Page 21 of My Big Scaly Alien Naga
I observed her closely to make sure she was processing my story.So far, she seemed to be doing alright.She'd cringed at the mention of slavers and pirates, but didn't interrupt.
"This planet is not like any others.The chii are the only sentient civilisation that live here, and most people don't even know about them.This planet is ruled by the game makers.They send contestants down here along with the most terrifying monsters from across the galaxy.It's called the Trials of Kalumbu and it's big business.Gazillions of people watch it all around the universe – it's not legal, of course, but that doesn't matter.Contestants rarely survive.It's a fight to the death.And-"
"Wait.I didn't sign up for this.How can they enter me into these games if it wasn't my choice?"
A cold laugh escaped me.She shrank back, and I regretted it instantly.
"Viewers think that contestants are here voluntarily, but that is a lie.They have no choice.Neither do the monsters, to be fair.Both are transported onto this planet by the game makers – and everything is filmed.The more bloody and brutal the deaths, the higher the viewing figures, the more money they make.It's simple."I sighed."I am sorry to be so blunt, but you deserve to know."
She pushed her shoulders back and stared at me defiantly.I was so very proud of her in that moment.
"I am grateful.You are right.I deserve to know.I need to know.It's hard to make decisions if you don't have all the information.Are you a contestant, too?No, wait.You said something about watching me sleep, and you sent those stars in the tunnels, right, so you must be...No.Do you work for them?"
Fuck.I'd dreaded that question.
"No...It's more complicated than that.I was sent here as a contestant, just like you, but until the moment they caught me, I was working undercover on Kalumbu Station.I was tasked by the Intergalactic Authority to infiltrate the space station in order to gather evidence.The IA want to shut them down, but all previous attempts have failed.The game makers have too much money and influence.This time, the IA played a long, secret game.Unfortunately, I was discovered while helping you escape from Jarra's clutches."
"That sprinkler system that burnt his skin, that was you?"
"Yes.It was not the best solution, and I am sorry that it took so long to implement, but I had no time to prepare.I didn't realise he'd woken you from your stasis pod until it was too late.There were supposed to be other Peritans before you-"
"Peritans?"
"That's what your species is called in Intergalactic Standard.You prefer...humans, was it?"
"Yes.Human.Who came up with Peritan?I don't think any Earth language calls us that."
"I don't know.I read up on your species as much as I could, but there is not much information available.Luckily, I found language files for my translator implant, which is why we can communicate easily.Although that was before the game makers fitted you with an implant yourself."
"An implant?What the fuck?Where?"
She grasped her head, her delicate fingers searching for scars.Sadness filled me at the sight.She'd never had a choice.Ever since she'd been taken from her home world, she'd been treated as a voiceless animal.
"It's in your brain," I said softly."There won't be a scar."
Her eyes were wide with anger and fear."What else did they do to me?"
"There is a tracker implant near the top of your spine, but while I was still on the station, I disabled the link to it.Unless the game makers find a very talented hacker, they can't track you.At least not for a while.This chii den lies in the Diamond Heights, an area the game makers rarely ever send contestants to.The camera drones don't work here, and since our suffering is their entertainment, they don't see the point in using this part of the planet for the Trials."
She sighed deeply."That is somewhat reassuring, I suppose.I have so many other questions, but I don't know where to start.I guess I understand now how I came to be in this place, but I still don't know who you really are."
"I'm an undercover-"
"That's not what I mean," she interrupted."What are you to me?Why did you help me?Why did you watch me while I was in that metal...stasis pod, is that what you called it?And why did Sa'quii call you my Chosen?"
Ah.And I'd thought explaining the Trials was difficult.This would be even tougher.Should I ease her in gently or drop her right into it?So far, she had stayed remarkably calm and collected.She was just as intelligent as I had expected from reading her file.
"Please, just tell me."
I tightened my coils as my hearts drummed in my chest."The chii call you my Chosen, but you...you are my mate."
"Mate?As in friend?"
She seemed very relaxed now.Not the reaction I'd expected.
"No.Not as in friend.I mean, I want to be your friend, but also so much more.You are my mate, mysoulmate.Our souls have been searching for each other from the moment we were born, calling from across the galaxy.We are meant to be together, Clare.Now and always."
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