"Leave them," the former - and imposter - Governor of Allied-IV barked furiously, followed by a short outburst of harsh clicks and grunts. He turned and ran for the platform steps, away from the oncoming blaster fire. The remaining Merlotian guards retreated in to the dispersing crowd.
“Stay here,” Autumn ordered to Arlington. Spotting her blaster under the table across from them, she crawled quickly across the aisle, making sure to stay below the exchange on laser blasts between the Merlotians and her friends. Bits of glass and table top fell around her as she made her way to her weapon. In one fluid motion Autumn swept up her blaster and armed the fire controls as she turned to join the fight.
“Get back to the ship!” Mr. Diem yelled at Gary and Sam coming up beside him, “now!”
“Roger that Boss,” Gary replied, pulling Sam behind him as he retreated.
“Autumn come on,” beckoned Sam.
“You heard ‘em Autumn,” said Frankie, settling next to her as she continued firing towards the fleeing Merlotians, “time to go.”
“I’m not letting them get away this time Frankie!”
“Why did I have the feeling you were going to say that?” Frankie trailed off as buts of wood and metal passed harmlessly through his ethereal body.
“Okay Mr. Speavy,” said Mr. Diem, grabbing the obnoxious teen by the collar and pulling him out from under the table, “looks like you’re coming with us.”
“Wait,” Arlington tried to refuse, fighting against the strong grip of his former principal.
“Quit squirming! Right now we’re your only way off this contraption, so I suggest you start cooperating.” Mr. Diem hurried after Sam and Gary, pulling the young Speavy behind him as he moved closer to the lift tube back to the Destiny’s Shadow. He yelled back at Autumn who had begun to follow the retreating enemy, “Autumn come on!”
Autumn shook her head in response, navigating the toppled tables and scattered serving trays as she ran in the opposite direction. Frankie drifted out in front of her, well above the turmoil below, keeping a watchful eye on Autumn as she chased after her father’s captors. The group of Merlotians fired poorly aimed laser blasts in Autumn’s direction, patrons of the Vigilant’s main plaza cowering and hurrying out of their way, as they reached the opposite end of the plaza.
Autumn realized she could not catch the fleeing Merlotians on foot. She scanned the dozens of shops that lined the hectic plaza for anything she could use. “There,” she said, finding the shop she was looking for. She lifted herself over the edge of the dining platform, dropping down on to the top of one of the many now deserted gambling tables. She leapt from the table, sprinting through the dispersing crowd, dodging random laser blasts as she ran. Autumn burst in to the shop she spotted from the dining platform and began to frantically rummage through the racks of highly priced merchandise.
She stopped in front of a long sturdy shelf with a large metallic box on top and smiled. The words Dax-1025 Championship Jet-Board illuminated the label across the front of the box, casting brilliant blue sparks in Autumn’s dark eyes. She unlatched the lid of the box and pushed it back, the black-chrome jet-board rested on the thick padding inside. Pulling the board from its storage, she turned and started out of the shop.
“Hey kid,” the shop’s owner shouted, standing up from behind the rack of colorful X-ball uniforms which he had been hiding. “You better put that right back where you found it if you know what’s good for you.” The long feathers that encircled his head ruffled as he spoke.
“I’m sorry Sir,” replied Autumn, sick to her stomach that she had actually resorted to stealing. “I’ll pay for it later. I promise.” She ran from the shop just in time to see the Merlotians disappear behind a lift tube door. Autumn activated the jet-boards hover control and dropped it to the floor. Silently the board stopped before hitting the floor, hovering barely an inch from the hard metal surface, its small engine core glowing green underneath.
She stepped in to the floating board, activating the thrusters with her right foot. Autumn and the jet-board leapt forward as the small powerful engine came to life…
About Me
- Autumn Snow
- My name is Autumn. I was born on Earth in the year 3012. When I was eleven years old, my parents disappeared - forcing me and my little brother Ben (but I call him Scrub) across the galaxy to Allied-IV to live with my Grandparents. My best friend Frankie, is a ghost, which has made life both interesting and difficult. I'm happy to have my grandparents - Papa Ralph and Gramma Bea - but I have never given up hope that one day I will find my parents and this nightmare will be over. This is my story...or at least part of it.
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