Judd's Errand by Greg Krojac

Author:Greg Krojac
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Exoplanet Colony, Short Read, Quest
Publisher: Greg Krojac
Published: 2021-03-11T00:00:00+00:00

12

Barterville was a cosmopolitan settlement, catering to all creeds and religions and showing no apparent discrimination against anyone, be they gay, straight, bisexual or of any other sexual persuasion. Skin colour was not an issue. Throwbacks and regulars socialised with no hint of animosity. Everybody just got along. Chiara hadn’t felt so relaxed in a township for a long time, although. Judd didn’t remember it being so welcoming last time he visited; this was more like Auto-town.

Word had got around fast about the new arrivals and how the officer’s faith in his protocol had been vindicated. Despite being an unconventional fellow, the officer was well liked in the community and many were pleased that Judd and Chiara had arrived in the condition they did.

The couple’s first port of call was to exchange the vouchers for new clothes; they couldn’t wander around in dressing-gowns all day, no matter how tempting and comfortable it may be. It was strange that each and every storekeeper treated them like royalty when they saw the vouchers, but who were they to complain? Nothing was too good for the settlement’s new guests.

Judd was examining the quality of a pair of terrain boots when he heard a polite cough from behind him. He turned to see a short balding man with a silver medal pinned to the breast pocket of a maroon dinner jacket. The man gave a little bow.

“Mr Judd, sir. Please allow me to present Mayor Pulford.”

The mayor stepped forward and offered his hand to Judd. As Judd took it, Mayor Pulford clasped his other hand over Judd’s, trapping the two together for longer than felt natural. Eventually releasing Judd from his grip, he took a pace back.

“It’s a real pleasure to meet a vanquisher of bear-wolves, Mr Judd. A real pleasure, so it is.”

Judd felt embarrassed.

“I wouldn’t really call myself a ‘vanquisher’, mayor. We just didn’t get killed, that’s all.”

The mayor wouldn’t accept any false modesty.

“You survived an attack by a bear-wolf. That’s enough to be a vanquisher in my book.”

Chiara took Judd’s arm. She wanted to put the record straight.

“There were two, actually. Two bear-wolves.”

The mayor’s face lit up.

“Two you say? Well, that’s even better then, isn’t it? Double the plaudits are merited.”

The balding man clapped his hands together much as a toddler might when it’s seen something amusing.

The mayor glared at his lackey – a signal for him to stop clapping. His attention returned to Judd and Chiara.

“Have you arranged your accommodation yet?”

Judd shook his head.

“That’s what we plan to do after leaving here.”

The mayor had been hoping that they hadn’t had enough time to sort lodgings yet.

“Excellent. In that case, you’ll stay at my place.”

Judd tried to refuse.

“Thank you for the offer, but we can’t impose on your generosity.”

“Nonsense. Of course you can. And your car is already tucked up in my garage. So I insist.”

The mayor had left him with no choice – he needed to know that Ruby was alright. The buggy was like a family member to him. But something didn’t seem quite right about this place.

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