“Can’t we just stay here?” Colli looked around. She’d never seen such a myriad of colors blend together so intoxicatingly. “There’ll be plenty of time for that later.” Sung stepped forward. “Don’t forget your commitment.” Colli sighed. “Yes…” She wanted to complain, but thought better of it. Ignoring her, Sung turned to his left and…
It was all fine and good to be zipping around inner space of the solar system, but Colli thought it was a waste of time. “When are we going back?” she sighed. “I thought we had an assignment.” “Now,” Sung called from the back. “Show her.” Keleon nodded. He stomped against the floor board. A lever…
“You don’t think we should be more serious?” Colli didn’t try to hide her irritation. “No,” he replied, bluntly “Uh?” Sung broke in, before they could carry the argument further. “Colli, this is Keleon Tamastersine. Keleon,” Sung looked disapprovingly at him. “This is Collianna O’Glacken. She needs your help.” “Why do I need his help?” …
A soft whisper of voices agreed with him. “Come. Sit down.” He motioned her to a chair on the same side of the desk as his own. “I need to brief you on the assignment.” “Assignment? But…” Colli ran her fingers through her silver-white hair, pulling it out of her eyes. Maybe that would help…
If not for the supporting hand that grabbed her elbow, Colli would have fallen to the floor. “Come. There is a cot prepared for you.” Sung guided her to a corner. Despite the pain, a strange pleasure filled her. The restoration and joining of deteriorated elements grew in her body, with every beat of her…
Against her judgment Colli stepped down, then down again to the next, and the next… “One, two.” The only thing she could do was count each time her foot hit a solid surface. The final stair spread out onto a wet, stony floor. Below and above, small dots of light twinkled with the soft hum of…
“Yes. That is part of the contract.” Sung shook his head. “But I wish you’d change your mind.” Colli’s resolve must have mirrored on her face, because the commander continued after a small hesitation. “Turn in your uniform and report to the infirmary.” He pulled his hair back, then wrapped it into a small knot…
“You can’t give up.” Mary patted her arm. “Your skill is too vital. You have the ability to control atmospheric conditions around you. You also have the ability to communicate with intelligences of all levels. Trevan needs you. His ability lies in bringing his solar system and ours together for the protection of life as…
“But…” Worry passed over Mary’s face. “You can’t leave now.” “Sorry. I shouldn’t have come here in the first place.” Colli turned her head to stare out the car’s open window. Sweat brought by the heat that had built all day, glued once loose clothing to her body. The planet brought more than comfort of…
“Collianna?” Trevan’s voice preceded him from the eating area. “Mommy says you aren’t going to stay.” Munching on a small gooey chunk of bread, his words took on his mother’s accent with elongated s’s and clipped r’s. “Don’t you like me?” Tears of hurt welled in his eyes. Colli tried to fight the guilt that built…
Before Colli could react a loud clap of thunder rattled through the huge space. A second boom silenced when Jonan raised his hand. “Mommy.” Trevan jumped up. Splashing through the water, he ran to his mother. A third rumble half silenced when Colli raised her hand. Energy shook through her. “You have the power.” Jonan…
“This is good.” The smile from the female brought brightness to the sun, that struggled to reach fingers of light through the dense foliage. “Please come forward. Welcome awaits.” They walked along a path that twisted through the woods into a denser growth of trees. Barely wide enough for the three of them, Colli pulled…
The small car crept easily forward. When it stopped before the sign, Colli reached out to activate the speaker. “Hello Collianna.” A soft female voice greeted her. “Your sister may park the car in the wide space before the house. Don’t worry; we’ll give you guidance from there.” It was the accent, with the s’s…
A sheen of sweat gathered on her forehead. Mama told her it got really hot this time of year. “Even if you’re inside you’ll still feel it,” she warned. “No controlled conditions there.” Well, better start getting used to it. Colli folded the letter and put it in her pocket. She had to do one…
We find your qualifications very interesting. Our young son needs an innovative, disciplined instructor. You can contact us at 541-555-1234 to set an appointment. We would like to determine if your employment would benefit our son. Sincerely, Rohan Von Tratianus Strange name, Colli thought. But then again maybe it was a common one for earth. …
“Maybe, but I want to give it a try. Besides, I haven’t spent much time with that side of my family.” The thought of breathing fresh air, and living without walls always confining her had seemed so romantic. “If I do come back, I’ll have so many things to share with my students.” Colli could…
Colli stepped onto the tarmac. Heat rose through the thin soles of her shoes. Thick air made it difficult to breath. Following the white lined pathway toward the terminal, she wondered if she would ever get adjust to the extremes of her newly adopted home offered. Inside the terminal, artificial generators cooled the atmosphere. Much better,…