Chapter Nine - The Sarias Collective

It has been some months by now since I've met with Annie, and we started dating and went together through that close-death situation on Alyss. I was at a disadvantage in this, as I've never dated anyone. But it turned out to be fun, and Annie seemed like she liked me more and more after each date. I was now almost sure we both fell for each other.

We were now at an allied colony of the Sarias race, which were all female, bluish humanoid beings. They had, instead of hair, some tentacle-like things growing up from their heads, but overall they looked very human-like.

Also they used something similar to telekinetic magic, but boosted by cybernetic implants in their brains. I've left Alyss cloaked on the orbit as there was no danger from the enemy, for now.

We were on the way to one of their more luxurious restaurants for another of our dates. Fortunately, here they were using credits as currency, so it wasn't necessary for me to use unfriendly methods of forcing people into giving me the stuff I wanted.

We've walked from our point of landing all the way through the city of Al'Eri, which was the capital city of this planet. It was far more advanced by technological means than the Earth itself. I was in friendly terms with the local government, so I was given a diplomatic pass for our time here.

We were walking now for around one Heri, when Annie asked me: "So, what are we going to do after we've finished eating that meal, to which we're headed to?" I did not expect that, to be honest, so I thought a bit before responding: "Well. First, if there are to be any situations like that one a few months back, then you're gonna need an armor and a weapon. To do that, we're going to visit an old acquaintance of mine. But if you want to have some fun before doing that, there are a few good places I know of."

We've reached the luxurious restaurant around 10 Mis later, and in front of it, there was a military task force group of twelve of the Sarias people, waving and saluting at us. Their commander, which stood slightly in front of her squad, waved us over to her.

"Hello, mister Tornelis, On behalf of the Sarias Collective, I welcome you in the city of Al'Eri. I hope you'll both enjoy your stay here." I've shaken hands with her, nodding slightly: "Thank you, commander. Ehm.. What's your name? I think I've overheard that."

"I haven't introduced myself, sorry for that. I'm Sheila, head of the SpecOps Task Force that you see in front of you. I have been told that a guest of honor has arrived upon our world. I wanted to see you for myself. Also, we kinda need to make sure that you won't use that Shard on your neck." She responded to my question with ease.

"Why did you want to see me? To make sure the 'legends' about me are true or that I am some kind of evil overlord?"

Sheila started to laugh deep from her heart, like I said something very funny. She gestured her squad members to leave and entered the restaurant with us: "Yes, something like that, but I doubt about the latter. I've never imagined you as an evil overlord. That's what the Voids are there for, no?"

Just out of sheer curiosity, or maybe stupidity, I thought about asking Annie what does she think of another girl being present at a place, where we were supposed to have a private date. My curiosity won over, and I've said to her through telepathy: "What do you think about her, that she is likely disrupting our private time?" She just turned her head to me, her eyebrows lifted as if questioning me if that question was even necessary.

"Yes, Commander Sheila. The Voids.. Something that mostly everyone hates. They just destroy and kill. I've had my share of battles with them. But, if I may be a bit rude, me and Annie here were supposed to have some private time together, just the two of us. Mind yourself leaving?"

The commander nodded as she understood what I've meant by that, got up and headed for the restaurant's exit. She then turned to us, saluted, and left.

"Finally, we're alone together. Let's have something to eat". Annie told me, as she looked at the list of food in her hand. It was written on a holographic tablet, with very high prices in credits.

She has ordered something that resembled some kind of a fish, with some alien vegetables and handed me the order tablet. Even though it wasn't necessary for me to eat, I've enjoyed some luxurious food, just for the feeling of it. I've ordered the local speciality, and placed the tablet on the table.

After around five Mis, we were talking about the universe, it's inhabitants and such things, when the delivery drone has arrived with our order. "Let's dig in. Enjoy your food, Annie". "Likewise, Dorian. After this, I want to take you somewhere, where you may like it". She said to me, handling her fork and knife with delicate precision.

I've looked at her, as I did not understand that, where she wanted to take me. A question inside of me never made it out, as the food was so delicious, that I wasn't able to speak.