We've Been Expecting You

Alex watched as the white aliens leading the groups of blue aliens slowly burned through the tall grass.

He wasn't sure if he was right yet, but it looked like the color of the alien had something to do with which powers they could use. 

His best guess right now was that white aliens could use more powers than the blue ones. Otherwise, why would they be the ruling class?

Their abilities didn't seem that strong, though. Dasrene could've flattened its way through the grass much faster than these white aliens were burning through it.

Huh. The aliens' class system didn't make sense, he thought. They never did, but he thought with them being so logical, analytical, and scientifically minded, their hierarchy would be merit-based and not race-based.

Shows what he knew about psychology. Next to nothing.

Alex brought his mind back on topic. They would eventually reach the village. He couldn't let that happen. He had to do something to prevent it.

But he couldn't just steal the core. He would talk to the spiritual leader, Father Doren, at dinner and try to convince him to let him take it.

The other option was Alex trying to fight the alien forces all at once. He didn't know how strong they were though, and he didn't have the advantage of giant bats picking them off this time.

He could try to fight each small unit one at a time, but as soon as he started fighting one, the others would probably rush over to reinforce them.

Which meant fighting them all at the same time. That would practically be suicide. There were at least thirty of them.

No. The only plan Alex could see was flying over the units in the grass, waving the core in the air to get their attention, and trying to lead them away from the town.

Which means Father Doren would have to agree to let him take it. Like that was ever going to happen. If they used it in their spiritual practices, then it was essential to their way of life. Father Doren wouldn't give that up easily.

Alex had to try though. Well, he was done with his scouting for now. He figured he had until about an hour after sundown until one of the groups found this place. 

If they were lucky, he would be able to fight one group at a time. If that were the case, they might actually have a chance.

"Let's find somewhere to chill while we wait." Alex said.

"Ok. Let's go to the bar." Chet said.

"I'm 18. They won't let me in," Alex said.

"You don't know that. This is another dimension. We don't know how they do things here," Chet said.

"I guess that's fair, but we're not showing up to Amirilia's house drunk. The mission depends on it, so keep a lid on it or whatever," Alex said.

"Don't worry. I know how to pace myself," Chet said. "Trust me. I'm an expert at this sort of thing."

"An expert at what?" Alex said.

"You'll see," Chet said, winking at Alex.

"Oh, wait," Alex said. "I have to teach you their language."

"Oh yeah," Chet said. "Do I have to hold your hands?" Chet said reluctantly.

"Probably not," Alex said. "We'll try it without first."

"Ok," Chet said.

Alex concentrated on transferring the knowledge of their language to Chet.

[Subject psionic capacity: Low]

[Minimum requirements met]

[Knowledge Transfer Successful]

Alex opened his eyes. He could see Chet's eyelids fluttering for a second, and then he opened them.

"That was a little rough for a second, but worth it if I get to hit on elven chicks!" Chet said, in perfect whatever the language they spoke was called. Alex sure as hell didn't know.

Chet led the way over to the bar. He was excited. Alex followed behind. For once, Alex didn't feel the need to lead. When they got up to the door, no one was standing at it, checking ID's.

They just walked right in.

A woman was standing at the bar cleaning a glass. Very stereotypical bartender behavior.

"What can I get you two?" The woman said.

Alex piped up this time, expecting Chet to say some Earth stuff that wouldn't make any sense to the woman. Like asking for a rum and coke or some such non sense.

"I'm not sure," Alex said. "You're not going to believe this, but we came through a portal from an alternate dimension. So we're new around here. We assume you don't have the same stuff here as where we're from, so why don't you tell us what you can get us first?"

"That's actually not that unbelievable. Amirilia can talk to animals, and her mom can see the future. We've actually been expecting you," she said. 

"By the way, my name is Fairglo. As far as what I can get you, I can get you a Tommy, a Timmy, a Tammy, an Alex, and a Chet. Those are the drinks we cooked up in preparation for your arrival. Word is, you're gonna save this town from a terrible calamity. Otherwise, I have water, coffee, tea, beer, wine, liquor, Bubbazub, Beetlebop, and Slurp."

"What's Slurp?" Chet said.

"Slurp is Slurp, honey. You Slurp it, it Slurps you, next thing you know, you're in debt up to your eyeballs, and you can't remember where you left your pants," Fairglo said.

"I'll try that!" Chet said.

"No, you won't. You need to be awake for the mission, and I'll tell you what—that stuff knocks you out," Alex said.

"Maybe it knocks you out. I'll be fine," Chet said.

"Chet. I said no. And I'm team lead on this one," Alex said.

"You're no fun. You know what? I'll have a Chet. That drink has my name written all over it," Chet said, laughing like that was the funniest joke he'd ever said. Which it might've been.

"And I'll have an Alex," Alex said. "Wait, we don't have any money from this dimension."

"Don't worry about it," Fairglo said. "You can wash dishes later to pay it off, but you don't have to. It's not a big deal."

"Ok," Alex said, relieved. He was pretty sure he could wash dishes like nobody else. With his telekinesis and all.