Lana took over. “That’s very hospitable of you,” she said, getting a bit of her cheer back into her voice. “But my friends and I can’t see very well in darkness, can I bother you for a little bit of light?”

Bulco wiped the sweat from his neck. “And a little less heat,” he grumbled.

Alzigo smacked his head in a very human-like manner. “Of course, forgive me. I’ve been alone on the station for so long, I forgot others might have a problem adjusting to my people’s natural climate.” He raised his right hand and a small light console appeared above a metal plate. His long fingers tapped a few keys and bright lights turned on all around them. Lana felt a touch of gentle refreshing wind that made the oppressive heat more bearable.

“There,” the alien said. “Better?”

“Much.” Lana smiled at him.

Alzigo led them through the large docking chamber. It opened into a wide corridor that extended to the sides.

“This is the main docking tube,” he said proudly. “It can easily accommodate up to fifty freighter-sized ships, and the dock at the end can even accommodate full-sized cruisers.”

“So it is a space station?” Lana asked.

“Of course, I already told you that when I welcomed you aboard, just before you attacked me. Ah … I guess you didn’t understand me back then, did you?”

“Err … sorry about that.” Nori shifted uncomfortably.

“No need to apologize, again; no harm was done.” The large alien waved his hands placidly. “Yes, this is my space station. It took me quite a few years to accumulate the capital and investors required to purchase it. My brother has a bigger one and his supports a very successful mining colony. He's the pride of my family, really. But I’ll show them who’s the more accomplished sibling. As the first station on a newly Infused planet, I’m bound to make a fortune.”

Lana looked down to hide her smirk. The horrifying-looking alien was turning out to be a bit of a chatterbox.

“Here we are,” he announced.

They had reached a massive door at the end of the tube that was as wide as the corridor. Alzigo waved his hand. The door split into four parts that withdrew into walls, revealing a huge open space beyond them.

The station’s main deck was one giant sphere, easily half a kilometer in diameter. The space was divided into levels by round walkways and promenades, surrounding a hollow center.

“I’m planning on shops, hotels, and other services to fill up this space.” Alzigo gestured around them. “But for now, there’s only my residence and shop. Follow me, I’ll show you around.”

“Wait, are you the only person living here?” Nori frowned. “How is this possible? Don’t you need a crew to run the place, make sure everything keeps working?”