Zelda snorted.“So, more than zero.Too bad.The pizza was pretty good.”
Orex said, “Let me taste the water.”
Zelda took the unused cup and handed it to him.He sipped, narrowed his eyes, and nodded before he swallowed.“I understand how that is unpleasant for you.Would you like me to destroy the stall?”
Cori paused him.“Honourable Orex, we can repurpose this stall.She will be banned from working with customers in front-facing roles.I think the brothel is looking for prostitutes.”
The girl’s eyes widened, and she shook her head.
Cori said, “I will mention to Lord Ra that this girl is not to be allowed regular employment.She will be stuck on rations until she can come up with a means to employ herself or apologize to your satisfaction.”
“She had better either be quick or have a lot of credits for long-range communication.I don’t think we are going to be back here for five years or more.Maybe six.This seems like a nice trip for Aretta’s eighteenth birthday.”
Orex nodded.“It can be done.”
“Cool.Well, now I don’t trust any of the humans here because I have learned that if one member of a tight group is willing to betray you, then all of them are willing to go along.Now, my preference is to snap her neck, but we are in a new place and acting civilized.”
Aretta hugged her.
Cori cleared her throat.“There is something very emotional here.”
Aretta said, “One of my friends pulled me into the conclave, and they shut the doors, locking my mother out.They said that as long as she defended them and kept them fed, they would keep me alive.When the signal came, they kept her away from me at gunpoint, and we went up several ships before her.They told me she would meet us there but then said I would get new parents.I went crazy, but they put me in cold sleep with all of those bastards anyway.If I hadn’t been sent down here separately, I would have killed anyone I could after I woke up, but instead, my mom was there, and Orex promised that he was bound by contract to keep me safe.”
There was a huge exhalation, and the small crowd that had gathered around them looked ill.
Aretta said, “Those monsters are the next round of imports that start landing tomorrow.Don’t trust the fuckers.They are treacherous and use kids as weapons.”
The manager nodded slowly, and the teen was crumpled into a ball.
Aretta said, “Remember, you are here strictly because Ra has a fondness for the Children of Geb and that he likes keeping Harwin happy.You are very disposable.”
Zelda stroked Aretta’s head.“I am heading back to the pyramid.You are welcome to stay and play.”
“No, this place isn’t as fun anymore.Orex, are there fun places to shop on your worlds?”
“Absolutely.We can even get you a pet or a steed or both.”Orex smiled.“That is up to your mother, but it is possible.”
Aretta leaned back and chuckled.“When we are travelling back, can you get me files with stats on the animals, and I can start tailoring my pitch?”
Zelda ruffled her hair.“Mooch.”
“Trained by the best.”Aretta beamed.
Orex wrapped his arm around Zelda’s waist.“We can return to the pyramid.”
Zelda nodded and turned toward the teen.“By the way, be glad you tried that with me and not Harwin.She had her baby today, and breastfeeding moms have delicate digestion.Ra would have come down here, grabbed your arms, and made a wish.”
Cori winced and nodded.“She’s not wrong.Come on, Aretta.The archaeologists were enjoying those questions you had.They were scrambling for answers.”
Aretta nodded to Zelda.“See you at the pyramid, Mom.”
Orex opened his wings, sending the bystanders stumbling back.He got a firm grip on Zelda, and his wings pushed them skyward.
He murmured, “We have foods at my home that will produce the same flavour profile.”
“Nice.I look forward to experimenting.”
“As do I.I am sorry that your experience here was tainted.”