by J McGovern
‘Well, great.’ Glitz turned to Tekka, who looked back at him without emotion. He could understand why Doland had chosen to stay, but Tekka …?
‘Despite my criminal record,’ Tekka said, ‘I am sure that I would still be welcome in the Mathematics department of any respectable University in the Imperium. Without wishing to seem arrogant, my intellect is simply too great to be ignored. However, I do not believe it possible to find full intellectual fulfilment in such a role. If you allow me to come with you, I feel sure that I will find a challenge suitable for my intelligence.’
Glitz grinned. ‘Fair enough. I’d be glad for you to travel with us.’
Tekka glanced at Doland out of the corner of his eye. He hadn’t mentioned to Glitz that he knew exactly which challenge he was interested in. He wanted to know why Doland had managed to survive a dangerous, uncalibrated transmogrification procedure, as well as a nuclear explosion. He wanted to find out the secret about Doland. Who was he? Somehow, he was sure that the man was important …
Alyce smiled at Glitz, linking her arm around his. ‘So, where next?’
Glitz stroked her hair. ‘I don’t know. It’s a big galaxy. I’m sure someone somewhere is in need of our help. We can go anywhere. The market world of Vortus … the river world of Lagoos … the Eye of Orion.’ He smiled. ‘We could always go Strobe. I heard there was a party going on there.’
Tekka rolled his eyes.
‘Not unless you want to go,’ Alyce said, grinning.
‘Right.’ After requesting permission to leave the planet, Glitz turned his head to face the hexagonal scanners. ‘Seraph, take us somewhere far away from here. Pick a random destination.’
Tekka and Doland joined Alyce and Glitz on the sofa. The alien ship took off; they passed through the planet’s atmosphere, and shot off towards the distant stars. Alyce smiled at her new friends as they entered phase space, and snuggled up with Glitz. For the first time in her life, Alyce didn’t have a clue where she was going.
And she couldn’t have been more excited.
To be continued … ?
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