Page 7 of Alien Abduction for Professionals
"What can I get for you?" the Ferven asked Havel. "How about this little remote-controlled vibe?"
"What's a vibe?"
"Really, don't Kardarians know anything?" she huffed, before putting on a fake smile again. "It's a vibrator. She'll insert it and it will vibrate when you want it to, stimulating her from within. Of course, you can also give her control over it, but most males prefer to be the ones to do the honours. Again, vibes come in all shapes and sizes. What species is your female?"
Havel didn't reply and turned to me instead. "I might just get her some more piki cakes. This is so strange. Who says she even likes these toys? She might be offended if we give them to her."
I gulped. I hadn't thought of that. Hopefully, she didn't mind. Trish loved mating, so she'd also love this, right?
Without another word, Havel walked away from the stall. I grabbed my box and followed him, now very much doubting my purchase. I was going to have to talk to Professor Katila. Her advice about shopping for our female had been completely useless so far.
* * *
Trish
The little tribitt purred in my arms, looking up at me with his beautiful black eyes. There was a certain intelligence to his gaze. I couldn't wait to be back on the ship to play with him. Matar had promised to download a guide to tribitt husbandry to the reading device the guys had borrowed me. The animal looked a bit like a rabbit if you ignored the tiny antennae sprouting between its ears and the colour of its fur, so maybe he had a similar temperament and needs. The seller had reassured Matar that the tribitt was litter trained and wouldn't soil the ship. We'd see if that was true. After seeing how that guy had kept the poor little tribitts, ignoring them in favour of fancy pets that were in fashion, I didn't trust his words.
One of his ears stroked my chin and I laughed. "Aren't you the cutest little bunny," I cooed.
"Tribitt," Matar corrected. "Have you thought of a name yet?"
"No, but I think I'll discuss that with all of you later. If this is going to be our family pet, we should all have a say."
"Family pet?" he repeated slowly. "I like the sound of that. Family."
I would have hugged him if I didn't have a snuggle tribitt in my arms. I didn't want to squeeze him to death between Matar and me, but I made a mental note to give him that hug later. Maybe paired with a kiss.
"What now?" I asked.
"Are you hungry?"
"Nope, not in the slightest. That cake has made me so full that I don't think I need any food for the next week or so."
He laughed. "And I bet you'll want another piki cake then?"
"You know me so well." I grinned at him. "Is there anything you'd like to buy?"
"Giving you that tribitt has been enough. I don't need anything for myself."
"It's not about needing something. Shopping is all about treating yourself to something you want rather than need."
"Yes, I think I remember Professor Katila saying that. But what if all I want is to spoil my little human mate?"
Warmth spread through my chest and it had nothing to do with the furry animal pressed against me.
"Then maybe I should spoil you... if I had any money." I sighed. "Not having a job and my own money sucks. I hate relying on you for everything. I don't get why the IGU won't pay me like it does you. I'm part of the case study, aren't I? I should be reimbursed for my troubles, too."
"You're right. As much as I love to care for everything you may desire, I understand the desire to be independent. Maybe we should all give you a share of our pay. That way, it's like a salary from the IGU, even if they don't pay you themselves."
I frowned. "I suppose that would be a good solution. And next time we speak to Professor Katila, I might demand that she pay me if she wants me to co-operate."
"I wouldn't suggest that," Matar said with a sigh. "I've heard stories of her being quite nasty to people who didn't follow her rules. Everyone thinks she's kind and benign because she's a Karangi, but there's something coldbehind those three pretty eyes."
"Well, if you're going to pay me my salary, that means I can buy you something now." I smiled. "And I know just the thing."
"Trish!" a familiar voice called from behind me.
I swirled around to see Xil and Havel make their way through the busy crowd. A group of very tall aliens that reminded me of humanoid giraffes stood in their way, but when Xil glared at them, they hastily stepped aside.
