Lost in the Multiverse - Short Story Collection

6. Favorite

Genre: space fiction

The dimly lit corridor of the spaceship buzzes with activity as I make my way through the bustling crew. As the only woman in the gang, I was used to attracting attention - not always positive. Being quite short in stature, I often feel like a dwarf compared to the strong, tattooed men around me.

Captain Vex's deep voice comes from the mess hall: "Okay, team! Let's prepare this cargo for delivery to the Andromeda Cartel. We need to be on time if we want to get a fat salary".

His words make me shiver.. Being part of Captain Vex's team is a privilege, especially since he took me under his wing despite my young age.. However, the other members of the team are not so kind and constantly tease me saying that I am the captain's favorite toy.

As I enter the cafeteria, the team turns to look at me, their faces expressing a mixture of amusement and annoyance. I ignore their smirks and head towards the captain, where he pours himself a cup of black coffee. "Good morning, captain," I say, trying to sound confident despite the flutter in my stomach. "What do you need me to do today?"

Captain Vex grins, his thick beard twitching. "Oh, my dear Star, always ready to please. How about you supervise the loading process? Make sure everything is packed properly before we jump out of here". The thug, the bully thug, snorts contemptuously. "Yeah, because she's such an expert at lifting weights," he says, elbowing you in the ribs.

Brawler's rude comment gets a few chuckles from the other men, but I keep my face neutral, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing me pissed off. Just then, Scorch, a thin, scarred fighter, approaches, a sly grin spreading across his face.

" Oh, I heard the captain has you doing more than just checking inventory, little Star," Scorch says, his tone dripping with hints. " Maybe you should teach us some of your... lifting techniques?"

The room erupts in obscene laughter, and even Captain Vex forces a smile, although there is a hint of warning in his eyes. I grit my teeth, fighting the urge to slap Scorch's smug face. "That's enough, guys," Captain Vex growls, slamming his mug on the table.

However, Scorch's mocking words cut deeper than any blade, igniting the rage within me. Before anyone can react, I rush at the insolent man, letting out a scream of rage. My small hands scratch at his face, my nails scratching his skin as I try to gouge out his eyes. "Get away from me, you dirty pig!" I hiss furiously, drool flying from my lips.

The other men groan in irritation, rolling their eyes at my display of temperament. Even Captain Vex looks unimpressed, although there is something else in his gaze - perhaps a hint of pride in your ferocity.

" Bah, she's just a snooty little kitten," Brawler remarks, shaking his head.

Captain Vex approaches, his large hand gripping my wrist in a vice grip. With surprising strength, he tears me away from Scorch, who recoils, clutching his bleeding face. The captain's expression is stern, but his touch is surprisingly gentle as he holds me at arm's length, looking at me with a mixture of disappointment and understanding. "Little star, you know it's better not to lose control," he scolds, a note of worry audible in his deep voice. "We can't let our team think you're a wild animal".

He lets go of my wrist, but continues to hold my shoulder tightly, guiding me towards the exit. The other men watch with varying degrees of amusement and irritation, clearly expecting the captain to take even more disciplinary action against me.

"I'll talk to you later, after we deal with this delivery". the captain addresses the rest of the team.

As Captain Vex leads me out of the mess hall, I can't help but glance back at Scorch, who is still grinning evilly despite the blood streaming down his face. His good eye shines with triumph, and I notice with a surge of disgust that half of one eyelid is missing, the skin torn open, exposing the white of his eyeball.