Page 18 of Invasion of Sorority Z

The hu-nim Meg-ham has just finished a lengthy tale aboutrealitytelevision. It seems as though these creatures pay others of their kind to do dramatic things on video.

All of my fellow Aprixian flinched quite hard when she described a small female called Snoo-Kee being punched by a grown male. It distressed us very much, but according to the group of sisters, it was the moment that launched the show’s participants into fame. This shore show does not sound as appealing as Meg-ham seems to find it.

“Enough about trashy tv shows,” she tells us, sighing. “Can you tell us about your planet?”

Terum grunts. “What do you wish to know?”

“Drak said you were taken over for a long time,” An-nana says. “How’d you get it back?”

My fellow Aprixian and I glance at once another. Rem in particular gives me a pleading look. He would like to be the one to tell the tale, and I would not enjoy depriving him of the joy.

“Rem can explain it,” I say, giving him a nod.

He jumps from his stump with an enthusiastic smile. “Gather round hu-nims to hear the legend ofMarrec The Mighty.”

Stee-vee makes a noise of surprise and finds me with her eyes. Campfire flickers in her orbs and her skin glows as we share a moment. I did not wish for my life story to be divulged so early on. I wish that I was given more time to spend with her, in case my past frightens her away from me.

Rem clears his throat, lifting his chin and holding his shoulders high. “Many, many moons ago—”

“I am not that old,” I grunt, already interrupting.

Rem snorts, unbothered by my comment. “Fine. A few moons ago…” He waits for the quiet laughter of the females to die down before continuing. “There was a brave young male named Marrec. Born into one of the escaped noble families, he was safe from the harm of those who had stolen Aprix. He was safe, yes. Stowed away on a small planet, hidden from the harsh universe around him.”

The hu-nim S’rah blurts, “Wait, Marrec wasn’t born on the same planet as you guys?”

“Correct, my intelligent little friend,” Rem answers, grinning. “He is Aprixian, but he would not return home until many years after his birth.” A coy smile graces his lips. “With an army at his back.”

An-nana frowns. “How long was your planet under enemy control?”

“Sixteen years,” Rem replies. “It was a time of great despair. Many of our people were in chains, starving, and had lost all hope for seeing their freedom once again.”

He turns to me, giving a dramatic wave of his hand. “Marrec The Mightyspent his youth training, and for two whole years he worked with other planets in need. He slayed armies, and liberated many lives, earning money and how you saymanpower, to build strength. Aprix would not be taken back easily, and he knew he must be prepared.

“At sixteen years old, he returned to us. The enemy-controlled city fell within the hour. But Marrec did not simply quit there.”

Turning to Drak, he gives another over the top gesture. “With the help of Drak, he rebuilt our world and our forces. Entrusting the young Drak, only age ten, to follow his father’s footsteps in leading our soldiers.”

“What?” Ca’ate asks, scrunching her nose. “Why build your army back up? Weren’t you safe?”

Rem claps his hands at her. “Very good, leader Ca’ate. Indeed, we were safe.Butwe needed to be sure that we wouldalwaysbe safe again. Our soldiers built security measures, created more ships and helped to feed our hungry people. All the while, Marrec continued to work. He freed many more planets, one in particular that would set Aprix up for a peaceful forever.”

“What? How?” Meg-ham asks, on the edge of her seat.

“They were a wealthy planet,” An-nana guesses.

Rem beams. “Quite correct, mean one. Aprix will never need to worry about funds until the planet dies. All because ofMarrec The Mighty.” He pauses, giving our friend a teasing look. “And Drak, I suppose.”

“Excuse me,” I grunt, getting to my feet. Heading toward the space ship, my mind begins to cloud with things I wish would fade away.

“Go with him,” I hear someone whisper.

“What? What if he wants to be alone?”

“You should go,” Rem agrees.

I don’t discourage him, even as small footsteps begin to follow mine. If it were the scent of any other being trailing behind me, I would have much disappointment. But it is hers.

“So how did Terum become your leader if Marrec and Drak are your heroes?”

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