“Hey john, you think we will do alright?” as I look to my side I could see my beautiful wife Crystal. Her eyes seemed to shine as she pushed her black bangs out of her eyes. “Baby we will do okay I promise you.” In fact I didn't really know what was going to happen. Earth had long been pushed over its limits causing for the exploration into space to become the only way for our survival as a race. Those who were lucky and had the money could practically do anything. Transport cargo for the Republic, locate new living planets, or even start settlements where they take a percentage from their citizens. For those who are unlucky like my wife and I, you find yourself on a ship heading to a place where the danger is as high as the chance of wealth.
As I stare at my lovely wife who seems to find herself in the dream world I couldn't help but reminisce of the past. I was never anything of worth, rarely could keep a job and when I got one I lost it in the first week. Yet this beautiful 5’9, black hair down to her waist, with deep blue eyes like the ocean that stared at me was what kept me afloat in the dark of hours. We are heading to Euxia, a planet on the edge of the Andria Galaxy. The reason why we were able to get this one way ticket to this unknown planet was due to some luck when I ran into a man who felt pity for me. To be honest he seemed a bit shady but anything is better than Earth nowadays.
As I Walked to the circular window opposite of the bed I couldn't help but stare deep into the black abyss of space that made me feel so insignificant. I had a strange feeling well up inside of me at that moment. Was this truly the right thing to do? I never was one to question going head first into new things, but I just couldn't get this bad feeling out of the pit of my stomach. After a few moments I couldn't help but throw the feelings in the back of my mind. This is a chance, not for me but for her. As I look towards Crystal I couldn't help but smile as I push the bangs away from her face. No matter how rough it can get I'll make sure that this time we will do alright.
It was at that moment that a light knocking came from the metal door causing my lovely moment to be extinguished. Walking towards the door I couldn't help but wipe a few of the wrinkles out of my clothes. Looking towards the terminal next to the door I could see a young chubby face looking up towards the camera outside. “Hey john want to chill at the cafeteria?” Hitting a small red button below the monitor screen I replied “yea, let me just say goodby to Crystal real quick.” Walking towards the bed I lightly kissed Crystal’s forehead causing her to lightly moan as she rose from the bed “where are you going?” Seeing as she was rubbing both of her eyes and her hair was a mess I couldn't help but smile as I landed a kiss on her lips “David and I are gonna eat at the cafeteria, do you need anything?” With an ow Crystal turned over going back to the world of dreams but before I could get away quick enough her voice seemed to drift into my ears “I want something sweet and a drink maybe. See if they have any of the soda floats okay, hunny?” Hearing her and watching as she was quick to sleep I couldn't help but chuckle as I walked out of our room.
Room 215 was the numbered plastered on the door in red paint. The ship, Allexus was a large colonial ship housing thousands of families all who were heading towards Euxia to start a new life. David was no different, at about 16 he was a bit younger than myself but I swore I could see a flame in his eyes even though he was a bit on the chubby side. As we walked down the long hallway that had room after room I could hear the rattling in the vents as a few men could be heard repairing a few pipes in the small walkways that ran parallel to the large halls used for moving around the ship. Taking our sweet time I couldn't help but look down towards David’s hands which held an old antique necklace. “What's that?” Seeing my questionable expression I could notice David’s hand gripping the necklace tightly. “It was my mother's, she gave it to my before she passed away. A necklace and a one way trip to Euxia was all she gave me. She always hated me you know? Beat me every moment she could; even when she was sick and dying all I ever wanted was for her to love me, but all I got was this old necklace and a ticket.”
Seeing his pained expression I couldn't help but bring him towards my side trying to brighten the mood “come on man, you got me and Crystal. Plus you're actually the first friend I have that Crystal actually approves of and she never likes my friends.” Seeing the smile plastered on my face David’s mood seemed to improve “why does she not like them?” Hearing his question caused me to look puzzled. “You know, I don't really know? I mean they were a bit on the jittery side and got random nosebleeds here and there. But they were really good friends of mine.” David couldn't help but laugh as he shook his head. “She didn't like them because all of your friends where druggies.” Of course I already knew that, but seeing David without his usual jolly expressions seemed really strange so seeing him in a better mood makes it all worth it.
The cafeteria in general was nothing special. Like any cafeteria it was a large room with tables that allowed for many to sit and eat. Bulky robots would come by used tables and begin disinfecting. Finding a suitable spot David and I sat down and scanned the room waiting to be served. There were many families taking up most of the tables. Kids would run about dropping food on the floor or even throwing a bit at each other causing their fathers or mothers to reprimand them after they were just cussed out by the security force. Of course who you really need to watch out for were the men and women who sat alone. Most people here are going to start anew and there is no telling what they might of done for Earth has become a bit chaotic lately and the death toll has gotten higher. So it's just common sense to stand out of anyone's way who seems a bit on the cold side.
Luckily we didn't have to wait long as the argument I had with my stomach was answered by an waitress who made her way to us. “What may I get you two fine gentlemen today? Our special is grilled Caprese from the Vegabod system, with any medium size drink.” It sounded pretty good so I couldn't help but speak up “how much?” Seeing the interest in my eyes the girl gave a loving smile “345 credits sir.” Hearing the price I couldn't help but nod my head “i'll take it. What are you gonna get dav….” As I look towards David I could practically see the drool from his mouth as he found himself lost in the waitress long legs. She indeed had a nice figure and with the chance of getting tips many wore tight clothing and it seems David has found himself being the victim. Laughing a bit I lightly kicked David from under to table making him come back to reality “ow, uh, um I….i'll have the um….the same thing.” Seeing as David found himself scourging to get himself back together I remembered what Crystal wanted “what sweets do yall have today?” Giggling quietly to herself seeing David whose chubs seemed to jiggle endlessly the waiter couldnt help but smile. “We have some Saccharine fruit from Thelmora which many enjoy and its price isn't that bad.” Nodding my head I ordered a few of those as well “ow do yall have any floats? The women at home is craving.” The waitress nodded her head to my question “of course and if you don't mind me asking is she pregnant?”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
A prideful smile was plastered on my face as I nodded in agreement causing the women to congratulate me. I had yet to tell David so he too was excited as he began to laugh out loud. With our order placed the waitress left us to ourselves causing David to have his eyes plastered below the waitress's waist. I couldn't help but look at him “really.” Noticing my eyes staring at him David began to become as red as a lobster as he seemed embarrassed at something. “You should ask her out to a date instead of violating her with your eyes. You might be able to get a little bit more if you know what I mean.” Hearing the mockery in my voice David couldn't help shake his head in defeat “it's impossible.”
“What do you mean?”
“I'm fat John. Anyone would drop dead if they saw me with such a fine looking girl like that.” Even though it sounds bad looking at David whose body was a bit on the heavy side and looks which were more cute than manly I couldn't help but agree inside. “What are you talking about man. Anything is possible you just gotta ask her. What could go wrong?” Hearing my reply David leaned his head with his eyes staring up a bit at me “really john.” I couldn't help but began to laugh “you know me too well.” David leaned forward punching me in the arm “why didn't you tell me you and Crystal were expecting? We got to celebrate!”
“Nah Crystal doesn't want me to be all routy but a drink shouldn't hurt.” As we both laughed the waitress came back with all types of wonderful smelling plates of food. The Caprece meals that me and David had ordered was simply a large Spider Abdomen grilled to perfection with a spicy aroma assaulting our nostrils. The Saccharine fruit were placed into a see through container allowing me to see a rainbow of colors as the circular fruits all wielded different colors. Thanking the waiter and learning I could get my float at the end of the meal I ordered a few Alcoholic drinks for David and I and then we began to dig into the meals in front of us. The Spiders outer covering was quite similar to the shell that protected crabs or lobsters to a certain extent. Taking a knife that was brought with the meal I simple pressed a button on the side of the knife causing a blade of energy to appear. With a flick of my wrist I began to cut the Caprice in half allowing for the meat on the inside to flow out like a river. Luckily I was prepared as the plate below the spiders shell was able to capture most of the flesh. David on the other hand was more ravenous as he used his hands to break into parts of the shell. With its flesh defenseless David would take the part up towards his mouth sucking out all that was inside.
As I stared down at the translucent flesh on the plate my stomach began to rumble as it simply couldn't wait any longer. Taking in a deep breath of the spiders aroma I began to dig in with the knife and fork which was made out of simple metals. The flesh was fleshy yet as it entered my mouth it seemed to change into a soup as it easily went down my throat. I couldn't help but get addicted as David and I seemed to become animals as we began to devour all that was in front of us. We were eating the meal in front of us so quickly I swore that some of the families eating meals in the cafeteria looked at us disgusted, but why would I care? When the meals in front of us seemed to vanish our alcoholic beverages seemed to appear at just the right time as we began to down one drink after another. The alcohol was a bit on the dry side and caused a fire to burn my throat as I drained one cup after another. I don't know how many I downed but as I looked towards David I swore he got skinnier. The waitress seemed to see our drunken state and I assumed she tried to slow us down but David who is usually quiet in front of women couldn't help but began to start a conversation with the girl.
“You know….You're….Beautiful you know that. I mean look at me….i'm so fat you know. You're the opposite; you're so skinny and good looking I think….I think I love you.” David couldn't help but down another one and I couldn't help but laugh causing him to look towards me. “John what you laughing at man? I love you too and Crystal. I mean you're so good to me, you're like the brother I always wanted.” Seeing the waitress trying to take the beverages away from us I couldn't help but grab the bottles and hand them to her causing David to frown. “David we have drank way too much. I mean I don't like you drunk, you get all lovey dovey on us.”
The waitress couldn't help but take the bottles from my hand. “Thank you” with a cheery little yelp the girl thanked me and was surprised by my sober like state. I couldn't help but agree with her as the beverage Vicious Ale is about 90 proof and drinking it straight should down a man easily but this stuff is just fruit juice to the stuff I have sampled before. Getting the bill from the waitress I couldn't help but cry on the inside as I spent a bit more than what I wanted to. Seeing David stumble about I didn't even complain as I gave the women her credits. Taking the box of Saccharine fruit and a vintage coke float I began to help David who was having trouble walking straight. As I got David in control it was in that moment when something hit the ship causing me and everyone else to fall to the floor causing the float to smash across the floor. Helping David up I couldn't help but look all around me. I could see panic in everyone's eyes with a few children crying out loud as they ran towards their parents. David seemed to be sobering up at the events around us. I couldn't help but whisper to David “is it raiders?” Seeing the panic in my face and hearing the word raider David couldn't help but begin to panic as well “ I hope not do you know what they do to people!” Coming closer to my ear David whispered “I hear that they eat people alive.”