Branches Book

BRANCHES

retracting into the ceiling like a seatbelt that had been stretched too far. The pilot’s eyes dilated as the right side of his face smoked and steamed. He wobbled like a bobble head for moment before slumping over towards the bar. Kurt caught him by the shoulders and eased his landing. He watched as vivid swirling colors filled the whites of the pilot’s eyes in spinning spirals and waves of luminescent brilliance. Kurt took the seat next to the Miteesi. “Thanks man, it’s been awhile since I took one of those.” The lizard like face of the Miteesi pilot pulsed and sizzled as it reformed following one of the more impressive Shwayze Slaps Kurt had ever seen. “My name is Captain (The sound that followed doesn’t translate to English writing very well. Kurt had trouble pronouncing it too.), pilot of the Centennial Eagle.” “I think I’ll just call you Captain, if that’s alright. I’m Kurt. If you don’t mind my asking, how long are you on planet for?” “That’s a good question, actually.” Captain checked the hologram display on his wrist. “My shipment is almost done being unloaded, so I guess I’m on planet until this Slap wears off and I can actually pilot off planet.” He gestured at the rainbow pinwheel the whites of his eyes had become. “I am so goddamn high right now,” he added. “Hey, you suppose I could hitch a ride with you off planet? I can pay you.” “You know, I’ll be honest. I’m hesitant... That being said, it seems wrong to deny a man whose face is melting. Sure I’ll give you a ride.” Kurt watched as the Shwayze Slap finished settling into the Captain. “How are you doing that?” Kurt settled in. Shwayze’d out of his mind or not, Kurt had found a pilot, and a way off the planet. TriPhee made her way down the bar towards Kurt. “Getcha anything Kurt?” She asked, as she cleaned one glass with her hands and another three with her tentacles. “I’ve got to kill some time while this one comes down from that Slap.” “Well, I mean there’s only one thing that will keep you occupied as long as a Shwayze Slap.” “What’s that?” Kurt inquired. TriPhee answered by reaching up with her tentacles and pulling down a Shwayze Slap mask. Kurt squinted at the mask. “I’m not sure Tri, I kind of want to be on my game right now.” “Come on Kurt. Don’t worry, you’re at the Kwikbena Cantina! Practically your second home. I’ll keep an eye out.” With that reassurance, Kurt pulled the mask towards his face, and strapped it on. Part 4: A bevy of smells wafted from every orifice of the Kwikbena Cantina, and if you were a horned demon assassin alien like Kluub, one of those smells was

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