Chapter 6
The foursome are ushered into a large chamber with what looks like pews lining the room and large throne like seats in the front. They hear horns blaring outside. Soon the chamber begins filling with fanciful dressed men and women all wearing the same colors as Milenas, Zoeborh, and the Queen. They file in along the the throne like seats and other people in less fancy clothing but still the same colors file in behind the foursome clearly getting spots to watch the proceedings unfold in the pews so they can see what all the commotion is about. They whisper to each other about the four strangers before them.
John starts coming to, “What’s going on?”
“They are rolling out the welcome mat for us”, says Sal.
“You ok?” Karen asks rubbing John’s back.
“Yeah I will be fine.” John spies Milenas standing to the side watching them. He notices concern on her face. He already feels like he can read her and if he is reading correctly this hearing isn’t as benign as it appears. John realizes he is going to have to pull it together and fast to figure a way safely out of this mess without it coming to a fight. Suddenly someone’s shout snaps him reflexively to attention.
“All hail the Queen!”
With that John watches Queen Frallinaso enter the chambers and slowly walk over to a biggest chair in the front center of the room. She sits as Zoeborh who is standing beside her announces, “We have called this court to hear the case of strangers to our land. The four standing before this tribunal. The floor is open for questions.”
Queen Frallinaso starts, “Will you please state your identities once more for the tribunal?”
Karen fields it, “We come from a planet called Earth which for some reason is very similar to your own. We got caught up by accident in what our people would refer to as a wormhole, which is a gateway between planets that somehow formed on our planet and brought us here to yours. We mean no one any harm and are just looking for a new place to call home.”
Sal wraps his arms around Karen’s shoulders, “Nicely said.”
A purple humanoid with a wide head and a tiny mouth says, “You claim to come in peace but are dressed like soldiers. Please explain?”
Michael mutters to himself, “Auggh how many times do we got to go over this.” He then speaks up to the tribunal, “We are unfortunately no strangers to war. We defended ourselves to survive back on our planet. We did what we had to back then but we didn’t seek out violence. We have always sought peace.”
Queen Frallinaso then speaks, “When I touched one of your heads your energy felt like nothing I have felt before. There was familiarity but also much difference. There was a lot of pain and hurt as well. I do not wish that brought to my kingdom. Tell me why do you have no desire to return to your home? If you were really accidentally transported here wouldn’t you want a way back?”
John sees his window of opportunity and decides to step up, “Our world was once beautiful but people grew greedy and shortsighted and turned it into a hellish barren war zone.” The other earthlings bow their heads lost in thought and memories as John continues, “Our home was destroyed and we lost many loved ones. All we have now is each other and we seem to have been granted an opportunity to start over in a new home. And do it right this time.” John carries his emotions on his face for all to see hoping that it convinces the tribunal. He hopes the honesty of the heart wins the day but as he stares at Queen Frallinaso’s poker face he is unsure.
After what seems like an eternity of silence passes the Queen finally speaks, “Well then a new home you have found. The kingdom of Briccxon welcomes you to Prinooween.” The crowd erupts into hushed whispers and shouting as everyone reacts to the Queen’s pronouncement. As it settles down she continues, “Come you will join me in the royal dining room for a meal as my guests.” She then gets up and walks out as the chatter rises up again.
“Wait, what just happened?”, says Michael confused.
“Looks like our buddy just got us the Queen’s approval with his puppy dog act”, says Sal.
“Finally!”, says Karen, “It’s about damn time people stopped looking at us like we are the devil.”
John softly says, “You know people are scared of what is unfamiliar.”
“Don’t get me wrong I am excited for some hospitality but keep your guard up, “warns Michael.
“I hear that brother but let’s enjoy it while we can”, says Sal. “Besides I’m starving.”
John has been looking around the room and finds himself being surprised at the unique figures he sees. He thought this planet was a copy of Earth because of Zoeborh and Milenas but now he is wondering what they may be facing. As the others begin to walk away John says, “Hey guys are we going to talk about the giant mantis up there?”
Michael doesn’t even look back, “No!”
“What about the blue glowing woman in the corner?”
“Nope”, says Sal also not looking back.
“But there is a guy over there…” Before John can finish his sentence Karen runs over and grabs him and pulls him away to join the others.
“Come on already.”
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