HASO: Differences of Atmosphere
Prak was used to being the most dangerous being on a ship—he was a prime example of the adaptable, viscous, generalist that most assumed humans to be. But the universe was wide and the aliens contained within limitless. Of course their “space orc” streak couldn’t last forever. But shit, did failing to defend their ship mean they wouldn’t be getting paid?
—
Bohj was tired of the small, stealthy ships that the Nyx Coalition was trying to sneak through her trade embargo. She was running out of room to humanely imprison the crewmembers, as well; the breadth of species the Nyx employed only made it more difficult to ensure she wasn’t accidentally suffocating or poisoning anyone.
The scraping of a grate came from behind her, then the thump of a falling body. She whipped around to see-
—
Prak was triumphant. He would definitely get paid for returning the captured employees, and get a bonus for bringing in the head of the bynizaa. He raised his energy gun towards Bohj, who backed up slowly.
“You’ll order your crew to stand down and open the prisoner cells. Then maybe you’ll keep your worthless life,” they bit out in UIPL.
Bohj inclined her head, but made no move toward the control panels.
“Hurry up…” Prak blinked. His vision blurred slightly. Shaking his head, he focused back on the alien in front of him. “I’m not a very patient person.”
—
Idiot. Bohj thought. How humans earned their clever reputation, I’ll never know.
Prak stumbled to the left, gun hand faltering, and Bohj took the opportunity to sweep forward and grab them.
If they’d done their research, they’d have realized bynizaa breathe much lower oxygen and higher carbon monoxide. That’s not a combination the ever-adaptable human can overcome.
