Ari blinked in disbelief as As’ni‘s crystalline form shimmered with an almost joyous glow, the remnants of the fireball casting playful patterns of light across the room. The creature shifted, his massive head tilting to one side, and for a moment, Ari could swear he saw something like a smile in the way the crystals curved at the edges of what passed for a mouth.
As’ni‘s body pulsed with a soft, contented hum, the sound vibrating through the floor.
Then, just as suddenly, the light dimmed. The fireball extinguished—completely absorbed, leaving no trace. As’ni‘s body returned to its usual cool gleam, the flames snuffed out within its depths, as if they had never existed.
Ari clenched his fists. Hopefully, he didn’t just help that creature become more erratic.
“So good. Yes, food,” As’ni rumbled, patting his tummy. His voice resonated like stones rolling together. The creature’s tone was warm, almost affectionate. Happy like a puppy getting a treat.
Ari swallowed, nerves still taut, but he forced a small, cautious smile. “Yeah, food. We’re… friends now, right?”
As’ni‘s head bobbed in a slow, deliberate nod. “Friends. Better than bad furries.” His purple head tilted with a frown. “Don’t like furries.”
“What’s a furry?” Ari whispered to Morgan.
“He must be talking about the Ozevroc holding him hostage,” she replied.
Well, that made sense.
“Good.” Ari stepped closer to the cage. “As’ni feel better?”
“Yes, yes!” As’ni clapped. “Go with friend?” The creature’s unibrow scrunched together as he gripped the cage bars. “As’ni want.”
“Okay, As’ni. But you’ve got to be real quiet so the furries don’t find us,” Ari warned. “Think you can do that?”
“Yes! Yes!” The giant grinned, showing his blocky, lilac teeth. “As’ni be real quiet.” He made a shushing noise. “Okay if As’ni bring toy?”
Toy? “What kind of toy?” Ari asked.
His eyes widened when As’ni reached behind him and pulled out something that looked like a curved claw.
The object appeared to be crafted from a blend of precious metals and crystalline materials. Etched on its surface were elaborate carvings and symbols pulsating with a soft, ethereal blue glow.
If Ari wasn’t mistaken, that thing had to be the ancient relic the Ozevroc were looking for. Goddess, Ari hoped this wasn’t a mistake—letting this guy bring that. But maybe it would give him and Morgan an advantage somehow. “Sure, bring it.” He nodded.
As’ni gave a happy chirp and clutched the relic like a favorite stuffed animal against his wide chest. His crystalline face creased in a childlike grin.
Keeping As’ni in his sights, Ari walked around the cage, looking for a latch of some kind that held the door shut. Ah, there. Reaching over, he flipped it open and took a careful step back. With a flourish, he gestured to the open doorway. “Come on, buddy, time to get out of there. Follow me.”
As’ni hesitated only for a second before lurching forward with surprising eagerness. The heavy thuds of his steps were like an excited child eager to follow his new best friend.
“Hey, Morgan”—Ari headed back to the dingy hallway out of the garbage chamber with the lumbering steps of his new friend close behind—“hope you’re ready for a sleepover. But I gotta warn you, he’s not exactly a chatterbox, but I swear he’s bringing a gift that will just keep on giving.”
Morgan couldn’t remember the last time she was this nervous. Which was just ridiculous. Not like she wasn’t in constant contact with Ari, so she had no reason to worry about him traipsing around a hostile spaceship with a strange alien. Yep, he was just fine. The man was clever enough not to get caught. Even without his memories, he was a confident, smart guy. Okay, she should keep that in mind. Maybe the reason for her edginess was thegifthe promised to bring. He had such a goofy sense of humor, there was no telling what it could be.
Besides, she had a little surprise of her own. She glanced at the worktable. Fingers crossed, that last, final touch was the only thing needed.
Rubbing her sweaty palms down the sides of her overalls, she jumped when she heard low murmurs and less-than-stealthy, clumping footsteps. She rushed to the engine room doorway, gripping the multicorder a little harder than she should have.
“In here, buddy.”
The sound of Ari’s voice made her tense muscles relax. They made it.
“More food! Yes?”
That gravelly deep voice had to be the crystal creature’s.
The lilting tone of his grinding, childlike voice was a surprise. Even though she heard and saw much of their exchange on her own handheld, she suspected seeing him in person would turn out different.
