Page 31 of Captured By the Alien

Twelve

Kara shook her head in amazement.

“Seriously? You’re all excited about clothes?”

The newcomer noticed her for the first time. He eyed her quizzically, tapping his chin with his finger.

“Hm. Short, but not as different as I feared. Two arms, two legs. Only one head.”

“You thought I might have more than one head?”

“How wouldIknow? I’ve never met a human before.” He put his hand to his chest and bowed. “I am Daa’sten, the dressmaker.”

“The dressmaker? What the hell do we need a dressmaker for?”

The Vraxian looked at her clothes pointedly.

“Shall I list the reasons? What in the name of Holy Zandarr are you wearing? Is this some kind of alien fashion statement?”

“I’m not the alien.You’rethe alien.”

“On Vraxos, my dear, I’m afraid it isyouwho’s the extra terrestrial.”

Kara realized he was right. She folded her arms mutinously.

“You haven’t answered my question. If we’re just trying to beat each other in competition, why do we need a dressmaker?”

Vysh nudged her.

“For the presentation, silly. Tomorrow.”

“What presentation?”

Layahn curled her lip contemptuously.

“Don’t you knowanything? Tomorrow night is when we are formally announced asshaa’baaracontestants.”

“Yes, and we get introduced to the whole planet on global vid-link so everyone can see who we are,” said Vysh earnestly. “That’s why we have to look our best.”

“You may as well give up on Kara,” snarked Layahn. “You’d need a ton of surgery to make her look good. She hasn’t even got head spurs.”

“Shut up, Layahn,” Vysh frowned at her. “Don’t listen to her, Kara. I’m sure you’re very pretty for a human.”

“Look, I don’t actually give a flying crap how I look,” Kara said. “I just want to get on with the contest.”

“But youshouldcare.” This from the Potential Kara remembered was called Inyria. “My friend spoke to her sister who spoke to her cousin who says her mother thinks everyone will judge the new Zhaal on how attractive hisshaa’baaracontestants are.”

Drek.If that was true, she’d have to take this seriously. Not because she was ready to be judged by a planet full of bony-headed Vraxians, but because she didn’t want to let Vahn down.

“Fine. I give in.” She looked at Daa’sten. “What do you need from me?”

“A growth spurt would be nice. Are all humans this short?”

“Some are shorter. I can stand on a box if you think it would help.”

“And what’s wrong with your feet?”

“Nothing. I’m wearing boots.” Kara realized Daa’sten had never seen footwear before. Vraxians didn’t generally wear any. “It’s okay, I can keep these.”

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