We're in Space ... So What?

Chapter 6: Hey Mom, I'm a Gladiator Now!

Judah stood in the center of the roaring arena, basking in the adoration of the crowd. Every cheer, every chant of his name, fueled the fire that surged through his veins. He wasn't just fighting for survival anymore—he was a warrior, a champion. He had never felt more alive.

"Juuu-dah! Juuu-dah!"

Another victory. Another opponent lying at his feet. And another rush of adrenaline that made everything outside this life seem... distant. Judah had found his calling in the gladiator pits. He wasn't just surviving here; he was thriving. The endless brawls, the blood, the glory—it all felt right. More than anything else he had ever done.

His former life—scavenging, hustling for scraps across the galaxy—seemed like a distant memory. Sure, he had friends somewhere out there, Jamie and Ryan, but they weren't on his mind much these days. Why would they be? He was famous, celebrated, and living the dream every day, his reputation growing with each fight. He barely gave thought to the rest of the galaxy or the crew.

His owner, Glorvak, had given him the best gear money could buy, and in return, Judah had become a star. Aliens from all over the planet came to watch him fight, and he was treated like a hero wherever he went.

He gazed out over the city from his quarters, the sprawling lights of the alien metropolis twinkling beneath the dark sky. A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts, and when it opened, Glorvak entered, beaming with pride.

"Another flawless victory, Judah," Glorvak said, handing him a drink. "You're making me richer than I ever imagined."

Judah took the drink, smiling. "Glad I can keep you happy, boss."

Glorvak laughed, clapping Judah on the back. "Happy? I'm ecstatic! You could stay here forever, you know. Become a legend on this planet."

The thought didn't sound so bad to Judah. Maybe he wouldn't go back. What was waiting for him out there, anyway? More scavenging? More running? Here, he was someone.

But for now, the only thing on Judah's mind was his next fight.**

In contrast to Judah's newfound glory, Jamie had always been about speed and charm. So, when he found himself in the merchant's grasp, working off his price, he didn't waste time. Hours, not months, were all it took for Jamie to raise enough money to buy his freedom.

"Done already?" Kreelix, his owner, leaned back, impressed. "I thought it'd take you at least a week."

Jamie flashed a grin, his confidence as smooth as ever. "What can I say? I'm a fast talker."

It wasn't just fast talking that did it, though—Jamie knew the right people, knew how to play the game, and most importantly, how to impress. He had made Kreelix a hefty sum in record time, wheeling and dealing with alien merchants, smooth-talking them into lucrative trades. In the end, Kreelix was happy, and Jamie was free.

"You're something else, human," Kreelix said with a chuckle as he handed Jamie his earnings. "I've never seen anyone raise that much in such a short time."

"Glad to impress," Jamie said, pocketing the cash. "And hey, if you ever need someone to handle your business, you know where to find me."

They parted on good terms, and Jamie wasted no time putting his new fortune to good use. He immediately began tracking down Ryan, who had been sold to some kind of twisted science facility. Within a few hours of bribing the right people and calling in some old favors, Jamie had a plan to rescue his friend.

Ryan had endured what felt like an eternity of brutal tests in the alien lab. Each day brought new experiments, and each one felt worse than the last. His captors were relentless, and Ryan's patience had worn thin.

But just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, the door slid open, and there was Jamie, strolling in as if he owned the place.

"Took you long enough," Ryan muttered, clearly annoyed but also relieved to see him.

Jamie grinned, leaning against the doorframe. "I'm nothing if not punctual."

Ryan blinked at him, confused as Jamie pulled out a stack of papers and waved them in the air. "Guess what? I just bought this lab. Well, kind of. I convinced these fine folks that their boss owed me money. Big money. And now, technically, I'm in charge."

The two alien scientists exchanged nervous glances, clearly intimidated. Ryan had no idea how Jamie had pulled it off, but it didn't matter. He was free.

"You... bought the lab?" Ryan asked, incredulous.

Jamie laughed. "Not really. Just made them think I did. I told them they were about to be out of a job if they didn't let you go."

Ryan shook his head, relieved and exasperated all at once. Leave it to Jamie to bluff his way through a rescue.

"Alright, let's get out of here," Jamie said, unclipping Ryan's shackles. "And don't worry—I didn't have to use any violence this time."

As they walked out of the lab, Jamie tossed a credit chip to the guards at the door, grinning as they scrambled to catch it.

"So, what took you so long?" Ryan asked, trying to sound casual but clearly frustrated by the ordeal he had just been through.

Jamie shrugged, his smile never fading. "Had to make a little cash first. But hey, now we've got enough to upgrade the ship."

Ryan gave a small smile, despite the awful situation. "You know, this whole 'bluff your way through everything' strategy of yours is gonna get us killed someday."

Jamie laughed, slapping Ryan on the back. "Not today though, right? Now, let's go find Judah. I hear he's busy becoming a gladiator superstar."

Ryan rolled his eyes. "Of course he is."

Jamie smirked. "But don't worry—I've got a plan to get him out."

Ryan shook his head as they headed back to their ship, half-expecting whatever crazy scheme Jamie had in mind would probably work. After all, it always did.