Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. Almost a week ago, the Val'Dornn ship had moved from its position up by our moon to being stationed above Tampa permanently. Where it had been rising and setting in the sky every day it now sat as an everpresent silver behemoth in the sky.

Call it self-centered, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it had something to do with me. Two days after Charlotte and I drunkenly made our way to the Tampa Genetics lab and donate our material, the ship just conveniently positions itself over top of Tampa?

How many different women do you think have donated in that time? $2000 is a lot of money I'm sure countless women have donated. It could be because of them, not you. Yet I still couldn't shake that nagging sensation at the base of my skull that disagreed.

The internet was abuzz wondering what had caused the change. When the ship first moved there was talk that the Val'Dornn had given up on their endeavor and had moved on to a new galaxy with a new planet that might offer an actual cure for their genetic condition, but then the reports began pouring in from Florida. Reports of the large silver ship slowly piloting over the state.

I'd woken up that morning sick to my stomach, not only from the alcohol but also from the regret that I had signed away my rights. The $2000 sat untouched in my wallet. I couldn't bring myself to even deposit it to my account. Once I'd logged on to Ms. Bird's blog my stomach dropped and I ended up running to the bathroom, making it to the toilet only just before I puked up what little was left in my stomach.

I still remember the first line of her newest blog post: "Floridians beware. Something has changed." At the time the ship was still positioned over Kissimmee, but it was steadily moving westward.

Whether or not Charlotte knew or felt a similar kind of dread in the pit of her stomach, I didn't know.

Now four days later the ship had crossed into the airspace of the Tampa Bay area. I'd prayed and prayed that it would continue moving westward, but no such luck.

Nat drifted into the apartment, a mess of paint on her white smock. She gave a tired smile. I hadn't asked, but I'm sure she was also on edge over the ship's proximity.

My gut twisted. I hadn't told her yet, what Charlotte and I had done. I couldn't bear the pitying glance and the sadness I'm sure I'd see when I told her.

"How ya doing, Addy?" She shucked off the smock and threw it onto the floor by one of her bags that served as a small closet.

"Ok. A little antsy."

Nat's gaze drifted to the blinds that had been pulled closed. They overlooked the ship and I just couldn't deal with it so I'd pulled them tight. "I can understand that. I've been rather anxious the last few days as well," She moved to the kitchen sink to work at a smudge of yellow paint on her wrist, "We had an art day today at the school. It helped to get my mind off of it." She didn't reference what it was, but I knew. "The kids really loved it."

"I'm sure they did."

"You work tonight?"

"Yeah. A short shift though, only 4 - 10." I felt a little ill at the idea of going back to the bistro. I'd had three strange customers. They were innocuous enough, but ever since I'd had them in my section I worked in constant fear that they'd reappear.

They were three large men. All of them easily over 6 feet tall. They talked in a lilting almost whispering language, or maybe they just didn't want me to overhear them. When I'd stepped up to take their drink orders they'd stopped and stared at me for close to 5 minutes in silence. The two on the left the redhead and the one with the military haircut were unsettling enough just staring at me, but the dark one with the eyes so dark you couldn't see the bottom looked at me as if he could see straight into my soul. Like he could see every fear and desire I'd ever considered. As much as I tried to avoid his gaze I kept finding myself staring into those dark eyes. Even now when I pictured him in my mind it felt like he could see into my mind.

The thought of him even knowing I'd dreamt of him that night had me flushing, the idea of him knowing what I'd dreamt exactly had me wanting to go out and bury myself in the dirt. I don't know what had gotten into me. I'd never been moved by any man. I mean sure I'd met some attractive people, and I could admire that beauty, but it was purely impersonal appreciation. These dreams I was having were entirely...too personal.

I didn't even know his name. He barely said anything to me while he sat at that table, just smiled a gentle smile. Really his only interaction with me was to whisper two words to me before leaving a ridiculous tip for three black coffees.

"Afira kola," that was what he had said to me. He gave me a small wave before standing. I hadn't realized how tall he was sitting in the booth, but he and his friends towered over me. He held the door open for them and shot me one last look before heading out the door, leaving me feeling warm and strange.

"Nat?"

"Mmmm?" She hummed over the sound of running water.

"Can I tell you something you probably won't li--" I was cut off by a heavy knock on our flimsy front door. The kind of knock a cop would give.

Nat turned a frightened gaze to the door, but I was already on the way to open it. I'll ask for her advice after I deal with this.

The door didn't have a peephole so I settled for yelling through the door, "Who is it?"

"Officers. We're looking for one Addison Kane."

"I'm Addison. I'm going to open the door slightly, It's still locked. Can you please show me your badge when I open the door, just to be sure?"

"Of course, ma'am."

I didn't tell them that the short copper chain wouldn't do much good. One good kick and the screw would probably break free. Pulling open the door I was met with two silvered badges inlaid in black leather. "Ah. I see ok. Hold on one moment please while I unhook the chain.

I shut the door for a second to unlock it and swung the door inwards, "What can I help you with off--"

Two large males stood outside the entrance to our tiny apartment. One of them had the similar silvered eyes to the one on the video feeds named Vailen. When he smiled I could see small fangs just barely hidden. The other was positively massive and intimidating, but he also smiled gently at me. I glanced down to the silver badges they still held in their hands. You dumb bitch. You didn't even read them. You just saw a badge and assumed. Clearly, on the metal, it read "Val'Dornn Tampa Division"

"Addison?" Nat's eyes were wide and frightened. She looked from me to the two men.

"Where's Charlotte?"

"At work," Nat's voice was barely above a whisper.

"Ms. Kane. The Tampa Genetics Lab concluded that your genetics offered a match --"

"A partial match?" It had to be partial. There was still hope I could come back.

The silver eyed male cleared his throat, "It was a 100% match, ma'am. We are here to escort you to the Tampa Lab and then up to the homeship as detailed in the provided packet."

"Addy. What did you do?"

I turned back to Nat, "I messed up Nat. Tell Charlotte I don't blame her." I turned back to the two males who seemed to realize I was no where near pleased. Brief expressions of concern marred their features as I stepped out for all the world like I were on my way to the chopping block. "I'll go with you."