Bright Red Line (Backyard Starship #22)

by J.N. Chaney

Perry, perched nearby, nodded. “Yup. Like I said before, fries with mayonnaise and extraterrestrial malfeasance. Seems they’re good at both.” “The way they combine oil and eggs is nothing short of inspired,” Gabby agreed. “I mean, mayonnaise is amazing! And easy to digest, too!” She pointed at one of her visible organelles. “That one does it. Mayonnaise, and also⁠—” I held up a hand. “That’s fine, Gabs. We don’t really need all your digestive details. Also—mayonnaise? Really? It’s the very definition of something that’s substance, devoid of, you know, flavor and stuff.” “What can I say? It just hits the spot—again, that one, right there.” She pointed at the organelle again. “Not that I’m averse to flavor. There’s this one vendor on Dregs who hangs out near the spaceport. He serves up the most amazing street food. I’ve never found any as good. And while I’m not one to disagree, usually, you’re selling the smooth and creamy sunburst of lemony goodness short by stating that mayonnaise is devoid of flavor.” She pinked a bit, then smiled. “I do miss that street food, though.” Funboy spoke up. “That is because good street food is impossible to find due to its constant exposure to pathogens and environmental toxins.” Gabby turned to him, and he hurried to add, “But, my darling, the light of my life, is surely entitled to eat whatever things she sees fit, whether it’s mayonnaise in Iowa or—um, mayonnaise in the streets of Brussels.” “All of this talk about food has made me hungry,...