Free Alcantaran 1: Alien Abduction by Terry Compton

while I try to find work for the beast and then train it to do it.   The other beast in its cell looks like it could die at any time.   That's a shame because it is a whiz at classifying parts and finding the right part for the repair technicians."
    Wurden continued to mutter to himself all the way to the repair hangar.   Ron almost wanted to laugh at some of his ranting.   The other creatures including Gus dropped off at their work stations.   Ron just kept walking and carried Tik over to her work counter.   He set her gently on the counter and then waited for the Bug.
    Wurden glided up on his disk and asked, "What do you think you are doing?   Why are you carrying that beast?"
    "Well I just thought I would help her out.   She sprained her ankle last night and it hurt her to walk, so I just carried her.   Any problems with that?" Ron answered sarcastically.
    "How did you know it hurt her to walk?" Wurden demanded suspiciously.
    "Why just watch her walk.   She limps like crazy," Ron smarted back.
    Tik walked across the counter toward her chair.   She limped on one hind leg and it took her a long time getting to the chair.   After she sat down, she turned to Ron.   She had a grin on her face and winked at him.
    Wurden didn't know what to do.   He had never had any beast so cocky and defiant.   He beckoned for Ron to follow and he took him to the middle of the hangar.
    He asked, "What skills do you have?   Why were you picked from your planet?"
    Ron replied, "I think it was because I'm so good looking."
    "What?"
    "Yeah, I had to watch that on Earth all the time.   The women thought I was some kind of movie star," Ron continued pulling the Bug's leg.
    "What are you talking about?   I just need to know what your skills are," Wurden demanded peevishly.
    "Well, I can weld, do electrical and fix most machines.   I'd like the highest paying position that's available.   What are your starting wages and do I have to join the union?" Ron asked innocently.
    "What are you talking about?   We pay when we know that you are a valuable beast.   At our discretion, we will allow you to earn passage back to the planet you came from.   I have no idea what a union is." Wurden exasperatedly snapped.   "Come over here and we'll see how you do fixing the engines on those space ships."
    Wurden led Ron to a planetary flyer and showed him the engine that needed to be repaired.   He showed him how to use the computer to see the illustrated parts break down and the operator's manual.   Ron studied the computer for about a half hour and then slowly climbed up to look at the engine.   He saw a small hole in the outer skin of the engine but pretended he didn't.   He looked inside and saw a small tube that was smashed and a wire broken.   He looked around inside the engine for awhile and then he slowly climbed down and went back to the computer.   He studied the computer again and then slowly climbed back up to the engine.   Ron did this two more times, wasting at least three hours.   Wurden was watching him the whole time and muttering under his breath.
    Ron waved Wurden over and asked, "What exactly is the problem with this engine?   I didn't see anything on the computer that detailed the problems the pilot was having."
    Wurden exasperatedly exclaimed, "It was right there in the computer.   Are you sure you know how to fix machinery?"
    "Well, this machinery is considerably different than what I'm used to working on but I'm sure I can pick it up after while.   I just need to go back to the computer to look up a couple of things again."
    Wurden snapped, "Why don't you bring the hand held computer unit right up here so you don't have to waste time going up and down?"
    "You didn't tell me anything about a hand held computer.   That would definitely make life a lot easier.   By the way, how do you get parts?" Ron asked.   "I'll be right back as soon as I get that hand held computer."
    Wurden fairly growled, "Stay right where