x
En route from the dissatisfying public display of sentiment at the arena, Zira paused on the threshold of her home to give further vent to her chagrin. Cornelius, dutifully following behind her, allowed her to continue. He had learned a long time ago that in dealing with a female, a male has no recourse but to give her tongue a free rein. Cornelius was a very intelligent young chimpanzee, as well as a scientist. He also set great store by Zira's intellect---and heart.
Zira was still fuming in an undertone as they reached the front door of their habitat.
"If I had any sense of scientific purpose, Cornelius, I shouldn't be cutting up the healthy heads of humans. I should be dissecting the diseased brains of gorillas to find out what went wrong."
Cornelius smiled. "How would you put it right?"
He opened the door for her, but she paused, striking herself on the breast. Her cut little face was puckered up in a scowl.
"Wet-nurse their babies on the milk of chimpanzees. The milk of kindness. At least when our child is born, it won't breast-feed on bile."
Cornelius chuckled and pushed her gently into their house. Zira flounced in, still angry, heading for the kitchen. Cornelius took off his shoes, settled himself in an easy chair and groped for his pipe. The interior of their home never failed to fill him with a sense of comfort and well-being. They had wooden tables and chairs, framed pictures, including the gilt portrait of the two of them on their wedding day. An open archway in the living room led into Zira's kitchen where she cooked and baked so many fine things. All in all, a very domestic hideout for a pair of chimpanzee scientists. Cornelius sighed, thinking about what Zira had said, as he sat back in his worn old chair.
"The trouble with us intellectuals, my dear, he said as he filled his clay pipe, "is that we have responsibilities but no power."
Zira didn't answer him. She had already put on her white apron, taken out a China bowl and a box of ready-mix, and with a fork was stirring up some sort of batter. He could already smell the ingredients of something.
“I think I'll make chocolate icing. Do you like chocolate? No---you don't. Well, I do..."
Cornelius frowned. Perhaps she hadn't heard him. He tried again.
"And if we did take power into our hands, we'd be as bad, or worse, than Them."
She'd heard him, all right. Mixing furiously, her next words had absolutely nothing to do with chocolate icing.
"I don't agree. They're a genetic accident. A mistake of nature. The gorillas are cruel because they're stupid. All bone and little brain...."
"Ssssh!" Cornelius begged. "My dear, I wish you wouldn't talk like that. What if somebody hears you?"
Zira snorted and Cornelius sighed in despair.
It was at this precise moment that Nova emerged from the tiny curtained alcove to the left of the living room. Behind her, Buck swayed, tall and shadowy in the dimness of the aperture. Nova stood stock-still, her eyes fastened on Zira, hoping for the best.
"Nova!" Zira blurted, as if she had seen a ghost.
Cornelius came up out of his chair, as startled as his wife.
"What are you doing here? What in the name of Heaven are you wearing?"
Knowing the girl could not speak, Zira's eyes went to the figure of Buck whose face she could not yet identify in the shadows.
"Taylor?" she asked, a sound of hope in her voice.
"Close, but no cigar," Buck spoke up. "Captain Buck Rogers, at your service, ma'am." He stepped into the light of the room. But Zira and Cornelius had recoiled, almost as if he'd struck them. They were doing a double take of wonder.
"You talked!" Zira gasped, looking around the room as if she expected some sort of trick.
"Impossible," Cornelius agreed.
Zira stared at Buck. Her tiny eyes marveled. She shook her head, Nova almost forgotten in this fresh miracle.
"In a whole lifetime devoted to the scientific study of humans, I've found only one other like you who could talk."
Buck nodded. "Taylor," he said. His eyes roved the room, fearful.
"Taylor!" Cornelius echoed. "Is he alive? Have you seen him?"
"Where?" Zira pleaded. "Where? Tell us?"
Buck stared at them, still everlastingly confounded by the image of apes who could speak English as plain as he could. But he was adjusting. It was the 25th, century, after all, wasn't it? They were all at least on the same wavelength. Talking about Taylor---there was something reassuring about that, mad as it was.
"I don't know where," he faltered. "I'm trying to find him." He held his hand against his damaged shoulder, wincing. Nova hung back, staring at the people who could talk, but somehow looking happy that things were being accomplished. Buck smiled at her, faintly.
"Taylor was a remarkable man. We found him one day after he'd been captured during one of the gorillas' hunt...."
Buck reacted to that almost violently. His face flew from Cornelius to Zira and then to Cornelius again.
"And if it had not been for Zira," Cornelius continued passionately, "he'd be here still----a stuffed specimen with glass eyes, in the Great Hall of the Zaius museum. Like his two friends."
"Like his two friends," Buck echoed slowly, suddenly realizing the monstrous truth of what had happened to Taylor and the others if all that he had seen and heard was true. "I'm not planning to stay quite that long. Look, can you give us some food, water, and a map, so I know where I'm going."
Zira nodded, looking at his red-stained shoulder.
"Your arm also needs some care." Without another word, she went out through the curtained doorway.
"I'll get the map." Cornelius walked to a cabinet in one corner, plucked a rolled scroll of paper from it and brought it back to the table where he spread it out for Buck's examination. Nova hovered at Buck's shoulder, silent, wide-eyed. Cornelius, his brows beetled in concentration, began to explain the curious red and blue markings on the map. Buck was fascinated.
"Here is our city. And here, to the north, is where Zira and I...."
His wife had come back, laden down with a cloth, water pitcher, a bowl, forceps and sticking plaster. As Cornelius continued, Zira deftly began to treat Buck's shoulder. When she sprinkled the wound with some sort of powder, Buck gasped. The powder stung.
"What's that damn stuff you're using?" he barked.
"You wouldn't know if I told you," she said placidly. "Just relax. Among other things, I'm a trained vet."
"Thanks," Buck apologized. "Go on, go on...."
Cornelius indicated the map. "We last saw Taylor with Nova going through the gap between this lake and the sea." He pointed. Buck saw the spot and nodded. A dot in a hellish wasteland....
Zira said, "They were heading deep into the territory we call....'
"Yes, yes---I know," Buck said. "The Forbidden Zone."
For a moment, there was a pindrop's worth of silence. Then Zira finished dressing Buck's wound, putting the bandage into place. Her face was expressionless. Only her eyes held a glow.
"Who told you that?" she asked.
"Your glorious leader back there." Buck jerked his good shoulder in the direction of the arena.
Before Zira could answer, there was a pounding on their front door on the front door of the house. Everybody stiffened, right where they stood. Then, as the knocking became louder, there was sudden activity. Cornelius jumped for the map on the table, Buck moved back to the curtained alcove, Zira hustled the petrified Nova i n the same direction. She drew the curtains and shut them both in, out of sight. Cornelius rolled up the map quickly, taking it back to the cabinet. Zira calmly straightened out her skirt. "Open the door, Cornelius," she said.
"But..." he indicated the medical apparatus, frightened.
"Open it."
Cornelius went over to open it and was surprised to see the Chief Scientist standing there.
Dr. Zaius came bounding into the room, walking springingly for an ape of his great years. His shrewd old face was furrowed with sternness. There was an air of great urgency about him.
"Dr. Zaius," he said with amazement, "What brings you to see us again, so soon?"
"Much," the elderly orangutan brushed by him, wagging his cane. "I must talk some sense into that headstrong wife of yours. Where is she?"
Zaius brushed by him, wagging a cane. "Not before I've talked some sense into that headstrong wife of yours. Where is she?"
"Well....she's...."
Desperately, Cornelius turned. He was shocked to find Zira lying down on the divan, which was located near all the medical apparatus. He blinked. Zaius blustered by him, going towards Zira on the couch. The cane clumped along the floor.
"Good day, Dr. Zaius," Zira said wanly.
Zaius stopped fuming, concern etching his face.
"What happened? Has there been an accident?"
Zira sat up. Suddenly it was clear that a big patch of sticking plaster was affixed to her right cheek. A fresh one.
"Cornelius hit me," Zira said.
Her husband gaped down her, openmouthed.
"For my bad behavior at the meeting," Zira explained to the good doctor. She seemed almost contrite.
Zaius grunted. "I don't blame him."
Zira nodded. "I don't resent it." She touched the plaster gingerly. "But his nails need clipping."
"Zira!" Cornelius looked at his wife in amazement.
Dr. Zaius waved his cane angrily. "Enough of this nonsense! Are you so blind, you two psychologists, that you are unaware that we are on the brink of a grave crisis? You heard the Ursus speech...."
"Militaristic tripe!" growled Zira, her old self again.
"Shut up!" Cornelius begged, agonized.
"Perhaps," Zaius said evenly, studying Zira. "But eleven of his gorilla scouts, on reconnaissance in the Forbidden Zone, have vanished..."
"No doubt because someone was trying to save the humans living there from being brutalized by them," Zira said huffily.
"Zira," Cornelius pleaded, once again, for reason, not for feminine contrariness; it was an old song to Dr. Zaius.
"And Ursus," he continued, "is determined to have his revenge. All-out war if need be." Turning, he walked to the table. His reddish-haired body shone in the light of the room.
"Ursus now has the 'incident' he needs to go on a rampage of conquest." He looked at the tip of his heavy wooden cane.
Cornelius started. "But that is appalling! When Zira and I first unlocked the secrets of the Forbidden Zone, you intervened at our trial for heresy."
"I know."
"The price we paid for our freedom was the vow to you never to disclose our discovery that Man evolved from the Ape...."
"But to remain silent," Zira interrupted, "while this bully, Ursus, is allowed to destroy everything in his path, is no longer possible. God, if ever there was an ape who made me ashamed of my own race, it's Ursus and his kind!
Dr. Zaius' face looked suddenly older as he fixed his gaze on his younger colleagues.
"You want to stand trial once more for heresy? No, my children, this time I may not be here to plead for clemency."
Zira looked worried. "Where are you going?"
"Into the Forbidden Zone with Ursus."
Zira's expression changed to one of scorn, unhidden.
"Another manhunt, Doctor?"
Zaius was not unaware of her feelings. Or her convictions.
"The disappearance of these scouts is more than the work of a mere man. Someone or something has outwitted the intelligence of the gorillas."
Zira snorted. "That shouldn't be difficult."
"Zira," Cornelius groaned. "Please...."
Zaius ignored her.
"As Minister of Science, it is my duty to find out whether some other form of life exists. Some new threat to our ape civilization. Before Ursus barges in and destroys the evidence."
Zira shook Cornelius off. "But if these creatures, or whatever they are, are so intelligent, why shouldn't they be able to live with us in peace and harmony?"
"For the same reasons," Zaius said, wearily almost, for he had argued the very point with Zira so many times, "that man could not live in harmony, even with his own kind. He abused his own intelligence and destroyed his own world. We apes have learned to live in innocence. Let no one, be he man or some other creature, attempt to corrupt that innocence." When he saw the smirk on Zira's face, he bridled. "Why? Is innocence so evil?"
"Ignorance is," Zira said firmly.
"There is a time for truth," Dr. Zaius said sternly.
"And the time is always now," Zira reminded him.
Dr. Zaius stared at her.
"Bah!" he exploded, thumping his cane on the wooden floor. Cornelius shuddered, closing his eyes.
Zira shook her head. "Are you asking me to surrender my principles?"
Dr. Zaius frowned. But his eyes were kindly, glittering.
"I am asking you to be the guardians of the higher principles of science in my absence. I am asking for a truce with your personal convictions in an hour of public danger."
"And you shall have it," Cornelius interposed strongly, brooking no protest from Zira. "Or I---shall hit her again, Dr. Zaius."
"Let's have no violence, Cornelius," Zaius muttered as he moved toward the door. "Now, I'm relying on you both."
"And we're relying on you, too," Zira reminded him, getting the last shot in.
"If I should fail to return from the Unknown, the whole future of your civilization will be yours to preserve---or destroy. So think well before you act."
"Goodbye, Doctor," Zira said warmly enough, "and good luck."
From their wide window they watched him patter down the walk until his familiar figure was out of sight, cane and all. Cornelius heaved a sigh of gratitude and then went to the alcove to summon the girl and Buck out of hiding. Zira was contemplative, thinking over what Dr. Zaius had said. He had looked and sounded so tired....
Buck was white-faced and weak. Nova held on to him, close at his side. Zira stirred herself.
"Come on, let me finish this and get you out of here."
"Yes," Buck growled. "Get me out of here---please. I've seen the delicate 'humane' way they treat humans around here. I don't much care for it." He took Nova's hand and squeezed it.
"Have you a horse?" Zira asked.
"No, I sure don't," Buck admitted.
"I'll have to get you another set of clothes---the kind fit for humans like yourself. You'll pass. And get rid of this."
She pointed to Buck's belt and holstered laser gun. She went to Buck and proceeded to undo the buckle. But Buck aggressively wiggled out of the way, belligerently almost. Zira shrugged.
"If you are caught by the gorillas," Cornelius offered, "remember one thing."
"What?" Buck demanded.
"Never to speak."
"What the hell would I have to say to a gorilla?"
"But you don't understand," Cornelius protested. "Only apes can speak. If they catch you speaking, they will destroy you."
"How? By stabbing me to death with a banana bunch?"
Cornelius took a breath, "Experimental brain surgery."
"I can handle that," Buck felt comfortable enough to make a comeback, "I've been slipping in my IQ tests lately anyway.
"This is no joke!" Cornelius raised his voice with concern, "Brain surgery that would rob you of your intelligence completely! Followed by castration to ensure that no other intelligent humans are ever recreated."
Buck tried not to flinch, "I think I'll pass."
Zira had returned with the human clothing which she passed on to Brent. He was not surprised to find it no more than rags, a pitiful loincloth and smocklike thing. But he took them all the same. He wasn't so stupefied that he couldn't recognize kindness when he found it. These two chimps were Okay Joes.
"Cornelius is right," Zira agreed. "Be very careful and get out of those things you are wearing as soon as you can."
Buck nodded, arms full, took Nova by the hand and led her to the door of the house. There he stopped and turned.
"Thanks," he said simply. It was all he could think of to say. He had never had hospitality from an ape before.
"Thank us by finding Taylor," Zira said softly, a light shining from deep within her gimlet eyes.
"If he's alive," Buck said.
There was no more to be said.
He left, taking Nova with him.
Leaving behind Zira and Cornelius to ponder again the remarkable peculiarity of humans who could speak, even as they watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the treetops, a sense of awe washed over them. The vibrant hues of orange and pink painted the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle that seemed to mirror the complexity of human communication.
The jungle outside Zira and Cornelius's habitat teemed with nocturnal sounds. The chatter of birds and monkeys faded, replaced by haunting calls from unseen creatures. The moon emerged, casting a gentle radiance over the lagoon waters, illuminating the surroundings with delicate luminosity.
As Wilma admired the ethereal scene, a sense of tranquility washed over her. The blue-eyed one slumbered peacefully beside her, their body curled up in perfect harmony. In the moonlight's embrace, their features appeared even more serene and innocent, casting enchanting shadows on their peaceful faces. It was as if the moon had cast a spell of serenity upon them, creating profound calmness and contentment.
Silently and carefully, she rose from the ground, feeling the cool forest floor against her bare skin. Her heart raced with excitement and trepidation as she gathered her skimpy garments, their delicate fabric rustling softly. Moonlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting ethereal shadows on the ground below. With each cautious step, she tiptoed deeper into the mysterious forest.
She felt a tinge of guilt for treating the man she chose to lose her virginity to, knowing she had taken advantage of him. Yet, amidst the chaos and heartache of her day, she craved respite. The blue-eyed one offered a temporary escape from her overwhelming tragedies.
Tangled in conflicting emotions, she questioned herself. Was seeking solace in another's arms driven by selfishness or self-preservation? The weight of responsibility pressed heavily upon her shoulders. Indulging in this forbidden act risked tarnishing not only her reputation but also the trust and respect of those who held her in high regard.
She never worried about being tempted to stay in the jungle with the blue-eyed one. Throughout their two adventures, her disciplined mind reminded her of the important task at hand. Despite enjoying their company, she knew deep down that their connection could only be a pleasant diversion, not something she could develop.
Her determination grew stronger with each passing moment, demanding her undivided attention and unwavering commitment. Distractions couldn't cloud her focus or sway her from her purpose. The blue-eyed one was captivating, but their time together was a fleeting interlude in the grand scheme of things.
As they ventured through the jungle, marveling at its wonders and conquering dangers together, she cherished their shared experiences. Yet, her ultimate goal lay beyond the jungle, urging her to remain resolute in reaching it.
Despite everything, he would always hold a special place in her memory, like an indelible mark on her heart. Her eyes traced his face, every line and curve etched into her mind. Time had softened his features, adding vulnerability to his strong jawline. His tousled hair fell across his forehead, longing for her touch.
"Goodbye handsome," she whispered to herself.
With that, her focus shifted to returning to their starfighters, seeking Aerrum's assistance, and locating Buck and Nova. Urgency propelled her forward through the dark forest, each step precarious without moonlight. Wilma moved cautiously, heightened senses guiding her through the dense undergrowth.
As she cautiously advanced, Wilma felt vulnerable without her garments. The cool night air sent shivers down her spine, reminding her of lurking dangers. Pausing to retrieve and put on her garments became essential. Each article provided protection against harm and the biting chill that threatened her resolve.
After she'd gone thirty feet, she almost let out a startled exclamation when her toes brushed against something metallic on the ground. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized what it was - her holstered laser pistol and utility belt!
"Incredible," she thought, delicately wrapping the belt around her slender waist.
She realized that the only reason it was lying here was because the unfortunate female who had stolen her jumpsuit from the hiding spot had likely tossed it aside, unaware of its significance. Once again, that unfortunate female had inadvertently aided Wilma's survival.
Wilma tiptoed through the foliage for almost half an hour before reaching the open field. The moonlit night improved visibility, and she walked back towards the maize field where her ordeal had started what felt like an eternity ago.
At the top of the incline, she scanned the horizon but found no one in sight. To be safe, she detached and activated her scanner, which registered nothing. With urgency to reach the starfighters before nightfall, she sprinted through the tall grass as fast as possible.
As Wilma raced through the grass, her heart pounding in her chest, the Icarus II was just hours away from landing, and soon her three-man crew would witness a completely transformed world.
Brent took a stress pill twice to ease the tension building inside him. He had spotted the North American continent through the cockpit windows, realizing this mission would reveal something he never wanted to see - the future of his planet and his people.
Brent was constantly amazed by Rollins' complete obliviousness to the ethical and moral consequences of witnessing Earth's future. To Rollins, it seemed like a trivial matter in the grand scheme of things. Rollins was solely fixated on locating Taylor and the rest of the crew, with no other thoughts occupying his mind. Brent couldn't help but notice the commander's almost mechanical obsession with finding the misanthropic astronaut and his team.
"Maybe that's the kind of attitude they look for when picking commanders for crazy missions," he thought. "By-the-book men who follow orders to the letter."
If that were true, Brent knew his chances of becoming a general someday were slim. Being by-the-book was never his style in Vietnam or as an astronaut. Despite earning numerous awards and decorations, he never attained any command-level positions. He often wondered if his wife left him because she couldn't bear the idea of not becoming the wife of a high-ranking general, mingling with influential people in Washington society, and securing a prestigious position in the Pentagon.
He wondered if the real reason he volunteered was to finally get the command opportunities denied him. Maybe success would earn him a star, fulfill his dream of commanding SAC or NORAD, and win back his wife and daughter.
Brent shook his head, swallowing another stress pill. He had been avoiding thoughts about the future, but now he found himself lost in self-analysis. It made him realize that focusing on the mission might be a better idea.
"Still on course?" he asked, breaking his silence and glancing at Fowler.
The navigator glanced up, "We'll land near New York City, within a twenty-five mile radius," he said. Then, with a deadpan tone, he added, "Maybe we can catch a Yankees game and a Broadway show?"
The navigator's remark had the desired effect, making Rollins and Brent burst into laughter.
"We'll see," the commander grinned, "By then, it'll be close to the All-Star Break. Maybe instead of AL vs NL, it's Earth League vs Mars League."
"If we've branched out that far," Brent said, contemplating the extent of humanity's expansion.
"I'd be surprised if we haven't," Rollins said, returning to his monitors. "We already know there are advanced technologies down there."
The second-in-command raised an eyebrow, "We do?"
"The UFO that woke us up," Rollins said, "That ship could move faster than anything I'd ever seen before."
"I wish I'd had a chance to see them," Brent said. "Wait a minute. Skipper, I think I've found the point of origin of those UFOs. It's a big, modern city under a dome."
"Location?"
"Latitude: 41º49'00", planetary north, 87º37'00" planetary west."
Rollins pondered the coordinates, realizing they pointed to Chicago, Illinois in the Midwestern United States.
"Shall I intercept their radio signals?"
"Not now," Rollins replied. "What would we even say if we made contact? 'Hey, it's the Icarus II spacecraft from the 20th Century, can you give us landing instructions?' It's best to stay silent until we touch down."
"Agreed," Brent nodded, "But shouldn't we see other city lights by now?"
"Yes, but I don't know why we're not seeing them," Rollins said casually. "I won't speculate. Let's wait until tomorrow and see what happens."
"Skipper----" Brent started, but Rollins cut him off.
"No speculation, Brent," he said firmly, closing the conversation. "Just get back to work."
Brent rolled his eyes in disbelief and replied, "Yes sir."
Meanwhile, in a completely different setting, Kane guided the Draconia's escape pod on a precise flight pattern, carefully maneuvering through the treacherous winds and turbulent currents that dominated the planet Pherakles's atmosphere. The flight pattern took them on a harrowing descent into the stygian depths of the planet, where thick layers of ominous clouds obscured any glimpse of sunlight.
As they descended deeper into the atmosphere, the escape pod navigated through narrow canyons carved by relentless storms, their jagged walls threatening to tear apart any vessel that dared to venture too close. The air crackled with electricity, and occasional bursts of lightning illuminated glimpses of the nightmarish architecture that awaited them at their destination.
The Pheraklesian spaceport emerged from the darkness like a grotesque monolith. Its towering spires twisted and contorted in unnatural angles, giving an impression of malevolence and otherworldly power. The buildings were adorned with intricate carvings depicting the ancient gods of a forgotten civilization, their faces twisted in eternal agony, as if trapped in a never-ending nightmare. From an unseen megaphone, the voice of a Pheraklesian flight controller announced: "I hereby command the immediate clearance of the landing area to make way for the highly esteemed Royal Envoy from Draco."
Ardala, known for her daring fashion choices, confidently stood at the escape pod's main porthole, her skimpy garments accentuating her alluring presence. As she gazed outside, a mesmerizing sight unfolded before her eyes. The misty fog enveloped the alien landscape in an ethereal embrace, its delicate tendrils swirling and dancing in a mystical ballet. The fog's soft hues of lavender and silver created an otherworldly ambiance, casting an enchanting glow upon the scene. Ardala couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue and anticipation as she observed the welcoming committee emerging from within this captivating mist.
"All right, Kane, make this good," Ardala admonished with a sharp edge to her voice. "Make sure these loathsome creatures remember who we're representing," she added, her words dripping with a mix of superiority and contempt. The weight of her expectations hung heavily in the air as she turned her attention back to Kane, expecting nothing less than an impeccable display of power and authority. It was crucial that their presence left an indelible mark on the minds of these insignificant beings, reminding them of their own insignificance in comparison to the grandeur they represented.
Kane's frustration reached its boiling point as he glared at the princess. "Will you please cease this incessant patronizing? It feels as though we have been through this same routine countless times before," he seethed. The princess, seemingly unfazed by his outburst, continued to wear a serene smile. It was that smile that irked Kane the most, for it seemed to imply that she held all the answers while he remained clueless. "I am well aware of my role in this performance," he asserted firmly, his voice tinged with exasperation. Yet, despite his insistence, the princess persisted in treating him like a mere child who needed constant guidance and reassurance.
Kane, with a mix of anticipation and caution, deftly popped open the hatch of the sleek spacepod. With their hearts pounding in excitement, Kane and his trusted companion stepped onto the gangplank that had been thoughtfully provided by the locals. As they descended down the gangplank, each step resonated with a sense of adventure and uncertainty. The locals' generosity in providing this means of disembarkation only heightened their curiosity about what awaited them on this enigmatic planet.
As Kane and Princess Ardala entered the Grand Hall, their eyes fell upon Governor Keth-Vet Sándoru, a figure that seemed to have emerged from the darkest corners of the universe. His appearance was truly nightmarish, with features so alien that they sent shivers down one's spine. His skin was a sickly shade of pale blue, covered in intricate patterns resembling pulsating veins. His eyes were large and bulbous, glowing with an eerie green light that seemed to pierce through one's soul.
The governor's face was adorned with sharp, angular ridges that ran along his forehead and cheeks, giving him a menacing countenance. His mouth was filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth, protruding slightly from his lips. As he spoke, his voice carried a deep resonance that echoed throughout the hall, sending chills down the spines of those who listened.
His native costume was equally nightmarish; it consisted of a flowing robe made from an unknown material that seemed to shimmer and shift in the dim light, adding an eerie aura to his already terrifying presence.
Kane stood tall, his regal presence commanding attention as he addressed Governor Sandoru. "Governor Sandoru, I am Kane," he declared with a hint of authority in his voice. "Allow me to present to you the Royal Princess Ardala, daughter of Draco, the Conqueror of Space."
Princess Ardala gracefully stepped forward, her elegant gown flowing behind her as she extended a hand towards Governor Sandoru. Her piercing gaze met his with a mix of confidence and curiosity. "It is an honor to meet you, Governor," she said politely.
Governor Sandoru hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected introduction. He quickly composed himself and reciprocated Princess Ardala's gesture by extending his own hand. With a warm smile, he firmly shook her hand and replied, "The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness. I trust your visit here will be a productive one. Please follow me. All the preparations have been made. This way."
As Governor Sandoru led Kane and Ardala through the dimly lit corridors of the amphitheater, they couldn't help but feel a shiver run down their spines. The architecture of the place was a nightmarish blend of Gothic and futuristic elements, creating an unsettling atmosphere that seemed to defy logic. The walls were adorned with twisted sculptures and grotesque gargoyles, their eyes seemingly following the visitors' every move.
The amphitheater's interior was equally unsettling yet strangely comfortable. The furnishings were opulent, with plush velvet chairs that seemed to swallow those who sat upon them. The upholstery was a deep shade of crimson, reminiscent of bloodstains, adding to the eerie ambiance. Sinister-looking candelabras cast flickering shadows across the room, creating an illusion of movement in the corner of one's eye.
As they entered the Grand Hall, a haunting melody filled the air. It was a dissonant symphony that seemed to echo from unseen corners, accompanied by the faint scent of decay, intensifying the sense of foreboding that hung heavy in the atmosphere.
As he pivoted to confront Ardala and Kane, his attention was immediately drawn to their hushed conversation. Their heads were inclined towards each other, their lips moving in silent communication.
"I mean no disrespect, your highness," Sandoru said, his voice unwavering. "But I must confess, I find whispering to be futile on Pherakles. There are no secrets that can truly be kept hidden here."
"You mean there's more to this place than... dark and eerie sights?" asked the Princess.
Governor Sandoru smiled warmly at Princess Ardala's question, appreciating her curiosity. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.
"Indeed, Princess Ardala," he began, his voice calm and measured. "While our planet may be known for its dark and eerie sights, there is much more to us than meets the eye."
He gestured towards the bustling cityscape beyond the palace walls, where people of all backgrounds mingled harmoniously. "Unity is at the core of our philosophy here on Pherakles. We believe in fostering a sense of togetherness and cooperation among our people. It is through this unity that we have been able to overcome many challenges and thrive as a society."
The governor paused briefly, his gaze thoughtful. "As for Draco's cause, we are indeed united behind it. Our cause is one of progress, enlightenment, and ensuring the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. We strive to create a world where everyone can flourish and reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances."
"Oh, Governor, forgive me if I sound skeptical," Ardala retorted with a playful tone. "But it seems rather convenient that Pherakles is known for its exceptional assassins and yet claims to be championing progress and enlightenment."
Kane's impatience grew with each passing moment. He couldn't understand why the others were wasting time, treating this important mission as if it were a mere sightseeing excursion. Frustration etched deep lines on his forehead as he raised his voice, trying to assert some authority.
"Enough!" Kane exclaimed, his tone laced with irritation. "This is a royal envoy, Sandoru, not a tour group. We have a crucial task at hand, and we cannot afford to dawdle any longer. Now, what about those supplies we need to bring back to the Draconia?"
But instead of Sandoru, a gruff voice responded to Kane's question, its tone laced with a hint of bitterness. "That will be impossible, since the Draconia no longer exists!" the voice growled, the words echoing through the desolate chamber. "Take them!" barked the gruff voice again, this time with an air of authority that sent shivers down Kane's spine.
Kane's heart skipped a beat as he recognized that voice, sending a shiver down his spine. It was a voice he had hoped to never hear again, a voice that carried with it memories of pain and betrayal. "Draco?!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with equal parts surprise and disbelief.
Draco, adorned in his ostentatious royal robes that seemed to mock the very concept of humility, commanded attention as he emerged from the room's deepest, shadowy recess. His presence alone was enough to send shivers down the spines of those unfortunate enough to witness his wrath. Flanked by two imposing guards, their bodies encased in impenetrable Draconian battle armor, Draco exuded an aura of power and authority that seemed to consume the very air around him.
As he stepped into the vast amphitheater, a hushed silence fell upon the crowd. The spectators, a sea of faces filled with anticipation and trepidation, could feel an invisible force emanating from Draco. It was as if his anger had transformed into a toxic gas, seeping through every nook and cranny of the grand arena. The mere thought of inhaling such venomous fury made their hearts race and their palms sweat.
"For months," Draco thundered, his voice echoing through the vast chamber, "I've been scouring every corner of this galaxy in search of you two." His rage was palpable, a tempestuous force of nature that seemed to shake the very foundations of the room. The air crackled with tension as he continued, his eyes burning with an intensity that sent shivers down the spines of those present.
"And now," he declared, his voice dripping with a chilling determination, "just punishment will finally be dealt out for your flagrant disobedience." Draco's gaze shifted towards the nearest Draconian soldier, a towering figure whose presence alone commanded respect. This soldier had just clamped one burly hand on Ardala's delicate right arm, his grip firm and unyielding.
"Bring them to my ship," Draco commanded with a menacing tone, his eyes fixed on the soldiers. "And inform the captain I wish him to set our course for our home planet at flank speed." The soldiers, well-trained and disciplined, nodded in unison, acknowledging their orders. With swift efficiency, they escorted Kane and Ardala out of the imposing Great Hall.
Draco's piercing gaze locked onto Sandoru, his eyes gleaming with a mix of malevolence and satisfaction. Slowly, the corners of his mouth curled upward, transforming his once murderous frown into an eerie, serpentine smile that sent shivers down the spines of those who witnessed it. It was a smile that held promises of power, wealth, and untold rewards.
"The Empire," Draco's voice resonated with a chilling confidence as he spoke, "will not forget your invaluable cooperation." His words dripped with an undeniable sense of authority, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. Sandoru could feel the weight of those words pressing upon him like an invisible force.
Draco's praise was laced with a hint of admiration as he continued, "You have proven yourself to be more than just a liar; you are a master manipulator." The way Draco emphasized each word made it clear that this was no ordinary compliment.
The wicked alien, with a sinister grin stretching across his grotesque face, delighted in the chaos he had caused. With a slow, deliberate movement, the alien raised one of its elongated appendages and gracefully inclined its head in a mocking gesture of gratitude.
ns 15.158.61.21da2
