Page 21 of Riv's Sanctuary

With that, she heard more shuffling before Geblit came into view outside the hovercar and by the farm's barrier.

The barrier itself looked like charged particles; it wasn’t actually solid. She couldn’t describe it but she got the distinct impression it would hurt like a motherfucker if Geblit tried to walk through.

She almost wished he did.

If he could put like just a finger through, so he could feel some pain.

She didn’t like him right now.

There was a metal panel on a pole close by with what looked like buttons on it and Geblit walked right up to the panel, his balloon at the back of his head pulsing as he punched in a code.

All four of his eyes darted to the box as he waited and, kneeling now so she could peer through the little slits better, Lauren felt her pulse rising.

Geblit was nervous, which was making her nervous.

When, after a few moments nothing happened, it sounded as if Geblit muttered a curse underneath his breath and punched in the code again.

Apprehension crawling up her spine like a snake, Lauren bit her bottom lip as she waited.

Still nothing.

"Maybe he's not home?" She spoke loud enough for Geblit to hear, and Geblit glanced her way again.

"I am positive he is at his residence. He never leaves."

Punching in the code again, Geblit waited, his forelimbs shaking with impatience.

She was apprehensive of this, but what choice did she have? If they had to turn back, she'd probably end up in that market and all she could think of was those tall black aliens.

The creature will do what we want… willingly or not.

The words sent another shiver down her spine.

The market scenario presented an unknown. There were many possibilities that could occur if she ended up being sold again.

But this scenario…this scenario was better.

At least in this scenario, she knew something. She knew where she'd be, which looked like a lovely farm. She knew the owner was possibly a pleasant person. If he was like Geblit, she could deal with that. Geblit was half-nice, but she could have put up with living with him.

She imagined this Riv was another of Geblit's kind but a little bit more...solitary? She could live with that.

That made this scenario her best scenario.

It was better having some semblance of an idea about her future than being thrust into a complete unknown.

For that reason, a part of her hoped the farm owner would answer.

For a fourth time, Geblit muttered a curse and punched in the code again, glancing her way as he did.

"Keep still and be quiet. It is your best chance at staying here," he whispered just before there was a click in the panel.

For a few seconds, there was no other sound.

"R-Riv?" Geblit blinked at the panel.

"What do you want?" The voice was deep, raspy, and caught her totally off guard.

Geblit's voice was so different from the other male's, she found herself blinking a little, only to immediately feel stupid.