Before either of us can react, Sutek presses a blade against the male’s neck. The edge glows an ominous red, and the air fills with a low hum. I gulp. He isn’t really going to vaporize this guy, is he?
“Just who are you?” Sutek asks in a cold tone. “This is private property. You must have permission to land here.”
“Well, yes, I did have permission, you see,” the gentleman stammers. He swallows nervously. “I am Rathdalia Antharlia, you see. An associate of mine asked me to come and visit, you see. He thought I might be able to review this place for its grand opening. Spread word of its grandeur.”
My mind automatically adds the extra ‘you see’ to his statement.
“Oh, you must be the critic,” I say, piecing it together.
I exchange a meaningful glance with Sutek. He appears outwardly calm, but I know him well enough by now to see the panic lurking beneath. Of all the worst possible timings, this takes the cake. One look around reveals bullet holes riddling the walls, smashed furniture, mud-caked walls... oh, and let’s not forget the hulking spaceship occupying the front driveway!
“We’re just... in the middle of...” Sutek fumbles for words, scrambling to explain away the damning evidence.
It’s painful watching him try to cover for my mistakes. This is my problem to solve. Time for me to fix my mess.
“We weren’t expecting you so soon, Mr. Antathingamajig!” I say, completely butchering his name. Rathdalia jumps, glancing at me as if for the first time. I ramble on, motioning to the trigger-happy Greenie lurking on the other side of the barricade. “Everything you see right now is for our special guest, you see.”
I nearly groan out loud at how I’ve used his catchphrase. It has to be something to do with the translator, right? Can a virus be transmitted to the brain? Has this guy infected me somehow?
Shaking off my thoughts, I power through with my latest scheme. I’m good at thinking on my feet, and for once, I’ll be able to help those around me.
“These gentlemen requested our Ultimate Adventure package for their stay. Here at the hotel, we cater to our guests’ every desire.”
Heat rushes through me as I remember how Sutek catered to my desires multiple times. Focus!
Rathdalia blinks slowly, processing my words. Honestly, I can hardly believe the words coming out of my mouth right now either. Sutek holds his breath. It’s as though the entire universe has suspended in this do-or-die moment, waiting to hear Rathdalia’s response.
“Excuse me one moment,” Sutek interrupts. He snatches the laser pistol from my hands and, in one smooth motion, jumps up, firing off shots in quick succession. I hear a definitive thud as a body hits the ground.
I sincerely hope the gun is set to stun, as he claimed.
“An adventure package, you say?” Rathdalia asks, licking his lips as he slowly nods to himself, his eyes glazed over.
“The Ultimate Adventure package,” I confirm, doubling down on the absurdity.
“Not all guests receive this treatment, obviously,” Sutek says, laughing a bit too forcefully. “We have to close the hotel for special events like this. That’s why we weren’t expecting you for a few more days, until after the repairs have been completed. I’m so sorry for the miscommunication.”
“Think nothing of it! This is marvelous,” Rathdalia says. He waves a hand flippantly at us, a couple of large rings flashing in the light. He seems to be taking to the events quite easily. “Most hotels are quite plain and boring, especially after having stayed at so many. To know you offer guests such unique packages—it’s so refreshing!”
“Really?” Sutek blurts out, gaping at him. I nudge him with my elbow, and he quickly shuts his jaw. We exchange stunned looks. Maybe this guy isn’t the sharpest space tool in the shed.
“Oh yes,” Rathdalia replies. “I will be able to write quite an interesting review based on this information, you see. These special events are exactly what my readers are after!”
Completely oblivious to the fact that there’s still a dragon-guy with a loaded weapon on the other side of the courtyard, Rathdalia stands. He dusts off his jacket and grins down at us. “If it is alright with you, I will check in later. I wish to return to my shuttle immediately to write, while the inspiration is fresh.”
“Umm, of course,” Sutek nods, his expression carefully blank. “Later will be fine.”
“You better run there, bud. Wouldn’t want to, uh, break people’s immersion,” I yell after the retreating back of Mr. Rathdalia-thingamajig, just for good measure.
“I must say, this Ultimate Adventure package is extraordinary!” he says as he hurries towards his shuttle, stepping over broken pottery and crushed flowers. His long tail wags behind him quite happily, as if he’s just been given the best treat ever. “The weapon fire looks so realistic! This might just be my best review ever!”
“Who the hell is this now? We never agreed on any reinforcements!” Greenie shouts across the courtyard. I breathe a sigh of relief that Greenie’s lack of sanity doesn’t ruin our cover-up or reputation. It all feels as if we’re participating in some sort of really messed-up game.
I take a moment to stare after our guest, momentarily forgetting the violence. What in the world has my life become? I feared I was going insane when I was abducted by aliens. I’m either certifiably insane now, or the rest of the galaxy is.
ChapterSeventeen
ELANA
