Page 32 of Grulen

“Too dangerous.Humans are a hot commodity out here.The risk of kidnapping is too high.”Makai frowned.

Morgan chewed the inside of her cheek and squinted at the viewscreen.

“Actually, Tren’s idea is a good one.If you know a place that hires entertainers and has the right sort of space for the silks, we could offer a three-night gig.A couple of the guys could go with me to protect me, and I can add the pay to the ship’s coffers.”

“There’s no need for your credits.”Makai’s lips thinned and his jaw hardened.

“At least it would offset some of the cost of my food and clothing.”Her chin thrust forward.

“I volunteer to protect her.”Crax’s rumbly voice interrupted their standoff.

“As do I,” said Lezon.

“Any of us would be happy to protect her,” Tren said.

Makai’s braids swirled across his shoulders as he shook his head.

“I’m going to regret this.”Sighing, he pointed at her.“Three nights only.I’ll arrange it.”

She grinned and barely refrained from pumping her fist in victory.

“Thank you, Makai.Four sets per night, fifteen minutes each—max.Let me know what is decided and I’ll work with Kara for costumes and music.”

Makai grunted and said, “That’s it.Everyone that doesn’t need to be here, get off my bridge.”

Chapter 9

Despitehisbesteffortsand numerous headaches, he still didn’t remember his name or anything specific about his life.Over the past several weeks, his flesh healed on theMorning Star,and he became friendly with the crew of Ladortans and Ermipas.An odd mixture of beings—the Ladortans ranging from two to three heads taller than himself and the Ermipas much shorter.Both species had fur-covered bodies with the Ermipas usually in a darker color.While the Ladortans looked ferocious most of the time, the Ermipas appeared adorable with their round heads and oval eyes.Both races were strong and hardy.

The crew members took to calling him Stalad.When he asked why, they told him it was the tempered version of an ore found on some rare asteroids.The name sat uncomfortably on him like an ill-fitting shirt, but until he could recall more about himself, it was better than nothing.Underneath it all, he had a sense of urgency—something he should be doing but wasn’t.Unless he sparred with the crew members or trained solo, the feeling gnawed at him.

TheMorning Starlanded on Nulorn a week ago.Captain Ordan searched for someone who could take him to Costonia in the hopes Stalad could regain his memories there.So far, no one seemed to be traveling in that direction or wanted him on their ship.

“Come, Stalad.Rumors are tonight is the last time for an unusual performer atDiversions.I expect a number of mercenaries will be there.”Ordan’s meaty hand slapped him on his shoulder.“Although I will miss sparring with you.”

Stalad followed the Ladortan to a unmanned Nulorian flitter and they seated themselves.The captain entered the destination and swiped his credit chip.The vehicle rose and moved forward.

“What isDiversions?”

“It’s a well-known entertainment establishment in the heart of the capital.”

Less than an hour later, a huge semi-circular building with scalloped outer edges appeared.The flitter landed and Ordan’s fur waved in the breeze when they disembarked.

After Ordan paid for their entry, he pointed to the far end of the room.

“Come.Let’s find a place to sit.”

Stalad peered curiously around them as he followed the Ladortan.The upper levels of the scallops seemed to be separate viewing areas with privacy glass overlooking the establishment, while tables and chairs provided seating in the dark areas below.A large stage formed the other side of the room with bars serving drinks on either side.Tall rectangular tables surrounded the big dance floor in front of the raised stage.Other seating and tables dotted the outside edges.

Waitstaff of a number of species moved fluidly among the tables with drinks and food while a Praxite band played loudly on stage.Flashing lights and smoke highlighted the performers.As Stalad and Ordan got closer to one of the bars, he saw two Wrestikan females busily moving their multiple arms mixing drinks for the patrons.Ordan’s face lit up when he noticed a small empty table in one of the lower scallops near the left side of the stage.He hustled toward it and sat.

Following more slowly, Stalad’s ears rang from the loud music and his nose twitched from the smoke.His tail jerked slightly as he sat with his back toward the wall.From his position, he could see most of the venue as well as the opposite backstage.

Stalad placed an order for drinks and glanced around.

“Hmm, Jalaxians.I wonder if they’re the Wing Raiders.They might be able to get you home.”Ordan peered backstage where a surly-looking Jalaxian stood with a pink-haired female tapping on a tablet.“I don’t recognize that species.”

“Odd to see a human here,” said Stalad.His nose wrinkled.

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