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“Ta,” Margot says, then ends the call before I have a chance to say anything else.
* * *
Cristal, a planet made entirely of—guess what—crystal, may look cold, but its surface is surprisingly temperate thanks to its atmosphere resembling Terra’s. Or rather, Earth’s circa the 1960s, long, long before my people settled on the surface, brought a few billion aliens with us, and chased the natives off to the moon. Cristal’s walkways and paths are made of quartz, as are most of the buildings. In fact, you couldn’t throw a stone without hitting some form of quartz.
My sunglasses come in handy on a planet like this, but they’re far from perfect. We need to find more suitable eyewear, and soon, before I retain permanent eye damage.
We land on the rooftop of yet another fancy, over-the-top hotel made up of a series of tall, curving spires. I’d never been to this planet before, but something about it makes me want to leave immediately, and it isn’t the blindness. No, looking out the window of the company’s hover bus, I realize there isn’t any sign of flora or fauna anywhere. Not even a single bird in the sky.
It’s disconcerting.
Emily is the first one off the bus, despite knowing better, followed by Margot and myself. Zeddie remains behind to take care of the bus.
“Can we go sightseeing for a bit before the show tomorrow?” Emily asks Margot while I stalk off to check the hotel staff for weapons.
Two young, willowy Cristalite hotel workers stand by the doorway. Their long, slender necks are giraffe-like, and their eyes are like round quartz pieces themselves, shimmering in the sunlight. At least they seem to understand Universal when I quickly explain the situation to them, and they produce their hands for me to inspect. Their long claws could be considered weapons themselves, but it’s not like anything can be done about that. I nod at them, and they hobble over to the bus to unpack the team’s bags.
“I don’t know,” Margot says, obviously distracted by the native Cristalites as they shuffle past them. “Maybe later.”
I lower myself to the shell of Emily’s ear and whisper, “If you get the go-ahead to explore, I’ll be more than happy to escort you later.”
My breath against her skin has the desired effect, because she shudders and takes a step forward to avoid Margot’s suspicious gaze.
Thankfully, the inside of the hotel has some semblance of privacy. The façade is crystal, but the inner walls are a thicker, denser material I haven’t seen before. It’s dark like slate, but there are enough windows throughout the hallways that it isn’t a problem. My room is right next to Emily’s and Margot’s. There’s nothing I’d love more than to declare Emily mine and share her bed, but we both know that isn’t possible. It may never be possible.
My heart aches at the thought, but having some of Emily is better than not having her at all.
At least, that’s what I tell myself when I’m in the shower feeling sorry for myself.
“I need to steal our girl, here, for a few hours so we can go over the set, the logistics, all that fun stuff,” Margot says as she loops her arm through Emily’s and pulls her into their shared room, leaving me behind. The door slams in my face, and I grind my back teeth until they hurt.
I know it’s not Emily’s fault. None of it is. But sometimes I wish even just one person knew about us. Maybe we should come clean to Margot. Tell her that we’re together and that I have no plans to break her heart. Ever.
Shaking my head, I decide to head down to the hotel’s bar and restaurant while I wait.
* * *
I didn’t get a good look at the lobby when we first passed through it, but it’s exactly how I’d imagine it would be. Crystal tables and chairs are filled with patrons—mostly Cristalites, but there are a few Terrans, Acara, and Humans seated as well. Busy for a weekday, I think as I slide onto one of the quartz stools in front of the bar.
Yeah. I’m not going to sit here for very long. Shifting back and forth, I realize there’s no getting comfortable on a seat made of quartz. My ass is going to have bruises in it before long.
The bartender, a young Cristalite with bright black eyes and an eager smile, approaches me. “Welcome to Rhapsody’s Honor! Are you here for the charity concert?” he asks in high-pitched voice that makes my eardrums wince.
“Yes,” I say, nodding. “Actually, I’m on Kallista’s team. I’m her bodyguard.”
The bartender’s eyes flicker from black to yellow as his smile grows larger.
“Really? Welcome, welcome! Welcome to our planet. We’re overjoyed to be hosting such an auspicious event! We Cristalites are proud of our heritage and history. We were the first in the Universe to establish gay rights, followed by the rights of all other identities under the LGBTQIA umbrella!” he rattles off quickly. So quickly my head spins.
“Seriously? Huh, no wonder the event’s being held here, then,” I say. “Can I get a Crystal Mule?” Whatever that is. I have no idea, but I hope it’s like the mules back on Terra.
“It would be my honor to serve you on the house!” The bartender whirls around before I can tell him that won’t be necessary, that I can pay for my drinks while I’m here. He busies himself with making the drink, putting frosty-looking white liquid into a blender. Huh. Okay, so not like a Terra mule, then. This should be interesting.
“Ah, look who it is,” says a familiar voice behind me. “I was wondering when you were going to show up.”
I stiffen. When I turn around, Lacie’s obnoxious smile stares back at me. I would never hit anyone unprovoked, especially not someone as small as Lacie, but good lord, I want to. She has a very punchable face.
“What do you want, Lacie?” I exhale, and lean back against the bar top. The bartender doesn’t notice anything is amiss as he continues to make my drink while singing to himself.
