Jessie Stern and the Time Shifters

by Kim Merrill

We all watched the holo intently. At first, it looked like she was sleeping, but then her eyes open and she spoke. “As you have been told, I am the last remaining Shilonan on our planet.”

  I was struck by how her voice seemed to carry more authority and knowledge than someone her age would normally have.

  “Our world,” she went on, “once blue, green and full of life is dying. Our Sun grows large and will soon engulf our planet. The farms and cities of Shilona have now been emptied. I alone remain to guard our Sacred Scrolls. These Scrolls tell of you, my rescuers, who will come in a silver sword that will pierce through the Galaxy to rescue the Sacred Scrolls and their Guardian.”

  She closed her eyes and remained silent for a minute that seemed to take an age then spoken again. “I am tired now and must sleep. In my slumber, I will dream of your rescue. You will encounter danger - your lives will be threatened, but your wisdom will save you and you will come for me. I know you will come, because it has been foretold.”

  The light flickered out leaving darkness and silence.