Page 44 of Alien's Challenge
Faris did not believe Perrigaul but collected Alice. She wore a practical coat with a hood. He approved. Jasmina gave Alice a meaningful look as they left. Curiosity wanted to know, but he could not gain his mate’s trust if he demanded to know all her secrets.
They hurried through the market streets, toward the landing field. A small crowd gathered around their transport ship. Not good but they could handle it.
In the crowd, Faris spotted the bright blue uniform of the town guard.
“Of course you landed in a trading post that has a guard,” Faris said.
“I thought this place didn’t have laws,” Alice said, leaning close to him.
“They’re only laws if you can enforce them, which they can,” Perrigaul retorted.
Authority existed at the local level if a person was strong enough to take power. A few warlords seized control of towns. Mostly it was an extortion scheme, paying taxes for protection. Rarely, very rarely, a handful of warlords set themselves up as magistrates or mayors and dressed their minions as guards.
A minion in a fancy costume was still a minion.
“Is this your vessel?” A local guard strode toward Perrigaul, orange skin and violet markings vivid in the sun.
“This one? No.” Perrigaul kept walking, but the guard grabbed him by the arm.
“This vessel was stolen,” the guard said.
“Like I said, not my vessel, not my problem.” Perrigaul tossed Faris an annoyed look.
“And you purchased fuel for a vessel that is not your problem because…”
Alice shifted beside Faris. “This is my fault. I took too long shopping. I told you I didn’t need new clothes.”
“Yes, this is your fault,” Perrigaul agreed.
Faris’ fist slammed into the male’s jaw. His head snapped back, and his tail landed on the dusty ground. “Any other witty remarks to add? Do not deprive us of your sparkling insights.”
Perrigaul rubbed his chin, slowly rising to his feet. “Are we fighting now? I think I would like to fight now.”
“I don’t think you’re worth the effort. Let us agree that I won the altercation, and you can slink off to lick your wounds.”
The males stood chest to chest, quills up. Faris was sure they looked ridiculous, the short male trying his best to intimidate the larger male who had downy tufts on his head like a juvenile. They were both fools.
“I need access to the vessel,” the guard said.
“He needs access,” Perrigaul said, ignoring the guard.
“Oh? Perhaps you should unlock the vessel,” Faris said.
“Eh, I’d be more inclined if he asked nicely.”
Faris glanced away to speak to the guard. A small crowd had gathered to watch, enjoying the hardships of others. Alice put up the hood on her coat. He sincerely hoped no one in the crowd made the connection between Rand’s bounty and Alice.
“He says you need to ask nicely,” Faris said to the guard.
“Open this at once! By order of Warlord Davith, open the vessel or be detained,” the guard ordered.
Faris turned back to Perrigaul. “He says no.”
“Did you even try to bribe him?” Perrigaul sighed dramatically.
The guard grew agitated. “This ship is stolen, and I am authorized by Warlord Davith to seize it—”
“Youstolethe ship!” Faris gasped. “Guard, arrest this male.”
