“One big laser?! Seriously who uses that?! Everyone knows the best way is an orbital bombardment once orbital superiority has been achieved; the enemy has no way to retaliate while you just sip tea as the planet’s crust turns to glass! Easy!!” Aisell said a bit too excited for Luke’s taste.

“Can I go back to my hole in the ground now please…you’re scaring me.”

“Especially if all they are after is the resources! Leaves it perfect for strip mining and water and atmospheric collection! All you have to do is filter out a bit of debris and deionize! Who needs an invasion force?! Idiot writers…this stinks of a race that has never actually been involved in planetary conquest before…” Aisell continued her rant her hands waving and her eyes wide.

“Alright Aisell the Hun…definitely scaring me now.” Luke had moved beyond exhausted and had caught his second wind. His eyes were wide open, and he had enough energy to stay up through another movie marathon if need be. It was however fortunate for him, Aisell has other plans.

“So why did you think I would like that movie anyhow? If you ask me it’s really kind of silly.” Coursing through Aisell’s veins was enough adrenaline to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool. The movie had done nothing but rile her up. She still seemed in positive spirits, but her tone was much more serious. She had sleeved rolled up so to speak and seemed eager to engage in debate.

“Well, it’s a perfect example of humanity’s tenacity in times of crisis. It show’s our ability to come together to stave off a common threat. That we may be the underdog…but we’re tough and scrappy! Ya know?” Luke sat up, adjusting himself on Aisell’s thigh so he could see her better.

Her lips were pressed together flat, her eyes narrowed a little, she was listening to Luke carefully, and once he had finished speaking her lips curved into a bit of a frown.

“Only it’s Terg dung…when you think about it.” Aisell spoke with conviction, she was a little bit disappointed in Luke’s logic and she had no intention of letting him escape without a proper verbal thrashing.

“What? How so?!” Luke furrowed his brow, how could she just dismiss what he said so easily?

“Well, first of all Luke, none of these ‘plans’ are really even all that feasible. I mean…it’s really all a bunch of wand waving absurdities.” Aisell watched Luke carefully.

“Wait what?” Luke was taken aback.

“And do you think flying in space is as simple as pointing your face forward and hitting the throttle?! Nonsense! You have to calculate orbits, account for different orbital speeds, inclinations and shapes! Not to mention transfer and rendezvous maneuvers! If you keep accelerating you just break orbit! You don’t move towards your target! Captain Hiller hasn’t a clue about flying a space craft! I’ve failed my shuttlecraft license three times and even I know more about flying than he does!” Aisell hardly paused to take a breath before she was right back at her verbal assault. “Second a single Earth computer brings down the mother ship!? That guy’s laptop used binary! I’m a computer idiot and even I know we’re WAY past binary! He would have tried to load the code and nothing would have happened!” Aisell said her arms extended wide at her side.

“Third, the rest of the ‘world’ has no part in it…other than waiting to see what the States of America will do next! Look at us we will save the world while the rest of you pick your noses!?” Aisell was beginning to sound agitated.

“United States of America…” Luke interjected.

“Whatever…silly nation state system! Where were all the other people involved!? Oh! And what about ground troops! That one Alien was all like super powerful with his mind control magic…which was yet more terg dung IF you ask me…you mean to tell me upon sensing the imminent defeat of their largest warships…this entire invading force just figured they’d sit back idly and watch? OH and that leads to another thing…after they lose a few of those big odd shaped metal excuses for space craft…any real militaristic master mind race would CLEARLY change their tactics WELL before they lost their ENTIRE FLEET in the TIME FRAME of a FEW MOMENTS!” Aisell was breathing much faster now, she didn’t appear mad, but there was a definite spike in her mood over the escalation of her argument.

“Woah…ok Aisell it was just a movie…all’s well that ends well right?” Luke laughed nervously.

“Look at me I’m Captain Hiller I can punch my way through a biomechanical exo-suit, fly a space craft I’ve never seen made by a race billions of light years away, and I still get the girl!” Aisell huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Heh, this is a side of you I haven’t seen before eh?” Luke decided to back off and allow Aisell her victory, she had managed to cram enough information down his throat in the last few moments, and he didn’t really know where to begin to argue anyway.

Aisell so far had seemed like this perfect, peaceful intelligent young woman. But deep within her stirred the heart of a vixen! She clearly had a mind for logic, strategy and a passion to go with it.

“Heh.” Aisell huffed, she had worked herself up into a bit of a tizzy and had to take a few moments to let her nerves settle.

“I…think we’ve had enough movies for the night though? I mean after your detailed lecture on the clear structural design flaws of the RMS Titanic…” Luke was cut off.

“And the complete incompetence of her crew!” Aisell added boldly.

“…and now this…I’d say we could use a nice…relaxing game…does Dr. Freeman have any board games?” Luke asked peeking towards the screen which was still half way through the credits of Independence Day.

“Hmmm…I don’t know?” Aisell’s voice bounced back, as she found something else to focus on. Just like that she seemed to be right back to her happy, chipper self. Aisell leaned towards the computer screen and began to thumb through the different menus for a while, until she came to a list with the title ‘games’. “Ok he has…three…”

“That’s it?” Luke sighed, Halo, Gear’s of War…even the Sim’s would give him a bit of an escape, something to distract himself with. But with such a limited list, disappointment was clearly imminent. “Well what’s he got?” Luke asked, almost afraid to hear what the answer would be.

“Something called…Mah-Jong…Sudoku…and…Chess.” Aisell narrowed her eyes to the screen as if to check once more, then peeked back to look expectantly. “Any of those good?”

Luke ran his hand over his face and threw himself back against the soft wall of flesh behind him. A disgruntled groan escaped him as he slowly pulled his hand away from his face. “Not really…but I think Chess might be a nice calm way to cool our nerves. Never really seen anyone get excited over a game of Chess.” Luke sat up, pushing against Aisell’s soft stomach for support.

“Ok…Chess it is!” Aisell eagerly opened the program and waited for it to load. The sight that greeted her as a little confusing at first, so she looked down to Luke patiently to await further instructions. When none were given she gently poked him in the side with the tip of her index finger. “Soooo…how do you play?” She spoke with a bit of a chuckle.

“Oooh right…Alien…I keep forgetting.” Luke shrugged sheepishly. Despite her impossible size and ridiculous life span, Aisell spoke and acted like any human he had ever seen. She had the same look, the same emotions, the same flaws, insecurities…everything. The longer her spent with her, the fewer differences he could really point out, once size was taken off the table. “Ok sooo it’s really simple…each piece has a certain area of movement…white always goes first…” Luke was cut off.

“Why?” Aisell asked with genuine curiosity.

“Er…I dunknow…tradition?” Luke shrugged.

“Mmmmkay…go on.” Aisell calmly awaited more.

“Well the first row you see there…those are called Pawns…see…” Luke pointed to the screen. “On their first move they are allowed to move two squares forward only…never backwards.” Luke looked back to Asiell, who was watching him like a hawk. “Pawns can only attack on a diagonal…like this…”Luke motioned with his hand to show Aisell what he was talking about.

“How is the outcome of the assault determined?” Aisell spoke up quickly.

“Attacker takes all…rank doesn’t matter.” Luke responded.

“Ok…go on.” Aisell’s tone remained stoic and focused.

“Well ok…the two at the end those are the Rooks…they can move any number of unblocked squares forward or to the side, but never on the diagonal…they can attack only pieces in a straight line from them. The two next to them are the knights and they move in an “L” pattern…like this…two spaces down one to the side…see.” Luke demonstrated with his fingers. “They can only take a piece which sitting on the square it would land on…understand?”

“Mmhmm.” Aisell mumbled, never taking her eyes off Luke.

“OH! And the Knight is the only piece which can leap over another piece if that piece is in its path!” Luke added.

“That makes sense.” Aisell nodded

“Right…ok so the next ones are Bishops…see how each one is on a different color square? They may only move on a diagonal.”

“I see…” Aisell nodded.

“The Queen can move in any direction she wants as far as she can…she is the most powerful piece on the board…and one of the most valuable pieces a player has.” Luke motioned to the queen.

“I like that.” Aisell grinned.

“Heh, and the King is the last piece…he can only move one square in either direction at a time…”

“Why is the ruler the weakest piece on the board?” Aisell asked furrowing her brow.

“I don’t know…he just is…and the game is over if your opponent’s king is taken.” Luke went on.

“Hmmm…ok…I understand…let’s play.” Aisell’s voice took on a bit of a boastful tone, she was clearly eager to get started and wasted no time mulling over details and semantics.

“You’ll pick it up as you go…it’s not that hard. It’s a computer program so it won’t allow you to make any moves that are against the rules.” Luke shrugged as he stood, making his way towards the large well lit touch screen.

“I will be white, you can be black.” Aisell commanded, her tone leaving little room for argument.

“Er…well…ah…ok…I suppose it’s only fair to let you go first…” Luke laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ll try to go easy on you!” Luke boasted, sending Aisell a coy grin.

“Hmmm…fine…let’s get started then ok?” Aisell didn’t seem amused, her attention was deadlocked on the screen before her. Emotion was drained from her face, her eyes were focused, hardly taking the time to blink, her plump lips pressed together tightly, her head slightly downcast as she looked to be in thought and her brow furrowed intensely.

Luke took a moment to examine her, shaking his head slowly at the speed with which Aisell had shifted moods once more. “R…right…game on…”

Luke rubbed the back of his neck as Aisell sat back in her chair, placing her hands behind her head, with a grin on her face.

“Another game?” She taunted, her tongue swept across her teeth as she peered down at Luke.

“No way!” Luke laughed as he stood up, shaking off his third consecutive defeat.

Aisell picked up the jist of the game after only five games; Luke had won the first two, but quickly found himself outclassed.

“Oh come on! Don’t be a sore loser!” Aisell’s tone softened as she leaned forward peering down at Luke.

“You sure you’ve never played? Nobody picks it up so quickly!?” Luke narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms.

“Honest. First I’ve heard of it!” Aisell laughed and raised her hands ‘surrender’ style to emphasize her innocence. The moment the game had ended, Aisell’s fierce and concentrated stoic demeanor shifted quickly back to the silly, kind and warm face he knew and trusted. During the course of the game itself any and all attempt at humor, casual conversation and even awkward banter had been deflected or down right ignored. It was as if she tuned the whole world out and focused solely on the task in front of her.

“Heh…well you’re good!” Luke admitted. “Aisell…I’ve never seen anything like it…the way you just…just…change like that…it’s kind of…well…”Luke looked away, he was ashamed to say it. “It’s freaky.” The part that bothered Luke the most was how Aisell dealt with defeat. She didn’t get angry or violent, but there was such vigor and fire in her eyes…she DEMANDED another game…and no was not an option. Even after she had begun to win…she did not allow the marathon to end until she was sure she understood the game perfectly, and had won in as short a time as she could.

“Well, I like strategy games.” Aisell shrugged, flashing a slightly embarrassed smile. She didn’t look like a nerdy type, but clearly had a knack for the mental fortitude required for games like chess.

“Are there very many where you’re from?” Luke asked; curiosity in his voice.

“Quite a few.” Aisell ran her hand along the pad’s touch screen as Luke began to talk. “One in particular is sort of a national pastime…so to speak.” There was excitement in Aisell’s voice as she swiped her hand swiftly across the screen.

“Really?” Luke responded with doubt in his voice. “We have sports televised back home, not board games.” Luke snickered.

“This is different. It’s fast paced and very fun to play and watch!” Aisell defended.

“What’s it called?” Luke noisily peeked at the screen as Aisell continued her search.

“Tol’Bot.” Aisell grinned.

“So what are the rules?” Luke eyed the screen.

“Four rounds, each consisting of a different ancient style of strategic warfare. Round one, land. Round two, sea. Round three, air. And round four, space.” Aisell spoke quickly, with passion.

“And how it played?” Luke eyed the screen. There were images of complex three dimensional hexagonal grids, a plethora of different playable units, and more text than he could ever read, had he even possessed the ability to do so.

“It’s…complicated…” Aisell had a look of deep thought. How could she explain something as complicated as Tol’Bot to someone who hadn’t even heard of it?

“I’m not dumb! Tell me how it works?” Luke took offense where none was intended.

“Hehe, ok relax.” Aisell chuckled and looked down to the fiery Luke.

“Sorry…” Luke shrugged.

“It is a game steeped in tradition. In the distant past it was a tool used by the military, to help tacticians gain a new perspective. It helped them look at the battle field from three dimensions.” Aisell spoke with excitement. “Kingdoms would often settle entire war’s using nothing but this competition! Of course back then they’d use real armies and not simulations…It was a sacred and fierce ordeal.” Aisell’s voice took on a solemn tone.

“So like…war games?” Luke asked with interest.

“Not quite…but close.” Aisell went on. “As our society evolved from warlike to more civilized, Tol’bot evolved to more of a game…” Aisell crossed her arm, giving Luke time to digest the information.

“So what is it…like?” Luke awaited more information.

“It is played in massive arenas. Each player controls four armies. As I said before, land, sea, air and space. Each phase of the game is meant to test the player’s strategic skill. Each phase requires a different skill set, as each type of combat requires a different perspective.” Aisell paused to hear Luke’s thoughts.

“Land combat is different than sea…and so on…” Luke looked to Aisell who nodded in approval.

“Players mask their identity.” Aisell could tell Luke was curious as to why by the look on his face. “We do this for many reasons. First, it allows people from multiple different social classes to compete on a level field, second it allows players to keep their personal life separate from their professional life, and third…well it adds to the allure. See, you can be a shy introvert in person…but on the Tol’Bot field you can be a fierce warlord! Masking your personal identity gives players a chance to be whomever they want…the only limitations are what you can think up!” Aisell smiled, almost wistfully.

“Heh. Makes sense.” Luke shrugged. “Prevents the players from being swamped by fans day and night I guess.”

“Well, that too.” Aisell Nodded.

“Heh…well go on.” Luke seemed eager to hear more.

“Well, each player has a set number of pieces in their army. Each piece has unique abilities…strengths and weaknesses. Just like a real army. The game requires skill, knowledge of war, patience, intuition…and a bit of luck.” Aisell winked. “The winner is the one who has the highest score by the end.”

“There are four rounds…wouldn’t this lead to a tie often?” Luke narrowed his eyes.

“Yes! And that is the best part!” Aisell grinned and rubbed her hands together.

“Oh?” Luke’s attention was on a fancy looking space craft, he could only guess was one of the many pieces the game boasted.

“The tie breaker!” Aisell’s voice took on a deviant and almost vicious tone.

“Like a sudden death round?” Luke stepped back, a little put off by Aisell’s eagerness.

“In ancient times, we had a blood sport known as Grull. It was a sort of Gladiatorial Combat. Opponents would square off, to the death in personal one on one combat. It was bloody and savage…but it is a part of our history.” Aisell shrugged.

“Heh. Sounds a lot like something my people used to do also….”Luke held in a laugh, even their cultures seemed similar. It was hard to fathom how they were able to justify keeping Humans as pets when clearly the two species were more alike than different.

“Well…the tie breaker is a simulated tribute to this piece of our history. Players choose a weapon, and their avatars…hard light projections of themselves, face off in personal combat.” Aisell smiled.

“To the holographic death?” Luke cringed.

“Yup!” Aisell laughed. “But that only happens when both players are so evenly matched a clear winner is not appointed after the first four rounds.” Aisell nodded. “The winner receives the pot…a large sum ofcredits normally…but different stadiums have different winning pools sometimes. There is even an ancient tradition where the winner is allowed to demand of the loser their most prized possession.” Aisell sounded serious, as if she was trying to spook Luke out.

“How…sporting.” Luke swallowed hard.

“It’s not normally practiced anymore…but…ya know…it’s there.” Aisell shrugged. “Tournaments are held yearly and are open to Imperial citizens of any race.” Aisell was busy watching the screen, she was eyeing over a few more pictures, one in particular. “Only real serious players need apply…as these matches can sometimes go on for days at a time…they can start to feel like real wars you know.” Aisell half sighed. “There are plenty of really good players around…but only one who’s managed to take the title in the last 5 years. The Iron Maiden…see Luke most players like to flair it up a bit…put on a show…you know…rally the crowd. Some use Pyro technics, some dramatic personalities…and some bogus gimmicks…but the Maiden…none of that.” Aisell’s voice went low. “She relies on her skill alone…she rarely speaks…her dark metallic masked face shows nothing but the darkest black…she never puts on a show…she rarely addressed the crowd…and once she’s wiped the floor with you she’s often gone before you realize…” Aisell looked down, the gently rhythmic sound of Luke’s gentle snoring had caught her attention.

“Awww…you’re so damn cute when you sleep ya know that?” Aisell cooed as she slowly and gently scooped Luke up and positioned herself on her bed, crawling under her covers. Carefully she placed Luke on the pillow beside her and placed his cloth over him, kissing her finger and touching it to his cheek gently. “Silly humans….”She yawned. “Always sleeping…” Aisell whispered as she herself drifted off to sleep.