Chapter 2

Outside of the tavern was a serene cottage nearly identical to most other cottages on Anmer. Inside, Scy and Relda were welcomed by drumbeats that echoed, music that thumped the floor, and varying stares from galactic inhabitants of all kinds. Scy cleared her throat and pointed out a vacant table near a window.

"What can I get ya to drink, kid?" She asked as Relda sat, yelling over the music and chatter that filled the tavern.

"I don't drink," Relda confessed, cringing at being called a kid. "I'm here to discuss business."

A grin spread across Scy's face. She dragged a chair out until there was sufficient room for her plump frame.

"Business?" She repeated. "Ya gonna work here for me, kid?"

Relda leaned forward and gripped the ends of the table.

"Scy," she said. "You already know what happened on Jucardi."

Relda's mind drifted. Some memories were distant and fading. Others were as bright and vivid as Scy's scales or the neon-colored liquids patrons consumed all around the tavern. A door secured, snuffing out the light on the other side. A petite, navy blue skinned Jucardian young hugged the walls. Her tunic hung loosely. When the door shut, a grown Jucardian huffed into the silence. His shoulders dropped. He kept his eyes on the ground.

"Father," the young whispered.

"What is it, Relda?"

"Is Mother--?"

She paused. The words were too awful to say.

"She's gone," Relda's father confirmed.

"Why?" She questioned.

"The plague is taking a lot of our people," her father replied.

His voice faded into a sputtering cough. He gasped. Relda rushed to his side, but he waved her away.

"It's taken your aunt and cousins too," he managed. "Go, find your uncle."

He collapsed at the doorway. Relda watched his consciousness fade, and dashed for the entry. She reached for the door control, but the entrance unsealed while her finger was still inches away. She froze. What was left of the day's sunlight enabled her to see who'd opened it.

"Uncle Aven!" She whispered.

"Relda," his low, but gentle voice greeted her.

"Is it true what happened?" She asked.

"It's true," he replied. "We're the only ones left. We're not safe here."

"Where are we gonna go?"

Aven gazed into the evening sky.

"Somewhere as far as we can get from here."

Relda drew a shaky breath. Her memories had ended when their ship had pierced the atmosphere of Amner.

"I remember," Scy said. "What business do you need?"

Relda touched her knuckle against the cold glass.

"We thought we were safe," she said, "but Uncle Aven came down with it."

She couldn't bring herself to make eye contact.

"He's dead."

It was then she noticed the music had stopped. As had the chatter. She could hear the remarks that followed.

"Aven? Gone?"

"Can't be. Saw him last week."

Relda shifted in her seat and looked Scy squarely in the eyes.

"I'm the last Jucardian," she said. "So, business: I need to see Eyan."

Scy sucked her teeth. She, too, leaned in.

"You sure you want to go that route?" She whispered.

Relda gave an authoritative nod.

"I'm absolutely sure. I'm willing to pay a great price."

"We'll talk in the hidden room," Scy relented. "Follow me."