Let me see them.

Please.

I’m begging you.

Just a glimpse.

That’s all I’m asking.

Just a hint. A shadow. Anything!

I try as hard as I can, but my powers give me absolutely nothing. I recall all the feelings that have triggered my powers in the past — anger and fear, and stars know I’m both seething with rage and quivering with fear right about now — but noting seems to work.

I can’t even catch a glimpse of my parents. What use are these stupid, bizarre powers if I can’t even use them to save my own family?

All these powers have brought me nothing but pain.

Well, that’s not completely true. They’ve also brought me to Davor, the blue Zoran warrior who is snoring on the floor, leaving his massive bed to me.

He could fit in here easily, and I secretly wish he’d climb in and wrap those big arms of his around me, but I couldn’t find the words.

The alien warrior thinks I’m mad at him, but I’m not. I’m mad at the world. What’s happening is so unfair, but it’s not his fault. I can tell his intentions are good, and that he is as frustrated as I am.

Still, he has managed to fall asleep, where I can not. SINTRA is doing god knows what on Garna, and here I am, wrapped in luxurious sheets… it doesn’t feel right.

I’d give up everything just go back to the good old days of cleaning up Luba dung and being pelted by mud by the Rinjin. I’d never thought I’d miss my parents asking me nosy questions, or having to double check Larry’s work, or the simple things like drinking home-brewed beers in the summer sun after a hard day’s work behind the GrowSilo.

You know what? Fuck it.

I can’t sit around here, counting sheep and waiting for some ink to dry. That’s not the girl my parents raised. They need me, more than ever before. If I need to sneak out this damn Zoran temple and traverse the New Exonian jungle all on my own… then that’s what I’ll damn well do!

Gulp. You’re sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew here?

Stuff it, conscience. I have no time for stuffy things like risk assessments and planning. Those are luxuries I can’t afford right now. It’s time to prove my mettle.

I tip-toe out of the room as quietly as possible. Luckily for me, Davor doesn’t wake up. I follow my nose to the dining halls, because I’ll need provisions for my journey.

Several older Zorans, dressed in long robes, are having quite a meal. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say they had the midnight munchies, but that’s impossible.

“You must be Davor’s guest,” one of them says, turning to me. He offers me some type of biscuit. “Care for a bite?”

So much for being stealthy! Still, no one else seems to react to my presence. They’re all completely focused on the piles of food in front of them.

“Yes please,” I answer, grabbing handfuls of the biscuits and stuffing them into my pockets.

I have no idea how long my journey is and how much food I’ll need, so I’d rather take too much food with me than too little.

Are you sure this is a good idea?

That’s my bloody conscience piping up again.

That winged Zoran is waiting for you, and you’re just going to sneak out on him? That’s not very nice now, is it. What would mom say?

Mom needs my help! If you’re not going to help me then shut up, stupid brain!

“What was that?” The elder Zoran asks.

“Nothing,” I mumble. At least, I think I didn’t say a word. If I’m starting to talk to myself out loud I’m worse off than I thought.

“You must be quite hungry if you’re taking that much food,” the man says. He offers me his satchel. “Here, this will help.”

“Thank you!” I say. “You are too kind.”

“Please. If there’s anything I can do to help, just ask.”

“Well,” I say. “Could you point me in the direction of the Trade Ports?”

The elder points straight up and laughs.

“You will have to go to the moon, darling,” he says.

“The moon?” I frown.

Is he telling me off or is he serious? I can’t tell.

“You can catch a shuttle about a day’s march north of here, but beware of the Thaboists — oh, she’s gone already. So impatient, today’s youth…“

There are no guards outside the temple, nothing to stop me from wandering off into the jungle except my own survival instinct.

The sounds of owls and other nightlife greet me, and the tall grass rustles underneath my feet.

This planet is nothing like Garna. My home planet has trees, sure, but no overgrown jungles, no trees so wide a Zoran wouldn’t be able to wrap their arms around the trunk.

The sky is filled with bright stars, with a moon that that exudes light to top it off.

That must be the Trade Ports then. Now, I just need to find my way north.

I look up the stars for a familiar constellation, but a dark pit in my stomach forms the moment I realize I can’t find any.

Of course. I’m on a completely different planet, so I can’t let the stars guide me.

In the distance I see several blinking lights streaking through the sky. That’s gotta be the docks where I can hop on a ride to the moon!

I set off on my path, ignoring my guilty conscience as best I can.

The hours pass slowly as I traverse the jungle, and after a long night, day breaks. As the sun rises the temperature ramps up quickly. My clothes are sticking to my back and sweat drips down my brow. With every step I become a little more unsure of my current course.

Too late to turn back now, I tell myself. You’ll arrive at the docks any moment now, you’ll see. And they’ll have a pitcher of ice cold ice tea just waiting for you.

And then something slithers past my feet, and I jump back.

Whatthehellwasthat?!

I whirl around and my heart skips a beat when I realize I’m looking right in the gaping maw of a gargantuan reptilian beast.

Davor never warned me about those!

I take a step back only to find my back placed flat against a massive tree.

Perhaps going back is not such a bad idea after all. If this beast will just let me pass, I’ll be on my way, yes sir.

Just don’t eat me.

The reptilian slithers towards me, its narrow, red eyes focused on its prey. Me.

“There there,” I say, channeling my inner alien-wildlife expert. I’ve worked with wildlife my entire life, for stars sake! I should know how to diffuse this situation better than anyone… but, on Garna, there’s nothing like this scaly beast.

It’s not a Rinjin, and it certainly isn’t a Luba! No, this one is all claws and teeth and scales, and it looks like it can devour me in a hot minute… and is planning on doing just that.

“Step back!”

That low growl! It’s…

Davor descends right out of the sky, his massive wings spread wide as he swoops down magnificently. My heart stops a beat as I watch my savior land in front of me, his torso bared, his muscles slick and shiny with sweat.

My heart is flooded with relief at the sight of him.

The beast lurches towards him, and he turns around in a snap and catches its widespread jaws between his two fists. He drops down on one knee and flings the reptilian monster over his shoulder. With a heavy thud it lands on the jungle floor, before quickly scurrying away into the thick undergrowth.

“Thank you,” I pant with fear. “Thank you!”

Davor rises up. His beautiful, glittering blue eyes are now filled with disappointment.

“You should have waited for me,” he says. “You are off the path. If I hadn’t spotted you in time, the Qro would have torn you limb from limb.”

“You are right,” I say, my shoulders dropping. “You are right.”

As the fear subsides, it’s replaced by shame, by defeat, by helplessness. I slide down to the floor, my head hanging low as hot tears sting my eyes.

I can’t do anything right.

Davor walks towards me and gently lifts my chin up. I avoid his eyes, the shame is simply too great.

“I couldn’t sit still,” I blabber through the tears. “I wanted to do something. I never meant to endanger myself, or you…”

He nods. “I understand. However, I’m afraid that we are in terrible danger.”

Suddenly, shadowy figures step about from behind the trees all around us. They’re Zorans — but my relief is short lived when I see the heavy armor they’re wearing, and the scowling look on their faces.

These are not our friends.