If someone showed up on Earth and said they could put the planet back into balance, help humans stop destroying each other, and provide technology that would assure sustainability, would you accept whatever terms they asked for? It would save the beauty of the planet. It would save the human species. It might not be what you wanted.
Greetings! Since chapter 8 is short, it is available in full to read without having to throw in support. But, as for all the chapters, you will need to buy me a Double Espresso to view Chapter 7 in full. The beginning is presented for you below to have a snippet.
Please do consider supporting my efforts here. This is the second / third draft of Tourists, a speculative science fiction novel I started in 2014, and since picked up and put down many times. Now, I am moving forward with fully realizing the story, and later having it edited and illustrated. The end result will be an E-Book that all supporters will receive. Plus, your contribution will help pay my internet bill.
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Kris P.
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Tourists©
Begun 2014
by Kris P. Pendragon
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Chapter 7 - An Imperceptible Thinness
Aster touched the disk that Raal had given her. Her mind was not on the massive star outside. She was thinking of her home. Her world. All the people on it. All the problems they faced. All the destruction they caused to their planet. All the horrors they perpetuated onto themselves. It all had to change.
Raal excused himself from a chat he was having with a dignitary from Droum, Eveeksim Bletsgem Shrood. Droumins were half as tall as Raal, slightly wider, had no limbs, and moved much like an Earth snake, only faster. If they did wish to hold onto something, like Raal's shoulder, an appendage would ooze out of their side and then ooze back in when not needed. Eveeksim was very interested in staying at the planned Earth Hotels. The prospect of a new planet system to see was exciting, and Eveeksim was in the middle of thanking the Travel Group, via Raal, for the effort.
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Aster was staring out at the festival when Raal came up to her. Aster greeted him and stood up. "I'd like to take a walk. Would you come with me?"
"Of course. Where shall we go?"
"Along the observation windows is fine."
They began their walk. Raal asked, "Have you been thinking of Earth and consequences?"
"Yes. I'm sure you've had this experience with other first contacts."
"I have. What have you decided?"
"I will help you." Aster paused their walk. "I know you can get by perfectly well without me. But, I know it is easier for you if I help. I'll do it because I can make a difference. If I can stop a horror from happening, I want that chance."
They continued their walk. Raal spoke. "Aster, your help will be more valuable to your planet than you can imagine. If they see a common face they may listen to it. Their participation in the galactic community will be a less troubled affair. I cannot achieve the same results by myself."
"In my country I know there will be problems."
"Aster, there are things you do not yet know. And once you do, you'll understand why I am so optimistic."
Aster bit her top lip and curled it into her mouth with worry, looking away out the window.
"Aster, Let me take you somewhere. I have one more thing to show you."
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