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“I’ve been wondering about the terrain above here," Steve said, looking over to where Dan sat on the opposite bunk, "and about that giant Lawgiver statue and the flames that erupted to conceal the collector,"
"What about 'em?"
Steve swung his feet to the floor and jerked his thumb toward the surface of the planet. "Were they mere illusions, or were they real?"
Dan raised his eyebrows. "They sure looked real."
"I mean, real in a way that defies our understanding? Given the Underfolk’s power and their uncanny technology......Well, let's just say the possibilities are endless. Steve said, his voice heavy with awe and uncertainty. One thing’s for sure, though—Barry and the rest of our passengers ended up here after falling into that fissure from the earthquake. That part, at least, is undeniable.”
"Undeniable, yes—but it's a double-edged sword. That fall was just the beginning, a trigger for a chain reaction we can't fully grasp."
"Forget your theories about the fall—what about those flames shooting out of nowhere? They weren't just a result of the fissure; they're something else entirely."
"Steve, I’m telling you—our survival pack was burned up to nothing. Those flames weren’t just for show; they took everything with them."
Steve nodded in heavy assent and then, with a bitter chuckle, said, "You're right—the survival pack's been burned to ashes. And I just can't figure out what's real here: the Lawgiver statue, those flame columns, lightning from a clear sky, the earthquake... it's as if everything is part of a defense system for this place. It's all so damn confusing."
"Granted."
"And maybe not real."
Dan's eyebrows went up even higher.
"I don't know how," Steve said, "Or even all the why, but I bet these things I've mentioned are---at least in part---illusions."
"Those rocks that almost fell on us weren't illusions. The rays that Mendez can flash didn't seem like any illusion. I went out fast---just zonk!"
"I know," Steve continued, "but something's really strange here...."
"It's a strange place," Dan agreed, and Steve nodded. "Maybe that Buck Rogers door is illusion, too," Dan said.
Steve grinned weakly. "No, not that. Unfortunately."30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qoVkwEdML
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Cornelius woke in the middle of the night and found that Zira wasn't beside him. He raised his head and saw her standing by the window of their modest bedroom, staring out into the night.
"What's the matter, dear?" he asked softly.
She sighed, and waited a long moment before she spoke. "Oh......I couldn't sleep. I---I keep thinking of Blue-Eyes....where he is....what he's doing....whether he's even alive."
Cornelius got up and padded over to his wife and put his arms around her comfortingly. She patted his hand and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Dearest, don't let your heart be heavy with worry—remember what our elders always said: 'He who frets over dark shadows will never see the sun's brightest light.' Trust that Blue-Eyes is as steadfast as an ancient tree, and in time, the path will reveal itself."
Zira smiled in the darkness and hugged her husband's arm. "Thank you, dear. But..." She paused, her nose twitching nervously. "But I can't help worrying...."
"I know, dear. I know. I like Blue-Eyes, too."
They stood at the window until the first rays of the sun began to lighten the eastern sky.30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI84GjbHD1
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General Urko's gloved fist struck the map before him with a boom, sending cups of hot beverages bouncing on the hood of the jeep that served as a table.
"We must find them!" he bellowed. "Captain Tuklot, you take Sector One."
One of the gorilla officers who were gathered around the jeep saluted. Urko pointed at another officers. "Major Lothian, Sector Two. I'll take Sector Five myself."
He started folding up the map, but Captain Tuklot spoke up. General, who is more important? Do you want the humanoid or the Underfolk?"
General Urko gave his aide a penetrating look, then he spoke to all of his assembled officers. "Fine one...and I promise you will find the other."
He swept the cups from the hood with an angry hand and crammed the map into its case. "Now move out!"30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddvjx1NTZE
