07 Bubbles, Jasmine, & Ming

Carl's late-afternoon bath is interrupted by a pleasant yet dangerous surprise, while Julong continues to plot his revenge.

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SPEAKER_00 0:08

High Mountains of Eurasia. August 27th, 2097. Earth time. Carl Bogaran dipped his toe into the steamy water and felt the cold give way to the warm, moist air rising above the large bath. He slipped the other foot into the hot water and a pleasant warmth began to rise up his legs, fighting off the chill. He looked out the window at the whiteness beyond. The wind's fury beat against the thick glass and driven snow piled up on this hill. On one of the rare, clear days, he could have stood at the window and looked down into the deep gorge that fell away from Qind Yao's mountain laboratories. Today wasn't one of those days. Carl submerged his skinny young body into the water's hot embrace up to his thighs, and it began to soak his swimsuit. It wasn't necessary to wear a swimsuit. Most of the other people at the lab didn't, but Carl preferred to have one on. He just didn't feel comfortable boiling in the tub with a bunch of naked men. In fact, he timed his bath to avoid the other workers. He slowly sank his body the rest of the way until the water rose to his upper lip. After several days spent deep in the gorge, working on the starship in freezing temperatures, he felt his body slowly thaw. Finally, heat. He glanced up at the time on one of the bath chamber's stone walls. 924. Good. He won't be here for at least three more hours. Time to relax. His thoughts drifted back to the last two days of systems programming on the massive ship hidden in the gorgeous depths. The long hours of thrashing and programming seemed like unending days with Chu Long constantly looking over his shoulder, just waiting to pounce on him if he spotted a mistake. Carl hated this location with its frigid temperatures, but Chin Yao wanted the project hidden from spying eyes. The deep gorge high in the Eurasian Mountains was the perfect location. There were perhaps only 30 days in the year where the weather was clear. Even then, the depths of the gorge remained in perpetual shadow. That, and constant nasty weather, kept the starship hidden. He raised his head above the water and sat against the side with his head resting against the edge of the bath. He yawned and stretched his legs beneath the surface.

SPEAKER_01 2:53

Maybe I'll take a little nap.

SPEAKER_00 2:58

He glanced up at the time again. Only five minutes had passed. He breathed out a long sigh and closed his eyes and thought. Carl smiled at the pleasant memory of several days ago when he'd met one of Chin Yao's pleasure companions. A warning voice in his head tried to remind him of his expendability.

SPEAKER_01 3:23

If he catches you with her, that'll be the end.

SPEAKER_00 3:26

He pushed the cautious voice out of his head and thought about her beautiful, intense blue eyes and rich dark red hair. He wondered what it'd be like to run his fingers through its silky length. He drifted off as he thought about the vision of seductive beauty and dreamed. Warm, soft hands kneaded his shoulders and sent shivers across his scalp. He thought he smelled flowers.

SPEAKER_01 3:58

Jasmine.

SPEAKER_00 3:59

A soft voice with sweet breath whispered next to his ear. I've missed you the past few days. His eyes flew open, and he jumped forward, splashing water over the tub's edge and turned. A young woman with dark red hair framing a soft face and sparkling blue eyes, reflecting the wintry weather outside, knelt at the edge of the bath. She wore a lacy white bathing suit that looked more like underwear. Whoa. Ming.

SPEAKER_01 4:30

What are you doing here? I saw you return and knew you'd want to warm up.

SPEAKER_00 4:35

She smiled with perfect white teeth, framed by plump red lips. She reached for his shoulder and pulled him back to the edge of the bath. Did anyone see you come in here? He asked, turning his head to look behind her at the door. I was real careful. She soothed. Her hands returned to his shoulders and began easing his sore muscles. Carl tried to relax again. That's what makes this so exciting. She giggled and whispered next to his ear.

SPEAKER_01 5:10

Just tell them I'm one of the techs.

SPEAKER_00 5:12

Shivers of pleasure ran from his toes to his head and he relaxed up against the side of the bath. He very much doubted she'd be mistaken as one of the techs.

SPEAKER_01 5:33

At least for me. Let's talk about other things.

SPEAKER_00 5:38

Her tone changed to one of sadness with a sharp edge. Carl could only guess. Most of Chin Yao's companions were taken at an early age from their parents to appease his lustful appetite. What he saw and desired, he took. She sniffed and then whispered in a voice tinged with anger.

SPEAKER_01 6:02

Chinyao likes to have his sex slaves.

SPEAKER_00 6:06

And he Her hands paused from rubbing his muscles. Don't call yourself that. It's not true, but her voice grew soft and she sniffed again.

SPEAKER_01 6:17

That's what I am. At least now.

SPEAKER_00 6:20

Carl turned around and faced her.

SPEAKER_01 6:23

Ah, me. Don't say that.

SPEAKER_00 6:26

He wiped a tear from her perfectly soft cheek with a wet finger. You're much more than that, he said awkwardly. She sniffed again and latched onto his hand.

SPEAKER_01 6:38

Where I grew up? I was learning about aeronautics. I was hoping to become a pilot before he selected me.

SPEAKER_00 6:50

Tears continued to fill her brilliant blue eyes, and hatred welled up in Carl's heart. In a way, we're all chinny slaves. He stroked her hair, calming his anger and thrilling at its silky texture. It was just like he'd imagined it would feel, and it sent tingles up and down his arm. He continued soothing her. Me for my brain. You for your He looked at her plump breast, spilling out of her. I swear, that's her bra. Not a swimsuit. He told himself, feeling somewhat guilty for the pleasure he was experiencing in her moment of sadness. He tried to ease her sadness. Me. If he's pleased with how well the starship turns out, maybe he'll. Carl stared at the stone wall past her shoulder, not daring to finish his thought.

SPEAKER_01 7:41

That's ridiculous. It'll never happen.

SPEAKER_00 7:45

But Carl. She wiped a tear from her other cheek. Eh. Just a fool's wish, I suppose.

SPEAKER_01 7:50

But I just wish that maybe if he was really pleased, he might grant me.

SPEAKER_00 8:00

He looked into her eyes. You. She sat up and swung into the tub and took him in her arms.

SPEAKER_01 8:09

Do you want me? Even after what he's forced me to do?

SPEAKER_00 8:14

He held her at arm's length, mesmerized by her striking blue eyes, and nodded. Oh, mean you are like an angel. Her gleaming smile lit up her face.

SPEAKER_01 8:25

At least we have this moment.

SPEAKER_00 8:28

She smiled. He brushed a lock of red hair away from her face and then found himself involuntarily pulled toward her moist red lips. Her eyes closed, and her lips met his, and she pulled him close. Yes. This moment of heaven. His entire body tingled with the excitement of feeling her soft, warm lips and body pressed against his. Deep in his mind, a voice tried to warn him of danger. He knew Qin Yao would never grant him his freedom, let alone allow him to be with Ming. He'd be lucky to remain alive after his work on the starship was complete. He hoped, and maybe it was foolish, that his thrashing skill would still be required elsewhere.

SPEAKER_01 9:13

But if Ming is a part of my future, then how good can it be?

SPEAKER_00 9:18

He realized, even in his young mind, he was risking his own painful death sentence for just looking at Ming.

SPEAKER_01 9:25

If Jin Yao ever finds out about this.

SPEAKER_00 9:29

He ignored the warning in his head and submerged his entire being into the here and now, disregarding the unpleasant, inevitable future.

SPEAKER_01 9:38

It'll work out.

SPEAKER_00 9:40

He told himself foolishly. Carl? She nuzzled his neck.

SPEAKER_01 9:44

Just how old are you?

SPEAKER_00 9:46

Almost seventeen. Why? How old are you? She pulled back and laughed. Huh? Almost 18. You seem older than seventeen. He pulled her to him and kissed her again, enjoying her warm lips and soft breasts pressed against his chest. Even with almost certain death looming in his future, he knew he couldn't stop seeing Ming. Death is a small price to pay for this. His thoughts rash, her lips moist against his. A sudden rumbling vibrated the building and a dark shape slowly passed by the window. Carl pulled away from Ming's lips and looked up at the time. 10 38 a.m.

SPEAKER_01 10:34

Oh no!

SPEAKER_00 10:35

He stood up and climbed out of the bath. The frigid air from outside the hangar deck still penetrated into the cold space despite the howling heaters blowing hot air. The flight deck stretched out in each direction, and he gazed toward the far wall of the carved-out space inside the mountain, where two men stood. One of the men, dressed entirely in white, noticed him. Accompanied by the other man, they approached. Chinya measured each man as they neared. The man in white, Commander Su, chief of operations at the mountain lab, kept everyone in line and on schedule. The other man, Chu Long, dressed in dark red and black, was in charge of all system programming for the starship being constructed in the gorge. Chinyao looked past the two men. Where is Ogoran? The young American boy was by far the best thrasher he'd ever seen. Or so he'd been told. Ogoran was extremely talented, and he marveled that one so young could be responsible for designing a significant portion of the starship. The American was also supposed to meet him on the flight deck. Of course, he was early, but even so. Carl had better be here soon. Zhu Long rushed forward and placed a heavy black fur cloak across Qin Yao's shoulders while the other man spoke. Here are the latest reports, the man in white said, handing him a gigipad. Chin Yao took it and began scanning the numbers. Commander Su, brief me while we walk. The man in white strode along on Qin Yao's right side and began speaking while Jiu Long followed, keeping to the left. Uh, yes, sir. The commander said, keeping pace. Our men have managed to snatch another 338,000 tons of ore from moon freighters bound for Amerop in Europe in the past week. Any problems? No, sir. He said as they left the flight deck and turned down a corridor. Everything went smooth. The league is still in the dark? Uh, apparently so. They don't seem to suspect a thing. Good. Go on. Fifty thousand pounds of new material has been smelted and processed, ready for delivery. Chinyao nodded and handed the digipad back to Commander Su. Good. Have it shipped immediately. He turned to the other man. Julong, what's the ship computer's status? Julong was dressed in the ship's uniform, a dark red shirt, under a charcoal jacket and black trousers with three thin red stripes down each leg. His skeletal thin face was topped with black hair worn in a pole cut. A thin mustache lined the top of his pale lips. His eyes glittered as he cleared his throat and spoke in a soft, high voice. The programming continues day and night, Chin Yao. The environmental systems are nearly complete, and we'll begin running tests on them in a week. We have just begun the programming of the ship's drive system. He turned a palm up. I suspect it'll take at least four months until we are complete. Chin Yao grunted as they swung around a corner, their heavy boots clomping in the corridor. Not good enough. You will expedite the programming of all the computer systems. Our deadline approaches rapidly. Add two extra hours to every shift. Chulong nodded and continued. Yes, of course, Chin Yao. I will see that it is done. He held his hands clasped together in front of his chest as they rounded a corner. Excellency, our team down in the gorge is making great progress on the rest of the ship. He added. Excellent, but Chulong hesitated a moment too long. Chinya stopped abruptly in the corridor and turned to him. But his voice was soft but held hidden menace. But what? There is another matter. I hesitate to mention. Chulong appeared to struggle with his lips. It has to do with one of the thrashers. He spoke slow and deliberate. I've detected a number of hidden access codes within the environmental system programming. Chin Yao frowned and his browed. Do not waste my time. Of course, Qinyao. His head dropped in a bow. Hidden codes? What does that mean? Many thrashers are known to implant hidden paths and access codes within a computer system that only they know how to use. I have planted a number of such codes to allow me access when other avenues are disrupted or blocked. Yes. Get on with it. Chinyao guessed where this was headed. Well, Excellency, I am the only one authorized to leave such codes. No one else is allowed to do this. Chinyao swept his hand out from under his cloak. And you suspect Mr. Bogaran. He finished for him. Julong's eyes widened and he struggled to continue. Excellency, how did you Chinya chuckled. I know of your dislike of the American. Well, I don't think anyone else is as capable. Nor has the motive. Chin Yao laughed. Chulong. Your jealousy and antagonism of Bougarin couldn't be any more transparent. Julong bowed. Still, Chin Yao. Only I am authorized and he trailed off. Chinyao fixed him with a hard stare. And Julong ducked his head and spoke to the floor. He could be creating a way to sabotage the ship. Chinya reached out and raised Zhu Long's chin. Julong, do not seek to curry favor with me by incriminating Bougaran. Julong bowed his head again. But I only seek to serve you, Excellency. He raised his head, black eyes glittering in the corridor lights. Fine. You can serve me by finding out more specific details about Bougaran's supposed threat. Chinyao turned and walked on. Until you have some solid evidence. I shall not hear of this again. Yes, Excellency. Where is Bougeran? Just then Carl came around a corner, hair still damp. He stood at attention, next to the wall. Ah, Carl. Chinyao stopped and placed his hand on Carl's shoulder. I've heard disturbing things about the progress. I hope you won't displease me. Carl glanced over Chinyao's shoulder at Chu Long, his face unreadable. Uh no, Chin Yao. I just got back an hour ago. I've begun the programming procedure for the engine control computer, and it is processing the information. It'll probably take a month or two, but we are still on schedule. We had better be. Chinyao stared hard at him and placed a hand on the side of his neck. I was just heading back to the command deck to check on the progress. I appreciate your diligence and loyalty, Carl. Too bad you are expendable, Mr. Bugarin. After the ship is complete, of course. Chinyao patted Carl's cheek and then strode on down the corridor. Meet me in my chamber in one hour. I expect a complete report. Uh yes, Chin Yao. Chulong and Commander Su followed Chinyao. Chulong's thin lips pressed into a sneer as they passed Carl. If you crave rebellion, high stakes, heists, and lunar warfare, this science fiction audio drama will leave you breathless. Read the entire Exodus five book series, available wherever digital and physical books are sold.