Chapter 21: Meeting the Elder

Once Merco realized he hadn’t killed the blue uniformed flier a wave of relief swept over him. Granted, he certainly hurt him after swatting him down. But feeling the trickle of blood running down his neck, Merco considered that a fair recompense for trying to kill him. The injured attacker seemed to be waiting for him to do something. As Merco stared down at him, the little alien looked positively frail laying there, like a bird that flew into a closed window and was too stunned to fly. Despite every attack and attempt on his life Merco didn’t feel the need to harm him further. He had bloody injuries all down body that stained his gray shirt, but none were lethal. He didn’t need to add the blood of these aliens to it.

Traynar appeared from the trees with a marked limp in his gait. He was talking to the fallen flier. Their tones reflected a standoffishness to one another. The blue uniformed flier made a sharp whistle and Merco’s eyes roved around him, recognizing that to be their call to attack. But nothing happened. It was in that moment that Merco realized this injured flier was the leader; he had been the one calling the shots. He held a bit of respect for the little guy. It took a lot of guts to lead an attack on something as big as him. However, it didn’t mean he felt the need to help him either.

When no attack happened, Merco offered his hand to Traynar and then to Pixie whom was still next to him. Both of his friends in hand, Merco stood and began walking away from the lake. He found his leather jacket not far away and scooped it up, draping it over his shoulder. But the action made his injuries apparent. Though the injuries he sustained were not life-threatening he was aching all over. He felt like he’d just rolled in a bed of needles and some of them were still in him. Every muscle movement flamed up that uncomfortable sting.

His mind began to wander as he walked, “This really hasn’t been your week Merco. You’ve been dumped on an alien world with a bunch of flying Lilliputians. You almost died of sepsis. You’re full of holes and shrapnel from the locals. And on top of that…you don’t have a change of clothes.”

A gentle tapping on his palm made him look down. Pixie pointed to the ground and called out to someone. Merco looked down and behind him to see another green skinned alien, dressed in a maroon jump suits. He was a bit suspicious at first, but Pixie seemed to know him.

…

“Hey! Wait!” Verin’s voice faintly rang out from somewhere below.

Seraysa peeked over the edge of Merco’s hand to his right and saw her brother up against a tree. He’d been absent for the whole battle, but it appeared he’d finally caught up. It didn’t appear that Merco heard him, so she patted his palm to get his attention. She pointed down at Verin.

“Verin! Where were you?”

“Seraysa?” he sounded and looked shocked, “I-I was hiding when I heard the noise. Is it over? Did he…did he kill them?” her brother sounded uneasy as he cautiously crept away from the tree.

Seraysa pointed down again and Merco responded by lowering his hand to the ground, “Yes it’s over…and no, he didn’t kill anyone. Come on!” she gestured for him to come over.

Verin surveyed the massive hand a second, looked up at Merco, and swallowed visibly, “I…are-are you sure?”

Seraysa climbed off of Merco’s hand, walked up to her brother, took his arm, and then turned to Merco.

She touched her brother’s chest, “Verin.”

“Hello, Verin.” Merco greeted.

Seraysa’s brother put a hand to his chest, feeling his ribs vibrate when Merco spoke.

She pulled him close to show he was a friend and then tugged him with her, “Come on, Verin.”

Though tentative, he followed her lead. When they were next to Merco’s hand Verin’s expression shifted from fear, to uncertainty, and then to utter awe. Seraysa stepped up and sat comfortably. Verin was still cautious. Cautiously, he touched Merco’s skin and jerked back. His eyes were locked on the giant alien’s just to make sure he wasn’t making a terrible mistake. But there was no malice in Merco’s eyes, just curiosity and patience. Taking a notable breath, Verin touched him again but didn’t jerk this time. Slowly, he climbed onto the gigantic hand and staggered; his feet unsure about the solid yet spongy surface.

“Oh…oh wow. I can’t believe I’m doing this!”

“It’s OK Verin. Sit down.”

Quickly, he did so next to his sister. He then noticed the third passenger.

“Verin, this is Traynar. Traynar this is my brother, Verin.” She introduced.

Traynar nodded with greeting and Verin returned the nod.

Traynar looked at her, “Merco calls you Pixie…but what name did your parents give you?”

“My name is Seraysa.”

“Good to know your name at last.” Traynar replied kindly.

Suddenly, they were raised in the air when Merco stood up.

“Woah…oh.” Verin braced himself under such a sensation and then smiled, “Oh this is incredible!”

Traynar spoke loudly and pointed in the distance, “Merco! We need to go to Pela Canyon.”

The giant alien looked to where he was pointing and nodded, resuming his steady walk. Minor twitches in his face indicated he was experiencing discomfort.

“Pela Canyon? What’s at Pela Canyon?” Seraysa asked.

“If my mate Anu was successful, Elder Felreh and Commander Madala will be there to meet Merco and see that he means Anashee and its people no harm.”

Verin looked concerned, “But…after getting attacked do you think he won’t be…you know…mad about that? Or at least not trust them?”

Seraysa pointed to Merco, “I think he understands the difference between us and those like Coroc. But what about the citizens living in the canyon? Won’t they be afraid of him?”

“He’s met them. In fact, he saved eighteen of them from a landslide yesterday after the storm.” Traynar clarified. “He’s a hero to them.”

Seraysa smiled at that.

Verin, being the observant male that he was, peered at Merco for several minutes and then began asking questions, “Is that red stuff his blood?”

“Yeah. They hit him hard.” Traynar confirmed, “Those explosives filled him with shrapnel.”

“Oh…geez. Is he going to be OK?”

“I think so. But he’s going to get another infection if that stuff isn’t removed.” Traynar explained. “Other than Coroc, I don’t know if he hurt anyone who attacked him. He just…took it.”

Verin couldn’t help but notice his elbow length black glove on his left hand, “What’s with the glove?”

“He’s got a mechanical arm.” Seraysa couldn’t believe she’d forgotten to tell her brother about that fact. When she’d first seen his unique appendage she’d be fascinated at the articulation and naturalness of its movement.

Verin’s eyes opened wide with wonderment as he stared down at the arm swinging casually at Merco’s side, “No way! You’re serious?”

She nodded and Traynar also did.

“Oh! I want to see that!”

“Maybe when we get to Pela Canyon you can ask him to show you?” Seraysa offered.

Verin seemed unsure about that, “Oh…y-yeah. Maybe.”

…

Merco made his way through the forest until he again reached the canyon. As soon as he exited the trees he found the sloped spot he’d used to enter into the canyon before. Trying to be mindful of his passengers as well as his wounds, he stepped down gradually. Gravity made him slide and he had to stretch his step to keep himself from jerking. He grunted loudly with pain as the longer step jarred the tender wounds in his side. He looked down and his shirt was still wet and bloody.

If he’d correctly interpreted what Traynar had drawn for him, he was supposed to meet with someone from their home. He had called it Anashee. He could only assume he was meeting an ambassador or leader. Though he was open to a peaceful meeting he was confused as to why they’d sent a small military force after him.

Was the attack ordered by these leaders or was it the reaction of a small sect?

Was this whole meeting a trick of some sort? Lure him in with peace and then attack him again with a larger force?

Many scenarios and questions cluttered Merco’s mind, none of which he had clear answers.

He walked slowly through the canyon channel, trying to not cause too much of a stir when he arrived back at the settlement. Cautiously he peeked around the bend, eyes scanning the area top to bottom. There was a considerable group of the little aliens clustered in about the same place as before when they hosted the celebration. Lining the canyon rim, he could see several flying soldiers hovering. Definitely not a group large enough to be considered a military force; more like a security detail. The fresh blood on his shirt and the stinging in his flesh definitely reinforced his caution. Not that he was necessarily afraid, he just didn’t feel like getting attacked again and give himself another opportunity to kill someone.

He backed up a step and as he did Traynar floated up off of his hand to take a look as well. After a couple moments, Traynar made a “stay there” gesture and flew out toward the settlement. Merco sighed, leaning into the rock wall, trying to formulate some sort of Plan B if this turned ugly.

…

Traynar could tell Merco was growing even more wary. His eyes had begun to scan the area and his steps grew slow and marked. No doubt his trust of the situation had waned. When he came to the corner that turned into the Pela settlement he stopped and peeked around the edge. When he took a step back, Traynar took that as a cue. He floated up and gave the area a scan. His heart grew hopeful when he saw the distinct yellow cloak of Elder Felreh and the blue and maroon uniform of Commander Madala amid the crowd.

Anu had done it!

He also noticed the Elder’s personal guard stationed along the canyon rim. Merco probably saw them and decided it wasn’t a good idea to show himself. Traynar decided to go and meet with them first to smooth things over if they weren’t aware of what transpired. He told Merco to stay put with a gesture and flew out to meet them.

When he drew nearer, Anu immediately flew to him and touched foreheads in greeting.

“Traynar is Merco OK? An attack force has been sent…” she began urgently.

“Already happened.” Traynar interrupted.

Anu looked horrified, “Did he…?”

Traynar shook his head, “No one was killed. But they hit Merco hard. He’s alright but only because he’s big enough to take it. He’s full of shrapnel.”

“He’s over there?” Anu indicated the corner.

“Yeah. Didn’t you feel him coming?”

“No.”

Traynar looked back, “Well…he started walking really carefully the closer he got. I think he thinks he’s going to get attacked again.”

“You need to speak with Elder Felreh.” Anu insisted, floating aside.

Traynar approached the leader with respect and saluted, “Elder Felreh. I am Anu’s mate Traynar.”

Elder Felreh spoke, “I remember you, Traynar. What have you to say?”

“Elder, I mean no disrespect, but did you order the attack on Merco?” he asked point-blank.

A look passed from the Elder to Commander Madala, who looked ashamed, “No, Traynar, I did not. Commander Madala acted for the right reasons but NOT in the right manner. I do hope her brash actions have not stifled this meeting today. Was the alien visitor Merco harmed?”

Traynar nodded, “Yes, but not fatally. Lots of bomb shrapnel.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s just beyond that rock face, Elder. I believe the attack has made him wary of this meeting.” Traynar explained as he pointed.

She nodded and turned to the Pela settlement leader, “Yelon, gather all of your medics, anyone who has any experience.”

Yelon nodded and began the task.

Elder Felreh gestured to Anu and Traynar, “Please, bring him over here.”

“Forgive me Elder but I don’t think he will if your guards are positioned like that.” Traynar explained, pointing to the guards.

She nodded, “Commander, please retract the guards. Tell them to land.”

Though she didn’t appear to like it the Commander issued a loud whistle command and the guards floated down to the ground.

Traynar nodded and flew back to where Merco was waiting. The towering alien was leaning against the rock face holding Seraysa and Verin in his hand.

“Come on, Merco.” Traynar gestured.

Merco took a deep breath, seeming to prepare himself and then followed Traynar into the open. Traynar could tell he was still cautious; he was walking very softly for something of his size. Even though it was a peaceful meeting, a certain tension still hung uncomfortably in the air as the gap was closed. Surprisingly, Merco seemed more uneasy than Elder Felreh did. When he came to a certain distance he stopped, very slowly lowered himself into a kneeling position, put Seraysa and Verin on the ground away from him, and then carefully sat on the sandy ground. It was obvious he was trying to be gentle in all of his movements; even excessively so. His restrained grimace also indicated he was trying to hide his pain.

When he’d settled, Elder Felreh stepped forward with her white plume lifted and her chin high. She didn’t appear afraid as so many others did.

Then she slowly lowered her scaly plumage, saying, “Welcome, visitor Merco.” She touched her chest, “I am Felreh… Felreh.”

He stared at her a moment before lowering his head to her, “Felreh.”

She nodded to him before turning to Anu, “He doesn’t speak out language does he?”

“No. But he understands gestures pretty well.” She answered.

“And pictures drawn in the sand.” Traynar added.

Elder Felreh looked back, “Does anyone have a pole or stick I can draw with?”

Traynar took out his energy weapon and extended it into a simple metal staff before handing it to her. The Elder took it and drew a large circle in front of her. She added masses on it to indicate the lands. She pointed to it with the staff and then gestured all around her.

“Anshai-tee. This is the planet of Anshai-tee.” She said.

“An-shai-tee.” Merco repeated carefully.

She pointed to Merco and drew another circle, making the same gesture, “Where are you from?”

Merco watched her and then placed his finger on her second circle, “Earth.”

“Errrth.” Felreh repeated.

He nodded to her.

Then she pointed to him and made a dotted trail from the Earth drawing to the Anshai-tee drawing, “How did you get here?”

Merco opened his fingers near her, asking for the staff. She looked at his massive hand a moment but handed it to him, and he began to draw an object. No one seemed to recognize what it was. Merco looked around a moment when they didn’t seem to get his drawing and plucked up a rock. He pointed to himself and then the rock to indicate that it was to represent him. He held the rock in his hand, lifted his hand high in the air and made a mechanical hissing whistle through his teeth, lowering his hand over the picture of their planet. Then he opened his hand and dropped the rock on top of the picture. His hand then pretended to fly away.

“You…were left here.” Elder Felreh conjectured as she pointed to him and then to the ground.

He nodded to her, taking the rock in his hand. Pointedly, he brought the rock from the Anshai-tee drawing to his Earth and looked at Felreh.

“Do you have ships?” he asked in his deep, vibrating voice as he pointed to the drawing he’d made.

“I think…he wants to know if he can leave and get back to his Earth.” Seraysa suddenly spoke up.

Felreh held up her hands and shook her head, “We don’t have the technology you’re asking for.”

A look of disappointment fell over Merco’s face. He seemed to be thinking a moment before he wiped away his first drawing and drew something else. It was a curved arc with a line, mounted on top of a square. Then he drew little arches coming out of the arc. He moved his mouth as if talking and pointed to the two pictures of the planets.

“Communication? You want to know if we can talk to your planet?” Felreh finally surmised. But she shook her head again, “We’ve never thought of other planets having life…so we don’t have that technology either.”

Merco’s frown deepened. A look of helplessness pinched his brow. Very slowly he wiped away the drawing he’d made.

“Merco.”

He returned his gaze to her. Elder Felreh held her hand up in the air toward him. She waited. After a long moment, Merco slowly lifted his hand and extended a finger toward her. They touched, Merco subtly moved his finger up and down against her hand. She didn’t seem to understand it but followed the motion.

Felreh spoke gently but loudly as she patted his finger and gestured with her free hand as she spoke, “I am sorry we cannot help you get to your Earth Merco, but you are welcome here on Anshai-tee.”

He seemed to understand her warm gestures and nodded with a small smile.

Looks of happiness and relief crossed the group’s faces.

“You mean…” Anu asked with hope.

“Yes. You were right Anu. I can see no malice or ill will in him. There is no need to keep our people locked away any longer. Merco is our guest.” Elder Felreh concluded. She spotted Yelon with the medics she’d requested, “Any and all medics present, see to our guest’s injuries. He needs your expertise.” She looked to Commander Madala, “You have some basic medical knowledge, yes?”

The Commander nodded.

“Good. Then you can help him as well.”

Anu whistled with excitement, embracing Traynar. Seraysa did the same with her brother. It was done! Anashee was freed and no one was killed. They still had to introduce Merco to the population of Anashee, but with Elder Felreh’s blessing it would be a much easier transition.

…

Despite the happiness of his little friends, Merco’s heart sank bleakly.

They didn’t have ships…they didn’t have the communication systems…and he’d never even heard of a planet called Anshai-tee.

How far was it from Earth? Were there other inhabited planets in this system? Did any sort of ships pass by this planet? Merco now had more questions that he felt would never be answered.

Those mercenaries had indeed done their job: marooned on an alien world with no way of getting home. The only good news was that the natives seemed to welcome him now, but it did little to alleviate the hopelessness he was feeling. Unless another ship somehow found this planet and landed or he was somehow able to send out a signal to a neighboring planet or passing ship, he would be stuck here.

Chapter 22: Medical Attention and Memories

Merco felt lost in his dismal thoughts when he noticed the leader of these aliens, dressed in a golden yellow, robe, began gesturing to him again. She pointed to a group of about seven aliens behind her and then pointed to him. He tipped his head a bit, not sure what she was indicating. She then reached under her arm, touched her side, and pointed to him. He looked and saw that she was meaning the wounds in his left side which had bloodied his shirt.

He touched the wounds lightly, “Oh. I’m alright. It just stings.”

But she gestured again, seeming to order him to take off his shirt as she pantomimed the action. Merco was a bit unsure about it but lifted his right arm and began to pull off his shirt. The action immediately zapped him with pain and he halted the movement into something much slower.

Maybe hurts more than a sting…

He gingerly pulled his shirt off and placed it behind him. His eyes took in the wounds on his side. It looked like he’d been peppered with a miniature shot gun…quite a few miniature shot guns. He guessed it was probably shrapnel from the bombs they hit him with. His eyes couldn’t see his back, but it felt like the wounds extended from his hip to his neck.

As he observed his wounds he found that he wasn’t the only one doing so, when two little aliens appeared, floating close to his side. Their large eyes scanned his flesh a moment and one was brazen enough to touch him. After examining the injuries, they spoke loudly, causing a flurry of activity to begin. Tools were being procured, buckets of water and stacks of cloth were brought, and pots of some sort of green substance was carried forward. Merco watched, fascinated with their efficiency.

“Merco!” Pixie’s voice called out to him which made him look at her.

She pointed to him and then physically laid down on her side. Again, she pointed to him, eyes expectant. Apparently she wanted him to lay down. He glanced around a second, ensuring no one was in his way. He gradually leaned over on his right side, so his injured left was up. The movement seemed to still the bustling aliens as they watched him fully recline. Pixie appeared near his face and patted his nose in a reassuring manner. He granted her a small smile.

In a few minutes Merco could feel little feet touching his skin, traipsing across his sprawled body. It tickled, but Merco held perfectly still, not wishing to laugh and jar the little aliens who had set upon him. Out of the corner of his eye he could see a couple aliens standing on his hip. They both held tools that resembled pliers. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what they were for. Merco had a distinct feeling this wasn’t going to tickle. He took a deep breath to steady himself but in turn jostled the aliens standing on him as they staggered to maintain balance when he exhaled sharply.

“Sorry.” Merco apologized and focused on remaining still.

It was then that he felt water being poured over his injuries and tiny towels set to cleaning the various wounds. Merco twitched a bit at the tickling sensation but tried his best to hold still. A few more moments passed before he started feeling the aliens get to work removing the shrapnel from his wounds. The strange sensation of tiny tools probing the injuries and removing the pieces of offending metal were a mix of pain and relief at the same time; like digging out a bunch of splinters. The clink of little metal bits being deposited in a pan was heard. There were aliens on his shoulder, along his ribs, and at his hip. It didn’t hurt quite so much on his back or shoulder but the little aliens working on his hip and ribs were certainly making him bite his lip since it was a more tender area.

A particularly deep extraction from there made him flinch and grunt loudly, “Jeez! Are you dissecting me?”

Of course, his exclamation stopped the aliens abruptly. They probably were debating whether it was safe to be doing this to him.

He gentled his voice and exhaled slowly, “Sorry.”

When he’d quieted, the work resumed. More water washed away the blood that was welling up from the extractions. Merco laid on the ground, staring at nothing in particular as he tried to maintain his stillness which grew harder the longer the procedure went. One bold alien slid down the slope of his shoulder and checked his neck. He found eight chunks of shrapnel; Merco knew because he counted them as he yanked out each one. The neck extractions felt the worst so far. He couldn’t restrain the pained tensing of his neck with each pluck. To his credit the medic didn’t shy away even when his flinching neck muscles almost jarred him off.

The whole procedure took a little over an hour. As the extractions finished, Merco could feel something being spread over his wounds. It felt like a salve of some kind as a soothing sense accompanied it. Then he felt the medics’ feet gradually disappear from his side and Pixie made a ‘get up’ motion with her hand. Merco pushed himself up slowly. When he was sat up he looked down at his side which was covered in a green substance. It felt nice whatever it was. Experimentally, he rolled his shoulder and twisted his torso and winced upon feeling a poking sensation somewhere near his ribs. With a testing finger he found the spot and one of the medics flew up to the spot with a tool in hand. A quick probing and a final metal shard was pulled. A sigh of relief left Merco and he twisted once more. He didn’t feel anything else. The alien medics certainly did a good job.

He bowed his head with respect and gestured to his side, “Thank you. I feel much better.”

Though they didn’t understand him, he felt as if they gathered his gratitude. Upon noticing one of the aliens holding a bucket of the green salve he carefully reached over and took it from her. He dipped his finger into the salve and applied a bit to his head wound for good measure before giving back the container. He reached behind him for his shirt, but his hand didn’t feel the familiar fabric. Confused, he turned, and found his shirt was missing. Anu flew up into his view and pointed off toward the settlement. Merco looked and saw his shirt laying out flat on the ground with several dozen aliens seemed to take measurements of it.

“Oh. You-you don’t have to do that.” He protested gently.

But he could tell they weren’t going to be dissuaded. He wasn’t even sure what they would make a new shirt his size out of, but it would take a lot of work and material. Again, that uncomfortable feeling of being a burden on them crawled into his mind. Not that he wasn’t immensely grateful for their efforts, but he didn’t want to become a difficult guest for them.

Merco waited patiently until they waved at him to retrieve his shirt. As he put it back on he felt a wave of fatigue sweep through him. It wasn’t quite the end of the day yet, but he felt like he’d been awake for a long time.

He looked to the leader and his friends who had congregated nearby and made a gesture that indicated he was going to get some sleep. They seemed to comprehend so he stood up and made his way out of the canyon. His pants, socks, underwear, and boots were still wet from his retreat into the lake and the suns were still shining so Merco found an open spot near the canyon edge to rest. He peeled off his boots, dumping the rest of the water out of them. The constant squishing of water in his boots had been annoying and his wet jeans rubbing against his legs had begun to chafe a bit. He removed his socks and laid them out to dry. But he thought better of taking off his pants. He’d just lie in the suns for a nap until he was dried off.

He piled his leather jacket under his head for a pillow and laid back on the warm sandy ground, staring up at the sky. Not blue like Earth; more of a faint yellow color. A sigh escaped him.

“Get used to it Merco. You’ll probably never see a blue sky ever again.”

At length he noticed a distinct bump under his head. Curious he unfolded the leather jacket and searched the pockets to find his wallet hidden inside. He took out the brown leather wallet and opened it. Some cash, credit cards, and then he saw the blue and silver Holo-Pic card tucked near the front. He removed the card almost reverently. A Holo-Pic was a card-like device that stored and projected pictures in the air. It needed charged but luckily for Merco it was a solar charged device. It had been a birthday gift from his family since he was in his delivery ship a lot and printed pictures had fallen into obscurity over the years. Carefully he laid it nearby in the sun so it could charge up. Merco sighed and laid back on his jacket for a nap, although with his mind so full, he wasn’t sure if he would get one.

…

When Merco left to rest, Elder Felreh began to make preparations to head back to Anashee and proclaim its release.

She turned to Anu and Traynar, “You have been instrumental in this meeting. You have my thanks.”

They lowered their plumage with respect, “Thank you Elder.”

“I believe Anashee will now have an ambassadorial position that needs to be occupied.” She mentioned pointedly.

Anu and Traynar glanced at each other. Even though the position they currently held as members of the EFP was a high ranking, being an ambassador was indeed a step up.

Traynar made a motion with his hand, “I believe Anu would be the better choice for such a position…but also, Seraysa.” He gestured to the young female standing nearby.

Seraysa seemed shocked by such a notion.

The Elder looked at her, “She would indeed be the youngest ambassador Anashee has ever had. Perhaps…a joint ambassadorial position?”

Anu looked to Seraysa, “Would you want to?”

A dumbfounded nod bobbed the young female’s head.

Elder Felreh smiled, “Very well. As of this day, Anu and Seraysa will be Anashee’s official joint ambassadors in the matters of our visitor Merco.”

Both females thanked her.

Verin whispered something in his sister’s ear and she spoke up, “Elder Felreh. Can you make sure our parents know where we are…we-we didn’t tell them we went out here.”

“You’re not going back to Anashee?”

Verin spoke up, “Leader Yelon has offered us a place to stay for the night. Tomorrow we’ll. It’ll be ok if you tell them.”

The Elder granted him a knowing smile, “I should hope so.” She looked at Anu and Traynar, “And you?”

“We will return to Anashee for some rest. We’ll return here soon.” Anu explained.

Elder Felreh nodded and moved away, her security detail surrounded her and helped her fly up into the air, back to Anashee.

Anu held Seraysa’s hand a moment, “I’ll be back soon. You’re sure you’ll be alright here?”

The young female nodded and with that Anu and Traynar flew up into the air after the Elder until they disappeared over the canyon wall.

“I’m surprised.” Verin mentioned aloud to his sister.

“Surprised that I’m an ambassador for Merco?”

“Well yeah… that too. But no one seemed to care we were wearing these EFP uniforms.” He said offhandedly.

Seraysa laughed, “I think we’ll still have to return them.”

Verin agreed with a nod and then asked, “So…what does this mean now that you’re an ambassador?”

A bemused shrug was all Seraysa could answer with. She didn’t know either. The only thing she was certain of was that she would be working very closely with Merco from now on.

She remembered earlier the expression Merco had on his face when he was told they didn’t have the things he needed to get to his home, Earth. He’d looked lost…sad. Seraysa couldn’t help but worry for him. She remembered how she’d felt when she’d emerged and her family wasn’t there. She hadn’t considered the idea that Merco himself might have a family unit too.

Verin suddenly spoke up, “You know…I’ve been wondering something.”

“What?”

“You know how we are taught the Ansheetan language through our education feeds when we’re in our chrysalis?”

Seraysa nodded.

“Could we use something like that to teach Merco our language?” Verin conjectured.

A look of bewilderment came over Seraysa, “I-I don’t know. Do you think that’s possible?”

Verin’s brain was postulating, “Well we don’t know his brain structure…it would probably take a different set up. Definitely would need more probes. I’d have to discuss it with my friends. They know more about education feeds than me.”

The idea had promise if it could work. If Merco could be taught their language through an education feed then he could communicate with them much more quickly and way easier. They might even be able to learn his language!

“That would be amazing Verin!” Seraysa’s tone was excited by the prospect.

“Maybe, since you’re an ambassador now, you could appoint me as a science officer?” Verin suggested.

She laughed at her brother, “I don’t know if I have that kind of clout Verin.”

“But if this works, I might!” he said with excitement.

Seraysa smiled and then yawned, “I’m tired Verin. I think I’m going to rest a bit then check on Merco.”

Her brother nodded in agreement, “Me too. Come on. Yelon can show us where we’re sleeping.”

…

Later…

Merco awoke later just as the suns were lower in the sky. He wasn’t sure how long he’d slept, but he was practically dry now. No nightmares thankfully. He felt achy but only in a bruised way. He sat up and rubbed his face. His stomach growled angrily.

“Oh yeah…haven’t eaten since yesterday. That soup was sure good, just wish there was more.” He thought to himself as he patted his shrinking belly, “Best diet I’ve been on in years.”

A blue blinking nearby caught his eye and he remembered the Holo-Pic card he’d let charge. Eagerly he picked up the device and touched the corner to activate it. It lit up and projected several rows of his pictures into the air above the card. A sigh of happiness escaped him.

The first few pictures were of a space port he’d visited last week before all this happened. That fancy bathroom and the strange alien toilets. He smirked at that recent memory. His finger swiped the images, searching through them until he found one he cherished most. It was a picture of him, his now ex-wife and two sons when they were together eating at their favorite restaurant on Earth. The boys were much younger in the picture, with fries sticking out of their mouths like vampire teeth. Merco smiled fondly, remembering when they were a family. It was probably five years after the war when the picture was taken, but those were some of his best years with them.

He swiped again to see the faces of his two grown sons: Martin and Tony. Martin was the youngest at twenty-three. He looked almost identical to Merco when he was that age. He was in the military corps as a pilot; less chance of seeing combat like Merco had been at his age. It was a scary, yet proud moment for Merco when Martin told him he was enlisting. Merco had fought the last war Earth had experienced and peaceful times had reigned. But who knew how long that would last? He prayed Martin would never have to experience what he did.

Tony was his eldest at twenty-seven. Tony was much a gentler temperament than his younger brother. It seemed he was born so mature and yet so full of zest for life. The last time he saw him was at his wedding. He and his new wife were going to have a baby girl in a few months.

He would’ve been a grandpa…

Merco felt his breath shudder and his eyes burn with tears at the thought. She wouldn’t even know him. He’d be just a story and a Holo-Pic; not a living, flesh and blood grandpa who would swing her around playing ‘airplane’ or one who would show up unexpectedly after a long-haul bearing presents from far away space ports. A grandpa who would show up at Christmas and dress up as Santa Claus for her or teach her how to fly a transport ship from the safety of his lap.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw a small form floating up over the canyon side and land on the ground next to him.

He wiped his eyes quickly with the back of his arm, “Oh, hello Pixie.”

The tiny alien looked up at him with a look that showed concern.

“Just…(ahem) looking at some pictures…remembering.” He explained, trying to loosen the tightness that clenched painfully at his throat by clearing it.

Pixie floated up off the ground and hovered in front of the image of his sons, staring at it.

It was then Merco realized his little friend was floating, “Pixie. You’re flying! When did you learn to do that?”

She turned to look at him and he made a flying gesture with his hands and pointed to her. She smiled at him and turned around in the air, showing him her ability. Merco returned the smile and held up a finger near her. Like a little bird she landed on his finger and tried to balance before finally sitting down, legs draped over the edge. Merco couldn’t help but chuckle at her. She pointed to the image glowing before them.

Merco sighed and gestured slowly with his other hand, “Those…are my sons. They’re all grown up now back on Earth.” He pointed to each one, “Martin…Tony.”

“Mar-tin. To-ny.” Pixie repeated.

He nodded, staring at the picture. The tears came more readily this time as they filled his lower lids.

“I’ll never see them again.”

Normally, Merco was really good at reining in his emotions, but he just couldn’t after saying what he knew aloud. His breath shuddered with a sob as he buried his face in his gloved hand. His shoulders trembled.

“I’m sorry.” He managed to whisper.

He felt the little presence float off of his finger, land on top of his gloved hand, and then touch his forehead. Pixie said something in her tiny voice again and again. After a few minutes he took a settling breath and slowly lowered his hand. Pixie remained atop it.

“I’m sorry.” he said again, wiping his eyes with the collar of his shirt. “I just…I just wasn’t ready to hear that.”

Pixie may not have understood his words but she seemed to sympathize with his mood as she stared at him with concern and patted his gloved prosthetic. Several more minutes passed by in silence until Merco cleared his throat and turned off the Holo-Pic card, tucking it back in jacket pocket and zipping it for safety. He also mentally tucked away his grief over the situation.

His stomach growled again and Pixie looked at him with a startled look.

He smiled awkwardly and laughed shortly, “Guess I need to get something to eat.”

Merco gently placed Pixie on his shoulder and began to put on his socks and boots. She watched him, holding on tightly to his T-shirt collar. When he was ready, he carefully stood up, wrapping his jacket around his waist. He knew he’d need to go fishing at the lake. Despite earlier events it was still the best option to get a meal. In fact, Merco was thinking living at the lake was probably what he should do anyway since he was going to be on this world for the foreseeable feature.

A voice called out and Merco looked to see the one Pixie called Verin, floating up out of the canyon.

“Sey-tala Verin!” Pixie said in a greeting tone.

Merco listened and tried the word experimentally, “Sey-tala?”

They both looked at him in shock.

Pixie floated off his shoulder into his view smiling and nodding, “Sey-tala Merco!”

“Sey-tala…Pixie.”

She nodded and bobbed in the air. He guessed the word meant hello.

“Sey-tala…Hello…Sey-tala…Hello.” he said.

“Hell-o.” Pixie parroted back.

“Hello Pixie. Hello Verin.” he greeted.

They both seemed excited, trying his word and then Merco trying their word. A first step in learning the language…small…but a step. Merco then pointed back toward the lake and waved his hand to mimic a fish.

“Want to go fishing with me?” he asked them.

After seeing his hand gesture they seemed to get excited, particularly the male Verin. He patted his shoulder invitingly.

“Come on then.”

Pixie landed on his shoulder readily. Verin was still hesitant but gradually he joined her. When they settled, Merco sighed deeply and began walking back to the lake for food.

Chapter 23: Fishing

As Seraysa and Verin rode atop Merco’s broad shoulder, they both felt excited. It was like flying but with no strain on them. The long, powerful sway followed by the impact of Merco’s steps shuddering through his massive frame was something to feel. Seraysa had experienced it in her first hour of life riding in Merco’s shirt pocket, but it was a bit more thrilling perched on his shoulder.

“This…has been the craziest two days of my life.” Verin admitted, staring in all directions from their lofty perch.

“Me too.” Seraysa admitted.

“Yeah but you’re only recently Emerged.” He stated. “Do you think we’ll get to see him catch a Gold Scaled Leviathan?”

Seraysa nodded, “Probably. I think that’s what that gesture meant.” She mimicked the waving motion Merco had used that looked like a fish swimming.

Verin’s dark eyes seemed to light up at the prospect, “That’s going to be SO incredible!”

Seraysa nodded but as she rode she recalled how sad Merco had been earlier, “What would be incredible is if we could help him get home.”

Her brother pondered, “Well…up until he showed up, no one even thought there was life anywhere but Anshai-tee. We just don’t have the tech his kind seems to have.”

“I know. But you didn’t see him earlier. He had images of other aliens like him. I think…they were images of his family. He… looked so sad. I just…I just wish we could help him.”

Verin looked sympathetic but he didn’t have answers either.

It wasn’t long before they were back at the northern-most edges of the lake, almost exactly where the attack had taken place. Merco surveyed the spot a moment with lingering suspicion before he continued on. He walked around the edge of the lake, eyes scanning around.

Then he stopped and knelt down and reached for something on the ground, making the siblings grip his shirt collar to avoid falling forward. Down the length of his arm they saw what he’d found. It was a sign with the name of Trit written on it. Trit was small settlement at the edge of the Anashee Lake. The inhabitants, though few could swim, were adept fishermen. Mounted atop the wooden sign was a comically large metal fishing hook and that’s what Merco was after. He had an almost delighted look on his face. He plucked at the hook and managed to rip the whole sign out of the ground.

“Merco!” Seraysa scolded him.

He gave an embarrassed expression, ripped the hook off the sign effortlessly, and then carefully put the sign back.

“What are you doing? You can’t take that!” Seraysa protested.

“Uh…yeah he can.” Verin disagreed.

“Well he shouldn’t!”

Merco stood up and observed the hook between his fingers. Then he began looking around for something else. In a few steps he found a couple boats tied up near the shore and a pile of fiber ropes inside each one. Again, he knelt down and took both piles of rope.

“Merco! You can’t just take that!”

The giant alien looked at her a moment but didn’t seem too concerned by her scolding and resumed his task.

Seraysa gripped her head plumage with frustration, “First day as an ambassador and we’re going to get the Trits mad at us!”

Merco stretched the fiber ropes out as far as they would go which was almost the span of his arms. Deciding it needed to be longer he tied the two ropes together to make a longer one. Satisfied, he stood back up and began looking at the trees. He found one that seemed to suit him, gripped it with his gloved hand, and stomped his foot against the trunk, snapping it off easily.

“Geez.” Verin groaned, impressed.

Merco’s hands went to work again, snapping the branches off of the tree until he had a bare, knobby trunk gripped in hand. He took his knife from his pocket and notched the top part. Then with some careful tying he attached the rope in the nick and then tied the hook to the rope, creating a primitive but serviceable fishing pole.

“He’s pretty clever.” Verin commented, upon watching the whole craft come together.

…

The suns were setting and Merco knew he didn’t have time to find his old spear or make a new one by the time it got dark. He needed light to see and spear a fish. But with a fishing pole he could fish into the dark. Merco had his makeshift fishing pole but he needed some bait. He wondered if there were worms on this planet. Slowly, he walked along the water’s edge, searching for something that might make good bait for a good-sized fish. Morbidly, he knew he’d need something at least Pixie’s size since the fish of this planet had no problem eating them. His eyes scanned the area.

Verin pointed and said something that sounded like a word ending with a whistle. “Merco, Zeej-[whistle]!”

Merco looked at his shoulder to see the direction of Verin’s pointing and saw a wasp-like bug with too many spiky legs and six sets of wings down its long body sitting on a rock. It looked like a horrific breeding of a wasp and a centipede and it was twice as big as Pixie and Verin; plenty big enough for bait.

“Ugh. Ok. If you say so.” Merco grimaced at the nasty looking insect.

Using his impervious prosthetic hand, Merco snatched up the bug which buzzed angrily and whipped its long body around to try and attack his hand. With some fiddling he skewered the bug on the improvised hook and it writhed erratically.

Both Pixie and Verin made noises of disgust and he smirked.

Now he was ready to fish. He walked down the lake a bit to a spot that looked deep and lightly cast the line and his wriggling bait out into the water. It wasn’t a long cast by any means, but it didn’t need to be as the tree he’d select to be his pole gave him considerable reach. Merco then sat down gingerly, trying not to jar his shoulder riders, and began his patient wait for a bite.

After a moment the siblings floated off of his shoulder and landed beside him. Merco decided to pass the time he’d see if he could learn a couple more alien words.

“Pixie?” he questioned. He touched the water and rubbed the wetness between his fingers, “Water. Water.”

“Wa-ter.” She repeated and then touched the water as well. She made a whistle noise and then a click.

…

Once Merco was settled down to fish he began speaking and Seraysa realized he was attempting to learn more words.

He touched the lake water and said his word for it in his deep voice. She was able to mimic it. Then she said her word for water. He seemed to concentrate, made a hole between his lips and made a low, loud whistle in an attempt to say her word for ‘water’. It wasn’t close.

She shook her head at him, repeating the word slower. He tried several times and finally got something close. His accent was indeed strange. All of a sudden his whole body leaned forward; his eyes zeroed in on the end of his pole.

“Oh! Oh! He’s got something!” Verin leaped up with excitement.

Merco paused, waiting still until the line began to pull to the right. He gripped the pole and jerked forcibly. The water exploded with thrashing as the scaled beast on the end of the line fought back. Merco stood up quickly and the siblings backed up to give him room. The bearded man grunted, muttering something and pulled hard, his muscles bulging with strength as his tree pole bent in an arc.

Verin and Seraysa were frozen with wonder by the spectacle. Merco stepped back, pulling the thrashing beast out of the deeper water and into the shallows. The water surged and flew everywhere as a Gold Scaled Leviathan threw itself up out of the water, lashing its head aggressively to unseat the hook. Merco bent his knees slightly, boots digging into the ground and tearing it with his force. Despite how hard the fish fought, Merco’s strength superseded its struggles as he pulled it into the shallows so its gleaming golden back was out of the water. Its mighty tail thrashed, soaking both Verin and Seraysa on the shore.

Merco bent down to grab the fish by the mouth when suddenly it threw its head and the hook came flying out. The leviathan’s whole body whipped, flopping its way toward the open water again. Giving a loud exclamation at the fish’s action, Merco tossed aside his pole and pounced on the fish, sending tidal waves of water into the shore and sweeping both Verin and Seraysa off their feet. Even though the fish was slippery and thrashing, Merco managed to hug it to his body and subdue it. The body tentacles of the fish writhed frantically against Merco’s skin as it wore down. The giant alien was breathing hard too as he slowly stood up, water pouring off of him as he carried the fish to shore.

Soaked but unharmed, the siblings got up just as Merco deposited the huge fish on the bank. He grumbled something in his big voice and flicked water from his arms.

“That was… AMAZING!” Verin crowed, gripping his sister’s arm like an excited sports fan.

Seraysa shook water from her plumage but smiled in agreement as they slowly approached the landed leviathan.

Verin was beside himself with wonder, “Look at the size of it! No one has ever caught a Gold Scaled Leviathan before! I can’t believe I got to see that!”

It was almost length of Merco’s arm and the gaping mouth was big enough to consume both of them at the same time. To almost illustrate that fact the fish snapped its mouth at both of them which sent them darting backward.

Merco retrieved the knife from his pocket and dispatched the fish quickly.

Then he pointed to the leviathan saying, “Fish.”

“Fffish.” Seraysa sampled the hissing word. “Bay-Nesra.” She pronounced her word for the Gold Scaled Leviathan.

He repeated it without difficulty several times as he set to work disemboweling it.

Despite the disgusting nature of the task, both Seraysa and Verin remained glued to the sight of it. It was subtly disturbing how easy Merco made the act seem. A few slices and a quick rinse saw the fish cleaned out.

As Merco washed his hands and arms he looked around a second, seemed to think a moment, and then picked up the fish with one hand behind the gill flap.

He patted his shoulder as he looked down at them, “Come on.”

But they didn’t fly up to him. They couldn’t now that they were wet. Something about the water’s polarity screwed up an Ansheetan’s ability to fly. He patted his shoulder again but they shook their heads and showed their wet clothes. He seemed confused but gently lowered his hand to them which they were then able to climb into. When they seemed settled, Merco retrieved his fishing pole and jacket and began walking back north toward Pela Canyon.

When he arrived near the edge where the forest met the barren land before the canyon, Merco stopped, found a large rock, and draped the dead leviathan over it. He also put down his pole and jacket. He offered his hand to Seraysa and Verin and they climbed into it.

Verin took a deep breath as they were both lowered to the ground and they hopped out of Merco’s hand, “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that.”

Casually Merco’s massive boot swept over their heads as he stepped, making Verin duck, “Or that!”

…

Despite the fact that Merco was starving, he decided since the aliens from the canyon had helped him remove all that bomb shrapnel and they were probably going to make him a new shirt he would bring them some food to share. The fish he’d caught was more than enough for him. He needed to make himself a useful guest and not a burdensome one if he was going to be marooned her for the foreseeable future. So, he set to work with his cooking process, the same as before. Once the fire was hot and the fish was skewered and cooking he sat down and kept an eye on it.

“Merco.” Pixie called out to him

He looked down at her and she pointed to the fish and made a sprinkling gesture. Then she pointed to the trees and walked into them. Merco guessed she meant she was going to get something to season the fish with. An alien herb or mineral perhaps? He wasn’t going to complain. The last two fish he’d eaten had tasted fine, but bland. A little seasoning would be nice.

As he sat, legs stretched and arms braced behind him, he noticed Verin was creeping closer to him, staring at his prosthetic arm. The little green male subtly stepped closer to his left hand, hand outstretched. He didn’t seem to notice that Merco was aware of his advance. As he reached out to touch the metal, Merco lifted his index finger. Verin jumped and fell back on his bottom.

The man chuckled mischievously but extended his mechanical finger over Verin’s lap for him to grasp. The little alien hesitated a moment but grasped his digit with both hands. Gently, Merco raised his finger, lifting him to his feet. It was so quick for Verin that he leaned over his digit for support, feet dancing to find the ground. The little alien gradually stood on his own but kept his hands on his silicon covered fingertip, eyes roving across it to the hand and arm beyond. Merco could see the intrigue and wonder alight in his dark eyes. Gradually, Verin let go of his fingertip but walked around to his thumb joint, ducking down to look underneath it like someone checking out a car. Merco slowly rolled his hand over onto its side, opening his prosthetic as a wall in front of Verin so he could see it. The alien’s dark plumage lifted up and he stepped closer, touching the rubberized sensors that made the palm and peeking at every detail. A smile of amusement crossed Merco’s bearded face upon seeing the alien’s enthusiasm. Verin stepped back from his palm, looked up at Merco, held up his own little hand and wiggled his fingers. Merco compliantly flexed his mechanical fingers for him. Verin stepped close again and watched as the servos and pistons beneath the silicone-like coating whirred and moved.

“Tee-[click! click!]” he said in an amazed voice.

Merco mimicked him by clicking his tongue, “Tee-[click! click!]?”

Verin looked up at him nodding.

Merco could only guess it meant “cool” or “wow” or something along those lines.

After a few more moments, Pixie returned carrying a handful of plants all wrapped in a bundle. She held them up to him and he delicately plucked them from her hands. He brought them to his nose and smelled deeply. It smelled aromatic but the man had no idea what it smelled like. He thanked her with a nod and tended his cooked fish.

Soon, he plucked off a chunk from around the back and it flaked, signaling it was done cooking. Carefully he removed the fish from over the embers and then spread the herbs Pixie had given him over the meat. It wasn’t much, not nearly enough for the whole fish, but enough for him to try. The smell of food was making his mouth water and his stomach growl, protesting his delay. However, he thought it might look bad if he brought a half-eaten fish to the settlement. A whole fish would be more presentable. So, he kicked dirt over the fire to extinguish it, put on his glove, gathered his pole and jacket, then held the skewered fish on the pole between his hands.

“All right you two, it’s ready. Let’s get going.” He announced, patting his shoulder again.

Pixie and Verin landed on him again and he made his way down into the canyon toward the settlement. When he passed the spot he’d used as a shelter he deposited his jacket and fishing pole there before continuing on.

Soon he arrived at the settlement; the lights were glowing and a few of the aliens were out and about.

“Merco! Merco!” a few voices called out when they saw him.

Their calls brought more aliens out of their dwellings to see.

Merco approached, softening his steps as he drew closer. When he was within six feet of the settlement he knelt down, holding the skewered, cooked fish before him in offering as he tried to remember the greeting.

“Sey…Sey-tala.” He said slowly as he held the fish, “Bay-Nesra.”

The aliens’ eyes seemed to widen at the greeting and they chattered quickly, with excitement amongst themselves. Pixie and Verin floated down from his shoulder and greeted the yellow tipped leader named Yelon and began speaking; presumably he was the topic. Yelon nodded and began shouting out to the other aliens and the activity began. Merco patiently held the fish until the little aliens had assembled, bringing forth serving items. An excitement seemed to be buzzing in the air. Several aliens laid down a patchwork of mesh material over logs on the ground. When they had a sizable slab of it they gestured for Merco to lay the fish on it. Compliantly, and carefully he did so.

Notably a couple aliens floated up to the comparatively gigantic fish and sampled the meat. One turned and shouted something with a harsh whistle. Soon, at least six aliens arrived, bringing small buckets of what looked like salt and another blue colored mineral. Floating over the fish like little drones they sprinkled it with what Merco could only assume was their alien seasoning. Again the ‘taste testers’ tried it and nodded approvingly.

Curious, Merco peeled a bit from the back and tried it. He couldn’t pinpoint a particular flavor but it was salted, perhaps a bit of citrus and some herb combo. In any case it was way better tasting than his first two fish. He too nodded with approval. Then, as before with the soup, the aliens began serving the fish to each individual.

Merco couldn’t help but notice the looks of amazement as the diners walked past the fish. One little alien even hopped up on the mesh to peek in the fish’s gaped mouth and touch the vicious serrated jaw. Merco got the impression that they were indeed scared of this particular fish and they’d never seen one or eaten one before. Then again who could blame them? He’d found Anu in the belly of one of these fish and seeing them next to it was like their version of a Megalodon. For him it was a big fish but my no means a monster.

His stomach complained again but his patience scolded it into submission until the settlement had all been fed. By the time it appeared everyone had a share, only a chunk the size of Merco’s fist had been removed. Merco eagerly scooted a bit closer to the fish and began to eat himself. He felt eased as his own hunger was appeased with every mouthful. The flavor was so much better with seasoning; a fish flavor akin to ahi tuna mixed with trout.

As he ate he felt a tiny touch to his bent knee and there sat Pixie, beginning to eat her own portion. He smiled at her as she took a bite and smiled back; her large blue eyes squinting. Not more than a few days prior he’d shared the exact same meal with her; her first meal.

Then, he felt someone touch his other knee that was curled on the ground. His eyes lowered to see a pair of the aliens touching him, their head crests lifted and lowered as they looked up at him.

“Sey-tala.” He greeted with a nod.

One of them pointed to the fish and made the same gesture with their plumage. Merco could only guess it was a thank you. He nodded. Then a few more came forward doing the same gesture. Before long there was a literal line of them passing, touching him, and gesturing with their head plumes. Merco could only hold very still, nodding to each one.

…

Seraysa sat atop Merco’s knee eating her portion of the leviathan. It tasted really nice now that it was seasoned. Everyone in the Pela settlement had been amazed and shocked upon realizing they’d actually get to eat the dreaded beast. Then, when the meal was ending, the citizens began approaching Merco, touching his knee and displaying their gratitude for his gift. She smiled, seeing the steady stream of Pela Ansheetans pass by. Merco seemed a bit overwhelmed but also gracious to them. Seraysa could only hope the inhabitants of Anashee would be as accepting. And that meeting was approaching fast.

Chapter 24: Visiting Anashee pt 1

After the aliens and Merco had eaten their fill of the fish there was just a bit left. The citizens set to work picking off every minuscule flake of meat to be saved for later. That was fine with Merco; no sense wasting anything. He was about ready to haul away the bones and other inedibles, but the aliens went to work disassembling that too. Merco watched for a time, fascinated by the ant-like efficiency. He wasn’t sure what they’d use the bones for but they obviously wanted them.

Eventually, he bid them good night and made his way back to his place in the canyon where he’d left his jacket and fishing pole, relaxed, and went to sleep for the night.

…

In Anashee the next morning…

Anu awoke with a hard stretch, yawning. She felt as if she’d slept through several sunrises. A gentle hand stroked her forehead where her plume began. She looked up and saw Traynar leaning over her bed to greet her.

“Sey-tala my love,” he greeted, touching his forehead to hers. “Did you sleep well?”

She nodded, “I almost forgot what it was like to actually sleep in our home.”

Her mate smiled and cracked his back, “Yeah. Sleeping on the ground for three days wasn’t great.”

“How’s your wound?” Anu asked.

He lifted his sleeping shirt and she examined it. The slice looked mended and wasn’t showing signs of infection.

“Hurts still…but not as bad.” He admitted.

At that moment there was a banging at their door and Traynar went to answer it. Outside were two EFP members. The yellow dots on their shoulders indicated they were part of the Elder’s personal guard.

Traynar flipped his plumage in salute and they returned it, “Traynar, Anu, you are requested by the Elder. Please come with us.”

Quickly the pair got dressed in their uniforms and were led to Elder Felreh’s place of meeting. She greeted them warmly and they sat together.

“I am going to announce the opening of Anashee’s gates. Our people will no longer be confined.”

Anu and Traynar nodded with approval.

“I believe it would be best to do this first, let Anashee breathe a sigh of relief, and then tomorrow near sunset, we will host a celebration to introduce Merco.” The Elder continued. “This will give the people time to prepare. I do not believe bringing him here without forewarning them would be wise.”

“I agree, Elder.” Anu nodded.

“As ambassador for our visitor, you will be given the responsibility to convey this invitation as well as act as liaison between Merco and the people when he arrives.” The Elder continued.

A series of tones began playing loudly over the speakers outside, signaling the Ansheetans to the main market square.

Elder Felreh rose, “I will be announcing this shortly. Please attend with me.”

Together they, along with the personal guard, flew out to ascend the huge central tree that acted as the platform for an Elder’s speeches. They all alit on a balcony that extended out from the thick, black tree. Below the square was beginning to fill as the population gathered at the tone’s calling. Several minutes passed before the Elder raised her arms and her plume to the Ansheetans below.

She spoke into the sound amplifiers before her, “Ansheetans, I offer great news this day! Our planet has a visitor from another world.”

The crowd murmured in a humming thrum.

“His name is Merco. I, Commander Madala, and these two fine members of the EFP, Anu and Traynar, have met with this alien visitor. He is a peaceful being and means us no harm.” The Elder said with gentle inflection as the crowd continued to whisper, “I come to you today to say that after this meeting I have determined that today Anashee’s gates will be reopened!”

A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.

When the fervor died down, the Elder continued, “Tomorrow near sunset there will be a celebration to welcome our alien visitor. Everyone is invited to attend. It is my wish that we extend friendship and an alliance with him. I thank you for your attendance.”

She raised her hand and looked around, “Open all the gates!”

Again, the crowd whistled with elation and the city was filled with talk and activity.

Elder Felreh turned to Anu, “I will see that the plans are attended here. If you could go to Merco and convey this invitation for tomorrow?”

Anu nodded.

“We will be sure to give Anashee plenty of forewarning prior to his arrival. You and Seraysa will probably be very busy tomorrow and get many questions.” She gave a small smile.

“I doubt we’ll be able to answer most of them. But we will do our best.” Anu admitted.

…

A bit later in the morning at Pela Canyon…

Seraysa and Verin were given a place to sleep at the Pela settlement for the night. When morning came, Seraysa woke up first and went out to see if Merco was up. She flew and walked through the canyon in spurts. She felt, much like exercising a muscle, that she could fly for a longer time. One day she hoped she’d get good enough that she could fly like Anu and Traynar. She didn’t necessarily want to be part of the EFP, but she did enjoy the sensation and ease it gave her when traveling.

Soon she could see Merco’s huge form filling the span of the canyon. He was laying on the softer, sandy ground on his side, his jacket piled up for a pillow under his head. A deep resonating snore echoed against the canyon walls as he slept. Seraysa approached his huge face, unafraid. She gently reached out and tapped his nose to try and wake him. But he slowly rolled over onto his back in response to the tickling sensation. His snoring continued. Seraysa flicked her plumage, deciding not to give up. She floated up and landed on his forehead, using her foot to tap him. In response, he wrinkled his forehead. The muscle movement jerked her forward and she fell onto the bridge of his nose, between his eyes. His eyes slowly opened as he groaned at the disturbance, only to feel a tiny presence straddling his nose and a tiny foot kick the corner of his eye. He flinched and closed his eyes again.

“Ach. Pixie…what are you doing?” his voice sounded irritated yet still gentle.

“Sey-tala Merco.” She greeted cheerfully as she stared into his right eye.

“Sey-tala.” He returned the greeting groggily. He closed his eyes again, “Ugh. It’s too early Pixie. Go bother someone else and let me sleep.”

“Merco?” she reached down and patted his eyelid. “Come on! Wake up.”

Merco made a deep groaning, growling sound in his throat as his huge hand reached up and plucked her from his face. Seraysa thought it might mean that he was going to get up. But instead the enormous fingers encircled her completely in a loose fist before settling down on his chest. Seraysa struggled, pushing against his skin to free herself.

“Merco! Let me go!” she protested.

“Sleep Pixie. Let me sleep.” His voice shook her.

She didn’t know what he’d said but she had the feeling he was subduing her so he could continue his slumber. Seraysa wriggled until she squirmed her way out of his hand and flopped down on his rising chest. It was obvious he was not going to be disturbed for now, so she quit trying to pester him and settled down onto his chest. The familiar boom of his heartbeat was soothing to her; the first thing she remembered hearing before Emerging. Gradually she couldn’t help but fall asleep too.

A nublar later, Seraysa felt Merco’s breathing change pace beneath her which awoke her. It was faster as was his heartbeat. Before she could react, he sat up suddenly a thunderous shout deafening her. She clung to the fabric of his shirt as his chest heaved beneath her. Slowly, his breathing settled to a more normal rhythm. Seraysa grunted, trying to maintain her grip but she eventually couldn’t and slid down the giant’s chest until she settled onto his belly.

Merco blinked and looked down at her, “Oh. Sorry Pixie. Bad dream.”

“Merco!” Anu’s voice suddenly rang out from above, making Merco look.

“Sey-tala Anu, Traynar.” He greeted which they returned, landing on the ground next to him.

Seraysa greeted them as well, “What’s going on?”

Anu gestured, “They’ve opened the gates of Anashee.”

“Thank goodness.”

“Tomorrow near sunset there’s going to be a celebration and Elder Felreh wants Merco to come to Anashee.” Anu explained.

“Really?”

She nodded, “I’ve just got to get Merco to understand.”

Traynar grabbed his energy staff, “Here. We’ve done this before. Merco.”

The giant alien watched him draw the map he’d drawn before with the canyon, the lake, and Anashee. Merco nodded with remembrance. Traynar pointed to him and then to the drawing of Anashee.

“Anashee. You are going to Anashee with us.” He said.

…

A few pictures in the sand and several gestures later, Merco figured out he was being invited to what he could only assume was these aliens’ capital city. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. On the one hand it was of course good that they weren’t seeing him as a monster to be feared and were wanting him to come. On the other hand, every horrible thing that could go wrong was playing disturbingly in Merco’s head. What if he accidentally destroyed something? What if he stepped on someone? He wasn’t sure if it was overall a good idea. But he couldn’t turn down the invitation if he wanted to foster good relations with the natives. He was, after all, going to be stranded here for a long time.

Merco wanted to make a good impression as he had with the canyon settlement so he decided he’d go to the lake and try to get the blood out of his clothes and of course have a bath. He had a tough time trying to ask if they had any soap or something of the nature to clean his clothes and himself. However, what they showed him in the forest wasn’t soap but some sort of blue colored bush that smelled almost like spearmint with a touch of floral undertones. A strange mix but not unpleasant to his nose. He picked a few of the bushes and then had to convince his little friends to not follow him there.

Pixie had eagerly landed on his shoulder and he had to gently place her back on the ground, pointing in a ‘stay’ motion. He didn’t need an audience for his bath. She looked disappointed but he had a feeling after he washed all of his clothes he’d be naked for a while whilst they dried. His little friends didn’t need to see that.

…

The next day…

Merco couldn’t get the blood all out of his shirt but at least he and his clothes both smelled nicer. He even borrowed Traynar’s energy spear and shaved his neck and trimmed his beard so he wouldn’t look like…well…an island castaway. Shaving was apparently entertaining to his friends who had watched him with rapt interest as he used the alien weapon like a tiny razor. He swore they were laughing at him as they tittered quickly at one another. It was a surprisingly good tool for it. But when he was finished he looked and felt much better about his appearance.

After he seemed ready he was led away from the canyon by Anu and Traynar whilst Pixie and Verin rode on his shoulder. The two fliers led him to what he could only assume was an Easterly direction, through the forest and away from the lake. He walked for well over an hour following his guides until he approached a mountainous area with huge dark rocks that looked like giant pieces of layered shale, jutting up from the ground at all angles. Amid them he started to see trees that were different than all the others growing. They were wide, tall trees, taller than even him with black bark. As they passed one, Merco noted that there were walkways winding around the thick trunk as well as nest-looking shops dangling from the upper branches. He could also see some of the little aliens on the spiraled walkways going around the tree.

He smiled and gave a small wave, ”Sey-tala.”

A few of the aliens watched him walk by but more dashed into the nearest doorway to hide. Merco dropped his hand, not feeling as optimistic as he tried to be. But he kept following Anu and Traynar through the rocks until they led him through a space between them. He had to squeeze through, turning sideways. He grunted and came out the other side.

Anu and Traynar had stopped and they pointed, “Anashee.”

Merco beheld the city built into a crescent of rocky mountainside. Using the mountains for two-thirds of its border wall the city spilled out from the rocks and into the valley below. The same huge black-barked trees formed skyscrapers that rose throughout the city with a particularly fat, large one at its center. Each tree was connected with vast networks of roped walkways that flowed all the way back to the mountainside. The trees were carved beautifully with curving geometric designs and were covered in small openings, like a vast bird house made to look like a high-rise. A wall made of mosaic-like bricks adorned the front of the city complete with two large gates on the top of the wall and at the base. Beyond the wall lay geometric quilts of what looked like farmland and a veiny river flowed through all of it.

Merco raised a brow and felt himself awed by the sight. It was very pretty. However, he felt a strong reluctance for getting any closer, even though they were still several miles from the gate. He felt like he was about to walk into a vast china shop filled with rare and valuable glass baubles that if touched would shatter into a million pieces. Anu and Traynar flew down and indicated what looked like a road or path off to the left. Merco looked down and noted that it was paved but he still felt hesitant.

Pixie patted his neck reassuringly and said something to him along with his name. He turned his head a bit and sighed deeply.

Here goes nothing.

Merco followed the two fliers, treading on the path one foot in front of the other as if he were tip toeing on a tight rope. The path wasn’t much wider than his boot and whatever it was paved with seemed to hold up fine even under his weight.

So far so good.

Slowly and tediously he walked along, keeping his eyes down to ensure he wasn’t going to step on anything he shouldn’t; number one concern was to avoid stepping on someone. It was already stressful and he wasn’t even next to the city where the population was yet! With every step he drew closer and closer to Anashee but they hadn’t seen anyone using the road.

He came to the river and a little bridge that spanned the lands cut by the waterway. Though the bridge was wide enough for both of his feet to sit side by side he stopped immediately, not trusting its structural integrity against his weight. Last he knew, Merco weighed shy of two hundred and forty pounds at six foot three inches. He used to weigh more in his military days but he’d lost a bit of weight as he aged. On this planet he had no idea how that translated to tonnage and he had no intention to find out. The river wasn’t wide in and of itself, but it consisted of many tiny branches that flowed through a marshy valley that fed the surrounding farmland. He could’ve jump it when he was younger but his knees weren’t great anymore and if he accidentally fell…

“Yeah…better not. Guess I’ll have to go through it.”

Arching his feet up like he was wearing high heels he stepped to the side of the bridge and all but tip toed across the marshy expanse. Despite his care, his boots left deep muddy holes that filled with water and merged several of the river’s branches as he crossed.

“Well…damn.”

In about four or five stretched steps he arrived on drier ground with muddy boot soles. He turned back and made a face at the craters he’d formed. But, none of his friends scolded him or gave a look of protest so he guessed it was ok.

Beyond the river was the patchwork of what looked like fields. All kinds of exotic alien plants of every hue grew in neat contained rows. Anu flew down over a pink looking field gracefully and fetched up something before flying back up to Merco’s eye level. She held up…something…it looked like a magenta squash with tentacles all over it. Merco couldn’t help but make an uncomfortable expression. She clicked in what sounded like a laugh and took a bite from the strange piece of produce. It appeared she liked it. She held it up to him and he held out his hand to accept it. This time she didn’t startle and dropped it into his awaiting palm. Merco rolled it around until he could get a grip on it. Suspicious he smelled the alien fruit…vegetable…thing…but it didn’t smell like anything. He popped it into his mouth and crushed it with his teeth. The second he did a foul, acrid taste assaulted his tongue. Merco’s eyes got big and he spit it out fast, making a face of disgust.

“Oh God…tastes like a sweaty sock.” He all but choked.

Anu looked horrified but then she seemed to laugh at his expression. Verin and Pixie were twittering with what sounded like laughter too on his shoulder. He wiped the offensive taste from his tongue with the collar of his shirt and shivered.

“Thanks…but that’s a hard nope for me.” He admitted. “You like that?”

The little aliens seemed to still be laughing at him but eventually Anu and Traynar resumed their flight ahead of him.

He followed and noted that he hadn’t seen anyone out and about in the fields or on the road. Perhaps they’d been warned about his visit and were staying out of his way? Perhaps…they were hiding? Not that he was complaining. It made walking much less stressful without tiny bodies near his feet. But he wondered if they were afraid of him. He wouldn’t be surprised if that was true; he probably did look like a giant monster to them. It took almost three days and several encounters for Anu and Traynar not to flinch anytime he moved. Pixie had only been briefly afraid but she had just hatched from her cocoon and probably didn’t know any better. The aliens from the canyon had been afraid of him until he saved a few of them from a landslide. Now he was about to be thrust amongst a bigger population who had yet to see him. True he’d been invited by the leader, but would they still panic? Would they all hide from him? Merco certainly didn’t want to start a riot or a panic by just showing up.

Soon they were almost at the front gates of Anashee which came up to Merco’s waist. On the top of the wall Merco could see sentries stationed at most of the points that surrounded the city all dressed in uniforms like Anu and Traynar wore.

“That must mean Anu and Traynar are part of Anashee’s military or guard force?” Merco surmised in his head.

They had seen him coming from miles away and looked stiff with readiness as he approached. Merco could also see lots of the little aliens crowding the parapet just behind the wall, eyes boring into him. It was very quiet…awkwardly quiet. The fearful anticipation was palpable. Merco stopped abruptly, making Pixie and Verin grip his shirt tightly. He was probably ten yards from the wall and didn’t feel comfortable walking right up to it.

“That would probably freak them out. Just…be cool. Quiet.” He thought carefully to himself.

It was like trying to approach a deer; stillness and silence would bring them closer…walking up to them would make them flee. Merco swallowed nervously and then slowly lowered himself to the ground and sat in a casual recline, careful not to jar his shoulder passengers. Then he waited quietly.

From the front gate on the top arch he saw a small group float up. The distinct golden robe of the leader whom he’d met with him a couple days ago caught Merco’s eye. Anu and Traynar flew to meet them. After a moment the golden robed leader shouted out over what sounded like a speaker system that echoed through the city walls. Merco heard his name but didn’t understand anything beyond that.

And then the lower gates opened.

Chapter 25: Visting Anashee pt 2

Merco watched and waited as the golden robed leader descended from the top gate arch with her attendants and flew across to where Merco sat. She landed steadily and stood before Merco.

“Sey-tala, Felreh.” He greeted.

“Sey-tala, Merco.”

She made a gesture back to Anashee with her hand and he looked to see a procession coming out of Anashee’s gates. Several were guiding floating carts with all different kinds of food and what looked like vessels of liquid. When they came to the spot just in front of where Merco was sitting they lined up the smorgasbord of cuisine. Merco was impressed with the variety and a bit overwhelmed. True enough he was hungry but even this seemed like so much from his hosts.

Perhaps they were trying to impress him like a foreign dignitary?

He couldn’t identify any of the dishes. Some looked similar to pastries, just odd colors and shapes. A few looked like roasted meats, though he couldn’t identify a species. A plethora of produce of every hue and form, including those noxious, pink ones.

He’d politely avoid those.

He felt a bit overwhelmed and humbled by their generosity. On his shoulder he could see Verin and Pixie leaning forward, watching everything getting laid out. It was obvious they knew what was being presented and had the look of kids watching a Thanksgiving feast being laid out. When all seemed to be in readiness, the preppers stepped back from their items. Felreh nodded to him and gestured to the menagerie.

“Um…thank you. This is…very generous.” Merco admitted.

He wasn’t even sure where to begin. So, he decided to take the logical approach of right to left, just so he could try each thing without skipping. The first food item was a reddish sort of bread item in a big basket. He plucked one up which was no bigger than a piece of macaroni and tasted it. It was definitely a bread…but not one he’d ever tasted. It was almost gooey in the center but spicy. He liked it and took the basket, offering some to Verin and Pixie. They happily took the offerings and ate them. Merco finished the basket in a mouthful.

“Iti.” Pixie said.

“Iti?” Merco repeated, through chews.

Well whatever Iti was, he liked it.

And so, he went down the line, trying all kinds of things he’d never tasted before. Some were delicious and had a familiarity to them and some he had to choke down just to not look impolite. Anytime he made a face of discomfort of disgust, Pixie was twittering in his ear. At the city wall Merco could see crowds of the little aliens watching him eat. Again, he felt like some sort of exotic animal on a safari tour. Anything he did seem to be fascinating to the natives.

Eventually he’d tried about thirty or so dishes and a couple beverages other than water. Pixie would name each one as he tried them, but he wasn’t so sure he was learning them by name. One of the drinks, Pixie called He-ne-tee, tasted like a fruit juice but Merco had no comparison for its flavor. It was sweet and tart…maybe a bit like cranberry and something else. The other had a bite to it much like alcohol and he guessed that was what it was. It certainly made him grunt when it went down. He sighed, content and satisfied and bowed his head with thanks to the food providers. He wondered how this variety would affect his stomach later. Typically, he didn’t have many problems trying foods from different worlds since his job took him to exotic places with even more foods, but there were always exceptions. Going to the bathroom was already a hardship on this world…he didn’t need further complications.

Sometime earlier in the meal, Verin had flown off of his shoulder and seemed to be speaking with Felreh. He then left and flew over the wall with a guard.

…

“And you believe this theory would work?” Elder Felreh asked the young Ansheetan after he had explained his idea of using the education probes on Merco to teach him their language.

Verin shrugged, “More hopeful than sure. But if it would work then we could communicate with Merco so much easier and perhaps get some more complicated questions answered.”

The Elder turned to one of her guards, “Please go to the Temple of Emergence. Bring Dr. Jasta here immediately. Take this young one with you and explain to Dr. Jasta your theory and tell him to bring any devices he needs to see if this can be done.”

The sentry nodded and gestured to Verin who floated up with him whispering, “I’m going to meet the Dr. Jasta! Oh…”

Dr. Jasta was the foremost researcher and head scientist in charge of developing, repairing, and improving chrysalis chambers; Anashee’s main obstetrician if you will. He had come up with safer and more advanced chrysalis chambers that lessened the possibility of Emergence failure and death. He also was the foremost developer of new and better education probes and programs. In essence an Ansheeta of scientific brilliance and repute.

…

After the meal, a flurry of activity began as the excess was taken away. Merco felt Pixie sit back on his shoulder and hold her stomach. She was still thin as a stick but it was clear she was full from all the sampling. Merco had to admit he was actually close to full too. It was a good feeling.

As he watched the food and vessels being taken away he saw Verin return with another green skinned alien, dressed in a gray jumpsuit with tiny lights around the collar. He appeared tall in comparison to the other aliens around him and before his eyes was a device that looked like glasses but were much more technologically advanced. Verin was talking with him in a fast manner .

When they were closer the new alien suddenly flew forward fast and was right in front of Merco’s left eye before he could react. The alien bent at the waist and seemed to be observing his eye very closely.

Merco blinked and greeted him with a confused tone, “Um…Sey-tala?”

The green alien’s long sharp ears flicked as he pulled back a moment, ”Sey-tala, Merco.” He touched his chest, “Jasta.”

Merco repeated the name and when Jasta nodded he boldly resumed what looked like an up-close examination. There wasn’t any fear in him that Merco could tell as he poked and prodded various points of his face and head. Merco wasn’t sure what was going on but he held perfectly still and allowed Jasta his observations of him. He had the distinct feeling of being examined by a doctor or being studied by a scientist. Of course, he should’ve come to anticipate such an action. Had a strange giant alien landed on Earth without warning it would most likely be studied. Earth had of course developed laws that protected alien visitors after first contact with other worlds had been made. Many laws, regulations, treaties, and other forms of legality were signed, resigned, and so forth so Earth could join the interstellar community. But, given that these aliens didn’t appear to possess any sort of transport that left their planet, it was unlikely that they had such regulations. Merco kept a guarded feeling. Not that he felt threatened necessarily, but cautious.

Jasta suddenly landed on his head and began walking around, feeling his scalp through his shorter hair. Merco’s eyes roved upward, wondering what he was doing and then looked at Pixie who was watching him as well.

…

When Dr. Jasta was brought he went right to work examining Merco’s head with the enthusiasm of an intrigued scientist. He showed no fear at all approaching the huge alien and even touching him. His eye device was a medical scanner of sorts that could detect brain patterns and other bodily functions inside a chrysalis, but he was trying it on this gigantic alien.

“Interesting.” He would say quietly as he floated around Merco’s head. “The bone density is remarkably strong. But there are strange fissures all across the top of his skull.”

“You mean injuries?” Pixie asked from below on Merco’s shoulder.

The scientist shook his head, “No…not injuries. It’s almost…it’s almost as if his skull was in pieces and came together at some point early in his life. Fascinating.”

Dr. Jasta landed on top of Merco’s head amid his hair, continuing his scans.

“Well, he only has three sections to his brain that I can detect. He doesn’t have five like we do. But…since he doesn’t fly I suppose that would be logical. Can you get him to speak? I need to know what part of his brain becomes active.”

Pixie floated off of Merco’s shoulder and he looked at her without moving his head, ”Sey-tala Merco.”

He gave her a funny look but replied, ”Sey-tala, Pixie.”

Dr. Jasta’s eyes seemed to bounce a second, “I need a bit more. Say more.”

Pixie pointed to Dr. Jasta touched her head and moved her mouth at Merco to mimic speech.

He made a confused look but said, “You…want me to talk? Is that what you want?”

She moved her hands to encourage him to say more.

“Um…ok…Uh…My name is Merco, Company number Echo Delta 87443, Earth Army, Ground Force Division. Section 11. Rank Corporal of Earth Defense.” He rattled off his memorized military designations.

Dr. Jasta nodded, taking note of what he was seeing. After a bit he floated off of Merco’s head and landed near Elder Felreh.

“Well? Is young Verin’s theory plausible?” she asked.

Dr. Jasta seemed to think, “His speech seems to come from deep in the center of his brain mostly but it goes to the front and back sometimes. If he’s going to be rigged with educational probes then I’d need him to come to my facility inside Anashee. The portable rigs aren’t big enough or powerful enough to work on him.”

“Inside the city?” Commander Madala could not hide her concerned tone.

“Will it work?” Elder Felreh asked.

“I can’t be certain…but I think it would be a breakthrough if it does. I’m willing to try it.” Dr. Jasta admitted honestly.

The Elder thought a moment and then asked, “When would you be ready for him if you were to do this?”

“Tomorrow morning I should think. I’ll get my people to work right away to prepare for him.”

Commander Madala faced the Elder, “Elder Felreh, is this wise? I’m not saying anything he would do would be intentional, but he’s capable of immense destruction even by accident.”

“My facility is at ground level. If he traversed the market paths toward the peaks instead of using the front gate, he would be well away from the more populated residential districts and less walkway obstacles.” Dr. Jasta offered. “And if we warn the citizens ahead of time of his arrival it would prevent any…accidents.”

The Commander didn’t seem convinced, “I’m not liking this idea Elder. The risk to Anashee and its citizens is too great.”

Elder Felreh considered the options for a few moments until she said, “I believe this opportunity for understanding cannot be ignored. Dr. Jasta, go prepare your facility. Commander Madala, I want you to map the best path for our guest to take through the city to get there. One with the least amount of risk. I will inform the citizens before tomorrow.”

The Commander and the doctor both nodded and flew off to complete their assigned tasks.

Felreh called Anu and Seraysa to her. The pair of new ambassadors landed before her.

She looked to Seraysa, “Your brother’s theory of teaching Merco our language through our education probes is going to be tested tomorrow. Which means, Merco is going to have to enter Anashee. Will you be able to convey that to him?”

The females looked at each other with concern and doubt on their faces, “Yes…but how?”

The Elder gestured with her hand, “Commander Madala is already working on the logistics and I will be informing Anashee soon.” She stared out at the wall, “For now, I will inform our citizens to come meet him if they see fit. Then you may show him to his sleeping quarters for the night.”

…

Felreh was talking to both Pixie and Anu. After she did she took a device in her hand reminiscent of a phone and said something along with a long whistle that rang out through the city speakers. Merco was uncertain what was going on or what was said but Anu had already landed beside him and had begun to draw pictures in the dirt. Merco, however, couldn’t quite determine what she was saying. Something about talking or speaking but he wasn’t quite sure. He guessed it might have something to do with Jasta and his examination of him. Pixie and Anu seemed frustrated that he didn’t understand.

All at once Merco’s attention was captured by movement at the wall. He saw a few of the little aliens had begun floating up into the air toward him; only about a dozen or so. They kept their distance, a bit more than an arm’s length from him, and slowly flew around him in a slow circle. Merco watched their curious circling with patience. At the wall he could see lots of eyes on him. It was almost as if a brave few had been sent out to see if it was safe. Pixie and Anu were speaking to the fliers. Their tones sounded like they were trying to coax them or reassure them.

Merco felt something touch the back of his shoulder. He slowly turned his head and a blip of green darted away from his gaze. One alien with green skin had paused in the air in front of him, eyes unsure but curious. Anu gestured for Merco to hold out his hand which he did. Then she flew over to the male, took his hand, and floated backward, leading him. She touched down softly in Merco’s hand first and he tentatively followed. He seemed shocked at first, nervous. Merco gave him a gentle smile and held still as a statue. Gradually, the green-skinned male seemed more at ease, kneeling down to touch Merco’s palm.

Seeing this, the small group of aliens flew in a bit closer too and that triggered many more from the wall to fly in. In moments Merco was surrounded by a veritable swarm of flyers who cautiously flew closer to him. He had the distinct feeling of being in a butterfly arboretum. It was very similar; hold very still and let the delicate little flying creatures do whatever they want but don’t touch. Merco’s eyes moved around busily trying to watch the flurry of movement around him. Then, he felt lots of tiny hands touching him at various points; his back, his arms, his chest, his legs, almost everywhere. He shook minutely at the tickling sensations. The tiny movement sent a few of the aliens darting backward but they returned. Then he felt them begin to land on his arms, atop his boots and bent legs like hundreds of little tame birds. Merco barely let himself breathe he was trying to hold so still.

Pixie and Anu were busily talking to the curious flock. He wondered what was being said about him. He hoped it was all good things. However, after maintaining his still posture for such a long time Merco began to feel a cramp across his back and numbness in his legs. He wanted to move but he didn’t want to accidentally hurt or frighten any of the inquisitive aliens on and around him.

But then, unexpectedly, a particularly bold individual flew up and touched his mustache unknowingly letting her scaled head crest briefly tickle his nose.

Oh shit…

Merco froze, his lungs hitching in a desperate attempt to halt the sneeze that was threatening to explode out of him. His change of breathing caught the aliens’ attention. Slowly and preemptively he brought his gloved arm toward his face which sent those perched atop it flying away. He couldn’t hold it back as he sucked in a deep shuddered breath and sneezed into his arm. The loud noise and the sudden jerk sent the aliens scattering in all directions like a flock of frightened birds. Merco sniffed and opened his eyes only to find himself pretty much alone save for Pixie dangling from the cloth of his shoulder and Felreh leaning sideways in her chair with a shocked look on her face. Her guards were around her on the defensive.

Merco gave a look of embarrassment and slowly lowered his arm, “Sorry…I couldn’t help it.”

Pixie made a sound and slid down his chest into his shirt pocket. When she popped up again she gave Merco a bewildered look as if to ask, “what was that?“. He chuckled and gently patted her head with a finger.

“Sorry, Pixie. Are you ok? Huh?”

She seemed fine; startled, but fine. Merco glanced around in the darkening sky, trying to figure out where everyone went. He looked up and quite a few of the aliens had retreated higher into the sky while a few had landed on the ground, ducked down for cover. Merco felt bad for scaring them so much but there was no avoiding a sneeze once triggered. Despite that, he took the opportunity to stretch out and loosen his stiff muscles since most were out of his way. With tingling pins and needles in his feet, he stood up. He shook his boots, trying to get the blood to flow again.

When he stood the aliens floating above him parted outward with looks of disbelief on their faces as if they couldn’t believe he’d be as tall as he was. He stretched his arms behind him, grasping them to pull at his shoulders and pec muscles. Then he popped his back for good measure.

“Ah. That’s better.” He muttered after stretching.

Below at his feet he heard Felreh emit a series of whistles and twittering words. Shortly after she did, many of the aliens gave him room or began flying back into Anashee. Anu and Traynar flew up to his eye level, gesturing for him to follow them. He looked down at Felreh and gave her a nod of parting which she returned and followed after his two flying friends.

Together they took him to the wall and stopped. He approached carefully, peeking over to see the city of Anashee as darkness fell. The city was becoming aglow with tiny twinkling lights of almost every color. The huge black trees had swirls of lights that flowed gracefully around the trunks and led up into the homes in the branches that hung like glowing fruits. Shop lights of every hue lit up the huge mountainside at the back of the city and seemed to flow out like a river of light into the homes and buildings beyond. And above all of it he could easily make out the glowing lines of each walkway that spanned the trees and the mountainside.

Anu and Traynar were both pointing to various things as if giving him a tour of the city from the outside. He politely listened to them but didn’t gather a word. Still, even without explanation, their home was beautiful to look at. He looked down just beyond the wall and could see several little aliens traversing the wide paths between the structures. They were watching him, towering outside their city.

Soon, Anu and Traynar led Merco further down the wall, closer to the rocks that formed the back half of the city wall and then transformed into a sizable mountain peak. Even to Merco it was a true mountain, rising skyward and cradling the city against its base. However, Merco couldn’t see too many more mountains chained to the one over Anashee. It was almost as if the planet had buckled in this one area and pushed itself up sharply, forming a few mountains and a few tall, pointed, rocks fragmented around it.

As he took in the topography, Anu called him to a spot at the mountain slope a bit to the left of the city. Two huge, flat rocks were pointed toward each other and formed a tent-like overhang. Beneath the rocks he saw a large circle of what appeared to be strange green hued bubbles. It almost looked like an exotic rug or bathmat. Anu flew down and landed in the center of the bubbly material. Then she spread her arms and fell flat onto her back bouncing slightly to show it was soft.

“This is…for me?” he asked.

She flew up and gestured for him to lay down. He went to his knees and slowly reclined on the green bubble material. It almost had the texture of a soft fuzzy blanket filled with bubble wrap, but it also felt like it was made from something organic. It was strange…but way more comfortable than the ground. Nearby there was even a large mass of it to serve as a pillow. He grabbed it and pulled it under his head to test it. His head sank into it comfortably.

He made a sound of comfort, “Mmm. That’s nice.”

Merco honestly hadn’t expected this kind of treatment. He figured he’d visit and walk back to his lake campsite afterwards. But it seemed the natives had prepared him a “guest room” of sorts.

He bowed his head with thanks at Anu, Traynar, and Pixie, “Thank you very much. I didn’t realize I’d be staying here.” he admitted.

Pixie made a movement in his pocket as if to climb out so Merco helped her and she floated in front of him. She gestured he should sleep.

He nodded, “All right. Good night you three.”

Gradually, Anu, Pixie, and Traynar left him and flew back over the wall of Anashee. Merco sighed and took off his boots, gripping the “pillow” under his head. He felt very humbled by the aliens’ generosity. Though he had to wonder what prompted it. At the canyon he’d saved some of the aliens there which explained their acceptance of him. But he hadn’t done anything for Anashee to warrant this treatment. Perhaps it was nothing, perhaps they were just a kind people? Or maybe they wanted something from him? In any case he felt the need to repay this generosity somehow. He’d just have to find something. Merco sighed liking the feeling of a soft “bed” beneath him.

Chapter 26: Education

Despite the nice “bed” he was given, Merco still awoke early. He stretched his limbs with a groan and sat up. The suns were beginning to gleam over the peaks of Anashee’s valley in the yellow sky. He scratched his head as he stood up to find a secluded spot to do his morning constitutions, well away from view. When finished he returned and put on his boots so he could take a walk around. He wasn’t sure if anyone would be awake but he’d be sure to tread lightly to not disturb the inhabitants.

He walked along the wall and startled a couple guards who were stationed there. He politely greeted them but they didn’t seem willing to reciprocate it, so he continued on toward the multi-colored fields of exotic alien crops, laid out like a quilt across the ground. Tending the fields, he could already see little alien farmers poking up amid the plants. There were floating devices that looked like carts and farm equipment, moving along the well-organized rows. Merco could also make out lines of irrigation systems, not too dissimilar from the ones used on Earth.

As he passed the fields, keeping himself on the fringes to avoid treading on the crops, the alien farmers would stop and stare up at him. Some hastily left their fields as he approached which made him feel awkward…but he had begun to expect such reactions. A couple bold ones even stood at the edge of their field, brandished their farming tools and shouted something at him. Merco gave them a friendly wave anyway and kept walking.

Then he saw something very interesting a bit away from the agrarian fields near a fence off the path. It looked like an animal of some kind no bigger than a sparrow with bluish-gray faintly striped fur. Merco slowly approached and as he did the little creature tried to bolt, hopping up with a guttural grunting noise. But it stopped, halted by its own foot which was tangled in the fence. It collapsed on the ground, kicking wildly until he wore itself out, laying on the ground with wide panicked eyes.

Merco knelt down, befuddled by what he saw. It was strange looking, like someone had taken parts of a kangaroo, a duck -billed dinosaur, and a zebra and cobbled them together into a hopping bipedal form. The two back legs were large, bent backward, and tipped with claws like a kangaroo. The long neck was sporting a tall, striped zebra mane that flowed all the way up to the top of the creature’s head. It had four dark eyes, two on each side of the head, large nostrils that ran up the bridge of snout which looked like a duck billed dinosaur. Comically, it had tiny underdeveloped T-rex looking flippers flailing at the front of its body that were tipped with a single claw. Then the body ended with a long tail tipped with two flat pieces of what looked like bone.

Merco was amazed by the odd little alien creature and gently picked it up. It gave a guttural squawk and lashed its tail against his hand, but it was little more than a snap of a rubber band.

“Easy. Easy little…thing?” he crooned gently, finding where its foot was caught.

Its kangaroo-looking foot was tangled between two of the wires of the fence as if it had tried to jump over and got snagged. It was bleeding a little bit but the leg didn’t appear broken. Merco pulled the two fence wires further apart and proceeded to untangle the hapless creature. Its bird-shaped chest was heaving and it made another guttural squawking noise.

“Shh. Shh. Easy. You’re ok.” Merco tried to sooth as he unbound it.

Just as he was about to free the creature it panicked again, flopping and kicking with its free leg. He tried to hold it still with his hand but suddenly its eyes got huge, it convulsed, and it went limp. Merco frowned and touched the creature’s body with a finger. No heartbeat, no breathing. Its little heart must’ve given out from fear.

“Oh shit… I killed it.” Merco bemoaned to himself.

He glanced around and could see more of the creatures inside the fence grazing. So, they were a domesticated species, like cows.

Great…I just killed someone’s livelihood. Way to go, Merco.

“Merco!” Anu’s voice called out in greeting.

The man stood and turned around just as she flew up to him. He sighed and gestured to the dead creature in his hand. Anu looked at it with concern and flew down to touch it. She looked at him and he flexed his hand to mimic a heartbeat and then made a small exploding noise in his mouth, flaring his hand. Anu’s head plume drooped and then she gestured for him to follow her. She led him along the edge of the fenced in field to the home of the rancher who presumably owned the animal. Anu found the green skinned individual and spoke with him, gesturing to Merco. The man knelt down and delicately set the dead animal down with an apologetic look on his face. The rancher didn’t seem very happy about it, raising his voice at Anu and him with sharp gestures. Merco wanted to apologize but they’d never understand him fully. Eventually, Anu seemed to say something that supplicated the rancher and he nodded curtly, returning to his work.

Sighing, Anu flew back up to Merco and gestured for him to follow her again.

As he walked after her, Merco felt bad. He wanted to do something to compensate the farmer for his loss and not make himself seem like a careless brute. But again, there wasn’t a way to clearly convey that with cool heads.

Soon, Anu led him to the opposite side of Anashee, near the back where it bordered the peaks of rock. It seemed strangely quiet. In fact, Merco didn’t see anyone in the streets or on the parapet around the wall except for Traynar and Pixie who were waiting for them. Anu looked at Merco and made a gesture with her arm that looked like she wanted him to go over the wall.

Merco scoffed, “What?”

Then she pointed to him and floated over the wall in distinct arc. There was no doubt what she was asking him to do now and Merco didn’t like it.

Merco put up his hands, shaking his head adamantly, “Oh Hell no! I’m not going to go in your city! I’m too big.”

Anu made a face at his refusal and made the motion again with insistence. Pixie was making the motion too.

And again, he refused, taking a step back, “No. No way. I already killed that animal…that’s probably an omen of something worse that could happen! I’m sorry but I’m…”

Quite abruptly, Anu flew forward, grabbed his shirt pocket and tugged it assertively.

“Anu…I…I can’t. It’s too dangerous for you…for your city. I don’t want to hurt anyone or break anything.” He insisted, stepping back again.

Pixie called his name in a begging tone, ”Mer-co!”

He sighed deeply, ruffling her plumage. Merco didn’t like this idea. He wanted to see the city, truly, but it would be like trying to walk through a tiny model without crushing anything. He wasn’t so sure he could do it.

Why were they wanting him in there anyway? A tour? A special invitation?

But…he did trust his little friends. There must be something they want him to do or see. Anu kept tugging until finally he stepped forward, placing his hand on the wall. He looked at it carefully. The wall appeared to be purely natural rock so there was no risk of him breaking it. The wall was about even with his waist. Taking a breath to ready himself he pushed down and swung a leg over the wall. He racked himself slightly which made him grunt with discomfort until he could get his other leg over. Before he knew it he was on the other side of the wall, standing at the crossroads of two streets. He glanced around from side to side. The streets appeared empty and the space between the buildings looked wide enough for him to walk through.

“Ok…I’m over. Now what?” he asked, eyes roving around.

Pixie floated up and landed on his shoulder while Traynar took the lead, flying ahead of him. Anu flew close, urging him to follow. He took a steadying breath and slowly followed. He felt like he was walking in a mine field; any wrong movement and [BANG!].

…

Seraysa sighed with relief when Merco was finally convinced to come over the wall. She wasn’t sure if he would. He actually looked scared to do it. But there he stood, towering over the buildings in the middle of the street. Now Anu and Traynar had to lead him to the Temple of Emergence so Dr. Jasta could test the educational probes on him. If successful, Merco would be able to understand them and they could truly speak to one another. They just had to lead him down the designated route Commander Madala had set up for them. The streets had been cleared and citizens were ordered to stay away or stay indoors for safety. Of course, the very notion of a giant alien traversing Anashee was probably enough to send most of them into their homes anyway. It certainly did for her parents.

Seraysa and Verin’s parents were still in Anashee, even after the gates had been opened. But they had remained with the hope that both she and her brother would return. They had been informed of their whereabouts by Elder Felreh so that helped alleviate the panic they had felt for their offspring’s sudden disappearance. They were understandably stunned to learn their recently Emerged daughter was now an Ambassador for the giant alien visitor. Even though they were happy to see her at last the other night when she returned, they were also very concerned and felt a bit betrayed. They had both left without a word and they had no idea what had happened to them. Seraysa and Verin both tried to explain and convince them that they were alright and that nothing was going to happen when Merco visited the city. Seraysa had even invited them to come to the Temple of Emergence to meet Merco but they refused. Her father made no qualms about his feelings of her being ambassador for “that giant thing”. But, it was out of their hands; she had an important role to play for her people and her friend.

From her favorite spot on Merco’s broad shoulder she watched him traverse the city street. No one was around but Merco still stared at the ground and below his waist every second. He seemed to be well aware of his size and power and was trying to control both at once. She could see various objects outside and in the windows shake and move with his steps. Seraysa could also see several Ansheetans at their windows watching as Merco passed by. She tried to wave and be friendly to put them at ease and show them that there wasn’t anything to fear. But it didn’t seem to help much with their homes shaking and his shadow darkening their view. Seraysa knew it would take time for them to come around of course, but she couldn’t help but feel a little disheartened.

…

Merco was nervously trying to keep his eyes on everything as he moved. But with buildings all around him and various other city accoutrements it was proving to be challenging. He just kept his pace slow and unhurried, which seemed to be fine with his guides. Luckily there didn’t appear to be any little aliens roaming about so that was one less thing for him to fret over. He’d never forgive himself if he accidentally squished someone.

He came to a street corner and made a turn, following Anu and Traynar. All was going well until, quite suddenly, two screams near the ground cut the air which made Merco startle and halt himself mid-step. The sudden stop unbalanced him and he bumped into one of the buildings on his left. His hand automatically gripped the roof of one of the buildings and he felt it give slightly under his hand. A cacophony of broken glass and crunching answered his body’s impact with the structure as well as terrified screams inside. He cringed, freezing in place.

“Shit!” he swore angrily to himself. “I knew this would happen!”

Anu and Traynar both flew back to him with concerned looks. Gingerly, he pulled himself away from the building. A bit of rubble and broken glass rained down from spot he’d hit but the structure still appeared sound.

“Sorry! Sorry.” He apologized at the building, hoping the inhabitants hadn’t been hurt.

Then Traynar started yelling. At first Merco thought he was yelling at him but it turns out he was directing his wrath at a pair of aliens on the ground up against the opposite side of the street. They must’ve been the ones who startled him with their screams. Traynar was giving them an earful though, flaring his dark iridescent plumage like an angry rooster and floating aggressively with his syllables. The pair hurriedly rushed away into a nearby building after the tongue-lashing. Traynar huffed, flicking his plumage and then gestured for Merco to follow him again.

Truthfully, Merco wanted to be out of this so he could avoid any other destructive accidents but he followed. It wasn’t long before they turned another corner that opened up into a square of sorts. Much more open with less obstacles. Anu and Traynar flew to a building that looked significantly more eloquent than the other buildings around it and landed in front of it. Almost like a courthouse but with water features spilling down the walls and a green glass dome to the back. It was an elegant mixture of architecture.

From the front of the building Merco could see Jasta exiting and meeting with Anu and Traynar. They talked for a few minutes until they gestured at him to come around the backside to the green dome. He did so and then Pixie tapped his neck. When he looked at her she made a motion for him to sit down, so he did carefully beside the arboretum styled structure. Through the emerald glass he could see shapes and lights but the glass was obscuring the details. Then, the green panels made a loud clanging noise and began to groan open with mechanical hydraulics, like Victorian doors. Merco looked inside and could see lots of machines inside with lights flickering. Then most notably, Merco could see five teal colored pods contained in what looked like protective clear domes. They were the same type of pod that Pixie came out of when he found hers. Mounted to the clear domes were hundreds of wires of every color. Each wire one was tipped with a golden disc that was pressed into the teal pods. It reminded Merco of the sleep study patients fitted with hundreds of sensors to map their brain patterns.

As he observed the interior, Jasta appeared before him and pointed to a large machine at the center of the dome. Several thick cords were laid out and unrolled by workers toward him. Jasta made a gesture to Merco that told him he wanted him to lay down. Confused but compliant he did so, laying on his belly with his head propped on top of his forearms.

Then a board that resembled a Tv screen was brought out. Using his hand, Jasta began showing him pictures and diagrams. One was of his brain. He blinked. So that’s why he was looking at his head yesterday, mapping his brain. Then the diagram panned out, showing the wires that were being brought out. The wires looked stuck to his head and alien characters began pouring down the wires into his brain which in turn came out of his mouth.

“You are going to teach me…your language? With that thing?” he asked aloud even though he knew they wouldn’t understand him.

That sounded like a great idea. The whole language barrier had been a major obstacle since he’d been dumped on this planet. They’d gotten pretty good at gesturing and drawing at one another but there were lots of things unsaid. However, Merco wasn’t so sure about the method. They were planning to pump information into his brain with a machine he had no idea about. What if they did this and it killed him? Or worse, fried his brain into a vegetative state? He definitely had his misgivings…especially considering the luck he’d been having today. But as he looked he noted that the same devices were being used on the cocoons…just smaller. Surely if those delicate little lives inside could be rigged with them then he wouldn’t be harmed?

Maybe that was just wishful thinking.

Jasta looked at him, eyes seeming to question if he understood as he gestured to the diagram.

Giving a sigh Merco nodded, “What else have I got going for me?”

Jasta then began giving what sounded like instructions to the workers who began flying up around Merco’s head with their bundles of cables. It was an uneasy feeling but Merco held still, allowing them to stick the devices to various parts of his head. Most of them seemed to be concentrated in the center of his skull on the very top with a few on his forehead and a couple at the back. Pixie smiled encouragingly at him which seemed to ease him. She, Anu, and Traynar all seemed very calm, not distraught or fighting what was being done so he had to assume he wasn’t about to be executed. Still, paranoia seemed to pace behind the bars of his reason.

Finally, the workers flew off of him and returned inside the building to the screens inside. Jasta spoke some more and he looked at Merco with a nod. Merco nodded back.

…

Once the thick, custom-made educational probes were rigged to Merco’s head, Dr. Jasta’s crew went to their stations to monitor and feed the information.

Dr. Jasta confirmed their readiness, “Ok. Normally we would do this during the sleep phase as our brains are more apt to learn if they aren’t distracted by physical stimuli, but I want to ensure this works at all with him. I’m going to have the phrases, ‘Hello, how are you feeling today?’, ‘I’m fine, thank you,’ and ‘I don’t feel well,’ channeled to his speech pathways. Then we’ll have one of you give him the greeting. If it works he should be able to understand and possibly reciprocate. Although, as heavy as his vocal chords are, I’m not sure he’ll be able to pronounce many of our words even if taught.”

“This…won’t hurt him will it?” Seraysa asked with concern.

“I honestly don’t know. I wouldn’t think so. But…he is an alien with a much different brain. Don’t worry, I will end the experiment if it looks bad for him.” He assured.

He then began the educational feed. The cords lit up and pictures of Merco’s brain began lighting up on the scientists’ screens. Merco seemed to put his head up a bit as if he were feeling something. Dr. Jasta waited and observed him a moment.

“Begin phrase feed.” He commanded.

The machine made a sound and the cords pulsed quickly with light. Immediately, Merco’s eyes narrowed into a squint and he closed them with a loud grunt of discomfort and twisted his head to the side as if something were hurting his ears.

“I don’t think he likes that.” Traynar commented nervously.

“Lower the frequency of the feed. Slow it down until I tell you to stop.” Dr. Jasta ordered.

The pulsing light seemed to slow down a bit and after a moment Merco opened his eyes again, looking less in pain that before.

“A lower frequency. I should’ve suspected that.” Dr. Jasta nodded, “Keep it right there. We’ll lower it more if we have to.”

After a few moments the pulsing stopped and the machine powered down. Merco blinked and gave a sigh of relief.

Dr. Jasta looked to Seraysa, “Go on, ask him the question.”

Seraysa nodded and looked up at him, “Hello, Merco. How are you feeling today?”

His eyes shot open with surprise at her.

At first he said in his language, “What…the Hell?” But then, in a deeper timbre replied in Ansheetan, “I…am fine, thank you.”

Chapter 27: Let’s Talk

The high-pitched echo that hit Merco was unbearable; like a microphone feedback accompanied by a migraine. He dropped his head, instantly regretting agreeing to whatever they were trying to do to him. He was seconds from ripping the devices from his head when it seemed to fade away to a softer buzz that was no longer unpleasant. Merco opened his eyes as the whispering, dull sound seemed to surround him in either ear. Then it felt like a tingle was running across and around his skull in waves. It was strange…but not horrid like the first sensation. Then, in a minute or so the lighted cables ceased their pulsing glow and the sensation stopped.

And then it happened.

“Hello Merco, how are you feeling today?” Pixie asked clear as a bell…and he understood her!

The man was shocked and could only utter, “What…the Hell?”

How…how was he able to suddenly understand her? What was really weird was he knew what to say back.

“I…am fine thank you.” He replied in a language he never knew he spoke.

Equally strange was those two phrases plus “I don’t feel well” were understood in that language too, but nothing else. He stared at the cords attached to him with bewilderment. Now he understood what was going on. The whole setup was a way to teach him their alien language…and it worked! Now he wanted to learn more.

He smiled beside himself and gestured to the device, making an urging motion to get more from it. His friends seemed equally excited when he replied. Jasta was giving orders again and then Pixie looked at him with bright eyes. She pointed to the cords on his head, made a gesture of ‘sleeping’, and expanded her arms wide.

“So…I need to sleep to learn more?” he guessed.

The problem now was he wasn’t the least bit tired, if anything he was excited by the prospect of understanding his alien friends. It was then that a large group brought him some more of the same material that he used for a pillow last night and a second group carried the same thing but a bit bigger. They set the second one down and touched a panel near its side. Like a self-inflating air mattress, the green material unfolded itself into a mat big enough to service his torso but not his legs. They also brought what was essentially a large metal pot filled with some sort of liquid. Jasta pointed to it, made a drinking gesture, and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep.

“A sleeping aid?” Merco asked, picking up the tiny vessel to smell it but it didn’t give off any noticeable odor.

He shrugged, “Well…ok. As long as you don’t mind me sleeping here in your city?”

Carefully he placed the mat under his back and the pillow where he would lay his head right beside the building. Then with a quick tip he swallowed the liquid and winced hard at its sharp bitterness.

“Ugh. That’s worse than cheap vodka.” He groaned with a shake of his head.

Taking care of his surroundings he laid down on the improvised ‘yoga mat’, stretching his legs out as the warmth began to creep into his stomach and spread out. He exhaled and stared up at the sky, waiting. Then sleep wrapped around him like a fluffy blanket, pulling him down into the dark.

…

Dr. Jasta was indeed prepared when he produced the sleeping accoutrements and sleeping aid for Merco. Somehow, deep down, he had a feeling it would work so he wanted to be prepared for a full educational session. He turned to Verin who had been with him since yesterday helping to make the preparations.

“Congratulations young Verin. Your theory seems to have worked.” he smiled.

The young Ansheetan was beside himself with excitement when Merco responded in their language. He couldn’t keep his crest from fluffing up with elation. And now he was being complimented by Dr. Jasta, a scientist of great repute!

“Greatest day of my life,” was all he could say.

When Merco had fallen asleep the new language lessons were being organized. First he would learn basic words and phrases and they would build from there until he had a firm grasp of their language. It was uncertain how many sessions it would take. Chrysalis language lessons varied depending on the individual as some could absorb faster than others. Merco would probably need several sessions but Dr. Jasta had no way of knowing how many yet. Perhaps, conversely, they could even learn his language and make education probe lessons for it in the future? In any case it was a major breakthrough and victory for he, Verin, and the team.

…

Later that night…

When Merco’s eyes fluttered open it was getting dark.

How long had he been asleep?

He sat up groggily as his head felt weird, almost hung over. As his hand came up to his head he felt the wires attached there.

“Merco! You’re awake!” Pixie’s voice called out from his right side.

He glanced down at her, eyebrows raised when he understood her.

“Pixie…I can understand you!” he all but whispered.

She floated up to his eye level fast with a smile brightening her delicate features, “You can?”

“Yeah. This…this is incredible!” he announced. “I’m…I’m speaking your language.”

It was the strangest sensation, speaking the language. It was like a skill he’d acquired long ago, forgot, and then remembered again. Listening to the pace at which Pixie spoke he felt like he was talking in slow motion. He held up his hand and Pixie delicately landed on it like a friendly bird.

Merco smiled gently at her, “I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time.”

“Me too.” She giggled at him, “Your accent sounds funny.”

“I…have an accent?” Merco hadn’t realized.

She nodded and then asked, “How do you feel?”

“Um. Strange.” He admitted.

“That may be because of the information overload.” Dr. Jasta appeared. “You absorbed much more language than I thought you would in one session.”

Dr. Jasta floated up and looked closely in Merco’s eyes, waving his hand to test their response.

“Absorbed…so I learned this in my sleep?”

He nodded, “Are you feeling any symptoms? Headache, nausea, muscle fatigue?”

“Headache…but not a bad one.” Merco admitted. “Is that normal?”

“For you…who can say? I’m just learning this too.” He floated back down to the monitors, “You may remove the sensors if you want. Just be gentle with them.”

With careful movements, Merco placed Pixie on his knee before he removed the cords and nodes from his head. He itched and massaged his scalp once he put them down.

“I hate to be a bother, but I’m very thirsty.” Merco admitted.

Dr. Jasta pointed to a “large” metal vessel similar to the one he’d taken the sleeping aid from, “The fountains out front have fresh water. You are welcome to have some.”

Merco took the tiny shot glass sized cup and did so, drinking well over fifteen cups worth before his thirst was slaked.

“Wow.” Pixie said; impressed.

Merco shrugged, “I was thirsty.”

“When you’re ready to sleep again Merco, you can return here and we’ll give you more of these lessons.” Dr. Jasta explained. “That is, if you’re feeling up to it.”

“Uh, sure.”

The tall alien smiled up at him, “This is truly a breakthrough. Thank you for allowing us to try it.”

“Thank you for…teaching me.”

Jasta made a motion with his hand above, “I believe our Elder and your friends have many questions for you. I certainly will later.”

Merco glanced to where he gestured and from above a group of aliens was descending to the square where he was sitting. The golden robed leader was among them.

There were also many other aliens beginning to gather in the adjoining streets looking at him. It seemed a crowd had arrived inexplicably.

“What’s going on Pixie?” Merco asked as she landed on his shoulder.

“That’s Elder Felreh. She’s our leader.” Pixie explained, landing on his shoulder. “She is wanting to speak with you. I guess everyone else came because they’re curious.”

“Elder Felreh.” Merco already knew the name but not the title associated.

The group landed near him, guards and attendants as well as Elder Felreh, Anu, Traynar, and another female dressed in a distinct maroon uniform.

Pixie pointed to her, “That is Commander Madala. She commands the EFP.”

“EFP?” the letters sounded strange in the language.

“Elite Flying Patrol.”

“So…military?”

Pixie nodded, “Anu and Traynar are members of the EFP. They are some of the best fliers in Anashee and they help defend it.”

“From me?” Merco inquired.

“Not anymore.” Pixie assured, patting his neck.

Merco wondered if Commander Madala was the one who ordered the attack on him. Not that he held any grudges, but he was cautious of her view of him. In his experience it was never good to get on the bad side of any higher ranking military officer.

After a few moments of settling and setting up some chairs the group looked to Merco.

“Hello, Merco.” Elder Felreh greeted him, “I’ve been told your first lessons in our language went well.”

Merco bowed his head respectfully and said what he’d been wanting to convey since yesterday, “Yes, Elder Felreh. I want to thank you for inviting me to your fine city and giving me so much. You have been very generous. I only hope I can repay you in some way.”

The group gathered seemed excited, baffled, and impressed at Merco’s sudden grasp of their speech.

Elder Felreh nodded, “And I must thank you for rescuing our citizens at Pela Canyon.”

Merco nodded, “I was glad to help them.”

“So Merco, please, we’ve been wanting to know, what are you?” she asked.

“Oh. Well, I’m a… human.” He had to use his word since there was no Ansheetan word for it.

“Hu-man.” She tasted the word, as did a couple others present. “And as I recall you said your planet was called Earth?”

“Yes.”

“How many ‘hu-mans’ live on your planet?”

Merco thought a moment before he had to admit, “I…don’t know the word for your numbers. But…I can tell you we have a big population.”

Pixie, on his shoulder asked, “Are all ‘hu-mans’ really big like you?”

Merco chuckled, “I’m a bit taller than average…but yes. Humans are much bigger than your kind. Ansheetans? Is that the word?”

Elder Felreh nodded, “Earlier you conveyed that you had been left here. Your kind has space traveling capabilities?”

“Yes. And…you don’t?”

She shook her head, “Until you arrived Merco, we didn’t even think there was other life on other worlds.”

Merco sighed, clearly disappointed by that statement, “I was afraid of that. Your kind has never left this planet?”

The Elder shook her head.

“So I guess I’m the first ‘alien’ to your planet?”

“It would seem so.” she confirmed.

“Why were you left here?” Commander Madala asked, unable to hold her question.

“I wish I knew why.” Merco admitted, “A couple of …um…you don’t have a word for it…‘mercenaries’…they took over my ship and told me they were being paid to dump me somewhere to… die alone.”

“So, someone wanted to kill you.” Commander Madala conjectured. “Why?”

Merco shrugged, “Someone who had a grudge against me after the war…I still don’t know who or for what reason.”

“War? Your people were at war?” Commander Madala inclined her head.

“A long time ago we were. It’s peaceful now. But someone didn’t want to let it go I guess.” Merco explained.

“You were a soldier then?” Elder Felreh asked.

“I was. Now I’m a…umm…you don’t have a word for it…I transported goods to other planets in my ship.” he fumbled.

There were nods of understanding.

“Is that how you lost your arm? In the war?” Verin piped up.

Some of the other aliens present seemed puzzled by the question as they had never seen Merco’s prosthetic beneath his glove.

Merco smirked at Verin, knowing his fascination for his mechanical forearm and flexed the fingers of his glove, “Yes. I was injured in an attack and my arm was too badly damaged to save.” He peeled the black glove off and the gathered aliens all seemed to gasp as one, “So, I got this.”

He flexed the mechanical fingers in the air, turned the arm, made a fist, and opened his hand again. The Ansheetans watched it like it was the most amazing thing they’d ever seen. After a few more moments Merco put his glove back on.

“It took some getting used to.”

“Truly amazing.” Elder Felreh commented.

Merco looked at them a moment, “What I think is amazing is that you all can fly. How do you do that?”

The Elder looked over at Anu who floated up to him to illustrate, “We are able to control the magnetic fields around our bodies. Some of us who are able to fly longer and with more control become members of the Elite Flying Patrol. But most are only able to float a little bit.”

The man nodded, “So it’s a skill you have to practice?”

Anu bobbed her head, “Somewhat. Some are born with it but it can be practiced.”

“Hm. You know amongst my kind we have stories about little beings that can fly. We call them ‘fairies’…or ‘pixies.’ ” He gave Pixie a pointed look.

She tipped her head, “That’s why you called me Pixie?”

He nodded, “Minus wings of course.”

“Do they really have wings?” she asked.

“No. No. They don’t exist.It’s just…a story.” Merco explained.

At once his stomach whined loudly making the aliens look at him funnily.

He grinned, holding his middle, “Sorry. Guess I’m a bit hungry.”

Elder Felreh nodded at him, “We will see to it you are brought something to eat.”

“Thank you. But I don’t want to be a strain on your people.”

“You are a guest. We will treat you as one.” She insisted.

Merco looked down, “I feel I’ve been a burdensome ‘guest’ for you. I would like to be worthy of your generosity.”

Elder Felreh gave him a kind smile and then looked to Anu, “Why don’t you give Merco a proper tour of the city?”

“Uh…heh…I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Merco shook his head, glancing around at the Ansheetans. “I’m…a bit big in your city. I already damaged one of your buildings.”

“Which was not your fault.” Traynar interjected, “If our citizens had heeded to stay indoors as ordered, you would not have had that incident.”

Merco shook his head, “Incident or not, I could’ve hurt someone. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“I am very glad to hear that.” Elder Felreh admitted, “But I trust you will be as careful as possible. Please. View Anashee. We will have food brought here to the square soon.”

Merco sighed but nodded, “All right. I’m gonna stand up now.”

His feet slid under him and the movement made the gathered Ansheetans back up as he rose over their buildings.

Anu and Traynar flew up and found a cleared street, “Come on this way. We’ll show you the Cliff Market first.”

Merco nodded and carefully maneuvered himself around the square and down the empty street. Traynar flew lower and further ahead to ensure there was no one in the way. Since it was darker, there were lots of lights lining the streets and the buildings had a certain glow to them. It reminded Merco of a few cities he’d visited but it still held an alien uniqueness.

Pixie was comfortably seated on his shoulder when she asked, “How old are you Merco?”

The man thought a moment. He knew his age of course, but Ansheetans had different increments and names for their passage of time that he could not decipher yet.

“I…don’t know how to say it in your language.” He admitted, “But…on my planet I am fifty-four ‘years’ old.”

“Is that old?” she asked honestly.

He chuckled, “A little yes. I’m past the middle of an average human life span.”

He thought a moment about asking Pixie if she was a child, but he was surprised to understand that Ansheetan had no word for “child”, only “young one” or “offspring”. Technically, Pixie was just a child if the cocoon was how they were born. However, Merco didn’t want to open the “where to babies come from” can of worms just yet. If he asked he’d have to explain human copulation and that wasn’t a conversation he was ready for.

So instead he asked, “So where does your family live, Pixie?”

“Verin told me we don’t live in Anashee. We live in the forest…but I’ve never been there.” She admitted.

“So…Verin is your brother?”

“Older brother.”

“Ah. I was wondering if you were related or if you were a couple. You seem close.” He kept his eyes locked on the streets, ensuring he wouldn’t damage anything.

Anu flew in front of him pointing ahead to the mountain that formed the back part of Anashee, “That’s the Cliff Market. It’s where most of Anashee’s merchants work. You can get almost anything there.”

The mountainside seemed aglow with lights and different alien signs.

She pointed again, “Just be careful of the walkways.”

Merco could see the rope bridge walkways she spoke of because they were lit up. They traversed along the mountain and out to the huge black trees and to the walls as well. The black trees were taller than Merco but the majority of the walkways were at his chest level.

“So, do Ansheetans live in those trees? Or are they something else?” he asked, pausing to look.

“The trees are home to many of Anashee’s citizens.” Anu confirmed.

“My species would call those ‘high rise apartments’” he used his word. “Do you live in Anashee, Anu?”

“Yes.” She pointed to the other side, nearer the gate, “We live in the EFP quarters.”

“So…Traynar is your mate?” he did not have the word for “husband”.

“Yes.” She looked at him with curiosity, “Did you have a mate on Earth?”

Merco sighed, “I did once.”

Anu and Pixie both looked concerned, “What happened to her?”

“Nothing. We just…grew apart.” He admitted, “We had two sons together though.”

“Mar-tin and Tony?” Pixie asked, remembering the picture he showed her.

Merco nodded. Anu could immediately see the sad look that crossed his face and decided not to press the matter so she flew ahead, pointing out more landmarks and specific buildings to Merco. He was very careful, ducking under the walkways and tiptoeing through the streets. Many Ansheetans came to their windows or stood on the walkways, watching him pass with awe. A few fliers had even taken to the air and were following after the colossus that traversed their city.

“Do you have cities like Anashee on your planet?” Pixie asked as he continued to walk.

“Not exactly like this, but yes. Vast cities, full of humans like me, with lots of lights and tall buildings; taller than your mountains.” He described.

Pixie’s blue eyes seemed to dart with imagination, “Wow. I can’t imagine something that big.”

Merco smiled, “We can’t fly like you, but we have machines that can fly and take us into space.”

“What’s it like out there?” Pixie asked with wonder as she looked up at the sky.

“Empty…really. It’s only when you get to other planets and the space ports that you really get to see something.” he explained.

“Like what?”

“Uh. All kinds of things. There’s strange foods and drinks, other life forms besides humans…”

“Really? Are they all big too?” she asked.

Merco laughed, “You Ansheetans are the smallest alien species I’ve ever seen.”

Anu turned around and seemed shocked, “We are?”

“That’s why I was very surprised to see you.” Merco admitted.

Anu flew around to him, “Well…you surprised us too.”

“Don’t you mean scared?” Merco inquired, glancing over his shoulder at the little aliens following nearby.

They stopped, some backing up a bit.

“Am I really that scary?” he asked uncomfortably, turning back to Anu and Pixie.

The pair looked at each other until Anu said, “Not as much as you used to be.”

Merco sighed, “I guess that’s progress?”

Anu nodded and Merco got to see as much of Anashee as he could before they began to head back for some food.

Chapter 28: It was an Accident…

When Merco was led back to the square there were carts of food waiting for him. He gently crouched down and sat nearby.

“Thank you very much. This looks delicious.” He complimented but then glanced around, “Have…you all had some?”

“We have already eaten, yes.” Elder Felreh assured him.

Merco still eyed the food guiltily, “I just…I just don’t want to put a strain on your resources. My appetite is too big for you to keep doing this.”

“As I said before, you are our guest, Merco and we will treat you as such. Please, eat.”

The man still hesitated. Guest or not, he felt guilty.

He sighed and took a basket of what looked like that chewy bread they called Iti, “Thank you. Just please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you and your people.”

Elder Felreh nodded.

Merco ate quietly until Commander Madala asked, “I would like to know what are your plans, now that you are…stranded here?”

Merco paused mid-chew, thought a moment, then swallowed, “I’m…I’m not really sure. But I have been wondering if you have any communication networks? Or those who specialize in such areas?”

“We have communications between our settlements but it can be very spotty. There are those who work with such technology.” She explained, “What are your intentions?”

The man looked skyward, “I’m not very good with most technologies…but I wonder if your network can broadcast a signal out beyond this planet.”

“You wish to call your kind here.” She conjectured.

Merco nodded, “Perhaps just enough to get a passing ship to notice.” He frowned, “But I don’t even know where your planet is…or if any ships pass by here.”

“You…would leave?” Pixie asked.

He glanced at her still sitting on his shoulder, “You have been kind to me…but I don’t belong here. I want to go home.”

Pixie gave a sad look.

“We can see if our specialists know anything about what you speak.” Elder Felreh offered.

“I would be grateful.” Merco nodded.

In a few more bites he finished the meal. He thanked them again.

“Tell us, Merco, what is your planet Earth like?” Elder Felreh asked.

He smiled and replied, “My planet is blue and green. On clear days Earth’s skies are mostly blue and our plants and trees are green. Most of it is covered by water; vast salty oceans cover most of it.”

The Ansheetans listened, imagining what he spoke of.

“There are all kinds of terrain: deserts, mountains, grassy plains, forests and thick jungles. And we have huge cities scattered across it all. In our skies we fly ships and some of our ships go out into the reaches of space. We’ve even colonized some of the other moons and planets in our system beyond Earth.” He explained.

“It sounds…pretty.” Anu commented. “Blue skies?”

“As blue as your eyes.” Merco nodded.

“Is it warm there?” Pixie asked.

“It changes depending on the planet’s position and where on the Earth you live. Some places are very hot and stay hot. The poles are bitterly cold. And some places get both hot and cold. Why? Is it always warm here?”

Anu spoke up, “Mostly. We don’t experience much cold here.”

Merco tipped his head, “Huh. That’s interesting. I came to this forest from a desert. Is most of your planet that way?”

“The Wasteland is very large yes. Few of our people venture across it. Only the strongest fliers could, but it hasn’t been done for many generations.” Elder Felreh explained.

“So, you don’t leave this place?”

The elder shook her head, “No. Our people are not suited for the harsh conditions beyond our lands. Those lands are inhabited by the Rogashay.”

“Rogashay…?” Merco tipped his head.

Traynar spoke up, “Boroxle…you remember him?”

Merco nodded.

“He is a Rogashay. The Rogashay went to war with the Ansheetans long ago, trying to seize these lands and wipe us out. But our people prevailed. Now they live in the Great Wasteland but they attempt to oust us from our lands and pillage our settlements whenever they can.”

“Is that what was happening when I found you?” Merco asked.

Traynar flicked his plumage, “We don’t know. I think it was merely a small contingent sent out to spy on our activities. Before you came we would patrol the area thoroughly. But… we perceived you to be the more dangerous threat and left our perimeters unwatched. They took it as an opportunity.”

“Are you at war with them still?”

“Not officially. But we are always prepared for an attack. The Rogashay have remained nomadic in the Wasteland for several generations.” Traynar explained.

Merco nodded.

Elder Felreh also nodded at Traynar, “I have long hoped to barter a peace between our peoples but the Rogashay will not hear it. I fear there is too much bitterness.”

Merco sighed, “Peace is a hard thing to gain and even harder to keep alive…but I know it’s worth fighting for.”

They talked a bit longer about their planets until Elder Felreh politely stood, “Well, this has been a most enlightening conversation, Merco. Please let us know if you need anything else. I am going to retire for the night.”

The man dipped his head with respect, “Thank you for everything.”

With that the older leader floated up, escorted by her entourage of guards and attendants. Commander Madala was the last to leave but before she did Merco spoke out to her.

“Commander, I understand you are the military leader of Anashee.”

She stopped and looked at him, “I am.”

“Did you order the attack on me?” he asked point blank.

Her eyes widened a bit and he couldn’t help but see fear flash across them, but then she straightened herself, “I did what I thought was necessary to protect Anashee. We had no idea what your intentions were; for good or ill.”

“I don’t bear any grudges.” Merco explained quickly, “I just want to ensure we are at an understanding now. That you believe I’m not here to harm anyone or anything.”

The female commander raised her tall plume and curtly answered, “Yes. And I’d like to keep it that way.”

He gave a small salute which made her look at him funnily.

He grinned and dropped his hand, “It’s how soldiers from my planet salute their superiors.”

Commander Madala merely nodded in acknowledgement before floating after the Elder.

“Kind of cold isn’t she?” Merco commented after she left.

Traynar and Anu both nodded, knowing their Commander.

“She cares for Anashee very much.” Traynar assured him. “But her trust is not so easily gained.”

“That’s not a terrible trait to have.” Merco commented.

Anu stretched, “I don’t suppose you’re tired?”

Merco gave an automatic yawn, “Oddly, I think I could sleep. At least…I’ll probably have to or my sleep pattern will be off.”

“I can stay with Merco.” Pixie offered.

Anu and Traynar nodded, “Well we’re going home to get some sleep. We’ll see you after the suns rise.”

“Good night.” Merco said with a small wave.

With that Anu and Traynar flew off, Merco glanced over at Pixie on his shoulder, “Won’t your parents be worried if you don’t come home?”

“Well, they know that I’m your ambassador now. So, it’s expected of me.”

“My…ambassador?” Merco raised a brow.

“Yeah. Anu and I are your ambassadors. Didn’t you know?”

He shook his head, “So, you have to stay with me?”

Pixie patted his shoulder beneath her, “I like being with you.”

Merco smiled at that, “You do, huh?” He gently touched the top of her head with a finger, “I’m grateful for that.”

“Are you here for the night, Merco?” Dr. Jasta suddenly appeared from behind them.

Merco swiveled on his hips a moment, “Yeah. Don’t want to get my sleep pattern thrown off.”

The taller alien nodded agreeably and made a gesture with his hands, “Your species is a daytime species like ours?”

“Mostly.”

Dr. Jasta nodded, “Well, if you are going to sleep, just lay down like before and we’ll hook you up for your next lessons. You seem to already have a good grasp of our language, albeit your accent is…odd.”

Merco arched a brow, “Pixie said I have an accent too…am I hard to understand?”

“It’s alright, Merco. We can still understand you well enough.” He reassured.

Just out the door Verin appeared. Pixie called down to him, “Verin, what are you doing here still? I thought you went back?”

Her brother shook his head, “No. Dr. Jasta offered me an apprenticeship here!”

“That’s great!” she congratulated.

“I know!” he agreed, seeming to gush with excitement.

Dr. Jasta smiled at Verin and then said, “Go prepare the language program like I showed you.”

Verin quickly rushed back into the Temple of Emergence to do as he was asked.

Pixie floated down to Dr. Jasta, “Thank you for giving my brother an apprenticeship. He’s talked nothing but science since I’ve Emerged.”

“He has a very promising mind. Great mental potential like that needs to be nurtured,”

“Emerged?” Merco asked, unfamiliar with the word.

Dr. Jasta looked up at him and then gestured to the open part of the facility, “Yes. When one of our kind emerges from their chrysalis to join Ansheetan society.”

Merco viewed the dark teal colored pods he indicated. It seemed ‘emerged’ and ‘born’ were somewhat synonymous.

“Do humans come from a chrysalis?” Pixie asked curiously.

And there it was…

“Uh…heh…no.” Merco couldn’t hide the awkwardness in his tone.

“I would be most interested in learning of your people’s process of reproduction and how it compares to our own.” Dr. Jasta commented.

Merco blinked rapidly, then cleared his throat, “Uh…well…[ahem] that is a very private matter…and uh…”

“Ready Dr. Jasta!” Verin called out.

Oh, thank God.

After a bit of the same rigging, Merco was fitted with the wires and laid down. The familiar hum returned across his skull. He closed his eyes and gradually he fell asleep again.

…

Early morning…

Seraysa was given a sleeping mat in the Temple of Emergence while Verin faithfully stayed up through the night, keeping an eye on Merco’s learning program. It was just breaking light over the horizon and Verin was starting to bob his head with fatigue when Merco’s arm muscles flinched. The monitors bleeped a warning as his brain pattern changed which brought Verin jolting forward with alarm.

“Wha-?”

His monitors were showing the front of Merco’s brain was flashing with activity. He wasn’t sure what it meant, but the probes were indicating that he wasn’t receiving the language information. It was as if the front of his brain was distracting the middle. Verin peered over the edge of his monitor at Merco outside. He appeared to still be sleeping. His eyelids were undulating as his eyes darted beneath them.

“Dr. Jasta…” he called out into the facility where the scientist was resting in his own bed, “DR. JASTA!”

Verin’s shout brought him stumbling out of his quarters, “What is it Verin?”

“Something weird is going on with…” Verin began but was suddenly silenced by a horrible crashing outside which shook the buildings.

Merco’s huge body jerked violently, sending his boot smashing through one of the buildings in the square. A cloud of dust rolled through the air followed by the calamitous collapse of debris into the streets.

“What’s going ON?” Seraysa shouted, awoken by the loud noise.

Dr. Jasta leaned forward staring at the screen intensely, “He’s dreaming…”

They all looked across the room when the thick bundles of cords attached to Merco’s head began to slide outside. He was rolling over. In short order the cords were pulled taut outside the building.

“Oh…no.” Dr. Jasta’s hands flew to the monitor, quickly touching the icons for the education probes. “We’ve got to disconnect before he rips it out of the machine!”

An uncomfortable groan of plastic and metal sounded as the cords were stretched. The metal on the side of the machine popped as it started to buckle. With quick action, Verin leaped from his chair and ran to where the cord was secured to the probe monitor. He feverishly began unlatching the mechanism.

“Verin WAIT!” Dr. Jasta protested but the last fastener released, sending the cord whipping violently around, striking him.

The young Ansheetan fell hard, blue blood staining his arm. He lay on the floor shivering with pain.

“VERIN!” Seraysa shouted.

A second loud impact shook the facility as Merco thrashed again.

“MERCO! WAKE UP!” Seraysa screamed, trying to fly outside.

Dr. Jasta caught her arm and pulled her down under the monitor desk, “No! It’s too dangerous! Get down!”

Merco suddenly sat up violently and roared something in his language. His powerful arm swung out, crashing into the Temple of Emergence with violent force. The impact shook all of them, almost making their heads hurt from the aftershock. The groan of metal and the shattering of glass filled the air until it went quiet. Debris clattered outside. Merco’s huge, panicked breaths echoed around them.

…

Merco was fighting his faceless familiar attackers. They were holding him down. A blade was at his neck. His men were screaming in agony somewhere nearby, screaming for him to help them. No…it wasn’t his men…it was his sons.

Tony…Martin.

They were screaming for him, begging him to help them. With violence he struck one of his attackers across the jaw with his arm. It shattered like glass.

“LET THEM GO!” he shouted.

And he was awake, soaked in cold sweat. He was breathing hard, trying to orient himself.

Where was he? Where were Martin and Tony?

At once he felt a slight pain in his right arm. He looked over, seeing it embedded in the side of Dr. Jasta’s facility. Glass and metal bent and twisted around his forearm, cutting his skin. Merco’s arm pulled away, shaking with disbelief and horror at what he’d done.

No…NO…NO.

He glanced around him noting similar areas of destruction near his feet and legs. With fast movement, he pulled his legs up closer to his chest as if to avoid any further accidents. Haphazardly the cords on his head dangled in his eyes causing him to tear them off thoughtlessly and casting them aside.

Immediately he leaned downward, peeking inside the facility. His tone was full of worry and concern, “Pixie? Verin? Dr. Jasta?”

“Merco?” Pixie’s voice called back.

Then he saw her appearing from under a desk with Jasta following. She looked shell-shocked.

“Are you… all right?” he asked gently, his voice hitching.

He spotted Verin, sitting up and holding his arm which was bleeding light blue.

“Verin! You’re hurt!”

The young Ansheetan grimaced but waved his good arm, “It’s…nothing. Just got cut by the metal on the cord. That’s all.”

Pixie and Jasta came to Verin’s side, checking him.

“The cut is deep. It’ll need to be sealed. But it’s not broken.” Jasta confirmed. “You shouldn’t have tried to unfasten that cord like that.”

“Yeah…stupid.” Verin agreed, wincing.

“I-I’m sorry…it was a nightmare I-I didn’t mean to…” Merco apologized in a voice full of regret.

He hadn’t had a PTSD nightmare for a while and he’d been so eager to learn the Ansheetan language he didn’t pause to consider the dangerous ramifications of sleeping within the city walls. He’d let down his guard…and now he had done the very thing he promised not to do. All the good things the Ansheetans had given him and he repaid them with injury and destruction? His hands were shaking. The buildings around him were damaged in multiple ways; holes, craters, broken arches, shattered glass. He couldn’t see any others injured but several frightened Ansheetans were either fleeing or flocking out to see what had happened.

“Merco? Are you alright?” Pixie asked, approaching him.

“Why have you done this?” a voice shouted near him.

Merco could see several Ansheetans appearing, “I-I had a nightmare…I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“The Elder said you were peaceful!” someone else accused.

“Look at what you’ve done!”

“Why are you trying to kill us?”

“Why don’t you go back where you came from and stop destroying our homes!”

“I-I’m sorry. I really am. I didn’t mean to hurt anything.” Merco tried to explain.

Pixie tried to defend him but Merco knew it wouldn’t do any good. Their trust for him was just as wrecked as the buildings around him. He needed to remove himself from the situation. He stood up in a hurry and marched down the street back toward the wall.

“Merco! Wait!” Pixie called after him.

But he ignored her. He couldn’t be in this city…he would hurt more Ansheetans if he remained. All his efforts to be careful and gentle were subsequently eliminated with one unconscious act. They’d never trust him now. He’d broken his promise to them and to himself. He needed to get away from Anashee as swiftly and safely as possible.

When Merco got to the wall, he put his hands on it and vaulted his long legs over the side. He landed hard on his feet on the opposite side and found the little road that led away from the city. He followed it, making his strides long without running. A few traveled the roads but they fled long before he came to them. He sidestepped the bridge and traipsed through the river lands until he got across to the road again.

“Merco!” he could hear Pixie calling him distantly, “Merco come back!”

He didn’t answer her and kept going, knowing she wouldn’t be able to keep up with him. All he wanted right now was to be left alone and to leave. He’d almost made it to the end of the path where the slanted rocks came together when Anu and Traynar flew like bullets in front of him.

“Merco! What happened? Where are you going?” Traynar called out to him with arms raised.

He didn’t look at either of them. Briskly he walked through them, causing them to quickly part to the side.

“Stay away from me.” Merco warned in a far-off voice, “I might hurt you too.”

“Wait! What do you mean, ‘hurt you too’?” Anu shouted, darting in front of his face. “What happened?”

He weaved his head around her and began squeezing through the rock opening.

Merco briefly glanced back at them, “Please extend my gratitude to Elder Felreh for all the hospitality and let her know I didn’t intend for any of this to happen… but it would be best if I didn’t come to Anashee anymore. For your safety.”

Chapter 29: Making Amends

Anu and Traynar were trying to get Merco to stop and not leave, but the giant alien was not being deterred as he slid sideways through the outer ‘gates’ of Anashee. They didn’t know what had happened to make Merco leave in such a hurry.

Just then, half bouncing along the ground and half flying, Seraysa came rushing up to them, “Merco! Please! Come back!”

But even she wasn’t getting his attention.

Anu met the young female in the air, “Seraysa, what happened?”

“It-it wasn’t his fault!” she was out of breath and seemed on the verge of crying. “He was having a bad dream and accidentally…broke some things.”

Traynar looked to the city and then to her, “Like he was fighting someone.”

“I-I think so.”

“Just like in the canyon. We’ve seen him do that before.” Traynar explained, “Was anyone hurt?”

“Verin got cut when he was trying to unhook Merco from the probes. I don’t think anyone was hurt but he destroyed some buildings.” Seraysa shook her head, “He didn’t mean to!”

Anu looked off to Anashee, “Seraysa, Traynar, go back to Anashee and tell the Elder of this. I will find him and try to get him to come back.”

Though it was apparent the young female wanted to go after Merco too, she knew she couldn’t fly well enough to keep up with him. She reluctantly nodded as Anu took off through the rock ‘gate’.

Anu exited on the other side, eyes darting. Of course, Merco wasn’t hard to follow; she could see him quite a distance away. He’d put quite a distance between him and Anashee already in such a short amount of time; not surprising given his massive stride. With a quick burst of speed, Anu flew after him. He was wading through the forest when she finally caught up to him.

“Merco, please wait! You don’t have to go!”

He briefly paused to look at her, “It’s for the best, Anu. Please go home and leave me alone.”

He resumed walking but Anu floated in front of him, flying backward as she talked, “We know you didn’t mean to do that, Merco.”

“You might not…but I don’t think the rest of Anashee will see it that way.” Merco replied, “In just a few seconds I destroyed someone’s livelihood and I got Verin hurt…I can’t let my guard down for one second or I could kill someone. It’s safer if I just stay away.”

“You have to come back, Merco. You can’t just leave like this!”

“Anu, I appreciate your support for me. I do. But please, just go home.”

With persistence she flew in close, put her hands to his forehead, and pushed with all her might. He kept moving, as unaffected as if a butterfly had landed on his forehead.

“Merco!” she shouted as she pushed, “Stop.”

But he kept walking not dissuaded by her insistence. Eventually his hand came up and gently plucked her out of the air. She struggled a bit in his gentle hold.

Finally, she decided she’d just have to lie a bit to him, “Merco, I’m your ambassador. I have to bring you back or I’m going to get in trouble! And not going back would be an insult.”

Merco stopped slowly, glancing at her as he opened his hand to let her go. She floated up to his eyes with plumage raised and arms crossed. A deep sigh rolled out of him as a guilty look crossed his face.

“I…suppose it would be better to apologize in person.” He said with defeat. “I don’t want you or Pixie to be in trouble on my account.”

Anu felt relief sweep through her at his change of heart. Carefully she landed on his shoulder and sat, “Thank you, Merco.”

Unhurried, he trudged back.

Anu looked at him and asked, “Have you always had these bad dreams?”

Merco frowned, “Ever since I got home from the war.”

“So, they’re war dreams?”

“Yes.” He looked ashamed as his pace slowed, “And I can’t get rid of them. I wake up screaming…fighting someone who isn’t there…trying to help those whom I know are dead. I just…I just want them to stop.”

Anu listened to his sad rumbling voice, “I’ve…never known war.”

Merco shook his head, “Then you are fortunate. I hope your people know nothing but peace.”

Though she thought better of asking, Anu had a question that had been nagging at her upon hearing that Merco had been a soldier.

“Then you…you’ve killed before…?”

A far-off look fell over Merco’s features, but he didn’t say anything.

“I’m sorry…I shouldn’t have asked something like that.” Anu apologized quickly.

“No. No. It’s all right. I just…don’t like to talk about that.” He admitted simply.

Many people had asked him that same bout of questions; his young sons among them. Each time he dodged those questions in some fashion. Mostly he didn’t want to relive those scenarios again but also he didn’t want his family to see him in a manner that would make them hate or fear him. He had indeed taken lives; some justified…some that haunted him. He had also saved a number of lives and lost others. Only his few surviving brothers in arms remembered and understood. It was like a cancer and he didn’t want it spread beyond him.

Soon he was through the stone border entrance of Anashee and making his way down the path. He passed the fields and the river lands until he was near the gates of Anashee again.

“Wait outside the wall Merco. I will meet with Elder Felreh first.” Anu announced, flying from his shoulder.

Patiently he waited, already hating the feeling. It felt like standing before someone’s door waiting for them to answer so he could apologize for running into their car. He was mentally preparing himself for the Ansheetans’ anger, outrage, and feelings of betrayal. Not that he would blame such reactions.

Already he could see a fairly large group of Ansheetans gathered on the wall as well as Elder Felreh coming forth to meet him. As she flew out and stopped before him midair, Merco dropped down to one knee and bowed his head with respect. He wasn’t sure if that was the proper way for Ansheetans to understand his remorse but from their subtle whispers it sounded like they were at least intrigued by the gesture. He wanted not only his words but his posture to convey his apology.

“Elder Felreh, please forgive my earlier actions. I did not mean to damage your city nor did intend the harm I caused. I wish to make amends in any manner you see fit.” He spoke seriously and with respect.

There was a silence for a moment which made Merco cringe internally. He wouldn’t be surprised if they decided to ban him from the city…which to him would be the right thing to do.

“Your ambassadors and supporters have told me of the terrible dreams you suffer from.”

He didn’t look up, “Yes.”

“Then I believe it would be safest to not allow you to sleep within the city.”

Merco nodded, “I agree. Forgive me.”

“However, I do not wish to ban you from our city entirely. There were no reports of injuries besides Verin, but he vouches for you. I believe your actions were involuntary and not done out of ill will.” Elder Felreh concluded, “But I would like to know why you left instead of doing what you’re doing now?”

The man felt ashamed and explained, “Because I betrayed my promise to you and I didn’t think you’d want me anywhere near Anashee again. I just wanted to remove myself voluntarily and save you the trouble.”

There was another silence until the Elder said, “If you would help with the restoration of the buildings you damaged I will consider the act forgiven.”

Merco finally raised his head; genuinely surprised, “I… I would be very happy to help in any way I can.”

Elder Felreh nodded with approval, “When he’s ready for your help you will meet with our chief architect Kerisar tomorrow. I’m sure he will have use of your strength.”

Merco nodded compliantly. He was honestly surprised by their clemency with him. He wasn’t so sure his own species would be as forgiving if the situation were reversed. The group began to return into the city.

Pixie suddenly appeared from the small group and landed on his shoulder. She suddenly slapped his neck several times with her hands, merely tickling him.

“Why did you go away like that?” she berated him in a tone that was both hurt and relieved at the same time, “Don’t ever do that again!”

His hand came up and gently rested his fingers across her whole body, “I’m sorry, Pixie. How is Verin? Is he alright?”

“He’s fine. Just a cut from the cable. He’s getting it sealed up.”

“I’d like to apologize to him too.” Merco requested.

Pixie nodded, “I’ll let him know later.”

“Merco…”

He looked and Commander Madala was floating just in front of his face, less than a foot. Her eyes were harsh and her plume flared.

“You may have gotten away with this once with an apology. But if you do this again I will ensure that you are banished into the Wasteland for the rest of your days.”

Merco straightened his back and nodded, “Yes, ma’am.”

She gave him a funny look at the alien word ‘ma’am’.

“Yes, Commander.” He tried again.

Another look of mistrust and she turned to follow the Elder. Merco sighed. Though he very much doubted they could make him do anything…he still wasn’t ready to test that assumption. He certainly hadn’t scored any gold stars with the Commander since arriving. But as he thought a moment he recalled someone else he hadn’t made a good impression with.

He stood up and looked at Anu who had also remained with him. “Anu, I’d like to make amends with that farmer from before. Do you remember where he lives?”

Anu nodded and made a gesture for him to follow. He walked down the road until he came to a familiar field filled with the strange little creatures that looked like striped dinosaur kangaroos.

“What are those called?” Merco asked Anu as they approached.

“Striped Leysaries.”

“Hm. Do you eat them?”

Anu nodded, “Sometimes. But only for special occasions. Are you hungry?”

He laughed sheepishly, “A bit…but I’m not thinking of eating them raw…ugh.”

“We mostly use Striped Leysaries for He-ne-tee. That sweet drink you tried.” Pixie explained.

Merco got a concerned look on his face, “I thought it was fruit juice…”

He wasn’t sure he wanted to know how it was produced. Of course, they might think milking a cow was weird…so…

Merco perked his head, noticing a figure on the far outer edge of the field which he could only assume was the owner. He began to move toward that figure with Anu leading the way.

His shadow caught the green skinned Ansheetan’s attention first. The rancher’s head perked up fast, staring way up at him.

“Uh. Hi. How’s it going?” Merco greeted.

The rancher gave him a look of suspicion mixed with uncertainty before looking at Anu, “What is it doing back here? Going to kill more of my livestock? Smash my home?”

“He can understand you.” Anu replied.

Merco smiled politely but awkwardly when the rancher looked at him again.

He knelt down, “Yeah. Um. I’m really sorry for accidentally killing your animal. I was hoping I might be able compensate you somehow?”

The rancher uncrossed his arms, “I’d rather you just keep your distance from my livestock and my home.”

Merco glanced around, “You don’t…have something I could do for you?”

The rancher gave him an upward glance, seeming to take in his stature a moment. Then he looked back toward the other half of his farm.

“Follow me…just don’t step on me.”

Merco stood, waited until the Ansheetan rancher was a few of his steps ahead and carefully followed after him. When the rancher got near his home, which almost resembled an igloo with its shape, he directed Merco around it broadly as if he was just certain he wouldn’t be able to avoid stepping on it. Gingerly, Merco stepped over the home.

Satisfied, the rancher pointed to what looked like a stump about the size of a big carrot at the back of his property, “All right big fella. I’ve been wanting that stump gone for several cycles now. Think you can get rid of it?”

Merco gave an amiable nod, “I’ll see what I can do.”

Pixie preemptively flew off of his shoulder and gave him room. Merco positioned himself so he was away from the home and behind the stump. He knelt down and tested the ground with his finger. It was pretty hard and there wasn’t enough stump exposed for him to get a good grip. So, he took out his pocketknife and began loosening the ground around the stump, which he then dug out with his fingers. When a portion of the stump was exposed, he wrapped his hand around the stump and tried to pull it. It moved a little but stubbornly held itself in the ground. Merco raised his eyebrows and dug a little more dirt away so he could grip it with his prosthetic which was much more powerful than his natural hand. He planted his feet, bent both knees and pulled. The mechanical forearm whined slightly when the ground tore open and a loud ripping pop sounded as the stump’s massive root system gave way. Merco had to take a hard step backward to catch himself. His eyes got big for a moment, checking behind him to make sure he didn’t step on anything. Thankfully, his luck was better and he hadn’t messed up anything this time.

He held up the large root to the rancher whose head plume was raising very slowly, “What do you want me to do with this?”

Seeming dumbstruck for a moment the rancher finally pointed to what looked like the back of the property, “I guess…put it back there.”

“Need me to break it up for you?” he asked.

The Ansheetan made a ‘go ahead’ gesture to which Merco nodded. He took the stump and root over to the edge of the property and set it down. Using the heel of his boot he put pressure on the thickest part of the stump and finally stomped down with force. The dried stump splintered into hundreds of chunks with a terrible crunching sound.

Merco checked it over a moment to make sure it was good enough and tore the spidery tail of root into pieces too. Then he returned to the hole where the stump had been and filled it back in, patting the ground flat.

He looked over to the rancher, “How’s that? Anything else?”

“Um…no. No that’s…that’s great.” He conceded eyes unbelieving that the offending stump was now gone as if it never existed, “My mate is going to be thrilled I finally got rid of that.”

Merco chuckled at the thought of him doing a ’Honey Do…” job, “Got to keep her happy I suspect?”

“Would’ve taken me two whole sun cycles to get that out…never mind breaking it up.” He marveled, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Are we good then?”

The rancher nodded deeply, “Yeah, yeah.”

Satisfied, Merco stood back up and began to leave.

“Please come back when we’re harvesting the feed crop! Could use you!” the rancher called after him.

Merco gave an acknowledging wave over his shoulder as his two ambassadors flew up after him. Pixie struggled a bit to gain altitude and when she went to land on Merco’s shoulder she slipped. She gave a startled, sharp whistle and managed to snag the cloth of Merco’s shirt, dangling.

Merco jerked at her near fall, laying a hand over her to press her to his chest and prevent her fall, “Woah. Easy there.”

He carefully put her back on his shoulder and she sat with a puff of relief, “Sorry…I’m still not very good at this.”

Anu flew next to them, “You’ll get better, Seraysa. You’re still newly Emerged. Give it time.”

Merco tipped his head curiously, “Seraysa? Is…is that your true name?”

She nodded.

“I feel kind of bad I’ve been calling you Pixie this whole time and never learned your real name.” he apologized.

She shook her head, “Don’t be. You can always call me Pixie.”

Merco nodded with a small smile.

“That was a very good thing you did for the rancher, Merco.” Anu complimented him.

He shrugged, “I just hope I can help more so no one is mad at me.”

“Which…reminds me.” Anu mentioned, “Tomorrow when you meet our architect, Kerisar…don’t take anything he says too personal.”

Merco raised an eyebrow, “Hard ass?”

“What?” she squinted at the alien word.

“Sorry…um…he’s difficult to work with?”

Anu made a face, “He yells… a lot.”

Merco smirked, “Oh I’ve been yelled at a lot…but thanks for the warning.”

Merco could distinctly recall a drill sergeant from basic training that was probably responsible for a percentage of his hearing loss. So it was nothing new for him. However…he’d been wrong before.

Chapter 30: Helping Out

The next morning…

Merco awoke early and got himself ready for the day. Anu flew out of Anashee to meet him.

“Good morning, Anu.” He greeted upon seeing her.

“To you as well.” she flitted in front of him. “Come with me. Kerisar is supposed to be near the Temple of Emergence.”

Merco got an uncomfortable look on his face, dreading entering Anashee again and possibly destroying something else. Not to mention the aliens residing in that particular area probably would rather not see him again. Hopefully, he’d be able to make amends as he did with the rancher.

Anu led Merco to the opposite side of Anashee where he had entered before. However, much to his relief he could see a green alien dressed in a light blue outfit that was tight fitting. His dark plumage was tipped with light blue dye and had a plume that was uniquely tall at his forehead. As Merco and Anu approached he turned, giving them his full gaze.

Merco dipped his head in a small greeting, “Hello, you must be Kerisar?”

The tall plume flipped up expressively, “And you must be the giant who wrecked my handiwork.”

“Uh. Yeah. I’m very sorry about that.”

“Well good. Because you’re going to get your towering butt over to the Sweleeshi Cliffs and bring in the cut stone and metal framework I requested for this job. Think you can handle that?”

Merco gave a quick salute, “Yes, sir.”

Kerisar straightened his back and flicked his tall plume again, “What did you call me?”

“Uh, ‘sir’ is a term of respect to address a male in my language.”

“Don’t speak gibberish at me, just get over there and bring all the materials. And Suro’ka help you if you bust anything else I designed!” he griped, floating off the wall and into Anashee.

Merco tipped his head, “O-k? …Pleasant fellow.”

“He’s very proud of his work. The Temple of Emergence was designed by him.” Anu explained, “He is a perfectionist and cares that things are done right. So, don’t be surprised if you get yelled at for anything less than perfection.”

“It’s all right. I can take it.” Merco reassured her.

Merco turned from the wall and glanced at Anu, “Who is Suro’ka?”

“Our higher power, a deity who gave us flight and life.” Anu explained with a reverent tone.

Merco nodded, “Gotcha. And where are these cliffs?”

Anu pointed to the mountains that formed the back border of the wall and beyond, “I’ll take you there.”

…

Dr. Jasta, Seraysa, and Verin were all at the Temple of Emergence. The square and the building had been bustling with repair crews assessing the damage and planning all the repairs that needed to be made after Merco’s accidental destruction. While most were professional about it, the disgruntled murmurs would still be heard amongst some of the crew. Apparently they weren’t too happy about the job and weren’t at all convinced of its accidental nature.

Dr. Jasta was busy checking the four chrysalis pods in his work space since they would need to be transferred to a safer building across the street while the repairs were carried out.

“How’s your arm today Verin?” Dr. Jasta asked, monitoring one of the chrysalis pods.

“Sore…but I’m ok.” He admitted.

“Think you could grab me that chart over there? I need to make sure all the readings on this chrysalis are the stable before we get these moved.” He inquired.

Obediently the young Ansheetan did so and the doctor continued his readings. Then they began feeling the first vibrations in the ground. Glass tinkled loudly from the broken dome frame as it got stronger.

Seraysa got up and rushed outside, knowing Merco was on his way. She began telling the workers to give him plenty of room when he arrived but none were objecting and most were already ducking into buildings. Merco’s shadow arrived before he did and Seraysa floated up so he could see her above the buildings.

“Over here Merco!” she waved at him.

In his arms the huge alien had several stacks of stone brick as well as carved arches and a new metal framework for the glass dome. It was an immense load that would’ve taken several crews and lots of equipment to get into the city. Merco carried it like a simple package; yet another intimidating example of his raw strength.

He saw her and carefully tread down the empty street until he came to the square, “Hello Pixie. Where does this all need to go?”

All at once Kerisar appeared, “It’s about time! The stones go to the left, the metal framework to the right. And BE gentle with it!”

Merco nodded and lowered himself, carefully setting piles of building materials where he indicated. After that Kerisar was yelling nonstop at his crews, telling them where to go, ordering them what to bring, laying out the plan curtly and efficiently. It seemed from the numerous crew members as they divided and bustled about that they’d dealt with the demanding architect before.

He looked in the opened dome of Temple of Emergence and saw Verin and Dr. Jasta still inside, “Are you guys kidding me right now!? Get out of there! This is a work zone! We’ve got to get this removed and built by days end, SCRAM!”

Dr. Jasta turned curtly, “Not with these pods still present. We’re getting ready to move them. A new life cannot be risked so haphazardly, don’t you agree?”

Kerisar ran a hand through his tall plumage to regain whatever composure he thought he had, “FINE! Fine… hurry it up! We’ve got a schedule to keep!”

Merco peered inside and upon seeing Verin spoke, “Are you ok, Verin? I’m so sorry you got hurt.”

Verin, who was helping Dr. Jasta hook up the pods to portable power sources called back, “Don’t worry about it, big guy! I just didn’t think and pretty much did this to myself. Besides…now I’ll have a cool scar.”

Merco grimaced, “That doesn’t make me feel much better.”

“Are you kidding? Females love a good scar story!” Verin laughed.

Seraysa quirked her head, “I…don’t know about that.”

“Merco, would be you so kind as to help us with these chrysalis pods?” Dr. Jasta requested.

“Um, sure. What do I need to do?”

Dr. Jasta gestured to the pods, “Just take these and bring them across the square to that gray building with the large windows. They’ll be kept there until this work is done.”

Hesitantly, Merco reached inside the building past the doctor and Verin and gently took one of the mechanical pods in his hand. It was only about the size of a small apple to him. With care he held the pod and took a couple steps across the square to the building Dr. Jasta indicated. Through the glass dome he could see the dark chrysalis with the teal colored veins across it. A large doorway was open in the building so Merco nudged the pod inside and went back for another.

“Are these…ready to hatch?” he asked curiously as he grabbed a second metal pod.

“They are close.” Dr. Jasta replied, “I would estimate they will be ready in eight sun cycles if all goes well. But they won’t emerge unless they are submerged in water.”

Merco looked inside the pod again, remembering how he’d thought Pixie’s was a pretty rock. Only when he’d accidentally dropped hers in the lake did she hatch. He looked at Pixie and then the pod again.

“So you only have four pods? Aren’t there more Ansheetans being hatched than this?” Merco inquired.

“Oh yes. All over Anashee and beyond. The chrysalis pods are distributed amongst the population in turns. Once one is vacated it is passed along to the next family in need of one.” Dr. Jasta explained, “The Temple of Emergence is for those chrysalises that are in their last few cycles. Lake Anashee is very far and some families can’t make that journey so this is a way for them to Emerge in safety.” He indicated the large water pool just to the back of the domed facility, “I also monitor each one in their last days to ensure nothing goes wrong. We only have four here just now, but we are able to house twenty if we need to. Most families hatch their own chrysalises outside the Temple of Emergence.”

Merco listened with interest. “I’m…assuming these start out much smaller?” he asked noting the chrysalis was much larger than any Ansheetan.

“Yes. They take many planetary rotations to develop to that size. But they must be kept dry and warm until they start to show those colored veins and they sparkle.” Dr. Jasta replied.

Merco frowned, “And if they get wet too soon…?”

“They don’t make it…usually.” The tall doctor admitted. “You didn’t know that?”

“Uh…no.”

Briskly, he marched across the square and put the second pod away. He returned and grabbed the last two pods in each hand.

“You said your species does not come from a chrysalis, how do you…” Dr. Jasta started but Merco rushed the last two across before he could ask him about human procreation again.

“Is that building cleared yet?” Kerisar yelled out.

“Yes. We are leaving.” Dr. Jasta stated walking outside with Verin and Seraysa.

Kerisar made a smart gesture and several of his crew flew up to the smashed metal framework of the Emergence dome and began cutting at the correct points.

He looked up at Merco who was nearby, “You! When that comes free, you catch it and take it out where you got the new one. Then come back here. Can you do that?”

Merco saluted, “No problem.”

…

Later that day…

Merco had spent much of the day helping with the ‘heavy lifting’ of the reconstruction. Kerisar yelled orders at him but he was yelling at everyone. Merco felt like he was playing with blocks and building tiny models so he didn’t get very physically fatigued. The hardest part was getting pieces lined up to where Kerisar was pleased. He didn’t want to hear “a little more…more to the left…NO back!” for a while. But with Merco’s help they finished the bulk of the building and Kerisar’s building crew seemed awed by how Merco took the place of nearly every heavy lifting machine they typically used. Those who had resented what he did were seeming less aggravated and more ready to offer Merco a permanent job on the crew. The interiors would need work and the glass would have to be placed but the structural work was done.

Being done ahead of schedule seemed to please Kerisar as he had stopped yelling and actually seemed to chill out a tiny bit.

“Is there anything else I can do?” Merco asked politely.

Kerisar looked around a moment, flipped his plumage and said, “Yeah. Don’t wreck anymore of my buildings.” He grumbled but then said, “But…I might have more jobs for you in the future.”

Merco stood up and stretched his back a bit, “I promise I won’t make more work for you.”

He then helped Dr. Jasta put back the chrysalis pods before he left. Even though he truly hadn’t exerted himself he felt like he needed a shower. He was due for one. Which meant he needed to make a trip to the lake.

“Where are you going Merco?” Pixie called after him, floating up to him.

“I think…I’m going to go to the lake for a bath.” He stated heading to the wall.

“Can I go with you?” she asked.

Merco thought a moment, “Well…I guess so. I may need a little privacy though.”

“Why?”

He stopped, turning slowly, “Um…be-because it’s common to give someone privacy when they are…unclothed.”

“Oh. Well…can I go anyway?”

He finally nodded which gave her the invite to land on his shoulder. Cautiously, he traversed the streets until he came to the wall and stopped when he saw a familiar figure. Sitting in what looked like a hovering chair was the same Ansheetan in the dark blue uniform who tried to kill him.

Merco could feel Pixie tense on his shoulder, “Merco…”

“Hm?”

“That’s Combatant Coroc.” She said in a dreading tone.

“So that’s his name.” Merco mentioned.

He could see that Coroc was sitting in a hovering chair, no doubt a type of wheelchair since he’d broken both of his legs when he swatted him down. Coroc was staring back at him, not moving but not emoting either.

Merco stepped toward the wall.

“Merco…don’t do it.” Pixie sounded afraid of what he might do.

The man looked at his companion but smiled reassuringly. As he approached the wall and Combatant Coroc, Merco stopped just short of the parapet that lined the wall which was just about at his waist. Slowly, he lowered himself to be at eye level with his former assailant. To his credit the combatant didn’t react fearfully, he merely stared back.

“I remember you.” Merco said as he tapped the scab on his throat.

Combatant Coroc gave him a look that seemed surprised he was speaking, “So they were able teach you our language.”

Merco nodded, “Language seems to bring understanding; less fear and brash action.” He gave Coroc a serious look, “I wanted to let you know that I never wanted to hurt anyone and I never had any evil intentions toward your people.” He glanced at his legs, “Are you healing well?”

The alien gave a curt nod.

“I hope this means we are even and we can put that incident behind us?” Merco offered. “From one former soldier to another?”

“For now.” Coroc replied simply and then looked Merco in the eye, “I’ve heard through rumor that you are seeking to send out a communique outside our world.”

Merco gave a brief nod, “That’s right.”

“Are you planning on bringing more of your kind here?” was the very blunt question.

“Only to get myself back to my home planet.” Merco replied and then tipped his head slightly, “You’re suspicious of that…”

“The thought of more beings your size coming here makes me very suspicious of that, yes.” was the honest answer. ”You might be passive…but can you vouch for others like you who may come?”

Merco sighed truthfully, “No. But…much like your kind, mine has all kinds of motivations and temperaments. I cannot vouch for all of them.” He gave Coroc an honest expression, “I don’t expect you to believe me, but my only intention is to go home to my family if I can. Nothing more.”

Merco shifted to the side and stepped high to get over the wall, “You have a good day, now.”

As he stepped over the wall and began crossing the valley, Pixie asked with surprise, “You’re not mad?”

Merco glanced at her and shook his head, “He was acting in self-defense of his home…I can’t condemn those motivations.”

“But there was nothing to defend against. You weren’t evil and we tried to tell him that!” Pixie protested, “And still he wanted to kill you!”

“Sometimes that’s a hard thing to get over…fear…paranoia. I can’t say I wouldn’t have felt a similar reaction if a giant alien suddenly appeared on my planet and its intentions were unknown.” Merco admitted.

“You are more forgiving than I would be.” Pixie admitted.

“A grudge is too heavy to carry around your whole life.” A faint smile crossed Merco’s mouth, “And besides…it wouldn’t be a fair fight.”

Pixie laughed a little bit.

It took Merco little time to cross the river lands and squeeze between the rocks that bordered Anashee’s valley and begin his trek through the forest toward the lake. With his stride it took him around an hour to return to the lake. By then he was very eager to have a swim.

He approached the water, found a spot that looked deep enough, plucked Pixie from his shoulder, and placed her on the ground, “All right Pixie, you stay right there.”

She nodded and he retreated into the trees to take off his clothes for his swim. Pixie waited patiently. Trees snapped sporadically as Merco moved around nearby.

“Ok. You’re not looking right?” he confirmed.

“Huh?” Pixie was confused.

“Don’t look until I tell you.”

Pixie shrugged and closed her eyes. She could hear the massive footfalls and then the deep surging over the water as Merco entered the lake.

There was a loud splash and then he said, “Ok.”

Pixie looked out over the water and Merco was submerged up to his middle, “Is it really that deep?”

“Naw. I’m on my knees.” he laughed, “Though there is a spot somewhere around here where it’s that deep.”

He cupped some water in his hands and splashed his face, wiping it several times. A sigh escaped him as the cool water felt nice to his sweaty skin.

“What’s that scar from?” Pixie asked, pointing to his middle.

Merco wiped his eyes, “Scar?”

“That divot in your stomach…did you get stabbed?” she asked with worry.

Merco looked down at his stomach, “You mean…my belly button?”

Pixie giggled at the alien word, “What does that mean?”

“It’s…where I was attached to my mother. So I guess it’s a scar.”

The lavender alien’s blue eyes widened, “Attached?”

Merco sighed, knowing he’d probably have to tell these aliens sooner or later. So he tried to formulate an explanation that didn’t sound too…messy.

“Well…my species doesn’t come from a chrysalis like yours does. When a male and a female of my species…“join”…we combine our DNA to make a new life. The female will carry the baby…”

“Baby?” Pixie tasted the alien word.

“Uh…a young one of my species. The mother carries the baby in a special “pouch” we call a womb, inside her body for nine months.” he touched his navel, “This is the scar left behind when we are joined to our mother inside her.”

Pixie seemed perplexed, trying to wrap her head around what he’d just said. But she was also fascinated.

She looked at him, “How big was your mother?”

He turned his head and lowered his hand to illustrate where her height compared to his, “About this tall.”

Pixie blinked, “Then…how did you fit in her womb pouch?”

Merco laughed, “Oh! No no! I was much smaller when I was born.” Merco spanned his hands to about the size of a baby, “Babies are only about this big when they are born.”

“Born?”

“Uh…Emerged.” he connected it to a word she would know.

“So…your mother carries you in her “womb pouch”, you start out small, you are connected to her and it leaves a scar after you Emerge…” Pixie was piecing his explanation together as best she could.

Merco shrugged then nodded, “Pretty much, yeah.”

“Do you get education probes inside your mother’s womb pouch?” she asked.

“No. We have to learn everything after we are born and grow up.” Merco stated as he splashed more water onto his chest.

Pixie frowned, “That sounds inefficient.”

Merco shrugged, “Yeah…in a way it kind of is. But we learn more from our experiences growing up and changing.”

As Merco turned in the water slightly Pixie asked another question, “What are those black marks on your back?”

“Oh. My tattoo?”

“What’s a tattoo?” Pixie asked, unfamiliar with the alien term.

Merco smiled, “It’s a design that I had digitally printed into my skin. I got it when I was a soldier.”

As technology had progressed on Earth, humans had discovered a less invasive and less painful method of applying tattoos to the humans skin through means of digital printing with a specially calibrated laser.

Pixie peered up at the alien designs that covered the man’s massive shoulder blade, “What does it mean?”

“Oh…nothing really. It’s just a design that everyone in my company got when we enlisted. Kind of a brotherhood sort of thing to connect us.” he explained.

Pixie nodded with understanding, ”

He tipped his head, “Now answer me a question: do you Ansheetans not know how to swim?”

The little alien seemed uncomfortable being even close to the water, “We can’t swim.”

“Have you tried to?” he asked.

“We can’t fly if we get wet…and there are lots of big creatures in that water that will eat us.” Pixie admitted. “The water is scary.”

“I can teach you to swim…if you want to try?” Merco offered.