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The Story:
If we can get to the tower, we will be able to communicate with Belt IV, the nearest space station. Someone there would be willing to help us for the right price.
We plummeted from orbit around Planet LJ257-12. It is home to a primitive culture, still using the planet’s natural resources for power. Now, our survey mission has become our worst nightmare.
LJ257-12 has an unusual electromagnetic interference that hovers across the ground. All of their wireless communications must be transmitted from high above.
“Laurel, are you sure you can drive this thing?”
My partner has never trusted my rather adventurous piloting, so this unusual vehicle we stole is no different.
“It’s three pedals and a stick. I got it.”
“How are we going to do this? They have guards everywhere.”
“I think we can handle these cavemen, Sim.”
“Will you stop calling them that?”
I study atmospheres. Sim studies cultures. We make a great team, but we don’t always understand each other’s respective sciences.
To me, these people are just ignorant rock dwellers. To him, they are the key to understanding our whole universe, apparently.
“Sorry,” I say with no remorse.
I turn the key that starts the vehicle.
“See? I know what I’m doing.”
I don’t know what I’m doing. I reach for the stick and try to shove it into the number one slot, but it won’t go.
“Oh, clearly,” Sim says with concern.
Playing with the pedals seems like the next logical step. I press the left pedal, and the stick moves into the first slot.
“Ha!”
I release the pedal, but the vehicle lurches forward and turns off.
“Laurel!”
“Okay, I’ll get it in a minute! Just let me…”
A man throws open my door and shoves me over to Sim’s side of the long seat.
“We have to hurry!”
Sim catches my arm from taking a swing at the intruder.
“Who are you?” Sim asks.
“I’m your rescuer, and these people aren’t what they seem. They’re coming for you.”
He restarts the vehicle and begins driving it.
“Once we’re safe, I’ll tell you why you can’t leave.”
Can’t leave?