Page 14 of Orange Town
“How come it’s not too humid on your planet?”
“We have developed a special shield around our planet to protect us from too much ultraviolet rays from the sun. And so, we are also able to maintain the humidity and much of our environment. There was a time in our history when we almost destroyed our planet. Too much industrialization destroyed our planet’s natural defenses. Most of the planet was barren. We suspect it was the cause of sickness among our females. But scientists discovered it has more to do with using plastic, especially resin. We tried to keep some of the technology, but we had to live in the old ways. I think you are even beyond this galaxy. Do you know how long you were with those pirates?”
“I don’t know,” I looked at him. “I don’t even know who took me in. I was on a plane when a large bolt of lightning fire entered the plane’s cabin. The next thing I knew, I woke up to the sound of alien voices tied to a bed. Then it was chaos and I believe I was ejected in a pod. After that is history when Zirc found me.”
“A plane,” he contemplates. “That means your planet is technologically advanced.” His lips quivered slightly when he said, “So you do know how to use a shower.”
I wanted to smack his head then, but he might take it as an offense. I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “ZIrc did not show me how to use it!” I exclaimed. Roqs just continued to smile at me indulgently. “Though to be fair you do have better technology than ours. For one thing, you can travel in space. My kind has only travelled to the nearest moon.”
“There are no other species near your planet?”
“No. We believe we are the only ones in the galaxy. In fact, I think this is just a long dream of mine. I never encountered another alien.”
“Yet the beings who kidnapped you know your language. There is a huge price tag for exotic beings. But the fact they can understand you means these pirates are harvesting your kind for a long time. But the Galactic Council deemed your planet is either too far away or as you mentioned, you haven’t achieved space exploration farther than your galaxy. They will deem your space as a neutral zone and to be protected.” He placed the tablet in a compartment near him. Then placed both hands on my thighs. He searched my eyes and I kind of dread what he is about to say. “I regret to inform you little one. I don’t think Zirc knows how to take you home. Though we can travel to different places, no one will take you home. You are too far away Brynn Anderson.”
I gulped. And tried to hold back my tears. I kind of knew this. In my gut feeling I knew. But I was hoping for a miracle. “You have no technology that can beam me through space?”
“I know what you speak of. But there must be a receiver on your planet. And even that has risks. You might end up with your whole body intact minus your brain.”
I shuddered at the thought.
“Still,” he seemed to comfort me by brushing his right hand on my left thigh. “It's not worth the risk.”
On the days I was alone, I have thought of this. Humans are known for being resilient. “Then I need to survive on this planet.”
He stopped brushing my thigh. It must be their own way to comfort others. He grinned at me showing a hint of his fangs. “Ah, that is wonderful. I’m sure with me and Zirc, we can find something for you to do here. In fact, I have some idea, but it baffles me why he will abandon you in his sanctuary. I get that he thinks he’ll be back. Don’t worry little one. We’ll think of something.”
He righted himself and got back to the console.
As for me, it's tough thinking that this is my new reality now. What about my family and friends back there? How long have I been gone? Have they given me a proper burial? Okay stop. That will make me burst into tears. I’ve done it for a week now.
So many thoughts in my head. But I need to think about the present. Maybe there is something for me to do here. Or maybe I don’t need to give up now. Who knows what the future will bring? Maybe there are other humans who survived this, and I can meet them? There has been so much news since before I was born about humans being kidnaped by aliens. All those conspiracies. Maybe there is a truth in that. And who knows if our government is knee deep on this issue?
I only felt a small tremble and I was surprised to see we have slowed down a bit. The landscape is more barren here. Less trees and more sand and sandhills all around. We are on a flattened gravel road. If the gravel is colored dark brown. I looked back and saw no other vehicles. There were probably lots of mountains where we came from. Up ahead, I see a silhouette of small buildings. But it was too small to see. I'm also not sure what our speed is. I don’t understand the writings on Roqs’ control panel. Pretty sure we are travelling faster than a bullet train maybe.
I noticed that the sun is harsher in this part. I shaded my eyes with my hand and looked up. It’s nearing noon. When we left it was morning. I feel positive we passed most of the day yesterday in that tunnel beneath the mountain. And I was pretty sure that speed was more than the speed of light.
“Welcome to the South Sector,” Roqs tone seemed dark.
I briefly glanced at him. His face looked a bit stark against the harsh rays of the suns. It’s like he has a different persona. Scarier. Gone is the cool and funny guy.
“Is the West Sector a dangerous place?”
He smirked. “Small you may be, little one, but I see the intelligence. Nothing to worry about. You have me. But yes, that means you have to stick with me at all times when we enter this town.”
He gestured forward. “That town is a neutral zone but there are lots of gangs scattered all around. The plains are where it’s most convenient for us to locate. But prone to raids from gangs.”
“There are no police or someone to protect them?”
He glanced at me briefly but turned his head forward. “I’m surprised Zirc did not tell you about our world. You probably think we are barbaric. If you come in even uninvited to our planet, someone will orient you or download all the info in your head.” He pointed a finger to his forehead. “I guess Zirc was busy with you on other things.”
I really tried hard not to blush. But I guess it was defeated when Roqs suddenly laughed. The old Roqs is still there. Yet now I know that he is not someone to mess with. He can genuinely care for a person but can turn deadly at any moment. A reminder that I should not forget. How Ist also appears harmless but hides a darker secret. I never knew why he would betray me and ZIrc and then sacrifice his life at the end.
“Nothing to be shy about. Anyways, as you noticed, the Blue Tribe is situated almost on the hillside. It is but one of the many hillsides they own.”
“Yes,” I agreed. “I noticed we had to climb up to reach our destination.”
“The air is cooler also. Unlike here in the plains.”
