Page 34 of Whoops-A-Mate From Outer Space

“Heading to the ship now,” the pilot stated.

“I wonder if human strife would end if more were able to venture beyond your world,” Aisho mused.

I considered the idea, then shook my head. “We’re not ready. Our governments are still too concerned about besting each other, rather than working toward a unified cause.”

He sighed. “You are correct, though I wish it were otherwise.”

I turned to Eashai for his opinion and noticed he was pale. A glance down revealed his knuckles had turned almost white from how hard he was gripping the armrests.

“Eashai?” I asked. “Are you…”

My stomach lurched, and I understood on an instinctual level that we were traveling far faster than any human had.

Within a few seconds my stomach had settled, but Eashai had a grimace on his face.

“Hey,” I said softly, resting a hand on one of his. “I’m here. What can I do to help?”

He shook his head rather than responding.

“We will reach the main ship shortly,” Aisho stated. “His symptoms will ease somewhat then.”

“Really?” I asked Eashai.

He nodded. “Better stabilizers.”

I turned back to Aisho for an explanation, rather than make Eashai speak more than necessary.

The green man understood my intent before I had a chance to open my mouth. “I believe you call it motion sickness,” he explained. “Stabilizers on the ships minimize the effect for most, but there are some with heightened sensitivity who are affected.”

“And nothing helps?”

He shook his head. “Better stabilizers, but they require quite a bit of energy. There is a limit to what small vessels can do.”

I squeezed Eashai’s hand where mine was still on his. “I’m sorry.”

He gave me a forced smile, turned his hand over, and returned the squeeze.

I couldn’t help but notice the tremble in his grip.

“Eashai,” Aisho asked, “would you like for me to entertain Gene so that you may sleep during the journey?”

“I will manage,” he forced out.

“Absolutely not,” I protested. “If sleeping is how you cope, then you should sleep.”

Defiance and relief were at war in his gaze, but he slumped after several seconds. “Thank you.”

“Never make yourself uncomfortable for me.”

Gratitude filled his eyes, alongside another emotion I couldn’t place.

“Do not worry,” Aisho said. “I will ensure that Gene has a comfortable trip.”

“Thank you,” Eashai repeated.

“We have arrived,” the pilot stated.

I turned to look out the front window. Nestled among what I could only assume were rocks of the asteroid belt was a gleaming silver ship.