Page 27 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

The bike lands in the next lane, suspension absorbing the impact. Wind tears at my fur as I accelerate past 200 mph. Conquest seems less appealing by the minute. Why bother when I could just...stay?

Mel's kiss lingers on my lips. The small one - Sam - already treats me like family. Maybe that's better than an empire. Save this ridiculous planet instead of conquering it, give it to Mel as a wedding present. Once she realizes she's going to marry me, of course.

First things first though. Time to pay Gregor a visit and find out what those Grolgath are really up to.

The Ayl-Lean building looms ahead, its windows dark except for a few security lights. I park the bike in shadows near the loading dock. My compad chirps - an incoming transmission from Mel's primitive device.

"Are you okay? I heard sirens."

"Just fine," I say. "Earth's law enforcement needs better toys if they want to catch me."

"Where are you?" she asks.

"Outside your workplace."

"Please don't get into any trouble," she says. "I…want you to come back to me."

Warmth blossoms in my chest.

"Relax. I'll be subtle."

"Subtle? You?" Her voice rises.

"Trust me."

The quantum drive purrs as I rev the engine. Glass explodes inward as I burst through the front doors, showering the marble floor in crystalline shards. The bike's anti-grav keeps us floating an inch above the debris.

The night security guard dives behind a potted plant. Smart man.

A young woman sits frozen behind the information desk, her mouth forming a perfect 'O'. Her name tag reads "Jessica."

I guide the bike right up to her desk, careful not to scratch the polished wood. Mother always said manners matter, even during acts of breaking and entering.

"Pardon me," I touch the brim of an imaginary hat, "can you tell me which floor Mr. Gregor's office is on, please?"

"T-top floor." Her voice squeaks like a mouse caught in a trap. "Twenty-fifth."

"Thank you kindly."

The elevator doors slide open with a pleasant ding. I nose the bike forward, the quantum drive's hum echoing off the mirrored walls. Quite roomy in here, actually.

The elevator chimes at the top floor. Mirrored doors slide open to reveal a plush carpeted hallway lined with abstract art. The quantum drive hums as I guide the bike forward.

A brass nameplate catches the emergency lighting.

"Johnson Gregor, Chief Executive Officer."

"Johnson Gregor?" I snort. "Got his surnames in the wrong order. Typical Grolgath - can't even get Earth names right."

The bike's engine growls as I rev it. The heavy oak door splinters inward, showering Gregor's pristine office with wooden shrapnel.

He sits behind his desk, image inducer flickering to reveal grey scaled skin beneath his human disguise. His compound eyes reflect the bike's headlight.

"Krampus." He folds his hands on the desk. "I wondered when you'd show up."

"Then you know why I'm here."

"The human female and her offspring?" His mandibles click. "Hardly worth this dramatic entrance."

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