Kinky Space Vixen by Sam Kinkaid Page B

paperwork are in order,” replied Joe
confidently. “We’re a fully qualified pilot and navigator from the
college of Olympus Mons. Would you like to see our
credentials?”
“No, just the orestone,” replied Gabor.

    “It’s taking
longer than usual,” remarked Aevie as they waited for Gabor to
finish his inspection.
“You know what these primitive planets are like,” shrugged Joe.
“Probably looking around for somebody who can read.”
Heavy footsteps sounded behind them as Gabor reappeared. “You two
are to come with me now,” he said authoritatively. “The Emperor is
going to want to see this personally.”
“What is it?” Demanded Aevie, but at that moment a contingent of
soldiers appeared, their laser pistols pointed towards them. Joe
and Aevie raised their hands. Gabor beckoned them forwards and they
were forced to follow.

    “What could it
mean?” Whispered Aevie as they were marched up the stone steps
towards the Emperor’s chamber. “Why would the Emperor want to see
us?”
“Try not to worry,” replied Joe, sounding a lot calmer than her
felt. “I’m sure it’s nothing. He’ll probably want to haggle or
something like that, or perhaps he has a mission for us.”
“A mission?” Said Aevie uncertainly.
“Well I don’t know, you never can tell with these tribal kings,”
replied Joe in a fluster.

    The Emperor was
hung-over after the festival of the day before and this, coupled
with the news from Gabor, had put him into a foul mood as he
lounged around on his throne with his feet up. He nonetheless
leered at Aevie as she was dragged before him. Aevie looked with
distaste at the garishly painted walls and rich red carpets which
seemed to her to resemble something out of an opera. “I had no idea
they were allowing mere pups to power the starships now,” muttered
the Emperor contemptuously. “Perhaps it is no surprise you are in
so much trouble.”
“What do you mean?” Demanded Aevie. “We have brought the orestone
as you ordered.”
“Oh really?” Replied the Emperor, a thin and humourless smile
playing about his lips. He raised his head. “Step forward, Gabor,”
he ordered sharply. “And show these two clowns what you have
discovered.”
    “Painted
coals,” said Gabor flatly, holding up one of the so called
orestones and rubbing it until it started to turn black. “A
clumsier fraud I never did see, Excellency.”
“You must think me a total fool,” breathed the Emperor furiously.
“Why I am more incensed by the obviousness of this fraud that the
act itself.”
“Emperor I swear we had no idea,” protested Joe, his eyes wide with
horror. He was kicking himself for having been fooled so
easily.
    “A likely
story,” muttered the Emperor. “Oh but it is a shame the festival is
over your deaths would have made a fine finale. As it is I suppose
I shall just have to kill you for my own private enjoyment.”
    “Please
Emperor,” said Joe. “This was entirely my fault. My navigator here
knew nothing of any of this. I am the one to blame.”
“Then you are the one who shall be punished,” declared the Emperor.
He turned to his guards. “Seize him!”
    Before Joe had
had the chance to react three guards came forward and pinioned his
arms behind his back, forcing him to his knees. Aevie cried out and
rushed to his aid but she too was dragged back and held firm by
strong hands. The Emperor turned to Gabor and nodded. Gabor went to
the chest behind the throne, opened it and raised aloft the
ceremonial golden axe. Joe’s eyes widened when he saw it but he was
determined he would not cry out.
“No!” Cried Aevie in anguish. “Please! Anything but that! It was an
accident! An accident!”
Fear not my dear girl the axe is not for you,” purred the Emperor
maliciously. “After all, your name is not down on the deeds of this
little catastrophe. I am well aware of the law, you know, and the
law allows me to seek suitable retribution for when I am deceived.”
He turned to