Trade and True

Io was still getting the hang of Earth's markets. The last time they had resided here, most people traded to get items that they wanted, but that seemed to have changed dramatically. Now they relied on passing paper to one another something Io had a hard time understanding. Paper was fragile and easy to ruin, but perhaps that was what made it so priceless?

Io’s demands were simple. They wanted to try out a drink. Before entering the shop, they picked up some white paper from a can that was nearby. It was crumpled, but what they wanted was very small, so they figured it would be enough. Currency in hand, they sidled into the shop and pulled a cola out of the fridge, then placed it onto the counter to initiate the trade. First, they set the napkin on the counter, an action the cashier regarded with a funny look. She didn't seem to approve of the paper currency Io had brought in. However, the alien wasn't too worried. They had a backup plan! With their primary hands, they pulled up their hoodie revealing their second pair of hands firmly clutching a very confused looking pigeon. If the paper didn’t work then livestock certainly would. As they attempted to set the bird on the counter, it was clear the dull creature had had enough and flapped its wings in an attempt to get away, spraying dirty gray feathers everywhere. The cashier yelped in confusion and Io, just as startled, grabbed the drink and ran out the door.

"What the fuck-!?? Get back here!"

What Io didn't know was that there were a few other people in the store and they had bared witness to Io's failure of a trade. Now they were being chased by two men seeking justice for the cashier. In an attempt to lose them, Io slipped into an alleyway and followed it down, mostly intending to hide. However, the men were keen to their trick and had soon closed up the entry way. The frightened alien kept running, trying to find an exit, only to meet with a very solid concrete wall.

They were cornered.

Io's head flicked around in an attempt to find some way to escape, but their surroundings were too tall to simply jump over. They clicked nervously, trying to sort out a solution. These people just wanted the drink back, right? That would resolve everything! Io tossed the bottle over to the two men, but instead of landing tamely on the floor, it hit the cap at an awkward angle causing an explosion of foam as the bottle sprayed across the walls, fueled by the fizzy liquid that had been trapped within. Io let out a startled squeak and the two men let out a startled yell, and backed up quickly to avoid being hit by the angry bottle. Io realized this was their only chance to escape, and looked around for another way out. They noticed a ladder hanging on the side of a building, and though it took some extra effort to reach it, they caught onto a rung and climbed for their life. Without looking back, they followed the fire escape up as the men shouted from below them. Once on top of the roof, they hopped to two other roofs and then hid for a while.

Io had no need to breathe, but they were certainly exhausted from the experience. They lay on their back and stared up at the stars. They were a bit uncomfortable, but that mild convenience would have to wait until they felt safe enough to descend again. The alien raised a sticky claw to their face and began licking to clean off the cola. They can't say they liked the flavor all too much. Maybe it was better that they didn't have it after all.