Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 39

Demi performs several orbits over the entire planet, looking out the windows. She seems to be looking for something. Giving up, she eventually drops altitude. Entering the Dezoran atmosphere. Where's the spaceport?

Etirn looks out. It looks like white sand dunes down there. Maybe it's covered up?

If it is, then we don't have anywhere to land. Landing gear doesn't work in loose powder, and too much snow in the scram intake means we won't have enough thrust to make orbit again.

I look out the side window through the snow whipping by. I spot something large on the ground... a spaceship? It looks parked in the side of a building. Hey, there's a ship out this way! Demi pushes a button, and the front glass turns shades of blue and yellow as she arcs the ship around to see it.

I don't think that's the spaceport. There shouldn't be any ships there. It looks like smooth ice in the area, though. Prepare to land.

Etirn looks over at Demi. You mind if I take the controls?

Demi looks nervous, but activates his controls. Take care not to crash it. We'll be stranded if this ship is damaged.

A young priest is holding his first congregation since leaving Gumbious Temple. He is nervous, but is well in control. ...And to remember today, the anniversary of the reconstruction of Raja's Temple, I shall tell the story of how it was originally destroyed, as first told by him. The priest opens his book. 'It was a cold, snowy day, in the middle of a blizzard caused by demons. I was enjoying my wine, content that I was safe within my hallowed walls. Suddenly, I became aware of a tremendous roar from the heavens. The entire temple began to shake.' Outside, something seemed to be roaring in the distance. Small pieces of the ceiling began to fall.

The priest continues. I went to the window and saw a burning machine falling towards my temple! I was amazed at the gall of the metal brute. Glancing out a window, the priest sees something fly overhead. It seems to be turning. He notices the connection between story and reality. Yet, all I could do is watch as it landed and slid into the temple. Suddenly, a loud impact, and a piece of the roof falls! The congregation begins erupting into chaos. The priest had no idea what to do, so he continues. The machine came to a rest and grew silent right in front of me. I was angered by the fact that not only had my temple been destroyed, but the knowledge that my tumbler now lays beneath the abomination. The machine seems to have come to a stop outside. My anger quickly turned to curiousity as the door opened, and a group of strange strangers paraded out. The door opens, and people he doesn't recognize walk in, looking around. A...doll of metal, a girl with horns, and, uh... The congregation seems focused on the arrivals. ...men, from another...planet?

I notice the priest seemed quite shaken up, likely from Etirn scraping the roof. I notice a big hole where the ship made contact.

Is everybody okay in here? I don't note any injuries.

Sorry about your roof.

I decide to scold Etirn. Someone could've gotten hurt from that! I think you should let Demi drive from now on.

He shrugs. I guess I just haven't earned my wings yet.

Demi leaves what looked like a deep thought. The damage to the Landale seems to only be cosmetic. It should be fine.

The priest isn't as well off. Oh, by the fires.... He falls to the floor. I rush over. Still breathing, pulse is a bit rapid, but dropping to normal. He just fainted. I glare at Etirn.

Oops.

Ray decides to start our search for the kid Firdaus mentioned. Has any of you seen a kid wandering around the area?

The congregation seems to suggest 'no', but one guy gets up. Green, reptile-like skin, no hair... this must be what a Dezoran looks like. You should try the bar in the next town north. Gyuna's Bar is where travelers swap stories from all over.

Thanks! And, this dork owes you a new roof. Ray pushes Etirn lightly. We leave the temple and ship behind, and trek north until we come across a village.

Next chapter

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