Page 5 of Saving the Alien Chieftain

“As opposed to you, who has it shoved up his own arse?” Felixus scoffs back before his expression turns to surprise. “Please forgive my vulgar language, ladies.” He bows in my direction, before bowing towards the other three women.

“Chieftain, we should chain and gag Felixus. For his own protection, of course.” Xandor smirks at Felixus before turning to Krogoth, laughing.

“You’ll do no such thing, you brainless barbarian,” Felixus retorts quickly, folding his arms and puffing his chest out.

Krogoth casts quick glances round the area. “We’re drawing too much attention. Come, let’s talk at the Last Resort.” He turns, leading us through the paved streets.

As we walk by what seems to be an open-air livestock area, it becomes obvious that much of the trade in Star City involves livestock. I look in awe as many of the larger areas contain strange looking animals being bartered over by all kinds of aliens. I nearly launch six feet in the air when a huge, brown furry beast licks my hand with its fuzzy tongue as I walk past. It looks like a cute but giant buffalo, but with six legs and massive antlers, Krogoth tells me this creature is the infamous boracks. Apang of guilt washes over me as I recall enjoying the borack steak Krogoth prepared for me aboard the ship.

We move through the livestock area and come to a heavily industrialized part of the city. I turn around to get my bearings, noticing the hangar.We mustn’t be far from our ship. The lively atmosphere of the markets gives way to the disciplined shouts and commands of Klendathian warriors engaged in drills and weapon inspections. Amidst them, the clang of metal and the hiss of cutting torches fill the air as small drones hover over peculiar machines and equipment, adjusting. My senses are on high alert as this place feels like it’s off limits. Krogoth explains the area is a final preparation center for the forces assigned to join the constant wars the Scythians drag the Klendathians into.

Krogoth finally leads us through a few narrow, winding streets. Many of the buildings here display lewd images of half-naked alien women.

“Come rest and relax, fine warriors,” a pale Argorian with one breast exposed calls out after the group.

“Maybe next time.” Xandor winks at the woman.

“Tease!” she calls out back at him.

One building has a holographic display showing a Jungarian putting on a suit which transforms her to look what I guess is a resemblance to a Klendathian female. I’ve heard of red-light districts back home, but this was something else entirely.

“There’s so many brothels here,” I mention barely above a whisper to Krogoth.

“A natural consequence when an entire population has their females stolen.” Krogoth nods toward one of the bare-chested alien women. “Such females make a good living coming to Klendathor,” Krogoth states, a tightness around his eyes.

A few moments later, Krogoth stops before a tidy wooden building. “Ah, here it is. The Last Resort.” As Krogoth approaches, the door opens automatically. The interior isspacious, with a few Klendathian men seated around. There’s a pleasant heat emanating from an open fire blazing with firewood. The furniture is all over sized but constructed from extremely ornate wood.

Krogoth moves towards an enormous table that could seat a large party. Pulling out a chair for me, he gently places his huge hands around my waist and guides me onto the seat. Xandor moves towards Znat, helping her into a chair. “Thank you,” she says timidly.

Farangis practically floats up onto her seat, so incredibly graceful as always. Gums waves Xandor back with hand and jumps up onto the seat, just about making the height. Xandor, with a sly smile and his arms outstretched, approaches Felixus.

“Don’t even think about it!” Felixus says, scowling. “The day a Nebian needs a Klendathian to sit his arse on a chair is the day a Mutalisk develops hyper drives.” With that, Felixus places his two hands on the chair and tries to pull himself up. He tries to wedge his left leg onto the seat, giving him leverage. After straining for what seems like minutes, he falls, his blue face darkening with effort.

Xandor bursts into laughter at the awkward sight. My heart goes out to Felixus, but his stubbornness is getting the better of him. “Let me help you,” Krogoth says, standing up.

“No, lad. I’m not done yet.” Felixus runs over to the fire pit and pulls a couple of mismatched logs out of the piled wood awaiting burning. He meticulously lines them up next to the chair and carefully ascends, finally settling into his seat.

Xandor applauds and whistles. “By the Gods, after all these months, all the Scythians had to do was provide oversized chairs, and the Nebians would be rendered utterly helpless!”

“Pfft, let this be a lesson for you. A Nebian can out-think any situation.” Felixus nods, smiling at Xandor. I notice Gums giggling, causing me to struggle to contain my laughter. Felixusis always stubborn, but I like him, so the last thing I want to do is add to his embarrassment.

“What refreshments would you like, Pebbles?” Krogoth inquires, checking his wrist console.

I activate my wrist console and peruse the menu. I quickly scan the options. Sadly, most of them hold no meaning to me except for the various borack meats. “I couldn’t eat another bite after our dinner date, Krogoth. What about drinks? What would you suggest to impress a girl like me?” I respond, placing my hand on his wrist and looking up at him through my lashes.

“I was hoping you were already impressed,” Krogoth chuckles. “Let’s see, since you like pretty colors, I think the Stardust Sunrise will do the trick,” he says as he enters the selections onto his console.

“I can’t wait to try it,” I say, edging closer to him in my seat.

“Do they serve Quasarian Coilwhip?” Farangis hisses “Since Tensin, I long to taste it again.” Her forked tongue darts out as she speaks.

“There’s no Quasarian Coilwhip in this sector,” Xandor quickly states. “Why not give the Voltin Razorcrest a go? Close your eyes, and you’ll swear it’s the real deal. Just try not to spill it,” he adds with a chuckle.

Farangis nods thoughtfully before entering something into her wrist console.

“I’ve transferred twenty-five thousand credits to each of you,” Krogoth says, looking at Felixus and the three women. “I don’t know what your intentions are. But that money will be enough to buy you transport to anywhere you desire. You could even choose to settle down and make a life here.” He shoots me a smile before shifting his gaze back to the others. “I made a promise to Pebbles to see you returned wherever you like safely.”

There’s an audible gasp from the four recipients. “Noble warrior, your generosity astonishes,” Gums chimes in, hermissing fangs causing her to lisp slightly. “In truth I expected to be sold into another pleasure house… But now I can return home?” She sobs, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you. Thank you.”

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