Chapter 1
Welcome
Patty didn’t know why, but she was always excited when the shuttles landed. Especially the one bringing new employees. There was no reason, really. It was always a disappointment in the end. Maybe she hoped to find her other half, that mate of her heart she had read about. A monster like she was must not have a mate.
She didn’t really know what she was, only that she was a mix of many not just the two most people claimed as parents. There’d been a plan, something they were looking for, but it hadn’t been what they’d gotten. They’d called her and Ladonna, her best friend, Frankensteins. When she’d looked it up, she saw monster was a synonym. Who was she to argue or care, for that matter, about what the lab personnel thought of them?
Sure, she was a genius and her physical looks were pleasing to most. Her health seemed perfect, but her ability to do as she was told was not so good. In the end, they’d considered just that, ending her and Ladonna. Instead they’d decided to put them to a limited use. She and her friend ran most of the station.
Why didn’t she just leave? She was held hostage by the others, the children being raised mostly by them and the adults kept in cages to be used for their DNA. If she acted up, the place would have the self-destruct activated remotely. The explosion would be immediate, no countdown to give her hope she could interfere.
They’d assured her even looking for the self-destruct would activate it. Patty wanted to be useful so she spent her time researching and sending information to those that fought her makers. If she couldn’t escape herself she helped others and made sure nothing was traced to her. She always made sure a wicked employee was found culpable. It was an art form with her.
It was the easiest way to get rid of the worst of the bad people who ran the place. Most were crooked with no loyalty to anyone but themselves. The higher authority didn’t care if they were sadistic, but if they stole or damaged property that was a death sentence. Even failure to do their job would be punished. Plotting and planning against the company, that was a big mistake.
Even though the supervisors knew it, it always ended up happening. Some of the worst people had been destroyed because of it. There would be several replacements on this ship. She watched hoping for much while expecting little. Some of the guards were attractive, on the outside at least.
Wow, wait a minute. His hair was brown until the light hit it. Streaks of gold lit up. Tall, nearly seven foot she’d guess. Broad shoulders, lean hips, long legs and as she looked at his face, full sexy lips. Her chest ached as she stared unable to look away until he moved. For better or worse, Patty had just found her weakness. He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen.
She pulled up the information on the new employees on this shuttle. Teran, yes, that was him although the name just didn’t suit. He was from Earth in some little section where there were too many people and not enough jobs. There were a dozen former addresses, he must have been wanted by the law at one time.
He’d been lucky to escape capture until the government had all but fallen. Earth was in so much trouble, law enforcement had forgiven all but the most serious crimes having few officers and almost no funds to operate with. Maybe it was because he was such a pretty boy. Looks could often be used to dissuade cops from bothering you. She hated to believe he would use his body to avoid jail.
The male looked up catching her eyeing him. The smile he sent her way lit her up from the inside out. Gods, the male was too perfect as far as looks went. At least he wouldn’t try to force sex on any of the residents. He’d have males and females lined up down the hall in front of his room. It was tempting to be in that line, but it wasn’t her way. Males only brought pain in one form or another.
She turned away, her curiosity about who they now had on staff satisfied. Patty would be careful around the pretty one. The others would present no issues at all. It would be no effort at all for her to take out three males at once. Her superior strength, her intelligence, and the high quality training she’d received all contributed to that fact.
A random thought occurred to her, she wondered if pretty boy could fight. Her guess was no, but she would never assume that was true. Patty entered the lab sitting at the desk she ran everything from.
“Any surprises?” Ladonna asked.
“One pretty boy in the group.”
“He must be something to get your attention.”
“Just pretty, that’s all I know. His folder says he’s well trained in fighting and security. We’ll know soon enough if that’s true.” Patty observed.
“Maybe he’ll be worth your time. You’re alone too much.”
“Males are too much trouble.”
“Maybe I’ll check him out.” Patty growled. “What was that?”
“Nothing, my throat is dry.” Patty explained.
“Sure, I always growl when my throat’s dry.” Ladonna giggled.
That girl saw too much. She was Patty’s best friend. One of the few people who she’d been raised with that was still here. Ladonna’s talent in the lab was why. She took the place of two regular technicians. Her friend often knew more than the doctors. Patty and Ladonna tried to use their powers for good. It wasn’t always easy in a place where evil ruled.
“How many babies?”
Ladonna smiled. “Reproduction is down. My only fear is they’ll try to put me or you in charge of it.”
“I don’t think they will. The evidence shows they have DNA from a bad source. Who they use to run things won’t matter.”
“They won’t catch us will they?”
“No, they have no idea the substitute isn’t DNA at all. It shows like blanks. The subject escaped and there is no way to test them now.”
“You’re so good. Thank goodness it’s cut down on the poor children they run through here.”
“I only wish we could close this place down.”
“Maybe someday.” Ladonna hoped.