Page 16 of Kidnapped By the Alien Chieftain

“Ok, I’ll get the same as you. It tastes like ice cream.” Pebbles punches in the correct buttons and after a quick wait, her milk is also ready. “Damn! This cup is massive.” She struggles to lift it out of the dispenser, the mug looking enormous in her tiny hands, yet she still manages to look absurdly cute.

“Over here is the food generator,” I say, moving us over to the next machine. “The same controls here, but the food is not great on a war vessel - just the basics. Try picking something.”

Pebbles considers each of the food options from the vending window before she punches in the button to bring up the selection of food available. “Hmmm, I’m staying away from the jellied rations. What about this packet here?” She points towards the Zarna nuts.

She’s very inquisitive. I like it.My wrist console vibrates. It’s a notification to meet with Xandor and Astraxius, causing me to sigh at the interruption. I don't know how much time left I have to enjoy with my Pebbles, but this meeting is important. “Sadly, I must go now.” I bring up the ship map on the console for Pebbles. “After you eat, return to our bedroom.”I point to the display to show her where our room is.

“Oh,ourbedroom, is it? I might have to redecorate in that case,” she threatens, looking at the map and smiling to herself.

“Touch nothing,” I instruct as I walk towards her, looking into her beautiful hazel eyes. Then I gently kiss her on the forehead. “Goodbye for now, my tiny Pebbles.” The thrill of having this stunning woman so close is enhanced by her proximity to me. If only she had agreed to stay with me on Klendathor to complete the Mortakin-Tok. But the Gods had other plans.

“See you, Korgy,” she says with a gleam in her eye.

I arrive at the command bridge a short time later to see Xandor waiting patiently, zoning in on the new coordinates routing towards Terminus Exile station.

“Greetings, brother. Astraxius late again?” I say as I move towards the central console.

“Greetings, High Chieftain. You know how he is. Probably tinkering on something,” Xandor says as he gives the usual salute.

“Or because he moves as fast as an injured snarlbroc,” I say, smiling. “You might have noticed already, but I adjusted our course to Terminus Exile station.” I point to the galaxy map.

“This troubles me, Chieftain. That place is swarming with pirates, outlaws, deserters, you name it. If we had more warriors, we could slaughter them. But now…” He finishes by shrugging his shoulders.

“It is a risk. But one we must take. We exhausted most of our Elerium crushing the Seeker Swarm. With our supply nearly depleted and with the damage to the hull, we’ll be easy prey if the Scythians attack again,” I say, looking him in the eye.

“If it’s the only way, so be it… Gods know how they’ll react seeing a Scythian battlebarge come into dock,” he says, a sly grin forming on his lips.

I furrow my brow, contemplating the potential risks. “Depends which gang is in control, but we need only wait until tomorrow to find out. We’ll most likely need to get our hands dirty; we have little to trade.”

He chuckles, the sound echoing off the walls. “Ha! It’ll be just like the good old days then.”

I can’t help but smile at the memories that rush back. “I doubt I could drink that much again. Especially during the Proving Pilgrimage. We were drunk for most of it!”

Xandor laughs, a hearty sound that fills the room.

“The universe hasn’t recovered from the last time you two were out making a name for yourselves,” Astraxius interjects as he shuffles into the room, his eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement.

“At least we could turn up on time, Astraxius,” Xandor says, looking mischievously at me.

“Oh, I turn up when I mean to.” He glances at the galaxy map. “So we are heading to the Terminus Exile station? Makes sense,”Astraxius says, not waiting for an answer.

“I was hoping you could repair the ship so we could press on to Klendathor. We are only a few days out.” Xandor looks at Astraxius with a narrowed expression.

“Xandor, you are a fool. You know so little, you are ignorant of how much of a fool you really are. You expect me to repair fifty tons of thick arcweave plating while we are in a spaceship traveling at hyper light speed? How would we even fabricate so much metal? Even if we had enough Elerium,” Astraxius says, glaring bloody murder at Xandor.

Xandor looks down, his face darkens with embarrassment at the rare outburst from Astraxius. The tension in the room is tangible, and I can sense the worry etched on the faces of my closest companions.

Astraxius clears his throat, putting a hand to his mouth. “Ahem,” he says, trying to compose himself. “Forgive my outburst. I’m a little on edge. We are so close to fulfilling two hundred years of research, and yet so close to disaster.”

I nod in agreement, trying to ease the tension in the room. “Rest easy, Astraxius. We’ll find a way back home. We’ve come this far.” I nod to both Xandor and Astraxius, hoping to reassure them.

“Oh, and do you have the same confidence on the Rocks front, Krogoth? Thankfully, she’s in fine health, a pleasant young female too. Much better company than you ruffians,” he says with a chuckle.

“You’re only saying that because she’s the first female who would willingly speak to you,” Xandor quips.

Astraxius sighs loudly, putting a hand to his forehead. “As opposed to you bashing them on the head and taking them… Gods, I’m letting you bait me,” he says, exasperated, while Xandor smiles broadly, showing his fangs.

“I wish I could say it’s none of your business, but that wouldn’t be completely accurate.” I pause, wondering how muchto reveal. “No… things aren’t going well… I think.” I scratch my head, trying to make sense of it all. “I promised to take her back to Earth and then… Well, we kissed and then she challenged me to a fight.” I look over at the other two, hoping for some guidance.

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