Dar's Adventures in Space 1: Space Crazy (12 page)

“I understand…Do you think he’ll be a problem?”

“I hope not. I made it very clear that I’m more than willing to give him his knife back; be it buried in his chest.”

Gwog shook his head. “My, my, the little one has some moxie.”

“No more. I can’t and I won’t be bullied by him.”

“Good for you.” He set course and headed back to the Cunik.

Once on board, Dar collected Krodus and took him to the crew quarters. “First thing on the list for you: a shower.”

“Thank you,” Krodus said softly. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been able to bathe. Dirt and grime were smeared all over his skin, and his normally luxurious green hair was a matted mess.

Dar led him to the shower room. “Take off that rag and throw it away. I’ll try and find something for you to wear.”

“Dar?”

“What?”

“How come you’re being nice to me? I can understand your hatred for everything I’ve done to you.” He untied the ratty cloth from around his waist. “I guess maybe I deserved everything I got these last years.”

“Quite a while ago, we made a stop by Erotis. I wanted to see my mother and make sure she was okay.”

“Was she?”

“Yes.” He tried not to retch as he got wind of Krodus. “And I stopped by the tavern and saw your father.”

“How was he?”

“Mmm, at the time, fine. But he told me you’d left the planet in search of drig—taking a mining job on Ladnis 5.”

“Biggest mistake I ever made.” He sat down on a bench. “Some alien came around; not even sure what species he was…He said they were looking for big, strong adults to make fantastic drig mining Thidium on Ladnis.”

“And you had no clue that the Versithians hired the Renthids to overrun the planet and enslave others to work in the mines?” He walked in a small circle. “They enslaved other species because the Crinians couldn’t work under those conditions. They’re a rather frail species—now pretty much extinct.”

Krodus rubbed his face. “Come on, Dar, you know me, I wasn’t the smartest youngling in class. I was big, dumb, and a bully. What would I know about who took over what planet?”

“Oh, sorry,” Dar scoffed. “You’re not the experienced space traveler that I am…I knew what was going on…But when your father told me where you’d gone, I knew they’d enslaved you.”

“You didn’t tell him that, did you?”

“No, I didn’t wanna worry him.”

“And it took you this long to find me?” Krodus asked.

“I wasn’t even looking for you. I figured if the Renthids enslaved you, that in a matter of a year or so, you’d be dead. I didn’t have the heart to tell your father that.”

He stood and went to a shower stall. “So what do you plan on doing with me?”

“One of two things. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

Turning on the shower, Krodus adjusted the water. It felt so good even running over his hand. “If it’s worth anything, I’m sorry for the way I treated you when we were younglings.” He stepped in, the water rushing over his body. “I spent the last ten years being treated like shit. I’ll never raise a hand to anyone again.”

“Do I take your words earnestly?” Dar sat on the bench.

“I’d hope you would. We’re both adults, and we’ve both grown up.”

“And I may still not like you, but I understand the value of a purebred Satiren.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Krodus poured out some soap; it smelled like fresh rain on the Erotin plateau. “Gonna sell me to a pleasure barge?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

“We’re supposed to be picking up a shipment of Jamaraian rum in a couple of days. I’ll ask Gwog if we can make a detour by Erotis.”

“You’re taking me home?”

“Yes, stupid, I’m taking you home where you belong…Your father’s old and needs you to run the tavern, and you need to find a nice purebred female and carry on our species.”

“
Our
species?”

Dar got up and took a few steps toward Krodus. “Look, I’m sorry that I’m a half breed, it wasn’t my choice. But I’m half Satiren, and I’m proud of that half. There aren’t many purebreds left out there, so you need to get busy and make some more.”

Krodus finished washing and turned off the water. Dar tossed him a towel. “I figured you purchased me out of spite—that you wanted to subjugate me to your will; not to spend all that hard earned drig and then turn me loose,” Krodus said, drying off. He could’ve spent hours under the water, but for now, the quick shower would suffice.

“All I ask in return is your acceptance of me.”

Wrapping the towel around his waist, Krodus stood in front of Dar. He looked the smaller half breed in the eyes, and slowly bowed to him.

12

Jartis stood on the gangplank of the shuttle. “Well, come on, let’s go!” he said, waving to Dar. After some polite requesting, Gwog made a detour to Erotis. He was still a bit confused over Dar’s generosity for his most hated enemy; but figured it would also be a good excuse for him to see his mother. Dar hadn’t seen her in quite a long time, and Gwog knew she was an important part of his life.

“Hang on, we’re coming,” Dar replied, giving Krodus a nudge. It had been two weeks since the auction, and Karnis did his best to feed up the big Satiren. He still needed many more good meals, but at least he wasn’t going to drop dead on them. Dar managed to find some clothes to fit him; they weren’t great, but far better than the fowl smelling rag he came with.

As they walked on board, Karnis, his son Xetroiss, and Vikkis were waiting. “What’s this? A shore party?” Dar asked, taking his seat at the helm.

“No, Gwog is sending us down for supplies. Next stop is Newrillis and then onto Sirrix,” Jartis said as he closed the door.

“Lemme guess, picking up a shipment of arms?”

“Of course. Although Gwog isn’t very happy providing arms for a war he doesn’t believe in.”

“Yeah, I wonder just how long the Sirrixians and Bodnarians will go at it,” Dar said.

Jartis sat down in the copilot seat. “Oh, they’ve been going at it a few hundred years; don’t see them calling it quits any time soon.”

“If Gwog disapproves, why does he do it?”

“The drig’s good.”

“So is running rum for the Jamaraians.” Dar started up the engine and eased them out of the shuttle bay. Making a right turn, he headed for the planet. He sighed when he saw the big, tan, dusty planet. It wasn’t pretty, but it was home. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Krodus gazing out the window. In a way, he looked sad. Dar supposed that returning him to his father would bring a bit of shame on him. Krodus thought he’d escape Erotis and be on his own, living his life, and forgetting about everyone. Now he was being returned in a sorry state, to face his father as a complete failure.

Ten minutes later, they were settling on the planet. Dar shut down the engine, and Jartis opened the door once most of the dust cleared. “You said your mother worked at the general store?” Jartis asked.

“Well, she did. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her. But let’s stop there first.” The motley bunch walked down the street. The weather was quite warm for the month of Jukniss, the rains seemed strangely absent. Not much was going on, in fact, the town looked rather empty. Dar wondered if the settlement might be dying out. Perhaps those who could were leaving to try and find something better. Erotis was anything but a paradise; some farmed the patches of arable land, and the rest ran businesses in towns.

 “When was the last time you saw her?” Vikkis asked.

“Oh, shit, I can’t remember.” He reached in his pocket and made sure the Uyonin bracelet he’d brought as a present was still there. “I wonder if a male has taken any interest in her?”

Jartis looked around. “Are there any here?”

“Yes, there are, but my mother isn’t a young female anymore, and we both know it’s rare for a purebred to take up with a female that has a half breed youngling.” Dar walked onto the porch of the store and peered into the window. “I don’t see her.”

Vikkis opened the door. “Well, we need supplies anyways.” He went in, followed by the others. “Hello?” he called.

“Just a minute,” a male voice replied.

“That doesn’t sound like your mother, Dar,” Jartis said, grabbing a few cans of Priddin jerky off the shelf.

“No, definitely not.” He watched as a small, young, purebred Tridun came from the storeroom. “Who are you?”

“Cogg. I was hired to work part time.” Cogg stood probably four and a half feet tall, had large frontal lobes on his forehead, and big blue eyes. His tan skin was stretched over a thin, almost emaciated body. Dar always thought the species looked odd, but that’s the way they were. Triduns were revered in the galaxy for their sharp business skills. The planet Tridius was a mecca for trade and commerce.

“Where’s my mother?”

“Denrika? She’s your mother?”

“Yes.”

Cogg went around the counter. “I suppose she’s home.” Taking a heavy glass, he dipped out two scoops of frozen bovidis cream, added three scoops of Erotin sage, stirring it in, and finished it off with some clear, fizzy sweet water. Then Cogg flipped open a small covered dish, garnished the drink with a Darminian cherry, and slid it over to Dar. “She told me you like these.”

He picked up the glass and took a sip. “Yes, I do…And not a bad job of making it.”

“She said you always put a little extra sage in it.”

Dar leaned against the counter. “And what else has she told you about me?”

“That you’re a crew member on a really big freighter.”

Jartis stepped up to the counter, dumping his cans of jerky on it. “Can I get a sage root float too?”

“Certainly,” Cogg said and went to work.

“We’re part of the crew of the Cunik, the largest freighter in the galaxy,” Jartis replied.

Dar looked over at Krodus, seeing the wanton expression in his eyes. He pulled a few drig out. “Make a float for him too; he’s been without for quite some time.”

Krodus stepped up to the counter. “Thank you, Dar,” he said softly.

When the glasses were empty, and the supplies purchased, Vikkis, Karnis, and Xetroiss headed back to the shuttle. Dar continued on with Jartis and Krodus. His next stop was the Aknarra Tavern, to return the lost son to his father. They stopped outside the door. Krodus faced Dar. “For all the years I tormented you, I am truly sorry. I can’t repay you enough for freeing me from the bonds of slavery, and the horrible life I would be facing…From now on, you will never pay for a drink at this tavern.” He offered his hand, Dar took it.

“Thanks.” Dar let a smile curl to his lips. “How about a nice Malikin port?”

Krodus chuckled. “Coming right up!” He opened the door for them. Dar and Jartis went to the bar. Only a few patrons were about. Krodus approached the bar. “Can I get a drink for my two friends?”

The bartender turned slightly. “What would they like?” He didn’t immediately recognize Krodus.

“A Malikin port and—”

“Make that two,” Jartis quickly said.

“Two ports for the friends who saved me…” Krodus leaned in closer. “…Saved me, and brought me home to my father.”

The bartender finally got a better look. “Krodus!” Forgetting all about the drinks, he snatched off his apron and ran around the counter to embrace his son. “My son! Oh, I’d figured you for dead.” Tears streamed down the old Satiren’s face. He couldn’t believe Krodus was alive and home.

“I would’ve, had it not been for Dar.”

He hugged Krodus for a few moments; then he stepped back. “Dar? You found him?”

“Yes, sir. On Uyoninis.” He decided it best not to say exactly where he found Krodus, or the fact he had to purchase him; and that technically, Krodus was his slave. His heart warmed at seeing the bully no longer in a position to make his life miserable.

“Thank you, thank you so much for returning my son to me…And for doing it even though he was your worst enemy.”

“We may have never been friends, but I understand Satirens need to be with other Satirens; otherwise the species will die.”

“Father?” Krodus said.

“Yes?”

“I told Dar he’ll never pay for a drink here, ever.”

His father regarded Dar. “And you won’t.” He went behind the bar and grabbed a full bottle of port. “Drink up, the bar is open for you.” Sitting four glasses on the counter, he poured out the rich, dark, heady alcohol. “There’s always a bottle here for you and your friends.”

Dar raised his glass. “Thank you.”

After a few drinks on the house, Dar and Jartis left Krodus to be with his father. They walked down the street toward his house. “Well, feel better now?” Jartis asked.

“Mmm, part of me does…The good part…The bad part is still trying to envision Krodus bent over a fallen Ickbahk tree with two Kiburgins having their way with him.”

Jartis laughed. “Oh, I don’t even wanna picture that!”

“After everything he’s done to me, I just couldn’t let him suffer. Am I too nice?”

“No, you have a good heart, and you care about others.” Jartis kicked a rock down the street. “Gwog would call that rule number three of being a freighter captain: ‘Turning enemies into friends will have greater rewards later on.’ You never know when you might need the services of a big, dumb Satiren.”

“True, I suppose.” Dar continued down the long, fairly empty street.

“Think she’s home?” Jartis asked.

“I’d hope so.”

“Think a male has taken up with her?”

They walked in silence for a while. Dar really didn’t want to answer that question. He hoped she’d find someone, but at her age, and with a half breed son, it was doubtful. “I guess we’ll find out.” He pointed to a small house at the end of the street. “There it is.”

Jartis nodded. “Nice house.”

“Her parents left it to her when they died. They came here from Satiris.”

“Hmm, purebreds from the home planet; rather rare nowadays.”

“Where did you come from?” Dar asked.

“I was born on Priddis. I’ve never been to Satiris.”

“Why not?”

“Just never have.”

Dar went to the door and knocked. He felt a bit odd about knocking, but figured it’d be best to announce his presence, especially if his mother had company. A few moments later, the door opened.

“Dar!” Denrika cried, grabbing him in a tight embrace.

“Hello, mother. I’m so sorry I haven’t been to see you; we’ve been busy.” He pulled her closer, kissing her on the top of the head, getting the scent of Softsuckle flowers. “I’ve missed you.”

“Oh, I’ve missed you too, son.”

He gently slid from her embrace. “Mother, this is my friend Jartis, he’s the engineer on the Cunik.”

“Hello, ma’am,” Jartis said politely.

“Hello. I can see why you and Dar are friends.” She gestured to his patch of green hair.

“Ah, not so much that, but I’ve tried to be a good Satiren influence on him—for the most part!”

She laughed and held the door open. “Come in out of the dust and heat,” she said, ushering them inside. “What brings you this way?”

“Had to bring someone home,” Dar replied, taking a seat in the living room.

“What?”

“We were on Uyoninis at a slave auction, and I found Krodus there.”

She stopped just short of sitting down. “Krodus? The very Krodus who used to beat you up?”

“Yes.”

“I thought you hated him?”

“Oh, for many years, I did. But when I saw him there, starved and broken spirited, I realized that purebred Satirens are becoming increasingly rare. As much as I hated him, I know our species needs healthy purebreds to survive.” He shifted in the chair. “So I bought him at auction for two thousand drig—please, if you see his father, don’t tell him.”

“I won’t. You did a very noble thing, Dar.”

He reached in his pocket. “And I have something special for you.” Taking out a small rolled cloth, he presented it to her. “Something else I picked up on Uyoninis.”

She took the cloth and unrolled it, revealing a fine gold bracelet. “Oh, it’s beautiful!”

Dar smiled. “Only the best for my mother.”

“Do you have time to stay for dinner?”

He glanced at the time piece on the wall. “I should think so. Gwog isn’t hurrying us like last time. We’re off to Newrillis to pick up some arms.”

Denrika stood and went to the kitchen. “Oh? For whose war?”

“The Bodnarians and Sirrixians. I think this shipment is going to Sirrix.”

“Does he provide both sides with arms?”

Dar got up and joined her. “He only delivers them. Each planet has already paid for the shipments. It’s not like he’s contributing to the war.” He put his arms around her. “I know you don’t agree with it; and I really don’t either. But this is business, and there’s lots of drig in it. One day I may be in the same position to transport arms to them.”