Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 3: The Outsiders

The civilian helplessly looked up at him, desperation in his watery eyes. "I didn't kill her!"

Prill ignored the elder's pleas, his stance unwavering. He looked down upon the mud-covered villagers in silence and indifference. They were traitors. They were nothing but obstacles, enemies of his company, enemies of all Nevrans. They had betrayed their own, and they should be dealt with swiftly. The children did not concern him either. If left alive, they would resent the death of their martyred loved ones and attempt to avenge their loss. They were better off dead, along with their treacherous family.

"Don't hurt them, please! They have nothing to do with it! Let them go! It wasn't my fault!"

The mother glanced at Prill, tears in her eyes."Put the gun down! Please! Spare my children!"

Prill stared the civilians coldly. He had no fear, no remorse, and no empathy. The soldier opened fire.

The Nevran awoke with a cold sweat. He sat up, rubbing his whiskers. Prill sighed as he got up form bed, walking over to the window, gazing at the stars flying by. A sharp pain hit the back of his head, lingering there for some time. It didn't bother Prill anymore, not as much as the flashbacks and nightmares.

The door chimed behind him in the metal bedroom.

Prill stretched, relaxing his stiff neck to alleviate some of the pain.

The door chimed again.

"Who is it?"

"Commander Marlin."

"Come in."

The door opened, revealing the officer, along with Roger and Tevra at his side, their shadows casting into his dark room.

"I'm giving them a tour of the ship. Would you care to join us?"

Prill turned and smiled, hiding his true state of mind.

"Yes, I would be delighted."

* * *

The commander led the small party, the Nevran lagging slightly at his side, with Roger and Tevra behind them.

"The observation bridge is on deck one while the main bridge is on deck two. Engineering, astrometrics, and sick bay are on deck three. The armory, engineering lab, and main science lab are on deck four. Main storage and the shuttle bay are on decks six and seven. The brig is on deck six as well."

Roger's stomach growled. "What deck is the mess hall on?"

"Deck five, the same as your quarters."

"Cool. I'm gonna get myself some breakfast."

Tevra looked at Roger anxiously, not wanting to be alone with strangers. "Can come?"

"Sure thing."

The teens walked away, leaving Prill and the commander.

"I'll take you to the bridge."

* * *

Captain Drevwood took a seat across from the Nevran at one of the tables in the small cafeteria, interrupting his lonesome gaze out into space through the adjacent window.

"How was the tour?"

"Splendid."

The Nevran turned his attention to the shiny objects placed in front of him. Prill picked up a silver object, his large hands dominating the tool. "What is this crude instrument?"