"Attention, attention," an alien to the left of the platform droned. Their voice echoed in the chamber, and Viktor could hear it through the intercom system they had around the ship. "The ship is preparing for take-off in ten minutes. Please exit stairwells and hallways. Remain in your living quarters, the dining hall, or the plaza. Attention, attention. The ship is preparing..."
Nervous excitement fluttered through him. Take-off! He's never been in an airplane before, and the one time in a spaceship hardly counted, so Viktor was going to enjoy every possible second of this.
"Kohgrash and friends," Viktor heard Vok'Rul say. He was at least eighty percent positive that Vok'Rul just forgot all of his friends' names at this point. "There are seats over here for extra personnel."
So cool. They were gonna watch this ship take off in the cockpit! Viktor vibrated with excitement.
"You're shaking like a kid on Christmas after they chugged their mom's entire pot of coffee," Pedro said, amused. Viktor didn't even have it in him to scowl.
"No shit, Pedro! We're in a spaceship! Aren't you a little excited?!"
"I've seen way crazier shit than a spaceship."
"I'm excited," Aiko offered. Viktor smiled at her.
"Oh, little lord, I am glad you show such enthusiasm!" Ghhvresh interrupted as the group started making their way to the row of chairs. Viktor kept forgetting that the other aliens believed them sentient, let alone understand them. "Since you are already here, you might as well help me prepare with take-off!"
Viktor was gobsmacked. "I'd love to," he said faintly.
"What the hell," Ezekiel mumbled. "Why can't I fly a spaceship?"
"You are a grown man. You get to sit and watch." Nikolas said with a laugh, pulling the man away.
Viktor certainly wasn't equipped to fly a spaceship, no matter what Ezekiel complained about. Vok'Rul had to lift him into his arms so he could see the control, and the most exciting thing Ghhvresh let him do was flip a lever. Maybe it was a little condescending being treated like a kid, but the alien was anything but. She explained the controls to him without dumbing down the language. Though, it might not have translated anyway, if she had done so. Sayings and metaphors always had a hard time translating, and using examples might've flown over his head.
Some of the stuff she said did go over his head. But it was cool stuff though, so even if he didn't understand it, he'd listen wholeheartedly.
The ship rumbled and groaned very quietly. As the ship shuddered and rose from the ground, Viktor felt a familiar, overwhelming presence press on the front of his skull.
LITTLE ONE NOT OF THIS WORLD YOU ARE LEAVING IT AND ITS PLANET
Yes, Viktor had the clarity of mind to think back. He didn't know if It heard him.
IT HEARS YOU
IT IS SORRY YOU WERE HARMED HERE BUT IT IS GLAD TO HAVE MET YOU CURIOUS THINGS
YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME HERE
Okay, Viktor thought back dizzily. I'm glad I met you, too.
Curls of amusement and fizzing affection touched him.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING confusion that was not his filled his entire being.
Home, Viktor said, thinking of Earth. The confusion increased before curiosity and possessiveness replaced it instead.
YOU ARE READING
In Search of Home
Science FictionViktor didn't expect to be abducted by aliens when he went to school one morning, and he certainly didn't expect to be thrown into the alien equivalent of a dog-fighting ring, either. But when fighting for his life quickly becomes his routine, will...
