Page 21 of My Alien Pirate

"I will meet you two later," Zharrox concluded, however, he stood watching us rather than leaving.

Grixxa looked between us, her eyes narrowing. "Okay. We'll see you in the mess in a while, Captain."

Grixxa poked her captain in the chest and he glared at her as he rubbed the spot but he moved back into the hall allowing us to pass. He nodded and turned leaving us standing outside my door. "Follow me, Nova."

As we left my quarters and walked the twisting corridors, I did my best to appear confident and in control, but inside, my mind was racing. What did Zharrox mean by that look? Did he really want to show me around, or was there another reason for his invitation? The thought sent a thrilling shiver down my spine, one that I quickly shook off. I didn't know these aliens well enough to read their intentions, and the last thing I wanted to do was make another embarrassing mistake.

Grixxa seemed to sense my unease, and she struck up a conversation to put me at ease. "So, Nova, tell me more about your ship. The Phoenix, right? Was it large? You said you are a biologist?"

I glanced at her, surprised by her interest. "It was huge," I replied, grateful for the change in topic. "Over a kilometer long. And packed with over two thousand people—scientists, engineers, farmers, even some artists and musicians. It was a microcosm of Earth, a little world traveling through space." I smiled at the memory, though it was tinged with sadness now. "And I was the chief xenobiologist. Responsible for studying any alien life we might encounter on our journey."

"Xenobiologist," Grixxa repeated, her eyes sparkling with fascination. "That must have been incredibly exciting. To explore new worlds, discover new lifeforms..."

"It was a dream come true," I assured her. "Even though we didn't make it to our destination." I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the pang of loss that still caught me unexpectedly. "But you have an incredible ship too. The Nebula Stryker is amazing. I can't get over the technology. How it's all so... organic." I gestured at the pulsating walls around us.

"Yes, we're very proud of her," Grixxa reached out and pet one of the walls. "She's a living being, you know. A sentient AI controls most of her functions. We just guide her, communicate our intentions."

"Wow," I breathed, glancing at her in awe. "That's so advanced. Back home, AI is still so limited. We're only just learning how to integrate it into our ships."

"It's been a long journey for us, too," Grixxa admitted. "Many generations contributed to her design and construction."

We walked in companionable silence for a while, and I soaked in the surroundings. The corridors were alive with soft, pulsating light, and the air carried a hint of a sweet fragrance that seemed to follow us wherever we went. I noticed small differences in the architecture, subtle variations in the pulsating patterns on the walls.

"Are there different sections on the ship, or do all the corridors look like this?" I asked, unable to keep the excitement out of my voice.

"Oh yes," Grixxa replied. "The styling changes as you move through different decks. The upper levels, closest to the bridge, have more intricate patterns and a lighter ambiance. The lower decks, where the engineering sections and cargo bays are, tend to be darker and more functional."

We continued through the ship with my tour guide pointing out various sites and peculiarities of the ship until my brain was on overload. It was all fascinating, but I wouldn't remember half of what she told me. It was so...alien.

Grixxa stopped at a cross hall, turning to me with a smile. "I think you may be ready for a break. Am I right?"

"Is it that obvious?" I huffed out a breath, blowing a lock of hair that had slipped from my ponytail out of my face.

"Do not worry, Nova. It is a lot to take in. I do not know that I would be as calm and collected as you have been should I have awoken on your ship all alone."

"Yes, your mental strength has been very impressive," a deep voice rumbled behind me. I spun to find Zharrox behind us and wondered how long he had been there.

"Well, thank you." I fought down the blush I felt creeping up my chest. I'd never been good at accepting compliments. "And where are we headed now?" I asked, glancing at Zharrox as I spoke, desperate to change the subject.

"To the mess hall," Grixxa answered. "It is time for the late meal."

My stomach rumbled in agreement, and I felt a bit embarrassed. "Oh, I didn't realize it was so late. I guess the excitement of everything..." I trailed off, unable to finish the sentence without admitting how little I'd eaten since arriving onthe ship, not recognizing any of the food that had been presented to me.

Fortunately, Grixxa laughed, her ridges flashing merrily. "We all get wrapped up in our work. Come, the mess hall is just ahead."

A few minutes later, we entered a large room that was surprisingly similar to the mess halls I'd known on Earth ships. The walls were still alive with gentle bioluminescence, but the space was filled with tables and chairs, and the air smelled of delicious spices. The only truly alien addition was a large, gelatinous structure in one corner that seemed to pulse and bubble gently.

Grixxa noticed my interest. "That's the food synthesizer," she explained. "It can create dishes from any number of worlds. Just think of what you'd like to eat, and it will prepare it for you."

I stared at the quivering mass of colors in awe. "It looks like a giant lump of jelly."

Grixxa giggled, the sound like the chiming of crystal. "It does, doesn't it? It's quite delicious, though. Come, let me treat you to a proper welcome meal."

She led me to a table near the synthesizer and gestured for me to sit. I noticed Zharrox hovering nearby, his eyes never leaving me for more than a moment as Grixxa disappeared into the crowd. The mess hall was surprisingly busy, buzzing with activity and the sound of many alien voices. The air felt alive with energy, and I realized these must be the peak dining hours.

I watched as Grixxa navigated the crowd, her slender form graceful and sure. She was a fascinating creature, so different from anything I'd ever seen. Her skin had a subtle shimmer, like a mirror that reflected the light around her, and her movements were liquid-smooth. I wondered what it would be like to be an alien like her, to have those crystalline eyes and shimmering scales.

My musings were interrupted by a plate being set before me. I looked up to see Zharrox standing close, his eyes warm.

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