A Dog's Life
Kris Katzen
© 2011 by Kris Katzen
Published by Bluetrix Books, Smashwords edition.
Copyrighted material. All rights reserved. Please do not reproduce in part or in whole without the express prior written consent of the author.
All characters and events in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.
A Dog’s Life
“What is that?” All four of the being’s eyes grew huge and his bat-like ears turned forward as his gaze fell on the small tail-wagging Shih Tzu in Butcher’s arms.
Captain Brandan Butcher, leaving sickbay after taking Artemis to be treated by Dr. Rosen for an overdose of cheese, nearly collided with Talla as the stocky Relori ambled into sickbay. Or rather, he nearly tumbled over Courage’s passenger. His barrel-shaped body centered over four legs, the Relori only stood as high as Butcher’s shoulder—and that was if the Relori extended his thin neck as far as possible.
Butcher stepped aside just in time and smiled. He was about to introduce the youth to his canine friend when the Relori’s next words stopped him cold.
“I must have it!”
For her part, Artemis didn’t seem to be paying any attention at all the Courage’s exotic passenger. She was far too busy licking Butcher’s throat and chin, and thumping her human’s side with her rapid-fire tail.
Butcher blinked and took a step back. “Pardon me?” Stalling while trying to come up with a diplomatic yet clear response, Butcher also wanted to ensure he had indeed heard Talla correctly.
“It is most unique, and pleasing!” Talla said, transfixed by the little dog.
Butcher recovered some of his equilibrium. “This is Artemis. She is a member of my family.”
All four eyes now directed at Butcher narrowed. “Family? But she is not even the same species as you!” Then Talla did a double take. “Is she?”
“No, Artemis is not the same species. She is a type of dog, a Shih Tzu. Nonetheless, she is my family. Humans are very, very close with their family members. We don’t give them away. Or,” he hastened to add as Talla opened his mouth to protest, “Or sell them, or loan them out. Nothing like that at all. Artemis will be staying with me.”
“Oh.” Talla did not sound all that disappointed.
The lack of reaction took Butcher off guard. He wasn’t sure if he should be relieved that the Relori had given up so easily, or concerned that he had.
His crew had all complained privately to him or executive officer Paulsen ever since they rescued the ten Relori and taken their disabled ship in tow. The Relori all had an overwhelming sense of entitlement. At the very least, this particular family did. Certainly their demanding comportment did not mesh with the expectation the crew had of courtesy (if not gratitude—at least a little) being shown instead of hearing ever more demands.