R.O.N.A.

Chapter 4

The four of us silently followed Tyzon to a door in one of the back corners that opened to a small set of stairs. When we got to the top, he opened another door which led to the roof.

A spectacular view surrounded us. There was no sunlight, even though it was late afternoon. The glow from two crescent moons and the power flowing throughout the city created a soft moonlight effect. From the roof we could see building after building, and all sorts of transportation cruising down the roads. There was no breeze, but I could feel the fresh air on my skin.

We all stood, quietly taking in the view. “That is why we work so hard everyday,” Tyzon finally said. He pointed towards a white building. It was about three or four stories tall and it was really big, almost like a warehouse. All through the building, a glowing red energy was flowing.

“What is it?” I asked gently.

“That is the home of our ruler,” Tyzon said bitterly.

“You want to dethrone your leader then?” Aris asked, astonished. 

“Yes,” he said turning to face them with a determined look, “and we need people like you to help us with our cause. Before you even consider it though, I have to tell you the whole story, about the day he took over.”

“Took over? You mean like rose up and overpowered the former leader?” Aris asked.

“Not exactly,” he said leaning his head over in a nod, “Let me start from the beginning. I don’t remember a whole lot because I was only five when it happened, but I do remember on that day everyone was gathered around the city square for a special event. Everyone had smiles on their faces, and there were children my age running around and skipping through the crowds.

“Suddenly, a huge ship appeared on the horizon. It loomed overhead, and all those happy faces turned to fearful ones. We were all too shocked to run, or even move… we had never seen such a large ship. Before we knew it, everyone was surrounded by thousands of armed robots. The spaceship touched down and out stepped a hideous alien man, who then shifted into a humanoid form. He demanded to see the leader, but as smart as our leader was, he quickly slipped away. But because of this, Thaeoul was easily able to gain control.”

“Thaeoul… is that the ruler’s name?” I asked, watching Tyzon’s expressions.           

“Yes. As soon as he declared ruler-ship, he made very strict, harsh decrees, and the people of Zenix have suffered ever since.” Tyzon pointed to the white building again, “He built that headquarters.”

“I was just thinking…” Aris said, “how come you are humans, but are living on an alien planet?”

Tyzon’s hesitated before he gave his answer, “That is not for you to know at this moment. All that matters is that we are here and can help these people.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to ask something too personal…” Aris replied cautiously, “Anyhow, it is awful that the leader has caused so much suffering.”

“Yes it is,” Rexan added, “Not to mention many of us lost our parents because of him. Some of them he captured and forced them to work for him. Others he simply killed, because they disobeyed his unreasonable requests.”

“I’m so sorry… that must have been sickening. Aris and I also don’t have any parents,” I added quietly, “So we know how you feel… to a degree.”

“I’m sorry for your losses as well,” Tyzon said, “I apologize for what I said earlier about you not being good enough to join. Truth is, we could really use your skills and we hope that you would reconsider joining.”