Page 25 of Asmodel

Asmodel offered a wry smile and a shrug. No need to divulge his secrets. “Oh, they weren’t all that bad. We just had a little fun keeping the locals entertained.” He put his hand over his heart. “I have to tell you, your friends gave a captivating performance.”

Raxx snorted, his eyes scanning the empty street. “Well, let's not stick around for an encore. I think you said you’ve got someplace to go?” He gestured to an innocuous bracelet on his wrist.

Ah, must be some type of sophisticated remote.

After a subtle click from Raxx's device, a sleek, dark shape descended from the night sky.

“There she is, my other baby, theShadow Drifter.I activated her advanced-cloaking technology and kept her on standby until I was ready for her,” Raxx explained. “And she’s ready to rip.”

As the ship landed, its ramp descended with a hiss, revealing a utilitarian interior.

Raxx led the way, his steps confident and assured.

Asmodel followed, impressed by the seamless operation.

Inside, Raxx headed straight for the cockpit, his hands dancing over the controls with practiced ease. “Buckle up.” He didn’t look back as he started the lift-off sequence. “Next stop, CeluriaVO.”

Asmodel secured himself, and his mind raced with the possibilities of their impending journey. “Hey, just out of curiosity…how often do you make hasty retreats from angry alien mercenaries?”

Raxx laughed. The sound echoed in the confined space of the cockpit. “Ah, let's just say I like to keep life interesting.”

The ship's engines roared to life, propelling them into the inky blackness of space, away from the depressing landscape of FiPan.

With a quick mental update to his brother Abalim, Asmodel sat back and let the strange human man take him to the tantalizing promise of the dark-haired beauty he’d seen in his vision.

The zinging cosmos outside theShadow Drifter’scockpit was a vast tapestry of darkness and light, stars streaking past like fleeting thoughts.

Asmodel sat in contemplative silence, his gaze lost in the infinite expanse. Now that the fun tangling with the Vargrux was over, the weight of their recent narrow escape hung heavy on his mind. It might have been the most fun he’d had in a long time, but he had to admit it could have turned out different in a heartbeat.

A rambling sigh from Raxx shattered the silence. “I guess you’re curious about the whole Vargrux debacle.” He stared at the navigating console in front of him.

Asmodel turned from the window, the light reflecting off JR13 on his shoulder.

The silver-and-black spider body rested with his legs folded under him.

“The thought crossed my mind,” Asmodel responded. Not really. But it was a good conversation starter. He laced his voice with calm curiosity.

Raxx chuckled dryly, a sound devoid of genuine humor. “Well, let’s just say I possess something they desperately want back.” He paused, and the corners of his mouth twitched in a slight grin. “And not just them. If anyone in the galaxy knew what I had, we’d have more to worry about than just those assholes.” He leaned back and rotated his chair to face Asmodel. “Ever heard of the Quantum Lattice Resonator? The QLR?”

Asmodel’s interest piqued, and his analytical mind latched onto the term. “Space-folding technology,” he mused aloud. “I believe it’s theoretical.” He glanced at Raxx’s smug expression. “Until now, I assume?”

Raxx nodded, a hint of pride breaking through his rugged demeanor. “Not so theoretical anymore. This ship”—he patted the console like a favorite pet— “is equipped with one, thanks to yours truly. Makes jumping vast distances more than just a fantasy. That’s why we can shoot off to CeluriaVO without growing old on the way.”

JR13 jumped up on all six legs. “Can I scan it?”

The breathless tone from the bot made Asmodel’s eyebrows raise. The little guy’s butt was quivering like a dog offered a juicy bone.

“Eh, no. I’m afraid Echo won’t let you.” Raxx laughed. “Yeah, she’s a bit possessive about her QLR. Wants it all for herself.”

Okay, change of subject. “So tell me, how are the Vargrux involved in all this?” Asmodel pressed.

Raxx’s dark eyes reflected a mixture of pride and resolve. “Can’t imagine why. All I did was ‘borrow’ their little toy they stole from god-knows-who,” he admitted, his voice tinged with lighthearted defiance. “I gotta tell ya, after being stranded and left to rot in a forgotten corner of space more than once, you learn to take chances so it doesn’t happen to you again. No matter how stupid it seems.”

The mention of being stranded sparked a new layer of understanding in Asmodel. “Stranded?”

Raxx crossed his ankle over his thigh and linked his fingers together on his lap. “Back in good ‘ol 1984 Earth, I was kidnapped by aliens when I was around twelve or so.” He put up a hand to stop Asmodel from commenting. “I know, I know. Cliché, ain’t’ it?” He got a faraway look in his eyes. “A different life, a different world.” He looked away with a wan smile. “I don’t remember much about being taken from my friends’ backyard.” He rubbed his chin. “And I don’t know if I was the only one taken or if my friends were as well. Hell, I never got a glimpse of the aliens who grabbed me.” He straightened. “Hey, Echo, send me and my friend that special beer, would ya?”

He was silent for a moment.

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