Page 1 of Aliens Love Curves

Chapter 1- Casey

The wind whips through my hair as I crouch low over my glider, the familiar thrum of the engine vibrating through my body. Adrenaline courses through my veins, my heart pounding in sync with the pulsing of the plasma core beneath me. I'm in my element, soaring through the lilac sky of Planet Ova, racing neck and neck with my best friends.

"Eat my stardust, losers!" I shout over the comms, a grin splitting my face as I pull ahead of the pack.

Zara, my Equanox bestie, laughs in response. "In your dreams, Earth girl!"

Her slender, pink form zips past me, her tail acting as a rudder as she navigates a tight turn around one of the floating islands that dot Ova's skyline. I grit my teeth, leaning into the turn to follow her. The G-forces press against my curvy frame, but I use my weight to my advantage, letting it carry me through the curve with precision.

"Nice try, Zara, but watch this!" I call out, engaging my glider's boost. The sudden acceleration plasters me to my seat, my thick thighs gripping the sides of the glider as I rocket forward.

The finish line looms ahead – a shimmering holographic banner stretched between two floating platforms. I can taste victory, my competitive spirit soaring as high as my glider. Just a few more seconds...

A flash of movement catches my eye. Another racer, Krix, is coming up fast on my right. His lithe Equanox body is practically one with his glider as he edges closer.

"Not today, Krix!" I yell, pushing my glider to its limits.

We cross the finish line in a blur of speed and colour. For a moment, I'm not sure who won. Then the holographic display flashes to life:

1. CASEY

2. KRIX

3. ZARA

"Yes!" I pump my fist in the air, letting out a whoop of joy that echoes across the sky. I guide my glider to the landing platform, my friends close behind.

As I dismount, my legs wobbling slightly from the adrenaline rush, Zara tackles me in a hug. "That was amazing, Casey! I thought for sure Krix had you at the end there."

I laugh, returning the hug. "Me too! But I guess these curves are good for something after all – aerodynamics!" I slap my left ass cheek and wink.

Krix joins us, his pink skin flushed a deeper rose from exertion. "Great race, Casey. Your piloting skills are really something else."

I'm about to reply when a familiar voice cuts through the celebratory atmosphere like a knife.

"Casey Onyx Peace!"

My blood runs cold. I turn slowly, already knowing who I'll see. My parents are standing at the edge of the platform, their navy enforcer uniforms edged with silver trim, crisp and imposing. Mom's face is a mask of disappointment, while Dad just looks tired.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, my voice small.

Mom's eyes narrow. "We could ask you the same thing, young lady. You're supposed to be at home, studying for your entrance exams."

I feel my friends shift uncomfortably behind me. "I... I was just taking a break. Clearing my head."

Dad steps forward, his voice gentler but no less firm. "Casey, we need to talk. In private."

My stomach drops. I know that tone. Nothing good ever comes from it. I turn to my friends, forcing a smile. "Rain check on the victory celebration, guys?"

They nod, understanding in their eyes. As they take off on their gliders, I follow my parents to a quiet corner of the platform. The beautiful Ovan sunset paints the sky in shades of purple and gold, but I can't appreciate it now.

Mom speaks first, her words clipped. "We received a communication from the Enforcement Agency today."

I swallow hard. "Oh?"

Dad sighs. "They're aware you haven't submitted your application for training yet. They've given us an ultimatum, Casey."

My heart speeds up, and not in the good way it did during the race. "What... what kind of ultimatum?"

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