Page 41 of Kidnapped By the Alien Chieftain

“By the void, that’s Exoenhancer armor he’s wearing! And that spear he’s using is powered by my people’s laser technology,” Felixus exclaims excitedly. “Your men didn’t stand a chance, lad. See here.” He points to the part where Carndor blocks a spear thrust with his shield. “The laser spear broke through the plasma shield in a single attack.”

Xandor thoughtfully adds, “He moves faster than a swooping arrohawk.”

Felixus furrows his brow in confusion. “It makes little sense,” he says, rubbing his chin. “Nebians would die before giving our secrets away. And the Exoenhancer comes from the Nu’warians. They shun contact with outsiders and would never create armor for another species, especially one that walks on two legs.”

“It matters not! I will rip him to pieces before I feed him to this pathetic Tensin Naxsus,” I say, studying the replay of the battle.

As I peer out of the view port, my eyes lock onto a medium-sized golden ship that emerges from the dark void of space. Its angular form, with multiple sections jutting out abruptly, reminds me of a modified Glaseroid transport vessel. The mere sight of it gives me a glimmer of hope that we are on the right track.

“Hail them,” I instruct Xandor, who taps away at the console in front of him.

“No response,” he reports, his brow furrowing in concern.

“Fire a warning shot,” I order, determined not to let this opportunity slip away. With a resounding thump, a dazzling blue plasma bolt streaks across the darkness of space, missing the Glaseroid ship by a hair’s breadth.

“They’re coming out of hyper speed,” Xandor alerts me, and I feel a surge of anticipation.

“Excellent. Move closer and match their speed,” I command, my voice steady. “Request a two-way comms channel,” I add, my eyes fixed on the ship’s glowing silhouette as it draws nearer to us.

The display flickers to life, projecting the image of a repulsive Glaseroid. I feel my stomach churn at the sight of his corpulent body, gaudy robes, and excessive petty gold jewelry adorning his skittering limbs. The air in the room seems to thicken with his foul presence.

“Is there any reason for such aggression, stranger? I assure you, I am but a humble merchant,” he whines, his voice laced with feigned concern.

“Hold your lying tongue, Tensin Naxsus. If you return Pebbles, the Earth female, I swear I’ll let you live,” I bellow, my anger barely contained.

“I’m afraid I don’t have an Earth female by that name,” he simpers, a wicked smile creeping across his face. “But I do have a Slop, a beautiful specimen with soft skin and an inviting body,” he leers.

“If you’ve harmed her in any way, you bloated corpse of a Glaseroid, I’ll tear your arms off and feed them to you!” I roar, struggling to contain my fury.

“Oh my! It seems the Klendathians are as brutish as I’ve been told.” He smirks, shaking his head in disappointment. “And as dull, unfortunately. You see, to kill me, you’d have to attack my ship. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that my ship wouldn’t last long against your mighty Scythian battlebarge,” he raises his hands in mock surrender, “but that would kill poor little Slop, and we wouldn’t want that now, would we?” he asks, his tone patronizing.

The Glaseroid pauses for a moment, his jowls jiggling as he is fed some choice delicacy off-screen. He savors the taste before resuming his conversation. “I will not give up my newest pretty,” he declares, his arrogant tone shifting to one of rage in a split second. “Oh no, not after I went to all that trouble acquiring those arc pistols for Yaksai’s entire gang of Psykes. The dullard still botched the extraction. I still had to send my Rubikrax. Such incompetence!” His many limbs tremble frantically as he speaks.

Taking a deep breath, the Glaseroid continues, his bug eyes staring inquisitively. “I don’t tolerate loss of investments, you see. But maybe the art of negotiation will resolve our littledispute?” he asks, slowly whispering the word ‘dispute,’ giving the impression that we are discussing spilled boracks milk.

I respond dismissively, “Hurry and name your price, Tensin Naxsus. You bore me,” fully expecting his terms to be farcical.

“How rude!” the Glaseroid exclaims with feigned offense. “But hear me out. I’m known as a collector of rare exotic women. But the truth is, I am a collector of rare pleasures! And I long to see my Rubikrax, the greatest fighter in the universe, test his skill against a fearsome Klendathian leader like yourself in a death match. Obviously, I’d prefer your War Chieftain - I hear he’s a truly terrifying specimen - but you’ll do… for now.”

I can hardly believe my ears as I ask in shock, “You can’t be serious?”

“Never more serious in my life,” the Glaseroid confirms, his bug eyes moving around in excitement. “If you win, you can take Slop and slither on back to whatever savage wasteland you crawled from. But if I win… well, I’ll keep the pretty and witness one of the greatest arena battles ever.”

I would accept any challenge to save Pebbles. “I accept,” I say, almost immediately after he’s finished speaking.

“Good, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint… It’s in your blood after all.” The Glaseroid smirks. “I’ll expect you in two hours at my docking port,” he says as the communication display turns off.

I shouldn’t have left her. Pebbles must endure this monster’s attention because of me!A heavy sigh escapes my lips as I steel myself to win back Pebbles, no matter the cost. The mere thought of facing such a strong opponent is enough to make my heart race with excitement.

“I know you’re strong, lad, but this is suicide!” Felixus exclaims, disbelief etched on his face.

A small smile tugs at Xander’s lips. “You’re a real confidence builder, Felixus,” he says, tapping him on the back. The starkdifference in their sizes nearly causes Felixus to lose his balance, but Xandor steadies him with his other hand.

Felixus furrows his brow in disbelief as he shifts his gaze between me and Xandor. “You think this is a good idea, too? This is blockheaded Klendathian madness. That’s what this is,” he mutters, his tone laced with concern.

Xandor’s serious expression conveys his unwavering determination. “Chieftain’s the best warrior in the universe. Besides, I’m not letting the scum that killed Astraxius live! And that is why I’m going with you,” he says firmly, locking eyes with me.

I quickly shake my head. “Absolutely not. He’ll cancel the deal if I bring anyone,” I assert, my voice betraying my growing frustration.

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