Page 25 of No Strings Attached

Vi turned back towards the remainder of her strange and exotic crew, “Who among us thinks they might be able to learn and oversee the security system reprogramming?”

Caussus stepped forward and said, “I have always had a facility with technology and programs, madam.”

Vi smiled at him, “You’re free now, Caussus, you should call me Vi. Oh! That reminds me: Caussus, I command you to be on our side, to never betray us, and to stop acting like a servant!”

He smiled, bowed, and said, “Madam.”

“And command you to call me Vi!”

He straightened and grinned at her.

“OK, take these guys and start working on the system. I want all the biometrics keyed to the 10 of us, and only the 10 of us. Cages, doors, hangar bays, the works.” She thought for a moment, then added, “Maybe nine of us. I don’t think Malachite’s going to register any biometrics.” She paused and recaptured her train of thought, “Then see what’s going on with communications. Do we have incoming or outgoing communications that need to be dealt with? That kind of shit. Keep a shock stick on you in case these Trallians aren’t cooperative. Do you want to have a guard?”

One of the Trallians spoke up, “He won’t need to be guarded from us…um…my queen. The systems are very easy to use, and we’re happy to show him.”

Vi flinched at little at the “my queen,” but didn’t say anything, considering whether Caussus would be safe.

Friend growled, then stood and spoke, “I’ll go with Caussus. He is my best friend, and I’ll rip—” the word ‘rip’ came out as in a fierce growl, “the throat out of anyone who tries to hurt him.”

Caussus reached down to stroke Friend’s head and smiled tenderly at him.

Vi said, “OK, threat received and I’m sure these guys understand. Let’s all remember that they aren’t slaves anymore, and wewillbe giving them more freedom—their actual freedom—as soon as we get our shit together and know what we’re doing.”

She turned to the second group of Trallians as Caussus, Friend, and the three Trallians walked toward a hatch door. “So, you’re the cooks, huh? Question one: do you have access to all of Qlu’s food stores?”

They nodded.

“Great! Question two: can you access information databases to discover the food preferences of all of us? Or at least make sure that anything you prepare won’t kill any of us?”

One Trallian stepped forward, “Yes, my queen, we often do such research in advance of Qlu’s buyers arriving.”

“Terrific. Would you be willing to prepare a victory feast for us now? One suitable for our whole mixed bag, here? I mean: human, Trallian, Estranian, Ophidian, trawg, Garoxian, etc.? Let me be clear, gentlemen, I don’t want to see one single piece of kibble in the meal.”

“Um…willing?”

Vi nodded and walked over to the one who had spoken with her, “Yes, willing. I’m asking if you would do this for us as akindness. You are not our slaves, remember? But I’m not about to try to figure out alien ingredients in an alien kitchen right now.”

“I…we…uh…would be honored, my queen.”

Vi beamed at them, then looked over to her crew. “Who wants to supervise? Whoever it is, I’d like you to also get a generous, two-day supply of food in to the Trallians in the bunk room, then give me a rough estimate of how long the food stores will last us and them.”

Trak stepped up, “I’ll do it. I’m friends with all the kitchen guys and frequently spend time in there.”

Vi put a hand on his shoulder, “Thank you, Trak. Do you need an extra guard?” When he shook his head, she continued, “Then let’s get the feast going as soon as possible. I’m starving, and we need to celebrate! The Trallians helping us with the security system and in the kitchen can join us for the feast.” She looked over her shoulder in the direction of Qlu, then said, “I want to have it right fucking here so that yellow bastard has to watch us the whole time.”

She regarded the members of her strange crew remaining: Bobby, Kompi, Mister Beastly, and Malachite. She shouted, “Wait!” to Trak’s outgoing group. “Is there a sound system in here and any music to play on it?”

Twelve: Why Don’t I Sleep in Here with You?

They had finally foundcontrols to place in Malachite’s hand to let him control the music selection, so the room was now filled with strange harmonics that were just slightly alien enough to be rubbing Vi’s nervous system the wrong way. Malachite stood like a statue, his interior light growing incrementally brighter over time, though, so she was determined to bear it.

Mister Beastly had wandered out of the cavern and out into the corridor shortly after Acken and snake guy had returned, presumably to go inspect and investigate the whole asteroid.

Acken had insisted on adding his oversight to the security system reprogramming group, while the snake guy had slithered away into the depths of the garden.

Kompi had wandered off, chasing the birds in the garden and laughing joyously.

Vi exhaled a long sigh and looked over at Bobby, the only one who remained with her on the edge of the garden.

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