Story Wednesday

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Immediately he was surrounded by the SF, but he felt confused and numb. The patrol booth had emptied and most of the non-active patrols were there for support. When he saw Gonzalo hollow eyes, the commander ordered one of the SF to take Gonzalo’s place, and grabbed his face. “Focus Kid! What happened?”

Gonzalo was unable to speak; he shook his head, trying to clear the fog that surrounded the incident. He couldn’t remember, but as he looked back at the Ariel in his arms, pain shot through his head and shoulders. Where had he felt that before? Who was this?

All of the questions faded into the searing pain. He fought to gain control, focusing on the commander’s large mouth. It seemed to flop without sound. Again closed his eyes and shook his head. In the pain, flashed a face - the SF patrolling in front of him. Suddenly, his mind cleared, the pain disappeared, and he felt the adrenaline coursing through his system. 

The Binugs had deserted their tasks and were trying to figure out what had happened. “There.” Gonzalo pointed at the Binug who had thrown the rock. “Great. We’ll take care of that. You need to get back to the booth.” The commander glanced at the Ariel, still in Gonzalo’s arms. “Bring the body with you.” 

Resisting the urge to look at its face again, Gonzalo flew to the booth, escorted by quite a few SF. Once back in the booth, the commander showed Gonzalo where to lay the body, told him to rest until it was his patrol again, and left to tend to the ramifications of the disturbances. Although there were many SF around, Gonzalo had a few minutes alone. He closed his eyes, trying to remember, but couldn’t put his finger on even what he was to remember.