From Chapter 31: The Return of the King
Scott couldn’t believe it, Yantra and Xantos faced execution, and they stood in here making pleasantries. All outside sound was muffled the last time the globule engulfed them. So quiet in here they could hear a mouse fart, but beyond the membrane it was like a mime convention.
“He saved her from the Squidarma,” said Scott, standing up and turning his full attention back to Gutt and the hostages on the high steps. What are they saying?
“Excuse me, the what?” Charles had been listening as he sidled up beside Scott. “Squid army?”
Ace’s voice dropped to a low whisper. “The Squidarma.” Standing on the other side of Scott, the three of them watched Eigor wave his arms around in theatrics outside. “The scourge of the Jergarcian Galaxy, mortal enemy to the Hürantåns and also the Sooma, my people, for thousands of years.”
He held up his right hand, the middle finger missing above the knuckle. He looked at the hand and made a fist, scrunching his face. “Five days ago, they attacked my ship and killed all my crew. As even their leader drooled over Zedona Zaï, I was able to regain access to my cabin, and destroy the foul beast before she became its dinner. My first mate Rick Margon was blown to bits in the process.”
Scott shuddered. The cold glint in Ace’s eyes chilled him to the bone. He turned and looked around at the prisoners in the bubble. “We need to stay vigilant,” he said, wanting to change the subject. His skin prickled, as if through a portend, priming him for what came next. He whispered, “Xero is out there, be prepared.”
Marine Space 