She Doesn't Do Dishes

Targon licked his plate clean, throwing it on top of a pile of dirty plates. Alora came from the kitchen and grabbed the stack. I could hardly believe my eyes. Alora doesn’t do dishes.

I slowly breathed in through my nose and exhaled through my mouth, as Drock taught me. I couldn’t allow myself to burst out in anger. The Knock-Woks counted on me to signal them when Targon retired to his room. I continued to spy through the window, wondering how Targon got Alora to serve tables. He had to have some power over her, but what? She’s stronger than ten men.

Targon finally left the dining room.

I signaled the Knock-Woks. They moved with the speed and stealth of a ninja. The guards at the front door never saw them coming. They felt a poke, pinch, or karate chop, before collapsing in sleep. Drock stepped over them and led the way inside.

I wanted to go with them, but Drock insisted I remain at the window until they rescued Alora. Not very heroic, but Drock didn’t want to endanger a god, and he only agreed to let me join them if I do what he said. You know, they sure do boss around their gods a lot.

We only had seconds to get Alora out, but two minutes had passed, and they haven’t returned yet. Looking through the window, I saw Drock and Alora arguing. I had had enough. I crawled through the window and interrupted.

“I hate to interrupt this argument, but since death is on the line, why don’t we postpone this until we get back to the temple?”

“She won’t leave!” Drock said.

“I can’t leave, Drew.” She pointed to a small black device hanging from a necklace around her neck.

I gasped. A magnetic disruptor! If activated, it would scramble Alora’s circuits like eggs. It’s an android-killing device, which shocked me to see on a primitive planet, but even more shocking was how Targon got one. I quickly formed a plan. The disruptor controller had to be near. Most likely with Targon.

I needed Drock's help to retrieve it without telling them what it was. “Drock! We must find a small black box, about the size of a teacup, except flat. My guess is Targon has it.”

“I won’t go near Targon.” Drock’s old fears of his childhood bully clearly showed.

I had to give him a reason to help me find it that was stronger than his fear. “It contains Alora’s power. Without it, she can’t leave.”

Drock struggled, then ordered the Knock-Woks to join him as they made their way to Targon’s room. Alora and I followed.

Targon’s door was shut. We all looked at each other, searching for someone to tell us what to do next. Drock shrugged, went to the door, and knocked.

“Who’s there?” A voice from inside asked.

“It’s Drock.”

“Drock from school?”

“Yes, that one.”

The door opened, and Targon stood confused as a squirrel in traffic. His eyes widened when he saw all of us standing outside his room.

“What is this? Guards! Guards!”

“They’re taking a little nap,” Drock said, “We need the god-power box. If you hand it over, we’ll be on our way.”

Targon squared his shoulders. “Make me.”

Drock and Targon locked eyes. The rest of us backed away to give them room. We all knew whose fight this was.

The punches and blocks began like lightning. Drock backed as Targon aggressively attacked, lashing out with such ferocity that it frightened me. I can only imagine how Drock felt.

Drock blocked and parried like a true master. He showed no emotion. No hint of fear or concern. Targon continued pressing until Drock used a set of countermoves that turned Targon’s momentum against him. Now Drock pushed back.

It dawned on me that we still need the disruptor. I ran inside Targon’s room and found it on a table near his bed. I grabbed it, hunting for the release button. I pushed it and yelled at Alora to take the device off. She did, and then things got real.

Alora grabbed Targon by the back of his shirt just as Drock landed a punch in his stomach. Drock, seeing Alora shake Targon senseless, ceased fighting. He obviously saw Alora had things well in hand.

“So, make me wash dishes, will you!” She carried him to the kitchen, placed him in front of the sink, and forced him to wash plates.

“Umm, Alora.” I carefully said. We all could see how angry she was. “As much as I love seeing him get what he deserves. We really need to get back to the temple before the entire Elite Guard shows up.”

“Make me mop the floor!” I didn't know androids could lose their temper, but she had definitely done so. She flipped Targon upside down and began mopping the floor with his head after having dipped him in the dishwater.

“Excuse me,” I said sheepishly. “Could you wrap this up soon? We really have to go. Perhaps we could come back another day and use him to dust. How does that sound?”

She looked at me like she had just seen me for the first time, and came out of her ferocious trance.

“Sorry, Drew. I lost it for a little while.” She dropped Targon and led the way outside.

We all looked at Targon, lying senseless on the wet floor, shrugged, and chased after Alora.

We made it to the temple without any additional incidents. Once inside, Bob and Grinfo welcomed us back.

“Well, well. Alora. It’s wonderful to have you back,” Bob said.

She nodded with a vacant expression. I believe she was still back inside the house, mopping the floor with Targon.

Bob had food ready for us, and we feasted, sharing war stories and laughing our heads off every time we mentioned Targon and mopping.

Grinfo shouted to Drock, “Did Targon stuff you in a flower pot again?”

“Little brothers shouldn’t poke their much bigger and stronger brothers, or they might find themselves stuffed into a flower pot.”

Grinfo laughed, “So is that a yes?”

Drock would have kicked Targon’s butt had Alora not stepped in, but I knew he wouldn’t brag on himself, so I did it for him. “Grinfo, I’d be careful. Your big brother will kick your sorry butt all over this temple, like he did Targon.”

We all laughed, except for Alora.

After the party began to settle down, Alora and I took a walk.

“I’m glad you're okay,” I said. “And I’m sorry. It was all my fault.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. If you’d been with me, he would have captured both of us.”

“Still, I can’t help feeling responsible.”

“Well, stop it.” She playfully shoved me. “Everything turned out all right.” She grew thoughtful. “But I’d love to know how Targon got a hold of a disruptor.”

The thought had entered my mind as well.

“I have no idea, but it has to have something to do with the Ladder God.”

“The Ladder God?” Alora shot me a look that said, Get real.

“Okay, the Talmarians. I’ll introduce you tomorrow. For now, let’s enjoy the evening.”

We walked in silence, enjoying each other's company. Maybe me more than her, but I believe she did enjoy my company a little.