Page 16 of Saving the Alien Chieftain

I giggle with excitement, spinning around, admiring my new dress in the mirror. “AHI, I think you and I got off on the wrong foot,” I say.

“Roxy. Error, AHI does not possess physical form, and its operations are never incorrect,” AHI retorts.

This is amazing. I can pick anything I want and have it on in an instant. This technology is truly impressive. The dress is beautiful, but it is something more akin to what you’d see at the Oscars than a casual day out. But screw it, who cares? I’m on another planet, after all.

I ask AHI a curious question, wondering about the extent of its capabilities. “AHI, could you create a bomb, or perhaps a miniature spaceship?”

The artificial intelligence promptly responds, “Roxy. Negative, AHI does not process schematics for such designs. In addition,replicators cannot reproduce complex composites or rare materials.”

At least I can’t accidentally blow up the house.“Ok. What about makeup?” I ask, wishing to complete my ensemble.

“Roxy. Affirmative, loading vanity package. Please select,” AHI replies.

‘Vanity,’ the cheek of this AHI!I look back to the large holographic projection to see a closeup of my face replicated. My heart sinks in disappointment as I scroll through the available presets. They’re not designed for human features, with the eye makeup being too high or wide. The styles too are also strange, some with a white base and black and red dots or even war like camouflage patterns.Maybe I could upgrade AHI to have some human designs added.

Something Krogoth could probably help me with, assuming we are still on speaking terms. My stomach is in knots thinking about our fight. I regret questioning the bond the way I did before he left. I was too harsh, but I was so angry and disappointed in him, I couldn’t help but lash out. It feels wrong in my core to have this rift between us, like a pizza fighting with pepperoni.

I push these thoughts to the back of my mind for now. I’ve already cried enough tears. It’s time to stretch my legs and explore Draxxi. “AHI, I’m heading out. I will see you later,” I state, curious to what the artificial intelligence response will be.

“Roxy. Error, I cannot be seen by the naked eye. Goodbye, deploying standby mode,” AHI replies as I exit out the front door.

Stepping through the doorway into another world is a bizarre experience. Behind me is cozy, slick technology. In front is an untamed forest with trees as wide as buildings and they’re so tall I cannot see the end of them. Strange animals and insects chirp and bark in the distance, making the hairs on the back ofmy neck stand up.Maybe this isn’t such a good idea. I can’t tell what is friendly and what is going to eat me!Hesitantly, I begin walking straight ahead in no particular direction, not having the faintest idea of where I’m going.

I stop before a massive tree with an enormous fist shaped hole bore into it. The exposed wood looks clean, meaning that whatever fierce beast did this was here recently. I glance about, my pulse quickening, hoping I don’t come across whatever did this.

I continue cautiously, placing my feet with care amongst the foliage, trying to avoid stepping on any twigs that might alert some freaky gigantic animal to my position. I notice nestled within some of the particularly massive trees are houses similar to Krogoth’s, but smaller.That’s it, Roxy, one step at a time, like a sneaky shadow.

My heart nearly bursts out of my chest as I feel something large touch my shoulder. “Ah! Don’t eat me!” I shriek, hurling myself to the ground and shielding my head with trembling hands.

“Gods!” Xandor exclaims “Are you alright?” He extends a hand, helping me to my feet. “I saw you sneaking about, and I thought it’d be funny to creep up on you.”

“Real funny, Xandor, you nearly gave me a heart attack,” I reply, gasping, trying to recover my breath. “What are you doing here, anyway?” I ask, dusting leaves from my once pristine black dress.

Xandor’s expression holds a touch of embarrassment, his eyes darting away momentarily. “I was actually on my way to find Krogoth. He was supposed to meet me at my place thirty minutes ago. I take it he’s not home?” he asks.

“Nope,” I reply, with an extra pop to the ‘p.’ My words come out with more heat than I intended. “He said he was going tomeet you, so who knows where he is now? He never tells me anything.” I scoff, feeling the tension rise within me.

Xandor raises an eyebrow at me. “Trouble in paradise?” he asks, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Something like that,” I admit, trying to work out which direction I should go in before turning back to him. “Xandor, I want to apologize for what I said yesterday… about Zelana. It was a stupid thing to say. I’m sorry,” I apologize with sincerity.

Xandor’s laughter eases the tension. “Think nothing of it, Rocks. You were drunk and Felixus probably has you believing I’m the scourge of females the galaxy over. Which is not true, by the way.” He pauses, studying me for a moment. “You look a bit lost. Are you looking for Draxru?” he asks.

“I don’t know… Maybe… I just wanted to explore a bit,” I answer.

“Come with me then. Draxru is a communal area, far more fun than getting lost in the forest,” Xandor says before turning to walk down an incline through some of the majestic trees.

I hurry after him, thankful to have a guide in this strange place. Suddenly, my wrist console vibrates and blinks with a notification, giving me a small fright.

Xandor glances back at me, his yellow eyes gleaming mischievously. “I’ve sent you the location of Zelana’s house. It’s not too far from here,” he says. “You can go check on her sometime. Make sure I haven’t abducted her,” he adds, chuckling.

“Hey, that’s not fair. I’ve said sorry already,” I say in protest.

Xandor’s laughter rings through the forest as we make our way, passing other Klendathians heading in the same direction. He waves and exchanges greetings with many of them, and it becomes clear he’s well-acquainted with everyone.

A short time later, in the distance, I think I see two massive trees, but as we draw closer, I can see they are colossal woodenstatues of a Klendathian man and woman. They stand as imposing guardians for what lies beyond.

The statues are mesmerizing. The male figure looms atop a multi-limbed, serpentine creature, his clawed hand raised in a triumphant gesture. Beside him, the female statue, adorned in flowing robes, places one hand on the male’s shoulder while the other extends towards the sky with open palms. It’s odd seeing a female Klendathian. She exudes a captivating beauty, with long, braided hair, sleek limbs, and an expression radiating peace and serenity.

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