Brewing Rebellion
GABRIELLE BLEU
"You offer mere liquid as tribute to your conquerors?" The alien's lamprey mouth pulsated disdainfully at the carafe.
"This is Earth's most treasured beverage," Dr. Manjhi replied.
"Ha! A species that surrenders via doctor - a researcher! - would overindulge in liquids. No warrior's vigor."
But the research of Dr. Manjhi, allergist, might yet save Earth.
"Coffee's bitterness brings vigor," She said, like she knew. She never drank coffee; allergies.
The warlord sucked down lamprey sips.
His tentacles shuddered and coiled.
"What causes this? Poison?" The warlord spluttered.
He choked. He wheezed. He asphyxiated.
"It's the tannins," Dr. Manjhi murmured.
Gabrielle Bleu writes luminous science fiction and fantasy. Find more of Bleu's work at gabriellebleu.com.