Page 36 of Uncovered By the Alien Commander
Will I find salvation or damnation within?
Chapter 16
Xandor
Paradise
Awarm, inviting redglow emits from within the pleasure house. Soft chant-like music traces the air, tickling my pointed ears. Stepping inside, a vision of luxurious décor welcomes me. Black furniture engraved in detailed shimmering gold, upholstered in rich red leathers, laid across plush red carpets which are still springy soft. As I take in the surroundings, a female Argorian approaches wearing an ethereal white flowing dress that aims to tease and tantalize the senses. For the briefest moment, a flicker of shock crosses her face as her eyes travel over my impressive, towering figure.
But she recovers well, as she now holds a welcoming smile. “Welcome to Fluxom Paradise,” she utters, her voice soft and delicate, as she peers up at us before performing a deep bow.“Please forgive my momentary lapse. I’ve never encountered... such striking males before,” she confesses with a whisper, although her milky white Argorian eyes give no hint of her emotions.
“There’s nothing to forgive,” I reply, my tone smooth. Her reaction, however brief, pleased me more than if she had remained indifferent. “I’ve heard great things about this place,” I smirk at her, a hint of mischief in my voice. “Show me the truth of it,” I challenge.
To her credit, she remains composed. “Of course, please follow me.” She turns, beckoning for us to follow down an immaculate hallway with a clean scent of incense which wrinkles my nose. We enter a large darkened room illuminated with dim red light, strewn throughout the room are private booths, some containing occupants of various species. Most are Argorians, Glaseroids and a group of Gorglaxians who regard us with awe and astonishment.
Stepping onto the floor gives me pause as it churns with a dazzling mass of colors and hues swirling and mingling like a cosmic spectacle. I can’t discern if it’s a flat projection or an actual cavernous space filled with mysterious, bellowing clouds and liquids. The effect reflects striking, bold projections illuminating the space further.
“I think I’m going to throw up,” Noroth complains as he takes tentative steps on the writhing ground, as though it might turn to molten plasma at any moment.
“But I thought you liked garnish colors?” I jest, trying to suppress my own disorienting feelings that threaten to overwhelm my senses.
“Yes, to look upon, not transverse,” he counters, steadying himself with a meaty hand on my shoulder, prompting me to laugh.
“It’s quite safe, I assure you.” Our Argorian guide turns, indicating an empty booth nestled in the corner of the expansive room, curved from glossy black polymer, boasts high-backed inlaid with supple red leather and adorned with plush golden cushions. “The Fluxom Paradise is a sanctuary to nurture and succor your every need.”
“Noroth might need to succor in a bucket, at this rate,” I mock, casting a playful glance at our guide, who maintains her smooth smile, and, to my annoyance, her unreadable white eyes remain a mystery.Argorians are no fun.
“Restrooms are situated over there.” Our Argorian guide indicates to an adjacent room her formal response to my obvious jest wrinkles my brow with frustration. As our trio squeeze into the undersized booth, the boring one then asks. “What refreshments would you like?”
“Give us the strongest ales you have,” I request, shuffling my legs, in search of a comfortable position, knowing from experience that other species’ idea of strong is little more than piss water.
“Very good.” The boring one turns, heading towards the entrance.
I sigh, watching the diminutive Argorian glide out with grace. “I hope they’re not all going to be this dull.” My feet knock against the legs of the table as I shift with discomfort. “Void these tiny booths!”
“What’s gotten into you? Relax,” Noroth chides, a disapproving look etched on his flat face.
Why am I so wound up?“I prefer my pleasure houses bawdier. This one would better suit the stuffy Council of Elders. They’ll probably send us droids in dresses next,” I complain, unsure where my bitterness is coming from.
“We’ve just arrived,” Noroth reminds me with a scowl.
“Welcome to Fluxom Paradise! Where your desires are made reality,” an excited but artificial voice states, prompting me to scan for the source, until a holographic display in vibrant blue materializes above our table, adding to the kaleidoscope of colors of the room.
“Each floor specializes in fulfilling specific desires. Please make your selection! And don’t hesitate to contact our staff should your needs fall outside those offered,” the artificial voice continues, as the projection changes to show an extensive list of options.
Furrows etch my brow as I peruse the holographic list before me. A myriad of options shimmering in the air: holographic simulations, zero-gravity chambers, sleeping pods, and horticultural zones. “What is this crap?” I exclaim.
“There you go, Xandor, robotic companionship!” Noroth erupts into laughter, jabbing a finger at the holographic list. “I could request one dressed in a gown just for you!”
“Sadly, I left my oil can on the ship,” I retort with a grin as I continue to scan the list, wondering who in their right mind would choose many of these services. “Bio experiences or rejuvenating spas might be interesting,” I muse, scrunching my face.
“Aha! intergalactic eatery!” Noroth declares in triumph. “After enduring that disgusting slop aboard the ship, an actual meal would be a blessing from the Gods. They might even serve borack meat!” His broad face lights up with excitement.
My stomach rumbles in agreement. “We left Klendathor, traveled halfway across the galaxy to a pleasure house, only to eat the same food we have back home?” I ask in disbelief.
“Yeah, so what?” Noroth replies, his logic unassailable.
I exhale, defeated. “Void it. I could murder a borack steak.” My hand darts to the projection selecting the ‘intergalactic eatery’ option from the glowing list.