters. Bakom dare not come here. The Alalakans hate him with unbelievable passion. Char will keep you safe if for no other reason than to thwart Bakom.”
    The tears she’d been fighting began to slide down Brianna’s cheeks. “But what will happen when we reach your planet? I can’t stay on this ship, in these quarters, forever!”
    Lorilana allowed her fatigue to show. “I know, Brianna, I know. But it will take months to get to Drakan, and that will give us time to devise a plan.”
    Eyes closed, Brianna leaned back against the wall. Tears ran silently down her cheeks.
    Lorilana reached over and stroked her shoulder. “Don’t worry,” she said softly. “We won’t allow anything to happen to you. If we ask, Princess Merilinlalissa’s family will grant you sanctuary on Mediria. Bakom has many enemies on the five known planets. We’ll keep you safe.”
    Brianna sniffed and wiped away tears with a corner of her blanket. “But when will I go home? Will I ever see my family again?”
    The doctor’s eyes widened as she jerked her hand away.
    “Do you have a husband? Children?”
    “No, but my parents will worry about me.”
    “Children would have certainly complicated matters,”
    Lorilana murmured as relief flowed through her. “Too bad you’re not pregnant. Carrying a baby would certainly delay the tests if not cancel them completely.”
    Brianna said nothing. Her eyes remained closed as tears continued to run unchecked down her cheeks. She clenched the