“Wingo says we need to focus.” Ileana insists.
I raise an eyebrow and look at her. Is she kidding? Does she really think her pet just said something other than “gnuffgnuff”? I glance at Pherebos—he’s watching me with that amused look again.
I take a deep breath and fill Kiran in on everything that happened. He listens tight-jawed, clearly biting back his comments. The moment I finish, he explodes.
“So, let me get this straight. This Bully—a sadistic reptile-man—was holding her prisoner, and along with three others like him, took her away... while you were napping?”
“I was shot, not napping!” I protest.
“Are you two always like this?” Ileana asks, eyebrows raised.
“Yes,” we answer in perfect unison.
“Wingo volunteers to infiltrate the camp where Neela is being held to give us a headcount,” Pherebos announces. “I think it’s asolid idea. Meanwhile, if we can gather a few allies, it’d be more than welcome.”
Stunned, I eye the famous Wingo—who winks back at me. Oh great. Maybe I judged the little guy too fast. Maybe he is actually helpful.
“We can call my buddy Viktor. He’ll be in,” says Kiran. “Esteban would too... if we knew where the hell he was. I think Nikos—my sister’s neighbor a few miles from here—would be easy to convince. A few days ago, Vassili made an announcement on channel 59, declaring the end of the Pact and the start of a new Regency era. He shared a few details and we all got the message loud and clear: we’re back to feudalism or dictatorship. We’re peaceful folks, but we’ll do what we must to protect our community.”
“You realize nothing will ever be the same, right? Your solar system used to be isolated and unknown. That’s no longer the case.”
“That crossed my mind, Cat-Man,” he says, sighing. “But we won’t sit on our hands while our world falls apart. I’ll go get Viktor and Nikos. They need to be here before night falls completely. Odds are we’re all crashing here tonight anyway—no way to send anyone home once the temps drop.”
“Ooh, surprise party!” I grin.
Judging by the collective eye-rolls, I probably could’ve skipped that one.
Three hours later, we’re still crammed in Neela’s tiny living room, either on the couch or sprawled out on the floor. Ileana’s already gone to sleep in the bedroom with Wingo. With me are Kiran, Nikos, Viktor, and Pherebos, who generously shared a bottle of booze distilled on some far-off planet.
Our plan is ready... well, almost. My thoughts are a little fuzzy.
“Why didn’t you tell me these Humans had never had a drop of alcohol in their lives?” Pherebos groans. “By the Waves, I gave them half a glass and look at them now! We’d better be sharp by dawn.”
I chuckle and try to reassure him.
“Your brew’s pretty intense, I’ll give you that. I only had two glasses, and I can feel it in every corner of my body.”
“I don’t want to hear about the corners of your body, thank you very much. So this Human here is your brother-in-law?”
“Yep, that’s him. He’s a good guy—I like him.”
“Doesn’t seem like it, but I’ll take your word for it. Think they’ll be ready by morning?”
“I will be. I’m getting my girl back, don’t worry. If that bastard Bully’s laid even a finger on her, I’ll string him up by the balls.”
“Prax, I believe you. But I regret offering that drink to these fragile little Humans. They were so tense...”
“Yeah, I get it. You thought it’d help them unwind. And it did—a little too well.”
“More than I expected!” Pherebos chuckles dryly. “Anyway, we should get some rest too. At first light, we board the Prianka, head to their last known position, and let Wingo scout the place.”
“I still can’t believe this... Wingo. You’re sure he can relay all that info?”
“I trust him completely. Prax, I can feel your anxiety. We will get your mate back, just like you helped me get mine two years ago. Let me tell you a secret: Wingo is telepathic—but he only speaks to Ileana and me. By choice. And for discretion. Please keep that to yourself.”
I stare at the little guy with renewed curiosity. He locks his big golden eyes onto mine—and even if he doesn’t say a word, I swear he’s telling me everything’s going to be fine.
Let’s hope he’s right.
