"Maybe we should ask one of the assistants," I suggested, unwilling to tell him what I'd planned to get Trish. "They might be able to recommend something."
Havel nodded and flagged down one of the AI globes swirling above our heads. Years ago, they used to have real people do this, but they switched to AIs for a 'better service'. To save costs, more like.
"How can I be of assistance?" the AI asked in a seductive female voice. Did they all talk like that or had the AI determined that we'd react best to this voice?
"We want to get our human female a present," I told the flashing globe. "Do you have any suggestions?"
"Data on humans is lacking," the AI replied, managing to sound almost regretful. "Switching to generic female profiles. Does the female like cooking?"
"No," both Havel and I said as one.
"Does she like fashion?"
"We want a present that's something special," I said before it could ask any more stupid questions. "Something that isn't a commodity. Something pretty and valuable. Something that shows her that we love her."
I regretted saying that last bit. Admitting my love for Trish to an AI felt weird.
"Maybe a present that her and I could use together," Havel suggested.
Again, I hated him for coming up with that.
"I know just the thing," the AI chirped. "Follow me."
It led us through the crowd, occasionally hovering above a stall as if it was deciding whether to stop there or not, before continuing. We were halfway through the shopping platform before it finally landed on the roof of a busy stall. Males of all species, sizes and colours were standing around it, staring at the wares on offer. I exchanged a look with Havel. This was a good sign. Those males were likely buying presents for their females, too.
Instead of waiting, I squeezed through the shoppers until I was pressed against the table. A strange selection of objects was spread out in front of me. I had no idea what any of them were, although some of the long objects' shapes reminded me of something. No, that couldn't be... could it?
"Welcome," a shop assistant in barely any clothes greeted us. She was showing more skin than I liked. In the past, before we abducted Trish, I may have found the female attractive, but now I just found it irritating.
"Are you looking for a toy to use with a male, female or other?"
"Toy?" Havel asked.
"Mating toys," the Ferven said, rolling her eyes.
Havel and I looked at each other again. Neither of us knew what this was about.
"Sometimes, you might want to add some more spice to your mating," the female explained with an exasperated sigh. "In the beginning, it's all exciting and new, but at some point, you'll run out of techniques and experiences to try. That's when our famous mating toys come into play. We've got toys for all species and preferences. Kardarians are one-cock-species, correct? Maybe your female would like to experience what it would feel like to be with a two or even three-cock-male? We've got some beautiful replicas, either standalone or as a strap-on."
I wanted to rub my eyes in astonishment. Fake cocks? What was the galaxy coming to? Next, they'd come up with fake pussies and fake boobs.
“Some of us do have two cocks, actually,” I told her and flicked my gaze downwards for a second to make it very sure that I was one of those males.
“Apologies,” she muttered, but I ignored her and let my gaze wander over the stall's offerings. And instantly corrected my view of the universe when I realised both fake boobs and pussies were available. Including the rubbery replica of a four-boobed Ankanis female. How peculiar. Why would anyone prefer to play with this instead of the real thing? I supposed there were lonely males out there with no chance of ever abducting their own female. Havel, Matar and I were lucky to have found Trish, the most perfect female in the entire galaxy.
"Our female has four Kardarian cocks to choose from," Havel said drily. "What else do you have?"
"Take a look at these magic balls," the Ferven said and held up a chain of three fist-sized balls made of some kind of rubbery material. "They vibrate, and the deluxe version can even emit mating hormones, depending on the species. Or maybe you'd like your female to experience the pleasures of knotting?" She pointed at a strange ring. "Just push this over your cock and at the end of your mating, it will activate, locking you inside your female. You can set the time yourself or you can have it choose a random time. It can be most satisfying to be inside your female for hours, without neither of you able to break the link."
My cock hardened at the thought of being bound to Trish in that way.
"I'll take one," I said before Havel had the chance.
"Would you like small, medium or large?" she asked and held up three different sizes. As much as it pained me to admit, the large one was about three times the girth of my cock. I had no idea what species that was made for, but it had to be some kind of giant.
"Medium," I admitted grudgingly.
She grabbed a box from under the table and handed it to me. I pressed my communicator against the receiver, and it automatically took the credits from my bank account. I'd not even checked how much this knotting ring cost. That was so unlike me. Being with Trish was changing me in all sorts of ways.