Eating at SpaceBox
Meek and mild would be accurate words to describe Dolran. His demeanor was that of a quiet humanoid from some unknown planet. Quiet was something he learned from the humans- or rather, had learned on account of the humans. Dolran had learned it was best to observe the humans. Their actions had been so alien to him. He had no point of reference for understanding their reproductive motivations. He had eaten all his mates, and the idea of two genders was particularly unsettling. Besides, marriage and life-long commitment was meaningless to his species.
The raids brought them from all over the galaxy. Food service was still the best way to get started making money for any young human or alien. Everyone had to eat, and few folks could afford to eat at home these days. Nano-cookers were so expensive that only investors had the money to finance them. Dolran knew this little hole in the wall only leased theirs from the Seventh Side Corporation.
He had seen none of his species in this part of space. No one these days seemed to care where he was from. Working the grill, he did his job despite the repulsive smell of synthetic meat.
“Donny!” yelled a portly man in puke green overalls. “Grill it just right. You know the way.”
Yes, Dolran knew just what the man wanted. “Yes, I do! And you'll get it done right, Mr. Green”
The odd thing about humans was their insistence on their traditions and their breaking of those same traditions. Making promises to each other and then going around those promises. What's an alien to think of humans?
Dolran has been watching this lot here at the SpaceBox Burgers. The employees have some secret love going on. Well, two of them at least. An older lady, June Powers, and a younger man named Greg Laughland. For some reason it seems they want to keep it a secret.
Dolran has figured it out. “June?”
“Yea, Donny,” June's soft voice was barely a whisper.
“I think I've figured out what has been happening. You have a secret love affair with one of the other employees. I think it's Greg. Am I right?”
June chuckled and nodded her head. “Don't tell anyone, will ya, Donny?”
Making a gesture across his face, “My lips are stone.”
Dolran was very satisfied with himself. He was finally starting to see the patterns human rituals make.
The next day, Dolran got to work and discovered a fight had broken out between Greg's older brother, Aaron and his wife, Emily. As it turned out, Dolran had only part of the story correct. June was seeing another employee, but it was not Greg. It was Aaron. When Emily found out, she was furious and many harsh words had come about. June was attacked, but no permanent harm came to Emily or June when they came to blows.
Dolran was very confused, and he did not understand why June had lied to him. He was not going to tell anyone, because she told him not to.
Emily confronted Dolran in the back, while he was counting inventory. It was an awkward moment. “Dolran, tell me honestly. Did you know about the affair?”
Dolran watched another employee, “The Body Guard” Gina lean against the self. She wanted to hear what was being said. Dolran had no problem with this, and thought it was good to have people listen to what he has to say.
“I tell you honestly; I thought the affair was between Greg and June. Even June told me to not tell it was her and Greg. So, I tell you it was June, but not Greg. And now I have kept my promise.” Dolran was glad to help.
Business was dead, and the slow day droned on. It was during Dolran's break when Gina, June, and the shop manager, Bernice cornered Dolran. “What did you tell Emily?”
“I told her that I thought June was having an affair with Greg, but then you told me to not tell. So, I let her know that June was having an affair, but not with Greg.”
“He's lying,” Gina snapped.
“No, you were there. You heard me tell her what I just said.”
June was pacing back and forth, “how could you?”
“I can't believe you told her you knew about the affair,” Bernice voice was scalding hot. “You know that could be considered sexual harassment? And I could fire you right now.”
“I don't have sex. It is a disgusting thing for me to even think of such a thing,” Dolran protested.
“Why are you lying?” Gina snapped again. “I heard everything you told Emily.”
“I don't understand,” Dolran was very confused. “Ask Emily. She will tell you what I said.”
June barked, “yea, right! That's very convenient to turn to the one person we can't talk to.”
The space rangers had surrounded what was once the burger joint, searched for signs of life, and found only Dolran. Dolran was obviously a helpless pregnant alien. He looked due any day now. Each time they asked him, “What happened here?”
Dolran could only respond with “They had an affair, and I don't understand. I don't think I have a job any more.”
“The poor creature's all shook up,” one ranger consoled. “What's your name? I'm sure we can find you another job.”
“Name? My name? It's ah, BEGGAJ, Beggaj. And my children will be born soon.”
