Also In Space

 When was the last time you got lost?

"Thanks again for giving me a tow. I thought, for sure, I'd be out there drifting lost for weeks after my hyperdrive crapped out on me. I'm gonna have some choice words for my mechanic when I get back."

"Heh, no trouble, buddy. I'm just glad I found you when I did. I'll get you to the nearest star depot as soon as I can."

"Good to hear. I was worried I'd starve. I don't have much food onboard."

"Yeah, I know what that's like. I didn't have any food on hand either. Makes me glad I found you."

"So, what brings you all the way out here, anyway?"

"You. I knew you were alone. It's funny. Even over these interstellar distances, I can always sense another's blood."

"Hmm?"

I noticed the tow pilot unconsciously run his tongue over one of his sharpened, elongated incisors.

"Oh, c'mon!"

(written 2021 Jan 18)