Stranded on a Tiny Planet
Chapter 21: Meeting the Elder

Once Merco realized he hadn’t killed the blue uniformed flier a wave of relief swept over him. Granted, he certainly hurt him after swatting him down. But feeling the trickle of blood running down his neck, Merco considered that a fair recompense for trying to kill him. The injured attacker seemed to be waiting for him to do something. As Merco stared down at him, the little alien looked positively frail laying there, like a bird that flew into a closed window and was too stunned to fly. Despite every attack and attempt on his life Merco didn’t feel the need to harm him further. He had bloody injuries all down body that stained his gray shirt, but none were lethal. He didn’t need to add the blood of these aliens to it.

Traynar appeared from the trees with a marked limp in his gait. He was talking to the fallen flier. Their tones reflected a standoffishness to one another. The blue uniformed flier made a sharp whistle and Merco’s eyes roved around him, recognizing that to be their call to attack. But nothing happened. It was in that moment that Merco realized this injured flier was the leader; he had been the one calling the shots. He held a bit of respect for the little guy. It took a lot of guts to lead an attack on something as big as him. However, it didn’t mean he felt the need to help him either.

When no attack happened, Merco offered his hand to Traynar and then to Pixie whom was still next to him. Both of his friends in hand, Merco stood and began walking away from the lake. He found his leather jacket not far away and scooped it up, draping it over his shoulder. But the action made his injuries apparent. Though the injuries he sustained were not life-threatening he was aching all over. He felt like he’d just rolled in a bed of needles and some of them were still in him. Every muscle movement flamed up that uncomfortable sting.

His mind began to wander as he walked, “This really hasn’t been your week Merco. You’ve been dumped on an alien world with a bunch of flying Lilliputians. You almost died of sepsis. You’re full of holes and shrapnel from the locals. And on top of that...you don’t have a change of clothes.”

A gentle tapping on his palm made him look down. Pixie pointed to the ground and called out to someone. Merco looked down and behind him to see another green skinned alien, dressed in a maroon jump suits. He was a bit suspicious at first, but Pixie seemed to know him.

...

“Hey! Wait!” Verin’s voice faintly rang out from somewhere below.

Seraysa peeked over the edge of Merco’s hand to his right and saw her brother up against a tree. He’d been absent for the whole battle, but it appeared he’d finally caught up. It didn’t appear that Merco heard him, so she patted his palm to get his attention. She pointed down at Verin.

“Verin! Where were you?”

“Seraysa?” he sounded and looked shocked, “I-I was hiding when I heard the noise. Is it over? Did he...did he kill them?” her brother sounded uneasy as he cautiously crept away from the tree.

Seraysa pointed down again and Merco responded by lowering his hand to the ground, “Yes it’s over...and no, he didn’t kill anyone. Come on!” she gestured for him to come over.

Verin surveyed the massive hand a second, looked up at Merco, and swallowed visibly, “I...are-are you sure?”

Seraysa climbed off of Merco’s hand, walked up to her brother, took his arm, and then turned to Merco.

She touched her brother’s chest, “Verin.”

“Hello, Verin.” Merco greeted.

Seraysa’s brother put a hand to his chest, feeling his ribs vibrate when Merco spoke.

She pulled him close to show he was a friend and then tugged him with her, “Come on, Verin.”

Though tentative, he followed her lead. When they were next to Merco’s hand Verin’s expression shifted from fear, to uncertainty, and then to utter awe. Seraysa stepped up and sat comfortably. Verin was still cautious. Cautiously, he touched Merco’s skin and jerked back. His eyes were locked on the giant alien’s just to make sure he wasn’t making a terrible mistake. But there was no malice in Merco’s eyes, just curiosity and patience. Taking a notable breath, Verin touched him again but didn’t jerk this time. Slowly, he climbed onto the gigantic hand and staggered; his feet unsure about the solid yet spongy surface.

“Oh...oh wow. I can’t believe I’m doing this!”

“It’s OK Verin. Sit down.”

Quickly, he did so next to his sister. He then noticed the third passenger.

“Verin, this is Traynar. Traynar this is my brother, Verin.” She introduced.

Traynar nodded with greeting and Verin returned the nod.

Traynar looked at her, “Merco calls you Pixie...but what name did your parents give you?”

“My name is Seraysa.”

“Good to know your name at last.” Traynar replied kindly.

Suddenly, they were raised in the air when Merco stood up.

“Woah...oh.” Verin braced himself under such a sensation and then smiled, “Oh this is incredible!”

Traynar spoke loudly and pointed in the distance, “Merco! We need to go to Pela Canyon.”

The giant alien looked to where he was pointing and nodded, resuming his steady walk. Minor twitches in his face indicated he was experiencing discomfort.

“Pela Canyon? What’s at Pela Canyon?” Seraysa asked.

“If my mate Anu was successful, Elder Felreh and Commander Madala will be there to meet Merco and see that he means Anashee and its people no harm.”

Verin looked concerned, “But...after getting attacked do you think he won’t be...you know...mad about that? Or at least not trust them?”

Seraysa pointed to Merco, “I think he understands the difference between us and those like Coroc. But what about the citizens living in the canyon? Won’t they be afraid of him?”

“He’s met them. In fact, he saved eighteen of them from a landslide yesterday after the storm.” Traynar clarified. “He’s a hero to them.”

Seraysa smiled at that.

Verin, being the observant male that he was, peered at Merco for several minutes and then began asking questions, “Is that red stuff his blood?”

“Yeah. They hit him hard.” Traynar confirmed, “Those explosives filled him with shrapnel.”

“Oh...geez. Is he going to be OK?”

“I think so. But he’s going to get another infection if that stuff isn’t removed.” Traynar explained. “Other than Coroc, I don’t know if he hurt anyone who attacked him. He just...took it.”

Verin couldn’t help but notice his elbow length black glove on his left hand, “What’s with the glove?”

“He’s got a mechanical arm.” Seraysa couldn’t believe she’d forgotten to tell her brother about that fact. When she’d first seen his unique appendage she’d be fascinated at the articulation and naturalness of its movement.

Verin’s eyes opened wide with wonderment as he stared down at the arm swinging casually at Merco’s side, “No way! You’re serious?”

She nodded and Traynar also did.

“Oh! I want to see that!”

“Maybe when we get to Pela Canyon you can ask him to show you?” Seraysa offered.

Verin seemed unsure about that, “Oh...y-yeah. Maybe.”

...

Merco made his way through the forest until he again reached the canyon. As soon as he exited the trees he found the sloped spot he’d used to enter into the canyon before. Trying to be mindful of his passengers as well as his wounds, he stepped down gradually. Gravity made him slide and he had to stretch his step to keep himself from jerking. He grunted loudly with pain as the longer step jarred the tender wounds in his side. He looked down and his shirt was still wet and bloody.

If he’d correctly interpreted what Traynar had drawn for him, he was supposed to meet with someone from their home. He had called it Anashee. He could only assume he was meeting an ambassador or leader. Though he was open to a peaceful meeting he was confused as to why they’d sent a small military force after him.

Was the attack ordered by these leaders or was it the reaction of a small sect?

Was this whole meeting a trick of some sort? Lure him in with peace and then attack him again with a larger force?

Many scenarios and questions cluttered Merco’s mind, none of which he had clear answers.

He walked slowly through the canyon channel, trying to not cause too much of a stir when he arrived back at the settlement. Cautiously he peeked around the bend, eyes scanning the area top to bottom. There was a considerable group of the little aliens clustered in about the same place as before when they hosted the celebration. Lining the canyon rim, he could see several flying soldiers hovering. Definitely not a group large enough to be considered a military force; more like a security detail. The fresh blood on his shirt and the stinging in his flesh definitely reinforced his caution. Not that he was necessarily afraid, he just didn’t feel like getting attacked again and give himself another opportunity to kill someone.

He backed up a step and as he did Traynar floated up off of his hand to take a look as well. After a couple moments, Traynar made a “stay there” gesture and flew out toward the settlement. Merco sighed, leaning into the rock wall, trying to formulate some sort of Plan B if this turned ugly.

...

Traynar could tell Merco was growing even more wary. His eyes had begun to scan the area and his steps grew slow and marked. No doubt his trust of the situation had waned. When he came to the corner that turned into the Pela settlement he stopped and peeked around the edge. When he took a step back, Traynar took that as a cue. He floated up and gave the area a scan. His heart grew hopeful when he saw the distinct yellow cloak of Elder Felreh and the blue and maroon uniform of Commander Madala amid the crowd.

Anu had done it!

He also noticed the Elder’s personal guard stationed along the canyon rim. Merco probably saw them and decided it wasn’t a good idea to show himself. Traynar decided to go and meet with them first to smooth things over if they weren’t aware of what transpired. He told Merco to stay put with a gesture and flew out to meet them.

When he drew nearer, Anu immediately flew to him and touched foreheads in greeting.

“Traynar is Merco OK? An attack force has been sent...” she began urgently.

“Already happened.” Traynar interrupted.

Anu looked horrified, “Did he...?”

Traynar shook his head, “No one was killed. But they hit Merco hard. He’s alright but only because he’s big enough to take it. He’s full of shrapnel.”

“He’s over there?” Anu indicated the corner.

“Yeah. Didn’t you feel him coming?”

“No.”

Traynar looked back, “Well...he started walking really carefully the closer he got. I think he thinks he’s going to get attacked again.”

“You need to speak with Elder Felreh.” Anu insisted, floating aside.

Traynar approached the leader with respect and saluted, “Elder Felreh. I am Anu’s mate Traynar.”

Elder Felreh spoke, “I remember you, Traynar. What have you to say?”

“Elder, I mean no disrespect, but did you order the attack on Merco?” he asked point-blank.

A look passed from the Elder to Commander Madala, who looked ashamed, “No, Traynar, I did not. Commander Madala acted for the right reasons but NOT in the right manner. I do hope her brash actions have not stifled this meeting today. Was the alien visitor Merco harmed?”

Traynar nodded, “Yes, but not fatally. Lots of bomb shrapnel.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s just beyond that rock face, Elder. I believe the attack has made him wary of this meeting.” Traynar explained as he pointed.

She nodded and turned to the Pela settlement leader, “Yelon, gather all of your medics, anyone who has any experience.”

Yelon nodded and began the task.

Elder Felreh gestured to Anu and Traynar, “Please, bring him over here.”

“Forgive me Elder but I don’t think he will if your guards are positioned like that.” Traynar explained, pointing to the guards.

She nodded, “Commander, please retract the guards. Tell them to land.”

Though she didn’t appear to like it the Commander issued a loud whistle command and the guards floated down to the ground.

Traynar nodded and flew back to where Merco was waiting. The towering alien was leaning against the rock face holding Seraysa and Verin in his hand.

“Come on, Merco.” Traynar gestured.

Merco took a deep breath, seeming to prepare himself and then followed Traynar into the open. Traynar could tell he was still cautious; he was walking very softly for something of his size. Even though it was a peaceful meeting, a certain tension still hung uncomfortably in the air as the gap was closed. Surprisingly, Merco seemed more uneasy than Elder Felreh did. When he came to a certain distance he stopped, very slowly lowered himself into a kneeling position, put Seraysa and Verin on the ground away from him, and then carefully sat on the sandy ground. It was obvious he was trying to be gentle in all of his movements; even excessively so. His restrained grimace also indicated he was trying to hide his pain.

When he’d settled, Elder Felreh stepped forward with her white plume lifted and her chin high. She didn’t appear afraid as so many others did.

Then she slowly lowered her scaly plumage, saying, “Welcome, visitor Merco.” She touched her chest, “I am Felreh... Felreh.”

He stared at her a moment before lowering his head to her, “Felreh.”

She nodded to him before turning to Anu, “He doesn’t speak out language does he?”

“No. But he understands gestures pretty well.” She answered.

“And pictures drawn in the sand.” Traynar added.

Elder Felreh looked back, “Does anyone have a pole or stick I can draw with?”

Traynar took out his energy weapon and extended it into a simple metal staff before handing it to her. The Elder took it and drew a large circle in front of her. She added masses on it to indicate the lands. She pointed to it with the staff and then gestured all around her.

“Anshai-tee. This is the planet of Anshai-tee.” She said.

“An-shai-tee.” Merco repeated carefully.

She pointed to Merco and drew another circle, making the same gesture, “Where are you from?”

Merco watched her and then placed his finger on her second circle, “Earth.”

“Errrth.” Felreh repeated.

He nodded to her.

Then she pointed to him and made a dotted trail from the Earth drawing to the Anshai-tee drawing, “How did you get here?”

Merco opened his fingers near her, asking for the staff. She looked at his massive hand a moment but handed it to him, and he began to draw an object. No one seemed to recognize what it was. Merco looked around a moment when they didn’t seem to get his drawing and plucked up a rock. He pointed to himself and then the rock to indicate that it was to represent him. He held the rock in his hand, lifted his hand high in the air and made a mechanical hissing whistle through his teeth, lowering his hand over the picture of their planet. Then he opened his hand and dropped the rock on top of the picture. His hand then pretended to fly away.

“You...were left here.” Elder Felreh conjectured as she pointed to him and then to the ground.

He nodded to her, taking the rock in his hand. Pointedly, he brought the rock from the Anshai-tee drawing to his Earth and looked at Felreh.

“Do you have ships?” he asked in his deep, vibrating voice as he pointed to the drawing he’d made.

“I think...he wants to know if he can leave and get back to his Earth.” Seraysa suddenly spoke up.

Felreh held up her hands and shook her head, “We don’t have the technology you’re asking for.”

A look of disappointment fell over Merco’s face. He seemed to be thinking a moment before he wiped away his first drawing and drew something else. It was a curved arc with a line, mounted on top of a square. Then he drew little arches coming out of the arc. He moved his mouth as if talking and pointed to the two pictures of the planets.

“Communication? You want to know if we can talk to your planet?” Felreh finally surmised. But she shook her head again, “We’ve never thought of other planets having life...so we don’t have that technology either.”

Merco’s frown deepened. A look of helplessness pinched his brow. Very slowly he wiped away the drawing he’d made.

“Merco.”

He returned his gaze to her. Elder Felreh held her hand up in the air toward him. She waited. After a long moment, Merco slowly lifted his hand and extended a finger toward her. They touched, Merco subtly moved his finger up and down against her hand. She didn’t seem to understand it but followed the motion.

Felreh spoke gently but loudly as she patted his finger and gestured with her free hand as she spoke, “I am sorry we cannot help you get to your Earth Merco, but you are welcome here on Anshai-tee.”

He seemed to understand her warm gestures and nodded with a small smile.

Looks of happiness and relief crossed the group’s faces.

“You mean...” Anu asked with hope.

“Yes. You were right Anu. I can see no malice or ill will in him. There is no need to keep our people locked away any longer. Merco is our guest.” Elder Felreh concluded. She spotted Yelon with the medics she’d requested, “Any and all medics present, see to our guest’s injuries. He needs your expertise.” She looked to Commander Madala, “You have some basic medical knowledge, yes?”

The Commander nodded.

“Good. Then you can help him as well.”

Anu whistled with excitement, embracing Traynar. Seraysa did the same with her brother. It was done! Anashee was freed and no one was killed. They still had to introduce Merco to the population of Anashee, but with Elder Felreh’s blessing it would be a much easier transition.

...

Despite the happiness of his little friends, Merco’s heart sank bleakly.

They didn’t have ships...they didn’t have the communication systems...and he’d never even heard of a planet called Anshai-tee.

How far was it from Earth? Were there other inhabited planets in this system? Did any sort of ships pass by this planet? Merco now had more questions that he felt would never be answered.

Those mercenaries had indeed done their job: marooned on an alien world with no way of getting home. The only good news was that the natives seemed to welcome him now, but it did little to alleviate the hopelessness he was feeling. Unless another ship somehow found this planet and landed or he was somehow able to send out a signal to a neighboring planet or passing ship, he would be stuck here.