[AlexFili]

Forbidden Tentacle
A Slig's Discovery

"Nathaniel".

The other Slig had a strange expression on his face. "Sorry, I know it's a long name... just call me Nath". The other Slig nodded, "Sure thing Nath, I'm Brak".

Nathaniel smiled, but the smile faded and he looked at the ground. Brak looked concerned, "You OK bud? I guess you're new here right?"

Nathaniel nodded. He took out his rifle and looked at it. "How can they expect us to carry these things? What exactly are we supposed to do with them?", Brak shook his head, "You really are a newbie aren't ya? Come on let's get some lunch and I'll fill yer in". Nathaniel sighed, "Alright then".

As Brak walked along the corridor, he looked at Nathaniel. His eyes darted across the different structures and corridors. Nathaniel looked at Brak, smiling. Brak blushed slightly, wondering "Is it normal for Sligs to look at each other this much?", then looking forward.

Brak opened the door, and guided Nathaniel into the lunch hall. There were a few other Sligs eating and talking to each other. Brak and Nathaniel went to get some food. They sat down a few minutes later, with some Scrab Cakes and a Meep Burger. Nathaniel ate slowly, brushing his face tentacles aside every so often, looking at the other Sligs nearby.

Brak looked at Nathaniel and wondered, just how could this newbie get forced into a place like this, he's not eating much either...

Nathaniel told Brak about how he was born under strange circumstances, along with how he was mistreated as a young Slig.

Brak sighed, "That explains your attitude and inexperience... come on, let's go". They took their trays back to the food area, and then headed out back to the Barracks.

Brak took Nathaniel into a side-room, closing the door behind him. "Listen, I'm not sure what you want to do next with yer life, but I'll help you get through whatever problems you're having right now". Nathaniel looked sad, but he was grateful to Brak. "Thanks". Nathaniel hung his head low, looking to his side.

Brak decided ask something. "What got you so riled up this morning?". Nathaniel looked at Brak with a stern gaze, "I saw someone beating up one of the Mudokon slaves, it hadn't even done anything wrong!". Nathaniel wiped the side of his mask, Brak put his hand on Nathaniel's shoulder. "I know how you feel, it IS awful the way they are treated. I'm sorry, there are a few bad opples in here that ruin a totally cushy job".

Nathaniel looked down, but Brak gripped his shoulder to make him focus. "Listen, beating up Mudokons without reason is worth a week in solitary confinement. We'll report it tomorrow morning alright? He won't try that again in a hurry".

Nathaniel smiled, "Thank you, Brak".

Nathaniel took his chance and tried something risky. He touched Brak's face tentacle with his outstretched hand. Brak didn't know what to do, should he recoil in fear or should he give in to curiosity and accept the Slig's kind gesture? The future was uncertain.