Selena
Not long after, goodbyes were said to Qraniebi, and we were all dismissed. We watched his ship pass through the hangar bay’s shield gel, then the princes invited us to join them for breakfast.
As the princes led the way to the dining floor, Xylo linked his arm with mine, playing tour guide, pointing out the features of the ship we saw along the way. Kaede trailed silently behind us, his drones nowhere to be seen.
The stares of the crew as we passed unnerved me, but I did my best to ignore it, focusing instead on learning more about my temporary home.
The ship,Destiny,was older than the Yaarkin vessel that had been my home for as long as I could remember. The walls weren’t as sleek, the technology wasn’t as advanced, but it had a warm feeling that had been lacking in my former prison. The floor was cold against my bare feet, but the air was warm. Most of what I saw in the halls was a dull metallic gray, save for a new-looking series of colorful labels along the walls. Each section appeared to be assigned with a different color,signifying the sector’s purpose—green for infirmary, red for hangar bay, and purple for general dining and entertainment.
We exited the transparent plexi lift at the dining and entertainment floor, and my mouth fell open in disbelief at the bustling crowd filling the hallway.
The kaleidoscope of color and cacophony of sound overwhelmed my senses. I didn’t know where to look first. Clusters of darker Ulax, tentacles entwined around a more brightly colored Ulax hustled down the hall. I assumed she must be a female. A pair of Wudox strolled past, their vines tangling so I could hardly tell where one ended and the other began. Individuals rushed by, intent on some errand. Loud bursts of laughter pulled my attention to two brightly colored Wudox—females I guessed again—surrounded by a ring of darker colored males. Color and life and energy filled the hall.
Dragging my eyes from the vibrant crowd, I studied the signs above the doors along the wall. Mess hall, café, bar—those were the few I could read from our position by the lift.
Prince Z’fir turned and smiled at Xylo. “Where should we take her first?”
I watched Xylo curiously as he surveyed the crowd. “I believe she would enjoy the cafe.” He turned to look indulgently at me.
My cheeks burned under his attention, but I couldn’t suppress the excited smile that kept bubbling to the surface.
“The café it is,” Prince Z’fir replied, also glancing at me with a smile before heading off down the hall.
The crowd made way for the princes, and we quickly arrived at the café entrance. A gasp escaped me as the doors slid open.
Dim light created an intimate atmosphere. A bar to the left stretched the length of the wall, stools filled with off-duty crew. The main floor was filled with black tables, surroundedby deep purple U-shaped booths. A few were occupied by chattering groups of Circuli enjoying a casual meal.
But what dominated my attention was the huge glass window that filled the back wall and looked over an indoor park. A deep blue lake covered about half the space. Its black sand beaches abutted a field of dark green and violet grasses. Opposite the water stood a forest-like collection of plants and trees. They varied in size and color but seemed to appear in pairs.
As I dragged my eyes away from the view, I noticed a stage in the back corner, to the right of the glass wall. On the stage sat a pale violet Ulax, playing an instrument with both hands and tentacles. The instrument resembled pictures I’d seen in my Earth studies of multi-tiered organs, but that wasn’t what caused me to freeze and close my eyes as a chill swept through my body.
The music.
Oh, the music. I’d only ever read about it until now.
“What is wrong?”Xylo questioned, pulling me from my thoughts.
“It’s beautiful. The room. The view. The music. Everything.”Awe laced my voice.
“The café overlooks the ship’s terrarium. We go there when we need to feel connected to the elements,”Xylo explained.
“Can we sit by the glass wall near the stage? I want to be able to hear the music and look at the terrarium.” I tilted my head toward an empty booth by the back wall.
Xylo grinned and nodded. “Of course! Whatever you want.”
The princes looked at me, then turned to Xylo with questioning expressions. They both nodded—more mindspeak. I sighed.
“Follow me.” Xylo led us to the booth I’d indicated and gestured for me to climb in first.
I shifted over to the center of the booth, excitement fizzing in my veins. I had to forcibly stop myself from bouncing in my seat and attempted to school my features. I could hardly contain the embarrassing giggles of delight that threatened to escape.
Prince V’dim and Prince Z’fir sat on my left as Xylo and Kaede settled to my right. They leaned forward, arms on the table, scoping out the room. My round eyes skipped around the room, hardly able to settle on any one sight before dancing to the next. This place was amazing.
I felt something creeping up my right leg. I eyed Xylo, noticing one of his vines was nowhere to be seen. I squirmed as my body reacted, feeling my center throb. He caught my stare and gave me a sheepish smile before glancing away.
“I usually have excellent control of my vines, but around you they have a mind of their own. They seem to want to be as near you as possible.”
“Can you please stop it?”I asked, strained.
