The Birth of a Rebellion

by Adam Sipperly

  “What’s the occasion?” Patrick joked, motioning to the dessert on his desk.

  The question was disregarded entirely, “How are things since you’ve been moved?”

  “Much better for sure, but when can I leave?”

  “Going home isn’t really an option for you.” The alien poked at Patrick’s cake. “What is this odd concoction?”

  This time, it was Patrick ignoring the question, “I’m one kid! How much damage can I possibly do? I’m sure my family is worried about me, trying to figure out where I’ve gone off to?”

  “One of our women, she made a good point. We should take better care of you while you’re here. Prove that we aren’t monsters. Domination of the galaxy, it’s a matter of peace. Imagine, all of us working towards a common goal.”

  “That’s the point of all this, really? How naïve do you think I am?” Patrick struggled to hold back laughter. As if he could believe that peace was what they were truly after.

  “Regardless of your thoughts,” he waved the air between them as if Patrick had just blown smoke in his face, “someday you’ll see. We’ll be done with this planet soon enough. For now, you’re staying here. Under our watch.” He stood up to leave and paused at the door for a moment. “You don’t have to worry about your family. We’ve taken care of that, put an Agent in your place,” the alien said all this in such a casual manner as if he was letting Patrick know it was going to rain, but no need to fret because he had umbrellas.

  “So, think you’ve thought of everything, yeah?” it was hard for Patrick to hide the panic in his voice, despite the anger beginning to bubble over.

  Threatening him was one thing, but for the aliens to threaten his family was another. “Well, if I’m going to be stuck down here for a while, how about some friendly conversation?” Patrick laced his words with heavy sarcasm, resorting to humor as he did in moments of heavy stress. “What’s your story? I don’t even know your real name after all we’ve been through. What’s the deal with that?”

  “Feel free to refer to me as General Ozod. Although it’s doubtful we’ll be seeing each other again anytime soon. Enjoy your stay, you’ll be down here until we’re done with Earth.” A goodbye nod was delivered in Patrick's direction, the only indication he had been talking to him and not the wall.

  Another nod to the female alien in the room and his tray, still full of food, was picked up. The aliens all left the room and locked the three bolts on the way out.

  ◆◆◆

  Two more weeks passed with no visits from the General. The only interactions Patrick had was with the aliens who came to feed him or pick up his empty trays. Most days it was two guards and a female alien, although some days it was just the guards. Given that the guards had taken most of his personal effects, wristwatch included, Patrick had begun to rely on the rumblings of his stomach to tell him the time. He would just start to feel hungry when the guards would pound on the door and tell him to stand against the furthest wall.

  However, on this morning as Patrick prepared for his meal, the pounding never came. Time passed and the grumbling grew louder. Finally, the pounding came, and Patrick thanked God his food had finally arrived. But when the door opened, it wasn’t food. It was one guard, extremely tall and wide with jet-black hair. He tossed a pair of cuffs on the bed and put one finger in the air, twirling it as if to tell Patrick to turn around. Patrick did as instructed and waited for the cuffs to be put on. Whatever was going on, he knew it couldn’t be good.

  Led from his cell, Patrick was taken up through the tunnels and back to the main entrance. From there, he was led to the hallway of office doors and brought into one at the end of the hall. It was definitely not an office, but a large laboratory. The massive room was full of aliens studying various animals. There was a tiger, a horse, a wolf and some creature that looked like a combination of the three. Patrick was led to a side room that resembled a doctor’s office, examination table covered with the same flimsy, and extremely loud, white paper anyone would recognize.

  There were two aliens in the room waiting for him. One of them was short and rather ugly, with a scrunched-up face permanently set in disgust. The other was of average height but with the most piercing blue eyes Patrick had ever seen, further emphasized by the aliens deep fuchsia skin. The two of them stood over Patrick, now cuffed to the examination table. They both had looks on their faces as if they were trying to decide where to start with him.

  Blue-eyes spoke up first, trying to either get more information from Patrick, or test the accuracy of the information he had given the General. Patrick held strong though, giving as little detail as possible – the last thing he wanted to do was help them. Blue-eyes pushed hard for information, growing weary of Patrick’s resistance. At one point he slammed his hands down on the table, ripping the flimsy white sheet as he did.

  Ugly-face finally stepped in at this point and let out a deep sigh. He leaned in close, teeth gritted and spat, “Why do you resist? Your planet is already ours, help us and we’ll go easy on you when we’re in charge!”

  “So much for peace across the galaxy I suppose?”

  “Peace? This war isn’t about peace. This war is about domination. I wish you could see all the other planets we’ve taken over. Slowly infiltrate, learn everything we can and then unleash a hell they’ve never seen. Our tactics have only grown stronger as we’ve collected more data. Each planet has at least one species that possess certain qualities that can aid in maintaining our control. For Earth, there are literally hundreds. We are systematically collecting information on your DNA to aid as we next take over Venus and Mercury.”

  Their plan, as much as Patrick hated to admit it, was rather genius. Infiltrate a planet as small creatures, take captives, steal their DNA, assume their shape and continue the infiltration.

  “So, how do you like that, you puny human?” Ugly-face finished his rant, a smug look crossing his face. “We’re going to take everything from you, and you get a front-row seat to it all.”

  The thought sent shivers up Patrick’s spine. He had known all along the whole ‘peace for the galaxy’ thing was a farce. But the true intentions of the aliens were far worse than he could have imagined. They were truly heartless.

  Someone in the lab must have overheard the grand speech Ugly-face had made and called in guards. He was dragged from the room momentarily, as was Blue-eyes. The alien that had brought Patrick in the room began to unstrap him as he said, “Sorry, but this is your new reality. Not sure you needed to know all that. Think you’ve caused enough trouble for now kid.”

  The brutish alien led Patrick back to his cell where the locks were again closed behind him. *Clink*… Patrick felt his heart sink… *clink*… any chance of escape slipped from his mind… *clink*… what would happen to his family? I have to get out of here! Time was running out, and he was the only one who could save the Earth.

  ◆◆◆

  Flupotia continued to work in silence. Each day keeping an eye on the human. She had learned his name was Patrick, and that he was indeed responsible for sending the decommissioned agent back home. She continued to watch with bated breath, each moment that passed waiting for him to make his move. But he never did. Weeks passed, and still, Flupotia waited. She knew Patrick was the key to everything. The key to not only proving herself but also earning her true place. And with that she knew, the time for waiting was over. It was time to take action.

  ◆◆◆

  Patrick didn’t waste any time developing a plan after his latest encounter. The first part of his plan manifesting itself for him. For some reason, ever since the Ugly-face and Blue-eyes scenario played out, they were only sending one alien in to deliver his food. Most days it was the female alien stuck with this duty, and Patrick thought he could easily overpower her. The guards still patrolled the area, but it seemed they believed he was beaten down to the point of not fighting back.

  The second part of Patrick’s plan involved something of a ‘boy who cried wolf�
� scenario. He would spend days pretending he was an alien, claiming the boy had escaped. Once he overpowered the alien who brought him his food, he could leave her locked in his cell. It would be hours before anyone thought to come and check on him again, and by then he would hopefully have found a way out.

  The first attempt at this plan failed miserably. After waiting for the alien to bring his food, he bulked up the sheets to make it look as though he was still in bed. Patrick stood next to the door and was hidden as it swung open. He listened as the alien placed his food on the desk and turned towards the bed, away from the door. Unfortunately for Patrick, it was not the usual alien dropping off his food. He overtook the alien for a moment, but they quickly morphed into a tiger, forcing Patrick into submission.

  “Try anything like that again,” the alien morphed back to his normal self as he spoke, “and I’ll report you to the General myself. Understood?”

  Patrick nodded, feeling down, but not defeated. He knew he would get a second chance at this plan. In the days he had been down here, he had picked up on the importance of pride for the aliens. He trusted that this pride was so great, any single alien would refuse to report being duped by the human prisoner. At the next chance he got, he would make sure he knew who he was attacking.

  ◆◆◆

  Flupotia heard more rumors. This time, that Patrick had foolishly tried to escape, but had been easily overpowered by his guard. She had been taken off his block, but knew yet again it was the time to call in her remaining favors and get back over there. The next time he tried to escape, she would be there.

  ◆◆◆

  It was another week when Patrick made his move. This time, he made sure it was the female alien in his room before proceeding. He knew he couldn’t hide behind the door again and wait, so he chose this specific day, laundry day, to enact his plan. When the alien came in to change his sheets, Patrick had to stand at the opposite wall, hands behind his back.

  Patrick knew this alien fairly well. She had changed his sheets a few times before and was usually the one with his food. She had a warm demeanor and was always friendly. Her name intrigued Patrick. He liked to think she was named for her warm spirit, as if that was the potion to cure the flu. Patrick honestly felt bad using her to escape, but had little other options at this point.

  He made the usual small talk with her. Asked how her day had been, what the weather was outside, and if the aliens had made any progress. It was a typical laundry day for them both. But then the moment arrived. She reached over the top of his bed to pull the blanket he had purposefully jammed between the frame and the wall. Patrick didn’t hesitate and jumped on top of her. A sock was stuffed into her mouth as Patrick pulled the blanket around and tied knots wherever he could find loose cloth. Once she was taken care of, he slipped the futuristic looking gun from her belt and held it. He knew he must have looked awkward but tried his best to look demeaning. He had a finger on what he believed to be the trigger, and was prepared to pull it if needed.

  Flupotia sat there, tied to the bed and almost wanted to laugh to herself. Patrick looked truly ridiculous. He had his finger placed on the safety, the gun pointed at her. He had a stern look on his face, his mouth pressed into a hard line.

  “I’m going to take the sock out of your mouth,” he said out loud, while in his mind he said to himself I’ve watched enough Law and Order, I can do this! “I have some questions I need to be answered. If you scream or do anything other than answer what I ask, I will use this gun. Do you understand?”

  Flupotia nodded, ready to answer any of his questions, sweet-talk her way of this, and finally make her move.

  As the sock was pulled from her mouth, she didn’t wait for a question. “Do you have any idea how lucky you are, attacking me?”

  “Oh yeah?” Patrick seemed to find her question humorous. “And why, may I ask, is that?”

  “For a couple of reasons. First, you tried once and failed.” She paused and saw the look of shock on his face. “Don’t look so surprised. He may not have told his superiors, but word gets around. So yes, many of us are on high alert working with you now. Anyone else would have easily overpowered you.”

  “I’m not so sure about that. As far as I can tell, the females don’t have the same status or power as men around here. Including the morphing power.”

  “How can you be sure?” Flupotia’s questioning was getting Patrick off track, and he didn’t even realize it.

  “You’re still you!”

  “Could very well be because I don’t want to hurt you, couldn’t it?”

  “It’s doubtful. The other reasons you have, what are they? Maybe I’ll believe those.”

  “Really, only one other reason. I’ve been working since you got down here on a very similar plan to this. A plan to escape,” she looked to him with hope and desperation, “with you!”

  Patrick’s eyes went wide with disbelief. “Is that so?” he almost laughed. “And what is this grand plan of yours?”

  “Laugh all you want, I’m the one that got you this cell and the food. I got myself onto your rotation, convinced everyone you didn’t need constant guarding anymore. Believe it or not, I’ve been on your side this entire time.”

  “Why?” Patrick was still skeptical, but had to hear her out. “What is this grand plan of yours then, why would you be trying to help me escape? I can destroy the alien’s element of surprise here on Earth.”

  “You misunderstand. I’m not talking about a plan to escape to the surface, I plan to escape deeper into the Earth!”

  Patrick let out a surprised laugh, he was entirely caught off guard. “Have you lost your marbles? I’m done wasting my time with you. I need to find a way out. I feel bad leaving you like this, I really do. They’ll find you soon enough though.” He moved to stuff the sock back into her mouth.

  “Wait!” she hollered. “I’m not crazy. I know you’ve heard of our plans, I know you’ve been fighting against our presence here on your planet. But you have to know, there is a rebellion. A small group of us fighting against our tyrannous king. I’m one of them, and right now, I need you to trust me. You’re the best hope I’ve got at actually landing a blow against him. There’s an orb, hiding deep underground in a secret location. This is what gives us the power to transform. And while yes, I don’t have the power myself, there are some females that do have the power as well, you just haven’t seen them yet. But that’s beside the point. The orb was brought here to collect the DNA of your planet and then take over. If you come with me and we make it down to the orb, we can steal it and gain the power for the rebellion. You may find it hard, even impossible, to trust me, but as much as you’re my only hope, I’m your only hope too. Every door in this place is controlled by a biometric scanner that only an alien can work. Without me, you’re good as dead. But if you travel with me, you might very well be the savior of this planet and many others. Please, I’m begging you to believe me!”

  Patrick stood, in true disbelief. Flupotia, the only alien who had shown him any kindness was now begging for his help. But she was still an alien, and how could he possibly trust any of them after what he had heard? As difficult as it was for Patrick to accept, he wanted to believe Flupotia and trust her. She didn’t fight back when she was attacked and had yet to yell out for help. Time was running short, and Patrick made a quick decision to trust her with great caution. Once again, his curiosity at the mention of this mysterious orb pulled him in. The idea of some all-powerful object being so close was impossible to resist.

  “Look,” she could sense his hesitation. “Check my back pocket; I’ve got your watch. I’ve been holding onto it for an opportunity such as this.”

  He moved forward with great caution and reached around to her back pocket. As he pulled his watch out, his decision to go with her was cemented.

  “This goes against my better judgment, but I’m going to trust you.” He took a step forward, hesitating for just the briefest of moments. “I’m trusting that you are smart
enough to do as I ask so that I don’t shoot you with your own gun.”

  Flupotia nodded silently, not bothering to hide her smile. Patrick still had yet to realize that he was holding the gun at the safety and would do nothing to her if he pulled the trigger. He loosened the sheets around her and stepped back, letting her release herself entirely. Flupotia motioned to the door, and with a nod from Patrick, she began walking. He remained a few steps behind her as she sashayed through hallways left and right. Patrick’s eyes remained focused on her until they were back by the main entrance.

  At this moment, he knew he could force her to open the exit and be free. But he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he followed her through the tunnel that smelled of damp Earth. At the end of it stood a large set of metal doors that appeared to be carved out of the Earth itself.

  ◆◆◆

  III: The Journey Begins

  After an hour of walking, Patrick was the first to break the silence, unable to take it any longer. “This orb thing, where exactly is it going to be?”

  “Oh, we’re on talking terms now, are we?”’

  He could feel his annoyance building, the look on his face screaming, where do you get the nerve to talk to me like that after I agreed to your silly quest? But instead, he decided to calm the fires rather than fuel them. They were in this together now, no matter what the journey or the outcome was.

  “Seems like it’s going to be a long walk. We might as well take advantage of the company.”

  “Fair enough,” she shrugged. “To be honest, I don’t know all the details, and the details I do know are built mostly on rumors. The orb is going to be deep underground. It’s a safe space for it, as not many would dare venture that far down. This is certainly going to be one for the storybooks.”

  “Storybooks? I get this is a long walk and all, but I’d hardly call it an adventure worth writing about.”