The Galactic Zookeeper's Guide to Heists and Husbandry by A.C. Huntley

Author:A.C. Huntley
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798987450642
Publisher: Bena House

chapter twenty-one

Tipsy happens to be my sweet spot when it comes to playing billiards. But just as I start lining up the eight ball for the corner pocket, gravity goes tits up and I have to wonder if Bremerton’s vinegar cognac has a stronger kick than I expected. An enormous roaring sound reverberates through every physical atom of the ship accompanied by a jolt that makes both Bremerton and me hop, then float, before a sudden slam back to gravity. All ten remaining billiard balls thunk back onto the table.

“You okay, Bremerton?” I ask. That fall back to gravity made me land on one of my ankles funny, and I can only imagine it’s worse for him. He’s a billion years old.

Bremerton looks like he’s analyzing the ceiling beams. “What in the bugger could that be?” He stabilizes himself as a second shock hits the ship. His eyes dart as he checks his contact lens interface. “That’s strange. Weren’t you asking about the Buckingham Nebula? Well, we’re here at Owl’s Nest, but it’s not usually this turbulent.”

If we’re in the Owl’s Nest, then the only thing this could be is a warm welcome from Truyoza’s rescue party. I close my eyes in relief, but it only lasts a fraction of a second.

A peal of alarm wails through the ship, and at this, Bremerton gets serious. “You’d best get your friend in here, on the double!”

My stomach drops. He knows about Greel Truyoza and must have had me pegged all along. I can’t believe he wants me to invite these pirates on board, but I suppose it’s the captain’s prerogative to minimize damage to the ship.

Bremerton hobbles over to the built-in cabinets and starts yanking out table-top games, spilling their boxes on the floor willy-nilly. I take back my earlier observation about calculated decisions. He’s out of his mind.

“Aha! There it is!” he exclaims, pulling free an antique boxed game set labeled Monopoly.

“Bremerton, have you lost your marbles? We’re under attack!”

“You’re still here? Haven’t I told you to get your friend?” I stare at him, uncomprehending. “Your best friend? What did you call him? Jim, or Bob was it? No. Fred. That’s right. Get him in here, and be quick about it! Can’t you tell we’re under attack?”

Oh. That friend. But I remain frozen in surprise as Bremerton tears off the cover of the Monopoly board and pulls out the parts of semi-automatic plasteel rifle. He begins assembling. “Whatever in the devil are you still doing here? Move it, Savage. Move!”

With one last parting glance, I sprint down shaking hallways following the green lighting that leads to Fred’s room. The next jolt lands me on that same ankle and makes me really spitting mad. What if Fred sprained a leg? What if his heads had been restrained at the time? He could have been strangled! Don’t these morons realize that if they kill the umemeh their boss will be pissed? I crash against a wall as our ship is knocked off course, but I make it to Fred’s door.

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