My father's name was Dalthrek.
And my name is Orkus.
He traveled around the galaxy, having children with desperate women—only to leave them behind and move on to the next.
I never liked him.
"Hey honey, come down for our weekly rations," my mother called from downstairs. We were only provided one stale ration per week by the government. The Thelek produce situation had been worse than awful ever since the Sandeth took everything from us.
I walked downstairs, the shabby metal floors creaking under my feet with every step.
When I sat at the table, my mother placed a plate of roasted Gulther breast in front of me. I never liked Gulther, but I was too hungry to be picky. So I dug into the food.
On my sixth bite, I asked my mother a question.
"Hey Mom… wasn't Dad a plant scientist?"
My mother turned her head and looked at me like I was a psychopath in a straitjacket.
"Why the Derkus-ass would you ask that? Are you implying we ask him to help our planet?" she snapped.
I regretted asking the question, but I had to finish what I started.
"Well… uh… he could help us out… wasn't there some lost recipe for a super fertilizer—"
Her face turned bright red with fury. I could tell she wasn't fond of what I'd just said.
"NO WAY IN HELL WILL I ASK YOUR DEADBEAT FATHER FOR ANYTHING! DON'T YOU EVER MENTION HIM AGAIN!"
I flinched at her harsh tone and decided to shut up and eat.