Read Dar's Adventures in Space 1: Space Crazy for Free Online Page B

am.”
    “Smells like Skrinnian curry...I don’t suppose you’ve ever had that.”
    “No, but I’m game.”
    “Come, let’s have some.” Gwog followed his nose, and soon they were at the restaurant. He opened the door and they went in, finding a table. “So, what do you eat?”
    “Me, sir? A little bit of everything…With mother working in the store, we got a wide variety of foods from different planets.” He picked up the menu, hoping he could read it. Luckily, since Skrinnis was a mixed planet, the menu happened to be in Universal Ontarrin. “Curry, huh?”
    “You like things on the spicy side, little one?”
    “Umm, not sure.”  He saw a group of younger Skrinnian females pass by. One coughed a couple times as she followed with her peers. Dar thought they were an interesting species, but not one he’d be game to join with. He would, however, when he got time, do some research on them.
    “I suggest you tell the waitress you want it mild, best not be subjecting your insides to food you’re not used to.”
    Dar nodded. “Probably wise.”
    “You may try a little of mine if you wish.” Gwog saw the waitress approach.
    “Hi, what can I get for you?” she asked.
    “I’ll have the house special curry, a peshan nat bread, and a tall glass of water,” Gwog said.
    “Okay, and for you?” She gestured to Dar.
    “Umm, I’ll have the mild curry, one of those breads he’s having, and a manko soda.”
    “Right, I’ll have that out for you shortly.”
    Gwog relaxed back in his chair. “Manko soda, huh?”
    “Sure. Mother used to get it imported from Uyoninis. Other than Erotin sage root floats, it’s my favorite.”
    “Well, at least you’re somewhat cultured…I had a youngling cabin steward a few years back that would only eat game fowl, Priddin cheese pasta, and bovidis meat sandwiches. He drove me nuts!”
    “What happened to him?”
    The waitress brought their drinks. Gwog picked his up and had a sip. “I sent him back to his mother, he wasn’t ready to sail the void of space.”
    Dar took a small sip of soda, savoring the sweet, tart flavor. “I hope I’m ready.”
    “Oh, you’re ready, I can tell.” He folded his arms. “Why space?”
    “Huh?”
    “Why have you always been fascinated with space?”
    “I guess…” Dar rested his elbows on the table. “…Maybe because my father came from the stars; and deep down inside, I’d like to find him—if he’s still alive.”
    Their lunch arrived a few minutes later. Gwog pointed to his. “Have a little taste—if you dare!”
    Dar studied him for a moment. Through all the thick wrinkle lines on Gwog’s face, he was pretty sure he saw a fiendish smile. Picking up his fork, he reached across and speared a small piece of meat. It was covered with a yellowish-brown sauce. Slowly, he brought it to his mouth, taking a sniff first. The aroma hinted at spicy, and he hoped it wouldn’t be too bad. Popping it in his mouth, he chewed. “Hmm, not bad,” he said. Then the burn kicked in.
    Gwog watched the expression on Dar’s face change from smug to utter distress in a matter of moments. “Hot?”
    “Oh shit!” Dar bellowed, and frantically looked for something to cool the burn. “Ow! Ow! Ow!”
    “Bread!” Gwog reached over and picked up the plate with the bread. Dar grabbed one and tore off a piece, quickly shoving it in his mouth.
    “Arrrggguuuhhh!” Dar said with a mouthful, still in agony. Gwog tried to stifle a laugh, but it didn’t work. Dar stood and flailed about, snatching his soda, and tipping it back. With a mouthful of bread, some of the soda spilled down his shirt. Quite a few patrons in the restaurant took notice and were laughing at his spectacle. The group of female Skrinnians passed by, laughing.
    After a few minutes, Dar finally got relief. He coughed and sputtered. “Oh, shit, how can you eat that?!”
    Gwog picked up his fork, took a good sized piece of meat, and stuck it in his mouth. “Well, you get used to