A very belligerent, large, Deathworlder is bullying a Havenworlder. The Havenworlder inexplicably stands their ground, looks the person in the eyes, and says "I dare you to try it." Never try it when someone says "I dare you", it never turns out good for you. -- Lessons
There are unwritten rules of the universe. Never eat at a place named Mom's, never play pool at a place named Pop's, never try to eat anything bigger than your own head, never tell a Human what they can't do, and never, ever accept a dare.
Xiu was sort of counting on that as she fluffed up her bright feathers and tried to look fierce against a Deathworlder almost four times her height. They were certainly a multiple of her weight, and indescribably stronger. Standing her ground against such an obvious threat had to be some level of insanity.
It seemed to be working all the same.
The Human paused in their looming to look around for cameras. Only some were there to prevent crime by their visibility. There were other, less visible ones that existed to document crime as it happened.
There was also a nearby Human in Security colours, watching and waiting for attempted crime to occur. They were of a slight build, and seemed to be very relaxed about the scene before them.
Only Xiu saw that they had one hand on the butt of their stunner and the snap clip loose for an easy draw.
"You say you could kill me? Try," said Xiu, using some furniture to gain a little height. "Or are you all talk and no action?" She rustled her feathers at them for extra measure.
The aggressive Human backed down. "Eh. Not worth the bother." They turned and stomped away. Looking for easier prey.
Xiu almost collapsed back onto her perch. Focussing on the breathing technique that would keep her conscious.
The Security officer circled around to approach on a friendlier vector. "All well? Needing help?"
"Needing sweet," answered Xiu in GalSimple. "Needing warm." There was a heat lamp for just such occasions.
The Security officer provided a bowl of sugar cubes. "It's always the same. Bullies are going to bully until they find someone who refuses to be a victim." A smile. "My team's picking them up for remedial education right now."
[Image by Lenstravelier on Unsplash]
If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends!
Send me a prompt [53 remaining prompts!]