Page 5 of Atlas: Colony: Nyx #5(Intergalactic Dating Agency)
FIVE
The Second Chance Saloon didn't look much like its predecessor. Instead of rough, sandstone walls, everything was done in sleek black glass, which seemed to drink the light and spit it back out again randomly. And the ceiling...
Peri's breath caught in her throat at her first sight of the night sky in the Altan System, or so she thought.
"Either go in or stay out, love. Don't block the doorway," someone behind her grumbled.
Peri mumbled an apology and stepped out of the way, still looking up. Maybe she'd just buy a drink and stare at the sky all night.
Without warning, all the stars went out at once.
What the actual fuck?
A man appeared, utterly shirtless except for a tiny bow tie, his arms bulging around a ladder. It wasn't until he started up the ladder that Peri realised he had wings. He took a moment to replace one of the little light bulbs in the ceiling, then called, "Light 'em up, boss. It should be fixed now."
A moment later, the stars ignited once more.
Only they weren't really stars – just the illusion of the night sky. Peri sighed and her shoulders slumped. For a moment there, she'd hoped...but it was back to Plan A.
She was in luck, too. Hercules stood behind the bar. "What can I get you?" he asked.
The stars, she thought, but didn't say. Instead, she said, "I'd like a job interview with Hera."
He winced. "You really don't. Trust me. If it's money you need, you're much better off signing up for tonight's Intergalactic Dating Agency speed dating event, in the hope of finding someone you could claim the baby bonus with. We actually have a few free spots still, plus you get a drink included in the price. We also have half price satay chicken skewers if you order before happy hour ends in a little over ten minutes. I'll even have the chef bring them out to you personally. She's my wife, and she used to work for Hera. If anyone can tell you why that's a bad idea, she can."
Peri crossed her arms and leaned across the bar, giving him a good look at her cleavage. "It's not about money. I need to get off this planet, to somewhere with a sky. I need..."
What was wrong with the man? Sure, he was married, but he could still look at her boobs, at least. Instead, he seemed intent on something behind her. No, beside her, as a veritable giant wearing what appeared to be a space suit muscled her aside, taking up half the bar.
His voice was deep and rumbly, sneaking in through her ears and sending shivers all the way down her spine. "Hercules. You owe me a favour, and I've come to collect."