Chapter 2: Specimens

The corridor seemed endless.

Emma kept her eyes on Lily’s floating container ahead of them, watching her daughter’s chest rise and fall with each breath. Still sleeping. Still perfect. Still completely out of reach.

David’s hand was sweaty in hers, his grip almost painful. Neither of them had spoken since they’d started following the tall alien being through the ship’s organic-looking passages. What was there to say? They were walking deeper into captivity with each step, following their baby like a lure, and they both knew it.

The being moved with unsettling fluidity, its four arms swaying slightly with each step. It hadn’t looked back once, apparently confident they would follow. It was right to be confident. They had no choice.

The corridor opened into a larger space.

Emma’s breath caught. The chamber was massive—cathedral-sized, with the same opalescent metallic walls curving up into a dome far overhead. But unlike the cells they’d woken in, this space was clearly designed for a purpose. Multiple levels visible through transparent sections of floor and ceiling. Organic-looking equipment positioned at intervals, their functions unknowable. And in the center, two raised platforms separated by a barrier identical to the one that had initially divided their cells.

Lily’s container floated to the side of the chamber, settling near what looked like a monitoring station—curved surfaces covered in symbols that shifted and changed like living things.

“Your offspring will remain visible during all procedures,” the being said, its voice still eerily sourceless. “Motivation through maternal and paternal attachment has proven effective in previous studies.”

“Previous studies.” Emma’s voice came out hoarse. “You’ve done this before. To other humans.”

“To other species.” The being’s large eyes regarded her without discernible emotion. “Humans are recent subjects. Your planet’s technological development only recently reached observable thresholds. You are the third breeding pair we have acquired.”

“What happened to the first two?” David demanded.

The being didn’t answer. Instead, it gestured with one of its primary arms toward the platforms. “The examination space is prepared. The female will position herself on the primary platform. The male will observe from the secondary platform.”

“No.” David stepped forward, still holding Emma’s hand. “If you’re going to—to examine her, then I’m staying with her. I’m not watching through another fucking barrier while you—”

“The male’s position is non-negotiable.” The being’s tone remained utterly neutral. “Physical proximity would compromise data collection. Emotional responses must be isolated and measured. The voyeuristic dynamic is integral to the study.”

Emma felt David’s hand trembling in hers. Voyeuristic dynamic. They wanted him to watch. Wanted to study how he reacted to watching whatever they planned to do to her.

“It’s okay,” Emma heard herself say, though nothing was okay. “David, it’s—”

“Don’t tell me it’s okay.” His voice cracked. “Don’t you dare tell me any of this is okay.”

“I mean I can handle it.” She squeezed his hand, trying to project a calm she absolutely didn’t feel. “We don’t have a choice. Look at Lily. Look at our baby. We have to do what they say.”

David’s jaw clenched so hard she could see the muscles jumping. But he nodded, once, sharp and bitter.

The being gestured again. “I am designated Xeph. I will serve as your primary handler throughout the study. You will address me as such if verbal communication becomes necessary.”

“Handler.” David’s laugh was ugly. “Like we’re fucking animals.”

“You are specimens,” Xeph said simply. “The terminology is accurate. Now—the female will comply, or the offspring’s care protocols will be adjusted.”

Emma’s milk let down at the implied threat, soaking through her tank top again. Her body knew what her mind was trying to deny—Lily needed her, and these beings controlled access to her baby.

She let go of David’s hand. “What do you want me to do?”

Xeph moved toward the primary platform, its movements graceful despite the alien proportion of its limbs. “Remove your garments. Position yourself on the examination surface. Limbs extended, face upward.”

The words hit her like physical blows. Remove her garments. Get naked. Lie down and spread herself out for examination while David watched from behind a barrier.

“Em, you don’t have to—” David started.

“The offspring requires feeding,” Xeph interrupted, turning those large dark eyes toward Emma’s chest, toward the wet spots on her shirt. “Biological imperatives will ensure compliance. The female’s maternal response is already evident.”

Emma’s hands moved to the hem of her tank top before she consciously decided to move them. Lily needed her. That was all that mattered. Lily needed her to cooperate, to do whatever these beings wanted, so they would let Emma feed her baby and keep her safe.

She pulled the tank top over her head.