21. Maar

CHAPTER 21

MAAR

" P assengers whose final destination is Glimner must report to Customs," the voice over Glimner station says as we disembark from the star liner.

The last leg of our journey was uneventful.

I look at Alyssa.

"First time on Glimner?" I ask.

"Yes," she replies. "You always hear about how its the playground of the galaxy, but you're never going to be prepared for something like this."

I take a deep breath, inhaling the intoxicating blend of aromas that assault my senses. Glimner's spaceport is a sensory overload, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells that would overwhelm even the most seasoned traveler.

"Welcome to paradise," I mutter, more to myself than to Alyssa.

We step onto a moving walkway, and the true spectacle of Glimner unfolds before us. Towering skyscrapers of impossible architecture pierce the sky, their surfaces shimmering with holographic advertisements in a hundred different languages. Hover-cars zip between them, creating a three-dimensional traffic pattern that looks more like a dance than commuting.

"It's... it's incredible," Alyssa breathes, her anger momentarily forgotten in the face of such wonder.

I can't help but smile. "Wait till you see the ground level."

As if on cue, the walkway descends, revealing a street level that's equal parts tropical oasis and neon jungle. Palm trees sway next to towering slot machines, their fronds brushing against holo-signs advertising everything from Rigellian massage parlors to Andromedan casinos.

A group of tentacled beings slither past, leaving a trail of bioluminescent slime. They're laughing - or what passes for laughter in their species - as they head towards a building shaped like a giant conch shell.

"Is that... a karaoke bar?" Alyssa asks, squinting at the sign.

"Yep. 'Sing Your Tentacles Off.' It's quite popular with the Cephalopodians."

We step off the walkway onto a street paved with a material that seems to shift colors with each step. The air is thick with the scent of exotic foods, intermingling with the sharp tang of ozone from the countless energy fields maintaining the planet's perfect climate.

"Look," I point to a massive structure that seems to be made entirely of water, held in place by some unseen force. "That's the Aquarius Casino. They say you can win a small moon if you're lucky."

Alyssa's eyes are wide, drinking in every detail. Despite everything, I can see a spark of excitement in them. "And what if you're unlucky?"

I shrug. "Then you might end up owing your firstborn to a Jovian loan shark. But hey, that's Glimner for you. High stakes, higher rewards."

A group of revelers stumble past us, a mix of species I can't even begin to identify. One of them, a being that looks like a sentient crystal, hiccups and shoots out a small rainbow.

"So," Alyssa says, turning to me with a mix of wonder and wariness in her eyes. "Where do we go from here?"

I turn to Alyssa, her eyes still wide with wonder at the spectacle of Glimner. "Follow me," I say, my voice low and urgent. "I know someone who can help us."

She hesitates for a moment, conflict clear on her face. I can't blame her; trust isn't exactly in abundance between us right now. But self-preservation wins out, and she nods.

We weave through the crowd, dodging revelers and street performers. I lead her to a particular taxi stand, my eyes scanning the line of aircars until I spot a familiar face.

"Laar," I call out, raising a hand in greeting.

The Vakutan driver's head snaps up, his eyes widening as he recognizes me. "Maar? By the moons of Vakuta, is that you?"

I grin, despite the tension thrumming through my body. "In the flesh, brother."

Alyssa's eyebrows shoot up at the word 'brother', but she stays silent.

Laar's eyes dart between us. "You've got quite the price on your head after that stunt you pulled on Mars. The Numerian Fist is out for blood."

I wince. "That bad, huh?"

He nods grimly. "And that's not all. The IHC Marines are looking for her," he jerks his chin towards Alyssa. "They think you kidnapped her."

Alyssa's sharp intake of breath is audible. "My father," she murmurs.

I turn to her. "Alyssa, this is my brother, Laar. Laar, meet Alyssa Dash."

Laar's eyes widen even further. "Dash? As in Admiral Dash's daughter? Maar, what have you gotten yourself into?"

"It's a long story," I sigh. "One we don't have time for right now. We need to lay low. Can you take us to the Nova Casino?"

Laar's brow furrows. "The Nova? You sure about that?"

I nod. "The owner owes me a favor. It's our best shot at staying off the radar for now."

Laar shrugs, opening the aircar's door. "Your funeral, brother. Hop in."

As we slide into the back seat, Alyssa leans close, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have a brother?"

I meet her eyes, seeing the hurt and confusion there. "Not by blood," I explain quietly. "But Laar and I... we've been through a lot together. He's as close to family as I've got."

The hurt in her eyes deepens, and I realize she's thinking of all the lies I've told her. I open my mouth to say something, anything, but Laar's voice cuts through.

"Alright, lovebirds. Next stop, the Nova Casino. Let's hope this favor of yours is worth something, Maar. Because if it isn't, we're all in for a world of trouble."

I guide Alyssa through the labyrinth of the Nova Casino, my hand on the small of her back. The place is a sensory overload - flashing lights, the constant chime of slot machines, and the heady mix of perfume and desperation.

We reach a door marked "Management Only." I knock, then enter without waiting for a response.

Boss Sneed, all eight feet of scaly Pi'Rell glory, sits behind a desk that looks comically small for his bulk. His eyes light up when he sees me.

"Maar, you old dog!" he bellows, his voice like gravel in a blender. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

I step forward, Alyssa close behind. "Boss, I'm cashing in. All of it."

Sneed's jovial demeanor falters for a moment. "All of it? Must be serious."

"More than you know," I reply, glancing at Alyssa. "We need jobs. A way to blend in, make some cash."

Sneed's gaze shifts to Alyssa, his eyes lingering a bit too long for my comfort. I clear my throat. "And just so we're clear, any of your boys touch her, they lose their hands. At best."

Sneed chuckles, a sound like rocks in a tumble dryer. "Always the protective type, eh, Maar? Fine, fine. As for jobs..." He looks Alyssa up and down again. "Only one place for a beauty like that. The dance floor."

Alyssa stiffens beside me. "I'm not some piece of meat to be ogled," she hisses.

Sneed raises his scaly eyebrows. "Feisty too. I like her, Maar."

I step between them. "Boss, there's gotta be something else. Security, maybe?"

"With a face like that?" Sneed scoffs. "She'd stick out like a Juvian at a Martian tea party. No, the dance floor's perfect. Hiding in plain sight, yeah?"

I turn to Alyssa, seeing the fury in her eyes. "It's not ideal, but-"

"Not ideal?" she interrupts. "It's degrading!"

Sneed leans back in his chair. "Listen, sweetheart. You want to blend in? Make good money? The dance floor's your ticket. Plus, you'll hear things. Secrets. Could come in handy, yeah?"

I can see the wheels turning in Alyssa's head. She's smart, knows we're in a tight spot.

"Fine," she says finally, her voice ice. "But I have conditions."

Sneed grins, showing rows of sharp teeth. "Name 'em."

"I choose my outfit. No touching from customers. And I want a cut of the bar's profits."

Sneed whistles. "Ambitious. I like it. Deal."

I breathe a sigh of relief. "And me, Boss?"

Sneed's grin widens. "Oh, I've got plans for you, Maar. How do you feel about becoming my new head of security?"