Scerior

By Jilly Bowling

Feisty Joanna Collins has planned her life carefully. Orphaned at the age of six, then losing her grandparents at fifteen she is self-sufficient, brave and extremely intelligent. Then her life spirals out of control when she is abducted into an alien world. Horrified to discover that she is destined to join a breeding programme, intended to save the Sceriae race from extinction, she is determined not only to survive, but to make a difference, for herself and all the girls in the same position. Taken by Acorus, the leader of the Sceriae army, she quickly becomes more than just another breeding female to him. As well as teaching him to love, she proves her bravery and intelligence, over and over again. When an evil race, finally, manage to find their way to Earth, the Sceriae led by Acorus, with Jo at his side, race to the rescue.

• Language: English
• Publisher: House of Erotica
• Release date: Apr 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781785380785

Book preview

advice.

Chapter 1

Jo ran out of the club absolutely furious with Steve. Who the hell did he think he was? He’d been lovely when he chatted her up two weeks ago. He took her out to dinner, wined and dined her, treated her like a princess. He was good looking in a pop star kind of way. Perfectly groomed, well dressed and charming.

She held out for ten days but after a late night and too much alcohol she had succumbed to his charms.

What a mistake!

He was a seriously selfish lover, horrified when he discovered she was a virgin at the ripe old age of eighteen. The whole episode was frankly awful.

He didn’t phone the next day or the day after. She told herself, good riddance, she’d gone right off him anyway.

Then her best friend Beth persuaded her to go out with the girls on Saturday night. They started off in the local pub, then got a taxi to a club at the other side of town. Not a very nice area but the club was new and the DJ was great. The four of them got a drink, then took to the dance floor; Toni, Sam Beth and Jo had been friends since junior school and loved being out together. They danced and drank, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, flirting with the lads, but staying together.

At twelve thirty, Jo said

Look, I mustn’t be too late. I’ve got loads to do tomorrow, to get ready for my interview on Monday.

Oh, come on said Beth There’s some great blokes here, we’re having a laugh.

It’s ok for you, Beth you’ve already got your place at uni.

You’ll get in wheedled Beth

There aren’t that many places for what I want to do replied Jo

Well you would want to be something like a zoologist or biologist, whatever

It’s what I’m interested in; I’m just fascinated by people and animals. I know it will take years to get where I want to be but I think it’ll be worth it. So I’m going home! Bye

Jo pushed her way through the throng of dancers, when all of a suddenly she was grabbed from behind.

A slurred voice said, Well, if it isn’t the eighteen year old ex virgin I shagged last week.

Everybody around laughed and stared at her. She turned and there was Steve smirking at her. She was mortified. Everyone was looking at her.

Giving him a hard stare, she said, Well if it isn’t the wanker with the small dick and turned round and continued on through the dancers.

Some of the girls who were dancing actually clapped and one said, Yes, he is very disappointing really.

Everyone was now laughing at Steve who followed after Jo looking furious.

As Jo stepped out of the club, Steve grabbed her again. He pushed her against the wall and grabbed her between her legs.

I’ll show you who’s a wanker he snarled.

Jo brought her knee up and caught him between his legs, then as he doubled up she slapped his face and pushed him out of her way. Running out onto the street, she pulled out her phone, Taxi please, straightaway, corner of Navigation road. Hurry please!

Jo rounded the corner and stopped. Gosh it was quiet and dark here. She wished she had stayed and gone back into the club to call a taxi.

Never mind she thought it’ll be here soon

She stepped away from the shadows by the wall, and felt safer out in the open. Hearing a noise she turned round, looking into the shadows. Nobody there.

Calm down, don’t let your imagination run away with you she advised herself.

All of a sudden she was bathed in a brilliant light. The glare blinded her, and she closed her eyes. When she opened them, still blinking she thought she saw two large figures right next to her. She blinked again, then screamed terrified.

The figures were enormous, covered in brown plates, like an armadillo, and their heads were like the heads of the Predator in the films. They reached out towards her and she felt herself falling and falling. Then everything went black!

Chapter 2

Jo struggled up from the depths of a nightmare. She was warm and cosy, obviously in her bed, it was soft and comforting.

The memory of the evening before rushed back into her mind. She opened her eyes and gasped, she was blind, she couldn’t see a thing. Everywhere she looked it was pitch black.

She reached out with her hands and close to her sides she felt a soft, squidgy substance. She was lying on it too!

She was almost too afraid to reach up above her. Tentatively she reached up with one hand. Above her was soft and squidgy, and she couldn’t see it.

She was in a coffin!

Her heart raced and she felt a cold dread. Whatever had happened last night? She was being buried alive!

Help, I’m here I’m alive. Please help me, get me out she screamed.

Sobbing with fear she banged on the lid of the box. It didn’t make a sound. She tried to calm herself and felt round for any way out, anything she could lever up, so she could free herself. Nothing.

She went quiet and far away, in the distance, she thought she heard a whooshing, throbbing, pulsing noise. Could she hear it or could she feel it through the strange material she was lying on, and in?

Oh my god she screamed they’re going to cremate me. Let me out, let me out, I’m alive. Help, help

Then all sense drained out of her and she screamed and screamed.

There was a puff of air from somewhere above her head, a sweet taste on her tongue, and before she could scream again, she disappeared into the blackness she had struggled out of five minutes before.

The next time Jo woke up, she was still lying on the strange material, but above her was light. She lay quietly for a few seconds before she dared to let her eyes look round the strange room she was in.

It was all grey. Was this heaven? It was certainly bright enough to be.

There was a grey curtain on either side of her, like in a hospital ward Ok she thought "I must have been in an accident and they’ve brought me to hospital

Excuse me she said I’m awake. Where am I, what happened?"

The curtain to her right moved, and Jo was plunged straight back into the nightmare. Before her was one of the grey alien creatures that film makers loved. It had a large round head, big eyes and wrinkled grey skin. A floating robe of some kind fell from around its neck, down to the floor. Its arms were long and thin with very long fingers and it said, You are properly awake. Don’t be afraid we will not harm you. We are here to help

Jo gasped, it spoke English. Or rather she heard English because its mouth hadn’t moved. She said, Your mouth didn’t move! I must be hallucinating.

The creature put it’s head on one side and Jo thought she heard a giggle.

No you’re not hallucinating. , We communicate telepathatically. It makes it alot easier than having to learn all the languages in the universe.

I’ve definitely lost my mind thought Jo I’ll just go back to sleep and when I wake up properly this will have been a bad dream.

So she firmly closed her eyes and tried to ignore what the creature was saying. Where upon, it immediately poked her in her chest and said, No more sleep. We have a lot to do before we reach Scerior.

Jo’s eyes sprang open Scerior? she queried Where’s that?"

Up, up, up, no more questions. Be a good girl and we’ll get along well.

Why am I here? What do you want from me?

You are not doing as you are told. Please behave or the General will be angry".

The General? Is that your leader?

The creature grabbed her by the arm and dragged her out of the box. It was very strong considering how fragile it looked. Jo realised resistance was futile. Especially when two more looking exactly like the first joined it.

Come it said We have tests to do to make sure that you are healthy and carrying no disease.

Tests? queried Jo You’re not going to experiment on me!

No, no. Just simple blood tests similar to those you have on Earth said the creature, Which one Jo thought They’re all the same Then she asked How do you know what we do on Earth?

My dear, we know everything that occurs on Earth. We have been watching you for millennia.

Watching us for millennia Jo thought Are these the aliens that people talk about abducting them, then releasing them?

Come said a creature, pulling aside the curtain to one side of the cubicle, As Jo stood up she stumbled and one of the creatures steadied her, asking if she was alright.

No, I’m not alright. I’ve been abducted, thought I was going to be cremated. I feel sick and terrified, and have a headache I don’t even know who you are!

We are the Escorii. I am Tchu, this is Tjai and next is Tsu. We are here to look after you. Do not be afraid of us we will do you no harm.

Don’t worry; eventually you will know us, as we have learned to know the Sceriae.

Who?

It doesn’t matter said the Escorii We will give you a drink, to clear your headache and sickness, and it should help with your fear.

A strange feeling tumbler was placed in her hand and the Escorii said Drink, What is it. How do I know it won’t harm me?

Oh, so silly, if we had wanted to harm you we have had plenty of opportunity, now drink it

Oh well thought Jo If it was poison it would get her out of this nightmare.

It tasted lovely, and was cold and refreshing. She emptied the tumbler. Her headache disappeared and she felt able to cope with anything.

The Escorii escorted her through the curtains. On the other side, everything was bright, and really rather beautiful. There were soft couches made of the same substance that the ‘coffin’ had been made of. On the walls were pictures made up of beautiful colours, like thousands of strange flowers, and water ran down from some ‘pictures’ like waterfalls that didn’t splash onto the floor.

It was breathtaking. But even more amazing was the other young women, who appeared from behind other curtains like Jo had done. Each were escorted by three Escori. Some were struggling, some were crying. All of them looked very frightened.

They looked at each other and then ran into each others arms.

What is happening? some asked.

Others queried Where are we. What is going to happen to us? Is this a spaceship?

Jo held the hand of two of the girls who had been crying, Try and stay calm she said We need to have our wits about us if we are going to survive this.

Survive this gasped one girl Survive what? Are they going to kill us, torture us, eat us, what? she was getting more and more hysterical.

We must try not to antagonise them or bring ourselves to their attention until we know what this is all about advised Jo I’m Jo, what are you called?

The less hysterical girl said I’m Sophie.

And I’m Sue said the other.

Look, my Escorii said we have to have blood tests etc to make sure we have no diseases. So it looks like we must be going to another planet.

Blood tests choked Sue Are they going to experiment on us?

My Escorii said they wouldn’t harm us and somehow I feel that I can believe them Jo crossed her fingers as she said this thinking ‘I hope I can believe them’, As they stood there looking round at each other, Jo counted thirty young women. All of them were slim and good looking, with long legs and attractive figures. They were either blond or brunette, no red heads and all were white. The ones closest to her all had blue eyes. She couldn’t see the others eyes.

Suddenly a door at the other end of the chamber opened and more Escorii entered carrying platters of what looked like food. Jo’s stomach rumbled and she realised that she was famished.

How long was it since I’ve eaten? she thought

The Escorii moved across the chamber to a large table covered in a snowy white cloth, Eat said one of Jo’s Escorii; she didn’t think she’d ever be able to tell them apart. Jo went to move towards the table but Sue caught her hand Don’t it might be poisonous to us

Well if it is we are in big trouble, because if we don’t eat their food, we will starve and Jo continued on towards the table. Other girls were making their way to the table and when they got there they all had lots of questions.

What do you think it is?

Minced up people?

Rats?

Fungus?

One of the Escorii giggled. ‘Ah, that’s Tsu’ remembered Jo Tsu is it alright for humans to eat this?

Yes Jo, it is alright for anything to eat this, including Escorii. We will all eat together, ok? And Tsu held out a flat platter to Jo along with some things like chopsticks, but with flattened ends. Tsu started to put food on to ‘it’s plate and Jo followed suit.

There were so many different colours. Some of the food was in chunks, some minced, and some in long sticks. There were also little dishes with what looked like sauce in them. Jo tentatively tasted a chunk of something pink. It tasted delicious, like coconut and spices and melted in her mouth. The other girls had watched Jo and quickly followed her example, realising how hungry they were. At the end of the table there were ewers filled with a pale liquid and round the ewers were tumblers, Jo filled her plate and poured some of the liquid into a tumbler. She tasted it and discovered that it was like a medium sweet wine.

Yes it is replied Tsu But don’t drink too much, as it is like alcohol.

‘Gosh ‘Jo thought ‘food and wine. We are being spoilt’

Jo, Sue and Sophie, made their way to a group of seats set round a low table.

Everything is so comfortable murmured Sophie. They are certainly looking after us well.

‘Yes a bit like prize dogs or horses’ sprang into Jo’s mind.

Shutting the negative thought out she concentrated on her food.

Everything tasted lovely, and the wine induced a warm glow in her. All around her was the chatter of young women, still very frightened but getting calmer by the minute. One girl said I wonder what meat this is ‘cos it’s certainly very nice

An Escorii frowned at her and said! It is not meat; we do not eat other species"

Jo and Sophie looked at each other, with raised eyebrows. ‘Well that’s reassuring to know’ thought Jo. She could see a lot of the girls thinking the same.

Now that you’ve finished eating said an Escorii who appeared to be some kind of leader Please return to your cubicles, as we have to get on with some tests

Some of the girls stood up straight away and some continued to just sit there. Jo looked round and thought that they didn’t really have much choice, there was nowhere to run. So she stood up and moved towards her cubicle, with Tsu, Tchu and Tjai following her. She realised that she felt strangely calm and wondered if it was the wine that had done that Well she thought I suppose it’s better than feeling terrified

At the other side of the chamber one of the girls who hadn’t eaten or drunk anything was saying No, no and striking out at her Escorii. The Escorii picked her up, pinned her arms to her side, and carried her into her cubicle. All of a sudden her shouts and screams stopped. Jo hesitated, looking at her Escorii who said Don’t worry, they haven’t hurt her. Only an injection to calm her

Jo continued on to her cubicle, as the other girls did the same. Inside the cubicle Tsu patted her arm saying Sit down on the couch. You are a very sensible girl. I promise nothing will hurt you. Her mouth twitched, which Jo took to be a smile.

I don’t know why but I trust you, please don’t lie to me. I’d rather know the truth.

Tsu tutted then giggled We Escorii never lie. We don’t know how. Now please take off your Earth clothes. We have to incinerate them in case of disease. Then we will take some blood from your arm.

Jo thought’ I suppose it makes sense’ so she asked What shall I put on instead?

Tsu held up a lovely cream and pale green kaftan You will have a cleansing shower first, then put this on.

What about bra and knickers? asked Jo

We do not wear such things replied either Tchu or Tjai

Jo shrugged and stood up to take off her clothes, looking at the Escorii she said

Turn away then. I don’t like being watched.

Two of the Escorii tutted and one giggled Don’t be shy in front of us. We are all female

Oh, that’s a relief Jo laughed and she pulled off her top and slipped off her skirt Can I take my underwear off just before I shower?

Alright said the Escorii Now sit back on couch and give me your arm

Jo was very frightened but she did as she was told and held out her arm. Tsu said I will hold your hand and Tjai, who is the nurse, will take your blood. It will not hurt, Jo

Tjai placed a strange machine onto the vein on the inside of her elbow. Jo felt something touch her skin and blood went through a tube into a phial that Tjai held.

That’s it Tjai said Good girl. You are a very good patient Tsu giggled and patted Jo’s hand.

I didn’t feel a thing. It was easier than giving blood on Earth Jo was smiling at Tsu feeling so relieved.

Now Jo we must look at your insides with a camera machine. What like an x ray?

Yes except it shows everything, not just bone replied Tjai Now, lie down on the couch and just relax.

Tsu wheeled a machine in that stood over the couch, which now stood where the ‘coffin’ had been.

Oh, it’s like an MRI scan said Jo.

Mmm, similar Tsu answered.

The machine was switched on and blue lights ran up and down Jo’s body. She could hear some of the other girls in their cubicles, either calmly, or in one or two cases sobbing hysterically.

Are they alright?Jo asked Tsu.

They are only having the same tests as you. They are very silly, and may regret it in future!

Jo looked at Tsu but thought it best not to follow up on that statement.

Right said Tchu Now finish getting undressed and follow me.

Jo did as she was told, feeling very self-conscious and followed Tchu through the curtains on the other side of the couch, into a corridor. Slowly from other cubicles stepped other girls all looking nervous and embarrassed.

Don’t worry Jo said I think all the Escorii here are female.

Yes said Sophie, waiting for Jo to catch her up, Mine said that they are female.

Not that we could tell said another girl.

It’s not as if we had a choice said another.

The Escorii at the front stopped by an opening and started to escort the girls inside. Jo followed and found herself in a large wet room. Warm water came out of showers up above and from the sides came a scented liquid. She stood under the water, and the scented liquid sprayed onto her body. It stung at first but wasn’t unpleasant.

Hair too please said the first Escori.

The girls had relaxed slightly and were enjoying the shower. They helped each other to wash and rinse their hair. When they had finished the water switched off and hot air blew onto them, drying them. They hurriedly dragged their fingers through their hair. Jo’s long blonde hair took some drying, so it was still a bit damp as they were ushered out of the showers into a room where Kaftans were laid out.

Jo’s Escorii picked one up and slipped it over her head. It was soft as silk and rippled round her as she moved. All the Kaftans were cream but with different colours swirled through them. Jo’s was the cream and green one that she had already been shown. It made her feel beautiful and sexy in a way her tank tops and short skirts never had.

Tsu giggled and said Oh, you are perfect and Tsu shushed her.

They were then led through another door which led back into the chamber they had eaten in.

Well what happens now? asked Sophie

I expect we’ll find out soon enough answered Jo

There was a bit of a scuffle by the door and three Escorii brought in the girl who had been hysterical. She was sobbing quietly, and the Escorii held her tightly, What on Earth has happened to her? murmured Sue.

Same as us Jo replied Although I didn’t see her in the showers.

Maybe she’s the sensible one, and we are the fools, going along with everything.

Well, she’s the one in hysterics Jo said acerbically Not us!

At that moment two large doors at the end nearest to Jo swung open, and the nightmare returned!

Through the doors came three huge figures, seven foot tall with large heads and strange copper coloured skin. All the definitions of their bodies stood out, huge shoulders, enormous biceps, strong legs. From their shoulders scales stood up around their necks and muscles rippled everywhere.

There was a hush, some girls just gasped, some fainted and Sue started to scream. Jo grabbed hold of her, put her hand over her mouth and said Shut up in a fierce voice.

The girl who had been hysterical before struck out at her Escorii and tried to run. She screamed and screamed. Her Escorii tried to quieten her, but she had got an insane strength from somewhere, she picked plates and dishes up and hit them with them.

The giant figure in the middle nodded to the one on his right and he moved faster than could be thought possible of something so big. He reached the hysterical girl, picked her up in one hand, and broke her neck with his other hand. He threw her to the floor like a rag doll!

More girls fainted and others sobbed as quietly as they could, jamming their fists into their mouths and staring wide eyed.

The killer strode back to the other two, and the one in the middle looked at him and shook his head. He shrugged his shoulders and said something in a strange tongue, which sounded like clicks and hisses. Jo dragged Sue and Sophie down onto a seat and kept her eyes on the floor whispering Don’t antagonise them

The middle creature spoke I am Lord General Acorus. You will do as you are told and no harm will befall you. It is a pity about the girl but we cannot have hysteria on the ship, it causes problems. The rules here are, you will be polite to the Escorii at all times. They are here to help you acclimatise. Listen to them. Anyone who strikes another being will be punished. When you are given an order by the Sceriae obey it immediately, follow the rules and you will have a good life!

Jo heard someone moving and she looked up. In front of her was General Acorus.

He put his hand out and lifted her chin. Sue sobbed pitifully and Jo continued to hug her to her. She looked into the General’s eyes. They were the deepest blue she had ever seen.

What is your name girl?

Jo, Joanna sir she whispered.

You are a sensible calm, girl, and also you are very beautiful

Thank you sir she gulped ‘oh my god, a monster thought she was beautiful’

You should call me Lord not sir. Listen to your Escorii and you will do well

Thank you Lord

He turned on his heel and with the other two following he left. As they went through the door, one of the other two put his hand on the General’s shoulder and said something and they all appeared to laugh.

Tsu put her hand on Jo’s shoulder and said Oh how wonderful, the General likes you and approves of your behaviour Tchu hushed her and a babble of noise broke out in the chamber as the girls all let out their breath. The Escorii picked up the dead girl and took her out of the chamber.

One girl said Maybe she was the lucky one!

Chapter 3

Oh dear said Tchu What a waste. Such a good looking specimen, or girl, too. Take warning Jo, the Sceriae are not cruel, but they can kill very easily.

Not cruel whispered Jo, close to hysteria herself They are monsters, all she needed was to be told what was going to happen on Scerior and she might have calmed down.

Her Escorii had tried to calm her but she would not listen. She was very foolish, but perhaps it was a good example to you all

Jo looked at her in disbelief A good example! She’s dead!

There are worse things than the death of one girl in the universe, and if you are wise you will remember that!

Jo gulped, and turned to Sue and Sophie who were clinging to her crying quietly. Sue said My parents will be in agony wondering what has happened to me. They will think I have been kidnapped or murdered. Oh my god I can’t stand any more. Her sobs grew louder and Jo hugged her harder and said We must be calm and look out for ourselves

What about your parents Jo asked Sophie.

I haven’t any parents. They were killed in a car crash when I was six. My grandparents brought me up

I’m so sorry

Mmm, I’ve been in foster care since Nan and Gramps died, Nan got cancer and Gramps only lasted ten months after her. I think his heart was broken. But the good thing is, I suppose I’m used to looking out for myself, and I’ve got no one to worry about me, left behind.

Sophie said There’s only my mum. I’ve never known my father, and my grandparents are dead too. Mum is very strong, so I think she will manage ok.

They all went quiet, each wondering what was happening back on Earth, Where are you from Jo asked.

I’m from New Zealand answered Sophie.

And I was in Brazil said Sue My dad works at the embassy there. I was born in London but have lived in a lot of countries, when my parents moved from post to post.

I’m from Leeds said Jo I expect we’re all from different places.

The girls asked around and realised that the other girls were from far flung places too. Some were American, some Canadian, some French, Dutch, Swedish, German. White girls from all over the world.

It’s strange that we are all white, and we all have blue eyes mused Jo.

The girls looked into each others eyes and realised that what Jo had said was true. A babble of questions broke out and the Escorii went among them and separated them.

Come said a strict voice "It is time to return to your cubicles. You must prepare yourselves for our arrival on Scerior.

Some of the girls protested, but the majority did as they were told, remembering General Acorus’s words and what had happened to the dead girl.

J o entered her cubicle escorted by her Escori, thinking to herself ‘Yes we all have blue eyes and so does the General!’

In her cubicle Jo was told to take off her Kaftan and lie down on her stomach. Of course she asked why!

Tchu sighed and said You ask questions all the time. You must trust us. We are here to look after you. Tjai will give you a nice massage with scented oils, and it will make you relax, so you can rest.

Jo lay down on the couch, and Tsu put a cloth over her bottom and the tops of her legs.

We know you are shy and embarrassed to show your body. You must change that idea. You have a beautiful body that you should be proud of.

Jo lay on the couch, as Tjai set to work with beautiful scented oils. Massaging her legs, working up and down until Jo felt as if she was floating on air. Then Tjai massaged her shoulders and neck, her arms and up her spine. Then Tjai’s fingers were on her head, she was half asleep and floating above herself.

When Tjai told her turn over she did without questioning. Tjai worked on, down across her stomach and finally into her most private areas. Jo didn’t care, it was heavenly. As she drifted off to sleepTjai covered her with a white cloth, and left her to her dreamless sleep.

The curtain at the back of the cubicle was twitched aside and Lord General Acorus stood there. He nodded at Tjai who removed the cloth. He looked down at Jo’s body and nodded once.

The curtain was dropped into place and Jo was covered once again.

Tsu clapped her hands He likes her. We are so lucky; we will be in the General’s house.

Let us hope she does nothing to make him change his mind muttered Tchu.

She is an intelligent, sensible girl. I think she will be alright

When Jo woke up, she lay for a while feeling so comfortable, calm and relaxed, that there wasn’t a thought in her head.

Then suddenly it all flooded back and she sat up quickly. The cloth that had been covering her slid to the floor. Realising she was naked she looked round for her Kaftan. It was on a stool, by the side of the couch. She slipped it over her head, and instantly felt safer. She shivered, not from the cold, but from fear, deep within her.

For once she was alone, no Escori. She pushed through the curtain that led to the main chamber. No one was there, it was completely empty. She wandered around looking at things, touching the strange material that in one form or another everything was made from.

Apart from a gentle humming there wasn’t a sound. She supposed that was the sound of the ship’s engines. There were still ewers and tumblers on the large table, so she helped herself to a drink. It was a different colour to what she had drunk before, but tasted very nice, like a mixed fruit cocktail.

She continued wandering round the chamber. It was enormous and very opulent. A thought entered her head and she shrugged it away, but it was very insistent.

All the luxury and comfort, and beautiful colours, everything speaking of wealth, reminded her of the novels she had read about the harems or seraglios in the East, where Sultans kept their wives and concubines!

Don’t be silly she told herself These are aliens not slave traders.

She shook her head and to put those thoughts out of her mind, wandered over to the side of the chamber where all the curtained off cubicles were. In the first one she saw one girl pulling her Kaftan over her head.

Oh you’re awake she said I thought I was the only one who was.

I’ve only just woken up. I feel marvellous, how about you?

Yes me too"

I see you’ve got a drink. I’m very thirsty

It’s over on the table pointed Jo

"Thanks I’ll go and help myself. By the way, I’m Sandra.

I’m Jo. You’re American aren’t you?

Yes from Boston. And you?

English, I’m from Leeds replied Jo

She continued on to the next cubicle as Sandra went to get a drink. Jo peeped round the curtain but their was nobody there. ‘I wonder if she’s gone for a shower’ she thought. Other girls appeared from their cubicles, but not from everyone. Jo looked into the cubicles that no one had appeared from but four were empty. That made five altogether. She asked some of the others if they knew where they were and all answered in the negative.

That’s strange she thought "they took us to shower together before.

At that moment the Escorii entered from the end door and joined their own particular charges.

Tsu said Hello Jo, you have had a good rest I hope?"

Yes thanks. Where are the five girls who are missing, Tsu?

Tsu lowered her gaze They failed their health tests, and have been taken away so as not to make others ill. Now come, I expect you are hungry again, I know I am. Food is being brought in as we speak and Tsu waved over to a table where other Escorii were setting down piled platters of food.

Jo looked at Tsu and realised that she had changed the subject. She obviously didn’t want to talk about the missing girls!

The other girls were talking about them though. There was a babble of noise as they asked their Escorii and each other where the girls were. The Escorii tried to calm the atmosphere, getting their girls food and drink. Some girls shrugged their shoulders and sat down to eat, but the more hysterical ones among them started to make a fuss, wailing that the girls had probably been tortured, experimented on or killed, and that they would be next.

Jo sat down in a corner and tried to think sensibly, if they had been killed, there must have been a good reason. They had been so well looked after, that it didn’t make sense, if they were there to be tortured killed, or experimented on, they would not have been looked after so well.

Jo tried to eat, but her throat was dry with fear. Giving herself a good talking to she used one of her Gramps favourite sayings ‘It’s no good worrying about things you can’t do anything about!’.

Tsu, Tchu, and Tjai sat down beside her, Don’t worry Jo. You will be alright one of them said

Jo thought she recognised Tchu’s, not voice, but intonation so she said Tchu?

Ah, you are beginning to tell us apart, I knew you were very intelligent, when I first met you, we will have a long and happy life together.

Will you be with me all the time?

We will be living where you live and will take care of you.

‘Mmm’, Jo mused ‘They don’t lie but they are good at skirting the issue’.

The babble in the room was not subsiding although the other Escorii were doing their best to quieten their charges.

Suddenly the large doors flew open and the General stood there flanked by two of his guards.

What is going on here he roared. Scowling round the room, picking out the girls who had been making a fuss.

They all sank onto couches covering their faces with their hands, and not daring to move.

Tsasa said the General If your Escorii cannot control these females, then I will have some of my guards take over

The Escorii who Jo had already realised was their leader stepped forward.

So sorry, Lord, It is nothing. Just some silly mistake.

I will not have my ship disrupted in this way, so you females listen well; it is your last warning! growled the General.

Jo had kept her eyes down and sat very still, but she could feel Acorus looking at her, against her will, she found herself raising her head and looking at him.

Acorus looked at her and she felt herself blushing all over. She also got a strange tingling in her stomach and places she tried not to think about while looking at him. He nodded as if in satisfaction, turned on his heel, and left the room, followed by his guard. There was complete silence in the room until Tsasa said There now, look what you have done. You have angered the General and made us look bad.

Jo sat there deep in thought. She felt so alone, more alone than when Gramps had gone, and she had been taken to live with strangers. She made a promise to herself, whatever happened, she would survive this. Maybe one day she might return to Earth, and who knew what the future held, she would try and be strong, because Gramps had brought her up to be.

Tsu touched Jo’s shoulder and said Come on Jo. It is time for a shower and massage.

Jo stood up as if in a dream, and followed Tsu into her cubicle. The other girls did the same and everywhere settled into a subdued silence.

Jo showered with the other girls, none of them saying anything. They were all wrapped up in their own thoughts and terrible dread. ‘Who would disappear today?’

When Jo got back to her cubicle Tsu offered her a hairbrush.

So sorry, we did not think, yesterday. We had to search our archives to find out what you use on your hair.

Jo started to brush her damp hair and Tsu watched for a few seconds, Let me do it Jo, that is what we are here for.

Jo gave Tsu the brush, and sat there quietly thinking Tsu you say you cannot lie, is that right?

Yes.

Then tell me, have the missing girls been killed?

Tsu stopped brushing and stood swaying, with her eyes on the floor".

Answer me.

Jo I cannot answer you.

Then why should I trust you. You say you are here to help me, but won’t tell me anything.

At that moment Tchu and Tjai came through the curtain carrying trays with some items on

What is the matter? queried Tchu.

Tsu looked at her and to Jo it was obvious that they were communicating in their own way. They had shut their minds to her. She looked from one to the other and said

Well so much for trusting you and living together happily!

All three Escorii stood, swaying and looking at each other. It was obvious they were arguing and Jo waited for them to finish. Finally she put her hands on her hips and said

Well?

Tchu said Sit down Jo and I will tell you what I can. Ask your questions.

Have the missing girls been killed?

Yes

Why?

Because some had diseases and some Tchu hesitated were not fertile!

Jo did a double take, and her mouth dropped open, Not fertile, does that mean we are being taken to Scerior to be bred from?

Tchu nodded her head and swallowed hard, Jo’s brain was working furiously But there aren’t any men on the ship are there?

Tchu shook her head. It was obvious she didn’t want to say any more.

Are they already on Scerior? asked Jo

Ah, yes that is right Tchu said There are males on Scerior. Now Jo, no more questions please. We have a lot to do before we reach Scerior

Like what? said Jo.

You need more massage and we must take any hair off you

Hair Jo touched her hair feeling close to tears.

No, no not that hair. The short hairs on your body

What everywhere like a Brazilian?Jo felt a cold chill go through her.

Yes, now you lie on the couch and Tjai will give you a lovely massage

Jo lay on the couch as if in a dream. She was right to think this place was like a harem. Where were the men? An insidious idea crept into her head. Could it be they had been taken to mate with the aliens? But that was impossible. They were different species. The Sceriae were like armoured gorillas. There skin looked like an armadillos, and they were frighteningly hideous.

Jo’s heart felt as if it was in her throat. Would it be like that film Alien? Surely not. Because they would need an awful lot of girls and the ship was only supplied with thirty to forty cubicles. Or maybe not. Maybe this was just one tier of many.

Jo started to feel drowsy and a sense of peace slid up into her brain. The massage was doing its job.

Jo awoke once again to a feeling of languorous well being. Her skin felt like satin and she stretched like a cat. As she ran her hands over herself she realised that she had been de-fuzzed everywhere!

She sat up quickly, how did that happen? Why hadn’t she woken up? Had they shaved her or what? She grabbed her Kaftan and pulled it on. There was a strange musk scent about her.

Nice but different to how she usually smelled. She usually favoured floral perfumes and fresh scented soap and deodorants. She pulled the curtain aside that led into the main chamber. In front of her was a solid wall. She stood back, then started to press all round the strange metal that made up the wall. Solid. There was no way out that side. She rushed to the curtains on the other side, that led into the corridor leading to the showers, the same solid wall. She banged on the metal but it made no sound!

She was isolated, by herself, not even the Escorii were with her. On trembling limbs she fled to a corner and sank down, cradling her knees. She could feel the fear rising within her, her heart was pounding and she couldn’t swallow.

What was going to happen next?

She tried to fight her fear and refused to cry out. If she was going to die or worse, it would be with dignity.

She felt a rush of air to her left and looked up; Tsu was coming through the curtains carrying a tumbler and a plate. The metal door hissed shut behind her.

Jo, get up off the floor, what is the matter?

I couldn’t get out, the doorways were solid!

Yes said Tsu It’s because there is a lot of activity on the ship. Everyone is using the showers, getting ready to arrive home

Oh sighed Jo I thought you had all left me. I was so frightened by myself

Do not worry Jo, nothing here will harm you.

Are we nearly at Scerior?

Yes we will be home soon, so come, eat and drink, and I will brush your hair. I have brought a brush with me whereupon she pulled a hair brush out of a hidden pocket in her tunic.

Jo got up off the floor and sat on a stool.

Tsu, is everything here made from the same material?

Well, answered Tsu Everything we use, like seats, couches, tumblers, hairbrush and clothes are made from a certain plant, or maybe you would call it a tree, that grows on our planet. Of course the metal in the ship comes from the ground.

Jo sat still letting Tsu brush her hair and fuss around her.

Jo I have brought you something you will need, when we leave the ship and Tsu put her hand into her voluminous pocket and pulled out a pair of sandals. She smiled at Jo and said Scerior is not as soft under your feet as the ship is. Try them on; I’m sure they will fit you.

Jo took the sandals and turned them over in her hands. They were very pretty, cream with coloured flowers painted on them. Made from that same strange material, they were soft and pliant on the straps and insides, but the soles were firmer and seemed very strong. She slipped her feet into them. They had one strap straight across the base of her toes, and long straps that could be criss-crossed round her ankles and legs.

Tsu bent down and tied the straps comfortably and daintily round Jo’s legs.

Thank you said Jo They are lovely, so elegant, yet so comfortable

She was thinking to herself that they were like the sandals that the Romans wore when they were ruling a lot of the Earth. Tsu picked upon her thoughts and said, Yes Jo. The Sceriae have taken a lot of useful or beautiful ideas from your planet.

They must have been watching us for a long time mused Jo Have they been taking girls from Earth all these years?

Oh no, replied Tsu Only for the last fifty or so years"

Why for only that length of time, when they were watching us in Roman times?

You have so many questions, Jo. It is not for me to answer them. Maybe your Lord will decide to tell you but I cannot.

Cannot or will not? asked Jo

They amount to the same thing. Now, no more. Remember Jo, do as you are told, do not say no, do not argue. Your future life is on Scerior. You cannot escape, so use your intelligence and courage and you will find that Scerior can be paradise Tsu shut her mind firmly and Jo could get no more out of her.

Tsu handed her the plate, on which was a selection of food, and Jo ate it automatically. When she was finished Tsu handed her the tumbler, which was full of the alcoholic beverage that had been provided when they first ate on the ship. Jo drained it thinking that she might as well be tipsy as it always made things easier to bear, like sex with that wanker Steve. Thinking of Steve brought her up short. It seemed so long ago.

How long have we been on the ship, Tsu?

Let me see, in Earth time it is probably four to five weeks

My goodness, as short as that gasped Jo Scerior must be quite close to Earth then?

No, it is light years away

But we have travelled it in only five weeks.

The Sceriae can move through space faster than light replied Tsu Now, end of questions. We must prepare to land on Scerior!

What now? asked Jo

No in a few hours, but we must sit on couches and fasten belts. If we do not, as the ship returns to normal speed we will be flung about

Tsu ushered Jo through the metal doors, which when Tsu looked at them opened with a swish, into the main chamber. All the other girls were leaving their cubicles as the Escorii fussed around them.

Jo sat down and Tsu pulled a strap from couch and fastened it round her. Then she sat down next to Jo and put a strap around herself. Jo looked round and noticed that each girl only had one Escorii with them. She turned to Tsu and asked Where are Tchu and Tjai, and all the other Escorii?

They have duties elsewhere replied Tsu. Relax and try to rest, as it will be very busy when we land.

All the girls settled down on their couches. There was some chatter but on the whole the girls were very quiet, keeping their fears to themselves. Tsu leaned over and took Jo’s hand, and in her mind she could feel Tsu reassuring her. Eventually even the slightest chatter subsided and the girls either dozed or kept quiet, trying to maintain a calm appearance. After some time Jo felt the vibration under her feet grow stronger. She woke up fully and could see the other girls stirring too. The ship swayed slightly from side to side and Jo imagined that she could feel it decelerating. She looked at Tsu for reassurance and she nodded her head calmly.

We shall be landing in about thirty of your minutes, stay in your seat until I tell you to move.

The ship was making a slight rumbling noise and Jo wished that there was a window to see out of. She swallowed hard as her ears actually popped. She must keep calm and keep her wits about her, whatever happened she vowed that she would face it bravely.

Finally like a jet landing on a runway the ship decelerated suddenly and dropped. There was a combined gasp from all the girls and finally the ship stopped moving.

They had arrived on Scerior!

Chapter 4

As the rumbling of the ship died away, the large doors at the end of the chamber were flung open. Two ranks of giant Sceriae marched into the chamber. They moved down through couches until each girl had a guard standing by her side. The Escorii stood and reached down to release the straps that held each girl.

Come Jo stand up, we must leave the ship Tsu said.

Jo stood although she was trembling so much she thought that she might fall. Tsu put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, Be calm Jo. Everything will be alright

The other Escorii were trying to reassure their charges, some with more success than others. One of the Sceriae guards said Females, do as you are told, or you will be punished.

The braver girls spoke to their neighbours saying Don’t do anything silly. You know what happened to that hysterical girl before

Jo told her neighbours to keep calm, and that the Escorii were there to help them, so listen to them. All the girls bravely tried to compose themselves and the guard spokesman said, Good, now we can leave the ship

Jo’s guard turned to her and Tsu and said Come follow me.

Jo’s courage wavered slightly as she realised that she would be the first one onto Scerior and whatever horrors were about to befall them. Her guard led her through the huge doors, turned right into a corridor like the one leading to the showers ‘Maybe this corridor goes right round the ship’ thought Jo ‘and maybe the large chamber is right in the middle’.

They moved down the corridor for a few seconds, then just ahead of her Jo could see sunlight dancing over the grey of the walls. Ahead of them on their left an entrance in the wall led onto a ramp that reached down onto what looked like a jetty.

Jo stepped out of the entrance and took in her first sight of Scerior. Below powder blue sky Scerior gleamed in the radiant sunlight. All the buildings Jo could see were white, shaped like houses in Spain or Greece. Between the buildings were swathes of green, with brightly coloured flowers dotted here and there. Looking back at the ship Jo could see it was as tall as a sky-scraper, dull metal, with no openings or markings, until tapering away at the top was an oval dish with clear windows, through which Jo could see movement ‘Was that where the General was?’ she wondered.

The spaceship was not round as far as she could see, but appeared to be elongated like a giant submarine.

Move snapped the guard and Jo realised she had just been standing staring around her. She moved forward. Realising that the ramp passed over water she looked to both sides and saw that the ship had actually landed on the water. It was so big the ship dwarfed everything around her. As she reached the jetty, the other girls slowly came down the ramp, looking around in amazement as Jo had been doing.

It’s beautiful gasped Sophie I didn’t think an alien planet would look like this

No said Jo The air is so fresh and everything looks so clean and perfect

Come said the guard and the Sceriae urged them forward.

Tsu whispered Jo Where are we going now?

To the embarkation and registration building

What happens there? Jo asked feeling the fear invading her whole body.

Don’t worry, Jo replied Tsu It is where everyone who comes to Scerior has to report with their names and where they have come from. Then when they leave Scerior that is recorded too.

Well thought Jo It is certainly well organised.

They walked towards a large building that obviously was something official. There were guards at the entrance, and Jo noticed that all around the jetty was a high fence, looking like netting but with blue lights seeming to shoot along it.

Tsu, is this the only way off the dock? asked Jo

Yea, there is great security here, as we do not want rogue species to get onto Scerior. The fence has a charge along it that will stun anything that touches it

Is this the only port where spaceships land?

No, there are many more, all of them as secure as this one answered Tsu This, of course, is the main one as it is the main city of Scerior.

What is the city called? asked Jo tripping over as she tried to keep up with her guard.

He grabbed her arm and snapped something at Tsu Careful, no more questions, he is getting angry said Tsu Ssh, this is the city of Luga

As they neared the building, a feeling of menace seemed to emanate from it. Jo shivered, but held her head high and squared her shoulders. Tsu patted her hand and said Good girl, it is all ok.

As they reached the doorway the guards stood to attention and raised their hands to slap their opposite shoulders. Jo’s guard must be some kind of officer. They passed through the doorway into a hall that was similar to the arrivals hall at an Earth airport. Jo’s guard pushed her over to a desk with an Escorii standing behind it.

Name and origin, please it said in a bored voice. Tsu nudged Jo.

Um, Joanna Collins, Earth stammered Jo.

Her name was entered on a machine, which Jo assumed must be a Sceriae computer.

Through to the left and the Escorii pointed to his left.

Jo’s guard held her arm and said something to the Escori. It took a step back and stammered Of course, of course, I didn’t realise that this was the one!

The guard and Tsu moved Jo to the right and took her through the door that was situated there. It led into a corridor that they walked along until they arrived at an outer door which led into a wide avenue.

A vehicle was hovering by the kerb, and they went towards it. Jo moved as if in a dream. The guard climbed into the front, with Tsu and Jo in the back. They moved quietly away from the kerb and flew along the avenue. There appeared to be no sign of life anywhere Tsu why aren’t there any people moving around?

It is siesta time, the hottest part of the day. Everybody is inside in the cool.

Jo realised she had no idea what time it was. She sat there in deep thought and realised she had been told that it took four to five weeks to travel from Earth to Scerior, yet she had only been aware of a few days passing. Then she realised that when she was awake she had always been hungry and very thirsty. She came to the conclusion that she must have been drugged for a lot of the time and had only been aware of what was happening when they allowed her to wake up.

Her brain thought about the animals that came to the UK, that were kept in quarantine before they were allowed to mix with other animals.

‘Ok’ she mused ‘Even human beings are animals or species, as the Escorii call them’

She thought about the different scent on her skin and realised that she must have been detoxed and cleansed before being allowed on Scerior.

They had been travelling for about twenty minutes before Jo even noticed what was now outside the window. Straight roads with green verges and beyond the verges large dwellings similar to the villas on luxury tropical islands. Everywhere there were beautiful trees and colourful flowers.

As Jo started to take notice of her surroundings the vehicle they were travelling in slowed gradually and they turned off the road onto an avenue with a large metal gate standing in their way. The Sceriae driving the vehicle pressed a lever on the dashboard and the gates swung open. As they passed through them they gently closed behind them.

They were on a white stone drive that curved round to the left and in front of them Jo saw the most impressive villa so far. The vehicle drove past magnificent stone steps that led up to beautifully carved crystal doors and around the side to a door

Reviews for Scerior

[Amanda · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was long but it was good. There was a few times I thought the leading lady would except or forgive things too quickly but on the whole this was a really good book.