Page 27 of Murgul

Yes, that is what I said. I did not stutter, fool!

Spinning on my heel, I move closer to one of the rows of cages, looking for the source of the sound. Peering around, I do not see anything until I reach the last column of stacked cages at the end of the row. Giant eyes stare back at me from one of the smaller cages on the bottom of the stack. Crouching down, my heart sinks when the little creature shrinks back from me, cowering in fear.

Poor thing, they have either forgotten it was here or they do not care that they have left it to die.

Look closer, there were more of them… once.

Vrog’s voice is quiet and solemn for the first time since he appeared within my mind. I did not think him capable of expressing sympathy, empathy, or pity for another living being. But, then… we have never seen anything like this. Peering closer, my keen eyesight pierces through the gloom of the room, and I see the rotting remains of the same type of creature littering the floor of the small cage.

Well, frack. Do you think our mate would want a pet? I cannot leave this poor creature here. It is not so large that it will not fit in my haversack.

Vrog snickers before replying.

I think you will do anything to make our mate smile as you are besotted with her. Especially since she is rather cross with you at the moment.

And you are not utterly obsessed with her?

I did not say that.

So, I should dispatch the little creature and end its misery instead?

He hesitates, which, for Vrog, is monumental in and of itself.

I did not say that either!

Then do not bait me.

Why not? I derive such joy from doing so. The little one does not deserve death. Save it. We shall take it back to our mate as a gift.

His sly tone gives me pause, and then it clicks.

You know what it is, do you not?

Vrog’s malicious chuckle is his only response as he retreats from the forefront of my mind and thus the conversation. Withdrawing my laser knife, I cut through the lock on the door and swing it open. Crooning nonsensical words to the little thing, I slowly reach inside the cage, sympathy welling when it cowers and cries as it tries to avoid my grasp. Scooping it up, my heart sinks when I can feel every bone in its tiny body. It appears as though my arrival was just in time; it would not have made it much longer.

Depositing it into my haversack, I make sure none of the instruments inside will harm the wee thing, and move a few things around to pad its frail form before moving back towards the recorder location. Scanning the area, I check to make sure I am still alone before exiting the row of cages and striding back over to the recorder.

Picking up the data block, I notice that the light changed from red to blue. It is a visual signal that Bikar is done harvesting data, and the block is ready to be undocked from the recorder. Removing the cord from the port, I snap it back against the data block and power it down before slipping it into a pocket in the side of my haversack and fastening it closed. It is a heavy device,and I do not want it to harm my little passenger if I have to move abruptly.

Turning to leave, I am not sure who is more surprised, me or Vrog, when three Korgons appear out of the shadows. Their approach must have been hidden by the stench saturating the room. The biggest of the three speaks, addressing me directly in a nonchalant manner, his basal voice reverberating around the room.

“Well, well, well. What do we have here? A lone creature that looks like a mutated version of a Rukuhk who thinks it is smart to steal from us. Hand over the data block, and we might let you live.”

Ignoring the malicious chuckles of his companions, I bare my teeth at him and shake my head no. We all know he is lying. Korgons have no mercy for anyone who wrongs them, and they’ve just caught me stealing.

Frackin finally!

Vrog’s nefarious words are the last conscious thought I have before everything fades away as he surges forth, taking control of my body and shoving me into the darkness of his cage.

Chapter Twenty-Three

VROG

Rolling my shoulders,I grin malevolently at the filth before me as my vessel’s body grows in height and bulk, my immediate presence instigating the physiological changes in his body. Another set of horns erupts from my skull, and the burn of their emergence sends shivers of pleasure racing down my spine. Armor-plated scales emerge to cover me entirely, making it almost impossible to pierce my flesh with any weapon.

Reaching down, I carefully fasten the buckles of the haversack to my utility belt, ensuring my talons are pointed away, and double-check that the top is securely fastened. I do not want to lose either of the precious cargo within its confines. Bikar wanted the tech off this steaming pile of excrement for a reason, and I fully intend to knowwhy.

From the corner of my eye, I note the subtle bodily movements of my foes. The Korgons are trying to slowly surround me, cutting off my avenue of escape.