The Alien's Zookeeper by Skye MacKinnon & Arizona Tape

Author:Skye MacKinnon & Arizona Tape [MacKinnon, Skye & Tape, Arizona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Peryton Press

12

Bavalla

Now that we’d arrived on Donto’rk for the “unexpected” maintenance, we had a limited window of time to start the process of our union so that Tilly could claim ownership over her animals. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as easy as just getting linked.

We’d have to prove why she had a claim which meant admitting to her accidental abduction. I hadn’t told Tilly that I would probably - definitely - lose my job over this. I hoped she wouldn’t be disappointed that we wouldn’t be flying through space once this was all over.

Even if I was the one that did it, ultimately the blame would fall on the Captain. A mistake like this could cost him his cargo license and I was sure he’d take it out on me. Once he branded me as a traitor, no crew would take me on after this.

“Hurry. It’ll take twenty-three ticks to complete the maintenance. Make sure you’re back by then, ” Amison warned us. “You know the ship will leave with or without you on it.”

“Yes, yes.” I took Tilly’s hand to help her off the KIW II and onto the loading dock. The immediate hum of machines and the smell of grease greeted us.

“Wow,” Tilly muttered as she looked around. “This is different…”

By now, I knew the Earthling well enough to know she was less than impressed. I didn’t blame her. This planet wasn’t exactly a cosy or warm place. Its position was directly in the flight path of most routes, so it was one of those temporary maintenance planets that did nothing else. Everything here was made of metal, glass, and other hard, unyielding materials.

Another ship booted up for departure and roared right next to us. Tilly shrieked but roared right back to show she wasn’t afraid.

She was so adorable. Peculiar, but adorable.

We followed the signs to leave the immediate docks and spilt into a crowded space. All kinds of people stopped here and it showed. An eclectic mix of species and races always hung around here. Colourful Lilypians always stood out with their large mohawks and shiny clothing, a stark contrast against the Duws, who were entirely shadow. There were flashing neon signs everywhere in all kinds of languages, most of which I wouldn’t understand without the translator.

I glanced at Tilly, who was taking in the new sights and smells with a look of awe on her face. While the planet was impersonal, the variety of passengers gave it character.

“So where are we going?” she asked.

“To the embassy. That’s where we’ll find a registrant to make our union official. We just have to hope it’s not too busy.” We walked a little more, passing through the bar district until we arrived at the large building that housed the officials of Donto’rk.

Before we went in, I turned to Tilly. “Just a warning, our affection for each other will be measured to determine whether we’re allowed to go through with the union.”

“Okay, what does that mean?”

“When you go inside, think fondly of me.”

A smile tugged Tilly’s lips up.

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