Imminent Danger: And How to Fly Straight Into It by Proulx Michelle

Author:Proulx, Michelle [Proulx, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Humour
ISBN: 9781475965483
Amazon: 147596546X
Barnesnoble: 147596546X
Goodreads: 17246542
Publisher: iUniverse
Published: 2013-01-09T07:00:00+00:00

23

The gala was underway by the time they arrived at the Nebula Room. Glancing around the huge ballroom, Eris saw several finely dressed alien couples on the dance floor, swaying to the beat of invisible drums. Above them stretched a dark glass ceiling onto which was projected an impressive hologram of a spiraling nebula. More aliens were scattered around the edges of the hall, some chatting by the long, glass-topped bar, others sipping colorful drinks as they watched the dancers.

Varrin led her to a sitting area with several small tables and plush lounge chairs where a group of aliens were immersed in a heated debate. When Varrin paused at the edge of the group, Eris stood on tiptoes and whispered in his ear, “Do you know them?”

“I’ve met most of them,” he replied. “When you run—or pretend to run—in certain circles, you get to know most of the important players.” He then called loudly, “Gentlemen! It’s been awhile!”

“Aedar!” a few of the aliens greeted him, waving him over to join them.

Varrin pulled out an empty seat for Eris. She carefully smoothed the ivory gown beneath her as she settled down on the plush cushion.

“Haven’t seen you in, what, two years?” a slimy alien said, hurrying over and wrapping a tentacle around Varrin’s shoulder. “How’ve you been, my boy? Still playing the smuggling game?”

“Something like that,” Varrin said, gingerly removing the tentacle. “I heard Noppi might be here for—there you are, you old space pirate!” Abandoning Eris, he went over to chat with a leonine alien sitting on the opposite side of the group.

Eris knew he was just catching up with old acquaintances, but she couldn’t help feeling annoyed that Varrin had left her sitting there without first introducing her to anyone. She was about to go join him when she noticed the muscular, bald alien sitting next to her. He looks like a Scalkan, she thought. I’d better be careful.

Eris caught the Scalkan giving her an appreciative once-over and stiffened uncomfortably.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” the big man asked.

“Mimi,” she said frostily.

He smiled. “Cute name.”

“Thanks.” Eris looked away and pretended to be fascinated by something that was not the obviously interested alien next to her.

She focused on the couples twirling gracefully across the prismatic dance floor. Eris had never had much opportunity to dance. She had been to several parties in middle school but had always been a wallflower. And even if someone had asked her to dance, she probably would have said no. Then again, if those parties had been as spectacular as this one and my dress this lovely, maybe I would have said yes.

A braying laugh interrupted her reverie. Eris jumped when a large, meaty hand landed on her bare shoulder. She looked up to find the Scalkan staring down at her. “I’m Kraigoth,” he said. “I’m an old business acquaintance of Korlethi’s.”

Eris eyed him suspiciously. He seems nice enough …

“You’re watching those dancers mighty intently, Miss Mimi,” Kraigoth continued. “Care for a dance?” He beamed at her and held his hand out invitingly.

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