"I still remember when I first met her. She was like an angel from heaven. We met on Jupiter's moon—innocent, radiant, like a daughter of the skies. I gave her everything: my love, my kak. I can't even return to Earth—my records say I'm dead. So here I am, stuck with this lady and her freakish mutt. Back in Chicago, I had ten women at once, but none like her. Even now, when I'm about to be rich, she doesn't seem to care." Sam snarled, flashing his rainbow‑stained teeth.
"How was I supposed to know Fuzzy would swallow the gem? Stop whining like a dog," Rolina shot back.
"Shoosh! Once this is done, we'll settle it," Sam growled. Rolina folded her arms, turning away.
Zysko nodded sympathetically at Rolina. "I'm not your RL therapist, but i know your bond is complicated. But Sam, you must accept her true self. Like lions and tigers, survival together requires understanding—smell, fight, and finally, mating. When denied, the female grows fierce."
"But I'm sterile," Rolina admitted reluctantly.
Sam's jaw dropped. "What?! Five years together and you never told me? If you weren't, Big Flow would've had twenty kids by now!"
Zysko's eyes widened. "Rolina… sterile? By the gods!"
Sam shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Too much burdens. One Fuzzy is enough."
Zysko leaned forward. "Speaking of burdens—I have a job for you."
"Anything that pays. No warships, no tanks, no soldiers. Go on," Sam crossed his legs, listening.
Zysko's voice grew solemn. "A year ago, Queen Celessia died. Her two granddaughters vanished. We sent our agents to Earth, but found nothing. Axien children grow fast—three years equal ten of yours. They stop aging in adolescence. That means… they're about fourteen now."
Rolina frowned. "The Alexandras Treaty forbids alien tech on Earth. If we go, we'll be arrested."
"We'll take it," Sam declared.
Rolina gasped. "Oh Sammy!"
Zysko nodded. "We've partnered with the World D. Government—DEKA. They feed us clues. If you find the girls before 'em, you'll be rewarded with mountains of wealth. Here—this crystal will help." He handed Rolina a glowing shard, electricity swirling inside.
"It detects maternal energy. Axien mothers sense it stronger than anyone. The daughters will too. But if raised by corrupt hands, they may be imprisoned within the Caesar Tree's crystal for centuries, bringing ruin to humanity's electricity."
Sam clapped mockingly. "Perfect horror‑movie plot! Aliens stealing our electricity!" He grinned, flashing rainbow teeth.
Rolina shook her head. "Your humor is insane."
Sam stood. "Alright, Zysko. If we find anything, we'll contact you. Come on, baby."
"Take care of each other," Zysko said warmly.
"Thanks, man." Sam flipped him the middle finger.
Zysko returned the gesture with a grin.
Rolina scooped Fuzzy onto her shoulder. "You're teaching him bad habits," she whispered to Sam. Together they stepped out. Sam's eyes spun, commanding the Sharkship to power up. The rear hatch lowered, and they climbed aboard.
"Next stop—let's stir up some trouble," Sam smirked. Rolina shrugged, letting him lead.
From his doorway, Zysko shouted after them, "See ya, friends!" as the Sharkship rose into the Martian sky.