Consciousness returned to a tired, sore, but oh so satisfied Lix with all the speed of slow-moving molasses. Warmth permeated the cold-blooded reptile, twisted up in Jack's limbs as she was, with her head on his slowly rising chest. The man was rudely mumbling something as she tried to sleep off the throbbing aftereffects of their festivities the hour prior, her eyes squinting shut as she pulled herself closer to his radiating body heat, looking to sap as much of the mammal's warmth as possible.

Background noise slowly pulled her from the depths of slumber, very much against her will, as Jack continued to prattle on with someone on an open comms channel. Curiosity won over comfort, her maw splitting open wide to display twin rows of ivory fangs as she blinked blearily in his face.

"No, we're fine. Thanks for checking, Heart." Jack chuckled, his hands rubbing Lix's naked back in slow circles. He was talking to the Racer's Heart?

"Good copy, just wondering if you needed a tow after pushing the No Safety so hard. Got worried since you were just holding station over there."

"Nope. We're having vicious, sloppy victory sex." Lix balked, ripped into complete wakefulness as the voice on the other side of the line burst into laughter.

"You definitely aren't the only ones! I'll leave you to it. Racer's Heart control, out."

"Morning beauti- gah! Ow!" Jack flinched as those same crimson lips he'd been locked with not so long ago came crashing down on his shoulder with a punishing bite, the space between Lix's face scales gleaming purple with indignation and embarrassment. Another nip cemented home her ire, the Kux'lar rising on her forearms to glare at the man.

"You uncooked gas station boiled egg!" Jack simply laughed in the face of her ire, pulling the angry raptor down into an embrace she couldn't escape from. Growling, another nip, and even a tail slap were his rewards, followed by reluctant and angry snuggling. Were it not for the heat that permeated beneath the thin covers, Lix would have kicked the man from her cabin and most likely out of the airlock too.

"Speaking of eggs…" Jack mumbled as he forced the reptile's head under his chin, grinning as she didn't pull away.

"No need to worry. I laid an unfertilized one about three days before I met you. Too soon for another, if you even could bake a bun in my oven." Jack simply nodded, leaving it at that as he squeezed the lizard until she squeaked. "Stoppit!"

"No. Make me." Another nip resulted in another squeeze, Lix sighing in defeat as she cuddled up to the man. "Oh, the Heart says you'll need to dock to get your winnings and register as an official 'Roid Racer, and sign up for the league if that's the plan."

"It's absolutely the plan."

"Good, 'cause I wasn't gonna be satisfied with stopping here either. They'll fuel us up too." Jack yawned as he rose, Lix whining as she clung to him. With a grin, the Human wrapped her sheets around their bodies and carried the Kux'lar to the cockpit, setting her in the pilot's seat with a gentle care that she appreciated. A lick to the cheek colored his face the same crimson as her scales, his chuckle earning him a scowl as Lix winced the moment she tried to adjust.

"Shut up! You freakin'…"

"Yes? Go on." Jack rolled a metal hand, his smile crooked.

"I'm sore, okay!" Something told the man he shouldn't push the issue, leaning against the bulkhead as the sheets fell away. A massive fleet of scavengers milled about the section of asteroid belt below them that the race had been held within, buzzing about like worker bees in a hive.

"What are they up to?" He asked, pointing.

"Ah… the vulture fleet, people call 'em." Lix hissed, rubbing between her legs with a wince. "They follow the preliminary races around and pick the corpses clean. There's a lot of salvage to claim… and bodies they can collect to extort money from their families…" Jack could only nod, his eyes roaming the massive expanse of floating rocks. Everything had felt so small and compact yesterday, most likely due to the mind boggling speed with which they'd traversed the twisting lanes and tight corridors within the field. The announcer had claimed over half of the contestants had met their end between those unassuming stone masses.

"Vultures indeed… Wonder if there's anything we could use in there." Jack mused, tilting his head as a hand found its way to Lix's shoulder. She welcomed the touch. She didn't quite know what she wanted out of the Human anymore, be it friend, mechanic, or something more. Had last night been simply the culmination of adrenaline, victory, and celebration? Did she want it to be more than that? What did Jack want? Why didn't she just open her maw like a damn adult and ask him what he thought?

"That's pretty dangerous, they aren't above setting up ambushes to get fresh ships." Lix explained, grimacing at her own cowardice.

"We need parts. I pushed the old girl to her absolute limits, the No Safety Measures will need repairs." Lix frowned at that, her tail swishing in the seat hole.

"How… what kind of repairs?"

"I know there's heat damage. Probably some warping. And she needs a deep clean. I disabled the temperature warnings you were getting, after all."

"You what?"

"Helped you get fifth place." Jack's grin disabled her growing ire, the Kux'lar biting her lip.

"The payout of the race is big sure… but not engine remast big…" A shake to her shoulder drew her eyes back to him.

"You let me worry about finding parts, I'll make her even better. More importantly, as much as I like naked ladies," He said with a wink. "Baby needs guns."

"Ngh… never had the Roarks for guns…" Lix twisted her lips into a scowl, one full of worry and a tinge of anger. "The reward money for the preliminary races is nowhere near what the actual runs are… I hope we have enough for repairs and outfitt- gnah!" Her words died as Jack leaned in to wrap his arm around her thin shoulders, his crooked grin so familiar and easy.

"Look, if we run short, I'll figure it out. I promise. I'm the one that ran the girl so hard after all!" Several moments passed until the Kux'lar nodded, her grimace fading somewhat. "Afterall, I cuddled you all nice an' snuggly after runnin' you really har- ow!" A snap of fangs on flesh, which was far simpler this time considering the man was still naked, ceased that line of thought sharp.

"Behave. And cover your cock in the cockpit." Lix grinned, wincing as she adjusted to sit on her hip instead of her rear.

"That bad? You need ice or somethin'?" Where exactly he would get ice on the tiny shuttle, Jack had no idea, but his hand went to her shoulder nonetheless after he was done rubbing his poor thigh from new bite marks. Those would be fun to explain if anyone ever saw them.

"N-No… the soreness is more on the inside. I'll be okay." Lix leaned to nuzzle the metal hand, wishing it were warm flesh and bone instead of unfeeling steel alloy. Still, she could smell him, which would be enough. In fact… Lix's scaly nose wiggled as she glanced at the still grinning Human. "You need a bath, damn."

His grin vanished.

"Damn, harsh! You smell like stale sex yourself!"

"Coming from the man whose eyes rolled back in his head last night." Her grin was wide and full of fangs. "Nothing stale about a Kux'lar in bed, white meat."

"Feh. I'll be in your shower using your water." Jack spun on his heel with a playful faux glare, shaking his pale, bare ass on the way out. Lix watched all the way until he vanished into her cabin, wandering just how he'd fit in the claustrophobic hygiene station. The most he'd be able to wing was a wet wipe bath but it would at least cover the scent of their festivities. A part of her wanted to join him and clean up herself but… no, that would only result in more mess. She'd cleanse herself later by her lonesome.

With another wince, Lix returned her gaze to the massive stretch of asteroids, ship debris, and what she knew to be gruesome remains. A wave of… melancholy washed over her. Racing was her passion, her dream, and right in front of her were over two hundred fallen hopefuls who had been just like her, dashed upon the rocks. Now she knew why the Weaver's Memorial on the Racer's Heart, a silent vigil to all asteroid racers and those who fought so hard to become one, had no names.

There would quickly be little room left after even one season.

Shaking the gloom from her mind, Lix gripped the flight stick and engaged systems to make way towards the far distant Gerthtrude, her tail curling and mouth opening in a disgusted grimace at the… crunchy response from the drive.

"Oh, what the slimy scale rot fuck?" Lix quickly flashed over to her starboard side data feed, the ship diagnostics panel returning engine drive and systems damage from heat… well… all over. "You better fix all that Jack, you freakin' better." Lix hissed, her eyes squeezing down to worried slits as she set a course. "Eeeewwwww, by the stars, I hate it. It feels like I'm flying a garbage truck. My poor No Safety Measures…. gnaaahhhh…"

"She's fine, it's just a bit clunky after running so hot." Jack called from her quarters not too far down the terribly short corridor. "A few replaced parts, clean up the manifolds, and realign the magnetic containment, and she'll be good to go. That vibration you feel is the mag-plates out of synchronization. Not that big a deal if you go slow."

"What if we resonate?" Lix asked, suddenly terrified.

"That's why I said go slow. You start pushing her hard and that desynchronization will rattle us into a containment failure. We're fine, scaly lady. Keep her at a quarter thrust." Jack poked his head out of her cabin just long enough to shoot her a thumbs up before vanishing again, leaving the worried pilot to whine and wince as she put just a bit too much weight on her abused rear.

"Jaaaaack, I love-hate you!"

"Mwah!"

Jack came to relieve her halfway to the Gerthtrude, the Human taking the time to input an autopilot course against Lix's will, before scooping the Kux'lar up in a gentle bridal carry. Her arms flailed before finding a place around his neck, her tail curling about his waist on reflex, as the deck was suddenly taken from her.

"Hey! I'll bite you again! Docked pay! Immediately! No pay for mechanics!"

"You'll say that until I give you bedroom eyes. Come on, I've seen you wincing, I'll help you into the shower."

"Gnaaahhhh…" As much as she wanted to protest, Lix simply didn't have the fortitude, or strength, to resist. A sigh left the lizard as she was eased down to the sorry excuse for a bench in her cabin's shower, more of an out of place sideways extension of the wall than a real seat. She still rewarded him with another lick to the cheek for his efforts as he bent down to hand her a plastic container of wet wipes. "Thanks. I guess cringey chivalry isn't quite dead."

"Milady." A non-existent fedora tipped, and a quickly dodged nip, saw Jack nearly free from the captain's cabin before leaning back to pierce the Kux'lar with a hard stare. "Hey, you sure you're okay? Seriously, I mean… You wince every time you sit." Lix huffed as she popped open the container, a purple blush coloring the flesh between her face scales.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"Humans are bigger than Kux'lar… so I've learned in the past four hours."

"Ah. Right." Lix cheered in triumph as Jack left with a blush, the Human being the flustered one for once.

"That's right monkey man! Slink away in defeat with your fat dick!" Chortles followed the still flushed man into the hallway as he made a quick escape into the cockpit, unsure why Lix's teasing was so… effective. It wasn't like he was some blushing virgin, but the lizard's ribbing bloomed a seed of warmth in his chest that he stuffed down with all the rage of a temperamental mechanic. She was simply indulging her pack society needs as a Kux'lar… nothing more.

With a grunt, Jack slid his now clothed and slightly sore body into the No Safety Measure's cockpit, his work coveralls zipped halfway and tied around his waist and his top clad in a t-shirt, his t-shirt, that he'd found in Lix's tiny closet. Why the reptile was stealing his clothes, he'd never know, but that happened with every lady he'd slept with so maybe it was a woman thing. Gently taking the controls, Jack eased back the throttle so as to not egregiously overshoot the Gerthtrude that hung in formation with a fleet of other transport ships, the drop gate lowering as they approached.

"Watch your noggin, sweet cheeks, coming into dock."

"Gnah!"

"Yup!" The going was tentative and hesitant, the No Safety was far touchier than the fat transport he was used to. The thrusters gushed vapor as he eased the tired shuttle into the cargo bay that barely fit her, a series of mag clamps thumping her landing gear to the deck as the bay ramp began to slide slowly shut. Silent klaxons blared in the Gerthtrude's belly, the screeching noise slowly rising to a roar as the bay pressurized with life giving oxygen. "Yeeeah, that's the way big girl. All fat and pregnant with a sexy racing ship. An official 'Roid Racer shuttle. How's it feel? Bet it feels so good and full."

"Every time you talk like that," Lix mumbled as she entered the cockpit, clad in her familiar utility suit tied around her own wide hips and her top once again obscured by the Human's own sleeveless jacket. "I wanna call for the ship's sexual protection. I'm sure the service exists."

"Nah, baby girl, ya just gonna have to watch. Watch as I get all deep inside those sweet, sweet systems."

"You need help." Lix chuckled, taking a few slightly limping steps before her legs got beneath her. "And I need a good meal. I got wore out twice today."

"Ha! Oh, shit." Jack could only shake his head as he rose. "I'll get us to the Racer's Heart. Feel free to use my actual bed if you need more naps."

"Nah, I'll just pop a squat on your bridge." Her nipping fangs only lightly grazed the skin of his shoulder this time, more of a love bite than a painful warning to watch his mouth. No limp slowed her she followed the man down the on ramp of the No Safety Measures after the airlock equalized, their boots and paws carrying them to the big transport's bridge at a comfy pace. "Oh man, I'm a 'Roid Racer now! Wanna use some of the earnings for a real meal on the Heart?"

"Think we have enough? You said the payout for preliminaries aren't that high."

"They're high enough as long as you control yourself."

"I'm full of control. Tons of it. I'm an exemplar of control, sang about in distant bars."

"Uh huh. Lemme know when we get close." Lix hissed as she flopped across the navigator's bench, her tail limp and paws gently kicking. The faux leather of the seats absorbed heat so well, and would end up a nice little basking spot given time. Her nerves still remained frayed, her claws shaking, even hours later from the moment they'd crossed the finish line. Lix found herself sighing in exhaustion regardless of the fact she'd just taken a nice nap. Memories of all the close calls that practically scraped paint from the No Safety Measures filled the reptile's mind as she rolled to her back, paws and tail hiked up on the navigator's panel, to relax and unwind as the Gerthtrude began a slow pace towards the Racer's Heart. Above it all, however, was the knowledge that she'd made it. She was a 'Roid Racer, finally after all the struggling and dealing and traveling.

"Wish you could see me now Pa…"

"Hm? What ya mumblin' about back there?"

"Talking to Dad." Lix's tongue flickered to taste the air, her claws crossing over her thin chest as the deep rumble of the Gerthtrude's drive threatened to lull her back to sleep.

"Ah, is he… passed on?"

"Wha- oh, no no no. I just like talking to him. He's back on the Urdos Nine, a nice little retirement home for Kux'lar. I'll vid call him later." Lix let her head dangle off the edge of the seat, her blue head quills quivering as blood rushed to her noggin.

"Even lizards need old folk's homes, I suppose."

"I'll set you up nice once we get our winnings. You'll need specialty care with how much you moan and groan and pop standing up."

"Those are my implant actuators, and I shall stand by this statement for all time." Snickers filled the cabin as Lix rolled and rolled until she found a comfy position splayed out like a taxidermy exhibit, her fangs clenched in mirth.

"Sure sure, I'll pretend all that creaking is coming from your tub of a ship and not your aging bones. Hey…" The newly proven 'Roid Racer twisted until she could see her Human crewmate. "What about your parents? Family? You've never talked about them."

"They're with the stars now, laughing it up at this dumpster fire of a galaxy!" Jack exclaimed, raising a hand as if in toast.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Don't be, we all return to the Star Mother at some point."

"Star Mother… that's a rare religion." Lix tilted her head as she settled into the seat's warmth. It had been some time since she'd met anyone who believed in the Mother. It was a bit of a mystery, but the religion died out quickly nearly ten years prior.

"Neither here nor there, I suppose. Yeah, lots of people moved on to other beliefs, or no beliefs. Six in one, half a dozen in the other if you ask me." Jack leaned to flick several switches on his comms panel, a flashing light indicating good connectivity. "Racer's Heart this is the Gerthtrude transporting the No Safety Measures and her captain, requesting docking authorization." Several moments passed before they got a response from the same haggard flight control officer as before.

"That's a solid copy Gerthtrude. Proceed to your previous dock." A sharp click filled the cabin as Jack killed the comms, adjusting his flight path to avoid the still active observation platforms filled with slavering fans, all partying and gushing over highlight replays. Most were, of course, detailed views of racer's deaths, their flaming ends snuffed out as quickly as one would a sputtering candle smashed upon the very asteroids they hoped to conquer. A scant few were packing up, fans ready to prepare for the actual league or grieving families that had witnessed the demise of some hopeful soul out there amongst the rocks.

And there were plenty who were grieving. A steady trail of transport shuttles could be seen traveling from the looming Racer's Heart, their running lights painting them as emergency services that were combing through the site of the final preliminary race to fight the salvagers for corpses. Most likely to return to the next of kin, for a price, of course. Once again, Jack was hit by the sheer complexity of the economy that revolved around the races, knowing that he too would soon pay into that churning Roark machine to repair and upgrade the No Safety Measures.

Having hands on observation of her performance while being pushed to the absolute limits had shown him exactly where to shore up her systems. Some would need outright replacements and improvements, meaning several swaths of data would need to go through a rigorous examination after installing beefier parts. His only concern was where to get these magical super kits. The Racer's Heart surely had them, but at a premium he and Lix couldn't swing, even if he dumped his personal funds into the game. No, this would require some hunting…

"Hey, pretty lizard," Jack called as they made final approach, pulling said racer from the light snooze she was taking after draping herself over the navigator's warm console suite. "How long until the league starts?"

"Oh, it varies, but this one is um… let me do the mental math, time is funky when you're talking about another star system…" Lix hemmed and hawed for a moment, her head tilting to and fro. "I'd say, using station standard twenty two hour cycles… four months out. It gives the Heart time to set up, coordinate with local corporate entities, and for racers to get their ships ready."

"Perfect, just trying to plan a parts hunt." Lix nodded with a tiny grin, her worry over her beloved craft still eating away at a spot in the back of her mind. In the end, all she could do was trust the mechanic she'd hired. "Aaaand I'll wave my pay, this time." He pointed behind him with a warning finger. "First official race I want a sub-standard cut. Let's put the entire winnings back into the No Safety. It's what I'd do with the cash anyway." Lix flinched, her high taking a minor blow. She'd completely forgot about paying the man.

"A-Ah, sure sure! Yeeaaahhh… what's um… standard pay?" Fear filled Lix's gut as the man chuckled a dark, foreboding laugh.

"So standard crew pay varies between the crew themselves and their roles. A starship technician is different from a drive mechanic and galley cook after all, but with my licenses I'm a tier six starship mechanic. I can work on any system from tip to tail. My rate if I were to offer employment on a Council official crew roster would be fifteen percent of the captain's earnings. It's why most crews only run a technician." His laugh only grew as Lix paled, the tiny bits of visible skin between her crimson scales turning a lighter shade of pink. "So how much will you make off this run?"

"W-We uh… made fifth place with is fifty thousand."

"Standard rate for me would be seventy-five hundred. See why most crews only run techs? That's damn near one fifth of the winnings. Don't freak," He interjected as a wave of panic flashed across the reptile's muzzle. "I'm not charging standard rate. And honestly, this is something you should have hashed out with me back on Koorka, but I already knew you weren't used to running a crew, so I'll help ya out. I'm not here for the Roarks after all. I'll settle for eight percent, which is what a tech would get, there abouts at least." Lix visibly relaxed at the much more sensible offer, right up until guilt chewed at her gut.

"That's way below what you're worth…"

"Yup, but as captain you have to pinch cash where you can get it. If someone is willing to work below their standard, ascertain why and don't turn down someone just looking to get on ships. Remember, crewmates can only get on a vessel if the captain hires, and it's not like there's an abundance of empty ships roaming about. It's not uncommon to take lower pay for a sure spot, ya know?" Lix nodded, sitting up as they slowed on approach.

"You're really helping me out… so that begs the question, why are you willing to work almost half your rate?"

"Good question, I like it!" Jack hit his captain's console with glee. "I'm here 'cause I was gettin' cabin fever over on Koorka. Wanted somethin' a bit bigger, more rush, yeah? And you waltzed in sayin' you were a racer and you were good enough to get a freakin' bounty? I jumped on the chance. Glad I did." Warmth bloomed in the Kux'lar's chest at his words, her eyes squinting shut as she graced him with a fang filled smile. "Atta girl. Now, we got a reward ceremony to go to or somethin'?"

"Oh, yes!" Lix forced her tail to still as she felt the Racer's Heart docking magnets secure the Gerthtrude in place. "The top twenty will get their official 'Roid Racer inductee ceremony! And a pin! And uh, you know, the award money and instructions on where the next race is." She finished with an uninterested wave of her claws. "A pin! Like a secret club!" Lix couldn't stop her paws from tapping an excited staccato on the navigator's panel as she trilled her jittery excitement.

"Faaancy! Do I get one?"

"Yup yup! All crew members get a pin commemorating each race they participate in, so you'll get one for each league race! If we bring on more crew, they'll only get recognition for the races in which they participate."

"So a collection of sorts, hell yeah. I'm fuckin' down."

"That's the spirit! Ooooh, come on, come on!" Lix leaped to her paws and grabbed Jack's arm with a hop, gently tugging at him.

"Chill, 'lil lady! I got docking procedures!" The man found himself laughing as she quickly thumbed through switches, levers, and buttons, a system settling into standby with each one.

"No procedures! Ceremony! We're gonna be 'Roid Racers! Ahhhhhahahaha!" Lix tugged his arm once more, the larger Human rolling his eyes in good nature as he finally rose, grinning as the Kux'lar dodged his swiveling pilot's seat with ease. Her grip on him never let up, practically pulling him to the cargo bay and down the on ramp that rose to lock behind them. This time, Lix couldn't care less about the Heart's resplendent docking bay, her tail wrapping around Jack's leg as she led the man up the grand stairs towards the waiting railcars.

A familiar face beamed at them from its zenith, the well clothed peanut gallery of investors and betters already loudly stage whispering at the reptilian pilot's display.

"Andrus!" Lix finally released her Human captive to rush up the stairs with a speed only a predatory carnivore race could. "Did you watch the race? Oh my goodness, it was everything I dreamed!" The Etmerian chuckled, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction.

"Believe me, I did. And I'm sitting quite comfortably off my bets as well. You shook things up again, though to a lesser extent. No one expected your little ship to run nearly so hard." Unlike last time, the canine's tail was gently wagging with real emotion.

"You can thank my starship mechanic for that! He's worth every Roark!" Jack regaled the attendee with a two finger salute, joining them at the top of the stairs after being left behind.

"Of that, I have no doubt. Would you like escort to the ceremony hall?"

"Please! Thank you, Andrus." Lix grinned at the grateful smile she saw spread across the Etmerian's muzzle, guessing he didn't receive much in the way of heartfelt thanks. "And thanks for believing in me! It means a lot."

"Ah, captain Lixistruzsias, stay alive if you would. You are one of the good ones."

"I dunno about that." She mumbled, following him to the very same railcar they'd taken during their previous visit. As before, Jack stuck his head inside, his eyes whirring, before offering Lix the first choice of seats. "Thank you, most noble of crewmates!" Lix held her muzzle high and offered a claw to the Human, her eyes gently shut like the shareholders of mega corporations she'd seen on the holo.

"Oh, but of course Madam Lix, it is my duty to serve!" Andrus couldn't hide a chuckle at the pair, calmly sitting in the exact same position as before. The trip across the gaudy expanse of greenery went unseen this time around, Lix chatting about everything and nothing as nervous jitters caused her killing claws to rap tap tap upon the railcar's deck. Soon, they found themselves at an unfamiliar docking platform, one that led to a massive observation deck overlooking the very verdant artificial forest so prominently displayed to guests.

High-definition screens, so clear one could mistake them for windows, lined the far wall in curving arcs reminiscent of flowing rivers, each one displaying the cosmos with some manner of filter that revealed the grand colors hidden to the naked eye. At the place of honor was a showing of the very asteroid field they'd just risked life and limb to soar through, the fleets of scavengers, medical ships, media, and even the odd daredevil looking to play chicken with said deadly scavengers flit between the floating stones like a writhing hive of insects.

Lix found herself wringing her claws with no small amount of trepidation as her eyes followed the small stairway to the gleaming observation deck and the myriads of racers waiting there. She wasn't the last to show, but by the number she was close. Several eyes turned her way, most shining with recognition, but one marched her way with a satisfied grin.

"Lix!" Mo'Ona threw his thin arms wide, gazing up at the Kux'lar with a grin full of crooked yellow teeth. "Glad to see ya finally made it! Big leagues now, eh?"

"Ah, glad you… lived." Lix's smile was less than genuine, right up until she remembered the little rat man's timely intervention via his ship's railgun. "Thanks again for the save out there."

"No problem! I've got like… zero friends, so I thought why not try and make some?" Mo'Ona's jubilance faded somewhat as Jack loomed over his much smaller frame, the Hux backpedaling as prey instincts began to override his sense. "A-Ah ha… you must be the uh, mechanic that helped Lix push so far into the leaderboards?"

"That's me." Jack's reply was… friendly enough, if somewhat clipped. Thankfully, the awkward reunion was cut short by a joyful tune wafting from the newest arrival, Glorious Angela herself, striding up the stairs with her frill covered dress billowing. Every head in the room turned with a smile, Lix pausing for a moment as Jack's… never quite reached his eyes. In fact, if the Kux'lar didn't know any better… she'd say the man was trying to tamp down a glare at the woman…

"Greetings all, forgive me if I am still flustered from such a wonderous showing!" Her voice carried like a bell, her smile small and dainty, easing the nerves and casting a balm over the high strung atmosphere that blanketed the twenty newest 'Roid Racers. "Such a show of skill and perseverance. Pilots weaving tapestries across the stars and crew taming the most wild of starships, working in tandem to produce displays of passion so moving I found myself shedding tears during the final stretch!"

The crowd eased, cheers and hollers of agreement abound as Angela glided through the gathering like a specter on ice.

"Let me be the first to congratulate you, one and all, on being the galaxy's newest 'Roid Racers! You now find yourselves amongst the premier pilots and entertainers the stars have to offer!" Lix felt her tail begin to undulate before an Etmerian, one she hadn't seen, began to gently usher her and the other racers into some semblance of a formation. Too enraptured by Glorious Angela's voice, the Kux'lar allowed herself to be herded, her attention solidly on the woman and her soothing voice. With practiced movements, Angela began to flit from racer to racer, grace and cordiality plastered to her face like a mask. From the depths of her dress, she produced a pin and plastic Risk disk, depositing them into each of the winner's outstretched hand.

"In commemoration of this monumental achievement, the Racer's Heart bequeaths upon you this Asteroid Racing League's unique pin, and the first of your winnings. This is only the barest beginnings of the riches and glory you will amass. May your names be remembered, until the very stars burn out!" And with that final exaltation, Glorious Angela left back down the stairs, leaving the newly minted racers to their jubilations. Lix turned to Jack with a fang filled smile, a shining Risk in one hand and two commemorative pins in the other depicting a sleek racing vessel screaming around an asteroid.

"Jack!" It was all she could say, her voice choking on a squeak as her slitted eyes misted over. Finally, Jack's grin met his eyes, and the man kneeled low to take one of the gleaming steel pins to secure on Lix's sleeveless jacket. His own slid onto his collar easily, Lix admiring the dual pair before wiping her eyes. "Only up from here!"

"To the stars, Lix." Jack's mechanical arms whirred as he scooped the raptor lady into a tight hug. "To the stars."

Love Like Oil, End of Act One