The Space Spoon novel Chapter 59

Boppa lit the torches within her cave. The golden light wiped away the shadows around their feet. Shayla followed the slumped shadow on the wall until she saw Boppa sitting at a little wooden table.

“You’ll be pleased to know that I intend to offer every hospitality.” Boppa poured a green liquid into four glasses. "Including my Photosynthesis Wine."

Keeping one glass for herself, the chieftain pushed the other three across the table. Looking at C1313, she said, "I suppose you don't drink."

“Your assumption is correct,” C1313 replied, remaining in place as Hanga approached the table.

Tejeda came next to the Valerian and grabbed his arm as he raised the glass to his lips. "You first." He glanced at Boppa, his gaze now devoid of fear.

“Such distrustful beings.” She slowly sipped half of the green liquid. “Everyone around here knows that I always tell the truth.”

“The devil is in the details.” Tejeda retracted his hand, letting Hanga drink. He took his glass from the table as well. “One can show you the wrong path without spouting any lies.”

"Indeed," the chieftain approved. "Now, I would like to start the trade. An answer for an answer with the person who hides the most things."

Tejeda sighed and took out the chair in front of Boppa.

"No." The chieftain stopped him in mid-motion. "That isn't you." She drew her chin up and gestured to his left. "I'm interested in her."

Shayla swallowed hard when everyone turned to her. If this Boppa wanted her, so be it. She went straight to the chieftain, sat on the chair Tejeda drew from under the table, and poured the Photosynthesis Wine down her throat in one go. “I’m ready. Ask away.”

“Oh, things are not so simple. But you may start first.”

“What do you know about Kirian?”

“That’s such a broad question that I can easily tell you enough and still leave you wanting more.” Boppa leaned backward. “He arrived on Larva 5 a few months ago. We traded for mutual benefits. He wanted a secluded shelter where he could conduct experiments unhindered. In exchange, we received the tech that allows us to grow plants without fertile soil.” She placed a hand over Shayla’s. “Now it’s my turn. What’s your innermost desire?”

Under Boppa's calming touch, Shayla slowly widened the reach of her soul. It felt like it wasn't confined within her body anymore. The flesh was a netlike prison and drifted away like leaves on the wind, scattering about the cardinal directions leaving her free to stretch her wings.

She visualized her desires and could direct every ounce of power toward her goals. There was no raging geyser as when she was furious or passionate, but a continuous stream, tranquil at first, yet powerful over time.

“I want to get strong enough to kill my father. But now I’d like a map to where Kirian is hiding.”

Boppa chuckled. “I like your spunk. I can give you a map and consider this instead of your next question.”

"I agree." Shayla cast a glance over her shoulder towards Tejeda. He had discovered a flower in a pot and seemed to be counting the petals. Regardless, he seemed like his carefree self again, not paying attention to her responses. It was good news.

“I’ll draw you a map before sundown. What’s your biggest regret?”

The old woman asked all the right questions to reveal things Shayla wanted to keep hidden.

She yanked out her hand from the chieftain’s grasp. “I regret killing more people than I can count.”

"You’re lying." Boppa poured another two glasses for her and Shayla. "Or better yet, avoid the real answer. So I’ll ask another question."

"Certainly, when it's your turn again." Shayla grasped her freshly filled glass in both hands, elbows on the table. "How did you coerce me into providing you with those answers?"

“Answer me!” Tejeda yelled.

“Ok. I’ll answer. But I will want an answer in return.” Boppa came next to Tejeda. They were at the same eye level, considering she was as tall as a kneeling Zondarian. “I feed on the energy released when hidden truths are revealed. She will regain her strength by the time the darkness falls.” Her eyes narrowed. “What do you truly desire?”

“Adrenaline, rush, something to shatter the boredom.”

“Close, but a lie. That’s the second thing you wish for the most, not the first.”

“My apologies, oh, great chieftain,” Tejeda mocked.

“I have no use for meaningless excuses that not even my plants would believe.”

“If you thought my apology was insincere, wait to hear the next one.”

Boppa placed a hand over his shoulder. “My power doesn’t work on you.”

"Of course not." A peal of maniacal laughter shook his chest, and his neck constricted. "I have more than four-sevenths." His forced laugh died as he glimpsed the entrance of the cave and looked outside. "We need a means of transport. I know you must have at least a sand ship."

“Yes, I have. Answer my question, and it’s yours.”

“I don’t know what I truly desire.”

Boppa’s gaze changed. “That’s the first honest thing I’ve heard coming from you.”