Chapter 12 – Flashback Allaria

'We will arrive at Allaria in one day', the blue tentacle alien Saku tells his weird group of guests. The group behind him is sighting in relief, while they try not to look at the one next to him. 'That is about time', complains Ning. 'That stupid bug has an entire room for itself.' When Canaan hears this he turns towards the Inna. 'G'dar is one of our warrior mounts and they are very well trained and to valuable to risk hurting.' The Inna begins to laugh: 'And what did that beetle do in the Great Race of Oban? He got some scratches there didn't he?'

At the moment the conversation seems to get out of hand Don Wei is stepping in the middle of them. 'Take it easy both of you. Tomorrow we'll be at Allaria and there we'll split up in a few teams to make the search for a pilot easier. So you'll all better can think of a way to get a pilot', he hisses.

Allaria. Finally they're at the planet. Rick immediately understands why this the planet to be in this part of the galaxy. Everywhere you look are bars, clubs, cafes and other establishments for pleasure and entertainment. Don Wei had just parted to group in smaller groups of three and he was stuck with Ning and Rush. 'Let's try it in here', Ning is saying while she walks into a whorehouse. 'I'll wait outside Rick, I'm a bit to big to fit through the door', Rush is taking the easy way of not going in that place at all. With a sight and a some muttering the ex-star racer is pushing his way in after the Inna. Just when he wants to ask Ning how she had thought to ask all the customers for flying, she climbs on the first big table and whistles. 'Hey people listen up!', she is shouting. Faces are turning towards her and when they see the Inna in very few clothes they all get silent. 'I need a ride to the planet Oban! Anyone interesting?' Hearing the name Oban makes the customers turn away again. All, but one. It's one of the whores and she walks toward the table. 'I know a man who might be crazy enough to fly you', she whispers. 'Nobody on this planet has seen him ever before and rumors saying that he might be one of the lost Turtai.' Ning leans close to the young woman. 'And you don't happen to know where I can find that man?', she asks.

'Ning are you sure this is a good idea', the big giant is asking nervously. The three of them are walking in the low regions on the capital city of Allaria. Here there is now glitter and glamour, only shadows and darkness. Ning raises an eyebrow. 'Here we can find the one and only man who might be willing to fly us perhaps to the wicked planet of Oban', she says. 'But if the two of you are afraid to may turn around and cry at Don Wei.' Immediately Rick and Rush are straightening their backs and start walking like they own this city. At a dirty and foul Inn the three travellers are stopping. 'Flying Saucer', the nameplate says. When they have gathered there strength the walk inside. The Innkeeper looks suspicious at the newcomers, but the sight of the Inna relaxes him a little bit. 'What can I do for you fine men?', he asks. 'We are searching a man that goes by the name Lucide', the Inna tells. The man behind the bar is nodding. 'I have a customer who carries those name. He is staying in the first room at the second floor and he came in just an hour ago.' Before the poor man can say another word Ning is flying up the stairs. With a loud CRACK she kicks in the door and jumps on the totally surprised man. Quick the other two man are coming up from downstairs. What they see in the room of Lucide makes them laugh. The man is lying on the ground with his arms behind his back and on his back is sitting Ning on her knees. 'We need a ride to Oban and yes I said WE. We are with two Nourasians, two Inna's one Byrussian, four humans and one very weird black creature. So can you bring us there yes of no?', she shouts in his ear. The man underneath her is struggling. 'And what if I say no?', he is gasping. The Inna pushes her knee harder in his neck and hisses: 'Even then I'll make you say yes and believe me, I'm very good in that.'

When they arrive at the interplanetary airport of Allaria they see the others already standing together. Their face says enough and Ning can't help it but to grin a big grin. 'What the hell are you happy about?', Don Wei shouts. 'Again we have failed to get a ride to Oban.' Rick, Rush and Ning are stopping in front of the group. 'Well I think we succeeded then', Rick explains. At the same moment he says that the Inna pulls a man from behind her. 'This here is Lucide and he was happy to help us out and offer us an ride with his perfect spaceship', she is telling. The other companions are so happy with this news that they don't see the large and sharp fingernails in the back of the poor man. ..