Crocogater

Crocogaters, or "gators" for short, are amphibious reptiles. The species seems to exist on multiple planets, and they are known for their sharp teeth and voracious appetite.

Fiction

The Milk Toast Malt Shop was situated on Asteroid 43KX. On foot, it was only accessible by a single log that ran over a moat infested with Crocogaters. This appeared to be a security measure, as the Malt Shop's boss bartender ordered unruly patrons to be thrown to the gators.

Planet Terry and Robota journeyed to the Milk Toast Malt Shop in order to find Squink, who may have held a clue to the location of Terry's missing parents. They came across the moat, and Terry identified the Crocogaters to Robota. Despite the risk of being eaten by the gators, the two travellers ventured over the log bridge.

Omnus, a violent and bad-tempered alien, was approaching from the other direction. When he met Terry on the log, he ordered the boy to get out of his way or end up as gator chow. Omnus took a swing at him and missed, losing his footing and landing in the moat. He was beset by the hungry Crocogaters, and despite his attempts to fight them off, found himself overwhelmed. Despite her belief that he didn't deserve help, Robota dived into the moat and fought off the Crocogaters, finding her steel skin to be impervious to their teeth. Once rescued, Omnus took their names and sheepishly walked away, telling them he owed them one.

Finally entering the Malt Shop, Terry and Robota found Squink causing enough trouble for the boss bartender to order his heavies, Morthrott and Grmbil, to throw Squink to the gators. When Terry and Robota intervened, the boss ordered them into the moat as well.

The pair were rescued by Omnus, who had come to return his favour. The three of them fled the Malt Shop with the unconscious body of Squink carried over Robota's shoulder. With the bar staff chasing after them with weapons, Terry had the idea to kick the log bridge loose from its moorings, trapping their pursuers on the other side of the Crocogater-infested waters. Malt Shop Menace

Notes

• You'd think it'd be spelled "crocogators", but no.