Alien Exodus

  “Iffy”, Kitty croaked, and then cleared her voice, “this is the next system we’re visiting. Send Greeting Message Two to the orbiter of the star.” She put her finger on the representation of the star she referred to on the map displayed in front of her on the monitor.

  “Yes, Kitty. Done.”

  This new civilization had advanced quickly on a planet previously inhabited by non-sentient species. They’d probably transplanted themselves, or been transplanted, from elsewhere. Perhaps the creatures there were already familiar with her services, if they’d ever lived or worked on a planet or space station on her route, or a ship that had crossed her path. Or perhaps not. Either way, she hadn’t added a civilization to the roster in a long while. She’d succumbed to complacency. Well, enough of that! One could get old that way.

  This was an opportunity to make new friends. What kind of creatures would they be? Bleezaks? Nomicronians from Zersei 8? Terricans? There seemed to be less of those around lately, scattered about. Something entirely new? Always a challenge, but she had a hold full of gifts, and Iffy had the best translation programs money could buy. And if she did say so herself, Kitty was a very good negotiator, maybe the best, considering the wide range of alien species her business serviced.

  Kitty had met only a few cultures that didn’t appreciate the “mating aids” she provided. Masturbation was certainly fun on one’s own, but few didn’t want to at least try the added stimulation of a customized holostripper.

  She had noticed that Klon’s ship was decelerating toward that star. The fighters were always good custom. What did Klon know about the new civilization that Kitty did not? She was curious to find out.

  “Iffy, how much longer do we have to be here?”

  “If we stop advertising now, there will be a slowing of orders that calculates out, with foreseeable variables, to a departure date in approximately twelve of this planet’s days.

  “How long did we plan on staying?”

  “With current levels of advertising, in thirty additional days orders will decrease significantly. Cost should then exceed income, absent potential variables, in another four days.”

  “Thirty-four days of missed income,” Kit murmured.

  Iffy heard.

  “The approximate loss will be…”

  No. It was too much.

  “Carry on as before, Iffy.”

  “Yes Madam.”

  Too bad. Kitty’s new friends would have to wait.

  Chapter Four

  Hit… Thing