AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, yes. I bet you do. You must pop in and see me the next time you are home,” she added.
“Of course, Grand Ambassador,” I said nervously.
Then she hung up. I had a project to keep my mind off Vanessa and intended to throw myself into it.
I returned to the school, avoiding the little man in the tight gray suit as I made my way back to the artisans. Gathering them together, I explained my plan.
“A warehouse?” Gorak asked.
“Yes. An old warehouse near the edge of town, spacious enough to accommodate your craftsmanship and far away from any school bake sales.” I grinned, pleased with my wit.
“All right, we’ll check it out,” Gorak said enthusiastically.
A convoy of vehicles wound across town to the new space. As I watched the artisans arrive at the warehouse, their initial hesitation slowly turned to awe as they inspected the vast space. The high ceilings and open floor plan would allow them to proudly display their weapons while providing ample room for demonstrations and workshops.
“Zorak,” Gorak called out to me from across the room. “Come, join us. Celebrate our success.”
“Of course,” I replied. This was more than just a diplomatic venture. It was proof that empathy and optimism could bring different species together.
And although my heart still longed for Vanessa, I knew she would be proud of what I was doing here – helping to build bridges and foster understanding among the diverse inhabitants of T’rra. That thought gave me the strength to keep pushing forward, embracing every new challenge with open arms and an open heart.
That evening, I walked towards the Raquel Wrench, a favorite local bar for humans and Orkarians alike. The scent of sizzling street food wafted through the air as laughter and music spilt out from the numerous establishments lining the avenue.
“Zorak!” called a familiar voice, and I turned to see my friends waving enthusiastically from a table on the outdoor patio. They beckoned me over, and I couldn’t help but smile at their infectious energy.
“Come on, have a seat,” urged Jonas, one of my human colleagues, as he hurried over to make room for me. “We’ve already ordered you the Orkarian special – extra spicy, just how you like it.”
“Ah, thank you, Jonas,” I replied, settling into my seat and clapping him on the back. As I took in the lively atmosphere around me, I felt a pang for Vanessa.
“Hey, Zorak,” said Liplock, raising his glass in a toast. “To your success with the Orkarian artisans! Great job you did there.”
“To Zorak!” chorused everyone at the table, clinking their glasses together before taking a hearty swig of their drinks. I joined in, letting the fiery liquid burn a trail down my throat, warming me from the inside out.
As the evening wore on, I tried to drink myself into a good mood, but I just couldn’t seem to.
“Hey, Zorak,” said Liplock. “What’s with the long face? You should be celebrating!”
“Sorry, I... I guess I just miss someone,” I admitted, staring into the depths of my drink.
Chapter 12
Vanessa
It had been days since I last heard from Zorak, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I missed him, that the annoying Orkarian had somehow worked his way into my heart, and I needed to decide which path to take.
But then I wondered if he had grown tired of my constant dismissal and knockbacks. Maybe he’d finally decided enough was enough and moved on. Had I missed my chance?
I slumped down on my sofa and picked up my Z-Pad. I opened a magazine, thinking some gossip might distract me. As I flicked, I noticed an advertisement, “Ask The Love Bot.” For a small fee, it promised to solve any relationship problems, answer any dilemmas and even provide legal advice for those who have indulged in ‘relations’ with illegal species.
Worth a shot, I thought.
I should have known better than to seek advice from a love bot, but my heart was in a tangle, and I needed someone, or something, to help me make sense of my feelings for Zorak.
Finding the office of the Love Bot down a back alley should have raised alarm bells, but my mind was in a daze of confusion. Stepping into the small, dimly lit room, I gazed at the holographic projection before me – a tall, dapper figure with a warm smile.
“Welcome,” the Love Bot greeted me, its voice smooth as silk. “What can I do for you today?”
“Um, well,” I stammered, feeling my cheeks turn red.
