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Asleep Among the Stars
By Robert Consiglio
?We are in scanner range of the bogey, Captain,? says First Communications Officer Borlov. ?It's definitely a ship of some sort, but it has no heat signature. It appears to have lost power.?
What could it be doing here, so far from any planetary system? the Captain thinks, swiveling his command chair slightly to glance at Borlov, who is bent over his computer, scanning and analyzing the mystery ship.
?Well?? enquires the Captain, adjusting his cap, upon which is emblazoned the blue dragon of the Artican Space Corps.
?The ship's life support systems appear to be still operating,? says Borlov. ?But what's this??
The Captain perks his ears to listen.
?There is a single life form aboard,? utters Borlov. ?However, the life form readings are extremely faint. It's strange??
?Put the ship on the main screen!? barks the Captain.
All eyes on the bridge of Artican Space Guardian, AS Proxius, focus now on the ship's main battle screen. A medium sized, sleek looking yet battered grey and blue warship appears on the screen.
?It's a Jedozian pocket cruiser,? says the Captain. It was a statement.
How could it have possibly ended up here? Borlov thinks, stroking his mustache.
The Captain depresses a red button on his command chair. ?Prepare a boarding party, immediately,?
?Yes, Captain Gorkov,? crackles a voice from a speaker near the button.
The Captain's gaze falls on Second Officer Bersilov. ?Use the grapples to secure the enemy ship, and be gentle. Some of these Jedozian ships are set for self destruct if you jostle them too much.?
?I'll be careful,? says Bersilov.
Gorkov glares at Bersilov, who smiles grimly.
**********
A prone man is dimly aware of a bright white light shining in his face. A musty smell fills his nostrils. He opens his eyes.
Standing above him is tall, clean shaven man with an officer's cap of Artican Intelligence. In his mouth is a smoldering cigarette at the end of a long cigarette holder.
?Hello, Vladom Versivetch,? says the officer, grinning slightly. ?I am Colonel Povlov. You are under my care.?
The man doesn't respond for a moment, he is aware, for the first time, that his arms are being restrained by a force field.
?How do you know my name?? asks the man, lifting his head feebly.
?We know everything about you, my Jedozian friend,? utters Povlov, aiming a smoke ring at Vladom's head, but missing.
Vladom looks up and notes the double dragon flag, insignia of the Artican Masters.
?What ship is this??
?This is no ship,? says the Colonel. ?You are on Piasha.?
Vladom absorbs that and then asks. ?Is the war still going on??
Now Povlov really grins. ?You mean the Second Great Continental War? It has been over for over a decade.?
Vladom's mouth hangs open and he stammers ?But, but that's impossible, the war??
?It is not impossible,? corrects Colonel Povlov, ?It's a fact.?
?I don't believe you.?
?No? Well, we picked the computer logs of your ship, Pegasus9, clean and learned a few things.?
?I don't know about any ship named Pegasus.?
The Colonel ignores Vladom's interruption. ?Pegasus9 departed from the then Kingdom of Jedozia on 1 Before Conquest and??
?When you say Before Conquest, I assume that you Articans defeated the United Armies and now control this whole planet, am I correct??
?Yes,? agrees the Colonel. ?The Brelum now covers most of Piasha.?
?Then you must have Psychic beamed the people of Piasha to accept your program.?
The Colonel removes the cigarette lighter from his mouth and places it on a table.
?Roteans?? enquires Vladom. ?What does that mean??
?So that's where we are now, the Kingdom of Jedozia?? blurts Vladom.
?Oh,? says Vladom. ?That's a pretty name.?
?I can see by your reaction that this may be true,? says the Colonel.
Vladom feels an icy chill slide down his spine.
?I feel exhausted,? says Vladom. ?I want to sleep.?
Vladom stares at the Colonel, mouth agape. But now it begins to make sense to him. He can begin to piece together in his mind some of what had happened.
?We almost lost you, my friend,? adds the Colonel, ?but our doctors are good. They revived you and so now we are here and you can tell me what I need to know.?
?I have nothing to tell you.?
?But you do.?
?What, then??
?You are going to tell me what star system the rest of the Rotean armada was heading for.?
Vladom blinks several times and is silent.
***********
Vladom wipes his eyes and makes out the shape of three figures. They are wearing grey and white trimmed Artican military tunics. He recognizes one of them. It is Colonel Povlov. Vladom notes that he is no longer being restrained. However, when he tries to stand up abruptly, two Artican sentries, standing in front of the entrance, finger their blasters and he sits down.
What's going on here? Vladom thinks.
?You can get everything you want to know from our computer logs you pirated,? says Vladom curtly.
Vladom considers the arm, which gleams slightly, then dares a glance at the officer's face. He only scowls at him.
?A little war wound,? says the officer. ?Perhaps there are some things you would like to ask us first.?
Vladom looks at Povlov, then the officer. ?How did you trigger those solar storms previous to your attack on the United Army Confederation?? asks Vladom. ?There are some that say it was a freak of nature, but I beg to disagree. It knocked out all of our communications and early warning systems, and then you launched your attack immediately afterwards. It seemed planned, the timing was too precise.?
The officer looks at Pavlov and then says ?It was a cosmic event, triggered by the Artican Masters to defeat evil and bring reason and rationality to the people of Piasha.?
?And who exactly are the Artican Masters?? blurts Vladom. ?Tell me that!?
?That is not important,? says the officer firmly.
?Come,? says Povlov. ?Why do we fence so? You are young and intelligent, Vladom. Why not join us? Your conversion would be painless, and then you could make a great contribution towards bringing peace and prosperity to your fellow Piashans. We could even return you to your hometown in Jedozia.?
?I assume that now everyone in Jedozia worships the Artican Masters like gods and have become mental slaves of your cursed Brelum.?
The officer grits his teeth, but Povlov only chuckles.
?In fact,? says Povlov, ?Jedozia now has absolutely no violence and the crime rate is practically zero. We have created the perfect humanity, living more harmoniously and peacefully than at any time in history. Violence and conflict is now a thing of the past.?
?Yet this peace you have created is strictly artificial,? retorts Vladom. ?Once the masses of Piasha break free from your Brelum, they will learn how you are making them the mental slaves of the Artican Masters. They will unite against you and destroy you.?
The officer glares at Povlov, his eyes blazing.
?You see General Shoor?? says Povlov, looking at the officer. ?The Jedozians certainly have spunk, you have to hand that to them!?
The third Artican officer, a Major, sits bolt upright and roars ?Enough! We want information about that Rotean fleet. If we cannot get if from the prisoner voluntarily, we will have to use the probe.?
?Surely you must have heard something about where you were going previous to your being placed in hibernation,? says Povlov.
?If I was, I don't recall it,? says Vladom.
?You mean you allowed yourself to be turned into a sleeping frozen popsicle without ever being told where you were going?? shouts Shoor.
?If you say so,? says Vladom.
?You're lucky I don't blast you,? growls Shoor, fingering his holster in his belt.
?Be my guest,? says Vladom without blinking
?According to your ship's logs,? says Povlov, withdrawing his cigarette lighter and lighting it, ?you were heading towards the Tolarium system when your computer's navigation systems shut down.? The Colonel flicks his cigarette holder and sighs deeply. ?Surely someone must have said something to you about where you might be heading when the fleet left Piasha. Come on, Vladom, think.?
?Oh yes,? blurts Vladom, his eyes lighting up. ?I do remember something that the Captain said to me that was pretty important.?
The three Articans are staring at the Jedozian now.
?He said that the Articans were becoming quite a nuisance on Piasha, but like pesky insects, we would squash them.?
In a flash, Genera Shoor draws his stun gun with his right hand and fires into Vladom's chest, and he collapses like a rag doll.
?I will obtain a mind probe, and then we will pick this arrogant Jedozian's brain,? growls Shoor, placing his blaster back into its holster. ?If not, I am tempted to put him back inside that hibernation chamber until Promus turns into a red giant.?
?Pick him up and take him to the infirmary!? barks Povlov.
The two Artican sentries rush over and lift the prisoner and carry him out.
***********
The elevator slides opens and Colonel Povlov gestures toward a nurse, who, smiling slightly, pushes a patient in a wheelchair out the entrance.
Povlov steps out and his ears are immediately greeted by the clicking sound of heavy boots. He turns and sees General Shoor plodding towards him. His face is flushed.
?I want all the results from this mind probe sent to Artican Intelligence HQ, is that clear, Colonel Povlov?? growls Shoor as soon as he is in earshot.
?Yes, General,? says Povlov, frowning. He scans the room numbers until he spots it: room 502.
?Maybe he will be more willing to talk after I teach him some manners, eh Povlov?? says the General, chuckling slightly as he pushes the entrance and walks into the room, closely followed by Povlov.
Both men gasp. There, lying unconscious on the floor, is a sentry. The second sentry is gone and the prisoner's bed is empty!
?The urchin has escaped!? roars Shoor. ?Search the premises! I want both of them recaptured, alive!?
*************
?That was pretty clever, how you egged on that Artican General to zap you,? says a grey mustachioed man wearing a green camouflaged smock. . On his head is a cap which features a purple star, once worn by the United Armies.
?When I saw you,? says Vladom, ?I somehow guessed that you wanted me out of there.?
?I assume you are all some kind of resistance fighters,? says Vladom.
?We know exactly who you are, Vladom,? says a voice from the other side of the air car. It is a large bearded man holding a Jedozian blast gun. ?You were with those filthy Vuchkols that abandoned the United Armies on Piasha in your cursed ships to save your own skins.?
Vladom opens his mouth to answer, but Kavlov gestures for him to be quiet.
?What is past is past,? says Kavlov carefully. ?He could be of some use to us still.?
?But I want to help you now!? shouts Vladom. ?We can fight the Articans here, in Jedozia!?
?It is no longer safe for us in Jedozia, Vladom,? says Kavlov. ?The Jedozian Liberation Army has gone over to the Articans.?
?The traitors!?
Vladom's eyes smolder ?The brutes!?
Wendel is a frozen planet in the Promus system notorious for its penal colonies.
?How many of us are there?? asks Vladom cautiously.
?We don't know exactly,? says Kavlov.
?To Paradeshia, then,? says Vladom grimly.
He turns to look around him and gasps. All around him are the massive snow capped Weimos Mountains.
?Quickly!? barks Kavlov. ?The Pedzios may have sent a patrol.?
?Pedzios are with the Articans, I assume?? enquires Vladom.
?Yes,? says Kavlov. ?There are air patrols by Artican drones as well.?
Vladom gazes up at the ruddy sky for a moment, but sees or hears nothing.
They arrive at a thick pine forest and begin plodding through the deep snow, single file.
Vladom darts behind a tree trunk, but Kavlov waves him back into the open.
?It's okay, Vladom. They are with us.?
?Welcome to Paradeshia, Jedozians!?
Vladom laughs, more from relief than anything.
More figures emerge from the forest gloom.
?Come,? says the Paradeshian firmly. ?We will take you to a place of safety.?
As they plod methodically through thick forest, Vladom turns to glance at Kavlov.
?They are taking us to the Bvers,? says Kavlov.
?What are they?? Vladom enquires.
A buzzing sound is heard emanating from the clouds above.
The Paradeshians and Jedozians bury themselves into the snow.
?Hunter!? says a voice. ?Don't move They can detect motion.?
Everyone lies motionless until the buzzing noise fades and finally vanishes.
Vladom wipes the snow off of him and looks around.
?Keep your weapons handy!? says one of the Paradeshians. ?Pedzios may appear at any moment.?
Shivering, he turns to look at Kavlov again and asks ?What are the Bvers??
?Tunnels dug into the mountains by the partisans.?
?Quiet!? barks a Paradeshian just ahead of them.
Within moments, he has pried it open, and everyone climbs into it, one at a time.
As Vladom's turn comes and he steps into the hole, he hears Kavlov's voice from inside the tunnel.
There is a gentle serration of laughter from within and Vladom blushes.
Wide-eyed, I turn around slowly and look everywhere.
?What in the world was-?
?No, I didn't,? I say confidently. I take in the details of the bush. Very odd, the green was way brighter than all the leaves and other bushes to my right and left. I walk close enough to see a small red berry, perfectly plump, and bright red. Almost so bright it's hard to look at. It's placed exactly in the middle of the bush. Not a raspberry, or a strawberry. What kind of berry could it be? Only one way to find out. I hesitate as I pluck it off. Is this a good idea? What if it's poisonous? Poisonous berries are red most of the time. But even if it is, I know the way back home. Right? I flail my body each way until I see the faraway trail to my left. My body shakes within that moment of panic. If I'm this scared when the trail is right next to me, how scared will I be when I go deeper into the woods, the trail nowhere to be seen?
?Gather yourself, Mia.? My parents always tell me I need to stay confident and not let my worries define me. Okay Time to eat the berry. I stare it at one more time, it's glimmering red outside holding in the berry. It looks exactly like a blueberry, just red. Looks clean to me. I pop it into my mouth, and when I bite down on the berry, a burst of flavor occupies my mouth. Sweet. Like honey. Delectable. So divine, I had never experienced anything near as delicious as what was in my mouth right now. My tongue gets coated in a delicious sweet and sour taste, and my mouth waters, longing for more.
?That was amazing,? I tell myself as I stare at the bush. I just wish there was more.
Out of nowhere, I hear something rustle behind me.
?What- what is ha- happening?? I stumble with my words. My voice goes high for a second, then down.
But as I look around, it's nowhere to be found. I can feel my blood draining from my head and suddenly my whole body goes numb. But this time, it's from fear.
My eyes go wide as I take in the situation. I don't know where the trail is, and I've been poisoned by a berry. A rush of thoughts overcrowds my head as I contemplate what to do. Should I try to find my way back to the trail? No, I might go deeper inside the forest. Should I try to call for help? No way, no one would hear me. I'm deep in thought when I hear scurrying behind me.
I go pale as I turn around.
?What was that?? I squint and look for any movement. I hear scurrying in the bush to my right. I see the dry leaves rustle and suddenly, a minuscule creature pops out. I crouch down onto the semi-dry forest floor and peer at it. It's a white rabbit! I look at it closely. Its fur is pearly-white, except for the belly which is tinted with brown because of the forest floor brimming with mud, dirt, and leaves.
?Hey, little guy! You're cute.? I say as its ears twitch at the sound of my voice.
I'm just about to pet its shiny soft fur when I hear?
?What the- Was that- Was that you?? I ask with a tremendous amount of fear in my voice.
?Well yes, who else could it be? Humans are silly.?
But nope. I'm not mistaken. The rabbit's mouth moves exactly in-sync with the words I hear.
?How are you talking- like- how can I hear you?? I stutter because of the state of shock I'm in.
?My goodness! You can hear me?? I thought I was talking to myself!? The rabbit's mouth is small yet moves at such a fast pace.
?Ye- yeah, I can hear you,? I say, swallowing the lump in my throat. ?Calm down Mia. You're imagining things.? I think to myself.
I pinch myself. Hard.
?Ouch!? I open my eyes, thinking I'll be in my bed, my neck cradled by my soft pillow. But nope, I'm still standing on the forest floor, with a confused-faced rabbit staring at me. This is real. I'm talking to a rabbit in a forest. How did this happen? But before I can think about the possibilities, I hear a thump. Then another one. There's a series of them, each one getting louder and louder until I feel the presence of something big behind me. The hairs on the back of my neck tingle. I dread turning around. My feet slowly turn around, and I come face to face with a bear. Well, a bear's stomach. I try screaming but nothing comes out of my mouth. I'm still I can't move.
?Are you- are you going to eat me?? I ask, in the tiniest voice.
?Haha. No, human. I will explain why you can understand what I'm saying.?
The laugh sends a shiver down my spine.
?But- but how would you know? You're um? a bear.? I say, still unable to move.
?Oh, we creatures have been living here for all of our lives. We know the secrets and mysteries that lie deeper within this mystical network of intricacies.?
Even though I'm still in a state of shock, I calm down a little. ?Wow. He seems pretty calm and I like his choice of words. They seem very wise. Also, If he wanted to eat me, he would've by now.? I think to myself.
?Well, my legs hurt, let's sit on the floor.? The bear says.
I cringe as I sit on the hard dry leaves-covered ground. H
?What are you waiting for? Tell me why I can understand and speak to animals.? I say, non-patiently.
?Uh, hello? Human, I'm talking to you.?
I blink and bring myself back to the real world. I hesitate before saying,
?But... But? I don't know whether to believe you or not.? I hesitate as the words climb out of my mouth.
The bear's face scrunches up as if he's deep in thought.
?Well, that's up to you then. I'm just saying it because us animals were so excited to finally have a human talk to us. After all, your species is very intriguing. But we won't force you. It's your choice.? The bear puts his hands up to show that it's completely my choice.
An envelope of silence covers me as I think. Should I stay, or should I leave? This is really weird, but it's also very interesting. I would love to know more about it. I open my mouth, then close it. I think some more.
?You know what? I'm going to stay. I want to learn more about you animals. After all, the berry's effects only last one day, right? If I go home, I'll have to wait another year.? I say.
?Yes, it does last for one day.? The bear replies.
?Then let's not waste time! I want to meet all of the animals,? I state. The bear and I stand up and he brings me to a clearing in the forest. He lets out a loud bellow and I hear rustling all around me right away. A bunch of animals pop out, forming a circle right around the bear and me. Animals of all shapes, sizes, and colors surrounded me. I was so fascinated!
?Hi! I can't wait to meet all of you!? They all stared at me, and I looked at them, hoping for some response.
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Asleep Among the Stars
By Robert Consiglio
?We are in scanner range of the bogey, Captain,? says First Communications Officer Borlov. ?It's definitely a ship of some sort, but it has no heat signature. It appears to have lost power.?
What could it be doing here, so far from any planetary system? the Captain thinks, swiveling his command chair slightly to glance at Borlov, who is bent over his computer, scanning and analyzing the mystery ship.
?Well?? enquires the Captain, adjusting his cap, upon which is emblazoned the blue dragon of the Artican Space Corps.
?The ship's life support systems appear to be still operating,? says Borlov. ?But what's this??
The Captain perks his ears to listen.
?There is a single life form aboard,? utters Borlov. ?However, the life form readings are extremely faint. It's strange??
?Put the ship on the main screen!? barks the Captain.
All eyes on the bridge of Artican Space Guardian, AS Proxius, focus now on the ship's main battle screen. A medium sized, sleek looking yet battered grey and blue warship appears on the screen.
?It's a Jedozian pocket cruiser,? says the Captain. It was a statement.
How could it have possibly ended up here? Borlov thinks, stroking his mustache.
The Captain depresses a red button on his command chair. ?Prepare a boarding party, immediately,?
?Yes, Captain Gorkov,? crackles a voice from a speaker near the button.
The Captain's gaze falls on Second Officer Bersilov. ?Use the grapples to secure the enemy ship, and be gentle. Some of these Jedozian ships are set for self destruct if you jostle them too much.?
?I'll be careful,? says Bersilov.
Gorkov glares at Bersilov, who smiles grimly.
**********
A prone man is dimly aware of a bright white light shining in his face. A musty smell fills his nostrils. He opens his eyes.
Standing above him is tall, clean shaven man with an officer's cap of Artican Intelligence. In his mouth is a smoldering cigarette at the end of a long cigarette holder.
?Hello, Vladom Versivetch,? says the officer, grinning slightly. ?I am Colonel Povlov. You are under my care.?
The man doesn't respond for a moment, he is aware, for the first time, that his arms are being restrained by a force field.
?How do you know my name?? asks the man, lifting his head feebly.
?We know everything about you, my Jedozian friend,? utters Povlov, aiming a smoke ring at Vladom's head, but missing.
Vladom looks up and notes the double dragon flag, insignia of the Artican Masters.
?What ship is this??
?This is no ship,? says the Colonel. ?You are on Piasha.?
Vladom absorbs that and then asks. ?Is the war still going on??
Now Povlov really grins. ?You mean the Second Great Continental War? It has been over for over a decade.?
Vladom's mouth hangs open and he stammers ?But, but that's impossible, the war??
?It is not impossible,? corrects Colonel Povlov, ?It's a fact.?
?I don't believe you.?
?No? Well, we picked the computer logs of your ship, Pegasus9, clean and learned a few things.?
?I don't know about any ship named Pegasus.?
The Colonel ignores Vladom's interruption. ?Pegasus9 departed from the then Kingdom of Jedozia on 1 Before Conquest and??
?When you say Before Conquest, I assume that you Articans defeated the United Armies and now control this whole planet, am I correct??
?Yes,? agrees the Colonel. ?The Brelum now covers most of Piasha.?
?Then you must have Psychic beamed the people of Piasha to accept your program.?
The Colonel removes the cigarette lighter from his mouth and places it on a table.
?Roteans?? enquires Vladom. ?What does that mean??
?So that's where we are now, the Kingdom of Jedozia?? blurts Vladom.
?Oh,? says Vladom. ?That's a pretty name.?
?I can see by your reaction that this may be true,? says the Colonel.
Vladom feels an icy chill slide down his spine.
?I feel exhausted,? says Vladom. ?I want to sleep.?
Vladom stares at the Colonel, mouth agape. But now it begins to make sense to him. He can begin to piece together in his mind some of what had happened.
?We almost lost you, my friend,? adds the Colonel, ?but our doctors are good. They revived you and so now we are here and you can tell me what I need to know.?
?I have nothing to tell you.?
?But you do.?
?What, then??
?You are going to tell me what star system the rest of the Rotean armada was heading for.?
Vladom blinks several times and is silent.
***********
Vladom wipes his eyes and makes out the shape of three figures. They are wearing grey and white trimmed Artican military tunics. He recognizes one of them. It is Colonel Povlov. Vladom notes that he is no longer being restrained. However, when he tries to stand up abruptly, two Artican sentries, standing in front of the entrance, finger their blasters and he sits down.
What's going on here? Vladom thinks.
?You can get everything you want to know from our computer logs you pirated,? says Vladom curtly.
Vladom considers the arm, which gleams slightly, then dares a glance at the officer's face. He only scowls at him.
?A little war wound,? says the officer. ?Perhaps there are some things you would like to ask us first.?
Vladom looks at Povlov, then the officer. ?How did you trigger those solar storms previous to your attack on the United Army Confederation?? asks Vladom. ?There are some that say it was a freak of nature, but I beg to disagree. It knocked out all of our communications and early warning systems, and then you launched your attack immediately afterwards. It seemed planned, the timing was too precise.?
The officer looks at Pavlov and then says ?It was a cosmic event, triggered by the Artican Masters to defeat evil and bring reason and rationality to the people of Piasha.?
?And who exactly are the Artican Masters?? blurts Vladom. ?Tell me that!?
?That is not important,? says the officer firmly.
?Come,? says Povlov. ?Why do we fence so? You are young and intelligent, Vladom. Why not join us? Your conversion would be painless, and then you could make a great contribution towards bringing peace and prosperity to your fellow Piashans. We could even return you to your hometown in Jedozia.?
?I assume that now everyone in Jedozia worships the Artican Masters like gods and have become mental slaves of your cursed Brelum.?
The officer grits his teeth, but Povlov only chuckles.
?In fact,? says Povlov, ?Jedozia now has absolutely no violence and the crime rate is practically zero. We have created the perfect humanity, living more harmoniously and peacefully than at any time in history. Violence and conflict is now a thing of the past.?
?Yet this peace you have created is strictly artificial,? retorts Vladom. ?Once the masses of Piasha break free from your Brelum, they will learn how you are making them the mental slaves of the Artican Masters. They will unite against you and destroy you.?
The officer glares at Povlov, his eyes blazing.
?You see General Shoor?? says Povlov, looking at the officer. ?The Jedozians certainly have spunk, you have to hand that to them!?
The third Artican officer, a Major, sits bolt upright and roars ?Enough! We want information about that Rotean fleet. If we cannot get if from the prisoner voluntarily, we will have to use the probe.?
?Surely you must have heard something about where you were going previous to your being placed in hibernation,? says Povlov.
?If I was, I don't recall it,? says Vladom.
?You mean you allowed yourself to be turned into a sleeping frozen popsicle without ever being told where you were going?? shouts Shoor.
?If you say so,? says Vladom.
?You're lucky I don't blast you,? growls Shoor, fingering his holster in his belt.
?Be my guest,? says Vladom without blinking
?According to your ship's logs,? says Povlov, withdrawing his cigarette lighter and lighting it, ?you were heading towards the Tolarium system when your computer's navigation systems shut down.? The Colonel flicks his cigarette holder and sighs deeply. ?Surely someone must have said something to you about where you might be heading when the fleet left Piasha. Come on, Vladom, think.?
?Oh yes,? blurts Vladom, his eyes lighting up. ?I do remember something that the Captain said to me that was pretty important.?
The three Articans are staring at the Jedozian now.
?He said that the Articans were becoming quite a nuisance on Piasha, but like pesky insects, we would squash them.?
In a flash, Genera Shoor draws his stun gun with his right hand and fires into Vladom's chest, and he collapses like a rag doll.
?I will obtain a mind probe, and then we will pick this arrogant Jedozian's brain,? growls Shoor, placing his blaster back into its holster. ?If not, I am tempted to put him back inside that hibernation chamber until Promus turns into a red giant.?
?Pick him up and take him to the infirmary!? barks Povlov.
The two Artican sentries rush over and lift the prisoner and carry him out.
***********
The elevator slides opens and Colonel Povlov gestures toward a nurse, who, smiling slightly, pushes a patient in a wheelchair out the entrance.
Povlov steps out and his ears are immediately greeted by the clicking sound of heavy boots. He turns and sees General Shoor plodding towards him. His face is flushed.
?I want all the results from this mind probe sent to Artican Intelligence HQ, is that clear, Colonel Povlov?? growls Shoor as soon as he is in earshot.
?Yes, General,? says Povlov, frowning. He scans the room numbers until he spots it: room 502.
?Maybe he will be more willing to talk after I teach him some manners, eh Povlov?? says the General, chuckling slightly as he pushes the entrance and walks into the room, closely followed by Povlov.
Both men gasp. There, lying unconscious on the floor, is a sentry. The second sentry is gone and the prisoner's bed is empty!
?The urchin has escaped!? roars Shoor. ?Search the premises! I want both of them recaptured, alive!?
*************
?That was pretty clever, how you egged on that Artican General to zap you,? says a grey mustachioed man wearing a green camouflaged smock. . On his head is a cap which features a purple star, once worn by the United Armies.
?When I saw you,? says Vladom, ?I somehow guessed that you wanted me out of there.?
?I assume you are all some kind of resistance fighters,? says Vladom.
?We know exactly who you are, Vladom,? says a voice from the other side of the air car. It is a large bearded man holding a Jedozian blast gun. ?You were with those filthy Vuchkols that abandoned the United Armies on Piasha in your cursed ships to save your own skins.?
Vladom opens his mouth to answer, but Kavlov gestures for him to be quiet.
?What is past is past,? says Kavlov carefully. ?He could be of some use to us still.?
?But I want to help you now!? shouts Vladom. ?We can fight the Articans here, in Jedozia!?
?It is no longer safe for us in Jedozia, Vladom,? says Kavlov. ?The Jedozian Liberation Army has gone over to the Articans.?
?The traitors!?
Vladom's eyes smolder ?The brutes!?
Wendel is a frozen planet in the Promus system notorious for its penal colonies.
?How many of us are there?? asks Vladom cautiously.
?We don't know exactly,? says Kavlov.
?To Paradeshia, then,? says Vladom grimly.
He turns to look around him and gasps. All around him are the massive snow capped Weimos Mountains.
?Quickly!? barks Kavlov. ?The Pedzios may have sent a patrol.?
?Pedzios are with the Articans, I assume?? enquires Vladom.
?Yes,? says Kavlov. ?There are air patrols by Artican drones as well.?
Vladom gazes up at the ruddy sky for a moment, but sees or hears nothing.
They arrive at a thick pine forest and begin plodding through the deep snow, single file.
Vladom darts behind a tree trunk, but Kavlov waves him back into the open.
?It's okay, Vladom. They are with us.?
?Welcome to Paradeshia, Jedozians!?
Vladom laughs, more from relief than anything.
More figures emerge from the forest gloom.
?Come,? says the Paradeshian firmly. ?We will take you to a place of safety.?
As they plod methodically through thick forest, Vladom turns to glance at Kavlov.
?They are taking us to the Bvers,? says Kavlov.
?What are they?? Vladom enquires.
A buzzing sound is heard emanating from the clouds above.
The Paradeshians and Jedozians bury themselves into the snow.
?Hunter!? says a voice. ?Don't move They can detect motion.?
Everyone lies motionless until the buzzing noise fades and finally vanishes.
Vladom wipes the snow off of him and looks around.
?Keep your weapons handy!? says one of the Paradeshians. ?Pedzios may appear at any moment.?
Shivering, he turns to look at Kavlov again and asks ?What are the Bvers??
?Tunnels dug into the mountains by the partisans.?
?Quiet!? barks a Paradeshian just ahead of them.
Within moments, he has pried it open, and everyone climbs into it, one at a time.
As Vladom's turn comes and he steps into the hole, he hears Kavlov's voice from inside the tunnel.
There is a gentle serration of laughter from within and Vladom blushes.
Wide-eyed, I turn around slowly and look everywhere.
?What in the world was-?
?No, I didn't,? I say confidently. I take in the details of the bush. Very odd, the green was way brighter than all the leaves and other bushes to my right and left. I walk close enough to see a small red berry, perfectly plump, and bright red. Almost so bright it's hard to look at. It's placed exactly in the middle of the bush. Not a raspberry, or a strawberry. What kind of berry could it be? Only one way to find out. I hesitate as I pluck it off. Is this a good idea? What if it's poisonous? Poisonous berries are red most of the time. But even if it is, I know the way back home. Right? I flail my body each way until I see the faraway trail to my left. My body shakes within that moment of panic. If I'm this scared when the trail is right next to me, how scared will I be when I go deeper into the woods, the trail nowhere to be seen?
?Gather yourself, Mia.? My parents always tell me I need to stay confident and not let my worries define me. Okay Time to eat the berry. I stare it at one more time, it's glimmering red outside holding in the berry. It looks exactly like a blueberry, just red. Looks clean to me. I pop it into my mouth, and when I bite down on the berry, a burst of flavor occupies my mouth. Sweet. Like honey. Delectable. So divine, I had never experienced anything near as delicious as what was in my mouth right now. My tongue gets coated in a delicious sweet and sour taste, and my mouth waters, longing for more.
?That was amazing,? I tell myself as I stare at the bush. I just wish there was more.
Out of nowhere, I hear something rustle behind me.
?What- what is ha- happening?? I stumble with my words. My voice goes high for a second, then down.
But as I look around, it's nowhere to be found. I can feel my blood draining from my head and suddenly my whole body goes numb. But this time, it's from fear.
My eyes go wide as I take in the situation. I don't know where the trail is, and I've been poisoned by a berry. A rush of thoughts overcrowds my head as I contemplate what to do. Should I try to find my way back to the trail? No, I might go deeper inside the forest. Should I try to call for help? No way, no one would hear me. I'm deep in thought when I hear scurrying behind me.
I go pale as I turn around.
?What was that?? I squint and look for any movement. I hear scurrying in the bush to my right. I see the dry leaves rustle and suddenly, a minuscule creature pops out. I crouch down onto the semi-dry forest floor and peer at it. It's a white rabbit! I look at it closely. Its fur is pearly-white, except for the belly which is tinted with brown because of the forest floor brimming with mud, dirt, and leaves.
?Hey, little guy! You're cute.? I say as its ears twitch at the sound of my voice.
I'm just about to pet its shiny soft fur when I hear?
?What the- Was that- Was that you?? I ask with a tremendous amount of fear in my voice.
?Well yes, who else could it be? Humans are silly.?
But nope. I'm not mistaken. The rabbit's mouth moves exactly in-sync with the words I hear.
?How are you talking- like- how can I hear you?? I stutter because of the state of shock I'm in.
?My goodness! You can hear me?? I thought I was talking to myself!? The rabbit's mouth is small yet moves at such a fast pace.
?Ye- yeah, I can hear you,? I say, swallowing the lump in my throat. ?Calm down Mia. You're imagining things.? I think to myself.
I pinch myself. Hard.
?Ouch!? I open my eyes, thinking I'll be in my bed, my neck cradled by my soft pillow. But nope, I'm still standing on the forest floor, with a confused-faced rabbit staring at me. This is real. I'm talking to a rabbit in a forest. How did this happen? But before I can think about the possibilities, I hear a thump. Then another one. There's a series of them, each one getting louder and louder until I feel the presence of something big behind me. The hairs on the back of my neck tingle. I dread turning around. My feet slowly turn around, and I come face to face with a bear. Well, a bear's stomach. I try screaming but nothing comes out of my mouth. I'm still I can't move.
?Are you- are you going to eat me?? I ask, in the tiniest voice.
?Haha. No, human. I will explain why you can understand what I'm saying.?
The laugh sends a shiver down my spine.
?But- but how would you know? You're um? a bear.? I say, still unable to move.
?Oh, we creatures have been living here for all of our lives. We know the secrets and mysteries that lie deeper within this mystical network of intricacies.?
Even though I'm still in a state of shock, I calm down a little. ?Wow. He seems pretty calm and I like his choice of words. They seem very wise. Also, If he wanted to eat me, he would've by now.? I think to myself.
?Well, my legs hurt, let's sit on the floor.? The bear says.
I cringe as I sit on the hard dry leaves-covered ground. H
?What are you waiting for? Tell me why I can understand and speak to animals.? I say, non-patiently.
?Uh, hello? Human, I'm talking to you.?
I blink and bring myself back to the real world. I hesitate before saying,
?But... But? I don't know whether to believe you or not.? I hesitate as the words climb out of my mouth.
The bear's face scrunches up as if he's deep in thought.
?Well, that's up to you then. I'm just saying it because us animals were so excited to finally have a human talk to us. After all, your species is very intriguing. But we won't force you. It's your choice.? The bear puts his hands up to show that it's completely my choice.
An envelope of silence covers me as I think. Should I stay, or should I leave? This is really weird, but it's also very interesting. I would love to know more about it. I open my mouth, then close it. I think some more.
?You know what? I'm going to stay. I want to learn more about you animals. After all, the berry's effects only last one day, right? If I go home, I'll have to wait another year.? I say.
?Yes, it does last for one day.? The bear replies.
?Then let's not waste time! I want to meet all of the animals,? I state. The bear and I stand up and he brings me to a clearing in the forest. He lets out a loud bellow and I hear rustling all around me right away. A bunch of animals pop out, forming a circle right around the bear and me. Animals of all shapes, sizes, and colors surrounded me. I was so fascinated!
?Hi! I can't wait to meet all of you!? They all stared at me, and I looked at them, hoping for some response.
?They all are a bit? err? scared. They haven't talked to a human in a century, like I said. So go slow and don't be too loud.? The bear comes close and says.
I take what he says into consideration.
?That's great!? I say enthusiastically, and nod my head so they can be reassured.
The bear brings me around the circle of the animals, and I meet all of them. From deer and moose to hedgehogs and raccoons, I get to meet and greet all of them. ?They're all unique in their own way,? I think. They all have their own differences, like humans. I feel a surge of happiness just from the connection. We're so alike, yet so different.
After the meet-and-greet session, I sit on a log with many animals around me, and they ask what human life is like.
?So you get to walk on two feet?? A raccoon says.
?Yep.?
I answer many questions when I notice the sky is becoming dark, and the sun is setting.
?Hey, guys! Want to watch the sunset?? I ask the animals.
A chorus of voices replies with an enthusiastic ?Yes!? All the animals seem to be really comfortable around me.
As we sit on a hill and watch the bright orange and yellow sun slowly go down, all the animals producing ?Oohs? and ?Aahs?. As a sharp warm glow shields my eyes, I realize that once in a while it's good to change direction. If I hadn't steered off the trail, I would never find that magical berry. If I hadn't eaten the berry, I wouldn't have had this power. I suddenly realize that the day's almost over, which means so is my power of talking to these animals. I take one last look at the sun before it disappears below, taking its warm light with it. I smile. I look to my right and left and see all the animals talking. I take a moment to understand all the conversations. A walk in the woods. That's what led me here. I wonder. Maybe, just maybe, next year I'll end up steering off the trail and see a bush. Not any bush. A bush with a red berry. I take in the last of the buzzing and conversations before saying goodbye to the animals, brushing off the dirt on my clothes, and walking back home with the bear. When I get home, I thank the bear. I take one last look at ?a mystical network of intricacies.? I close my eyes and let all the sounds around me disappear. I think of all the memories I made. I still don't know if I'm in a dream. Or am I in a different dimension? Was I just imagining things this whole time? There is one thing I do know for sure. A different path isn't so bad after all.
?They all are a bit? err? scared. They haven't talked to a human in a century, like I said. So go slow and don't be too loud.? The bear comes close and says.
I take what he says into consideration.
?That's great!? I say enthusiastically, and nod my head so they can be reassured.
The bear brings me around the circle of the animals, and I meet all of them. From deer and moose to hedgehogs and raccoons, I get to meet and greet all of them. ?They're all unique in their own way,? I think. They all have their own differences, like humans. I feel a surge of happiness just from the connection. We're so alike, yet so different.
After the meet-and-greet session, I sit on a log with many animals around me, and they ask what human life is like.
?So you get to walk on two feet?? A raccoon says.
?Yep.?
I answer many questions when I notice the sky is becoming dark, and the sun is setting.
?Hey, guys! Want to watch the sunset?? I ask the animals.
A chorus of voices replies with an enthusiastic ?Yes!? All the animals seem to be really comfortable around me.
As we sit on a hill and watch the bright orange and yellow sun slowly go down, all the animals producing ?Oohs? and ?Aahs?. As a sharp warm glow shields my eyes, I realize that once in a while it's good to change direction. If I hadn't steered off the trail, I would never find that magical berry. If I hadn't eaten the berry, I wouldn't have had this power. I suddenly realize that the day's almost over, which means so is my power of talking to these animals. I take one last look at the sun before it disappears below, taking its warm light with it. I smile. I look to my right and left and see all the animals talking. I take a moment to understand all the conversations. A walk in the woods. That's what led me here. I wonder. Maybe, just maybe, next year I'll end up steering off the trail and see a bush. Not any bush. A bush with a red berry. I take in the last of the buzzing and conversations before saying goodbye to the animals, brushing off the dirt on my clothes, and walking back home with the bear. When I get home, I thank the bear. I take one last look at ?a mystical network of intricacies.? I close my eyes and let all the sounds around me disappear. I think of all the memories I made. I still don't know if I'm in a dream. Or am I in a different dimension? Was I just imagining things this whole time? There is one thing I do know for sure. A different path isn't so bad after all.
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