Page 35 of The Stolen Tribute
“Who goes there?” Someone called out.
“Just me, assholes,” Jaxir shouted back.
The stairs ended in a platform that was connected to the airlock. All around were thick glass windows that should have given us an incredible view of space but instead were covered with muck and space dust.
On the platform stood three other aliens; one was a Zexian like Jaxir, tall and muscular with purple scales and golden eyes. The other two were also humanoid, one with a stocky build and turquoise skin and the other with dark skin and tentacles that grew from his head like dreadlocks.
I bit back a gasp as they all looked up at us.
“Who’s the Earthling?” the Zexian asked.
“She came along for the ride. I’ll explain later,” Jaxir said. “We need to get out of here before the AI comes back online, and the Mujugs get hostile.”
“I can take some Mujugs,” The turquoise-skinned alien said with a laugh.
“It’s not the Mujugs that I’m worried about,” Jaxir said. He looked to the other Zexian, who seemed to be his second-in-command. “Trex, we should salvage for supplies and then get the hell out of here.”
The Zexian, Trex, nodded. “Understood, Captain.”
Jaxir shoved him playfully. “Whatever it takes to make you listen to me.” He turned to me. “I want to you get on the ship,” He said.
I looked up through the airlock where the silver starship had docked. It was still small compared to the trawler, but no doubt, it would be more comfortable than running from place to place. I didn’t want to run and hide, though. I wanted to be helpful.
“Let me scavenge too,” I said. “It’ll go faster with another person.”
Jaxir didn’t look convinced.
I wasn’t sure what hurt me more, the fact that he wanted me to stay back or the fact that he doubted my ability after seeing what I could do before. “I’m not asking,” I said.
“Fine,” He said. “You’re with me. Let’s go.”
Trex had what seemed to be a large tablet in his hand. “I’ve already looked up the ship's model number and got a copy of the blueprints. It’s pretty standard. I’ll take the kitchen.”
Jaxir glanced at the map. “Kylie and I will take the lower deck. We might be able to find some weapons.” He looked to the other two. “Grook, Tilez, you guys check the common areas, but be on the lookout for Mujugs.”
The turquoise and black aliens nodded.
“I want everyone back here in fifteen minutes,” Jaxir said. He stood taller and spoke louder when he was giving orders. He was in his element now. A true Captain. “Not a second longer. We’re pushing it with the AI outage as it is.”
Everyone nodded and split up.
Jaxir led me down the spiral stairs again.
“Why did you want me to stay behind?” I asked.
“For your safety,” He said.
“Haven’t I proven myself yet?” I demanded.
“Of course you have, but you’re not trained. You’re not used to this,” Jaxir sighed. “It was nothing personal, Kylie. I just want to keep you out of harm's way. Don’t make me explain this right now, I,” He stumbled over his words as we reached the next set of stairs.
We traveled down further into the belly of the trawler. The air was colder down here and much more dusty. At least there were no Mujugs.
“It’s fine,” I said. “I get it. And you’re right, I don’t have the training, but I’m not weak, and I’m a half-decent shot.” I jumped the last two stairs.
The chrome and plastic finishes were gone now. We were back in the underbelly of the trawler, complete with Mujug smell and clouds of space dust.
“You’re right,” Jaxir said. “So, here’s your first lesson, then,” He waved me over to a door. “These trawlers generally limit their space for the crew as much as possible to save space for the moneymaker,” He said.
