Page 43 of Stranded with the Alien

“Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

In the quietness of the tent, he couldn’t look away from her. His heart thumped harder in his chest.

“I need you to promise me something.”

She tried to moisten her lips and his gaze focused on her mouth. He barely heard her next words.

“I don’t want to die like this. Not slowly and painfully from lack of food and water. Not with my organs shutting down one by one. Promise me when I start to suffer, you’ll end it.”

His eyes snapped back to hers.

“What are you asking me to do, human?”

“What you’d do if we met on a battlefield without a second thought.”

“You want me to end your life?”

“I’m only asking you to do what Vraxians have done to countless of my people. But this time it will be a mercy. Please, Vahn. I’m begging you.”

She was giving up. He took in her beaten expression, the hopelessness in her eyes, and it made him hollow inside.

Humans are a pestilence that must be eradicated.How often had he said those words? Fulfilling her request was simply the natural order of things.

And yet it was no longer that straightforward. He and thishuman had been forced into comradeship. Having her accept defeat now was unacceptable.

No. He would not allow it.

“Just like anedekhuman.” Contempt dripped from his voice. “Wanting an easy way out. I might have guessed you were as spineless as your compatriots.”

She jerked in shock.

“You think I’m a coward?”

“I think you are proving what a pathetic species Terrans are.” He looked at her coldly. “I will gladly put you out of your misery, human. At least it will stop your pitiful whining.”

“My… mywhining?”

“You are like adinnigfly, small and irritating. I shall be glad to be rid of you.”

“Fuck you.” She was getting angry. Good. Anger was better than despair. “Fuck you, you alien dickhead. I ask for help and this is what I get?”

“I am only pointing out the obvious. Vraxians are the superior species. You may as well give up now. You are clearly too weak to go on.”

“I can go on as long as you can!” She yelled into his face and he hid a grin. It hadn’t taken much to provoke her into rage. “You’re an arrogant fucking jerk and I fuckinghateyou!”

“If you’re hoping to goad me into ending your life, you can save yourself the effort. I will happily put you out of your misery.”

“Go to hell, you big blue piece of shit.”

“If you would kindly hand me your blaster, I can…”

She raised a fist to punch him in the mouth but he was ready for it. He caught her hand and raised an eyebrow.

“Feeling better?”

She glared at him.

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