Free Legend Beyond The Stars by S.E. Gilchrist

them?”
    “Yeah, that’s about it.” Alana closed her eyes. Damn, but she was tired. “The good news is these aliens don’t want to kill us. They also helped us to escape the traders’ ship by engaging the Elite Cruiser.”
    “I suppose that’s good news,” admitted Jessamine. “But why? I sure can’t see why we’re so important.”
    Alana shrugged and kept her eyes shut.
    “What if they’re cannibals?” Elise’s voice shook.
    ”Now, I coulda sworn you could only be cannibals if you’re human. These guys could be anything!”
    “Who cares what they are? You know what I mean!”
    “That makes so much sense. Don’t forget they were willing to pay the traders. It’s not as if there’s a supermarket close by here. I can’t believe I’ve been reduced to the rank of food,” Linette whispered in a hoarse voice.
    “Oh my God!” White faced, Tina’s expression fixed with fear. She gave every appearance of a woman on the verge of fainting.
    Alana’s eyes snapped open. Oh, oh hysteria alert! Time to reduce everyone’s emotions a notch or two. Facts would be handy. “Okay everyone, let’s have some quiet. I seriously don’t believe we’ve been kidnapped to be served up on someone’s plate. I’m sure Norman can confirm whether these aliens are cannibals or not. Well, Norman ?”
    The Jurian turned towards her. His eyes were standing out like stalks as he interpreted the gist of the conversation. “You think they wish to eat you?” he squeaked. The incredulity in his voice had the women relaxing with relieved sighs.
    “We’re not sure, which is why we’re asking you,” Alana reached over and patted one of Norman’s thin hands.
    Norman snorted. “Of course this is not right. The Darkons do not eat other races.” He paused. His eyes rolled until nothing but white showed. He edged away from them. “Do not tell me you come from a planet where this occurs?”
    “Well …,” began Elise who prided herself on facts and figures.
    Alana interrupted before the young girl could destroy their burgeoning friendship with this alien. Their only ally. It was plain to see Norman was not comfortable being in the presence of possible cannibals. There was such a thing as too much information. She rubbed a hand over her face, recognising from her wild distorted thoughts she also was on the verge of losing it.
    “Norman, I assure you not one of us here intends to eat anyone else. We are not cannibals.”
    The Jurian nodded his large head.
    An uneasy silence fell over the small group until Jessamine snapped her fingers. “I’ve got it!”
    At Jessamine’s excited tones, Alana frowned. Her friend had leaned forward and her dark brown eyes sparkled with life. Curious, the other girls leaned forward too.
    “Sex.” She smacked her lips. “I just bet these guys want us as sex slaves.”
    “What!” shrieked Linette.
    Several women turned their way.
    Smiling, Alana waved a casual hand in their direction and said through her teeth, “For heaven’s sake, keep your voice down. Jessamine. Why the bloody hell did you say that for?” She was relieved when the other women lost interest and turned away.
    “‘Cause I think it’s true.” Jessamine tilted her pointed chin skyward.
    “Shush,” Alana warned again.
    ”Now listen, here.” Jessamine lowered her voice to a whisper and the others scooted closer. “Somethin’ happened to me, when we were being escorted through the ship.” Jessamine paused.
    “Well, go on!” demanded Elise.
    “There were these two hulkin’ guys. Aliens. Whatever they are. I mean, they sure were huge. I’m tall but they were way taller than me. Anyway, they just strode over. One sniffed me. Right there. Near my neck. While the other guy ran his hand over my hair.”
    “This can’t be happening. Now I’m going to be ill.” Linette moaned, rolling her eyes, her face as white as snow.
    “And I sure can’t help wonderin’ what’s under all their armour,” Jessamine murmured.