Space Vampire

by Ruby Dixon

Superior Stables: Any splice for the right price!

The tall, horned blue aliens dress in elegant robes and hold their noses up in the air when it comes to the other alien races and pride themselves on how learned and civilized they are, and yet they love slavery and gladiators. Spoiler alert: The entire universe is full of jerks.

This station is deserted, buddy. They left me behind because I’m a poodle, and I guess they left you to be eaten because of the light allergy. Bad news for you, though.” Her voice drops to a dramatic whisper. “If we run across the monster, I’m going to trip you so he eats you first.”

Be cool, I remind myself. If you’re having a normal conversation, he’s not as monster-y as you think.

“They don’t give me shoes. Poodle, remember? I get to keep my cute little toesies on the cold floorsies because my master is a huge dicksies and thinks it’s cutesy.”

I take that in. Really take that in. He hates the light. He drinks blood. This is starting to feel like a prank. My fear bleeds away. “Are you . . . trying to tell me that you’re a vampire?” Man, the Halloween vibes on this ship are immaculate.

“Creature, you smell incredible, and I can hear your pulse pound with every beat of your heart, and I have not attacked you yet, have I?”