So I was at this run-down dim sum place on the shore of Mars’ largest dry ocean. It was the only structure on the seemingly endless rock strewn red sands, a small glass cube in the middle of nowhere. It had a counter just inside the front door and several well-worn tables along the glass walls.

It was a nice day on Mars, with very little of the planet’s notorious wind. The sun streamed in the windows, lighting up the small enclosure. At the table nearest the door, a group of indigenous Martians sat, their ant-like bodies draped in bright iridescent tunics.

I was at the far table with my back to the glass wall, enjoying my dim sum when he walked in. He was at least six feet nine, humanoid as far as I could tell, very muscular and wore leather and armor. He had wild long hair, golden eyes like a cat which glowed dark and menacing. He was wearing a gun belt and a nasty grin.

As he entered, he shoved aside any of the patrons that hadn’t already scattered, and moved to the front of the line. The Martians quietly headed for the door, muttering something unintelligible under their breath.

“I’ll have three of these,” the creature growled, indicating one of the dumpling choices pictured on the wall. “And make it quick, I’m hungry.”

The fish-like beings behind the counter flapped their fins to stay buoyant in the air, and turned their large heads from side to side in order to get a good look at this customer. They schooled together a moment, quavered and tittered to themselves in their own strange tongue, but managed a high-pitched “Yes, sir!”

It was about that time that the large hairy creature whirled and glared at me, saying, “Whadyou lookin at?”

Under the table, I instinctively reached for my laser pistol. In my travels throughout the solar system, I had encountered all sorts of strange creatures. The fish creatures behind the counter, native to the under-ice oceans of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, the whirling dust creatures from the far side of Venus and the ant-people of Mars. Rarely had I needed to defend myself, but I was ready now.

“Oh, nothing, I said charitably, “just takin’ in this fine day.”

I had noticed when he came in that he too was armed, in his case with a large capacity laser pistol. When he squared to face me, a furry hand reached down to his side near the holstered weapon. He took a step toward me, holding the dim sum on a tray with the other hand. Under the table, I pulled out my pistol, but did not let it show.

The creature’s demeanor changed then. The strange cat eyes which had been dark and malevolent softened and lightened. He smiled and said, “Mind if I join you, pardner?”

Surprised, it took a beat or two, but I smiled and waved him forward. He plopped the dim sum tray on the table and himself in the chair across from me. “Try the pork one.” he said. “They are to die for.”

As he said this, the group of Martians returned and sat at their table by the door, tittering among themselves and waving their various legs. Outside, the sun still shone and a light wind blew red sand across the barren landscape.