Page 50 of Uncovered By the Alien Commander
There’s no one else. I’m all alone and lost out here.
“Wait!” My voice echoes through the narrow streets, halting the Tuskarian in his tracks. “Do you know where I can find the Gorgons Wrath gang? I’m looking for one of their members who goes by Katarian,” I inquire, hoping this stranger can lead the way.
He turns, running his yellow scrutinizing eyes over me, as if he’s only just now registered my presence. My skin crawls under his glare, feeling like a specimen in one of Mod’s jars as an uncomfortable silence stretches on. I almost retreat, thinking he lacks the wit to answer. “Yes, I can lead you to them,” he finally answers, holding out his palm yet again. “For a price.”
There’s always a price.
I blow out a deep exhale in mock exasperation, already predicting his request. Yet his demand fills me with relief. Trusting his motivation is simple greed and nothing more sinister, and that I’ll soon sell Xandors mask, putting this terrifying business behind me. “Okay, a hundred credits. That’s all I have left,” I lie, although not by much. My entire savings have dwindled to a mere fifty credits.
The Tuskarian nods in acceptance as his wrist console beeps with the transfer notification. “Follow,” he commands curtly, setting off down another nondescript street without waiting for me.
I struggle to keep up with his long, heavy strides that force me to half-jog alongside him. We travel in silence for a time, as my mind is already in a tangled muddle trying to discern each identical street, searching for any sign or clue that might set it apart. I wonder if I’ll ever grasp the intricacies of this place, and how my guide can tell the difference.
“What’s your name?” I ask, overcome with a sudden curiosity.
He snorts as if annoyed. “Urgnaw,” he grunts, giving nothing away.
He keeps secrets like me.
Undeterred, I press on, eager to glean any insight into how he navigates this maze-like landscape, knowing if I’m to live here, I’ll need the same skill. “How can you tell the difference between the streets? They all look the same to me,” I admit, glancing around the dirty area.
He sniffs before tapping his large, snouted nose. “By smell,” his answer only fuels a lingering disappointment and familiar regret of being born a ‘human.’
If I was big and strong, like a Tuskarian, I’d be safe.
Despite that, I wrinkle my nose, sniffing the air, finding only the same pungent stench that has permeated since arriving on this cursed tier.There must be another way?My attention turns back to the surroundings, which appear to be growing rougher, with increasing levels of broken street pavements, rubbish and unknown graffiti. But it’s the hooded and shadowy figures peering out from the broken windows that send a shiver down my spine.
“Is this the right way? This place seems... dangerous,” I venture, trying to maintain composure, despite the growing unease that pricks the hairs on my neck.
“You seek gang, don’t be surprised at danger,” Urgnaws snorts. His simple and non-emotional answers give me a strangesurge of confidence, and I’m glad of his hulking, intimidating presence.
“Why is this tier so poor?” I ask, trying to learn more about my new home.
“You speak too much,” Urgnaw huffs in protest, blowing two large puffs of air out his snouted nose. I almost laugh at his allegation. The crew always accuse me of the opposite.
I hope they yet live... Mod, Job, and Quad.
I continue, determined to wrangle as much knowledge from Urgnaw, not sure I’ll have another opportunity to ask questions. “The second tier isn’t nearly so poor, and I know nothing about the first tier,” I rephrase my question, hoping he’ll reply.
Urgnaw snorts in resignation, his tone weary. “First tier is for the rich. You need fifty thousand credits just to buy access. Second tier for trade only. The rest of the shit festers here.” He inclines his head toward a dilapidated building.
I suppress a gasp at the staggering amount, wondering if the sale of Xandor’s mask will be enough to buy access to the first tier. Hope kindles within me at the prospect that I might not have to endure this oppressive place after all. “What’s tier one like?” I inquire with haste, anticipating his response.
“Don’t know, but can’t be worse than this dung heap,” Urgnaw grumbles, his expression twisted with disdain.
“Is that why you seek credits? To buy access to tier one?” I ask, already guessing the answer.
“Yes” Urgnaw nods, casting his eyes to a disheveled building much like the countless others. “Silent now, we are here,” he commands, striding through the open doorway without bothering to check if I follow.
My heart pounds in my heart as I scan the surroundings, searching in vain for any sign of gang symbols or markings that characterized the Suns of Omega territory.
Maybe the Gorgons Wrath are more secretive?
I step through the doorway, stunned to see the interior has been turned into a makeshift bar. The walls and rooms of the apartments are gutted, leaving only supporting columns, creating an expansive open area. Ragged patrons occupy the space, their drunken revelry creating an atmosphere thick with tension.
A creeping sense of unease cascades through my mind, as many of the occupants glance towards me, a mixture of wonder and annoyance etched on their faces. A few whistle in my direction, causing me to recoil, a surge of fear threatening to overwhelm me. “I don’t know about this,” I confess, my voice trembling with uncertainty.
“Katarian, is just through there,” Urgnaw urges, pointing to one of the few remaining rooms towards the end of the hall. “Just a little further. But if you’re scared, you can make your own way back. I’ve already been paid; I care not what you decide.” He shrugs, his tone unperturbed.