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newborn
Labrador puppies. The shop keeper, a friendly T’Kalan woman, scooped two out of
the container and handed the wriggling animals to her.
    “Oh, my God! Zandar, what are these?” she cooed as she
cuddled them against her neck. Their fur was as soft as down and they emitted a
scent reminiscent of crushed peppermint.
    Zandar chuckled before explaining, “These are called bimbops .
They are imported from a territory on the other side of the planet and are one
of the priciest companions to purchase. These are but younglings, and they will
only grow to be about three times their current size. They are very loyal
companions, easily trained, and their fur will grow longer as they age. They
are highly sought after by the rich nobles for their ingrained instinct to
protect and defend younglings of any species. I had the misfortune to come
across an adult bimbop when I visited the home of my sister after the
birth of my first niece. I was lucky to have made it to a medi-unit before I
lost three of my fingers.”
    Jessica laughed along with the warrior and continued to
cuddle and run her nose through the sinfully soft fur of the strange animals.
“Oh, I wish I could have one,” she stated wistfully as one of the wriggling
masses of black and white fur burrowed into her hair and crooned with a soft burr
burr .
    Zandar lifted his hand and hailed the busy shopkeeper.
“Please contact the king’s residence and speak with his secretary. Tell her
that King Korian’s human guest would like to purchase a bimbop youngling.” The shopkeeper hurried to do his bidding, likely seeing a large
commission in her future.
    Jessica’s bright blue eyes snapped up in surprise. “Oh, no,
Zandar! I can’t have one of these! I have to go home in a month’s time. What
would I do with it when I go?”
    Zandar reached out to tuck a strand of her fiery hair behind
her ear. “If you do decide to return to your world, then I am sure Lieutenant
Commander Mahoney will be glad to take over the care of your companion.
However, perhaps you will grow too attached to it and wish to stay,” he replied
lightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
    The shopkeeper trotted back to their side and her face was
wreathed with a wide smile. “King Korian sends his regards and bid me tell his
guest to purchase whatever she wishes. He further added that you have only to
charge any purchases to his estate during your time in the city.”
    Jessica’s heart squeezed at this show of generosity from
Korian. She would have to make sure to thank him when she returned to the
compound this evening. With her eyes shining with happiness, she told the
saleswoman, “I’ll take this one.” She indicated the one currently napping in
her hair and regretfully handed back the extra.
    “Excellent choice, my lady. The one you hold is a female,
and they are very loyal and protective of their owners,” she assured her.
    Jessica and Zandar spent the next half an hour selecting
bedding, toys, collars, and food, and the shopkeeper assured her they would all
be delivered to the compound before her return. Her final purchase was a
fashionable sling made of sturdy, pale purple material for her to carry her new
companion around as they continued their jaunt. As she settled the sleeping bimbop inside the padded opening, she ruthlessly squashed the thought that she had
chosen the sling’s color because they reminded her of Korian’s eyes.
    Jessica’s spirits soared even higher as they finally made
their way into the heart of the marketplace. There were stalls as far as her
eyes could see hawking every kind of ware she could imagine and many she
couldn’t. The air was heavy with the mouthwatering scents of cooking food, and
her stomach growled in complaint. Zandar chuckled at her chagrined look and grabbed
her hand to drag her to a nearby stand that sold a T’Kalan specialty that
resembled a falafel. The breading was soft and chewy, the meat was tender and
spicy, and the vegetables