Page 46 of The Bully Alien

There's no point.

"We aren't getting off this rock."

"I know," I say.

"No, you don't understand. It's over."

"I do. I was there when the engine blew up, remember?" she asks dryly.

I grit my teeth and shake my head. "It's not just that. It's... I'm basically a refugee now. I can't risk being discovered, so even if I could figure out this blasted hunk of junk, I'm fucked."

"What do you mean you're basically a refugee now? What's happened?"

"I mean that I and one other Grolla are all that's left. The others are all dead."

"What?" Her eyes widen with alarm, and she grabs my arm. "How do you know that?"

"I got the communicator to work. I managed to connect with the other Grolla. A friend of mine. Franx. He hadn't been there when it happened."

"When what happened?"

"I told you there was something worse than the Xarillians."

"Yes, but you didn't go into details about them."

"The Grots. Another human species. Far more war-hungry than any other species. They're killed and wiped out fr too many human species, destroyed their planets..."

"Wait, they have the technology to destroy planets?" Her face is as white as can be.

I nod grimly.

"Why hasn't anyone stood up to them?" she asks.

"No one can withstand against them."

"But together—"

"But nothing. It can't be done, but you don't have to worry. We'll be fine here. Safe enough. Earth isn't in danger from the Grots."

"Because we're Class B," she mumbles.

"Yes. It actually saves you, but you see, if the Grots hear about a Grolla being on this planet or that one, they'll come after me to finish the job. I'm grounded here and not just because of my spaceship."

"I am so sorry, Wyatt," she murmurs.

She goes to hug me. I tense up but don't draw away.

I also don't embrace her back.

"It's not your fault," I tell her.

I try to explain, though it is hard for me to talk about.

"Franx gave me details. Not all humans bother to try to fight the Grots when they show up. What's the point? But the Grollas did fight. They fought and fought and fought, but it didn't matter. The Grots always win. When they make it their mission to eradicate a particular species, they accomplish that goal."

"But why?"

I grunt. "Fuck why."