Breaking Interstellar: Cosmic Lives Matter by Michael Tobin

Author:Michael Tobin
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi

Chapter Eleven

An android’s work is never done

Wil rises from guard duty just before dawn. Not a creature is stirring, not even an alien mouse. Approaching the boys tent, he gives it a mighty shake, waking the brood within. “Rise and shine, you little monsters!” He exclaims quietly, not wishing to wake the Zenarawan village. For his efforts, he receives a chorus of complaints, as slumber is rudely attacked. After plenty of grumblings, and more than a few expletives, Harper throws open the flap, zombie-stepping his way into the new day. Soon, his half-asleep brothers also emerge, heading off to the nearby stream, with him in tow. A cold splash in the face, is just what the doctor ordered.

Not far away, Nyla and Talia rouse the little princesses. They equally grumble at being awakened at such an early hour. Cooper is first to comply with the rise and shine directive. She exits the tent with hair pointing in all directions, asking as she rubs her eyes. “Nyla, what’s that smell?”

“That’s the smell of 5AM young lady.” Nyla responds, smartassilly. Soon, all are up and atom; moving off to their own section of stream. A cold splash of water brings awareness back to full capacity. With the toughest part of the morning behind them, the androids concentrate on bringing forth something for the youngsters to eat, before heading back into the wilds.

The morning meal goes well, without too much noise to awaken the village. Afterward, everyone pitches in, disassembling the camp, and packing it for travel. Dawn has brightened the forest with misty light, and the village begins to stir. Nyla takes the other androids to the side. “We have a choice to make.” She says with a mysterious tone. “We can either head back to the habitats, where none of us has much to do. Orrrrrrr, we can seek out the mountain that rumbles, and see what we can see.” She tempts the willing, adding. “After all, we’re probable not too far from it right now.”

Her android buddies perk up at hearing the idea. Even though the old shaman woman had warned against going there, the temptation is too strong. The idea had been on Wil’s mind for a good portion of the night. Why not extend the journey, he thinks. Why not offer the kids a chance to explore further, he ponders. There’s no real reason to head home just yet, he convinces himself. “Well, as long as this is a democracy, I vote for the mountain. My energy-levels are still high.” He voices his opinion, looking to Talia and Omari with a hopeful face.

Talia speaks. “Well, I definitely vote mountain. We don’t get out often, so let’s not waste this opportunity. My levels are hovering at 92-percent, so I’m good to go. What about you, Omari?” The only real limiting factors are Electrical energy, and food for the kids.

“Well, I’m at 89, but feel like 94.” He jokes, making the others smile. “Yes, I like the idea. Let’s do it.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.