Into The Outer Track (a Solarpunk Utopian novel by W. J. Manares) [COMPLETE]

Chapter 23 - Ure the Undead

Aboard the black space vehicle, SV Nyeusi, Ure the Undead (UU) was left unseen in a septic tank.

While all the Reanimated Survivors were sent to Gonggong, the dwarf planet, to start anew, UU remained hidden deep down below where urine and stool abides. The fortunate consequence was that UU, despite his situation, remained hidden and isolated.

Days turned into weeks, and UU's solitude within the septic tank began to foster a sense of resentment. As he watched the bustling life of SV Nyeusi unfold from his hidden vantage point, he couldn't help but feel a growing bitterness towards OO, and most especially towards SS - for he's the one responsible on the reanimation of deceased survivors.

However, fate had a different plan in store for UU. One day, a group of Survivors discovered his presence within the septic tank. Shocked and angered by his concealment, they realized that UU's solitude had corrupted his mind, leading him to harbor ill feelings towards OO and SS. Recognizing the need for justice, the Survivors decided to take matters into their own hands.

Rather than resorting to violence, the Survivors chose a more symbolic approach to address UU's misguided rage. They planned to organize a trial, giving UU an opportunity to express his grievances and share his newfound perspective.

Survivor 30: Ure the Undead, it's been quite a shock for all of us. Can you explain why you hid yourself away?

UU: (sighs) It's hard to put into words the bitterness that grew inside me. I saw the fleet leaders, OO and SS, sending most of the Reanimated Survivors to Gonggong, to start a new life. And it fueled my resentment towards them.

Survivor 31: We understand that you felt betrayed, Ure. But resorting to hiding and harboring such bitterness isn't the solution. We believe there's a better way to address your grievances.

UU: And what might that be? I've spent countless days in isolation, watching the life of SV Nyeusi unfold before my eyes. I witnessed the power OO and SS hold, the decisions they make for all of us.

Survivor 32: Ure, violence won't solve anything. Instead, we propose a more symbolic approach. We believe in organizing a trial, giving you the opportunity to express your grievances and share your newfound perspective. It is through understanding and empathy that we can affect change.

UU: A trial? That sounds... unexpected. But perhaps it's worth a try. I need to let go of this bitterness, this rage that's consumed me. I want to find a way to make things right, not just for myself, but for all of us.

Survivor 33: This trial will allow everyone to listen to your side of the story, to understand the pain you've endured. It will also give you a chance to witness the compassion and unity within our community.

UU: I've spent too long in darkness, unable to see beyond my own anger. I'm ready to face the consequences of my actions and embrace the opportunity for growth and redemption.

Survivor 34: That's the first step, Ure. We believe in the power of forgiveness and second chances. Through this trial, we hope to show you that there's a path forward - a way to heal.

UU: I accept your proposal. I will share my grievances, express my newfound perspective, and hopefully, through this symbolic approach, find a way to mend the broken pieces within me.

Survivor 35: We are glad to hear that, Ure. Always remember, change starts from within. Only by embracing your own transformation can you truly make a difference.

Through a simple trial with heartfelt discussions and genuine empathy, UU's hardened heart began to melt, and he realized the importance of understanding and cooperation.

Realizing the significance of his transformation, UU voluntarily accepted his punishment. The Survivors, hoping to demonstrate the power of forgiveness and redemption, decided to cast him out of SV Nyeusi and into the vast expanse of the Outer Track. And as UU floated away, he carried with him the weight of his past mistakes and a renewed determination to make amends.

As he drifted through the unknown space, UU vowed to find his place in the Outer Track, to stand as a living testament to the power of change, and to work towards building a future where no soul would ever feel abandoned or lost again. As luck would have it, Gonggong is just a stone's throw away.

RS17: *groaning* What is that hovering over Gonggong? It's unlike anything we've ever seen before.

RS18: *moaning* I can't comprehend it, but it's definitely not a natural phenomenon. It's giving me chills, and that's saying something for us undead.

RS19: *growling* I don't like the look of it. Could it be another threat to our existence? We've already faced so many challenges.

RS20: *grunting* I've never seen anything like this in all my years of being reanimated. It's massive and mysterious.

RS21: *groaning* We should investigate. We cannot let anything jeopardize Gonggong, our new home!

RS22: *moaning* But how? It's floating so high above us. We can barely move, let alone fly.

RS23: *growling* We must find a way. Our survival depends on it. We've come too far to let some unknown entity disrupt our peace.

RS24: *grunting* Maybe we can signal it somehow. If it's intelligent, it might understand our intention for peaceful coexistence.

RS25: *groaning* Agreed. Let's gather what we can find and create a makeshift signal. We must make our intentions clear.

RS26: *moaning* We need to be cautious though. We don't know what this object is capable of. It could be a threat or a potential ally.

RS27: *growling* We shall approach with caution, but we cannot let fear hold us back. It's time to face the unknown head-on.

RS28: *grunting* Let's gather our courage, my reanimated brethren. Together, we shall discover the truth and protect Gonggong.

RS29: *groaning* Onward, my fellow Reanimated Survivors! Our destiny awaits. Let us carve our path forward.

RS30: *moaning* With our undying spirit and determination, nothing can stand in our way. Gonggong shall thrive, no matter the challenges we face.

RS31: *growling* Let us show the universe what the Reanimated Survivors are truly capable of.

RS32: *grunting* Together, we shall rise above our undead existence and create a future we can be proud of. Let's move!