Chapter 82

Reg heard the clamor as he headed back from his successful transaction to his ship. He meant to bypass it, not interested in the type of entertainment found in a place like this, but when he heard the words "red hair," he stopped dead, forcing those following behind to divert around him.

"Ralph," he said aloud, knowing his embedded communicator would put him in contact with his ship. "Please tell me Penny is still on board."

"Yes, well, she-that is-" the AI stuttered, and a cold finger of fear traced its way up Reg's spine.

"Stubborn Earthling. I am going to beat her ass right after I save it." Reg did an about-turn and strode back to the galactic bar that served not only the vilest drinks in all the galaxy but also had the worst patrons, too.

Trepidation and anger battled for supremacy in his body, especially when he caught sight of Penny cringing on the platform at the back of the smoke-filled and putrid-smelling bar.