Page 23 of Tis the Season for Tentacles
“I just want us all to be friends,” Khephren murmurs, burying his head in Sasha’s shoulder.
Sasha strokes his back and mouths to Najar, “Fix this or I’ll fix you!”
I swear, his eyes look ready to fire laser beams at Najar’s balls.
Luna snickers. “Naj done fucked up now.”
Rambo beeps. “Keep firing, assholes.”
Khephren pulls back and wipes at his eyes. He must be a rather tender-hearted genius. I can see why Sasha protects him like a rabid hellhound.
“We can’t return now, even if we wanted to. Not right away, at least. We’ve been traveling at light speed for some time now and are thousands of light years away. We’ll need to refuel before we can make a return trip,” Khephren explains, biting his lip in obvious worry.
Clearly outnumbered and uncomfortable at the sight of his crying friend, Najar takes a step toward me.
I take a step back.
He frowns.
I cross my arms protectively and back up again.
Maintaining distance is the name of the game, Felix.
“I… apologize for what I said,” he grits out between clenched teeth.
I stiffen and narrow my eyes. “Don’t strain yourself, pal.”
Rambo beeps three times. “Can’t we all just get along?”
Najar closes his eyes, and I get the distinct impression that he’s counting to ten.
Good. Serves him right.
When he opens his eyes, a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors, he stares right into mine. “I’m not inclined to… trust those I don’t know well. My objective was not to frighten you but to protect my crew.” He sighs. “But Khephren is right. The fault for the entire situation lies with us, so we must be the ones to yield in this matter. It is too late for us to take you home right away. But we will accept your proposal and trust you and your sister to keep quiet about your time with us.”
I lift my chin. “And how do I know I can trust you?”
He studies me for several long moments before he goes to one knee and clasps a fist over his chest. “I swear on my honor as a Dravethian warrior.”
My heart flutters a little at the sight, but I quell my foolish thoughts. He’s only doing this because his friends guilted him into it.
Kheph gasps, his eyes bright. “Oh, Naj! I knew you had it in you.”
Luna places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “That’s a Dravethian warrior oath, Felix. Naj can’t break it without losing his honor. He’d never do that.”
I can only hope she’s right.
“Good! Everything’s settled.” Khephren takes hold of my hand and pumps it, smiling brightly. “You’re our special guest and new friend. I hope you’ll enjoy this adventure with us.”
“Thank you. Uh… how long will this adventure last?”
He considers this for a moment. “A few weeks. We’ll have you home before the new year on Earth’s calendar.”
My shoulders relax. “Sounds good. I’m excited to travel with you all and see the universe.”
Khephren, who resembles a champagne bottle ready to pop, plants a giddy kiss on Sasha’s lips before hurrying back to his seat. “I’m powering up the view screen and I’ll be placing the call to your sister momentarily. Are you ready, Felix?”
Rambo loops me in a circle, beeping happily. “We have clearance, Clarence.”
