Malparadiso Station Season 3.16

Episode 37: Escape

Yroi and Myril in the Space Port

Myril put the finishing touches on the dinner for Mistress’s gathering. Along with her meal, he made up a travel meal for him and Yroi, and a small feast for Iabbeshank.

The thought occurred that if Iabbeshank loved his cooking, xe might not help them escape from the Stone. Yroi had told him that they were just caught up in something big, and getting out of it would be best for both of them. Myril couldn’t argue with that.

He put his second-in-command in charge of getting the courses delivered, and then he took the special meal to the Assistant Provisioner’s office. He’d used the nuts and berries, as well as the off-world food, and made as side dishes the tunnel lips and firebug sauce that had made him famous at the Full Bowl.

His kitchen had no roaches for roach creme.

When he arrived, Iabbeshank brought him into the office and had him spread out the meal.

The big skintor tasted each dish, just as if xe were the Mistress’s taster. “This is excellent cuisine, Chef. I really hate to let you go.” Xe called for a runner to fetch Yroi. Xe handed Myril an envelope that contained two credchips, two IDs, a data chip, and tickets on a transport leaving the space station later that cycle.

“Thank you, Sentient,” Myril said. “I have to ask why you are doing this for us.”

“Your mate has been very helpful, and she is why you were brought here.” Iabbeshank took a mouthful of tunnel lips and firebug sauce. Xe smiled as the sweat dripped down xir smooth face. “The other reason is that in an hour or so, you will be accused of poisoning Mistress, and it is best that you not be here when that happens.”

“But I never...”

“Of course not. I did.” After another bite, expressing xir pleasure with color rising on xir face, xe said, “You were a fortunate tool. On the data chip is a recommendation to a friend on your destination planet. She appreciates good food.” Xe shook his head, enjoying his food. “Maybe I should have waited longer, but things happen.”

Just then Yroi came in with the go bag.

Myril had always thought her beautiful, but with her new outfit, he saw a new side of her, far from the subservient Kleek, but a dignified and stately female.

“Leave now,” Iabbeshank said. “Your IDs will get you to the space station, past the Guard. Board as soon as you are able. Don’t stop for anything.”

“What about Granny Claws?” Yroi asked, looking between Myril and Iabbeshank. “Is she all right? Can’t we say goodbye?”

“She is fine, the Full Bowl is open as usual,” Iabbeshank said, “and she knows the plan. It was as much her idea as mine.” He gestured to the drop behind him. “Get on with you. Time is short, and you’ve got a ways to go.”

“Thank you again, Sentient,” Myril said. He gave an ID to Yroi, and putting his arm around her, stepped into the drop.

As they moved up to Lev1, Yroi helped him hide the creds and data in the special pockets her boss had built into their clothing.

When they arrived, the Guard outside the space station checked their IDs, giving Yroi a quizzical glance. She stared him down, as imperious as Granny or even Mistress.

Yroi led them to the shuttle where she used to work, and got them seats toward the back, where fewer sentients would see them. They checked their new IDs, got used to their new names, and waited to start their new life.

“This is the day we’ve dreamed of since I got here,” Myril said. “And you made it all possible.”