Page 15 of Alien's Challenge
Faris sucked in a breath. That was horrifying. Eyes should not move like that. It was unnatural.
Aware that they were being scrutinized, he headed to the back, pulling Alice along by the hand.
“Kamron!” he shouted, knocking on the locked door.
The door opened a crack. A muddy green eye with a black vertical slit peered through.
“Just the male I wanted to see! Those new converter kits came in,” Kamron said.
The male flung the door open. He wiped his hands on a cloth and stuffed it into a pocket. Boxes and open crates cluttered the floor. If there was an order to the chaotic storeroom, Faris could not find it.
“By new, you mean used and falling apart,” Faris said.
“They still have life in them.” The male waved Faris over to a crate in the corner and removed the lid. The converter kits inside were battered from use, but the worst of the engine grime had been cleaned.
Rotza. He needed those parts for his ship. Even if they only worked once, it’d be enough to get off the planet to a station with a scrap yard that hadn’t been picked clean.
“How much?” Faris asked.
Kamron named a price that made Faris laugh.
“Pass, but good luck finding another fool willing to pay.”
“I found the fool. I know you need them,” Kamron said.
“I want them but I am patient.” Faris’ quills flexed up and down as he spoke. He’d been repairing the ship for years. Parts were difficult to come by, especially parts that worked. “Those would do damage. I’m better off waiting.”
Kamron huffed, and his neck frills fluttered in irritation. “You have no funds because you purchased a human. It is all right. I understand why you would pass on quality goods.”
Alice said something sharp.
“Defective chip,” Kamron said. He went to a shelving unit and rummaged through a box. “I got you. I’ll include a new chip for the cost of the converter kits.”
“I am not purchasing your defective converters,” Faris replied, keeping his voice even. Betraying his interest in the items would have a detrimental effect on negotiations. “We require a chip. Nothing else.”
“Both converter kits, plus the chip.”
“No.”
“I’m allowed to make a profit. You’re taking food out of my hatchling’s mouths.”
“You do not have hatchlings,” Faris retorted. “Please, continue to gouge me on the price. I’m sure you have plenty of customers looking for this particular piece of equipment.” He glanced at the empty door. “I believe they are forming a line now.”
“Fine, both converter kits for the price of one,” Kamron grumbled.
“Including the chip.”
“Including the chip.” Kamron’s quills went flat against his head. Despite the male’s indignation, it was a good price.
Within minutes, Alice was sitting on a stool as Kamron replaced the defective chip.
“Oww…what the hell?” Alice complained, rubbing the tender spot behind her ear.
“It is not a pleasant sensation,” Faris said.
“Expect a headache and audio distortion for a few hours,” Kamron said, shoving the chip implanter back onto the shelf.
“You can understand me. Finally!” She jumped to her feet, her round eyes staring at him like she could put him under compulsion. “What the fuck is your name, Big?”
