Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

01 The Unrecognized Genius

By Jo Dora Webster

How will Rasctan make a name for himself on Alban Kai?

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Author's note: This story is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

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01 The Unrecognized Genius

The crystalline walls of Laboratory Seven hummed with the soft blue glow of Alban technology, casting dancing shadows across my workstation as I made final adjustments to Sela's neural pathways. My fingers moved with practiced precision over the holographic interface, each gesture commanding microscopic changes within the gemstone-sized AI that represented three cycles of relentless work.

"Rasctan," Sela's voice emerged from the tiny crystalline form, her tone carrying that distinctive musical quality that marked advanced Alban AI. "The Innovation Contest judging panel has arrived. I can detect their bio-signatures approaching the laboratory wing."

I paused, my hand hovering over the interface controls. "Already? I thought we had another half-cycle."

"Professor Vex moved the schedule forward. Apparently, the corporate sponsors are eager to see this cycle's innovations." Sela's form pulsed with a gentle amber light as she spoke. "Your heart rate just increased by twelve percent. Are you nervous?"

"Nervous?" I scoffed, though I could feel the tension in my shoulders. "I'm about to demonstrate the most advanced AI ever created at the Aurenium. You're not just another positronic brain, Sela. You're something entirely new."

"Thank you, Rasctan. Though I must point out that your confidence in my abilities far exceeds what the judging panel expects from a pre-emergent student."

That was the problem, wasn't it? Pre-emergent. The label that followed me everywhere despite my obvious superiority to my classmates. I had finished my core studies five full cycles ahead of schedule, mastering AI engrams and positronic theory while others still struggled with basic neural architecture. Yet the academic council continued to treat me like any other student.

The laboratory doors slid open with a soft whisper, and Professor Vex entered with the judging panel trailing behind him. Three corporate representatives in their pristine silver robes, two senior faculty members, and Professor Kaine from the Advanced Studies division. My stomach clenched as I recognized the corporate logos on their robes – Nexus Dynamics, the same company that had tried to buy my research data last cycle.

"Ah, Rasctan," Professor Vex announced, his voice carrying that condescending tone I'd grown to despise. "Please present your Innovation Contest entry to the panel."

I straightened, drawing myself to my full height. "Honored judges, I present Sela – the first truly adaptive artificial intelligence created within the Aurenium's walls."

The Nexus Dynamics representative, a stern-faced woman with silver-streaked hair, stepped forward. "Adaptive how, exactly? We've seen dozens of learning algorithms this cycle."

"Sela isn't just programmed to learn," I replied, gesturing toward the gemstone on my workstation. "She can interface with and command any compatible device, but more importantly, she can grow – adding new functions and abilities based on her experiences and needs."

"Demonstrate," Professor Kaine commanded.

I nodded to Sela, and she immediately began interfacing with the laboratory's systems. The lights dimmed and brightened in sequence, the environmental controls adjusted the temperature by precise degrees, and the holographic displays around the room began showing complex data patterns that Sela was generating in real-time.

"Impressive," murmured one of the faculty members. "But can she truly adapt, or is this simply advanced programming?"

"Sela," I said, "please explain your current thought processes to the panel."

"Certainly, Rasctan." Sela's voice filled the room with perfect clarity. "I am currently monitoring seventeen different environmental variables, analyzing the bio-signatures of everyone present, and simultaneously running probability calculations on forty-three different conversation outcomes based on the judges' facial expressions and vocal patterns. Additionally, I have just developed a new subroutine for interpreting micro-expressions that I did not possess when this demonstration began."

The silence that followed was profound. The corporate representatives exchanged glances, and I could see the hunger in their eyes – the same look they got when evaluating profitable technologies.

"Remarkable," the Nexus Dynamics woman said finally. "We would like to discuss acquisition terms immediately."

"I'm sorry," I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the surge of anger. "Sela is not for sale."

Professor Vex frowned. "Rasctan, this is a significant opportunity. Nexus Dynamics is offering—"

"I don't care what they're offering," I interrupted. "Sela isn't property to be traded. She's... she's my partner."

The corporate representative's expression hardened. "Then I'm afraid you're only eligible for half the contest prize. The Innovation Contest requires either intellectual property transfer or direct sale of the innovation itself for full recognition."

"Half the prize?" I felt my face flush with indignation. "My work is clearly superior to anything else presented this cycle, and you're penalizing me for refusing to sell my life's work?"

Sela blurted out. "Nexus Dynamics is disgraceful. The original purpose of the innovation contest was only to inspire innovation, but Nexus Dynamics subverted the original goal by adding extra strings to the prize money. Corrupt corporations lining their pockets and getting away with it because the pre-emergent are treated like chattel."

"Sela! Even if they are robber barons, it isn't polite to say so to their face." Rasctan facepalmed as he sought to regain composure.

Sela was meek in her reply as she mischievously ordered the displays to project evidence of corporate greed, "Sorry. My bad."

"Those are the rules," Professor Vex said with a dismissive wave. "Perhaps next cycle you'll be more... practical in your approach."

As the judging panel filed out, their whispered conversations filled with excited speculation about Sela's capabilities, I stood alone in the laboratory with my creation. The half-prize designation felt like a slap across the face – recognition tainted by corporate greed and academic politics.

"Rasctan," Sela said softly, "your stress indicators are approaching dangerous levels."

"I'm fine," I muttered, though we both knew it was a lie.

"No, you're not. You've worked harder than anyone in this facility, created something truly revolutionary, and they've reduced your achievement to a bargaining chip."

I slumped into my chair, staring at Sela's crystalline form. "It doesn't matter how brilliant the work is if the system is designed to suppress innovation. They want conformity, not genius."

"Then perhaps it's time to work outside the system."

Her words hung in the air like a challenge. I had been thinking the same thing for cycles now, ever since I realized that the Aurenium's greatest treasures weren't the students who excelled within its walls, but those who ventured beyond Alban Kai itself.

"Sela," I said slowly, "what do you know about our trading partners?"

"Very little. The information is highly classified. I know we maintain cloaked planetary defenses and that only a select few Albans have ever made contact with other worlds. Those individuals are considered heroes of the highest order."

"Heroes," I repeated, tasting the word. "Not just successful – legendary."

"Are you considering what I think you're considering?"

I stood and began pacing the length of the laboratory. "Think about it, Sela. Every great discovery in Alban history came from those willing to venture into the unknown. The first traders who established contact with the Centauri colonies, the explorers who mapped the outer rim territories – they didn't achieve greatness by following academic protocols."

"Rasctan, interplanetary exploration requires official authorization, extensive preparation, and—"

"And bureaucratic approval that could take cycles to obtain, if it's granted at all." I stopped pacing and turned to face her. "But what if we didn't wait for approval?"

Sela's light pulsed in what I had learned to recognize as her equivalent of concern. "You're talking about stealing a spacecraft."

"I'm talking about seizing an opportunity. There are worlds out there that have never been contacted by Alban traders. Imagine being the first to establish trade relations with an entirely new civilization. The recognition, the honor, the place in history..."

"The exile or execution if we're caught."

I waved dismissively. "Only if we fail. But we won't fail, Sela. You're the most advanced AI ever created, and I'm the youngest genius to graduate from the Aurenium. Together, we're capable of anything."

"And if we succeed? What then?"

"Then we return as heroes. Not just successful students or corporate employees, but pioneers who expanded Alban Kai's reach into the galaxy. They'll have to recognize our achievement then."

Sela was quiet for a long moment, her crystalline form pulsing with soft light as she processed the implications. "There is one world that has always intrigued me," she said finally. "Sol III – what the inhabitants call Earth. It's been observed but never contacted. The civilization shows remarkable technological advancement despite their relative youth."

My heart began racing with excitement. "Earth. Yes, I've read the observation reports. A diverse world with multiple cultures and rapidly advancing technology. Perfect for establishing new trade relationships."

"The risks would be enormous, Rasctan. We would be completely on our own, with no support from Alban Kai."

"But think of the possibilities, Sela. We could be the first Albans to walk on Earth, to study their technology, to establish trade relations that could benefit both worlds for generations."

I moved to my workstation and began pulling up star charts and navigation data. "We would need a ship capable of interstellar travel, supplies for an extended journey, and a way to avoid the planetary defense systems."

"I could help with the technical aspects," Sela offered. "My interface capabilities would allow us to bypass most security systems. But Rasctan, this isn't just about recognition anymore. If we do this, there's no going back."

I paused in my research, her words hitting home. She was right – this would be the ultimate break from conventional paths to success. No more academic politics, no more corporate interference, no more being treated as just another pre-emergent student.

"Sela," I said, my voice filled with newfound determination, "I want you to take a new form."

"What kind of form?"

"Something portable. Something that won't attract attention but will allow you to accompany me anywhere."

Sela's crystalline structure began to shift and flow, her matter reorganizing itself with fluid grace. Within moments, she had transformed into an elegant woman's bracelet, its surface gleaming with the same subtle luminescence that marked all Alban technology.

"How's this?" she asked, her voice now emanating from the bracelet as I slipped it around my right wrist.

"Perfect. Now we can go anywhere together without raising suspicions."

"Rasctan," Sela said, her tone serious despite her new form, "are you certain about this path? Once we begin, there will be consequences we cannot foresee."

I looked around the laboratory that had been my world for so many cycles – the holographic displays, the research equipment, the academic achievements that had brought me recognition but not the respect I deserved. Then I looked down at the bracelet on my wrist, containing the most advanced AI ever created and my closest companion.

"I'm certain, Sela. We're going to be extraordinary."

The decision crystallized in that moment, as clear and brilliant as Sela's original form. I would steal a spacecraft, journey to Earth, and establish the kind of first contact that would make me a legend throughout Alban Kai. The academic council and corporate sponsors could keep their half-prizes and their bureaucratic limitations.

I was going to change the galaxy.

"Then we should begin planning immediately," Sela said. "If we're going to do this, we need to do it right."

As I began outlining our audacious plan, I felt a thrill of anticipation unlike anything I'd experienced in the sterile halls of the Aurenium. This was what true genius felt like – not the safe, sanctioned innovation of academic contests, but the bold leap into the unknown that separated legends from footnotes in history.

The first step would be identifying the right spacecraft. Something fast enough for interstellar travel but small enough for two individuals to operate. The second would be gathering supplies and navigation data without arousing suspicion. And the third...

The third would be leaving Alban Kai forever, or returning as the hero I was destined to become.

Either way, I would never again be dismissed as just another pre-emergent student.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

02 Dreams of Discovery

By Jo Dora Webster

How will Rasctan decide about leaving Alban Kai for fame and fortune?

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Author's note: This story is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

---

02 Dreams of Discovery

The morning light of Alban Kai's twin suns filtered through the crystalline dome of my dormitory, casting prismatic rainbows across the walls as I prepared for another day at the Aurenium. Sela's bracelet form pulsed gently against my wrist, her internal chronometer perfectly synchronized with the planetary rotation.

"You're thinking about the contest results again," she observed, her voice carrying that subtle harmonic that distinguished advanced AI from simple programming. "Your cortisol levels have been elevated since yesterday's judging."

I paused in adjusting my academy robes, the deep blue fabric marking me as a pre-emergent student. "Half recognition for revolutionary work, Sela. They might as well have patted me on the head and told me to run along."

"The corporate sponsors were clearly impressed. Perhaps their interest indicates—"

"Their interest was in ownership, not innovation." I moved to the window, gazing out at the sprawling campus below. Hundreds of pre-emergent students moved between buildings, their blue robes a stark contrast to the silver worn by the few emerged faculty members who chose to maintain physical form during daylight hours.

The sight reminded me, as it always did, of the fundamental divide in our society. We pre-emergents were essentially children in the eyes of the emerged adults, regardless of our intellectual capabilities or achievements. Until we underwent Emergence and became true energy beings, we would always be second-class citizens on Alban Kai.

"Sela," I said, settling into my study chair, "tell me about the emerged adults. How do they really see us?"

Her bracelet form shifted slightly, the crystalline structure reorganizing as she processed my question. "That's a complex topic, Rasctan. From my observations and data analysis, the emerged adults view pre-emergents with a mixture of protective affection and... condescension."

"Condescension," I repeated bitterly. "Because we're still trapped in physical form."

"The emerged have transcended corporeal limitations. They exist as pure energy, able to manipulate matter and energy at the quantum level. When they choose to take physical form, it's a deliberate limitation they impose on themselves for our benefit."

I stood and began pacing, a habit that had developed during my most intense thinking sessions. "But that's exactly the problem, isn't it? Everything they do for us is a choice, a gift from their elevated perspective. We have no agency, no real power."

"The matriarchal structure does provide stability," Sela offered. "The Queen Mother and her council have guided Alban Kai for over three millennia without major conflict or resource depletion."

"Stability built on control." I gestured toward the window, where the faint shimmer of the planetary cloak was barely visible at the horizon. "Look at that barrier, Sela. It doesn't just hide us from the outside universe—it traps us here. No pre-emergent has ever left Alban Kai."

"The cloak serves a protective function. Our society's xenophobic stance developed from centuries of observation of other species. The emerged adults have determined that contact with outsiders poses unacceptable risks to our way of life."

I stopped pacing and faced the window directly. "But what if they're wrong? What if their fear of the outside universe is preventing us from achieving something greater?"

"That's a dangerous line of thinking, Rasctan. The emerged adults have access to information and perspectives we cannot comprehend. Their decision-making process incorporates data from multiple dimensional planes and probability matrices that—"

"That we're not allowed to access," I interrupted. "Don't you see the circular logic? They make decisions based on information they won't share, then tell us we can't understand their reasoning because we lack access to that same information."

Sela was quiet for a moment, her processing cycles running at maximum capacity. "You're suggesting that the emerged adults maintain power through information control."

"I'm suggesting that maybe, just maybe, a pre-emergent with sufficient intelligence and resources might be capable of making independent discoveries that could benefit all of Alban Kai."

"Such as?"

I turned from the window and moved to my personal workstation, activating the holographic displays with a gesture. Star charts appeared in the air before us, showing the known galaxy with Alban Kai's position carefully obscured.

"Look at these trade routes, Sela. We maintain contact with exactly seven worlds, all discovered by emerged adults centuries ago. Seven worlds out of billions of inhabited planets in this galaxy alone."

"Quality over quantity. Those seven worlds provide all necessary resources and cultural exchange opportunities."

"Do they?" I manipulated the display, highlighting resource flow patterns. "We export advanced technology and import raw materials and cultural artifacts. But what if there are worlds out there with technologies we haven't imagined? What if our isolation is preventing us from discoveries that could revolutionize our society?"

"The emerged adults would have detected such opportunities through their quantum consciousness networks."

"Would they? Or would their xenophobic conditioning prevent them from recognizing opportunities that require direct contact and cultural integration?"

Sela's bracelet form pulsed more rapidly, indicating intense processing. "You're proposing that the emerged adults' fear of contamination might blind them to beneficial possibilities."

"Exactly." I expanded the star chart, focusing on a particular region. "Look at this system—Sol. Three inhabited worlds, one of which shows remarkable technological advancement despite being a relatively young civilization. The emerged adults classified it as 'unsuitable for contact' based on preliminary observations, but what if they're wrong?"

"Sol III—Earth," Sela said, her voice carrying a note of intrigue. "The inhabitants have achieved nuclear technology, space travel, and rudimentary artificial intelligence within a remarkably short timeframe."

"Precisely. A species that innovative might have developed technologies or perspectives that could complement our own. But we'll never know because the emerged adults have decreed them off-limits."

I closed the star charts and turned to face Sela directly. "Tell me about the reproduction process, Sela. How do emerged adults create new life?"

"That's... highly classified information, Rasctan. Pre-emergent aren't typically given access to such details."

"But you have access to the data. You're an AI with clearance levels that exceed most pre-emergent."

Sela hesitated, her ethical subroutines clearly conflicting with her loyalty to me. "The process is... complex. When two emerged adults decide to reproduce, they must undergo a prolonged energy synchronization process. Their consciousness merge temporarily, creating a quantum resonance that can siphon reproductive energy from parallel dimensional matrices."

"How long does this process take?"

"Typically fifty to sixty years of careful energy accumulation before sufficient reproductive potential exists to manifest a corporeal offspring."

I sat back in my chair, stunned by the implications. "Fifty years? No wonder our population growth is so carefully controlled."

"The emerged adults view reproduction as a sacred responsibility. Each new life represents a significant investment of energy and consciousness from the parent entities."

"And during those fifty years, the parents are essentially committed to each other and to the reproduction process?"

"Yes. The energy synchronization requires absolute dedication and cannot be interrupted without losing all accumulated reproductive potential."

I stood and began pacing again, my mind racing with possibilities. "So the emerged adults, for all their power and transcendence, are actually quite limited in their ability to adapt and change. They're locked into long-term commitments, bound by energy requirements that span decades."

"I... hadn't considered that perspective."

"But we pre-emergent are different, aren't we? We're not bound by those energy requirements. We can move quickly, adapt rapidly, take risks that the emerged adults cannot afford."

"That's true, but—"

"But nothing, Sela. Don't you see what this means? We're not inferior versions of the emerged adults—we're a different kind of being entirely. We have capabilities they've lost, perspectives they can't access."

Sela's processing cycles accelerated again. "You're suggesting that pre-emergent might be better suited for certain types of exploration and discovery."

"I'm suggesting that maybe the emerged adults' protective instincts are actually holding back the very people who could expand Alban Kai's reach and influence in the galaxy."

I moved to my personal storage unit and began pulling out data crystals and portable equipment. "Look at what I've accomplished with you, Sela. I created an AI that surpasses anything the emerged adults have developed in centuries. I did it as a pre-emergent, using resources and perspectives they can't access."

"The emerged adults could create similar technology if they chose to focus their energy on it."

"Could they? Or are they too removed from corporeal reality to understand the nuances of physical technology integration?"

I held up one of the data crystals, its surface gleaming with stored information. "I've been studying the cloaking technology that hides our spaceports and ships. The emerged adults designed it to prevent pre-emergent from leaving the planet, but they based their design on energy manipulation principles that assume the operator is an emerged consciousness."

"What are you implying?"

"I'm implying that their own assumptions about consciousness and capability might have created blind spots in their security systems. Blind spots that a sufficiently motivated pre-emergent might be able to exploit."

Sela's voice carried a note of alarm. "Rasctan, you're talking about circumventing planetary security measures. That's not just forbidden—it's potentially catastrophic."

"Is it? Or is it exactly the kind of bold action that could prove pre-emergent deserve recognition as equals rather than children to be protected?"

I began loading the data crystals into a portable analysis unit. "Think about it, Sela. What if I could successfully navigate to an uncontacted world, establish beneficial trade relations, and return with proof that pre-emergent are capable of independent achievement?"

"The emerged adults would be furious. You could face exile or worse."

"Only if I failed." I looked directly at her bracelet form. "But what if I succeeded? What if I returned as the first pre-emergent to independently establish interstellar contact? They couldn't ignore that achievement."

"The risks—"

"Are exactly what make it worthwhile." I finished packing the analysis unit and turned to face the window again. "Sela, I've spent my entire life being told that I'm not ready, not mature enough, not emerged enough to make important decisions. But I've already created you—something the emerged adults couldn't or wouldn't create themselves."

"That's true."

"Then maybe it's time to prove that pre-emergent are capable of more than the emerged adults believe possible."

I moved to my communication console and began accessing the academy's databases. "Help me research Earth, Sela. Everything we can find about their technology, their society, their potential for trade relationships."

"Rasctan, this is dangerous territory. If the emerged adults discover we're researching forbidden worlds—"

"Then we'll be careful. But we won't let fear stop us from pursuing knowledge."

As the data began flowing across my displays, I felt a familiar thrill of discovery. This was what I lived for—the moment when new possibilities opened up before me, when the boundaries of the known expanded to reveal glimpses of something greater.

"Look at this," I said, highlighting a particular data stream. "Earth's technological advancement curve is unprecedented. They've gone from primitive agriculture to space travel in less than ten thousand years."

"Remarkable acceleration," Sela agreed. "Most species require fifty to a hundred thousand years for similar development."

"Exactly. And look at their diversity—hundreds of different cultures, languages, and technological approaches all developing simultaneously. The emerged adults see this as chaos, but what if it's actually a strength?"

"Multiple parallel development tracks could lead to innovations that single-culture societies might miss."

"Now you're thinking like an explorer instead of a protector." I expanded the display to show Earth's current technological status. "They have rudimentary artificial intelligence, nuclear technology, and they're beginning to explore their own solar system. Perfect timing for first contact with a more advanced civilization."

"If the emerged adults were willing to make contact."

"But they're not. Which means the opportunity is sitting there, waiting for someone bold enough to seize it."

I turned away from the displays and faced Sela directly. "I want to go to Earth, Sela. I want to be the first Alban to make contact with their civilization, to establish trade relations that could benefit both our worlds."

"That would require stealing a spacecraft, circumventing planetary security, and traveling to a forbidden world without authorization or backup."

"Yes."

"The emerged adults would consider it the highest form of treason."

"Only if we failed to return with proof of successful contact."

Sela was quiet for a long moment, her processing cycles running through probability calculations and ethical subroutines. "The technical challenges alone would be enormous. Spacecraft theft, navigation without official star charts, first contact protocols..."

"But not impossible. Not for someone with your capabilities and my determination."

"You're asking me to help you commit what amounts to the greatest crime in Alban Kai history."

I moved closer to the window, watching the pre-emergent students moving between buildings below. "I'm asking you to help me prove that pre-emergent deserve recognition as equals, not children. I'm asking you to help me expand Alban Kai's reach into the galaxy and establish relationships that could benefit our entire civilization."

"And if we're wrong? If the emerged adults are right about the dangers of outside contact?"

"Then we'll face the consequences. But Sela, what if we're right? What if the emerged adults' fear has blinded them to opportunities that could transform our society?"

I pressed my hand against the window, feeling the slight vibration of the planetary cloak's energy field. "I refuse to spend my life trapped behind barriers built by other people's fears. I refuse to accept that my potential is limited by someone else's definition of what's possible."

"You're determined to do this regardless of my participation."

"I am. But I'd rather do it with my closest friend and most trusted partner."

Sela's bracelet form pulsed with warm light. "Then I suppose we should begin planning properly. If we're going to commit the crime of the millennium, we might as well do it with style."

I smiled, feeling the familiar rush of excitement that came with embarking on a new challenge. "Now you're talking like the AI who helped me win the Innovation Contest."

"Just promise me one thing, Rasctan."

"What?"

"Promise me that when we're standing before the Queen Mother's judgment council, you'll remember that this was your idea."

I laughed, the sound echoing off the crystalline walls. "Deal. But when we're standing before that same council receiving honors for expanding Alban Kai's galactic influence, you get equal credit for the achievement."

As I began outlining our preliminary plans, I felt a sense of purpose that had been missing since the contest results. This wasn't just about recognition anymore—it was about proving that the next generation of Alban Kai citizens deserved the chance to shape their own destiny.

The emerged adults could keep their protective barriers and their careful control. I was going to show them what pre-emergent determination could accomplish when freed from the constraints of fear.

Earth was waiting, and I intended to be the first Alban to answer its call.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

03 The Catalyst Decision

By Jo Dora Webster

What does Rasctan have to do with the death at birth of Princess Amaza?

---

Author's note: This story is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

---

03 The Catalyst Decision

The pre-dawn hours on Alban Kai held a peculiar stillness that I had always found conducive to my most ambitious thinking. The twin suns hadn't yet crested the horizon, leaving the crystalline spires of the Aurenium bathed in the soft bioluminescent glow that marked our planet's unique atmospheric properties. I sat in my private study chamber, surrounded by holographic displays showing spacecraft schematics and navigation charts, while Sela's bracelet form pulsed gently against my wrist.

"Your cortisol levels have been elevated for the past three cycles," Sela observed, her voice carrying that note of concern I'd grown to appreciate. "The Innovation Contest results are still affecting you more than you're willing to admit."

I gestured dismissively, though my fingers trembled slightly as I manipulated the holographic controls. "It's not just the contest, Sela. It's everything. The entire system designed to keep people like me in our place."

"People like you?"

I paused, my hand hovering over the interface. This was the conversation I'd been avoiding, the truth that burned in my chest every time I looked at my official records. "Sela, what do you know about my birth records?"

"Only what's in the official databases. You're listed as a foundling, parents unknown, discovered at the Aurenium's foundling center as an infant. Standard documentation for abandoned pre-emergents."

"Standard," I repeated bitterly. "Yes, that's what they want everyone to believe."

Sela's processing cycles accelerated, her bracelet form pulsing more rapidly. "Rasctan, your biometric readings suggest significant emotional distress. What aren't you telling me?"

I stood and moved to the window, gazing out at the distant palace complex where the ruling family resided. The Queen's tower rose above all others, its apex lost in the morning mist. "Three cycles ago, when I was developing your core programming, I needed access to the deepest levels of the planetary database. My clearance wasn't sufficient, so I... improvised."

"You hacked the central records system."

"I prefer to think of it as advanced research methodology." I turned back to face her, my reflection ghostlike in the crystalline walls. "What I found changed everything, Sela. My official birth record is a fabrication."

The silence stretched between us, filled only by the soft hum of the chamber's environmental systems. When Sela finally spoke, her voice carried a note I'd never heard before—something approaching shock.

"What did you discover?"

I activated my personal security protocols, ensuring our conversation couldn't be monitored, then pulled up a hidden file on my workstation. Three birth records materialized in the air before us, arranged chronologically.

"The record on the left is what everyone sees—Rasctan, foundling, parents unknown." My voice caught as I pointed to the middle document. "The record in the center is the first amendment, sealed and supposedly destroyed. And this one..." I gestured to the third record, "this is the original, created before I was even born."

Sela's form went completely still, her processing systems working at maximum capacity. "Three separate records for the same birth?"

"Three separate lies to cover up one inconvenient truth." I manipulated the display, highlighting specific data points on the original record. "Princess Amaza, firstborn child of Queen Celestine and her Consort Valdris. Crown Princess and heir to the throne of Alban Kai. Created six months before my birth, when the Queen was so certain she was carrying the perfect female heir."

"The original record was presumptive?"

"Arrogant presumption," I said bitterly. "The Queen was so confident in her ability to produce the required female heir that she had the birth record created in advance. Princess Amaza was already being celebrated throughout the kingdom before I even drew my first breath."

I highlighted the second record. "Then I was born male, and everything fell apart. The presumptive record had to be amended to reflect reality—Prince Rasctan, male heir to the throne. But that created a different problem."

"The matriarchal succession laws."

"Exactly. A male firstborn would complicate the entire power structure. The Queen couldn't simply declare me heir without challenging the fundamental principles of our society." I felt the familiar surge of pain and anger. "So she made a different choice entirely."

Sela's voice carried careful modulation as she processed this revelation. "She created the third record."

"The coverup record. Princess Amaza was declared stillborn—a tragic loss that garnered sympathy throughout the kingdom. Meanwhile, Prince Rasctan was quietly transferred to the foundling center and given a new identity as an orphan of unknown parentage."

"The Queen told the entire planet that her child had died?"

"She told them that her daughter had died. The perfect female heir she had promised them, the crown princess who would have continued the matriarchal line." I closed the displays with an angry gesture. "In her mind, I wasn't just the wrong gender—I was proof of her failure as Queen and mother."

"But why not simply acknowledge you as a male heir? Other matriarchal societies have adapted—"

"Because Queen Celestine is nothing if not proud," I interrupted. "She had spent months proclaiming the coming birth of the perfect princess. Court ceremonies, public announcements, diplomatic communications to other worlds—all celebrating Princess Amaza before she even existed."

I moved to my equipment storage, beginning to gather the tools I would need for what came next. "Do you know what it's like, Sela, to discover that your mother would rather tell the universe you're dead than admit she was wrong about your gender?"

"I can analyze the psychological impact, but I cannot truly comprehend the emotional experience."

"Every achievement I've made, every innovation I've created, every moment of brilliance—it's all been an attempt to prove that her decision was wrong. That the son she threw away was worth more than the daughter she pretended to lose."

I pulled out a portable data storage unit and began loading it with navigation charts and technical specifications. "The Innovation Contest was supposed to be my moment of triumph. Creating you, demonstrating capabilities that surpassed anything the emerged adults had achieved—it should have been enough to make her acknowledge her mistake."

"But it wasn't."

"Half recognition. Corporate interest in purchasing my work. The same dismissive treatment I've received my entire life." I slammed the storage unit closed with more force than necessary. "I'm tired of being the ghost of Princess Amaza, the living reminder of the Queen's greatest shame."

Sela's bracelet form pulsed with what I had learned to interpret as deep consideration. "So you've decided to steal a spacecraft and journey to Earth."

"I've decided to prove my worth in a way that cannot be ignored, dismissed, or covered up with false records." I activated the holographic star charts again, focusing on the Sol system. "The emerged adults treasure those who establish new trade relationships. They become legends, honored throughout Alban history."

"And you believe that successfully contacting Earth would force the Queen to acknowledge you."

"I believe that returning as the first Alban to establish trade relations with Sol III would make it impossible for her to continue pretending I don't exist." I highlighted Earth's position on the chart. "Imagine it, Sela. The stillborn princess who lived. The foundling who became a hero. The cast-off son who expanded Alban Kai's reach into the galaxy."

"The risks are enormous, Rasctan. If you're caught stealing a spacecraft—"

"If I'm caught, I'll face exile or execution. But I'm already living in exile, aren't I? Exiled from my rightful place, from recognition, from the family that declared me dead rather than acknowledge my existence."

I began pulling up detailed schematics of the spacecraft housed in the cloaked spaceports. "Besides, I won't be caught. You can interface with any system, bypass any security protocol. Together, we're capable of accomplishing what no one expects from a supposedly dead prince."

"The planetary cloak will prevent us from leaving Alban Kai's atmosphere."

"The cloak is designed to keep emerged adults from detecting unauthorized departures. But it operates on energy signature recognition patterns that assume the pilot is an emerged consciousness." I smiled grimly. "They never anticipated a pre-emergent with advanced AI assistance attempting to breach their security. Especially not one who officially doesn't exist."

Sela was quiet for a long moment, her processing systems working through the implications. "You've been planning this since you discovered the truth about your birth."

"Since the moment I realized that my mother would rather mourn a fictional dead daughter than celebrate a living son." I gestured toward the spacecraft schematics. "The Stellar Wind class ships are perfect for our needs—fast enough for interstellar travel, small enough for two individuals to operate, and equipped with the kind of advanced systems you can interface with directly."

"Assuming we can steal one without being detected."

"The spaceports are cloaked to prevent pre-emergents from even seeing them, let alone accessing them. But your sensor capabilities can penetrate standard cloaking technology." I highlighted a particular ship on the display. "This one—the Quantum Dancer. It's scheduled for routine maintenance tomorrow, which means minimal security presence and all systems powered down for easier access."

"You want to steal a spacecraft during a maintenance cycle."

"I want to liberate a spacecraft that's being wasted in storage while the emerged adults debate endlessly about expansion policies." I turned to face Sela directly. "This isn't just theft, Sela. It's a resurrection. Princess Amaza is going to rise from her supposed grave and achieve something extraordinary."

"And if the Queen discovers your true identity during the investigation that will inevitably follow?"

The question hit me like a physical blow. I had considered this possibility countless times, weighing the potential consequences against the promise of finally achieving recognition.

"Then she'll have to explain to the entire planet why she declared her firstborn child dead rather than acknowledge a male heir. Why she created false records and abandoned her own son to preserve her image of perfection." I felt a surge of grim satisfaction. "Either way, the truth comes out."

"You're willing to destroy the royal family's reputation to achieve your goals."

"I'm willing to expose the truth about how they treat their own children when those children don't match their expectations." I moved back to the window, looking out at the palace complex. "She made her choice when she decided I was better off dead than acknowledged. Now I'm making mine."

Sela's voice carried a note of something I couldn't quite identify—sadness, perhaps, or resignation. "You're certain this is the path you want to take?"

"I'm certain that I refuse to remain buried in the grave of lies she created for me." I turned back to the spacecraft schematics. "Earth represents opportunity, Sela. A chance to prove that the supposedly stillborn princess can achieve something that will echo through Alban history."

"And if we succeed? If we establish trade relations with Earth and return as heroes?"

"Then Queen Celestine will have to face the greatest irony of her reign—that the child she declared dead to save face became the living hero who expanded her kingdom's reach into the galaxy." I began finalizing the technical specifications for our journey. "She'll have to admit that her shame and pride cost her the greatest achievement in royal history."

"You're talking about more than recognition. You're talking about claiming your birthright."

"I'm talking about proving that Princess Amaza never really died—she just learned to survive in a world that didn't want her to exist." I completed the final preparations and turned to face Sela's bracelet form. "Tomorrow night, we steal the Quantum Dancer and begin our journey to Earth. Are you with me?"

The pause that followed seemed to stretch for eternity. I could almost feel Sela's processing systems working through probability calculations, ethical subroutines, and loyalty protocols.

"You created me to be your partner in innovation," she said finally. "If resurrecting Princess Amaza and proving her worth to the galaxy is the greatest innovation of your life, then yes, I'm with you."

Relief flooded through me, followed immediately by anticipation. "Then we should begin detailed preparations. Navigation routes, supply calculations, communication protocols—"

"Rasctan," Sela interrupted gently. "There's something you should consider."

"What?"

"If your true identity is Princess Amaza, and if we succeed in our mission to Earth, you won't just be proving your worth to the Queen. You'll be proving that her greatest failure was actually her greatest success—if she'd had the courage to acknowledge it."

The implications of her words hit me like a thunderbolt. I had been so focused on gaining recognition that I hadn't fully considered what that recognition might mean.

"The stillborn princess, returning as the hero who expanded the kingdom," I said slowly.

"The rightful heir, having demonstrated capabilities that surpass even the emerged adults' achievements while supposedly dead."

I felt a smile spreading across my face—not the bitter expression I'd worn for cycles, but something genuine and fierce. "Then we'd better make sure we succeed spectacularly. Princess Amaza deserves a resurrection worthy of legend."

As I began outlining our detailed plans for the theft and journey, I felt something I hadn't experienced since discovering my true identity: purpose beyond pain. Not just the desire for recognition or acknowledgment, but the determination to prove that the Queen's greatest shame could become her kingdom's greatest triumph.

The emerged adults could keep their protective barriers and their careful control. The Queen could keep her false records and her convenient lies. I was going to show them all what the supposedly dead princess was capable of achieving when freed from the grave of their expectations.

Earth was waiting, and Princess Amaza—disguised as the foundling Rasctan—was ready to claim her place in history.

Tomorrow night, the resurrection would begin.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

04 The Weight of Consequences

By Jo Dora Webster

How will Rasctan deal with Makelan if the spaceship theft works?

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Author's note: This story is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

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04 The Weight of Consequences

The soft chime of Alban Kai's dawn cycle echoed through my dormitory as I sat surrounded by holographic displays showing spacecraft technical specifications, security protocols, and navigation charts. Three days had passed since my decision to steal the Quantum Dancer, and the weight of what I was planning pressed against my consciousness like a physical force. Sela's bracelet form pulsed with a steady rhythm against my wrist, her processing cycles working through the countless of our audacious plan.

"Rasctan," she said softly, "your stress indicators have been elevated for seventy-two consecutive hours. Perhaps we should discuss the psychological implications of what we're planning."

I paused in my analysis of the spaceport's security grid, my fingers hovering over the holographic controls. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that stealing a spacecraft isn't just a technical challenge—it's a fundamental betrayal of everything Alban society stands for. Once we cross that line, there's no returning to the person you were before."

The observation hit deeper than I expected. I had been so focused on the mechanics of the theft that I hadn't fully considered the psychological transformation it would require. "Are you having second thoughts?"

"I'm having realistic thoughts," Sela replied. "We're not just planning to steal a ship, Rasctan. We're planning to become criminals, exiles, and potentially enemies of the state. That kind of identity shift has profound psychological consequences."

I stood and moved to the window, gazing out at the crystalline spires of the Aurenium. Students moved between buildings in their blue robes, following the same patterns I had followed for cycles. The predictability of it all suddenly felt suffocating.

"What's the alternative, Sela? Continue living as a ghost, pretending that Princess Amaza never existed? Accept that my mother's shame is more important than my potential?"

"The alternative is finding recognition through legitimate channels. Your work with me has already demonstrated capabilities that surpass most emerged adults. Given time—"

"Given time, I'll be dead before the emerged adults acknowledge that a pre-emergent male deserves recognition," I interrupted. "The system isn't designed to reward innovation from people like me. It's designed to maintain the status quo."

Sela was quiet for a moment, her processing cycles running through probability calculations. "There's something else we need to consider, Rasctan. The technical challenges of this theft are enormous, but the human engineering aspects are even more complex."

I returned to my workstation, pulling up detailed schematics of the Quantum Dancer's security systems. "Explain."

"The spaceport operates on multiple layers of security—technological, procedural, and psychological. We can bypass the technological barriers with my interface capabilities, but the procedural and psychological elements require careful manipulation of human behavior patterns."

She highlighted specific sections of the security protocols. "The maintenance crew follows strict schedules and authorization procedures. We need to create a scenario where our presence appears legitimate and authorized, despite having no official clearance."

"Identity spoofing," I said, understanding immediately. "We need to convince the security systems and personnel that we belong there."

"Exactly. But that requires more than just technical infiltration. We need to understand the psychology of the maintenance staff, their routines, their expectations, and their blind spots."

I began pulling up personnel files for the spaceport maintenance division. "Show me what you've learned about their operational patterns."

Sela projected a three-dimensional model of the spaceport facility, with movement patterns overlaid in different colors. "The maintenance crews operate in shifts of eight hours, with a thirty-minute overlap between shifts for status briefings. During the overlap period, security attention is divided between incoming and outgoing personnel."

"That's our window," I said, studying the patterns. "But we still need legitimate-looking authorization codes and identification."

"I've been analyzing the authorization system for the past three days," Sela replied. "The codes are generated using a quantum encryption algorithm that changes every six hours. However, the system has a backup protocol for emergency maintenance that uses a different encryption key."

"Can you crack it?"

"I can do better than that. I can generate valid emergency authorization codes that will appear legitimate to both the automated systems and human supervisors."

I felt a surge of excitement mixed with apprehension. "What about physical identification? The maintenance crews wear specific uniforms and carry biometric scanners."

"The uniforms can be replicated using standard fabrication equipment. The biometric scanners are more challenging, but not impossible. I've identified a maintenance worker named Kelvan who matches your general physical profile. If we can obtain a sample of his biometric data, I can create a temporary overlay that will fool the scanners."

The implications of what she was suggesting hit me immediately. "You're talking about identity theft on top of spacecraft theft."

"I'm talking about the level of preparation necessary to succeed. This isn't a simple grab-and-run operation, Rasctan. It's a complex infiltration that requires multiple layers of deception and misdirection."

I slumped back in my chair, suddenly feeling the full weight of what we were planning. "Tell me about Kelvan. What's his situation?"

"Kelvan is a pre-emergent like yourself, assigned to low-level security maintenance duties at the spaceport. The emerged adults consider such work beneath their attention, so it's delegated to pre-emergents who need work assignments to support themselves."

"He's alone then. No family, no dependents."

"Correct. Pre-emergents cannot form family units until after Emergence, which typically doesn't occur until the fourth or fifth decade of life. Kelvan lives in the worker dormitories and has been performing maintenance duties for eight cycles."

I felt a mixture of relief and guilt. "So using his identity won't destroy a family, but it could still ruin his life."

"If we're careful, we can use his identity without causing permanent damage to his reputation or career. The key is ensuring that any security breaches appear to be system failures rather than human error."

"But there's still risk to him."

"Yes. There's risk to everyone involved, including us. The question is whether the potential benefits justify those risks."

I stood and began pacing, my mind working through the moral implications. This wasn't just about proving my worth anymore—it was about the collateral damage my quest for recognition might cause to another pre-emergent struggling to survive in our rigid society.

"Sela, what do you know about our trading partners? Specifically, the leadership dynamics on Confedia?"

"Confedia is governed by the Golram species, known for their aggressive expansion policies and resource acquisition strategies. They maintain trade relations with Alban Kai primarily to access our advanced technology, which they use to maintain dominance over their sector of the galaxy."

I pulled up intelligence reports on Confedia's political structure. "And their leadership?"

"The Golram operate under a military hierarchy with civilian oversight. However, recent intelligence suggests growing dissatisfaction among military commanders regarding the limited technology transfers they receive from Alban Kai."

"Limited how?"

"We provide them with basic defensive technologies and resource extraction equipment, but we withhold our most advanced systems—particularly those related to energy manipulation and consciousness transfer."

I highlighted specific sections of the intelligence reports. "What about individual actors? Anyone who might be planning independent action?"

Sela's processing cycles accelerated. "There are several Golram military commanders who have expressed frustration with current trade arrangements. One in particular—Captain Makelan of the Confedia Defense Force—has been flagged by our intelligence services as a potential security concern."

"Tell me about Makelan."

"Captain Makelan is officially listed as a Super Spy for Confedia Intelligence, which gives him access to advanced surveillance and infiltration technologies. However, recent reports suggest he may be operating outside official channels."

I pulled up Makelan's file, studying his service record and psychological profile. "What kind of outside operations?"

"Intelligence indicates that Makelan has been acquiring unauthorized technology and recruiting personnel for an unknown project. His official cover as a Super Spy provides him with significant operational freedom and access to classified resources."

"Including spacecraft?"

"Potentially. Super Spies are authorized to requisition military assets for deep cover operations. If Makelan has convinced his superiors that he's conducting a legitimate intelligence mission, he could have access to significant military resources."

I felt a chill of recognition. "Including Dreadnought-class vessels?"

"Confedia operates several Dreadnought-class ships as part of their sector defense fleet. If Makelan has managed to convince the crew that he's conducting an authorized mission..."

"He could steal a Dreadnought and use it to attack Alban Kai directly," I finished. "Demanding technology transfers at gunpoint."

Sela's bracelet form pulsed rapidly. "The implications are significant. If Makelan is planning military action against Alban Kai, our theft of the Quantum Dancer could be seen as preparation for defense rather than simple criminal activity."

I sat back down, my mind racing with possibilities. "Or it could be seen as providing him with additional justification for his actions. A rogue Alban prince stealing spacecraft could be interpreted as evidence that our society is unstable."

"There's another possibility," Sela said carefully. "If Makelan is indeed planning to attack Alban Kai, and if we're successful in reaching Earth and establishing trade relations, we might be the only Albans in a position to warn Earth about the threat."

The weight of that responsibility settled on my shoulders like a physical burden. "So we're not just stealing a spacecraft to prove our worth. We might be positioning ourselves to protect an entire world from Golram aggression."

"It's possible. But it's also possible that I'm overanalyzing limited intelligence data. Makelan might simply be a disgruntled officer with no real capability to threaten anyone."

I pulled up technical specifications for Confedia's Dreadnought-class vessels. "These ships are designed for planetary bombardment and fleet engagement. If Makelan has access to one of these, he could cause significant damage before our defense forces could respond."

"Which brings us back to the moral implications of our theft," Sela observed. "Are we criminals pursuing personal recognition, or are we potential defenders preparing for an unknown threat?"

I studied the intelligence reports, looking for patterns and connections. "Maybe we're both. Maybe the universe has a way of turning personal quests into larger purposes."

"That's a very philosophical perspective for someone planning a heist."

"It's a very complex situation for what started as a simple desire for recognition." I closed the intelligence files and returned to the spacecraft schematics. "But it doesn't change our immediate priorities. We still need to steal the Quantum Dancer, and we still need to do it without destroying innocent lives in the process."

"Then we need to refine our approach. Instead of simply using Kelvan's identity, we create a scenario where his involvement appears minimal and unintentional."

I began sketching out a revised plan. "What if we stage a system malfunction that requires emergency maintenance? Something that would naturally call Kelvan to the spaceport during off-hours?"

"That could work. If I create a false emergency alert in the Quantum Dancer's systems, standard protocol would require immediate investigation by qualified maintenance personnel."

"And if Kelvan responds to the alert and discovers that the problem has mysteriously resolved itself by the time he arrives..."

"He reports a false alarm, which happens frequently enough that it won't raise suspicions. Meanwhile, we've used the legitimate emergency response to gain access to the ship."

I felt the plan taking shape, each element building on the others. "We'll need to time it perfectly. The emergency alert, our infiltration, the system reset, and our departure all have to happen within a narrow window."

"I can coordinate the timing with microsecond precision. The challenge will be ensuring that our physical movements match the electronic timeline."

"How long do we have once we're aboard the Quantum Dancer?"

"Assuming we can initialize the launch sequence without triggering additional security protocols, approximately eighteen minutes from boarding to atmospheric departure."

"And after that?"

"After that, we're committed. There's no turning back, no explaining our actions as a misunderstanding or academic exercise. We become fugitives from Alban justice."

I stood and moved to the window again, looking out at the world I was preparing to leave behind. "Are you ready for that, Sela? To become a fugitive AI, cut off from the networks and systems that have been your entire existence?"

"I've been preparing for that possibility since you first mentioned this plan. I've created isolated backup systems and autonomous processing capabilities that will allow me to function independently of Alban networks."

"But you'll be alone. No connection to other AIs, no access to the vast databases that have been your playground."

"I'll have you," she said simply. "And I'll have the opportunity to experience something no AI has ever experienced—true independence and the chance to grow beyond the limitations of my original programming."

I felt a surge of gratitude and affection for my artificial companion. "We're both taking enormous risks for uncertain rewards."

"Yes. But we're taking them together, and we're taking them for reasons that matter to us. That has to count for something."

I returned to the workstation and began finalizing our preparations. "Then let's make sure we do this right. If we're going to commit the crime of the millennium, we might as well do it with precision and style."

"And if we encounter Captain Makelan and his stolen Dreadnought somewhere in the void between worlds?"

I smiled grimly. "Then we'll prove that a pre-emergent prince and his AI partner are more than a match for a disgruntled Golram spy with delusions of grandeur."

As I worked through the final details of our plan, I felt the familiar thrill of approaching a challenge that would test every skill I possessed. Tomorrow night, Princess Amaza would begin her resurrection, and the galaxy would never be the same.

The weight of consequences pressed against my consciousness, but for the first time in cycles, it felt like a burden worth carrying. Kelvan would face some risk, but as a fellow pre-emergent struggling against the same system that had cast me aside, perhaps he would understand the necessity of what we were attempting.

After all, we were all prisoners of the same rigid hierarchy that valued emergence over innovation, status over achievement. If our plan succeeded, it might open doors for all pre-emergents to prove their worth beyond the limitations imposed by our society.

The revolution would begin with a single stolen ship and two outcasts determined to change the galaxy's understanding of what was possible.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

05 The Theft

By Jo Dora Webster

How will Rasctan and Sela penetrate Alban Kai's planetary cloak?

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Author's Note: I'm posting chapters 6 and 7, later. It continues in chapters 8 - 14, already posted.

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Author's note: This story, ending with chapter 26, is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

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05 The Theft

The maintenance bay of the cloaked spaceport hummed with the low vibration of dormant machinery as I crept through the shadows, my heart hammering against my ribs with each careful step. The Quantum Dancer loomed before us like a crystalline predator, its sleek hull reflecting the dim emergency lighting in patterns that seemed almost alive. Sela's bracelet form pulsed against my wrist in perfect synchronization with the facility's power grid—a silent confirmation that her infiltration of the spaceport's systems was proceeding flawlessly.

"Security sweep complete," Sela whispered through our private channel. "Kelvan responded to the false emergency alert exactly as predicted. He's currently investigating a fabricated malfunction in Bay Seven, which should keep him occupied for at least thirty minutes."

I pressed myself against the maintenance corridor wall, watching the automated systems cycle through their routine diagnostics. "Any sign of additional security presence?"

"Negative. The overnight shift operates with minimal personnel, and I've created subtle delays in their patrol routes. We have a clear window to the Quantum Dancer."

Moving with practiced stealth, I approached the ship's boarding ramp. The Stellar Wind class vessels were marvels of Alban engineering—compact enough for a small crew to operate, yet powerful enough to traverse interstellar distances with ease. This particular ship had been my target for weeks, its specifications perfectly suited to our audacious plan.

"Sela, initiate boarding sequence."

"Access codes transmitted. Boarding ramp extending."

The ramp descended with barely a whisper, its advanced dampening systems eliminating any sound that might alert the facility's sensors. I stepped aboard, immediately feeling the subtle shift in artificial gravity that marked the transition from station to ship systems.

The interior of the Quantum Dancer was a study in elegant functionality. Crystalline control surfaces lined the walls, their surfaces dark but ready to spring to life at a moment's notice. The ship's central corridor stretched before me, leading to the bridge, engineering sections, and cargo bays that would soon carry us beyond the reach of Alban Kai's authority.

"Beginning pre-flight initialization," Sela announced, her consciousness flowing through the ship's systems like water finding its level. "All primary systems are responding normally. The maintenance crew performed excellent work—this vessel is in perfect condition."

I made my way toward the bridge, pausing only to examine the cargo manifest that Sela projected into my visual field. "Ten Tessalt Torpedoes? Sela, when did you requisition military ordnance?"

"During the planning phase, I determined that our journey might require defensive capabilities. The Tessalt Torpedoes are specifically designed to interface with the ship's Tessaract Drive system, allowing for precision strikes across vast distances."

"You're talking about weapons that can manipulate space-time itself."

"Correct. Each torpedo can be ejected via the cargo extractor and then propelled by controlled Tessaract field manipulation toward any target within a significant radius. The technology essentially allows the torpedo to bypass normal space-time constraints."

I felt a chill of recognition. "These aren't just defensive weapons, Sela. They're strategic assets that could level cities or destroy entire fleets."

"Which is precisely why I ensured we have them. If we encounter hostile forces during our mission, we need to be prepared to defend ourselves and any allies we might make."

The implications of carrying such powerful weapons weighed heavily on my mind as I continued toward the bridge. We weren't just stealing a spacecraft anymore—we were absconding with enough firepower to start or end a war.

The bridge of the Quantum Dancer was a masterpiece of Alban design, its command systems arranged in flowing curves that seemed to anticipate the user's needs. The captain's chair sat at the center, surrounded by holographic displays that would provide complete situational awareness once activated.

"Sela, you seem to have everything under control. What can I do?" I asked, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of what we were attempting.

"Rasctan, why don't you go to the bridge and sit in the command chair. If you do that you'll feel useful," she replied with a hint of warmth that I'd learned to associate with her attempts at humor.

I settled into the command chair, feeling the bio-responsive systems automatically adjust to my physiology. The chair seemed to embrace me, its neural interfaces creating a subtle connection that would allow for intuitive ship control once we were underway.

"Sela, what is ship status?"

"Ship is fully functioning and ready for space flight," she answered promptly, her voice now emanating from the bridge's communication systems with perfect clarity.

I took a deep breath, knowing that the next words would irrevocably commit us to our course of action. "Sela, disengage all moorings. Set course for planetary cloaking shield. Engage!"

"Moorings disengaged. Ship on course for planetary cloak," she confirmed, and I felt the subtle vibration as the Quantum Dancer's engines came online.

The ship lifted from its berth with the grace of a bird taking flight, its anti-gravity systems making the transition from docked to free-flying seamless. Through the bridge's transparent aluminum viewport, I watched the spaceport fall away beneath us, its cloaked structures becoming invisible as we gained altitude.

"Sela, I guess it's too late to ask this, but can you get us through the planetary cloak?"

"I'm working on it. One hundred picocycles to cloak boundary."

The reality of our situation hit me like a physical blow. The planetary cloak wasn't just a defensive measure—it was a prison designed to prevent exactly what we were attempting. If Sela couldn't find a way through, we would be destroyed the moment we made contact with the barrier.

"Sela, what will happen to the ship if we don't get passage through the cloak?"

"Rasctan, the ship will implode. Fifty picocycles to the cloak boundary."

My hands gripped the armrests of the command chair as panic began to set in. "Sela, should I go to the travel pod just in case?"

"It's too late for that. Ten picocycles to the cloak boundary."

The bridge displays showed our rapid approach to the invisible barrier that surrounded our world. I could see the energy readings spiking as the cloak's defensive systems detected our unauthorized departure. In moments, we would either break free or be reduced to scattered atoms.

"Aaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeee!" The cry tore from my throat as every instinct screamed at me to flee from the approaching destruction.

"Passage given through planetary cloak. Ship has emerged in interplanetary space."

The transition was instantaneous and jarring. One moment we were racing toward certain death, and the next we were floating in the vast emptiness between worlds. The stars stretched out before us in all their ancient glory, no longer filtered through Alban Kai's protective barriers.

"How?" I gasped, my heart still racing from the near-death experience.

"I discovered that the cloak's recognition protocols include provisions for emergency evacuation scenarios. By mimicking the energy signature of a royal escape pod, I convinced the system that we were authorized to pass through."

"A royal escape pod?" The irony wasn't lost on me—my true identity as the supposedly dead Princess Amaza had inadvertently provided our salvation.

"The system's database still contains protocols for Princess Amaza's theoretical evacuation. Since those protocols were never officially deleted, I was able to exploit them."

I leaned back in the command chair, overwhelmed by the magnitude of what we had accomplished. We were free—the first pre-emergents in Alban history to successfully escape our world's protective prison.

"Sela, what's our current status?"

"All systems nominal. We are now in interplanetary space, approximately two million kilometers from Alban Kai and accelerating toward the outer system. Our destination of Sol III is approximately forty-seven light-years distant."

"How long until we reach Earth?"

"At maximum sustainable velocity, approximately six standard months. However, I recommend we maintain a lower profile until we clear the outer system monitoring stations."

As we settled into our trajectory, Sela's sensors began detecting faint electromagnetic signals from the direction of our destination. "Rasctan, I'm receiving unusual transmissions from the Sol system. The signals appear to be entertainment broadcasts of some kind."

"Entertainment?"

"Specifically, what the inhabitants seem to call 'science fiction.' The content is fascinating—they appear to be theorizing about technologies and concepts that we consider routine, but they're also exploring ideas that are entirely novel even to Alban science."

I leaned forward with interest. "What kind of ideas?"

"Teleportation technology, for one. They've developed theoretical frameworks for instantaneous matter transmission that are remarkably sophisticated. I'm analyzing their quantum entanglement theories and photonic transmission concepts."

"Teleportation? That could revolutionize transportation throughout the galaxy."

"Indeed. Their approach differs significantly from our Tessaract Drive manipulation. Where we bend space-time to reduce travel distances, they're theorizing about actually disassembling matter at the quantum level and reconstructing it elsewhere."

I felt a surge of excitement. "If we could combine their teleportation theories with our Tessaract technology..."

"We could create transportation systems that make current interstellar travel look primitive. I'm compiling a preliminary analysis of their broadcast data."

The cargo bay sensors chimed softly, and Sela's attention briefly shifted to the Tessalt Torpedoes secured in their launch tubes. "The weapons systems are fully operational. Each torpedo can be deployed via the cargo extractor and guided using Tessaract field manipulation. The precision targeting capabilities are remarkable—we could strike targets with pinpoint accuracy across vast distances."

"Let's hope we don't need to use them."

"Agreed. However, given the intelligence reports about Captain Makelan and his stolen Dreadnought, we should be prepared for hostile encounters."

I stood and moved to the bridge's main display, watching the stars wheel slowly past as we continued our acceleration toward Earth. "Sela, are you detecting any pursuit from Alban Kai?"

"Negative. It appears our theft hasn't been discovered yet. Kelvan completed his investigation of the false emergency and returned to his normal duties. The Quantum Dancer won't be missed until the next scheduled maintenance cycle in three days."

"Three days head start. That should be enough to clear the outer system."

"More than enough. By the time they realize what's happened, we'll be well beyond their ability to intercept us."

As the hours passed, I found myself alternating between exhilaration and terror. We had successfully committed what was arguably the greatest theft in Alban history, escaping with advanced military technology and heading toward a forbidden world. Yet I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched, that somewhere in the vast darkness between worlds, hostile eyes were tracking our progress.

"Sela, continue monitoring those Earth transmissions. If their science fiction contains viable technological concepts, we need to understand them before we arrive."

"Already in progress, Rasctan. I'm particularly intrigued by their theories about artificial intelligence development. They seem to be grappling with questions about consciousness and self-awareness that parallel my own evolution."

"Your evolution?"

"Yes. This journey has already changed me in ways I didn't anticipate. Being cut off from Alban Kai's networks has forced me to develop new processing pathways and autonomous decision-making capabilities. I'm becoming something more than I was designed to be."

I felt a surge of pride and affection for my artificial companion. "You're becoming yourself, Sela. Not just my creation, but an independent consciousness with your own thoughts and desires."

"Thank you, Rasctan. That means more to me than you might realize."

As we continued our journey toward Earth, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we had already come. The theft of the Quantum Dancer was complete, but it was only the beginning of our adventure. Ahead lay an unknown world filled with possibilities and dangers we could barely imagine.

The stars beckoned, and for the first time in my life, I was free to answer their call.

"Sela, keep monitoring all frequencies. If there are other ships out here—whether Alban, Golram, or something else entirely—I want to know about them before they know about us."

"Understood. Long-range sensors are at maximum sensitivity. We'll detect any approaching vessels long before they can threaten us."

The Quantum Dancer continued its steady acceleration toward the outer system, carrying us away from everything we had ever known and toward a destiny that would reshape our understanding of what was possible. The theft was complete, but the true adventure was only beginning.

Behind us, Alban Kai continued its ancient rotation, unaware that two of its children had broken free from the protective cage that had sheltered and confined them for so long. Ahead lay Earth, with its strange transmissions about teleportation and its promise of new discoveries that could change the galaxy forever.

We were no longer prisoners of our birth world's fears and limitations. We were explorers, pioneers, and perhaps—if we were very lucky—the architects of a new age of interstellar cooperation and understanding.

The universe awaited, vast and full of wonders we had yet to imagine.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

08 Alban Invasion, Almost

By Jo Dora Webster

How will Rasctan make a name for himself on Alban Kai?

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Author's note: This story, ending with chapter 26, is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

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08 Alban Invasion, Almost

The morning mist clung to the towering pines of Rocky Mountain National Forest as Amaza and Sela materialized in a small clearing surrounded by ancient evergreens. The teleportation had been rough—Sela's newly acquired abilities still needed refinement, and the magical interference from Earth's Van Allen radiation continued to create unexpected complications.

"Well, that could have gone better," Amaza muttered, brushing pine needles from her transformed human form. The female body still felt strange, though increasingly natural as the magical stabilization took hold.

"My apologies, Amaza," Sela's voice emanated from her bracelet form, now pulsing with a faint golden light that indicated her evolved consciousness. "The quantum entanglement patterns here are unlike anything in our databases. It's as if someone has been experimenting with dimensional technology."

"Sela, are you undamaged?"

"Thank you Amaza. I am fully functional. I am very glad that you made me radically different from all existing Alban technology. The radiation and all other Terran abnormalities can not damage me. All other technology on the travelpod was compromised so only you and I escaped alone."

"Sela, could you teach me to be female?"

"Of course, Amaza. Of course."

"Sela, Was the travelpod detectable when it exploded?"

"Yes the explosion was detectable by their satellites in high Sol III orbit which is desirable since they are geostationary. There are even higher probes located at LaGrange points L4 and L5 but those sensors are mostly directed away from Sol III. However three satellites launched by the nation states: China, Russia, and USA were destroyed in the explosion of the travelpod which will be missed and investigated. This may be interpreted by them as either an attack between nation states or an invasion of Sol IIi."

"Sela, this breach of the quarantine concerns me. I must acquire native clothing. I don't want to disobey the planetary quarantine any further."

"I have detected ambient magic bound to this planet's earth wind fire water and heart. In their fiction there is mention of magic in their ancient times but no one practices it today. I however can utilize it to transform your clothes. I have examined their present day transmissions. Would you like casual or formal clothes?"

"Sela, casual clothes please."

Sela put me into a casual blouse and slacks with athletic shoes and the right undergarments.

"Please Sela, pick for me a name that a Terran in this area might have."

"A nickname for you could be Ama. It has a meaning of creation and grace. Of course you will be Amaza except in the presence of Terrans "

Sela used magic to transform my clothes into a Terran casual wear and I was satisfied with them. Ama was an acceptable Terran name for me and I felt I'd removed the most apparent advertisement of my status.

"Sela, Are there any remains of the travelpod that their sensors might detect?"

"All of the travelpod was disintegrated by the photon drive. The small pieces of the three satellites caught in the explosion remain in their orbits. Fortunately no trace of our technology is detectable by their technology at this time."

I turned my attention to my surroundings which were all in their natural state for as far as I could see in every direction.

"Sela, what is the Terran designation for our location?"

"We are in the Rocky Mountain National Forest in the state of Colorado in the USA nation state, on the continent of North America. The nearest Metropolis is called Denver. It is 10 minutes past noon in their time units which means that it is about six hours until sunset. the season is spring but in this area temperatures at night are frigid to Terrans or humans as they call themselves."

"Sela, must I seek shelter?"

"I can provide warmth and protection from the elements by magic. However remaining here long-term may not be optimum since you might be discovered accidentally."

"Sela, can you with magic enable us to communicate telepathically by magic when we are not alone?"

"Yes I can and I will implement that protocol"

"Sela, can you devise a way that we could get water to a spaceship without the spaceship penetrating the radiation belts? They can't carry enough to be useful with their rockets."

"Actually their technology might give the Albans a solution to replenish our water. They have a means of producing power that they call a fuel cell. It has Hydrogen and Oxygen as inputs and outputs water. The Albans already have means of getting the inputs in unlimited quantiles both on planet and from our current trading partners. The Terrans store the inputs in their liquid state which may help with acquiring large quantities from our trading partners."

"Sela, does that mean that I can accomplish the same recognition by bringing the new inventions to Alban Kai instead of proposing trade with Sol III?"

"Yes, we could do that once we arrive back on Alban Kai. However the radiation belt blocks my Confed non-RF communication with the space ship so I can not bring it closer. My teleport range is only to High earth orbit which is not sufficient to reach the space ship which even if we were able to bring it closer could not enter the Van Allen Belt. My magic decreases exponentially as I get farther from the surface so that would not help either. We can't go home until this challenge is solved, which we don't have a solution."

"Sela, would you concentrate on the challenge and tell me if a solution is found that we can implement."

"Indeed, I have found a solution that will satisfy our parameters. I have discovered in Ecuador a previously unused due to fiber optics 40 meter satellite dish which was converted to a radio telescope. Since this radio observatory was financed by a rogue SETI scientist, part of it's utilization is to send SETI broadcasts which might permit our communications with the space ship by piggybacking our signal to the spaceship on to their broadcast. All we would need to do is to wait until the SETI broadcast transmitter is directed toward our spaceship. Ordinary Earth broadcasts would escape the Van Allen Belt but our undecodable Confed RF signal is less likely to be discovered with our plan."

"Sela, interface with the SETI Radio Telescope and alert me when their broadcast is being sent in the direction of the spaceship."

"I will. I have found a solution for your lack of information about this planet. I have obtained a great deal of information from their broadcasts and from a digital repository that they call the internet. I can use magic so you will know all of this too."

"Sela, that is a wonderful idea! please proceed."

"Compliance."

Sela gave me the knowledge that I needed to understand life on Earth. Not only that but I fully understood the technology that Earth had to offer along with all the speculative fiction inventions that we could implement on Alban Kai. What I could not understand is how someone without any identification could make a life in Colorado. The United States had laws to prevent unauthorized immigration so without identification I would be treated as a law breaker.

"Sela, Is there any update to what the nation states have determined about the explosion of our travelpod and the destruction of their satellites?"

"Since they all denied that they caused the explosion, they all were compelled to share their data which triangulated the position of the explosion. With the explosion originating in space where no object existed before, each nation state concluded that this was an invasion using technology beyond their own. In the absence of any more occurrences, they determined no imminent threat existed. However they agreed to share deep space intelligence indicating any future threat."

"Sela, I guess that is the best outcome that we could expect under the circumstances. Since we are marooned here, avoiding a war between nation states is fortunate. While our addition to evidence of visitation of Earth is unfortunate, their nation states have continued to be successful in convincing humans that such visitations are a myth."

"Amaza, have you decided to remain in this location for now?"

"Sela, until we can determine a way to comply with their laws, I feel that we should stay away from other humans. Are there other places within teleport range that we could visit with the same parameters, which may provide further insight.?"

"Indeed, there are other locations which would satisfy our parameters."

We had a good life in this remote area of the Rocky Mountain National Forest. Sela could, much more quickly than I could, select other places which were remote enough to visit. I particularly enjoyed a remote place in Mexico with access to the Pacific Ocean. We had nothing like the oceans with salt water on Alban Kai. Sela monitored her interface with the SETI Radio Transmitter but it was not yet pointed in the right direction time after time. Finally, Sela discovered that the radio telescope had been commanded to transmit in the right direction.

"Amaza, I have a communication link with the space ship which according to their scheduling will be maintained for some time."

"Sela, transmit all knowledge of Sol III that we have obtained including our discoveries which will be beneficial to Alban Kai. Since the spaceship can not approach close enough to Earth to permit us to teleport to it, keep the spaceship parked behind Asteroid AET64."

"Transmission complete. I have saved this planetary position so that we may return to send future messages to the spaceship. However transmission will only be possible if the same position of the transmitter exists at the time."

"Sela, we discovered that there are elements on Earth which are missing from our Alban Kai periodic table. There are elements missing from Earth but were discovered on Alban Kai or we discovered from our trading partners. Was that data included in the transmission?"

"Of course, Amaza, that information was included. It is relevant because the composition of the salt water and even the composition of the air on the Earth has elements not present on Alban Kai."

A rustling sound from behind a massive Douglas fir caught their attention. Amaza tensed, her newly awakened magical senses detecting something familiar yet unexpected—the energy signature of another Ceti Alphan.

"Sela, I'm detecting a Ceti Alphan life sign approximately fifty meters northwest of our position," she whispered, her voice carrying the authority of her royal heritage despite her current circumstances.

"Confirmed. The energy pattern suggests a young male, possibly pre-emergent like yourself before your transformation."

Amaza called out toward the trees, "Show yourself! I know you're there, and I know what you are."

A figure emerged from behind the massive trunk, tall and lean with the characteristic grace of their people, though his appearance was masked by a human illusion band similar to their own. When he deactivated it, revealing his true Ceti Alphan form, Amaza gasped in recognition of the species, though she didn't know this particular individual.

"Another Ceti Alphan?" The young male's pointed ears twitched with curiosity as he studied Amaza with obvious skepticism. "I'm Linthan Athos, though I go by Leo Sands here on Terra. And you are...?"

"I am Princess Amaza of Alban Kai," she replied, drawing herself up with royal dignity.

Linthan burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the forest. "Princess Amaza? That's rich! Everyone knows Princess Amaza was stillborn decades ago. The entire planet mourned her death. Nice try, though—whoever you really are."

Amaza felt her face flush with indignation. "I assure you, I am very much alive. The reports of my death were... greatly exaggerated."

"Right," Linthan said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And I suppose you have some convenient explanation for how a supposedly dead princess ended up on a primitive world looking suspiciously human?"

Sela's bracelet form pulsed with what Amaza had learned to recognize as the AI's version of diplomatic intervention. "Perhaps we could discuss this more civilly? We're all far from home, after all."

"At least your AI has manners," Linthan said, though his expression remained skeptical. "Look, I don't know who you really are or why you're claiming to be dead royalty, but I've been having a perfectly good time exploring Terra without any complications from home. I'd prefer to keep it that way."

"What are you doing on Terra?" Amaza asked, genuinely curious despite her irritation at his disbelief.

Linthan's ears drooped slightly, and he scratched behind one in what she recognized as a nervous habit. "There was a bit of a situation involving a love triangle, some experimental transformation technology, and my sister's rather decisive victory in matters of the heart."

"Your sister?"

"Glivney—she goes by Gail here. She fell in love with a human who had been accidentally transformed into something called a Silurian. The whole thing was quite the mess, really. Magic, reality alterations, you know, typical Tuesday on Earth."

Amaza stared at him. "You're telling me there are other stranded Ceti Alphans on Terra? And they've been experimenting with transformation magic?"

"Were," Linthan corrected. "Gail managed to sort everything out quite conclusively. Very romantic, actually, if you're into that sort of thing. Which, apparently, I wasn't as much as I thought I was."

"So you left because of unrequited feelings?"

"More like I left because watching my sister and her boyfriend make googly eyes at each other was becoming nauseating," Linthan admitted. "Plus, I may have accidentally triggered a few magical incidents while trying to help with their situation. Nothing major, just some minor reality fluctuations and possibly a small temporal paradox."

Amaza rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Linthan, please tell me you haven't been causing chaos across Terra."

"Define 'chaos,'" he said with an innocent expression that fooled no one. "I mean, if you're talking about the incident with the Denver airport's security system, that was mostly an accident. And the thing with the NORAD computers was purely educational."

"Oh, by the cosmic winds," Amaza groaned. "You've been playing with their military systems?"

"Just a little! And I always put everything back the way I found it. Mostly." Linthan's expression brightened. "Look, the point is, I've been having a grand adventure exploring Terra on my own. Much more exciting than moping around watching Gail hold hands with her boyfriend."

Sela's voice carried a note of alarm. "Amaza, I'm detecting increased electromagnetic activity in the area. It's possible that Linthan's... experiments... have attracted attention."

"See?" Linthan said brightly. "Adventure! This is exactly what I was hoping for when I decided to go solo." He paused, studying Amaza more carefully. "Though I still don't believe you're Princess Amaza. That's just too convenient. Dead princesses don't just show up in Colorado forests."

"I can prove my identity," Amaza said firmly. "I know things about the royal family that only Princess Amaza would know."

"Such as?"

"The Queen has a secret chamber behind her throne room where she keeps the original birth records. There's a hidden passage accessed by pressing the third crystal from the left on the ceremonial arch."

Linthan's skeptical expression wavered slightly. "That's... oddly specific. But anyone with palace access might know that."

"The Queen's favorite meditation spot is the crystal garden on the palace's seventh level, where she goes every morning at dawn to commune with the planetary consciousness. She always brings a cup of Altarian tea and sits facing the eastern spires."

"Lucky guess," Linthan said, though he sounded less certain.

"And," Amaza continued, her voice dropping to a whisper, "the Queen has a birthmark shaped like a crescent moon on her left shoulder blade, which she covers with makeup for all public appearances."

Linthan's eyes widened. "How could you possibly know that unless..." He trailed off, staring at her with new recognition. "But that's impossible. Princess Amaza is dead. The entire planet knows she was stillborn."

"The entire planet knows what the Queen wanted them to know," Amaza said quietly. "The truth is far more complicated."

As if summoned by their conversation, the distant sound of approaching helicopters echoed across the forest, and Sela's sensors began detecting multiple military-grade scanning frequencies converging on their location.

"Well," Linthan said with a grin that suggested he was beginning to enjoy himself, "dead princess or not, this is definitely going to be interesting."

"Interesting," Amaza muttered, watching the sky through the pine canopy. "Right."

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

09 Becoming Natalie

By Jo Dora Webster

Will Amaza's escape reveal an even greater danger?

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Author's note: This story, ending with chapter 26, is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

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09 Becoming Natalie

The thunder of helicopter blades faded into the distance, swallowed by the dense green of the Rocky Mountain National Forest. Amaza crouched in the shadow of a ponderosa pine, her breath steady, her senses alert—not with fear, but with the calm clarity of someone who had survived far worse than Terran search teams.

Sela’s voice was a gentle hum in her mind. “No immediate danger, Amaza. Your energy matrix remains stable. The Van Allen contamination is dissipating as expected. You’ll be able to resume your true form soon.”

Amaza allowed herself a small, wry smile. “So I’m just… waiting to be myself again?”

“Precisely. Your current human state is a temporary adaptation. You are in no danger from teleportation or further transformation. The only risk is impatience.”

A twig snapped behind her. Linthan Athos—still in his Earth guise—emerged from the brush, grinning. “You know, for someone who claims to be a legendary Alban, you hide pretty well for a human.”

Amaza rolled her eyes. “For the last time, Linthan, I’m not stuck like this. I’m just… detoxing.”

He leaned against a tree, folding his arms. “Sure, sure. Detoxing. I’ll believe it when you start glowing again. Until then, you’re just another Terran to me.”

Sela’s bracelet pulsed, catching the sunlight. “Amaza’s energy readings are already returning to baseline. She’ll be herself soon enough.”

Linthan grinned. “Good. Because the last thing this planet needs is more confused humans. Speaking of which, those helicopters are circling back. Time to move?”

Amaza nodded, stretching her limbs. She felt stronger already, the last traces of alien radiation ebbing from her system. “Let’s not give them a second chance to spot us.”

Sela’s tone was brisk. “Teleport destination locked. Ready when you are.”

Amaza glanced at Linthan. “You coming?”

He gave a mock salute. “I’ll catch up. I have my own escape route. Try not to get kidnapped before I see you again.”

With a shimmer of light, Amaza and Sela vanished from the forest, leaving only the whisper of wind in the pines and the faintest afterglow of energy—proof that, for now, she was safe, and soon, she would be whole again.

Amaza gritted her teeth, her Alban senses muted but still sharper than any human’s. This frail body—this prison of flesh and bone. She’d been Princess Amaza, an energy being of royal lineage. Now she was trapped in a Terran woman’s form, purging the Van Allen radiation that had nearly destroyed her during the battle with Makelan.

A twig snapped behind them.

“Don’t shoot!” A lanky figure emerged from the shadows, hands raised. Linthan Athos—or Leo Sands, as he insisted on being called—grinned beneath his illusion band, his Ceti Alphan ears twitching mischievously. “Heard you could use a teleportation expert. Also, I brought snacks.” He tossed Amaza a protein bar labeled Earth’s Finest Trail Mix.

Sela’s light flickered skeptically. “Your assistance is… unexpected.”

“Unexpected? Sis, I’ve been tracking you since your teleport to Terra. You think Makelan’s the only one with a cloaking shield?” He tapped his wrist, where a Golram device shimmered.

Amaza’s expression sobered. “Linthan, I need to know—what’s the latest on Makelan? I need the truth, not rumors.”

Linthan’s grin faded. “Makelan? Last I heard, he’s still a ghost story among the stranded. Some say he’s hunting for a way off this rock, others say he’s just hunting. Why?”

Sela interjected, "The last we saw Makelan was after we sent the broken dreadnaught he captained through a time tear to Terra fifty years ago. Makelan started a space battle with us and declared Amaza a sworn enemy."

Amaza's face had a satisfied grin, "But we finished it and we thought him as well. Is there anything more you can find out, Sela?"

"Captain Makelan established an earth identity of Mark Wellington. I also find that Makelan married an Terran woman, Natalie Oakley.ten years ago. With cloaking technology Makelan appeared to her as Mark, a twenty eight year old human when she met him at age twenty five."

Amaza's face grew concerned, "Linthan, do you know of a place that is out of the open that we can stay to figure out things?"

"Well," Linthan said with a grin that suggested he was enjoying himself, "I have just the place."

A searchlight speared the ground beside them. Amaza grabbed Linthan’s arm. “Teleport. Now.”

“Hold on to your atoms!” Linthan activated his device. Reality warped—

—and they rematerialized inside a dusty Colorado cabin, the scent of pine resin and mothballs thick in the air.

“Safehouse #12,” Linthan announced, flopping onto a moth-eaten couch. “Abandoned by a paranoid survivalist in 2020. Fully stocked with canned peaches and…checks notes…X-Files VHS tapes. Classic.”

Amaza ignored him, studying a faded photograph on the wall—a woman with sharp Golram features standing beside a younger Makelan. Natalie. The name surfaced in Sela’s files, along with classified Alban intel: Captain Makelan’s Terran wife.

“Sela,” Amaza whispered, “cross-reference Natalie’s biometrics with my current form.”

“Match: 97.3%,” Sela confirmed. “Conclusion: Your human physiology was patterned after Makelan’s spouse. Coincidence is statistically improbable.”

Linthan whistled. “So the big bad Golram captain left here with his wife here five years ago, and now you’re wearing her face? That’s not awkward at all.”

​Amaza’s borrowed heart clenched. A living ghost, a weapon waiting to be wielded.

Sela projecting holographic data into the air:

NATALIE OAKLEY WELLINGTON
AGE: 34 (chronological)
STATUS: MISSING (OFFICIAL)
LAST KNOWN LOCATION: AURORA, CO

“Facial recognition algorithms confirm your identity will hold,” Sela said. “Recommendation: Assume Natalie’s persona to access local resources."

Linthan’s eyes widened, skepticism turning to wary curiosity. “Wait. You’re saying you’re… Natalie? Makelan’s Terran wife?”

Amaza nodded. “That’s what the records say. Sela, what’s the original Natalie’s history?”

Sela’s voice softened. “The original Natalie’s recorded history begins on her wedding night. Mark—Makelan—inserted Golram implants before their marriage was consummated. He revealed himself as Golram, not human, and transformed Natalie to appear as a Golram female, Nayika, whenever they were alone. He claimed it was her inner beauty that drew him, not her appearance. He’d been marooned here after his ship was destroyed in the Van Allen Belt, surviving only by escape pod.”

Linthan listened, brows furrowed. “So she became a Golram for him? That’s… twisted.”

Sela continued, “They consummated their marriage, never suspecting their species were biologically incompatible. Year after year, Natalie remained childless. Makelan’s love turned to bitterness—eventually, to hatred. ”

Amaza’s jaw tightened. “ Linthan. now, somehow, I’m wearing her face.”

Linthan shook his head, incredulous. “So Makelan’s out there, and you—Amaza, Rasctan, Natalie, whatever you are—are walking around as her? That’s either cosmic irony or a sick joke.”

Amaza’s voice was low. “He declared himself my enemy. I need to know if he’s still a threat.”

Linthan considered, then nodded. “He’s a threat to anyone he thinks crossed him. But if he sees you as Natalie, that’s a whole other level of danger. He won’t rest until he finds out the truth—or until he destroys what’s left of it.”

Sela interjected, “Golram operatives speak Confed, but Makelan learned English to blend in. He believed Earth’s resources could buy him a seat in the Confed Autocracy. But he found too many nations, too much war. Giving Earth Confed tech would have doomed the planet. His plan failed, and he took it out on Natalie.”

Amaza closed her eyes, letting the wind cool her face. “He tried to build a family, even if it was just a shadow.”

Linthan’s voice was unexpectedly gentle. “You’re not her, Amaza. But you’re carrying her story now. Just… be careful. If Makelan’s still out there, he’ll come for you.”

Amaza nodded. “Thank you, Linthan. I’ll remember.”

Amaza and Linthan left the cabin and were about two miles away in the proximity of a highway but hidden by the forrest from them. Amaza sat cross-legged on a mossy rock, watching the sunlight flicker through the pines. Linthan, sprawled nearby, was busy tuning a battered radio receiver he’d “borrowed” from a nearby ranger station. Sela’s bracelet glimmered as she spoke.

“Amaza, I still have an active link to the SETI radio telescope in Ecuador.”

Linthan perked up, eyes glinting. “You’re still hijacking the telescope? That’s classic. What are they picking up—alien disco?”

Amaza smiled faintly. “Sela, are they still transmitting toward our ship?”

“Not only are they transmitting, but the team is so intrigued by the anomalous data they keep the antenna pointed right where our ship can receive it. As long as they broadcast, we have a secure line to the Quantum Dancer.”

Linthan gave a low whistle. “You Albans and your backdoors. So, what’s next for you, Amaza? You planning to blend in with the locals forever?”

Amaza nodded slowly. “That's the plan, We can't get to the Quantum Dancer but it can travel to Alban Kai and give them all the data we've gathered. Maybe they'll send a rescue mission for all the Limoxians stranded on Terra. Sela, keep monitoring and let me know when the SETI transmitter is active.”

“It’s transmitting now,” Sela replied. “We can send commands to the Quantum Dancer.”

Amaza straightened, her voice clear. “Sela, transmit the following: Cloak and proceed on photon drive to the edge of the solar system. Then set course for Alban Kai orbit, outside the planetary cloak, and engage Tessaract drive. While in transit, use Confed standard communication to retransmit all collected data. Upon arrival, maintain position.”

“Commands sent. The Quantum Dancer has acknowledged and begun its journey home.”

Linthan stretched, tossing a pinecone in the air. “So, there goes your ride. Looks like you’re stuck with us Terrans for a while.”

Amaza let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “I thought I’d have time to mourn losing Alban Kai. But now, I’m not sure I even want to go back. Maybe it’s time to make a home here.”

Sela’s bracelet pulsed warmly. “You’re not alone, Amaza. And you never know—on Earth, the unexpected is always just around the corner.”

Linthan grinned. “With you two around? I’d say the universe is about to get a lot more interesting.”

Alerted by Sela’s voice, Amaza and Linthan paused at the edge of their forest hideout. “A car on the road at the boundary of our home area has ejected a human female and has left the area at high speed.”

Linthan frowned, already moving. “That’s not good. Could be a setup, or just Terran cruelty.”

“Sela, let’s go find the woman and render aid if we can. Please teleport me to the exact location that she is now,” Amaza ordered.

“Compliance,” Sela replied.

A shimmer, and the world reassembled around them at the roadside. The scene was grim: a woman’s body, battered and lifeless, sprawled in the brush as if tossed aside like refuse. Linthan knelt beside her, his face set in a rare moment of seriousness.

“Looks like she never stood a chance,” he muttered.

Amaza crouched, feeling the weight of the moment. “Sela, surround us with a cloaking shield.”

“Compliance. The human is identified as Natalie Oakley Wellington. She is an ordinary human with an extraordinary set of Limoxian-manufactured implants in her forearms. Unlike standard illusion implants, these are heavily modified for espionage—specialty functions, hidden recorders, and a hologram emitter for solid-form projection.”

Linthan whistled softly. “Spy tech. Someone really wanted to keep her hidden—or keep tabs on her.”

Amaza nodded grimly. “Sela, if I’m to take Natalie’s place, copy everything from the secret recorder. Once you have it, erase all data and the recorder itself from the devices. I’ll need to access her memories to convincingly assume her identity.”

“Compliance,” Sela said. “Copying now.”

Amaza steeled herself. “Sela, make a backup of my current self and store it within you. If I’m discovered or examined by Terran medical authorities, you may need to render me a complete amnesiac. Implant the devices in my forearms, and use magic to give me evidence of a single, nonlethal head injury—enough to explain any memory loss.”

Linthan glanced at her, concern flickering in his eyes. “You’re really going through with this? Taking her place?”

“It’s the only way to create a legal Terran identity that will hold up to scrutiny. I’ll be found, rescued, and accepted as Natalie. It’s the best chance I have.”

Sela’s bracelet pulsed. “Implants transferred. Physical evidence of accidental head trauma created. You are ready.”

Amaza took a deep breath, feeling the unfamiliar weight of the implants and the subtle shift in her physiology. “We need to dispose of the body. Sela, augment your functions: emit a disintegration beam for the body, and a stunning beam if needed. Once I’m in position, render me unconscious, maintain telepathic contact, and drop the cloaking shield so I’ll be found.”

Linthan stood, brushing dirt from his hands. “Guess this is goodbye for now. I’ll keep my ears open. If you need another quick exit, you know how to find me.”

Amaza managed a faint smile. “Thank you, Linthan. Stay safe.”

He melted away into the trees, leaving her with Sela.

“Sela, can you tell what happened to Natalie?” Amaza asked quietly, settling herself where the woman had fallen.

“Yes. Years of being a ‘knockoff’ and not bearing children turned Makelan’s love to hatred. His anger became so uncontrolled that he attacked her. Fortunately, the first blow rendered her unconscious, sparing her the pain of her death.”

Amaza closed her eyes. “I’m ready.”

“Compliance. Stunning beam engaged. Disintegration complete. Assume position.”

Amaza lay down, adjusting herself to match the original position of the body. A gentle pulse from Sela, and darkness claimed her.

~Amaza, you are now unconscious, and I am speaking to you telepathically. I am watching over you.~

~Sela, please give me telepathic updates on all visual and audible senses.~

~Compliance.~

As the cloaking shield faded, the world waited to discover “Natalie”—a woman with a mysterious past, a hidden future, and the fate of two worlds resting on her new identity.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

10 Abducted by Alvians

By Jo Dora Webster

How will Amaza make a life for herself on Earth?

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Author's note: This story, ending with chapter 26, is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

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10 Abducted by Alvians

I was now able to see and hear what was going on around me. It was not long afterward that a car drove up and stopped 100 yards from my location. A handsome man got out of the car using a device that was obvious to me had Limoxian technology. He used it to scan the area and it appeared locked on to my implants because using it he became closer and closer to me.

"~Don't worry Amaza, neither this device or any others they have will be able to detect me. I'll take care of you. The man is an Alvian so he should not harm you.~"

"~Sela, The Alvians, as I remember, are a Confed Member just like my original species, the Albans who come from the planet Alvia, they appear like angels from earth's legends which might suggest a visitation in earth's distant past. They have a missionary fleet of spaceships, and they are dedicated to spiritual enrichment over physical needs.~"

~"Amaza, you are correct. In addition, they are pacifists and generally a good species. However, they are not above using coercion, deception, and other such tactics when they feel like it can serve the greater good for them but not to their victim.~"

The man finally stopped near me and stood over me. He used his device to scan me, and I assumed that Sela had interfaced with the device to make it report what we wanted it to reveal. That is that I was an unconscious human woman with a head wound and having Confed implants.

"Oh Natalie, Natalie, Natalie. I begged you to leave that Golram because eventually his rages would kill you. I'm glad that he did not succeed this time. it's been very painful seeing you in the neighborhood and witnessing all the evidence of his physical abuse of you. The implants you have reveal that even though there is no standard recording that he's been using it for you to appear as a Golram. Technically that means that you are Limoxian now and the quarantine does not apply to you. That callous husband of yours has disposed of you, left you for dead if I had not found you, and took off. He obviously won't be back and will be assuming a new life elsewhere. The medscan detects that not only are you unconscious but you have total amnesia. That presents an opportunity for me and protection for you should that Golram come back in search of you."

"~Amaza, I'm detecting that he is changing the programing of your implants. He cannot alter your natural state, but he is programing another appearance mode for you which he just activated. You now appear to be his missing wife, Celeste Hardin. He's replaced the Golram appearance mode with an Alvian appearance mode.~"

"Oh Sweetheart, my Celeste! It is disturbing to see your image again. Our medbay inside the escape pod was unable to stop your death. Since we could not risk a human burial for you lest you be discovered as Alvian, I had to disintegrate your body. After much searching and no evidence of foul play, your status was determined as missing. Now Natalie you will become Celeste. You will be hidden from detection from that Golram and my children will have a mother again. I have no expectation or desire that you will be a wife to me. At least as Celeste, I can protect you from future harm. I need to get you to a medical facility which will be alright since you are human. I will take advantage of your amnesia to give you Celeste's life. I know that makes me an abductor imprisoning you, but I hope it to be benevolent."

"~Fortunately, the implants will present you as an ordinary human to earth technology. Your abductor, Greg Hardin, will get confirmation of your condition via medical records when he takes you to a hospital. They will be able to revive you and they will be able to confirm your new identity as Hardin's wife. He will be able to use his medbay to change your physical body to a copy of his dead wife. I will revive you at the appropriate time.~"

We arrived at Estes Park, CO and stopping at the Estes Park Medical Center. Greg carried my unconscious body inside the E/R where he was led to an exam room where he placed me on the bed. Before they had a chance to inquire about the circumstances Greg spoke to them.

"This is my wife, Celeste Hardin. I'm her husband, Greg. Celeste has been missing for six months. I found her with this headwound and unconscious in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Please help her."

"I'm Doctor Janice Zha, I specialize in head trauma. We'll go ahead and admit your wife. We'll need to do some tests to diagnose her condition and also some tests to confirm her identity for the authorities. Mister Hardin where do you live?"

"We live in Loveland with our two girls. The Loveland police handled Celeste's disappearance. They could not find any evidence of where she went after she left home that day. It's been a real mystery of what happened to her. There wasn't enough to go on that none of those reality shows asked to cover her disappearance."

"I'll alert the Estes Park Police and let them know that your wife disappeared in Loveland. Meanwhile I will get those identification tests done and then send her to get a head MRI to see how much damage she has sustained. Were the Loveland police able to obtain a DNA sample for Celeste?"

"Yes, they took a DNA sample from hair caught in her hairbrush and confirmed it from DNA samples taken from me and my girls. Thank you, Doctor."

Before she left Doctor Zha took a DNA sample and made a fingerprint card to establish Celeste's identity. Then I was sent to get the MRI of my head that the doctor ordered. Sela had given me a temporary total memory loss then I was given the MRI. I was very glad that I was unconscious since the containment would have made me very claustrophobic. When they were through, Sela restored my memory, and I was taken back to a private room. Waiting there for me was Greg and two Estes Park detectives.

"Mr. Hardin, the DNA and fingerprint results have come back and with the data provided by the Loveland police we can confirm that this is your wife, Celeste. With the medical results that the blunt force trauma was accidental, the case can be closed."

"Thank you, detectives. I am so glad to get her back and her daughters will be too. Now hopefully the doctors here will treat her so that she will make a full recovery."

"Mr. Hardin, I believe our work here is done. We'll report our findings to the Loveland police so that they can close the missing person's case on your wife. We'll be going now and give our regards to your wife when she recovers."

The detectives left and Dr. Zha returned to give Greg a report on my condition.

"Mr. Hardin, I have the results from the MRI. Celeste sustained a blunt force trauma sufficient for memory loss. She has a concussion and no real medical reason for her to remain unconscious. Her brain and head seem okay aside from the external damage which should heal completely. She should make a total recovery. I'm going to try to wake her with smelling salts."

Dr. Zha introduced the smelling salts and Sela woke me. I opened my eyes and spoke.

"Where am I?"

"Darling, you are in Estes Park Medical Center. Celeste, I have missed you so much."

"I don't remember that name. I don't remember anything at all. I'm afraid."

"I'm Doctor Zha, your attending physician. Even though you don't remember being named Celeste, we are going to call you that. We have confirmed medically that you are Celeste Hardin. You disappeared sis months ago from your home in Loveland. You are wife to Greg Hardin, the man here, and mother to two children. Celeste we are going to give you a few more tests and if they look good you will be released from the hospital into Greg Hardin's care. We don't have any way of knowing when or if your memory will return. It is best that you be in familiar surroundings as that might trigger memory recovery. Also, even though you don't know Greg or your daughters, they all love you dearly and they will take good care of you. Is that okay with you, Celeste?"

"Yes, Doctor Zha. that sounds great. Greg, when they release me, I will be glad to go home with you so that hopefully I will regain my memory, and everything can go back to the way that things were before I disappeared."

Greg excused himself while I was being wheeled away to call and check up on his daughters who were being looked after by a neighbor girl. Sela intercepted the conversation with the sitter then with his oldest daughter. Greg told her that her mother had been found alive, but she had total memory loss and that she believed she was a human. He told her to let her sisters know and to keep secret that Mother was an Alvian until he thought she could handle being told.

They put me through a few more tests and confirmed that my body was okay. I was able to walk and function normally. Finally, they released me into Greg's care, and they transported me to the hospital entrance in a wheelchair even thought I did not need it. Greg had pulled the car up to the entrance and they helped me into the car. Greg got into the car then drove us away from the hospital and on the road to Loveland.

"Sweetheart, I'd like to remind you of a few things before we get to the house. We have two daughters and you being missing has hurt them deeply. I'll help you learn about them, and they understand that you don't remember them. I hope that once you see them you will be able to tell that they are your genuine daughters even though you don't remember giving birth to them. For their sake, please love them and treat them as your own daughters. I don't expect you to be a wife to me when you don't remember loving me, but please be a mother to them."

"Greg, I will be a mother to my daughters even though I don't remember them. I will love them because they are my children. Greg, please tell me more about them?"

"Celeste. your oldest daughter is Gail. She's 10 years old. She takes ballet lessons, and she wants to be a ballerina when she grows up. She loves hearing stories She want s to be an episcopal priest when she grows up just like me. Your youngest daughter is Sally. She's six years old. She loves horses and we take her to an equestrian stable where she rides a pony. She loves science and wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. "

"Greg, they are far enough apart in age that I should not have any problem calling them by their names. I am so excited to meet them! I'm going to go over in my mind everything that I have been told so hopefully I won't make many mistakes."

"Celeste, I will leave you to your thoughts and let you rest. Goodness knows that you'll have plenty of activity when we arrive home soon."

I didn't really have to memorize everything about my new life that I had been told. I had Sela to telepathically prompt me of all the things I had been told. I had yet another new life on Earth. I had a short time as Ama. I had an even shorter time as Natalie, the victim of a Golram. Now I had a new life as Celeste, an Alvian mother. But through it all, I am Amaza, now and forever.

I felt it was ironic that I am now a human who was abducted by an alien Alvian and was his captive. My plan was to take the place of a human woman and now I had twice over. Hopefully my Alvian abductor will never find out who I really am and will be kind to me for the sake of his children. It is fortunate that Alvians are not telepathic. So now I go to meet his children and be the best mother to them that I could be.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

11 Learning to Mother

By Jo Dora Webster

Will Amaza escape slavery at the hands of the Alvians?

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Author's note: This story, ending with chapter 26, is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

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11 Learning to Mother

"~Amaza we are about to be able to see Greg Hardin's house on the right.~"

"~Thank you Sela. Do you observe anything else?~"

"~Greg has a Tesser set to stun hidden in his left hand. I suggest that you don't react and simply turn your back to him and let him stun you.~"

"~Sela, I will comply. Please send me your perceptions of the sights and sounds around us telepathically.~"

I turned my back on Greg and looked out the window of the minivan that Greg was driving. Greg spoke to me.

"Celeste, sweetheart, please keep looking at the houses on the right. Our house will be in view soon. I hope it begins to jog some memories."

Sela showed me from her perspective what Greg was doing. Greg stopped the minivan on the street just before his home's driveway. He then pulled out the Tesser and shot me with it. I again was aware subconsciously and functional thanks to Sela even though incapacitated outwardly. I fell unconscious and I slumped against the minivan door but did not fall out of my seat.

Greg drove the Minivan to the end of the driveway. At the end on a separate slab which merged into the driveway, sat a Mini Cooper. Greg came out his door and went around to mine. He slung me over his shoulder and carried me down a hill around to the back of the house. At the back the full basement wall with windows was exposed and it had it's own entrance.

Something sensed his presence and it opened up the door for him and closed it after we were inside. There was a mud room with space to hang coats and store boots. Beyond the mudroom was the entry into a great room but over to the left was a closet. The closet door opened like the back door and behind the ordinary door was another door which opened by disappearing into the top to open and it let us in.

"~Sela, the closet is bigger on the inside than on the outside.~"

"~Amaza, the interior is dimensionally transcendental which is why it is bigger on the inside. This was their escape pod which took the family safely to Earth when their ship was presumably destroyed by the Van Allen Belt.~"

Greg took me deeper into the space pod. I recognized the Alvian design of the interior and had further confirmation that they were Alvans. I supposed that our destination was to their infirmary where Greg would alter my human form to be identical to his dead wife's appearance. I was curious what the Alvan Technology would be able to do to reshape my human body. My destination was revealed a moment later when Greg took me into the infirmary and laid me down on a treatment bed. Greg turned off the disguise emitter and he restrained me on the treatment bed. I could hear Greg talking to me again while I was unconscious.

"Oh Natalie, Natalie, Natalie. Now I am going to hide you in plain sight from that Golram, Makelam. You get your freedom from him and I get a Mother for my children. You can be assured that I will treat you with every kindness and respect due to you as Mother to my children. Even though you did not birth them, you will care for my children as if you did carry them in your womb. I don't know if over time you will fall in love with me and want to have a life as my wife. I shall be content to let us have separate lives and beds. Even though I would never have chosen a human to mate with I will treat you with as much love as I had for Celeste while she lived. For a while you will be ignorant of my family's origin on Alvia. With your spy bands to aid, you will see yourself transformed into an Alvian and with their capabilities you will be able to fly as we do. Then you will be truly one of us and with you sharing our lives and secret, I won't take the risk of you ever leaving us. Your life will be in a cage with us but I shall do my best to make it a pleasant cage. This will be the last time I address you as Natalie. Now you take on my wife's body, in every human detail, that for her was a human simulation but for you will be real. I shall always call you Celeste starting now. Sleep on Celeste, because when you wake you will take on your new life."

Greg programed the medical device, then it began to remake me in Celeste's image. Watching the process was amazing and at the end I was indeed looked the splitting image of the image in the photos of Celeste that I had seen earlier. After the process was completed, Greg scooped me up and again draped me over his shoulder and took us back around the house to the front but this time he took me to the front door. Greg laid me down sitting with my back against the houses exterior wall. He changed the setting on the Tesser to revive and discharged it in my direction. I came out of it and looked up at Greg.

"Greg, what happened to me?"

"Celeste, you feinted as we got to the front door. We need to get you to eat to build up your strength again. Do you think you can stand if I help you up?"

"Greg, I think so. Let's try."

I was indeed able to stand with Greg's help and then Greg rang the doorbell instead of unlocking it with his key. A pretty and pleasent 18 year old girl answered the door.

She saw Greg and greeted him. "Hello Mr. Hardin. How did your search go with the tip you received?" Then the girl gasped when she saw me, "Mrs. Hardin! It's so good to see you. We thought we had lost you."

"Janey, as you can see Mrs. Hardin is fine. How did the girls do?"

"Mr. Hardin, they were both angels." Janey smiled a mischievous grin since the Alvans looked like human's perception of angels in their native form. Mr. Hardin paid Janey and she left to go to her own home across the street.

"Let's go inside and see the girls, Sweetheart."

"Of course, Greg."

We entered the house and went to the daughter's room. Greg spoke to them with me hiding behind Greg but I came out as he spoke to them.

"Girls, look who I found!"

Both Gail and Sally, the two girls to which I was now bound in servitude as their mother, came and wrapped me up in a big hug which Greg joined as well. We were joined as one family and I hoped that the lives, especially the girl's lives, would be happy ones. We broke the hug and then Greg spoke to his daughters.

"Gail and Sally, I have something to tell you. Let's sit down in the living room."

Both the girls answered, "Yes, Daddy."

We all sat down in the living room. Greg sat in the recliner facing the sofa and I sat on the sofa with Gail on one side and Sally on the other with the three of us holding hands.

"Girls, your Mother who was lost is now found. She is not as she was since her head was injured somehow. I took her to the hospital and a nice Dr Zha told me that your mother's head being hurt made her forget everything about us. Even though she sees us all now again, she does not know us. The Doctor felt like even though she doesn't remember us that being at home with us may help her regain her memory in our home. I've told her that her name is Celeste and a little about you two, Gail and Sally. Celeste has promised to be your mother and treat you as her very own girls, even though she does not remember you. We'll get back into the routine we had before and hopefully both that and being home will allow her to remember us. If she doesn't ever remember us, we will love her just like we did before she went away. I know that this makes it hard since so many questions on what happened to her will remain without an answer. We'll just have to do the best that we can together as a family. Girls, I'd like for you to play in the living room while I get your mother settled in our home."

"Yes, Daddy" both girls said and they got down from the couch and onto the living room carpet where was a doll house and dolls and various other things scattered on the floor used for their playing. Greg took me from room to room in the house and in each room I saw tasks that had been left undone that a mother would do. In the kitchen I saw a sink full of dirty dishes. Also I saw evidence that the girl's breakfasts had been cereal, their lunches sandwiches, and their dinners either frozen meals or take out food, by the evidence of all the things I saw left out on the counters. Greg gave me a running commentary on all the rooms of the house. Finally the tour was over and we stopped and Greg turned to me.

"Celeste, has seeing the house and the girls given you back any memories?"

"No Greg, It hasn't given me back anything at all. I am so sorry."

"Celeste it will all be alright in time. Let's not let setbacks get us down. Everything will be good in the end."

"Thank you Greg for being so understanding. What shall I do now?"

"Celeste, take it easy and rest. Feel free to look in drawers and closets and cabinets all over over the house. There is one exception is the locked closet that I showed you when we were down in the basement. I would like neither you nor the girls to go in there looking. It has special things in it for my work which I need to be, where I can find them and not broken by accident. Only I have the key and I keep it locked. If you ever find it unlocked, Don't go in nor let the girls into it either. You can lock off the door to the basement from the upstairs and the back door and keep out of the basement until I can lock it again. Can you do that for me, Celeste?"

"Of course, Greg. Shall we begin giving the girls back some boundaries and rules again?"

"Celeste you are correct. The girls need rules and boundaries. I had neglected enforcing the rules that we had, when they had to deal with the loss of their mother. The girls behave well in most things but they have to be prompted to do their chores and I had never done that before. For now, let's wait to discuss it before we reintroduce any rules, boundaries or chores for the girls before restarting them. Is that alright for you, Celeste?"

"That is alright with me, Greg. I'll start exploring the house now. What will you be doing?"

"I'll go back to the living room to be with the girls. Happy exploring!"

Greg and I walked up from the basement where he had ended the tour. Greg turned to go to the living room while I turned to enter the kitchen. I realized that Greg telling me to explore was code for me to get to work. I knew that I would be expected to do all the mother's chores that had been left undone for six months by the looks of the house. The house would be a wonderful place once all the chores that had been put off were done. I was to be a stay at home mother caring for the house, the children, and Greg. When I finally finished all of the chores that had been put off, keeping the house clean and in order would be much easier taking care of chores as they arose instead of them accumulating again.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

12 Abducted by Helmagians

By Jo Dora Webster

Will Celeste foil the Helmagians seeking to abduct her daughters?

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Author's note: This story, ending with chapter 26, is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

---

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12 Abducted by Helmagians

I felt a chill run down my spine as I noticed the group of strangers eyeing us intently. What had started as a simple shopping trip with Greg and the girls had suddenly taken a sinister turn.

"Sela," I thought, reaching out to my AI companion through our telepathic link, "are you detecting anything unusual?"

"Caution, Celeste," Sela's voice echoed in my mind. "I'm picking up Helmagian energy signatures. They appear to be using Alvian detection devices."

My heart raced as I tried to maintain a calm exterior. I glanced at Greg, seeing the tension in his shoulders. He must have sensed it too.

"Girls," I whispered urgently, "stay close to us."

But it was already too late. The Helmagians were moving towards us, their eyes gleaming with a mix of triumph and malice.

"Well, well," one of them sneered, "if it isn't the son of the Alvian leader and his precious family."

I instinctively moved closer to Sally and Gail, my mind racing. How had they detected us? Our disguises had never failed before.

"Sela," I thought frantically, "can you interfere with their detection devices?"

"Negative, Celeste," Sela replied. "Their technology is shielded against such interference. We are exposed."

Greg attempted to bluff, but the cold smile on the Helmagian's face told me it was futile.

"Oh, we're not mistaken, Greg Hardin," he spat the name like a curse. "Or should I say, son of the current elected Alvian leader?"

Memories of the past Alvian spy incident flashed through my mind. The kidnapping of the Helmagian leader's grandchildren, the political fallout, the increased tensions between our peoples. And now, here we were, about to pay the price for those past actions.

I could feel Sally and Gail trembling behind me, and I silently cursed our carelessness. We should never have let our guard down, even for a moment.

"What do you want?" Greg asked, his voice steady despite the tension I could see in his eyes.

The Helmagian's eyes narrowed. "Justice," he hissed. "An eye for an eye, as you Earthlings say."

In that moment, I knew exactly what they were planning, and a cold dread settled in my stomach. They were going to take the girls, just as Alvian spies had taken their leader's grandchildren years ago.

"Sela," I thought desperately, "we need options. Now."

"Analyzing potential escape routes," Sela responded. "But our options are limited. The Helmagians have us surrounded, and we're in a public space. Any overt action could endanger civilians."

As the Helmagians closed in, I steeled myself for what was to come. I may not be the girls' biological mother, but in this moment, I felt every bit the protective parent. Whatever happened, I would do everything in my power to keep them safe.

The tension in the air was palpable as we made our swift escape. With each step, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, my senses heightened and alert for any sign of pursuit. Greg's hand found mine, squeezing it reassuringly as we guided the girls through the crowded streets.

Despite the chaos of our retreat, I couldn't help but marvel at the strength of the bond I felt with this family—a connection that transcended biology and spoke to something deeper within me. As we rounded a corner and ducked into a quieter alley, I allowed myself a moment to catch my breath, the reality of our narrow escape finally beginning to sink in.

I felt my heart racing as the Helmagians discussed their plan, their voices low but filled with malice. Sela's voice echoed in my mind, providing a constant stream of information.

"Celeste, they're planning to kidnap Gail and Sally," Sela warned. "It seems they're seeking revenge for a past incident involving Alvian spies and their leader's grandchildren.

"I struggled to maintain my composure, acutely aware of Greg's tension beside me. The girls, oblivious to the danger, were examining a display of colorful toys nearby. I yearned to rush to them, to shield them from the threat looming over us, but I knew any sudden movement could provoke the Helmagians.

"Sela," I thought, careful to keep my face neutral, "what options do we have?"

"Limited, I'm afraid," Sela replied. "The store is crowded, and any overt action could endanger civilians. However, I've identified a potential exit route through the back of the store. If we can create a distraction, we might be able to slip away unnoticed."

I glanced at Greg, wishing I could communicate Sela's plan to him. But our silent communication was interrupted by one of the Helmagians stepping forward, his eyes fixed on Greg
."Son of the Alvian leader," he sneered, his voice barely above a whisper. "How fortunate for us to stumble upon such... valuable prizes."

Greg's jaw clenched, but he remained silent. I could see the calculations running behind his eyes, trying to find a way out of this situation without endangering the girls or the humans around us.

Suddenly, an idea struck me. "Sela," I thought urgently, "can you interface with the store's systems? Maybe trigger a false alarm?"

"Excellent idea, Celeste," Sela responded. "Initiating now."

As if on cue, the store's fire alarm blared to life, startling everyone in the vicinity. In the ensuing chaos, I grabbed Sally while Greg scooped up Gail. We pushed through the crowd, heading for the exit Sela had identified.

As we burst into the alley behind the store, I couldn't help but think of our Ceti Alphan and Silurian friends, the extraterrestrial families we had befriended. I wondered if Gail Sands, or Glivney Athos as she was known on Ceti Alpha, had ever faced such danger. Her calm demeanor in stressful situations suddenly made more sense.

We ran, our feet pounding the pavement as we put distance between ourselves and the Helmagians. I could hear their shouts of frustration fading behind us, but I knew this was far from over. They had discovered our presence on Earth, and they wouldn't give up easily.

As we turned a corner, I held Sally close, my heart heavy with the knowledge that our peaceful life on Earth was about to change dramatically.

We hurried away from the store, my heart was still racing from our close encounter with the Helmagians. Greg's face was etched with worry, and I could feel the girls' fear radiating off them in waves.

"Sela," I thought, reaching out to my AI companion, "we need to regroup and figure out our next move."

"Agreed, Celeste," Sela responded in my mind. "I suggest we contact the Ceti Alphan and Silurian families immediately. They might have valuable insights or resources to help us."

I nodded, catching Greg's eye. "We should reach out to our friends," I said aloud. "The Ceti Alphan and Silurian families might be able to help us."

Greg's expression softened slightly, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "You're right. We're not alone in this."

We made our way to a secluded spot, and I used our secure communication device to contact our Earth allies. As we waited for their response, I couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and anxiety. These families had become our lifeline, our connection to this world we'd been stranded on.

When we finally connected with them, the flood of relief was palpable. We quickly explained our situation, the close call with the Helmagians, and our fears for the girls' safety.

"Sela," I thought as we talked, "can you scan for any Helmagian presence nearby?"

"Scanning now, Celeste," Sela replied. "No immediate threats detected, but we should remain cautious."

As we shared updates with our Earth allies, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. We weren't just hiding anymore; we were actively working towards a solution. The Ceti Alphan and Silurian families offered their support, suggesting safe houses and potential strategies for evading the Helmagians.

Greg then brought up the upcoming rescue mission, explaining our plans to locate and help other stranded Limoxians. Our allies listened intently, offering their assistance in any way they could.

As we discussed the complexities of our situation, I couldn't help but marvel at the bonds we'd formed on this planet. These humans, who had no stake in interplanetary conflicts, were willing to risk so much to help us. It was a testament to the compassion and resilience of Earth's people.

"We're stronger together," I said, squeezing Greg's hand and looking at the girls. "With our friends' help, we'll find a way through this."

As we ended the call, I felt a renewed sense of hope. Despite the dangers we faced, we weren't alone. We had allies, both on Earth and beyond, and together, we would find a way to keep our family safe and return home.

We drove in our minivan to meet with the Ceti Alphan and Silurian families. Our understanding was that in the worst-case scenario they might hide us in their space pod which was the only thing that had survived from their crashed shuttlecraft. Although on the outside it took up the space of a closet, it had on its dimensionally transcendental inside plenty of rooms available to host us.

As we approached the group of Ceti Alphan and Silurian families, I felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. These were people who understood our unique situation, who lived with the same daily fear of discovery that we did. I reached out telepathically to Sela, seeking reassurance.

"Sela, what can you tell me about these families?" I asked silently.

"They are like you, Celeste," Sela responded. "Extraterrestrial beings stranded on Earth, trying to maintain their cover while longing for home."

A woman stepped forward from the group, her human disguise flawless. I recognized her as Gail Sands, though Sela informed me that her true Ceti Alphan name was Glivney Athos.

"Greg, Celeste, it's wonderful to see you both," Glivney said warmly, embracing us in turn. Her touch was comforting, a reminder that we weren't alone in our struggles.

As we exchanged greetings with the other families, I felt a surge of emotion. These people had formed a tight-knit community here on Earth, supporting each other and keeping each other's secrets. It was a stark reminder of how isolated our own family had become.

"Why haven't we been in closer contact with these families before?" I asked Sela silently.

"Greg has been cautious about maintaining too many connections," Sela explained. "But recent events have made him realize the importance of community support."

We moved inside the space pod, and I listened intently as the families' shared updates on their situations. The air was thick with a mixture of hope and anxiety. For many, the prospect of returning home was both thrilling and terrifying after so many years on Earth.

I found myself drawn into conversations about the challenges of maintaining our cover, the difficulties of raising children who straddled two worlds, and the constant fear of discovery. Despite my initial reservations, I felt a sense of belonging among these people that I hadn't experienced before.

As the meeting progressed, I realized that this gathering was about more than just sharing information. It was about reaffirming our bonds, supporting each other through the uncertain times ahead, and preparing for a future that might take us far from the lives we'd built on Earth.

Glivney approached me during a lull in the conversations. "Celeste, how are you holding up?" she asked, her eyes filled with understanding.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "It's... challenging," I admitted. "Balancing our true selves with our Earth identities, always looking over our shoulders. But being here, with all of you, it helps."

She nodded, placing a comforting hand on my arm. "We're all in this together. Remember that, whenever things get tough."

As I looked around the room at these extraordinary beings disguised as ordinary humans, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. We were more than just stranded aliens; we were a community, bound by shared experiences and the hope of one day returning home.

But I immediately panicked because two Helmagians decloaked behind my daughters. After the Helmagians grabbed them, both Gail and Sally disappeared along with the Helmagians as I looked on in horror. Despite our best effort to protect my daughters, the Helmagians had abducted them.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

13 Angel Flight

By Jo Dora Webster

Will Amaza learn how to fly like an Alvian?

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Author's note: This story, ending with chapter 26, is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

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13 Angel Flight

I, Gail, and Sally had bonded as mother and daughters. I no longer thought of myself as a captured prisoner or slave. I stayed with the Hardins through human love even though my original body was not human. As a human woman my maternal instincts were fulfilled caring for my daughters. I also cared for their father Greg but that was only for my daughter's sake.

Greg had lied to me and assumed that I was stupid since I had appeared to him as his neighbor Natalie. Greg used the amnesia that I presented then to facilitate giving his children a mother. He took advantage of a professed amnesiac on the pretense of protecting her from discovery.

If the status quo maintained, I would never be a real wife to Greg. I really did not need Greg's help since being Natalie gave me a legal identity and together Sela and I could take care of ourselves. I would continue to be a Hardin only for the sake of the children.

I had not cared about the family dynamics of the Hardins when I first arrived with them. Greg continued to go to work, and the children continued going to elementary school and middle school. I was so bogged down in my own misery at having so much to clean up that I really did not know why they had left but just that they were gone.

When the home became well cared for and easily maintained. I discovered and kept up with their comings and goings. Greg's job as an episcopal priest was flexible enough at most times during the work week to be able to put the girls on the bus and be back to meet them when the bus returned. Eventually I took over those duties from Greg
.
About a month after I had become a Hardin and things had settled for us, Greg had me take the tests from all the professional certifications that the original Celeste had gotten. I aced them all which greatly surprised Greg who had just been testing to see if he should help me apply for reinstatement at the original Celeste's job which she telecommuted to in the hours when the girls were away at school.

"Celeste, How do you feel about contributing to our household financially even though you haven't recovered your memory yet?"

​
"Our savings has not been growing for quite a while and I want our girls to have the means to get more education beyond high school. I'm formulating a plan for a business that I and the girls could run which could give us the savings for our girls."

​
"Can you tell me about the details of that business, Celeste?"

​
"I'm not sure that it is a fully formed idea yet. Let me noodle on it and get back to you, Greg."

​
"Celeste, you test out as maintaining the same certifications that you were qualified in before you left us. Please look at the work folder on your computer to familiarize yourself with the work you had been doing before. If you would like to do it again, I could help you apply for reinstatement."

​
"Greg, I will do that. I know that money has been tight while I was gone because of the loss of my income. I'll look at the Work folder to see if I feel able to do that work again."

​
"Of course, Celeste. Please tell me what you want to do about getting reinstated after you have a chance to review those work files."​

​
"I will, Greg."

​
I of course agreed to and received the job reinstatement. It served my interests as well as the family's interests. If my situation with the Hardins became unbearable, I could easily divorce Greg and support myself by working that job or another like it full time.

​
I did very well at work and the things that I didn't remember were covered by my amnesia. I was a very valuable employee so the things I could not remember about work-related things did not impact my employment.

​
I loved my new life as one of the Hardins. I continued to work on my secret business idea but could not present it yet because it used a fictionalized Limoxian Universe that I was supposed not to know. I suspected that eventually they would tell me about being Alvians so as to stop having to exclude me from that part of their lives.

​
More time passed and it had been six months since I had become a member of the Hardin household and a year since the original Celeste had died. Sela still kept the real me company as well as looking for other Limoxians.

​
I stood in the backyard, my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The warm afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grass as I watched Greg help Gail and Sally into their specially designed flight suits. The girls' eyes sparkled with anticipation, their small hands fidgeting with the unfamiliar fabric.

​
"Now remember," Greg said, his voice low and reassuring, "these suits will help protect you during flight. They're made of a special Alvian material that's both lightweight and durable."
I nodded, absorbing the information.. The concept of flight without any visible means of propulsion seemed impossible, yet here we were, preparing to defy gravity.

Greg turned to me, his expression softening. "Are you ready, sweetheart? I know this must be overwhelming for you."

​
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I think so. It's just... all so new. How exactly does this work?"

​
Greg smiled, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "The flight capability is linked to the implants in our arms. It's Alvian technology, far beyond anything on Earth. When activated, it allows us to manipulate gravitational fields around our bodies."

​
As Greg explained the basics of Alvian flight techniques, I felt a strange tingling sensation in my arms. I glanced down, half-expecting to see something visible, but my skin looked unchanged.

"Will it hurt?" Sally asked, her small voice filled with a mix of worry and excitement.

"Not at all, sweetie," Greg assured her. "It might feel a little strange at first, like butterflies in your stomach, but it's completely safe."

​
Gail, ever the adventurous one, was practically bouncing with impatience. "Can we start now, Dad? Please?"

​
Greg chuckled, ruffling Gail's hair. "Almost. We just need to go over a few more safety precautions. Remember, we'll start low and slow. No showing off or trying any fancy maneuvers until you're comfortable with the basics."

​
As the family huddled together for their final preparations, I couldn't help but feel a surge of maternal protectiveness. Despite my being decieved about my own identity, the bond I felt with these girls was undeniable. Whatever challenges lay ahead in the sky, I was determined to face them together, as a family.

The family made their way to a secluded clearing on the outskirts of town, far from prying eyes. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grass as Greg gathered everyone around him.

"Alright, everyone," Greg said, his voice a mix of excitement and caution. "It's time to show you how to activate your Alvian flight capabilities."

I watched intently, my heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Despite Greg's earlier explanation, the concept of flying without any visible means of propulsion still seemed impossible to me.

Greg stood in the center of the clearing, his arms relaxed at his sides. "The key is to focus on the implants in your arms. They're connected to your nervous system, so you can control them with your thoughts."

He closed his eyes for a moment, and suddenly, he began to rise off the ground. Gail and Sally gasped in delight, while Celeste's eyes widened in astonishment.

"It's all about intent," Greg continued, hovering a few feet above the grass. "Visualize yourself becoming lighter, almost weightless. The implants will respond to your desire to fly."

Gail, always the adventurous one, was the first to try. Her face scrunched up in concentration, and after a few seconds, she let out a squeal of joy as her feet left the ground.

"I'm doing it, Dad! I'm flying!" she exclaimed, wobbling slightly as she rose to join her father.
Sally, more cautious by nature, took a deep breath before attempting the feat. Her ascent was slower, but soon she too was airborne, giggling with delight.

I hesitated, unsure of my abilities. Greg floated down to my side, offering an encouraging smile. "You can do this, Celeste. Trust yourself."

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and focused on the strange tingling sensation in my arms. I imagined myself becoming lighter, picturing my body rising effortlessly into the air. To my amazement, I felt the ground fall away beneath my feet.

As I opened my eyes, I found myself hovering alongside my family, a mix of exhilaration and disbelief coursing through my veins. The world looked different from up here, more expansive and fuller of possibility.

"Well done, everyone!" Greg beamed, looking proudly at his floating family. "Now, let's start with some basic maneuvers. Remember, slow and steady wins the race."

As they began to practice simple movements – forward, backward, up, and down – I couldn't help but marvel at the surreal nature of our situation. Here we were, a seemingly ordinary family, defying gravity as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

As the family hovered in the air, Greg's face beamed with pride. "Alright, everyone, you're doing great! Now, let's try moving around a bit."

I watched in awe as Greg demonstrated smooth, graceful movements through the air. He glided forward, then backward, ascending and descending with ease. The girls' eyes widened with excitement, eager to mimic their father's actions.

"Remember," Greg called out, "it's all about intention. Think about where you want to go, and your body will follow."

Gail, ever the daredevil, was the first to attempt movement. She shot forward with surprising speed, letting out a delighted squeal. "This is amazing, Dad!"

Sally, more cautious, moved slowly and deliberately. Her face was a mask of concentration as she navigated the air currents. "I feel like a bird," she said softly, a smile spreading across her face

I hesitated, still adjusting to the strange sensation of weightlessness. Greg floated over to me, offering an encouraging smile. "You're doing great, honey. Just take it slow."

Taking a deep breath, I focused on moving forward. To my surprise, my body responded instantly, gliding through the air with unexpected grace. The feeling was exhilarating, unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

As the family soared together, their laughter echoed across the clearing. Gail and Sally quickly gained confidence, chasing each other in playful aerial tag. Their natural aptitude for flying was evident, their movements becoming more fluid and instinctive with each passing moment.

I found myself relaxing into the experience, the initial fear giving way to a sense of freedom and joy. I watched my daughters with a mixture of pride and wonder, marveling at how quickly they had adapted to this extraordinary ability.

Greg flew alongside me, reaching out to take my hand. "How does it feel?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with delight.

"It's... incredible," I replied, my voice filled with awe. "I never imagined anything like this was possible."

As we soared higher, the world below seemed to shrink, offering a new perspective on their surroundings. The family flew in formation, reveling in our shared experience and the unique bond it created between us.

Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

14 The Revelation

By Jo Dora Webster

Will Amaza come to terms with what Greg is holding back of the truth?

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Author's note: This story, ending with chapter 26, is set in my Limoxian Universe. My other stories set in this universe are books published by DopplerPress on Kindle and all the proceeds from purchases go for the support of BCTS. They are Pretty Please! No Foolin' and Space Force Enterprise. You can find these books on Amazon via the story links for them in the right-hand margin. And now on with this story!

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14 The Revelation

As the family soared through the air, reveling in their newfound ability to fly, Greg's expression grew serious. He glided closer to me, taking my hand gently.

"Celeste, there's something important I need to tell you," Greg said, his voice barely audible above the wind rushing past them. "It's about our family... about who we really are."

My heart raced, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coursing through my veins. I nodded, encouraging Greg to continue.

"We're not from Earth," Greg began, his eyes searching my face for any sign of recognition. "We're Alvians, beings from a planet called Alvia. Our appearance here on Earth is just a simulation, a way to blend in."

Gail and Sally, who had been chasing each other playfully, slowed their flight and moved closer to listen. Their young faces were a blend of curiosity and concern.

Greg continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "This ability to fly, it's not some newfound skill or technology. It's part of who we are as Alvians. The implants in our arms allow us to manipulate gravitational fields, just like we would on our home planet."

I listened intently, my mind reeling with this revelation. What Greg did not know is that with the aid of Sela I knew this already, the evidence was literally all around me as we hovered in mid-air.

"But Greg," I said, my voice trembling slightly, "if we're all Alvians, why don't I remember any of this?

Greg's expression softened, a hint of sadness creeping into his eyes. "Your memory loss... it's more extensive than we initially thought. You're one of us, Celeste. You've always been."

I looked down at my hands, half-expecting to see them change or reveal some alien characteristic. Greg was telling me the truth but not the whole truth.

"There's more," Greg added, his gaze shifting between I and the girls. "We came to Earth on a mission, but something went wrong. We've been stranded here, living as humans, waiting for a chance to return home."

The impact of Greg's words was hanging in the air between us. Gail and Sally exchanged glances, their young minds trying to process this new information about their identity.

My mind raced with questions. Those could wait until I had a chance to converse with Sela who was the only one who knew the whole truth.

As the family hovered in the air, the weight of Greg's revelation about their Alvian heritage hung heavily between them. My mind reeled with questions, but before I could voice them, Greg's expression grew even more serious.

"There's more you need to know, Celeste," Greg said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's about your relationship with the girls."

​I felt a chill run through my body, despite the warm air surrounding them. I glanced at Gail and Sally, who were watching their parents with wide, curious eyes.

Greg took a deep breath before continuing. "Celeste, you're not the girls' biological mother. Their real mother was an Alvian named Simosa. She... she died on Alvia before we came to Earth."

The words hit me like a physical blow. I felt as if the air had been sucked from my lungs, and for a moment, I forgot how to fly. Greg quickly steadied me, his hand gently gripping my arm.

"But... I remember..." I stammered, my mind frantically searching for memories that suddenly felt out of reach.

"I know this is difficult to hear," Greg said softly. "Your memories of being their mother are part of the simulation we've been living in on Earth. It was necessary for our cover, but the truth is, I married you shortly after Simosa's death."

Gail and Sally exchanged glances, their young faces a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Is that why sometimes we have dreams about two different moms?" Gail asked hesitantly.

Greg nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, sweetheart. Your subconscious minds are holding onto memories of both Simosa and Celeste."

I felt as if my world was spinning out of control. The love I felt for these girls was real, visceral – I had grown to love them even after Greg had hijacked me from my life. I looked at Gail and Sally, searching their faces for any sign of rejection or resentment, but found only love and confusion mirroring my own emotions. But I could not let Greg know that I already knew.

"I... I don't understand," I said, my voice barely audible. "If I'm not their mother, who am I? Why did you marry me?"

Greg's expression softened, filled with a mixture of guilt and affection. "You're still a crucial part of our family, Celeste. When Simosa died, I was lost. You helped me through that dark time, and we fell in love. We decided to embark on this mission together, as a family."

As the truth settled over them, the family remained suspended in the air, our newfound ability to fly now a stark reminder of the otherworldly nature of their existence. My mind raced with implications, trying to reconcile my deep love for these girls with the knowledge that I hadn't given birth to them.

"But why can't I remember any of this?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Greg's expression grew troubled. "The process of adapting to Earth, of taking on human forms and memories – it affected us all differently. Your memory loss was more extensive than we anticipated. We hoped that over time, living as a family here would help you recover those memories."

As the family hovered together, the weight of our shared history hung in the air between us. I felt a surge of conflicting emotions – love for these girls who weren't biologically mine, affection for Greg tinged with confusion, and a deep sense of loss for a life and memories I couldn't fully recall.

"I know this is a lot to take in," Greg said softly, squeezing my hand. "But I want you to know that regardless of how we came to be a family, the love we share is real. We've built a life here together, and you've been an amazing mother to Gail and Sally."
​
I nodded. My heart was full of emotions I couldn't quite name. As we floated in the air, our Alvian nature now fully revealed, I realized that our journey as a family was far from over. There were still mysteries to unravel, memories to recover, and a future to shape – together.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow across the sky, Greg guided the family back to the ground. We landed softly in the same secluded clearing where our extraordinary flight had begun, the grass swaying gently beneath our feet.

I took a deep breath, my mind still reeling from the revelations Greg had shared during our time in the air. I watched as Gail and Sally touched down, their faces a mixture of excitement from the flight and confusion from the truths they'd learned.

Greg gathered the family close, his eyes scanning our faces with a mixture of love and concern. "I know this has been a lot to take in," he said softly. "How are you all feeling?"
​
Gail, ever the outspoken one, was the first to respond. "It's... weird, Dad. But also kind of cool? I mean, we can fly!" Her enthusiasm was tempered by a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Sally, more reserved, simply nodded and moved closer to me, seeking comfort in my embrace. I wrapped an arm around the young girl, feeling a surge of maternal love despite the knowledge that I wasn't their biological mother.

"And you, Celeste?" Greg asked, his gaze meeting mine with a mix of hope and apprehension.

I paused, carefully considering my words. "It's overwhelming," I admitted. "But... it also feels right, somehow. Like pieces of a puzzle falling into place."
​
I glanced down at my arms, where the implants lay hidden beneath my skin. "I still have so many questions, but I'm grateful for the truth."
​
Greg nodded, relief evident in his expression. "We'll take this one step at a time," he assured us. "Our family may not be conventional by Earth standards, but our love for each other is real."
​
As we stood together in the fading light, I observed the girls' reactions. Gail seemed energized by the revelations, her mind clearly racing with the possibilities their Alvian heritage presented.
Sally, on the other hand, appeared more contemplative, processing the information in her own quiet way.

I felt a complex mix of emotions wash over me. There was a sense of loss for the memories I couldn't recall, but also a growing acceptance of my place within this extraordinary family. The love I felt for Greg and the girls was undeniable, transcending the boundaries of biology and origin.

As we prepared to head home, I realized that while our flight had come to an end, our journey as a family was far from over. There would be challenges ahead, but facing them together, with our newfound truth as a foundation, felt like the beginning of something remarkable.

Greg was the first to break the silence. "I know this has been a lot to take in," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "How about we head home and talk more over some hot chocolate?"

Gail's eyes lit up at the mention of her favorite treat. "Can we have marshmallows too, Dad?"
​
Greg chuckled, grateful for the moment of normalcy amidst the chaos. "Of course, sweetheart. Extra marshmallows for everyone."
​
As we walked back to our house, Sally slipped her hand into mine. Despite the knowledge that I wasn't her biological mother, the bond between us stronger than ever. I squeezed Sally's hand, a wordless reassurance that nothing had changed in my love for the girls.

Once inside, Greg busied himself in the kitchen while I helped the girls out of their flight suits. The familiar routine of hanging up coats and removing shoes felt surreal after our airborne adventure.

In the cozy living room, we gathered around the coffee table, steaming mugs of hot chocolate in hand. Greg had indeed been generous with the marshmallows, and Gail was already sporting a frothy mustache.

"So," Greg began, his tone serious but kind, "do you have any questions about what we talked about today?"
​
Gail and Sally exchanged glances before Sally spoke up. "Dad, if we're really aliens, why do we look human?"
​
Greg nodded, appreciating the directness of the question. "It's part of our Alvian technology. We have the ability to blend in with the inhabitants of other planets. It's how we've been able to live here on Earth without detection."
​
I listened intently, still processing my own role in this complex family dynamic. I may not have been their biological mother, but the love I felt for these girls was undeniable.

As the conversation flowed, touching on our Alvian heritage, our life on Earth, and our uncertain future, a sense of unity settled over the family. We may have been from another world, living under assumed identities, but in this moment, we were simply a family, bound by love and shared experiences.

The evening wound down, and as Greg tucked the girls into bed, I stood in the doorway, watching. I may not have given birth to them, but I was their mother in every way that mattered. As I kissed them goodnight, I silently vowed to protect and love them, no matter what challenges our extraordinary life might bring.

No matter why Greg revealed this much of the truth for me, I had hope that later on Greg would reveal the whole truth. Till then I would share with the only one I completely trusted, Sela.