Page 62 of The Alien Who Saved Christmas
“Thatone got blood all over my only shoes.” He pointed to a puddle of ooze that must have once been a man, an accusatory frown on his face. “Now, they’re stained.”
“Oh.” Sadie totally got it. She missed her favorite boots back on Earth. They were black and expensive and her landlord was probably going to sell them at an eviction sale. “Don’t worry. We’ll get you another pair, just as soon as we escape this dump. Are there shoe stores in space?”
“Of course.” He guided her over to the control panel. “This is the microphone.” He clicked some switches. “Wait until this flashes on.” He tapped another button. “That will indicate Lord C’don has disabled the master locking mechanism and freed the prisoners.”
“How do you know so much about all these dials?”
“They are labeled.”
“Oh. Right.” Sadie swallowed down her nerves. “What do you think I should say to inspire the miners to convince them to run…?”
The light flashed on.
Shit.
Sadie instinctively jabbed the microphone button and started winging it. “Um… This is Sadie Malone, speaking. …Hi?”
Xane was fiddling with some monitor. “You commit so many crimes, wife. I’d think you’d be better at it, by now.”
Sadie flicked him off, still ad-libbing. “Uh… My very grouchy husband and I have come to set you free, because slavery is wrong. Obviously. And we are very much opposed to it. And also, we’re rescuing Jynn. Jynn, your dad has been super-worried about you.”
“Lord C’don has already found his precious heir.” Xane tapped the monitor, which seemed to be showing the interior of the mine.
Sadie covered the weird-looking microphone with one hand and looked his way. Oh my gosh!Already? They really do have a psychic connection.”
“And no common sense. They appear to be bickering, while guards chase them.”
“They’re probably just overcome with emotion at being reunited.”
“They’re about to die.”
“You’re always so pessimistic.”
“It’s only pessimism if you consider their demise a bad thing.” He shrugged. “I remain ambivalent.”
“Of course it’s bad!” She frowned. “Can’t they fly out of there or something? They’re ducks.”
“Vipri’s wings are vestigial.”
“What?”
“They cannot fly.” He looked thoughtful. “Perhaps that’s why they are often pilots.”
“Oh, for God’s sake.” Sadie turned back to the microphone. “Lord C’donmove. Get your ass in gear, ornoneof us are getting off this rock. That goes for the rest of you, too. If you want to escape, now is the moment. You can see by your manacles or whatever, we’ve disabled the locks.” She paused. “I hope you can see that.” She wasn’t sure how the security system worked exactly. “But anyhow, wehavedisabled the locks, and you guys outnumber the guards. So… you’re free. Kind of.”
Xane arched a brow, looking amused.
She ignored his silent laughter, trying to channel her inner Disney tour guide. “If you all could make your way to the nearest exit, that would be amazing. No need for pushing and shoving. Orderly lines should be fine. Thank you. Um… Goodbye.”
“And?”Xane prompted.
“Oh! I forgot.” She leaned closer to the microphone. “And I’m a woman.” She looked over at Xane. “How was that?”
“Inspiring.” Xane decided and seized hold of her arm. “Let’s get out of here before the massacre begins.”
“You really think the speech was okay?” She hurried along behind him. “Maybe I should have tossed in some quotes about how today is our Independence Day.”
Xane half-carried her down the stairs, taking them three at a time. “As usual, I have no idea what that means.”
