ELDRITCH NIGHT (Rough Draft)

Chapter Ten: Of Class and Men

"So, you're coming with me now?" I asked.

"I've been ordered to make contact with the natives," Catalya said. "My mission to escort you ends as soon as I deliver you to the bridge."

"Sure, makes sense." I stopped walking and looked at her. "Humans are known for their trust of outsiders. I'm sure you'll have no trouble fitting in."

She stood there for a moment, eyes half lidded. I wasn't sure if my attempt at sarcasm had gone over her head.

"That... so what do you propose?"

"Well, you've helped me out, I doubt I'd have made it this far on my own. Not alive anyway. I'd probably be plant food if not for you."

"So, an alliance? You help me in return for me helping you?"

"Well, let's just call it friends helping friends, shall we?" I said putting on my best smile and holding my hands out wide. "What do you say?"

"I'd say we're not friends." She stared at me for a moment to let her words sink in. "Your proposal, however, is not entirely without merit. I will continue to protect you, and in exchange you will put me in touch with the leaders of the human settlement."

She began walking once more, taking us behind the ruins of the college baseball stadium. The field had been overgrown with grass, vines, and flowers of all hues, and yet homeplate was still clearly visible. The stands had mostly collapsed, but an occasional glimpse of aluminum could still be seen through the earth and weeds.

"Charleston."

"Wha...," Catalya began.

"I mean the 'human settlement' is called Charleston. It's my home."

"Your home is important to you," she said. Catalya stopped walking and turned to look at me. "My home, too, is important. I hope to see it once again before I die."

I wasn't an expert at alien facial clues, but she seemed lost in thought and perhaps melancholy. Her head was held slightly to the side, and she briefly closed her eyes. It was remarkable how human-like she could appear at times. Even with the blue scales and slit pupils.

"Die? You can't be that old..."

"Do not patronize me little monkey," she snapped. "I will not be made a mockery of because of my scales. I am a woman, and a warrior of my people. Not a... a child."

She smiled in a way that exposed two rows of pointed teeth.

"Do you understand?"

"I..." I stammered. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, well do whatever it is I did. Whatever your age, you're twice as capable as I am. I just meant it seems a little premature to be talking about death is all."

She sighed and waited a few moments before answering.

"I, too, apologize, Mr. Finn. The subject of my perceived age is a sore subject, one I hope you will forgot we ever crossed." The seven-foot warrior stared down at me for several seconds before I realized she was waiting for a response.

"Right, of course," I said. "We never talked about it. Also, it's just Finn, no Mr. Finn. Just Finn."

"Alright, Finn. Shall we continue then? It's a long walk and we should try to arrive before the sun sets."

"Alright then," I said smiling wide. I was trying my best to channel my inner used car salesman. "So how about we talk about something else?"

"If you are going to ask about my home, then the answer is no. Mr. Finn. We should keep moving, silently."