Challenge #00568 - A193: Buddy-buddy

An alien and a human with a Han and Chewbacca-esque relationship

(I don’t think Hwell counts, that looks more like babysitting)

[AN: Well, yes, but Hwell does spend large volumes of time making gurgling noises…]

Ruscis still couldn’t believe this was happening, but a duty was a duty and this… being… hadn’t left her side since the convoluted happenings that involved saving its life.

“You remember what I said,” Ruscis repeated. “Stay non-threatening. It’s bad enough I’m a Soncamur, but with a human in tow?”

The human hung its head and made a chain of noises few could understand. Ruscis had made the effort.

“No, they aren’t going to shoot at us if we play it right. I know these people. They put up with deathworlders.”

Grumble mumble murmur sigh.

“It was a shock to me, too. I never knew I came from a class one death world. You’ You’re robust enough to come from a class four. That’s impressive. Nobody usually survives encounters with class four deathworlders.”

The human glared at her. Argued in its thick, nigh-incomprehensible tongue.

“You know that, and I know that. But when it comes to getting free drinks at the bar? Let me do the talking.”

Snort. A roll of its expressive eyes.

“Okay. Fine. Free drinks and your supply of theobromine.”

*

Ruscis could tell the exact moment when her human had started unloading the hold. It was the faces of the other cogniscents interrogating her as a potential threat.

“That? Oh yeah. Saved it’s life back on Cestus Three. Been following me around ever since. Guess it’s grateful. And since I’m clearly not dead, you can register that human as mostly harmless, too. Thank you kindly.”

“Does it have a name?” said the Chitanian behind the counter.

“Yeah, sure. But I can’t pronounce it. I call it ‘Red’. Hey, Red! Come here and tell the nice bug your name…”

“Victoria,” said the human.

“See? Utterly unpronounceable.”

“…answers to 'Red’,” murmured the Chitanian. “Do you intend to obtain any controlled substances?”

“Only theobromine. Red needs it to live.”

Red nodded enthusiastically.

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