Filos’s eyes opened to a view that he remembered so well and missed so much. What he saw before him was the desert sand of his planet that ran for miles. The hot blistering sun shining down on his back. The warmth felt so comforting that he could stand out here for hours. He then noticed that there were no others of his species above ground enjoying this wonderful day. They were all underground waiting for the word from the planet’s defense organization that everything was fine. Any other day, there would be thousands of his species cruising the desert sands, but today was a day that would long be remembered.
Suddenly, a dark shadow casted over where Filos was standing. He looked up and saw a large object moving through the path of their planet’s sun. He knew what it was and so did everyone on his planet. All knew they were coming because they were invited. The government of his planet wanted to negotiate with these new visitors that had found their way to their part of the galaxy.
There had been many stories of these new creatures, and no one knew the entire truth. Many said that planets had been destroyed by these villains. Others said that war had broken out and they were defending themselves. All Filos knew was that his government believed they could work with these new creatures and for this purpose they had asked them to meet with them. They were hoping this would be a step towards lasting peace. Filos, like many others on his planet, did not trust them and thought these negotiations were a mistake.
Filos worked in one of the monotonous jobs for the government and had been in many planning sessions for this upcoming day. He had heard the communications between his species and them and it all sounded so positive. These new creatures were excited to meet and hoped that they could work together for better peace in their galaxy. To him, it all sounded so phony, and he had said it to his leaders many times which had not been beneficial for him at work. He was told to allow his leaders to work, and he would see that all would turn out fine.
He looked at a small device that he had in his small leathery hands. On the device’s screen was a video. A video that only the high leaders of his world were watching live. It was the live stream video of the negotiations between his planet and these creatures that call themselves the Kraken. He was not supposed to be watching because it was on a protected government line, but having certain skills, he had been able to hack his way in to view the proceedings.
He then jumped into his transportation vehicle which looked much like a round glass ball. As he jumped in, the door closed, and lights turned on inside. Words and symbols appeared on the ball which showed him the tunnels he could travel though underground to reach his destination. He pressed on a symbol on the glass wall and the outside exterior of the ball began to spin, sending him cruising across the sand with a dust cloud behind him. The inner part of the glass ball stood stationary which allowed him to keep upright and control the movement of his vehicle.
The entrance to the tunnel underground was ahead and as the spinning glass ball reached the entrance, it immediately descended through the tunnel. It was dark at first with only the interior light of Filos’s vehicle allowing him to see, then there was light everywhere. The tunnel he was traveling through was completely transparent and he could see all around him. He saw the large underground cities of his world running for miles. Millions of his species traveling around in their own vehicles and walking around the city paths, enjoying everything his world had to offer. Huge buildings made of large, beautiful crystals, rocks and sand shined in the glowing lights that illuminated everything around.
His glass ball continued spinning through the transparent tunnel for a while longer and then there was a fork in the tunnel which he took leading him off in another direction. Soon, he was descending rapidly towards one of the great cities and then safely emerged onto the city streets. A few turns later, he pulled in front of small little home made of the crystals, rocks and sand of which the other buildings were made. He exited the vehicle and walked causally to the front entrance, paying more attention to the screen on his device than anything around him. As he entered the home, a voice was heard from one of the other rooms.
“Filos is that you?”
“Yes Aliki, it is me.”
Aliki walked around the corner. She was the same species as Filos. Her eyes were blue, and her leathery skin was lighter in color. Her height was close to Filos, but a little shorter.
“I did not even know that you had left. You were up above ground watching for their ship to arrive, weren’t you?” Aliki asked with sternness in her voice.
“Yes, my wife,” he said with a kind smile. “I had to see for myself that they were here.” He then looked down at his screen and she saw he was watching something.
“What are you watching now?” she asked as she approached him. “You and that device are never apart.”
He showed her the screen, and she watched for a second. She could tell from the words that were being said that negotiations were taking place. She knew like everyone else what those negotiations were about.
“How are you watching that?” she asked knowing what the answer will be. “Did you hack into another government line again? You are going to get into trouble.”
“I have to know what is going on,” said Filos with a guilty face. “It is not right that they do not broadcast this to the world.”
“It is tense negotiations, Filos. It will scare everyone if they watch that. Come. Sit. That us have dinner.”
As they ate, they both continued to listen to the negotiations and to the relief of Filos, things continued to progress very well. As the meal was almost finished, there was an event at the negotiations that triggered everyone to focus on what was going on. They all seemed alarmed. Then there were yells and screams. Then an explosion and then the signal went dark. These negotiations were happening on a large spacecraft that orbited their planet. They knew a large Kraken vessel was orbiting the planet as well.
“They are attacking!” cried Filos. He sprung up and started wandering around the room, confused on what to do.
“Filos!” said Aliki in low tone trying to calm her husband. “You do not know that. That’s not jump to conclusions.”
“Conclusions! You saw the explosion! You heard the yells and screams! What else could it be!”
“Yes, it does look bad, but what can we do other than wait for explanation.”
“There might not be an explanation!” yelled Filos. “What we might see next is an invasion of our planet!”
“Filos!” she cried, but he was now on his communication device calling everyone he knew that was at the negotiations. After not reaching anyone, Filos was in crisis mode. “Filos, you need to calm down and think! That’s not do anything rash!”
After looking around pondering for several seconds, Filos blurted out, “We have to get off this planet! We need to leave our home!”
“Filos! We do not know what happened!”
He grabbed his wife’s hands and looked into her big blue eyes. “Aliki! You have to trust me!”
She gave a heavy sigh and tears were flowing from her eyes. “Filos,” she said in a calm tone, “you cannot assume the worst. That us wait to hear from what our government says.”
“I don’t think they can say anything,” said Filos, still looking deep into her eyes. His face looked like he was in shock, but he was clearly thinking of what to do next. “I believe they attacked so they could not warn us.”
After taking a very deep sigh, Aliki asked, “What should we do?”
“I am calling in transport to takes us off the planet,” said Filos. “I have emergency powers to do that. Well, I think I do because I never had to do it before.”
“Filos. Are you sure?”
“Grab some necessities while I try to get transport.”
“Filos. Please! Are you sure this is what we should do?”
“Aliki,” said Filos calmly. She saw his face and she knew. She quickly went off to pack what she could.
Filos called military transport division and with luck, someone answered.
“This is Private Collins. How can I assist you?” said a deep voice from his communication device.
“Yes, this is Mr. Filos. I work in the Planet Science Division of the government and was wondering if you have heard anything back from the negotiations that was going on.”
“Mr. Filos,” said the deep voice coming from the other side of his communication device, “that is way above my pay grade. As far as I can tell, they seem to be progressing nicely. There has been no communication sent to us about trouble.”
“Well, that is a relief,” said Filos feeling that he was overreacting, but his conscience was telling him something very different. “The reason I am calling,” he continued, his voice sounding very nervous, “is that I need to request transport to another planet. A conference is happening there, and I need…um…well…um a ship. A spaceship to be exact.”
“Well, sir,” said the deep voice laughing a little, “you will definitely need a spaceship to travel to another planet. When will you need this transport?”
“NOW!” yelled Filos but calmed himself down. “Sorry! Just got word…um…that the conference is happening in the next three days, so I need to leave pretty quickly. Any chance there are transports available tonight? Maybe in the next thirty minutes?”
“Well, Mr. Filos. That is a hard request to fulfill. We usually request more time. Let me check.”
Filos walked around the room, very nervous waiting for the deep voice to respond. He could not believe that nobody else was panicking or had heard about the event at the negotiations. He checked to see if the video was streaming again on the government line. He saw nothing but blackness. He looked out the windows of his home. There was no chaos happening. No one running to shelters or military personnel directing the traffic. All seemed calm and peaceful.
“Mr. Filos!” boomed the deep voice again of Private Collins. “The Gods of Zeus and Aphrodite are with you today sir! We happened to have a transport available. Only a two-seater, but that is what you are needing. We can have her ready in about thirty minutes on the count of it being a quiet night. Will that work for you?”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” yelled Filos. He then calmed himself down again. “Yes. That will work great.”
“Wonderful! All I need is your ID number, and a hand scan through your communication device and we can get that going for you.” After Filos gave his ID number and hand scan, the deep voice of Private Collins returned. “Well, it seems like you are all cleared. We will be waiting your arrival, Mr. Filos.”
Almost thirty minutes later, Mr. Filos and Mrs. Akili arrived at the military departure center. He was reporting as a government official needing special transportation. Nothing unusual about that but the quickness of needing the transportation was.
“The ship is all fueled up for you, Mr. Filos,” said the deep voice of Private Collins. “Are you needing any assistance with loading or training on how to fly one of these ships?”
Anxious to get on board, Filos shook his head and quickly threw their things into the spaceship.
Private Collins seeing that there may be something wrong began to ask questions. “Everything all right, Mr. Filos? You seem to be distressed.”
Filos gave a quick look to his wife who gave him a “calm down” look. He then turned to Private Collins and smiled. “Sorry. Just irritated about the short notice I was given. Had a lot of plans, now I have to sit and talk to politicians.”
“I can understand that,” said Private Collins. “I do not like listening to them that much either. But a job is a job.” He smiled and shrugged. “Well, if you have nothing else, I will get back to my work.”
As he walked away, Filos yelled to him in an anxious tone, “Have you heard anything from the negotiations? Anything at all?”
Private Collins shook his head. “Nothing unusual. Same as before. Many are nervous but these things always work out well.”
“Thank you,” said Filos. He then gently grabbed his wife’s hand, and they entered the ship. They sat in the small spacecraft, and both wondered what they were doing here. Akili looked at Filos and saw he was deep in thought. He looked at her and knew she had the same question that he did. “Do you think I got carried away?”
“Would not be the first time,” she said with a smile. “But honestly, I have learned to trust your judgement. But you have been wrong before.”
Suddenly there was a loud noise coming from outside. They looked over and saw Private Collins was on his communication device. His face showed that of concern. He ran back towards the larger buildings of the facility. There were more noises from outside the large military complex and they were getting closer. This military facility was located close to the ground level so as to be the first defense in case of an attack.
Filos and Akili looked at each other and both were thinking the same thing. “Could this really be happening? What should they do?” Filos then looked straight ahead, took a deep sigh and ignited the engines. He closed the side door of the ship and pushed the throttle forward. The ship quickly flew out the large hanger doors of the military complex and flew up into the night sky of their home planet. What they saw terrified them both. It would be a sight that they would never forget.
A large Kraken ship had entered their planet’s atmosphere and was firing towards the desert ground. Huge explosions were seen tearing the ground apart, exposing the large cities below. Filos and Akili’s species could be seen running for help in all directions. It seemed that everyone was taken by total surprise. There did not appear to be one military craft in the air to defend their planet.
For a few seconds, Filos and Akili only watched in horror. Their ship had no defensive capabilities. “Do they run or die with their species?” Filos looked at his wife, who had tears streaming from her eyes. She was in complete shock. More explosions were seen. It appeared that their ship had been spotted. Immediately, Filos turned the ship away from any oncoming vessels and climbed toward space. Kraken vessels were right on their tail. They penetrated their planet’s atmosphere and found that the ship where the negotiations were taking place was now floating debris. With one last look at their home planet, Filos pushed the throttle to full speed and their ship launched into lightspeed. Filos’s eyes closed and darkness appeared.
He opened his eyes to find himself on a new world. Five years had passed since their world was attacked and their species nearly drove to extinction. Him and his wife now had new lives, but they tried to spread the knowledge of the deadly actions this dreadful species had done. For this purpose, Filos was attending a conference of the Grand Council of his new planet in order to tell his story. A story that he had told numerous times, but to no avail.
“These actions cannot be ignored. We must stand up against these villains, these murders…” said Filos.
Before he could finish, he was interrupted by one of the Grand Council. “Mr. Filos. I know that you have suffered a tragic loss that none of us can imagine, but I must protest the use of these words to describe a species where little evidence supports your claims.” Filos bowed his head because it was a saying that he had heard numerous times. “There is evidence that does support that your species attacked first. These so called ‘Krakens’ have given evidence that they were defending themselves. They too have shown that they lost tremendous life.”
“Again, Council member,” Filos explained. “I have firsthand knowledge that we were attempting to negotiate with this species. We were wanting a treaty…”
“Has you have speculated before, and we have you on record, but I cannot use this as a reason to block our World from interacting with these species,” said the Council member. “They have obeyed all the laws and protocols that we have in place, so therefore this Grand Council will vote to allow these species, who call themselves the Kraken to engage in commerce activities with merchants on our planet. Now if there are no other witnesses, we will….”
Another species rose in the back. “I also would like to give evidence to protest this action.”
The Council member rubbed his bushy beard and let out a large sigh, wondering if there was any way to not have to hear this evidence. After a few seconds of hesitation, he finally said, “Please come forward and that the Council will hear your evidence.”
The Amphibian-like species with his tiny lips showing a sly smile approached the podium so that he may be heard. The room where this meeting was being held was packed by many different species in attendance. All had heard stories of this Kraken and were wanting to know first-hand of who they were. They were astounded by what they heard from Filos and the few others who had spoken out against them, but there were many that had spoken for them which had given comfort to the many different species of this world. What they were about to hear will shock them.
“Please state your name for the Grand Council.”
Filos sat down and watched this unique looking species begin to speak at the podium. He had never seen this specie’s face before, but for some odd reason, he believed he would see it many times in the near future.
“My name is Mr. Igetis and I come from the Amphibian worlds as you can tell.”
“Thank you, Mr. Igetis. Please state the evidence that you have.”
“The evidence that I have is not that of witnessing an event but more of a vision of an event that I know will come to pass and for that reason I am here to try to stop that event from happening.” Igetis stopped knowing that there would be many gasps, sighs, laughs and looks of pure astonishment and knew that the crowd would have to be quieted down.
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After many minutes of pounding hammers and Council members trying to quiet the crowd, the Head Council Member spoke, “Mr. Igetis, I am in no mood to hear your superstitious thoughts or listen about your dreams or visions or whatever you call it. Even if the great God Zeus stood before us and declared your vision true…”
“Head Council Member, I promise you that it is something you will need to hear. I will take no more than five minutes than I will leave you to make your decision.” Igetis serious and stern look at the Head Council Member made her change her mind. She bowed her head and Igetis continued, “Every species in this room knows that my kind tend to keep to themselves. We are always kind to all who do business with our worlds and are known to be helpful to all worlds that are in need. We stay out of the affairs of other worlds and never do we speak bad about other species, until now.” Many Council Members eyed each other because they all knew this to be true. “Just over ten years ago, I had a horrible vision of a coming enemy that would create much division among our worlds. An enemy that no one would know of their origin. This enemy would destroy worlds, kill many species, steal resources, desecrate planets and imprison all survivors. They would fool other governments and worlds into thinking their crimes were just, then attack them when they were unprepared. Much of this vision has already come true. In fact, I know that this world will be overtaken within three to five years if you allow these creatures to work with your kind.”
The Head Council Member put up her large hand and said, “What evidence do you have to show that this will happen?”
“The evidence is here,” said Igetis as he held up a device that showed images of four planets that have been rumored to be overtaken. One of those planets used to be the home of Filos. “These images show the destruction that has taken place on these planets. Worlds have been stripped of the resources, cities destroyed, and no life is now found on any of these planets.”
“Mr. Igetis,” said the Head Council Member. “We have looked into this and there is much evidence that show that some of these were related to accidents at their energy plants, others were acts of War that happened among their species and yes, these Kraken creatures were involved but we see no evidence that supports your doom and gloom vision. Now if you cannot provide any other evidence…”
“Only one more which I believe will make my case,” said Igetis with his famous grin. The Head Council Member could only smile back and with a hand gesture asked him to proceed. “I have evidence that shows that I arrived only today on your planet, so what I am about to say, I had no way of knowing unless I had seen it in my doom and gloom vision.” Igetis showed the gesture of hand quotes on what he said last which made the Head Council Member give him a snide look. “I know that just this week, according to your planet’s time, secret deals were made to help make your decision.” All Council Members began to eye each other because deals had been made but no one could know because they were kept secret, and no one would talk because it could mean the end of their career and even their life. “These secret deals involved the possession of certain rare energy crystals that would power your planet for thousands of years. These rare energy crystals were only found on one of the four planets and were kept most secretive so that no one would ravage their world. A secret that no one would know unless they overtook that planet.”
For a few short seconds, the Head Council Member could only look at Igetis in stun silence. For those few short seconds, she thought “How could he know this?” and “No one would have spoken because our planet would never have to worry about energy again.” After those few seconds, the Head Council Member held up her hand and with all the courage she could muster, said to Igetis, “That is absolutely false. No arrangements have been taken place and no secret deals have been done to help us make our decision. And quite honestly, I and the Council are offended that you would bring such charges against us.” Igetis gave his sly smile, but he knew that he was right. A few moments later, the Council voted unanimously to allow the Kraken passage to their planet and to do business with all species on the planet.
A few hours later, Filos and Akili were enjoying a nice lunch at an outside restaurant by a peaceful lake that sat next to the building where the Grand Council met. The weather was beautiful and the view around the area was like out of a painting. Different color flowers and plants were scattered all around the lake and many small boats drifted on the sky-blue waters. Thousands of species wandered the paths around the area, breathing in the crisp clean air while enjoying the incredible views. Suddenly, a visitor appeared at the table of Filos and Akili. Filos looked up and was surprised to see the same face that he first saw a few hours before speaking before the Council.
“So sorry to bother you,” said Igetis. “I do not mean to interrupt your lunch, but I just wanted to say that what you said before the Council truly touched me. I am very sorry for your lost.”
Filos stood and extended his hand and Igetis did the same. “My name is Filos, and this is my wife Akili.” They released hands and Igetis nodded towards Akili. Filos then said, “What you said to the Council was quite remarkable and unforgettable as well.”
Igetis rubbed his chin with his long white fingers. “Yes, what I said would make anyone want to somehow forget what I said,” his sly smile appeared, “but until we can somehow wipe away our memories, this Council will have to remember what I said, and it will stand as a testament against them.”
“That it definitely will,” expressed Filos. “The look on her face made me think that what you said was true.”
“Unfortunately, Mr. Filos. I know what I said was true. These Council Member were bribed with the treasures of other species.” His face was serious and both Filos and Akili saw he was telling the truth. “These creatures will continue their conquest of other worlds until someone will stand up against them, but I do not believe that will happen anytime soon or if it will ever happen.”
“I have tried many times to convince this Council that they attacked and destroyed our planet,” said Filos with sadness in his eyes. “But they only believe what is best for them.”
“That is very true, but I want you to know that anyone who stands and fights for truth is always a friend of mine.” Igetis smiled and Filos nodded back. “Well, I have interrupted your lunch enough. I will take my leave.”
“No, Igetis please stay,” insisted Akili. “I very much would like to hear more about what you discussed with the Council.”
“I do not wish to bore you,” said Igetis with his grin.
“Bore us!?” said Filos. “I was amazed at what you said in there! I would love to hear more!”
“Well, I could go for a good lunch. If it is not too much trouble?”
“Not at all,” said Akili. “Take a seat. You are now our friend.”
“Thank you,” said Igetis. “With the harsh things that I have said on many different planets, I don’t tend to make many friends.”
“Well, you are always welcomed at our table,” said Akili.
“Always,” said Filos with a smile. For some odd reason, he believed this to be a friendship that will last many lifetimes.
Filos closed his eyes and darkness appeared.
His eyes opened once again and he found himself looking at his communication device, hoping that Akili would call. He looked up and saw his reflection in the window. He was three years older, and his face looked terrified. He stood and found himself in a bedroom, but not his own. He was renting the room in a large, tall building for his new career and then he remembered the day. His mind was horrified of having to relive this day, but there was no choice.
He walked out the door of the room and he found that he was in a large hotel. He saw outside the building and the view was gorgeous with surrounding lakes and forests. The city that he was in was filled with many different species that all appeared to be enjoying their time with all they many events that were offered. No fearful, frightening scenes were happening from what he could see which made him that much sadder and more terrified. He was safe, but Akili, he did not know but he had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.
He descended to the first floor of this extremely tall building and looked for the others that were in his group. He found them sitting together watching a large monitor. All of them looked stunned. Filos sat down by them and not one of them said a word. Finally, the leader of their group turned and stared at Filos with a terrified face.
“Filos.” said the leader. His large yellow eyes appeared to have tears. His small mouth began to tremble. “We have received word that our planet has been attacked. No one has been able to reach anyone. Have you heard from your spouse?”
“I haven’t,” said Filos. “When did the attack take place? Was it the Kraken?” His voice was trembling. The leader nodded his head. “That is…that is why we moved away. First from our home planet.” Filos was having a hard time speaking. He took a deep breath and continued, “Then a second time because we had a feeling…” Tears were now flowing. “We cannot escape. How did this happen? Why didn’t we know?”
“There was no warning,” the leader said as more in the group begin crying once again after seeing Filos’s reaction. “Were waiting for more information, but they are telling us that it does not look…” The leader of the group could not continue. He only bowed his head. There were five in this group. All from the same planet. All working in the same company. Here on business for a short stay. Just another routine trip that was done hundreds of times.
Filos got up and began looking around. “We have to find transport to get us back. I have to see for myself.” The leader and another stood trying to calm him down. “Don’t stop me! I need to see for myself!”
“Filos,” said the leader grabbing Filos’s arm. “That’s just sit here and wait together.”
“You do not understand!” yelled Filos. “I am supposed to be there! I am supposed to protect her! We survived together once before! We will survive together once again!”
“Filos!” yelled his leader. “They are telling us it is dangerous to travel anywhere near there! There is nothing we can do!”
“I need to do something!” yelled Filos. “I cannot just sit here!” Suddenly his communication device began to make sounds. He looked and did not know who was trying to contact him. He answered hoping to hear his wife’s voice.
“Akili?!”
“Is this Mr. Filos?” said the voice on the other side.
“Yes, who is this?”
“This is Brighton from the Military Forces in this sector,” said the voice. “We are scanning all messages coming from the Novice Sector because of the attack that took place. We have picked up many distress calls and one that is addressed to your number. Many messages did not get out because they were being blocked, but this was one that did get through. Hard to make out what the species is saying on this video. We cleaned it up the best we could. Will forward you the message if you agree.”
That bad feeling that Filos had, just became worse. She was trying to reach him, but her signal was being blocked. So, she did the only thing she could. She sent a distress signal which was modified to be sent in pieces instead of one continuous signal. The distress signal technology was made so some pieces get through, but not all. Then someone picked up the pieces and put them together the best they could.
“Yes, please,” said Filos. His voice was very weak.
“Will do,” said the voice with a very somber tone. He knew what the video message said.
The communication device gave the sound of a new message arriving. Filos clicked the message. A staticky video appeared and it was Akili.
“Filos! Hopefully you get this!” The video went black for a second and then reappeared. “There was an attack…” No video again. Then it was back. “All of us are hiding but there are explosions everywhere…” No video and then she was back. Her voice sounded very desperate. “Filos! I love you!” Then there was an explosion and then it was black. The message stopped playing.
Filos face was stunned. He stared at the blank screen and then looked at his group who all heard the message. All of them were in tears. Their heads bowed. Filos gently put down his communication device and began to walk away. The leader of the group called after him, but Filos did not stop. The leader of the group then sat back down and began to cry. This message meant their families were lost as well.
Filos got off on the very top floor. He found himself on the roof of this very tall building. No one was up here so he was all alone. He walked over to the side of the roof and looked down. Thousands of species were seen, walking around, enjoying their lives. Hundreds of vehicles moving quickly from place to place, carrying their species to the thousand of different destinations this planet had to offer.
Filos then looked past the city and saw desert flatlands that ran for miles. This reminded him of his home planet and of Akili. “Why did I have to leave her?” he pondered. “Why can’t they leave us alone? Is there no place that they cannot go?” He stepped onto the ledge of the building. “My life is over without her,” he pondered in his head. “I failed her! I was supposed to protect her!” He looked over the ledge and then closed his eyes. “Finally, I will be free,” he thought.
Just when he was about to take a step forward, he heard a familiar voice. “Filos? Is that you?”
The familiar voice surprised him, and he turned and almost lost his balance. He saw the large eyes with that same familiar grin. “Igetis?”
“Well, hello my friend,” shouted Igetis. “You have also come up here to take in the incredible view. It is magnificent.” He then looked at Filos with concerning eyes. “But I must say Filos, the view is just as good from here than on the ledge. I think you might be too daring standing that close to the edge.” He extended his hand towards Filos. His kind eyes showing his genuine concern.
Filos looked down and saw that he was inches from falling to his death. He looked at Igetis with his hand still extended. He grabbed hold and Igetis carefully pulled him back to safety. He put an arm around him, and Filos began to cry. His whole body shaking violently. Igetis held him the entire time and would not leave his side from that time forward. His eyes closed and darkness appeared.
Igetis’s eyes opened, and he saw his home planet before him. The crystal blue waters appeared so clear that he could easily see the cities that stood under the large oceans that covered most of his home planet. His species lived on three planets in this sector of the Universe. They were called the Amphibian Worlds because all who lived here were amphibians. Igetis remembered this day. This was the last day he saw his home untouched by the evil creatures that were conquering the Universe.
Igetis’s home sat above the waters, floating effortlessly on the giant oceans. The number of species that lived above waters was much smaller than those that lived in the giant cities below. On these planets, most species enjoyed the fast pace, exciting life live under the sea. Not all species that lived here could breathe under water, but all the cities were built in a way where you could play in the water and then come out on dry land without having to leave the ocean. There was acreage of area where you looked around and all you saw was ocean waters, but you were breathing air and were walking on constructed land.
Beside him stood Filos, the always faithful friend. He, too, looked at the beautiful sight in front of him. The sun was beginning to set which had caused a red haze to spread across the skies. Filos, being part reptile, adored the warmth of the sun. The climate on these worlds was cooler than he liked but still he had enjoyed the last two years that he had lived here.
They both stood there motionless enjoying the view, knowing what was coming. They knew this day would come which was why they tried so hard to stop it. They worked anxiously together to warn all governments, councils and anyone who would listen that this threat must be stopped. No one would listen and all fell for the enemies’ tricks.
It had been eight years since Filos’s home had been conquered. His world was one of the first. Even before then, Igetis had seen visions and tried to warn others. But now, after many worlds have been conquered, they had no other place to go.
“What was the last message that we received?” said Filos. He knew there was no stopping them, but he was hoping for a miracle.
“They have broken through the main defenses,” said Igetis with no emotion on his face. “They are heading this direction. The first of my home planets has already fallen. I told them it would not be enough two years ago. I told many councils and governments of planets that it would not be enough.”
“It is hard to believe that there is a force powerful enough to take over an entire world. They all believed you were crazy.”
This was a conversation that they have had many times, but it still brought a small sly smile to Igetis’s face. “That part I know his true. What is it they called me again?”
“A talking fish.”
A look of confusion appeared on his face. “You would think they would know the difference between an amphibian and a fish.”
Filos smiled and snorted out a tiny laugh which made the sly smile on Igetis’s face grow. That was what Filos liked so much about Igetis. No matter the circumstances, he always seemed to make life feel brighter. Filos face became serious again. “How long until they arrive?”
“It should be any moment now?”
“You are sure the defenses will not be enough?”
“Yes.”
Filos then sighed heavily and then began to ask a question but then hesitated.
“You are wondering if the visions I have seen have changed,” said Igetis. His head turned and looked at Filos. He saw him nod his head. Igetis then turned and continued to look straight ahead. He wanted to “drink” in as much as possible before it was destroyed. Igetis then gave a heavy sigh and said, “I still see much darkness ahead. It will not be easy for any who survives.”
“Will we survive?”
Igetis shrugged. “I do not know. But still, I see at the end of the darkness, a hint of light.” He then turned to look at Filos. “That light is growing, and I have a strong conviction that we are a part of that light.”
Filos turned and asked, “Is it possible that we find someone to help us?”
“It is very difficult to understand,” said Igetis. “It is nothing I have felt before.”
“May I tell you what I believe?”
“Of course, my friend.”
“I believe the Gods are speaking to you. They are telling you that this is not the end.”
Igetis nodded in approval. “May the Gods of Zeus and Aphrodite protect us.”
“I have always been partial to Perseus.”
“The Mighty Perseus. I wish he was here now to help us.”
“All you can have is hope.”
“That is very true, my friend. Very true indeed.”
A large Kraken ship was seen entering the planet’s atmosphere. Large cannons from the cities could be seen firing rockets from below. As they breached the top layer of the ocean waters, their momentum increased tremendously, and they sped quickly towards their target.
The Kraken vessel fired its own weapons. There were explosions everywhere in the air as many rockets were destroyed, but some did reach their target. Explosions were seen on the Kraken vessel, but they did not impede the ship’s advancement. Smaller ships began leaving from the hanger doors of the Kraken vessel and made their way towards the large ocean waters. Many ships appeared breaching the ocean waters and weapons began firing from both sides. There were many more explosions that filled the air as ships from both sides were hit. The battle was quite intense and already many could see that the defenses would not hold.
Igetis and Filos were far enough away that the battle thus far had not affect them, but soon his home would be destroyed. Both of them quietly walked their way to a vehicle to begin their plan. They had set up an area deep beneath the ocean where they would have the supplies that would hopefully last them through the long battle ahead. They knew they could not escape. What they were trying to do was survive.
As they entered the vehicle, Filos asked the question he had asked before. “So, if we survive, we will allow them to take us as prisoners? That idea does not sound good at all.”
“I know my friend. But I do believe that this will be the best option.”
“How can becoming a prisoner of these evil creatures help us?”
“I do not know. But what I believe is this is the darkness we must push through to reach the light.”
“I am very scared Igetis.”
“As am I, but I will always be at your side.”
“That comforts me as much as it can having a ‘talking fish’ to guide me.”
Igetis gave his sly smile knowing Filos was trying to input humor to help the situation. “’Talking fish’. That name will not catch on. All can see I am an amphibian.”
The door of their vehicle closed shut, and they began their descendent towards their destination.
“After we become prisoners, then we will plan our escape?” asked Filos.
“Yes, but only after we find help.”
“Who will we find that will help us all to escape?”
“That I am not sure, but they will have to be…what is the word I am looking for?”
“Unique?”
“Yes. Unique.”
Both gave a small smile and then fear entered their eyes as they knew what hard times lied before them.
“Hope is all we need to get us through the darkness and into the light,” said Igetis. The saying touched Filos’s heart more powerful than anything he had said before. He did not know why but it gave him comfort and strength for the tough roads ahead.
Igetis closed his eyes and darkness appeared.
When he opened his eyes, the General stood before him. The first thing the General saw was that now famous smile.
“The program is finished,” said the General.
Igetis stepped forward and looked deep into the General’s eyes. This behavior surprised and worried the General.
“What are you doing, may I ask?” asked the General.
“I have never noticed that before in your eyes,” said Igetis.
“Darkkarians’s eyes are very unique, if you haven’t noticed. There is always a white liquid rolling around in here until I become angry. Then it turns a pitch black. It is one of those things that make our species scary.”
“No not that,” explained Igetis. “I see light. Now I think I understand.”
The General gave him a look of confusion and waited for him to explain more, but then Igetis exited out the large glass doors. The first face he saw was that of Filos and they both knew what the other was thinking. They had pushed through the darkness and now they saw light.
“How do you feel, Igetis?” said Rose with a smile. Out of everyone that had entered the device, he was the one that she was anxious to hear his answer.
Igetis pondered for a moment. Everyone was now on pins and needles, waiting for his answer. Finally, he said, “Enlighten.”
Rose, along with everyone else gave a confused face. Except Filos who knew what he was saying.
“That is, it?” said Tharros. “No prophetic inspirations. No incredible moves or demonstrations of your new powers. Your body has just been through intense pain and change. You have to have more to say.”
“I promise you, Tharros. That word does say a lot for me.”
“You can never get the ‘talking fish’ to shut up,” said Gelio, “and when you give him a huge opportunity to describe a powerful event, he gives us a one-word description. I am liking the changed Igetis already.”
The General stepped forward and said, “This is only the first step. Tomorrow, we begin step two.”
“What is step two?” asked Dyamion.
“Training.”
“If I did not know that step two was training us to fight the deadly monsters that your father is going to let out through the gates of hell, I would be very excited right now,” said Gelio with a huge smile.