Pop-ex (Population Exchange)

New Friends

An awkward silence fills the room.

"So, you going to show us around?" I ask, adding, "And tell us about the crews we have to choose from?"

Kiki's eyes brighten. "We'd be glad to."

Skit nods his head as they lock hands and walk out the door. "Just leave your bags here." Skit states over his shoulder.

I leave everything, except my medical kit, which I put in my left leg pocket. Then I indicate for Jorman go ahead of me. I can't let him be last in line. He's not ready to fight off an attack, and you never know when one might happen.

Skit and Kiki lead us to an upper level, overlooking the market place. "This is the best place to observe from." Kiki informs us.

Skit explains, "You see what crews act like, towards each other, and to outsiders a lot easier, and they never know you're watching, so they tend to be themselves, specially if you watch long enough."

I nod, and look at the crowd below. There are shops along the walls, that many are entering or leaving. But, far more interesting to me is the small vendors in the center. Their stuff isn't as fancy, or showy, as what you can see of the shops, but they're more unique.

Kiki points to a large group, made mostly of men. They're all wearing red, and a sash that holds weaponry. "Stay away from them." Kiki warns, "They see women as community property, and males are only valuable if they're a warrior. They sterilize men who aren't tough enough for their standards, and they're treated barely better than the women."

"Why are they allowed to participate?" Jorman asks, astonished.

Skit points out, "Space docks aren't allowed to discriminate."

I sigh.

Kiki points to another group. They're clean. They're clothes aren't uniform, or new, but they don't look bad. However, there's something about their body language that screams, "Watch out!" I sense they're drained of hope, and have little self value.

Kiki explains, "They're from a slave ship. They only get to leave if they find someone to take their place."

"That's sad." I exclaim, and tear my eyes off of them.

I casually glance around the market space, not looking for anything particular, when my eyes land on a male in strange clothing, surrounded by others in similar clothes, indicating they're wearing a uniform. I stare at the group. There's different colors to their skin, but I get the sense that they're all the same species.

Kiki looks at what has my attention. Then she announces, "You've spotted the explorer group. Their population isn't large enough to put any numbers into the exchange, but they're cleared to receive up to seventy population."

Skit adds, "They're all from the same planet, and this is their first experience meeting other species."

"No way, I have to meet them!" Jorman whisper yells, before taking off for the stairs that lead to the lower levels.

"Great." I moan, "I better keep him out of trouble." Then I take off after him, leaving Skit and Kiki where they're standing.

The buggar has gotten faster since the last time I had to chase him, plus he has a lead on me. He makes it into the market space still far enough ahead of me that I can't grab him, not even if I leap.

Suddenly Jorman collides with another boy, who appears to be somewhere around his age.

I rush to them, and help them both up. As I'm checking them over I hear the most soothing voice I've ever heard declare, "Valor, how many times have I told you to watch where you're going?"

I laugh as I turn around and inform the man, "I'm afraid this is Jorman's fault."

I planned to explain further, but I find myself staring into soft blue eyes, that completely captivate me.

The man looks around me, and smiles at my baby brother. "I take it you're Jorman?"

Jorman reaches his hand out and declares, "That's what everyone has called me since I was born."

The man grips Jorman's hand. "I'm Tiger, and this is my brother, Valor." He states, pointing to the other young man.

"Jorman is my little brother." I inform them, "And I'm Vlon."

Tiger grabs my hand. He has a nice firm grip, and I return it.

Valor exclaims, "You don't look much alike for being related."

"We all have different dads, but the same mom." Jorman tells him.

Tiger grins. "You're from a ship with multiple species, aren't you?"

I nod and say, "I hate to tell you this, but you're the odd ship out around here. Only one species on a ship is practically unheard of."

"This isn't what we expected as our first contact with other life forms." Tiger admits, "Seems like the rest of you already know each other."

Skit casually walks up and slaps Tiger on the back. I feel Tiger tense for a moment.

Skit states, "Your arrival proves there's still species we haven't met yet."

Tiger relaxes, but barely.

"Meet my other brother, Skit." I tell Tiger and Valor.

"Is that your whole family?" Valor asks, "Or, should I be watching for someone to slap me on the back?"

I laugh, just for a moment. "Our sister, Celka, is around, somewhere, but she isn't the type to slap on the back, and you're a little young for her to notice."

"I'll have you know I'm twelve cycles old." Valor exclaims indignantly.

Jorman announces, "I'm thirteen space years old."

"Wonder how close that makes you in age?" Tiger ponders out loud.

I offer, "I can help your computer learn to tell time in space increments. It's the common time standard used by all species around here. Adjusting to it will make things easier on you."

"We'll have to get the Captain's approval." Tiger informs us, "But, I'm fairly certain he'll appreciate the help."

"Lead the way." Jorman happily tells Valor.

Valor grins and runs off. Jorman immediately follows.

Tiger groans.

I sigh and state, "I know the feeling."

Skit laughs and hands me a wrist computer. "This will help get you back to my quarters. I have better things to do than chase our brother all over the space dock. Be there in time for dinner, Kiki wants to talk wedding plans."

I nod my head. Then Tiger and I walk off together, at a faster than normal speed, but not running like the boys. We match each other, step for step, without even trying.