Stormy

by Wayne Greenough

  “Yes, and I’m also fully aware of all the repercussions that will most certainly occur.”

  “Are you, indeed? Well, I for one have visions of the starships being rushed and destroyed by the millions who have been rejected.”

  “No, I feel you are mistaken. The most intelligent ones who are going to make the journey will also guard the starships. True, some people will panic. But not the masses as you predict. Analyze our people. We are a courageous lot. We know some must die, so therefore self-sacrifice will prevail. We will evacuate this world we no longer possess in good order. Of that I am certain. But let us work night and day to meet the needed quota of starships. Let us also pray that we will not be forced to leave anybody behind, as we raise our ships to the stars.”

  “Stephen, how sure are you that the suspended animation devices will work?” asked delegate Cervantes.

  “A good question and it is one that I feel confident to answer. The scientists of this city have perfected them to where they are absolutely failsafe. As our starships cannot obtain the excessive speeds needed to pierce the light barrier, something had to be done to preserve our bodies, put them to sleep, make them free from aging until we reach our destination, which is to be the nearest star system. Anymore questions?”

  Again there was the shuffling of feet and the shifting of uneasy glances as nobody spoke.

  Weathers nodded. “Very well, then. We have much work to do and time is running out. Go back to your lands, have your government security departments screen through your people for the most intelligent individuals. A full time screening must start at once. You must also work night and day building more starships, and pray that no one must be left on this world. Goodbye to all of you, and good luck.”

  The delegates left and Stephen Weathers, crushed by the merciless decisions he and others would have to make, burst into tears.

  * * * *

  Work continued as planet Ybarra’s people fought for survival. Many people would be saved, but countless others might face the Nova. Weathers, along with his son and daughter worked night and day. The strain was beginning to be more than he could stand.

  The thunderous roar of a rocket engine shattering the stillness of their world’s atmosphere informed Ybarra’s people that perhaps they would not be alone in their struggle for survival. A black spaceship landed.

  “Father, that ship? Where did it come from?” asked Stormy.

  Weathers shook his head. “I know not. One moment it wasn’t there, the next it was.”

  The ship’s hatch opened and a tall ruggedly built young man stepped into sight. His attire was completely black and close fitting. As he walked forward all that viewed him saw that he was dark haired and dark eyed. There was an overpowering air of authority in his speaking voice. And as a gesture of friendliness he extended his right hand and grasped Stephen Weathers’, to give it a hearty handshake.

  “I bid greetings to you, Stephen, from the star system Magara. I have negotiated favorably with them and they have agreed to help you. I am Ril.”

  “I don’t understand, sir,” Weathers said. “How is it you know my name?”

  “I care to explain little now. I do know all of you.” He shook David’s hand and smiled as he stared into Stormy’s eyes. “We meet once again, Stormy Weathers. I am glad.” He faced Weathers. “I must meet with all of your leaders and at the same time. You need help, which is why I am here.”

  “But, Ril, how can you help us?” asked Stephen Weathers.

  “Magara will give you a planet. Now please call your delegates together.”

  * * * *

  Three hours later the delegates arrived. As before, it was with the exceptions of the Tarels and the Green people. Stephen, David, and Stormy sat with the others. This time Ril led the conversation.

  “I bid you welcome, gentlemen. I am pleased that you are here. I’ll make my conversation short and to the point. You need a planet and Magara offers you one, with no hidden meanings or strings attached. Tell us the exact world you desire and you shall receive it.”

  “Do you expect us to believe what you say? What kind of nonsense is this?” questioned a delegate.

  “I anticipated that reaction,” said Ril. “It is a common one other worlds’ people have expressed to the providers of Magara. I have brought with me enough proof to still all of your protests.”

  From his ray pistol belt, Ril drew forth a cylindrical rod. To the surprise of everyone he held it to his mouth and began speaking.

  “Hello, Magara, this is Ril. Answer please.”

  Instantly a static free reply could be heard by all present.

  “This is Magara. Hello, Ril, have you reached your destination?”

  “Yes, some hours ago. I have met the delegates, but they are in need of a little proof of Margara’s sincerity. Some scenes of your worlds should convince them.”

  “As you wish, Ril, preparing them now.”

  “Watch closely, delegates of Ybarra,” Ril said. “The planet we offer you can resemble what you are about to see if you work and cooperate with Magara’s people on the developing of your new world.”

  Ril pointed the short rod at a white wall. Instantly a breathtaking city focused before the delegate’s eyes. It was a city so enchanting and fairy-like that all of the delegates were shocked into silence. The city’s people looked strong, healthy, and above all happy. Flying cars, pneumatic elevators, and ground vehicles were everywhere. Footnotes informed the delegates that the city was constructed from a plastic substance that was super strong and would never need repairing or painting. On the city’s periphery, individual homes and recreation facilities could be seen that literally flashed their beauty before the delegates’ eyes. Living was easy and families were provided with everything, all for a small amount of daily work.

  A few minutes later the captivating scenes vanished and Ril spoke.

  “As I said before you may have a planet, and it may be like the one you just viewed. In fact, an unpopulated world has already been selected for you. And if it meets your approval, by my command Magara’s people will start building cities for you. Of course you will be able to choose many of the things you desire to have in these cities. Remember one thing, the people of the Magaran Star System want to be your friends, but they do not want to rule over you. Planet Magara offers you a world to rule as you see fit. The decision is yours. You will, of course, want to consult with your own people first. Be sure to decide carefully.”

  Stephen Weathers spoke, “There’s just one thing, Ril. Our starships cannot reach the excessive speed of light. If the distance is too great to the planet you are offering us…well, your ship is undoubtedly a great deal faster.”

  “Yes it is. But your ships can make the trip much sooner than you have calculated, and your suspended animation chambers will not be needed.”

  “But, Ril, we still do not have enough ships. Many of our people will be forced to remain on Ybarra.”

  “No, Stephen Weathers. Ships will be furnished. Ybarra’s people will all be saved.”

  The delegates left. High spirits showed on their faces, along with their confident strides, and parting conversations. Ril’s stately manner along with the scenes from the Magaran Star System convinced them that a savior had arrived and they would be saved.

  “Ril, I’m concerned about those that were not here; the Tarels and the Greens. We have not been able to convince them of the Nova danger. I do not want them to perish.”

  “I will go to them. Perhaps I can persuade their leaders that the only way they will survive is to join the exodus.”

  “Maybe the Greens will listen to you, Ril. But I doubt the Tarels will. They are savage, brutal beasts who have been pulling small raids on us for decades. More than a few of this city’s people have been killed by them. We have driven them back to the Purple Mist Lands where they thrive, and unfortunately raise future generations to continue their never ceasing killing raids.”

  “I will try my best, and I wil
l need a guide to show me the way.”

  “My son, David, will accompany you.”

  “No, Father,” said Stormy. “You and David will be needed here to inform the people of our promised planet. I will go with Ril.”

  * * * *

  The cocoon containing Stormy and Ril skimmed speedily over the marshland. Stormy felt the closeness of Ril and knew she desired him. But she was still very much aware of her deep love for Larkin. If only Larkin were here now, instead of visiting his mother and father. She sighed over her loneliness and decided to ask Ril the questions that had been puzzling her since his arrival.

  “There are many mysteries about you that for some reason I feel I should know,” she said.

  Ril smiled. “I did not want to waste time. But I can answer them now. I am glad we are together, once again. It has been a century since we last met.”

  Shock flashed on Stormy’s face. “I really don’t know what you’re saying. We have never met until now.”

  She snapped to awareness as Ril deepened his stare at her. His dark eyes appeared to grow huge as she felt the thoughts in her head being lovingly caressed. For a few seconds dizziness threatened to overcome her. Then normalcy returned to her as Ril’s eyes once again became normal sized and dark, and the sensual caressing in her mind ceased.

  “Sadly, Stormy, your mind has told me you have no remembrance of me. I have long hoped that the uncountable numbers of Stormys in the universe would somehow learn of one another and then join their thoughts to become one collective mind. The Grand Wizard informed me that such a possibility could become a reality. But still the time is not right. We have met in time and space throughout many centuries. I remember each meeting and cherish them all.”

  Still staring at Ril’s eyes Stormy realized the incredibly handsome man was being truthful. But how was that possible?

  “You said through time and space? That would make you ageless. Am I also ageless?”

  “In a way, yes, you are. On another planet, in another star system I was sent on a quest by my king. My betrothed so grieved for me she forfeited her own life by taking a potion that at first shattered her and then sent her to every point in the universe. Her father, distressed to near helplessness sent me forth on a forever quest that can only cease when my Princess Storm once again holds me dear.”

  An inner voice shouted at Stormy. You’re Ril’s betrothed, you’re his curse and his salvation. Go ahead. Ask Ril her name. The name you already know.

  She couldn’t. Instead she began to cry. She felt strong arms around her as she buried her face against Ril’s right shoulder, her lips caressing his neck. “What have I done?” she whispered. “I shattered myself and cursed you.”

  A few minutes passed before she heard his soothing voice say, “Yes, you are my lady, Princess Storm, She of the magic weather lands of Mystia, as all of the Stormy Weathers have been. It is you I have searched for through the ages, wanting to know if your heart still belongs to me. And I sense and know that your heart has been captured by someone else.”

  With a silk handkerchief, Ril dried her tears. “Let us say no more about us. When this mission is over my journey will continue. You are out there, Stormy. You are out there, and longing for me, and I will find you.”

  With Ril at the controls, it was a gentle touchdown. Directly in front of the cocoon loomed the Green’s main city safely supported on the marsh scum by giant waterproof platforms.

  Stormy’s facial expression was saturated with doubt as she looked at Ril. He smiled and said, “Yes, the Greens will live in an exact duplicate of their present environment.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “The people of Magara mold worlds to meet the needs of people.”

  Minutes later Stormy and Ril were standing before the Green’s delegate. Larsona was powerfully built with solid muscle. He was bald, bug-eyed, and short tempered. His voice was gruff, bordering on homicidal.

  “You’ve wasted your time coming to my city, Stormy Weathers. We Green people are staying on Ybarra. Leave before I order your execution.”

  “Perhaps I can persuade you to change your mind,” said Ril.

  Larsona eyes narrowed as he stared at Ril. “And by all the Swamp Gods protecting us from harm and pestilence, who are you? Tell me why I should waste even the brevity of a second listening to useless words from a stranger; someone who means less than nothing to me?”

  “I am Ril, a vanguard from Magara, the main planet in the Magaran Star System. Why do you choose to stay on Ybarra? To do so will mean the death of you and all your people.”

  “Bah, you vomit foolish untruths from your lying mouth, Ril from another star system. Ybarra is a hundred million miles distance from our star. When it explodes our heat panels will soak up its energy, enough to last many lifetimes. We will be completely safe.”

  “You are wrong, Larsona,” said Ril. He drew the short rod. “Watch and see what an exploding star can do to a planet. Hello, Magara, this is Ril. Give us some close-up scenes of a Nova.”

  “As you wish, Ril,” said a voice.

  Ril pointed the rod at a nearby wall. For several seconds a small star appeared. Then it flashed into eye destroying brilliance. At the speed of light it expanded outward to completely incinerate three inner planets in but a few minutes. The outer four planets took longer.

  “Have you seen enough, Larsona?” Ril asked.

  “Yes, desist what you are showing me.”

  “Pure destruction of all seven planets occurred in that star system. But fortunately Magara was able to rescue the people.”

  “Bah, think you that I am so stupid I should believe your lies and the falsities you showed me? I’ve heard enough. Guards, seize these intruders!”

  The guards entered and attempted to seize Ril. They did not reckon with his strength. He grabbed the first guard and threw him against the nearby wall. With his right fist, he broke the other guard’s jaw, crumpling him to the marble floor.

  “Guards, more guards, seize Ril,” shouted Larsona.

  Ril fought hard. He could have used his ray pistol, but rather than end the lives of the Greens he was fighting he chose to use his fists. And he was winning the battle. The Green people had never met such a fighter as he.

  Stormy had not remained idle. After the first moments of stunning shock caused by Ril fighting for their freedom she had battered into unconsciousness the two nearest Greens within her reach before drawing her ray pistol and pointing it at Larsona. She intended to kill the chief delegate, then, perhaps Ril and she might be able to escape.

  But Ril shouted, “No Stormy! Not that way!”

  His pausing a moment to shout at her was all that was needed for his adversaries. The Green guards surrounded Ril and beat him into unconsciousness. Stormy, after battering six opponents into bloody pulps finally received the same treatment due to a blow from behind.

  * * * *

  Stormy stirred awake and almost yelled due to the pain lancing its way through her head. She willed her eyelids to open. As her eyes focused, she became wary and alert. She was tied to a wooden stake in the center of a circular arena. There were Green people seated in elevated bleachers all around her. Ril was tied to a stake about five feet to her left. He was conscious and looking in her direction. It was obvious to both what was going to happen. They were to be offered as a sacrifice to some sort of animal. What kind, they were soon to find out.

  As a large hatch snapped open, a huge scaly creature charged toward Stormy and Ril only to be drawn up short by a collar attached to a long chain. It snarled and screeched at Stormy for brief seconds before focusing its four gleaming eyes upon Ril. It struggled to break free from the chain that kept it from eating.

  Stormy realized the monster had chosen Ril to be its first victim. She eyed the hideous monstrosity. That the animal was fast was obvious from the way it had bolted into the arena. It was grayish-green and covered from head to foot with scales. Sword-sharp rows of long teeth gleamed as saliva dr
ipped from the creatures’ twisted mouth. According to its wide, flopping, appendages, six of them, the creature could likely move equally fast on both land and water. And down low on its long neck were claw-like arms supporting twelve inch nails that could rake a person wide open with one swipe.

  Larsona stepped into the arena and pompously eyed Stormy before walking to Ril. His breath was foul from the raw meat he had consumed in celebration of the slaughter to come. “Well, Ril, from a different star system, do you have anything to say before my hungry pet is released to feast upon you and Stormy Weathers? Think of it. Stormy will have the pleasure of watching him slowly devour you. I wonder what part of your body he will tear apart first. He usually goes for the victim’s arms and then the head. I do try to be nice by telling you what to expect. Now, do you have any last words?”

  “Yes. Give this up, Larsona. You and all of your people will die, unless you come with us to a new planet.”

  Larsona spit in Ril’s face. “Evidently you didn’t hear me. I said we were remaining on Ybarra.”

  Larsona’s plans were doomed to go afoul. The scaly creature, anticipating a quick victory, tired of waiting. It lunged against the holding chain on its neck causing its weakest link to snap. A second later, the monster was free and charging straight for Larsona.

  “Look out,” Stormy screamed while Ril saw what was certain to happen. He struggled against the bonds that held him. They gave and he ran forward. Shoving the panic-stricken chief delegate to one side, he met the scaly monster head on. As the monster leaped into the air in an attempt to land on Ril, he dodged to one side, then quickly jumped onto its back. Wrapping his muscular arms around the monster’s long neck he secured a hammerlock and began squeezing and jerking the thing’s neck back and forth. After a minute there was a loud snap heard over the entire arena, followed by a heavy thud as the scaly creature fell forward, flailed the earth for a few seconds, and died.

  Ril walked to where Larsona had fallen. He stooped and helped the delegate to stand. For a few seconds Larsona failed to look at Ril, the man who had saved his life, the man he was going to sacrifice. “I owe you my life,” he finally said. “Ask anything of me and it shall be yours.”