"Welcome to Japeron," Leory announced as the blue streams of light were replaced with star-sprinkled black.

    Sylvie's mouth hung open at the sight of the planet. It was mostly grey but there were various sizes of green and blue spots she guessed were vegetation and water. They descended into the atmosphere of the planet and flew over miles of city before they parked in a landing bay. Leory opened the side entrance and lowered the ramp.

    "How come they didn't search the ship for us?" Sylvie murmured to Ajax as Leory was paying the landing fee.

    "That's because Oppidus was one of the few planets and moons that still enforce that rule."

    "Alright kids, I guess this is where we part," he smiled.

    "I guess it is," Ajax nodded.

    Leory saluted and entered his ship.

    Aliens of different species hustled about the station, reminding Sylvie of a local airport.

    "AJ!" Jinx called from where he stood near the luggage rail.

    "Hey man," Ajax grinned.

    "I'm glad you two made it here safely."

    At least he understands the risks we took to get here, Sylvie thought.

    "I've got us a room in a hotel and you need a bike for the race."

    "Speaking of the race, I've gotta go sign up," Ajax reminded himself.

    "You do that, I'll take the girl to the hotel," Jinx told him.

    "Sounds good," Ajax then hurried off in the opposite direction of Jinx and Sylvie.

    Awkward silence rested between them until Jinx asked, "Was Leory there?"

    "Yes."

    "What's your name again?"

    "Sylvie."

    "You are an earthling I gather?"

    "Yes."

    "Are you still unfamiliar with this half of the galaxy?"

    "Unfamiliar? More like a complete stranger."

    "I'm sure you'll figure out how to fit in eventually."

    Sylvie scoffed, "'Eventually.'"

    "Has Ajax taught you how to use a gun?"

    "Somewhat."

    "You know, a gun can be used for more than just long distance fighting."

     "Really?" Sylvie asked, uninterested.

    "It can be used for butting people in the head-"

    "Or the nose," Sylvie gritted her teeth at the memory.

    "I suppose?" Jinx said, unsure of how to respond. "And you can taze people."

    "I didn't know that," Sylvie brought out her gun.

     "Here," Jinx pointed at a switch near the trigger, "switch it forward to taze, back for laser."

     "Good to know," Sylvie returned the weapon to its holster.

     "There's more to anything than meets the eye, and I enjoy finding out what those things are."

    "Um hm," Sylvie hummed.

    They made it to an enormous hotel that could possibly hold a thousand rooms at least.

    He lead her to the room they rented which was on the fourth story. It looked like any ordinary hotel room, but there were a few futuristic quirks to it. There was a hologram television, lights that flicked on with one word and the theme of the living space was metallic. It was a decent sized room with four beds, a large window, a clean bathroom and closet.

    Sylvie sighed and plopped onto the bed. Even though she hadn't really done anything but walk, she felt exhausted, mentally and physically. This was still so much to take in. Why can't things go back to normal? Sylvie sighed.

    "Need something to eat?" Jinx asked.

    Sylvie felt her stomach growl, "Where do we have to go to get a decent meal?"

    "There's a large dining hall on the first floor to the left of the lobby. We should probably wait for Ajax though."

    "Whatever works," Sylvie sighed, closing her eyes.

    "Why are you like that?"

    Sylvie sat up and met the dark brown eyes of the curious alien, "Like what?"

    "How can you go from one emotion to another in a split second?"

    "It is one of my many talents," Sylvie shrugged.

    "It's a very interesting talent."

    "Thanks."

    Sylvie's and Jinx's heads jerked toward the door to see Ajax enter. They went down to the dining hall to stop their hunger.

    "I've got a bike and I'm signed up. The race is tomorrow and I'll bet Ty is also racing," Ajax informed them after downing his soup.

     "Who's Ty?" Sylvie asked curiously.

     "He and I have been rivals since my first race. I haven't beat him since that first race, but I'll beat him this time."

     "What kind of hoverbike did you get this time?" Jinx asked.

     "One of the newer models, the money from that wallet has been a lot of help."

    "We better make sure it's in good shape before the race."

     "Good idea," Ajax agreed.

    "Is there anything I can do?" Sylvie asked, feeling useless.

    "What can you do?" Ajax asked.

    He's right, what can I do? I don't know anything about fixing things, she thought.

    Ajax ran a hand through his hair, "Maybe you can wash it? It'll be nice to race on a flashy bike."

     "Sure," she nodded, glad she could help with something.