Read Online For the Love of Gelo! by Tom O'Donnell - Free Book Online Page A

me, Sheln, er”—here Loghoz looked thoroughly nauseated—“I mean, Chief of the Council seems to have the law on its side. Our thol’grazes are tied until Kalac returns. Or we have . . . another election.” Loghoz was obliquely referring to the possible death of Kalac.
    Becky spoke in Xotonian. “Well, what if something were to happen to Sheln?” she said, cracking her knuckles. “Something bad.”
    â€œVery good conjugation,” said Loghoz primly, “but remember to roll your
h
’s.” It had momentarily reverted to its role as the humans’ XSL teacher.
    â€œWhat? Don’t you correct this duplicate’s grammar while she’s threatening my life!” shrieked Sheln. “Commissioner of the Guards, please remove the unruly hoo-min from the Council chamber.”
    Eromu gave Sheln a confused look. “I don’t understand, Chief. I am a captain of the guard. There is no such title as Commissioner.”
    â€œDuring a state of emergency,” said Sheln, “the Chief of Council may make certain temporary appointments for the greater good. And I have created a leadership position within your force. Allow me to introduce the new Commissioner of the Guards!”
    I had a sinking feeling in my z’iuk. Somehow, I already knew who it was going to be. From the back of the room, a huge young Xotonian stepped forward, wearing a look of epic smugness on its ugly face. It was Sheln’s offspring, Zenyk, clad in a ridiculous pseudo-military uniform: ill-fitting, brightly colored, and ornate. Practically every centimeter was encrusted with buttons and badges and crystal medals. Did they give out medals for flunking math? Maybe for picking your vel’doc and eating it?
    At the sight of Zenyk, Little Gus burst out laughing. Zenyk turned and scowled.
    â€œWhat?” said Little Gus, speaking Xotonian. “I’m sorry, but you look like a Christmas tree threw up.”
    â€œCareful what you say to me now, hoo-min,” snarled Zenyk.
    â€œDoesn’t . . . of punchings,” said Hollins, stepping toward Zenyk.
    â€œThat’s it,” said Sheln. “All of the hoo-mins must go. They simply can’t be controlled. Bunch of filthy two-eyed barbarians.”
    â€œYou heard the Chief, Eromu,” snapped Zenyk. “Get them out of here. Now!”
    Eromu gave the Council a pained look. It had served under many Councils, and disloyalty and disobedience were against its nature. Still, this was almost too much. “Zenyk,” said Eromu at last, “is just a—a youngling.” There were far worse words that I might have chosen to describe our new Commissioner.
    â€œAnd haven’t younglings proved they are capable of so much recently?” said Sheln with sarcasm. “I believe Zenyk is ready for this responsibility.”
    Eromu sighed, then did as it was told, gently leading the human children from the room.
    â€œHey, what did I do?” asked Nicki.
    â€œYou look just like the other one,” said Sheln. And then she was gone. Now there were only Xotonians left in the chamber.
    â€œThat’s better. No more foreign elements corrupting the political process,” said Sheln. “Of course the state of emergency also means that no one leaves the city without my permission. So your little hoo-min clubhouse is over, Chorkle. Those two-eyed freaks shouldn’t be fiddling with our Xotonian starfighters anyway. They’re probably sabotaging them—”
    â€œThey saved your worthless
butt
with those starfighters!” yelled Hudka, using a human anatomical word for emphasis.
    â€œWorthless
butt
?” repeated Sheln. “Worthless
butt
! I am the Chief of the Council now! I think you will find that my
butt
is quite valuable these days!”
    â€œWhat?” said Hudka. “Gross.”
    â€œFine,” I said, struggling to remain calm. “I will grant that