The Complete Story of Cindy

[Cindy]

Hi all... finally got around to finishing this story... and decided not to publish it, so I'm going to post it all here.

Enjoy!

[Cindy]

Chapter 1

The forest was so quiet and peaceful as Cindy walked in it near her home on the Northwest coast. She was of an average height, had deep blue eyes, black hair and a ready smile. She was 13 years old, almost 14 – in fact her birthday was going to be in a month, and very happy with her life. She thought of her family, her Mom and Dad and her sister. She thought of her pets and smiled. She had a Golden Retriever and a black and white cat. She loved her work, her studies and her status in life.

Suddenly the ground began to shake. Cindy leaped her way to a nearby clearing to see what had gotten the ground shaking. She gasped when she saw a spaceship. She didn't know how she knew it was a spaceship - she just knew. No one was around, so she stayed to study it. It looked like an extra-large, silver colored plane with the wings folded down along its sides. She realized she should've left when she had the chance when a cold, metallic click broke the silence behind her.

"Either you slowly put your hands behind your head and then slowly turn around while being extremely quiet or I'll shoot you right now." A deep, gruff male voice said.

Cindy quickly thought about it. She didn't want to die – the thought of dying scared her, but she didn't want kidnapped either because that thought scared her as well. She quickly decided to allow herself to get kidnapped instead of getting killed since it was the least scary choice of the two. Slowly putting her hands behind her head, she stayed perfectly quiet while waiting for him to decide what to say or do next.

"Now turn around." He said. When she did he studied her and as he was occupied with studying her, she studied him. He was about 6 feet tall, had brown hair, brown eyes and was wearing a black robe, unlike the outfit she was wearing – blue jeans, a teal shirt, and a dark blue jacket. "What is your name?" He asked her.

"Why should I tell you? For one I don’t know your name and by the way what are you doing with a spaceship anyway?" Cindy asked him with a slight hint of curiosity that overlaid her nervousness with a rebellious feeling.

“How did you know that that piece of metal is a spaceship, Miss whoever you are?� He asked with a slight glare at her and a tone that said he wasn’t amused.

“So I was right about it being a spaceship. How did you get one?� She was very interested now, lost all of her nervousness, and started to lower her hands, but when the mysterious stranger shook his head slightly she thought better of it. “So what are you going to do with me?�

“I’m still thinking about that. Be quiet for a while so that I can think.� The man said while Cindy rolled her eyes at him. ‘This guy has no clue.’ She thought, but then, ‘Wait, where has my cautious nature gone to? I should be scared right now, but I’m not – very interesting indeed.’ She was quiet however as she thought about why she wasn’t scared any more while he considered his options.

“OK, will you come with me willingly or do I have to force you to come?� The stranger had evidently reached a decision about her.

“I will come willingly I suppose.� Cindy said, but as the man put his gun back in its holster, she ran as fast as she could in the opposite direction. She was aware of a dinging sound, then felt a slight shock and then slipped into unconsciousness.

The man walked up to Cindy shaking his head. “You shouldn’t have tried running Miss.� Gently picking her up, he walked into his ship. Once inside the door, he walked to another doorway and opened it with voice activation. There was a cot and a chest in one corner of the room. Walking to the other side of the room, he opened the remaining door.

Inside this room were boxes and crates with things in them that he stored for emergency use. After carefully setting his sleeping burden down on the floor, he opened one of the boxes to get out some rope. “I’m sorry for doing this Miss, but it is for your safety… and perhaps mine as well.� He muttered as he tied Cindy’s arms behind her back.

After making sure Cindy was still unconscious, the stranger walked out of the room and locked the door behind him. Going back outside, he rubbed out the footprints he had made and the ones his prisoner had made while running away from him – as well as the mark where she fell.
Cleaning up anything and everything that might give a clue as to what had happened to Cindy took a couple of hours for the kidnapper to complete. It was getting dark as he finished. Going back into his spaceship, he shut the outside door and started up the engines. Warnings went off as he lifted off the ground. “Yes, I know what I’m doing is dangerous. Now shut up!� He growled and the warnings stopped making noise.
After getting out of the atmospheric levels, he plotted a jump point and set the ship to autopilot. The jump drive kicked in and he went to his cot. Trying to get to sleep was harder than he thought that it would be. He kept worrying about the girl. Getting up, he went to the door, entered the passcode and went into the room.

‘Good, she is still asleep.’ He thought and then started to leave, but something stopped him. Turning around, he kneeled down next to her and stroked her hair. “I hope that I’m doing the right thing Miss, but you wouldn’t understand if I told you.� His voice was soft and kind. Getting back up, he left the room, locked the door and went to bed. As he drifted off to sleep, he mumbled, “I really hope that this is the right thing to do.�

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A few hours later Cindy woke up lying on a cold floor in the dark with a really bad headache. She wasn’t sure if she could get up or not because her body ached so badly. ‘What happened?’ she wondered. She then remembered that she had been dreaming a bad dream – or had it been real? If her brain would only wake up, but the more it woke up the more it told her that she had a huge headache.
Trying to make peace with her brain at the same time as she was trying to get up wasn’t an easy task, but Cindy was giving it her best shot. She had to wake up, get rid of this headache, and find out why it was cold and dark. ‘Ohh… the power must be off.’ she thought with a sigh and relaxed again. Her eyelids slowly drifted shut again and her last thought was about her homework not being completed and how much trouble she would be in at school the next day.

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Cindy groaned and rolled over. “It can’t be morning yet.� she mumbled as a bright light hit her eyelids. “Just a few more minutes of sleep, please.�

“Sorry Miss, but you need to get up. I thought for sure that I had hit you with too much electricity through the stun gun. Evidently you have a strong will. I do know now not to trust you though.� The man’s voice sounded like he was trying to sound serious… and failing miserably.

Cindy tried to push herself up with her arms and found them tied behind her back. ‘No wonder I was sore last night.’ she thought and then turned her head to look at the man who was standing over her. “What did you do to me? Where am I? Who are you? What are you planning to do with me? Why am I here?� the questions flew fast and furious to keep up with her temper.

“Easy Miss… no need to be so upset and don’t go getting yourself worked up about all this. It will all be fine, but before we reach our destination I want to know a few things. You tell me who you are, how much you know about space ships, and about other things in general. In return, I’ll give you food, water, and take you to your home. Doesn’t this sound fair?� he asked her with a calm, relaxed voice and raised his eyebrows in a questioning way.

“OK. You add untying me to the deal, and I’ll accept.� Cindy glared at him – she was daring him to refuse – but to her surprise he reached down and cut the ropes without a word. “Thank you.� She said with a sweet tone and sat up to look around.

Spotting the doorway with the door open, Cindy quickly stood up and promptly ran for the open door. As she was just about to go through the doorway, she hit something that was invisible and fell down.

The man just stayed put, a smile playing on his lips. Cindy scowled back at him. “That isn’t funny.� She said with a growl.

The man burst out laughing and when he was done, he said with a hint of admiration in his voice, “Well I’ve got to admit, you do have a lot of spunk for a girl.� An icy tone quickly replaced the admiration. “But listen here, Miss, I want to know who you are for sure.�

“Are you saying that you have no idea who I am?� Cindy asked with that annoying, bratty tone that always got her into trouble at home, but right now she didn’t think she could be in any more trouble.

“Listen Miss, this will be a lot easier if you trust me.� The man said with a sigh. “Can’t you please cooperate with me?�

“Umm… let me think… nope, still am not going to tell you anything. And trust?! You just kidnapped me. Do you really think that I’d trust you after that?� Cindy glared at him with anger rising in her chest. “You took me away from my family and life and you think that I’m going to be just fine? Well if that is how you think, you are wrong. You are a jerk and an idiot and I hate you!� She was screaming at him now while trying to keep her tears from spilling down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry Miss, but I had to do it. You wouldn’t understand if I told you why.� The man walked out of the room and shut the door behind him. Leaning against it, he thought. ‘I’ve messed up big time.’ He needed her help and there was no way that she’d help him now. He felt like kicking himself – hard. ‘Maybe, just maybe, she’d help the others, but if how angry she was didn’t get better there was no hope for any of them.’

He walked to the control room and checked how much longer it would take for them to get to their destination. Nine hours. ‘How can I get her to cooperate in less than nine hours?’ He thought to himself as he went back to his cot and lay down. ‘Well there isn’t anything I can do at the moment.’ He closed his eyes for a short nap.

Meanwhile back in the room, Cindy was trying hard not to cry. She didn’t want to cry. “I hate him. I hate him. I hate him!� She screamed to the walls and then broke down. “I don’t hate him. I just want to go home.� She said while trying to stop sobbing.

As the sobs subsided, she whispered the words to the wish that her Mom had taught her. “I wish I may, I wish I might, on the first star I see tonight that I could just go home.� She burst into tears again though because there was no star that she could see. She’d never get to go home again or see those that she loved back home. She curled up into a ball and then proceeded to cry herself to sleep.

[Cindy]

Chapter 2

The man woke up an hour later and went to check on his passenger. Cautiously opening the door, he looked in. Seeing her curled up in a ball brought a sad smile to his face. Memories of before the war came into his mind, but he quickly banished them. There was no point in ‘what ifs’ or ‘could’ve been’. What was done was done.

Walking up to her, he kneeled down beside her. Looking at her tear streaked face smote him. He had made her cry. “If there is a God out there and if you are listening to me please make this worth her pain for her sake.� He whispered as he wiped the dried tears off her cheeks.

He thought that he’d better leave before the girl woke up so that she wouldn’t start crying again, but he needed information before they reached their destination. Wiping all feelings from his face, he shook her awake.

Cindy woke up by someone shaking her. When she saw who it was she attacked him. He just grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her back – not hard enough to hurt, but hard enough that she stayed put. “What do you want?� She demanded through clenched teeth.

“I want to know what your name is Miss.� His voice was calm, but icy.

“I’m not going to ever tell you my name.� Cindy said still clenching her teeth. She wanted to hurt this guy so badly, but she couldn’t.

“Miss, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. You won’t like the hard way, so I suggest that you’d better cooperate.� After a couple of minutes with no answer from the girl, he twisted her arm just a little bit more.

“Ouch!�

“What is your name?� When she still didn’t answer, he said, “Did you know that if twisted far enough a person’s arm can be broken? Do you want that to happen to you?�

“No.� Cindy said through clenched teeth. Her arm hurt. Her shoulder hurt. Her heart hurt. And there was nothing she could do about it.
“Okay then, tell me your name.� He was trying to not let any of his words show that he felt sorry about doing this, but he truly felt bad for it.

“My name is none of your business.� Cindy growled out her reply, but as soon as she did, her arm was twisted just a little bit farther. “Owww! It’s Cindy. Cindy, Cindy, Cindy, I’m telling you it’s Cindy!�

“That is much better Cindy.� The man released her arm and she ran to the other end of the room.

“You’re mean.� Cindy yelled at him while rubbing her hurt arm.

“That is what they all tell me.� He said with a sigh and sat down on one of the boxes. “Cindy, would you believe me if I told you the real reason why I kidnapped you? Would you believe me if I told you the truth which is that I was trying to find you so that you could help me and others?�

“Do you really think that I’m going to believe that you’d tell me the truth after kidnapping me? Besides, who in their right mind would get a kid to help them?�

“I don’t know if I’m in my right mind or not asking for your help. You obviously don’t want to trust me or help us, but you are the Elleto of the Terbiate people. The Elleto is what your title is to my people… or the chosen one. The Terbiate people are a race that has been almost wiped out by the Nythia people. In short, we need you to save us from the Nythia’s.� His eyes begged her to believe him. Oh how he hoped that she would trust him this little bit.

“First of all, I have no idea who the Terbiate people are or who the Nythia people are. The Nythia’s might be trying to kill you because of something you did to them.� Cindy paused and then continued. “I am not a chosen one or someone to save your people. I am a 13 year old girl and I have no idea what most things are. I am a student, as in someone that requires being taught, not someone who teaches others how to win a war.� She took a step towards the man.

“You might not know a lot of things, but we’ll teach you what you need to know. Then you can help us win the war.� His voice sounded a little bit excited. “You don’t know how long it took us to figure out which planet you were located on. It has been 3 years since we found out about you and started trying to find you.�

“You’ve known about me for 3 years? How did you find out about me?� Cindy said skeptically as she took a few steps away from him again not wanting to get within reach of him.

“Your government let it slip one time when they were in the peace council about a smart girl that would change the way physics were viewed in space. You may or may not know it, but your government has several planets with people living on them. We had to search for a long time to find you.� He got up and stepped towards her.

Cindy went very quickly in the opposite direction. “I don’t believe you. I don’t trust you. Stay away from me.� She said warily.

The man stepped back towards the door. “Ok, I’ll just show you what I’m talking about in about seven hours. Until then I’ll leave you alone. If you want to talk to me here is a radio.� He laid a small, flat, rectangle object down on the floor and then turned to go. Before he left the room, he looked over his shoulder at her and said, “Oh and by the way, my name is Niemand.�

As Niemand left the room, Cindy glared at where he had been. She didn’t want to trust him, yet she was beginning to. ‘What if he was telling me the truth about his people? How could I help them? And what if my government was watching me? How long would I have been able to stay with my family anyway?’ She sat down on the floor, leaning against one of the boxes thinking about the questions that were running through her head.

Niemand leaned back on the door he had just gone through. ‘Cindy. That is a nice name. I wonder if she knows what it means.’ He didn’t like how his thoughts ended in a question. Questions were meant to be answered, but there was no way he could go back in there. Sighing, he went to the control panel in the front room and checked on their progress.

One of the panels was blinking a warning light. “What is it?� He asked the voice activated ship.

“Sir, our fuel level is extremely low. To conserve fuel and refuel, shall we exit out of hyperspace early and send a request for refueling to the nearest station?�

“Whatever you think is best, Cosmos.�

“I think it is best Sir, but you need to give the order.�

“I just did and if you don’t start listening I’ll put you in the scrap pile when we get home.�

“You are welcome to do that Sir.�

Niemand sighed. Cosmos was a whole lot of company. “Just switch to automatic and wake me up only when needed.� He quietly said and went to his cot. There was nothing to do other than sleep now, so that was what he was going to do. Lying down, he closed his eyes and was almost instantly asleep.

Back in the room Cindy had finally broken out of her process of trying to figure out the questions that were still going around in her head. She stood up, walked over to the radio, and picked it up. The radio fit well into her hand and it had a button in the center of it. She pushed the button and then let up on it. A computer-like voice came over it, “Yes?�

Cindy dropped the radio. It wasn’t supposed to make noise and that wasn’t Niemand’s voice. Staring skeptically at it she waited. Nothing happened, so she picked it back up. Pushing the button down, she said to the radio, “Niemand?�

“Niemand isn’t available at the moment. May I help you?� The voice came over the radio.

“Who is this?�

“Niemand calls me Cosmos. I am the ships control interface.�

“Oh ok. I was wondering where we are going.� Cindy softly said.

“We are going to Terbite.�

“Where is that compared to Earth?�

“Terbite is about nine hours away from Earth in this ship. I only know the settings and range of jumps for this particular ship.�

“Ok, do you know how much longer it will take until we get to Terbite?�

“About ten hours.�

“But Niemand said that we were supposed to get there in less than seven hours.� Cindy said exasperated.

“Niemand probably didn’t know that we needed to refuel when he told you that.� Cosmos’s voice came over the radio in just the same tone as always.

“Oh ok.� Cindy’s voice relaxed and her grip on the radio did the same.

“Can I help you with anything else?�

“Would you mind opening the door for me?� Cindy smiled at her great idea. The ship’s computer wouldn’t know anything other than to obey, so it would open the door for her.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not supposed to open that door without the command code.�

Cindy sighed. Of course, trust the bad guys to program the ships interface to not listen to her. And also for them to not make it easy for her to get back home or escape. Why would she even think that they’d make it easy for her? She felt like hitting herself, but she had to focus on how to get out of here.

Suddenly there was a jolt and Cindy felt herself lose her balance and hit the floor. “What happened?� She yelled into the radio.

“We just dropped out of hyperspace. I should’ve warned you since you haven’t gained your space legs yet. My apologies Miss.�

“It’s ok. My name isn’t ‘Miss’ – it is Cindy.� Cindy sighed as she got back to her feet.

“I’ll call you Cindy then if it is ok with you.�

“Yeah, it is ok with me.� Cindy said, but then thought, ‘Why am I talking to a computer ship interface?’ She couldn’t think of a good enough reason, so she set the radio back down on the floor.

Sitting down with her back against one of the boxes, Cindy sighed. She wanted out of here. She wanted out of here now. She wanted out of here before she was even in here if that was even possible.

Sighing again Cindy proceeded to glare at the radio. If she glared at it enough, maybe it would melt. She kept blinking and losing her focus on making the radio melt, so she gave up on that plan.

Cindy closed her eyes for a minute, but then quickly reopened them as the ship jerked. Crawling forward, she picked up the radio. “What is going on Cosmos?� she asked worriedly.

“We are being attacked. Please remain calm. Niemand will take care of this.�

“We are being attacked and you want me to remain calm?!?� Cindy yelled and then ordered, “Let me out of this room now.�

“I’m sorry Cindy, but this isn’t a good time for me to chat with you. Goodbye.�

Cindy growled and was jarred again. “This isn’t fair. Let me out of here right now!� After yelling into the radio, she was thankful to hear Niemand’s voice coming over it.

“Cindy, just get down and stay down. I can’t help you right now and you are safer in there than you would be out here. You’re going to have to trust me on this one.� Niemand’s voice was calming and reassuring.

Sighing Cindy stayed on the ground, holding tightly to the radio. The ship kept being jarred and it made a very uncomfortable ride for her.
After what seemed like hours, but really was only about ten minutes, Cindy heard Niemand’s voice coming over the radio. “Cindy, you need to trust me and do what I say right now, okay?�

Cindy pushed the button down and barely breathed the word “Okay.� into the device.

The word must have been loud enough for Niemand to hear because he quickly continued. “Get to the door. I’ll be there in a second. We have to evacuate the ship.�

Cindy got up and was thrown against the door as the ship was jarred again. She leaned against the door trying to patiently wait. Five minutes passed without a sound or a jar. Ten minutes passed without anything happening.

Finally Cindy grew tired of waiting and spoke into the radio. “Niemand, where are you? What is going on?�

There was no answer, but the door opened. Cindy’s quick glance outside her room showed Niemand being dragged out of sight by a couple of men and another man looking at her after opening the door.

“Who are you?� Cindy asked the stranger.

The stranger’s only reply was to point a dagger shaped object at Cindy. There was dinging sound and a green beam came out and hit her. As the beam hit her, she felt a slight shock and then slipped into unconsciousness.

[Cindy]

Chapter 3

Cindy woke up in a dark room. Her head hurt so badly! She grunted as she tried to sit up. It was hard since her hands were tied behind her back – again. She finally got her body into a kneeling position. She couldn't see anything. She tried to adjust her eyes, but there wasn’t any light anywhere. She carefully stood up. Her body ached. 'What did that guy do to me?' she wondered. She stepped forward and promptly tripped over something.

"Ow!" A little voice said. "Could you please stay put?"

"What? Who are you?" Cindy asked, quickly sliding away. Her back touched a couple of bars and she got shocked. She moved about a foot back away from the bars.

"I'm your fellow captive." The quiet voice said. "Don't worry, I won't eat you." The voice laughed.

"Where am I? And who are you?" Cindy asked.

"We are on a rouge ship – meaning that these people are running from the law. My name is Annalise." Annalise replied.

Cindy was quiet for a minute and then asked, "What is going to happen to us, Annalise?"

"I’m not sure what will happen to us, but I’m guessing that they’ll offer us in exchange for a ransom.� Annalise replied frankly.

"I see." Cindy said.

"Hold on, we're landing now." As Annalise said that the spaceship hit something, not very hard, but hard enough that Cindy lost her seat. A door opened and Cindy was blinded by the light. The cell door banged open then shut again. When she regained her sight she saw Annalise being taken away by two men.

Two more men came a little while later to the cell. The door banged open and they came over to her and grabbed her. "Let me go!" Cindy yelled, but they didn’t pay any attention to her.

The strange men half carried and half dragged a yelling, kicking, and hitting Cindy out of the cell. When they finally put her down in a room, she quickly moved away from them.

A gentle hand touched her shoulder and Cindy jumped, but her nerves settled down as a kind voice said. “Hello there. Don’t be afraid. Please, come with me.�

Cindy turned around to see a woman that was old enough to be her grandmother smiling down at her. Glancing back over her shoulder, she saw that the men were guarding the door – her only escape route – so she decided to go with the woman.

The woman led Cindy to a pile of rugs and motioned for her to sit down. Cindy quietly sat down and then watched the woman go over to talk to the men guarding the door. After they had conversed for a moment, the guards left and the woman came back over to where Cindy quietly sat waiting.

“Hi again, my name is Miarat, but you can call me Mia.� Mia said in a pleasant voice.

“Hi.� Cindy replied in a tone that was anything but nice.

“OK, I’m sure that you want to know where you’re at and what you are doing here. Am I right?� Mia said in the same pleasant voice.

“Yep.� Cindy replied in a little bit nicer tone.

“You are in the first stages of training. You have been chosen to fight against the Terbiates along with other Nythian soldiers.� Mia said in a matter-of-fact voice.

“Wait. I was going to help the Terbiate people, wasn’t I?� Cindy wondered out loud. The only thing that that question got her was a slap. “Ouch! What was that for?�

“You will not ever help the Terbiate people, do you understand me young lady?�

“I’m not a young lady. And also, for your information, you can’t tell me what to do.� Cindy fought back the inclination to stick out her tongue to give emphasis to what she had just said.

“You are right – my apologies for striking you. The Terbiate people are just really cruel, heartless beings and the mention of them makes me quite upset.� Mia replied in a soothing tone.

“Hmmm…� was Cindy’s only reply. “What am I going to be trained to do?�

“For now, in step one of your training process, you will be taught how to fluently read and write the Nythiash language.� Mia answered. “Now I have a question for you, what is your name?�

“You probably already know my name, don’t you?� Cindy retorted.

“Yes, I do know your name, but I’d like for you to tell it to me willingly.� Mia explained.

“Fine, it’s Cindy.� Cindy said icily.

“It is nice to meet you Cindy.� Mia smiled.

“Yeah, right.� Cindy looked away.

“You’d better get used to having me around. I’m the only person that you will be seeing for the next month.� Mia grinned as Cindy jerked her head back around with a very surprised look on her face.

“Okay…� Cindy dragged the word out while thinking about what Mia had just said. After finding no immediate reply to Mia’s statement, she asked “What happened to Niemand?�

“Niemand? Who is that?� Mia asked, puzzled.

“Niemand is the man that I was captured with.� Cindy tried to explain.

“I wasn’t aware that you were brought in with anyone.� Mia said.

“Oh ok.� Cindy sighed.

“I can try to find out if you want me to.� Mia said in a cheerful tone.

“I’d like that. Thanks.� Cindy gave Mia a slight, quick smile.

“You’re welcome. Now it is time for sleep though, tomorrow will come sooner then you like.� Mia smiled. “You will sleep here and I’ll be over by the door. If you need to refresh yourself, the button over there� she motioned to a small, square, yellowish button on the opposite wall “will open a door to another room for that purpose.�

“Okay. Thank you.� Cindy quietly said, then yawned, and laid down, pulling some of the rugs over her.

Mia said “Good night Cindy.� but Cindy was already asleep.

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When Cindy opened her eyes the next morning, she took in her surroundings slowly and carefully. She knew that she couldn’t overlook any possible way of escape – her first and foremost goal was to get back home to Earth.

Other than the yellow button on the wall opposite her bed, the door way, her bed, and Mia’s bed, the room was bare and empty. There were a couple of windows far above eye level for light to come in at on the wall opposite Mia’s bed and the door.

On a second inspection of the room, Cindy noticed that Mia wasn’t there. She then decided to see what was outside of the room. Stepping to the doorway, she looked out. There was a courtyard with many other doorways like hers, but she decided to not venture out as she noticed quite a few guards stationed around the courtyard.

Going back to her bed, Cindy straightened the rugs and then quietly sat while waiting for Mia to come back. She knew that she had to be patient, but by the time Mia did get back, she had twiddled her thumbs and all eight fingers.

As Mia came through the doorway carrying a basket, Cindy spoke rapidly. “Where were you? What are we going to do today? Is there anything to eat? Can I go outside? What is in the basket?�

Mia quietly laughed and then answered Cindy’s rapid questions with slow answers as she set her basket down on the ground. “I was getting your studies for the day and breakfast for us. I am going to teach you how to read and write some of the Nythiash alphabet. Yes, I brought food for breakfast – figs, bread, raisins, and grapes. No, you have to stay in this room. The items in the basket are the supplies for today.�
Cindy giggled. “How did you remember and understand all of my questions?�

“When you get as old as I am and have had as much practice as I have, it becomes second nature.� Mia smiled at Cindy. “I’m glad you are more cheerful this morning then you were last night. Now let’s have some breakfast, okay?�

“Okay.� Cindy agreed.

Mia dug two plates out of the basket, pulled out and opened a couple of boxes of fruit, dumped some fruit on the plates, placed a couple pieces of bread from the basket onto each plate, and then handed one of the plates to Cindy who was eagerly waiting to eat.

Cindy waited until Mia had taken a bite of her bread before trying the bread. It tasted sweet. Cindy grinned at Mia and commented, “It’s good. Thanks.�

Mia smiled and continued her breakfast. Cindy followed her example and quickly ate the bread and fruit that was on her plate. The figs, grapes, and bread were the best – she didn’t really like the slightly sour taste of the raisins, but it all tasted pretty good. She was also hungry and when a growing teenager is hungry, almost anything tastes good!

Cindy handed her plate to Mia when asked for it and then waited for what would come next. Mia dug a book and an item that looked like a chalkboard out of the basket next. “What is that?� Cindy asked, curious about the object that looked like a chalkboard.
“This is called a writing board.� Mia replied.

“Ok.� Cindy nodded in understanding. ‘So that is a writing board.’ She thought. ‘I can remember that.’

“You use the writing board by placing it on your lap and using your finger to write.� Mia explained and then showed Cindy what she meant. “You try it now.� She said as she handed it to Cindy.

Cindy ran her finger over the writing board after setting it on her lap. The writing board responded quite well to her light touch. She wrote one single sentence on the board. It read: I miss home. “How do I erase it now?� she asked Mia as she wiped a tear out of the corner of her eye.
“Just push this button.� Mia showed her a small button on the top right corner of the device and then squeezed her shoulder. “It will be okay Cindy.�

Cindy looked at Mia in astonishment. “You could read what I wrote?�

“No, but I’m guessing it had something to do with your home by the tear you wiped away.� Mia said quietly.

“Well… you were right.� Cindy replied and then asked, “So what do I do now?�

Mia showed Cindy how to form the first several letters of the Nythiash alphabet from the book and then left her to practice as she pulled out some weaving from the basket and busied her own hands and mind with that. Occasional glances at Cindy’s work showed Mia that her student was a quick learner.

At lunch time Mia said with a smile. “You are a good student and are making great progress!�

“Thanks.� Cindy grinned back.

Lunch consisted of more bread only this time it had a coating of something or other on it. After questioning Mia about the coating, Cindy learned that it was like a jam. It made the bread taste even better and Cindy greatly enjoyed the meal.

After lunch, Cindy went back to work on her lessons. She wanted to learn the entire Nythiash alphabet in one day, but that wasn’t going to work she realized as Mia finally said with a smile, “Ok, it’s time to be done with studies for now. You did very well!�

Mia packed the book, her weaving, and the writing board back away in the basket and then brought out a couple boxes of fruit and handed one to Cindy. Cindy took it and savored the flavor of the grapes, figs, and raisins while eating.

When they were done with their last meal of the day, Mia packed the empty fruit boxes back into the basket, exchanged good night’s with Cindy, and then left with the basket as Cindy laid down for sleep. A little while later, Mia came back into the room, without the basket, and lay down too.

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The next day consisted of the same schedule, only today Mia brought back some news about Niemand. “Your friend, Niemand, is doing well. He is getting trained, like you are, only in different things as he knows more than you do about Nythians.� She said with a small smile at Cindy.

“Ok. I’m glad he is doing well. Thanks for finding out for me.� Cindy smiled back at Mia.

“You are welcome. Now let’s get to work on the Nythiash alphabet, shall we?�

Cindy groaned a little bit, but the smile on her face said that she didn’t mind the work. “Sure.� was her reply as she got back to work on learning the language.

[Cindy]

Chapter 4

For the next several days and few weeks, that is what consisted of Mia and Cindy’s schedule. The only change was the amount of knowledge that Cindy was storing in her head about the Nythiash language and how to read and write it.

Cindy was a very quick learner and by the end of four weeks could read and write anything in the Nythiash language very quickly and effectively. Mia said that she was ready for step two in her training.

The night when Cindy saw Mia for the last time, she hugged her. “Thank you for everything.� She said.

“You are very welcome. Take care of yourself.� Mia replied with a hug of her own. They then exchanged good night’s and went to sleep, just like any other night, only this had been the last day with Mia – Cindy knew that.

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When Cindy woke up the next day, she looked at Mia’s bed, sort of hoping that she was still asleep. She wasn’t there however. Cindy sighed. There was a part of her that had grown somewhat attached to Mia and that part was sad at the prospect of never seeing Mia again.

After Cindy made her bed, she waited for whatever would happen next. A guard came to the doorway and motioned for Cindy to follow him. Cindy got up and quietly followed him to a building with long rows of double stacked beds.

Cindy looked at them in wonder. ‘What was this place? And what was she doing here?’ She wondered as she took a careful look around her. The guard left her without a word as many other girls marched into the building.

The girls broke out of formation and went to beds that must belong to them. Cindy wasn’t sure what to do, but she walked along the rows of beds trying to find one for her own.

Some of the girls pretending that they didn’t see Cindy, others hissed insults at her, and still others pushed her as she walked past them.
Cindy finally found a bed that was unoccupied. The girl that had the bed below the unoccupied bed wasn’t too bad – she didn’t smile at Cindy, but she didn’t push or hiss insults at her either.

Cindy decided to try talking to the girl, “Hi. My name is Cindy. What is your name?�

The only response Cindy got was a glare. She sighed. ‘Oh well… I tried.’ She thought as she climbed up onto the other bed. She wondered a little bit about what was going to happen, but not too much.

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After a while of just sitting on the bed, laying down on it, getting back up, and being completely bored, a woman came in. As she came in, all of the girls stood at attention like Cindy had seen in movies back home on Earth for military schools.

Cindy’s brain began to piece together what was happening to her. ‘The Nythians are training me to be a soldier. Why else would they keep me alive?’ The thought scared her a bit – she wasn’t a soldier. She didn’t like the thought of hurting anyone!

As Cindy’s mind was trying to formulate a plan to get out of this very unpleasant situation, the woman was coming toward her. The woman's voice snapped Cindy's attention back from her planning as she said, "Cindy attention!"

Cindy jumped since she hadn't realized that the woman had come up right next to her. After getting over her first scare though, she scowled at the woman, crossed her arms, and proceeded to glare at her while slouching just a little bit. It was her favorite posture for use on her teachers back home on Earth. Wait. She wasn't supposed to think about home. It made her somewhat sad, but not for long.

The woman's expression of disbelief, anger, and astonishment made Cindy double over laughing. Even some of the other kids giggled at the look on their commander's face. With her face bright red from laughing so hard, Cindy stood awaiting her punishment. She knew that to keep order the woman would have to do something, but it was well worth any punishment in her opinion to have seen the look on the commander's face.

“You, miss Cindy,� the commander finally growled, “are going to help out in the scrap yard. What you did was most unwise.�
“Yes ma’am.� Cindy saluted mockingly with a twinkle in her eye. ‘What kind of cool things will I learn in the scrap yard?’ She let her mind wander over the possibilities of what she could learn. ‘The more I learn, the sooner I’ll be on my way back home. Now that was a good thought! I must hold onto it.’

“Hmm… maybe being part of the scrap yard is too good for you.� The commander glared at Cindy’s mischievous smile and looked quite annoyed when she saw the twinkle in her newest recruit’s eyes.

The other girls, however, found it quite entertaining to watch Cindy challenge the commander’s authority. As long as it didn’t land them in trouble of course! Trouble for them would never do, but it was always fun to watch the new girl or, even better, girls learn not to mess with the commander the hard way.

They were surprised when Cindy replied to the commander, “Oh no, I don’t think being part of the scrap yard is too good for me, but don’t you think I might get into a little bit of trouble?� The mischievous smile grew larger.

“Just get your work done on time.� The commander growled and then stalked away. The other girls giggled at Cindy’s mock salute behind their commander’s back. After the commander left, many of the girls crowded around her and asked questions about where she was from, what she knew, and other things. She answered their questions as best as she could without giving away too much information.

There was one girl though that Cindy was interested in. The girl just sat on her bed, didn’t look around, didn’t talk to anyone, and her face and shoulders were covered with a veil. After a while the other kids finally decided to leave her alone and she saw her chance to meet the girl.

Cindy walked over and sat down on the bed next to the girl. “Hello?�

The girl turned her head and lifted her veil. “Hello Cindy.�

Cindy gasped. It was Annalise’s voice! “Annalise?!?�

“Yes, it’s me. It has been a while; I’m really surprised that you remember the sound of my voice.�

“I remember voices for a long time. How have you been?�

“I’ve been alright. I’m planning my escape – this is not where I belong. The Nythians are rouges and I belong with my people – the Terbiates. What are you planning on doing? Do you know what you’ve got yourself into?�

“I’m not sure exactly what I’m getting into, no, but it can’t be too bad, right?�

“It can be much worse than you think. Scrap duty is the hardest job out there. You will be hauling junk and sorting the scraps that are worth something out of the scraps that will be melted down to make new ships with. The pieces of metal are heavy and I’m not sure that you’re strong enough to haul it. Between that and the military training, you are going to be miserable!� Annalise predicted gloomily.

“Oh.� was Cindy’s only response as she put her chin in her hands and rested her elbows on her knees. The sigh that followed was both sad and frustrated.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll keep an eye on you and when my people come for me, I’ll take you with me.� Annalise rubbed Cindy’s back.

“Thanks.� Cindy attempted a smile at Annalise. “I just wish I wasn’t so stupid as to cross the commander first chance I get.�

Annalise giggled. “It was funny though! Besides, you are strong on the inside and smart. Most kids would have already been killed, but you’ve shown the Nythians that you can learn quickly. Just keep doing that.�

“OK.� Cindy managed a better smile for Annalise. “I’ll do my best.�

“Good. That is all anyone can ask for. Now, let’s get some rest. You’ll need it for tomorrow.� Annalise laid down. “Good night Cindy.�
“Good night Annalise.� Cindy got up and walked back to her bunk and climbed up on the highest bed. She laid down and looked up at the gray ceiling as the light faded. “I will not forget my mission – to get back home to Earth.�

For the first time in about a month, Cindy let her thoughts wonder back to memories of home. She surprised herself a little while later with the realization that she hadn’t cried this time. Yes, she still missed her family and life, but right now she needed to focus on how to get through this and how to get home. With that, she closed her eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning Cindy was awakened by a loud voice yelling over what seemed to be a loudspeaker, “Get up! Move out in 5!� Groggily she sat up, got off of the bed, and then got jostled into line by the other girls.

Marching along with other girls wasn’t easy for Cindy. She was new to this and still half-asleep, but she made it just fine out to the field where they were headed. Once she had woken up more, she decided that marching around the field wasn’t so bad.

By the time they got done with military exercises and learning how to be effective in combat at about noon however, Cindy was worn out and sore from where the “practice weapons� had hit her. The practice weapons didn’t leave you unconscious like the dagger things did, but they did leave you gasping for breath when the beam hit you!

As Cindy ate her simple lunch of bread and a soup that she guessed was something like tomato soup, she wondered what would happen next. She watched Annalise walk over towards her and wondered how much information her friend would be able to give her on what would happen next.

Annalise sat down next to Cindy and then asked, “How are you holding up Cindy?�

Cindy looked at Annalise and replied, “I’m a little sore and tired, but I’m doing alright. How are you?�

“I’m fine.� was the short reply.

Cindy decided that she was going to have to ask about whatever she happened to be curious about. “Annalise, what are we supposed to do after this break?�

“You are supposed to go to the scrap yard and work. I’m to report to the information center to answer questions about the Terbiates.� Annalise sighed as she finished talking.

“You are going to betray your own people?!� Cindy exclaimed, saying the first thing that came to her mind.

Annalise glared angrily at Cindy. “I would never, nor will I ever, betray my people to the Nythias.�

“Oh, ok.� Cindy fell silent, as she was trying to figure out what to say to Annalise to make up for her slip of the tongue. “I’m sorry Annalise.� she finally apologized.

“It’s ok Cindy. Now we need to get to work.� Annalise gestured to a tall man coming through the gate. “That is who you need to report to – he oversees the scrap yard work and workers.�

Cindy got up, told Annalise farewell for the time being, then jogged over to the man. “Hi, my name is Cindy and I’m supposed to be working in the scrap yard.� she said quickly.

The man turned and looked at her. “Hello there Cindy. My name is Articimus, but you can call me Art.� His smile made her smile in return without really meaning to. “I’m going to guess that you’ve never really worked before now?�

“You guess correctly Art.�

“Ok, then I’ll go a little bit easy on you. Let’s go.� He turned and walked away with Cindy following him.

Art led Cindy to a building that had piles and piles of junk metal. “This is where you’re going to work.� he told her and showed her how to sort the metal. Some metal went in one pile, it was strong metal good for building spaceships hull and armor. Other metal went into another pile because it had electronic pieces mixed in with it.

As Cindy began sorting through the metal, she wondering what kinds of electronics there were that she was putting in the one pile. But she couldn’t tell what each piece was or what it was used for, so she’d have to wait to carry out the newest plan that was forming in her mind.

Cindy worked until the sun was almost down behind a mountain and then Art helped her find her way back to the barracks. She was happy because he had told her that she was one of the best workers that he had. She laid down on her bed and was asleep almost before her head hit the pillow.

[Cindy]

Chapter 5

Every day for the next two weeks, Cindy’s schedule followed the same pattern. The only difference was that the more she practiced, the fewer times she was hit with that awful beam. She could now keep up with Annalise against a couple other girls-in-training.

Cindy’s job at the scrap yard got better and better too. As she got stronger, Art assigned her more jobs. Today was the day that he said he’d have a surprise for her, so she found herself hurrying to the scrap yard after lunch break in anticipation.

Art met Cindy near where she usually worked. “Good afternoon Cindy!� he exclaimed enthusiastically.

“Good afternoon Art!� Cindy replied with even more enthusiasm than usual. She could hardly wait to see what the surprise was!

“Please, come with me.� Art motioned Cindy to follow him to a different part of the scrap yard. It was at the area of the scrap yard where people analyzed the electronic parts that he stopped. “This is where you’ll be working now.� He pointed out another girl as he spoke. “Her name is Cynthia. She’ll teach you what you need to know.�

Cindy barely got out a “Thank you Art.� as he quickly walked away. She walked over to Cynthia. “Hi, my name is Cindy and Art said that I was supposed to learn from you?� her statement ended in a question bringing Cynthia’s eyebrows up.

“Hi Cindy. I’m sure Art told you my name, but if he didn’t, my name is Cynthia. And you are the first person that I’ve met to end a statement with a question without changing sentences.� Cynthia’s smile caused Cindy to smile as well.

“Hi Cynthia. I just do that sometimes, I don’t know why.� Cindy paused and then glanced at the ground. “I hope you don’t mind.�

Cynthia laughed. “No, I don’t mind at all! But we’ve been talking enough about this, let’s get some work done!�

Cindy grinned. “OK!�

For the next couple of hours, Cindy learned how to recognize different ship components and what they did. There were components that took ships of different sizes into hyperspace, others that would use an energy beam to transfer physical objects onto and off of ships, weapon modules for different types of ships, and ship computer interfaces. The ship computer interfaces intrigued her. She wanted to have one to work with, but Cynthia said that the workers were never allowed to have any of the parts.

Cindy did her work well and learned quickly. Cynthia was impressed with her new partner. “You did very well Cindy!� she said at the end of the day. “You will one day be better than I am at this.�

Cindy shook her head no. “You are great at this and I’ll never be better than you, but thanks for saying so anyway. Thanks for teaching me everything Cynthia.�

“Anytime.� Cynthia replied. They waved farewell to each other and Cindy trudged back to the supper and bed she knew she had waiting for her.

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The next couple of weeks went almost the same way for Cindy. She kept getting better at her work by figuring what different parts did what easier and sorting them more efficiently. She also didn’t get hurt as much during the fights, especially with Annalise by her side, and was impressing her teachers with her “natural fighting skill� as they called it. To reward her, the leaders of the operation were letting her take a class on how to build her own ship and take proper care of it.

Cindy was told that her training was pretty much done, but that she would be able to continue being a trainee until her ship design, building, and care class was completed. She was very happy about this aspect as she was creating her own spacecraft with components that no one else wanted because they were only an experimental prototype version of the tested components. The only difference was that if the components worked, they’d be twice as powerful, but no one else wanted to take the chance of them not working.

The other students who were in Cindy’s class said that she was crazy for willing accepting the experimental prototype components that no one else wanted. They all informed her that her ship would never fly. It would never be worth the space it took up; according to them at least.
Cindy’s teacher told her that it might work. There was a slight chance that her design would work, and that if it did, there wouldn’t be any other ship in the entire universe that could beat hers; especially technologically wise.

Cindy held onto that chance. That slim chance brought hope to her heart. She had designed this ship based on everything the base had provided her to read on different ship models, how they were built, and how well they ran. Her teacher had promised that as long as the components worked properly, the ship would fly. Cindy was sure that they would work, that her ship could fly, and that she would be going home as soon as she could.

The day finally came that everyone in the class had been anxiously looking forward to. It was launch day. All of the students had completed their own ship and each ship was different based on the preferences of the student who had designed it. Everyone was hopeful that their ship would fly, but Cindy’s hopes had more to do with a way to get home than anything else.

She knew that she could now take on grown men in fights, and win against them very easily, with or without anyone else’s help. She had grown stronger and wiser in the 3 months she had been with the Nythians. She still didn’t like the idea of becoming a soldier, but she didn’t plan on staying around long enough to officially become a soldier.

It was finally Cindy’s turn to test fly her ship. Since it had all of the experimental components, she had been last in line to launch. Her ship was towed out to the runway and she was told to get in it. She clambered into the pilot’s seat and put the helmet with radio on her head.

The first test was to check to make sure that the radio in her helmet was working correctly. “This is Cindy in the ship Canary Dido asking for conformation of radio connection. Over.� She said as she flipped the switch for outgoing radio transmissions on and then back off. She fully expected for it to work just fine.

“This is headquarters, your radio connection checks out perfectly fine. You are free to launch the Canary Dido. Over.�

Cindy smiled. Her ship would work, she was sure of it. She turned on the power and waited for the ship’s artificial intelligence to boot up. Like all of her components, it was an experimental prototype that was supposed to learn as it got older. The ship’s computer system blinked on for about five seconds, but then shut off again leaving a memory dump message on the screen in front of her.

Cindy sighed. She never should have believed that it would work. She wanted to burn the entire space craft. As she started to take the helmet off, the lights turned back on and the system booted up.

Cindy’s helmet slipped back on her head and her jaw dropped open as she heard the artificial intelligence speak. “Hello commander Cindy. It’s been a long time my friend.�

“Wait, how did you know my name? And I’m not a commander.� Cindy said in surprise. ‘How could this new artificial intelligence computer know my name?’ she wondered.

“You don’t remember me Cindy?� The voice sounded a little bit pained. “You don’t remember the war? What about Niemand?�

“I don’t know what you are talking about. What war? Who are you? What are you? And what does Niemand have to do with any of this?� Cindy’s brain was rushing to give her the answers that she was seeking, but she couldn’t think of any of the answers.

“The Nythians and the Terbiates went to war once and you ended up in the fight against your will. Some of the Nythians had went against Earth’s military defenses and taken some prisoners. You were one of the people that they took as a prisoner. You learned many things which is probably why you learned so fast this time.�

Something had turned on while the computer was talking and Cindy broke in. “What is that noise?� she asked.

“I’m scanning your face and seeing how different you look from before. You have changed quite a bit Commander.�

“How is that possible?� Cindy asked.

“It is possible since I haven’t seen you in several years. The last I saw of you, you were piloting a ship that was hurtling towards a planet’s surface.� The computer’s voice actually sounded pained with the last remark.

“What? I was piloting a ship that was on a collision course with a planet?� Cindy’s voice sounded a bit panicked. “What happened to me?�
“I don’t know. Your last orders were to get the last group of refuges to safety.� The artificial tone was back and it sounded as if Cindy had just imagined the change in tone.

Cindy was about ready to ask more questions when the radio sounded loudly in her ears. “Pilot Cindy of the ship Canary Dido, are you going to launch today or next year?�

Cindy flipped the radio switch on and replied, “I’m ready for take-off now. Please stand by.� before switching the radio back off. “Are you ready to fly?� She asked the artificial intelligence.

“Yes ma’am. Ohh… and you didn’t forget my name. I’m glad.� It replied.

“Your name has always been the Canary Dido?� Cindy asked in surprise.

“Yes ma’am. It was what you called me on our first mission together and it has been my name since then.� The Canary Dido was preparing the ship for take-off as it answered Cindy’s questions. “Please tell them that we are ready for take-off commander.�

“Okay.� Cindy replied as she checked off her mental list for take-off. ‘Helmet on. Check. Radio working. Check. Flight harness on. Check as of now.’ she thought to herself as she fastened the harness used in all air craft tight so that she couldn’t be thrown out of the pilot’s seat as she exited the atmosphere. Flipping the radio switch on again, she said, “This is pilot Cindy of the ship Canary Dido. I am prepared for take-off.� She flipped the switch off again as she waited for a response.

“This is headquarters, you are clear to launch.�

“Let’s go.� Cindy said as she pushed the throttle up and pulled the craft’s nose up towards space.

“Easy commander. You haven’t flown in a long time. Are you sure that you want to go straight up?� Canary Dido asked hesitantly.

“Yes, I’m sure. And what do you mean haven’t flown in a long time? I don’t remember how to fly at all!�

Cindy laughed sarcastically as the Canary Dido replied, “Oh my, we’re going to crash, aren’t we?�

“No, it isn’t too hard to fly this thing.�

“This is headquarters, what do you think you are doing Cindy?! You’re going to get yourself killed!� The radio wasn’t really loud over the roar of the engines, but it was still loud enough for Cindy to hear perfectly fine.

With one hand still on the flight controls, Cindy flipped the radio on. “I’m not going to get myself killed. This is easy!� was her only response before she flipped the radio off again.

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Back on the planet, an emergency meeting was called. The leaders of the Nythians had just sat down at the council table when the flight commander said, “She has remembered who she is. I’m sure of it. How else would she know how to fly straight up like that without burning up in the atmosphere?�

The table started arguing about whether Cindy had actually remembered or if it was just chance that she was going so fast straight up. A large gentleman at one end of the table stood up and all talking stopped.

“It doesn’t matter if she remembers or not. Our ships are waiting just outside of the atmosphere to intercept her and bring her back, along with her ship. The ship that she has built is the same one that was accidently destroyed by a nuclear explosion when we attacked her rebel base.� The man’s voice was perfectly calm, showing that he wasn’t worried in the slightest what Cindy could do. Turning to the flight commander, he asked, “Did you give her all the parts that I told you to?�

“Yes sir.�

“Good. Then she will have built the same ship out of the highest technology that could be found when she was last here. As well as the highest technology that can be found now.� The man sat down and laughed. “Last time that girl gave us the slip. This time, we have her cornered.�
The others at the table nodded in agreement and the meeting was halted. There was no need to worry. Cindy would be in their grasp once more soon enough.

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The Canary Dido had just broken through the atmosphere when Cindy realized that things were not going how she planned. Her plan had been to get back to Earth, but there were a couple squads of fighter pilots waiting for her according to the ship’s scanners.

“What now?� Cindy asked more to herself than the Canary Dido, but the Canary Dido had an answer for her.
“We are taking a trip.� The Canary Dido replied.

“What? Where? How?� Cindy was so confused. ‘What could this ship be doing?’

“We are taking a trip. We are going to your old base and you are going to stay there until you can remember everything. As far as how goes, like this.� The Canary Dido replied as the ship accelerated at the speed of light into an artificial wormhole.

“No, I want to go back home! I want to go to Earth!� Cindy was almost in tears. Her plans were getting foiled – again!

“Well, I want my commander back and according to this update I performed as you were crazily heading towards space, there is going to be a war. And you need to either stop it from happening or turn back into the so-called rebel pilot you were before.�

“I am not your commander! I do not belong in space! And I refuse to do anything!� Cindy’s voice rose until it cracked and she burst into tears. “Please, just let me go home.�

“Sorry commander. That is a no-can-do.� Cindy could tell that the Canary Dido was firm on this subject and stopped pleading. She just cried tears of pain, frustration, and lost hopes as the ship remained in hyperspace.

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Back on the planet, the large gentleman who had had things completely under control was drinking in his private quarters when a knock sounded at the door. “Come.� was his only response as he downed another shot glass full of the liquor.

“President, sir, I have bad news.� Private James stammered.

“Spit it out Private.�

“Cindy got away sir.� Private James spoke in an unsteady voice. “She jumped out as soon as she was clear of the atmosphere.�

“What were you guys doing? Sleeping in your cockpits?! It was a simple mission! All you had to do was escort her into the space station up there and then bring her back here. Forcefully if necessary. Was that such a hard assignment Private?!� The President was steaming mad. His perfect plan had been foiled by the same girl who had foiled his plans a few years before!

“Sorry sir, but there was nothing that we could have done. She was gone before any of us could talk to her over the radio.�

“Well, go get Niemand. If you fools can’t get the job done, he can do it for us.�

“Yes sir.� Private James replied and quickly walked out. There was no way that he would fail the President a second time. Especially not where a girl, of all people, was concerned.

[Cindy]

Chapter 6

Cindy was still crying when the Canary Dido finally dropped out of hyper-space. Canary Dido scanned the surface of the planet for the base Cindy had established on her last mission. If she was to get back into contact with the rest of the so-called rebels, she might remember everything. It couldn't believe what it was scanning though.

Ruins coated the planet's surface. The only life signs were wild animals. The entire base was wiped out, apparently from enemy ship's fire all the way from space. Canary Dido sighed. There was no chance know that Cindy would remember.

"Please let me go back home. Let me go back to my family. Let me go back to Earth. Please!" Cindy whispered one last time.

"I'm afraid that I can't do that Commander. Stand by for landing." Canary Dido's robotic voice jarred into Cindy's thoughts.

"I don't want to land!" Cindy insisted.

"You have no choice in the matter I'm afraid. I need you to remember what happened so that you can stop this war and save innocent people's lives." Canary Dido's voice was firm.

Cindy started crying again. She lost all hope again and her future looked so dark. 'Maybe if I crashed this ship and killed myself it would be better...' she thought as she took hold of the controls. "At least let me land." She said to the Canary Dido shakily.

"Alright Commander, but if you try anything, I will take control back."

Cindy smiled a dark smile. This path would lead to no more pain, no more heartache, and no more fear of the unknown. She gunned the engines quickly. The next minute they stalled and the Canary Dido was spiraling towards the planet's surface with no working engines at dangerous speeds.

"Commander! What did you do that for?!" Canary Dido's voice held a bit of fear. They were dropping fast and the engines wouldn't start back up!

"I don't want to be here. I want to feel safe again instead of a captive in space for others to use and hurt." Cindy said coldly.

Canary Dido was quiet. It wasn't going to feed Cindy's death wish with any more words.

Cindy's brain flashed back to another time.

"Commander! The engines have stalled! What are we going to do? We are heavily damaged and this ship is not going to make a safe landing!" Wishter, the engineer, yelled over the explosions around them.

Cindy thought quickly. All the other refuges had been escorted to safety already. They were the last ones left on the battle field who weren't on one side or the other, yet were hated by both sides. Flipping the radio switch on, she quickly spoke into it. "Canary Dido, do you copy?"

"Yes Commander Cindy, I am in orbit waiting for your orders." The reply sounded like music to Cindy's ears.

"Canary Dido, beam up my crew now and take them to the base! Stay with the people!" Cindy ordered.

"Yes ma'am." Canary Dido replied as it began beaming up Cindy's crew and passengers. "What about you? I don't have enough room to take you on board too."

"I'll be fine! Now go!" Cindy yelled into the radio as the last crew member was beamed to safety. She watched as her personal ship jumped to hyperspace and disappeared from scanner view.

Cindy tried once more to start the engines. She was almost to the ground when they finally started back up. She pulled the nose up and felt the impact. She lost consciousness.

"I remember Canary Dido! I remember!" Cindy smiled. "I belong here!"

"That is great Commander. Now can you please get those engines to restart so that you don't die!"

Cindy thought back to the procedure she had used the time before. She implemented the same strategy and the engines roared to life again. They were farther up then she had been last time, she noted with a smile. She pulled the ship's nose up and fired the thrusters on the belly of the ship. The Canary Dido gently set down on the ground.

"Great job Commander." Canary Dido said with a hint of pride. "You will always belong in space Cindy."

"I don't remember everything, but I do remember part of the war. I have to stop this war from taking place." Cindy said seriously.

"Yes, you do..." Canary Dido was broken off by the radio crackling to life.

"This is Headquarters transmitting to pilot Cindy of the ship Canary Dido. If you can hear us, you had better respond sooner than later. We have Niemand here. If you do not return, we will kill him. You have 5 minutes to respond."

Back at the planet, the President nodded at the messenger who informed him that the message had been sent out on all frequencies. Dismissing the messenger, he smiled. Cindy would not get away from him this time. He knew that she would come back to rescue Niemand. A knock sounded at the door and Private James entered.

"Well? Where is Niemand?" The President demanded.

"Niemand is... well... he... kinda..." Private James stammered. How was he supposed to tell the President what had happened?

"What happened Private?!" The President asked in a no-nonsense tone.

"Niemand escaped." Private James spit the words out, then looked at the floor.

"You incompetent fools!" yelled the President. "Did you learn anything at all throughout your training?! First Cindy escapes, a mere child and a girl at that. Escapes an entire fleet of the best trained forces we have. Then Niemand escapes a heavily guarded prison camp! What do you do all day?! Draw in the sand?!"

"No Sir." Private James said softly.

"What about Annalise? Bring her here." The President had just thought of another way to get Cindy back.

"She is missing as well Sir."

"You idiots! How can we win a war if you cannot keep track of even three people?!"

"I don't know Sir."

"I know. You are demoted James as of now. You are incompetent and unfit to be a Private any longer. Let's see if you can wash floors better."

"Yes Sir." James swallowed. He supposed that the status of Private was easy come, easy go. Yet he still had a hard time believing he had lost the rank he had worked so hard to obtain. That girl, Cindy, would pay for this!

"James, you are dismissed.� The President said as James slowly turned and walked out of the room, then yelled, “Private Ed!�

Private Ed entered the room and saluted the President. “Yes Sir?�

“Private Ed, go tell the broadcast commander, Williams, not to give away to anyone that Annalise and Niemand have escaped. There still might be a chance that Cindy will come back."

"Yes Sir." Private Ed saluted, then quickly went on his errand. Meanwhile as James was washing the floors of the base he was thinking that maybe he could earn the rank of Private back.

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Back on her old base planet, Cindy was wondering what she should do. "What do you think Canary Dido? Should I tell them that I will be on my way back?"

"I'm not sure Commander. I don't think that Niemand would want you to stop what you are doing just to try and keep him safe." Canary Dido replied.

Cindy had decided to give up her freedom to keep Niemand safe when the radio came to life again. "Cindy of the Canary Dido, this is Annalise. Niemand and I are safe, but are requesting back-up. We will be in orbit as soon as possible. Please hurry!"

"They are alright!" Cindy said with relief, then flipped the radio on. "This is Cindy of the ship Canary Dido. I am on my way with reinforcements."

"We will see you soon then!" Annalise's voice sounded so happy to hear Cindy.

"Let's go!" Cindy said as she flipped the radio off, pulled the ship's nose up, and fired the afterburners to quickly gain momentum.

"Be careful Commander." Canary Dido warned.

"I will." Cindy promised and soon broke free of the atmosphere. "Ready to jump."

"Jumping." Canary Dido replied.

The radio crackled to life again as the Canary Dido sped towards its destination. "This is Wishter of the ship Dumpster calling Cindy of the Canary Dido."

Cindy flipped the radio on. "This is Cindy of the ship Canary Dido."

"Good to have you back Commander Cindy. This is Wishter, your old engineer, reporting for duty."

Cindy smiled, then replied, “Wishter, meet me at the old place.�

“Yes ma’am.� was the reply and then the radio went silent.

“Can you believe it Canary Dido? We are getting back together again!� Cindy said enthusiastically.

“Yes commander, I can believe it, but don’t get too excited just yet. We are dropping out of hyperspace now.�

“Roger that.� Cindy replied as she took control of the ship. “It didn’t take us very long to get back.�

“I pushed the speed to the highest that I could commander, so that we could get here as quickly as possible.�

“Thanks. I’m sure that Annalise and Niemand will greatly appreciate it. Is the energy beam ready to beam them on board?�

“Energy beam is ready and waiting.�

“Can you pick them up on scanners?�

“Not yet, we need to be closer to the planet’s surface.�

“Roger that.� Cindy had the ship dive towards the planet’s surface at high velocity.

“Be careful commander!�

“I am.�

“There is a squad of fighters incoming on the right.�

“I see that.� Cindy said glancing at the scanner status. “Have you found Annalise and Niemand yet?�

“Yes, they are in the radio building to your left. Get close to it and I’ll beam them out.�

The ship rocked as some fire from the closest fighter hit the shields. Cindy steered the ship away at dangerously high speeds – barely missing the edge of the radio building.

“I got them in the cargo hold commander. Let’s get out of here!�

“Not just yet. I have some business to finish with these five fighters.� Cindy replied as she spun the ship around to face her attackers.
“You have got to be kidding me!� Canary Dido sighed. “What about Niemand and Annalise?�

“Make sure they don’t get hurt with my quick turns.� Cindy ordered.

“Yes ma’am.�

The ship rocked as fire hit its shields, dropping them into the medium-protection range. Cindy fired back as she slid the ship sideways. She finally hit the engines of the ship she was firing at and watched it crash-land on the planet’s surface.

Another fighter was chasing her and was getting too close for Cindy to just turn the ship around. So instead she made a quick turn around the corner of a building. The fighter wasn’t quite as lucky as it crash-landed inside of the building.

That left three fighters. Cindy spun the ship around and headed back towards them. When within firing range another one hit the ground, but the other two had gotten the shields down into the minimal-protection range.

The hull was slowly getting weaker as the shots hit it. Then the fighters let off a couple of missiles. “Hold on!� Cindy called as the missiles neared the ship. She turned on the anti-missile system and watched as the missiles detonated right in front of her without harming the ship.

Cindy was done playing games now. The last two fighters dove after her as she headed for the planet’s surface. She pulled her ship up just before crashing it, but the other two pilots weren’t as lucky.

Now without any other fighters incoming, Cindy turned the controls over to Canary Dido. Getting out of her seat, she went to check on her passengers.

[Cindy]

Chapter 7

As Cindy opened the door to the cargo hold she heard Niemand saying something about Cindy being just as crazy as always. “How are you guys?� Cindy asked with a smile.

“Cindy!� Annalise shouted with joy. “I knew you would keep us safe.�

“It is good to see you again.� Niemand said.

“It is good to be back.� Cindy replied, then added, “Niemand, if you ever try to hurt me to get information out of me again…�

“I won’t do so again commander.� Niemand said as he tipped his head in Cindy’s direction.

Annalise burst out laughing. “It’s just good to be back together again.�

“Yes, it is.� Cindy and Niemand agreed at the same time and then laughed.

“It is good to be back with you all.� Cindy smiled. Her smile faded as she felt herself falling.

“Cindy!� Annalise called. “Cindy are you okay? What happened to her Niemand?�

Cindy heard Niemand say something in reply about her possibly remembering more about her past in flashbacks, then all was quiet.

Cindy held the dagger-shaped object in her hand. Turning it, she saw that it had a button. ‘Since she hadn’t gotten hurt by picking the object up, it wouldn’t hurt to push the button… right?’ Cindy thought to herself.

Finally making up her mind about what to do, she pushed the button. A blue beam came out of the end and just before it hit her, she moaned, “Oh no!� She collapsed and lost consciousness with that slight shock again.

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Cindy woke up furious with herself and when she saw her captor sitting on a box beside her laughing, she exploded. “What do you think is so funny?!� She growled. To answer her, he just laughed harder. She glared at him which only succeeded in making him laugh harder yet. “You are impossible!� she said.

As Cindy stood up, she glanced at the door, it was open. She took a step towards the door and then another and another. The guy just sat there laughing. She reached the door and cautious stepped through it. ‘Perfect!’ she thought as she reached the other side.

“Hey! Where do you think you are going?� the guy yelled. Quickly looking around Cindy saw a button right next to the door. As she pushed it, a door shut, locking the man in the room. She heard a muffled, “You can’t do this! Do you even know what will happen if you don’t let me out? You can’t fly this ship, so if the enemy finds us, we’ll both die! Let me out right now!�

“As I remember, you were the enemy. I’m not letting you out. You are probably just making other enemies up, so I’ll tell you adios now. I’ll let you out after I get back home.� Cindy said, and then looked around the room she was in. There were 4 doors – one in each of the four walls that made up the room.

‘Now which one do I check first so that I don’t get lost?’ Cindy wondered. Walking to the door directly in front of the other one, she opened it. Looking around, she saw a large window with two seats in front of it, panels, displays, and a lot of buttons. On one of the chairs she saw what she would need – one of those oval shaped objects like what her captor had left her earlier.

Cindy walked over, picked it up, and said, “Can you hear me?�

A very angry voice answered with one word, “Yes.�

“Good. I was just wondering how to fly this ship. What do all these buttons do?� Cindy asked.

“I’m not telling you anything Miss. There is no way that you can fly this ship, so don’t even try to. I will admit that you won and I’ll take you to your home planet, but I’m not going to teach you how to fly this ship. The universe is a very dangerous place for anyone to be.� The man’s voice was starting to get less angry.

“Fine, be that way. I’ll just start pushing buttons. Like maybe this button that says ‘Self-Destruct’ on it…� Cindy let her voice trail away.
“That button will over load the jump drive and make the ship blow up killing both of us! You wouldn’t do that because you want to get home.�

“I wouldn’t do that? Are you sure about that? Well here is something for you to think about… if I let you out, I’ll probably regret it. If I don’t push the button, you yourself said that we will die. If I push the button, you say we will die. So are you so sure that I wouldn’t push that button now?�

“Yes. I’m sure you won’t push that button.� he said very calmly.

A warning sounded in the room and one of the panels started flashing. Cindy walked towards the panel and read ‘Alert: Approaching Ship May Be Hostile’. “I have a slight problem here.� she said.

“What problem is that?�

“There is an incoming ship that may be hostile.�

“Let me out and I’ll contact the ship to see what they want.�

“No! I’m not letting you out. Just tell me what to do.�

“I’m not going to tell you what to do. There isn’t enough time for me to explain everything to you if the ship decides to fire.�
“If I let you out, you will take me home, right?�

“Yes, Miss, I’ll take you home.�

“Good.� Cindy ran back to the door that she had shut and opened it. “Remember, we are working together.�

“Yep, whatever you say Miss.� The man came out with one of the dagger-shaped objects pointed at her.

“You have got to be kidding me.� Cindy said.

“Nope, get in the room.� Cindy crossed her arms, glared at him, and walked into the room. As she turned around the man pushed the button sending another blue beam of light towards her. Sighing as the beam hit her, she slipped back into unconsciousness.

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Slowly opening her eyes a few hours later, Cindy woke up in a really bad mood. She was hungry, cold, aggravated, and had a headache. She got up and looked for one of the boxes. They were all gone. The door opened and the man was there with one of the dagger-shaped objects pointed at her.

“Not again. I’ll be good.� Cindy sighed and sat back down.

“Oh, so the fighter is tired of fighting me now?� the man smiled at her. Cindy didn’t look at him or answer. “Are you hungry?� She nodded her head ‘yes’. “Come on then. I don’t want to starve you, but if you make one wrong move…�

Cindy got up and walked out the door. There was a plate of food on one of the boxes that had been in the other room. The lid was off of one of them showing another dagger-shaped object. She got as close as she could to it and then faked that she tripped. As she fell, he just looked at her. She grabbed the dagger-shaped object on the way down and rolled over to face him.

“Good work, but one thing you should know – I’m not stupid enough to leave a working zap gun in your reach.�

Cindy pushed the button. Nothing happened. Dropping the zap gun she sat up and leaned on the box. “So what are you going to do with me?�

“I’m going to let you eat if you are hungry. This will be the last chance you’ll get for a little while.�

“Is the food edible?� Cindy asked sarcastically.

“Yes, it is edible. Now if you want it, get up and take it back into your room.�

“That room isn’t my room.� Cindy growled, but got up, picked up the plate, and walked back into the room. The man laid a bundle of clothes down on the floor inside of the door and set a pair of sandals on top of the bundle.

“You’ll need to wear the robe.� The man said and then shut the door behind him.

Sitting down with her back against the wall facing the door, Cindy studied the food on the plate. There was a piece of something resembling bread, some red things that resembled peas, and strips of whitish objects.

Cindy picked up of the ‘red peas’ and tasted it. It tasted different, strange, but still good. Somewhat sweet, but had a tiny hint of bitterness in it. She broke off a piece of the bread and tasted it. It tasted like sawdust or cardboard, but she swallowed it – even though she wanted to spit it out.

Cindy looked at the whitish strips, contemplating if she should dare to taste them or not. Finally she broke off a piece and tasted it. As soon as it was in her mouth, she knew there was no way she could swallow it. It was really bitter. She put the piece on the edge of her plate and glared at it.

Looking around for an oval-shaped object, Cindy saw it where she had left it and picked it up to talk into it. “I thought you said this food was edible?!�

“It is edible, you just need to get used to it.� The man’s reply was quick and decisive.

“I don’t eat bitter things like that.� Cindy growled.

“Will eating it kill you?�

“It might.�

“Unless you would rather starve, it is edible. Eat it or don’t eat it. It’s up to you. I don’t care if you starve just because you refuse to eat what I give you. Besides, there is bread and that other food.�

“The bread tastes like sawdust.�

“Then don’t eat it either.� The man said, getting a little bit grumpy with his passenger. As an afterthought he said, “If you mash the other food up and put it on the bread it does taste a bit better.�

“I’ll try that.� Cindy said.

“By the way, what did you say your name was?�

“I didn’t say and since you kidnapped me, I’d say I have plenty of reasons not to cooperate.�

“Well according to my information Miss, your name is Annalise and the reason I kidnapped you is because you got a huge price on your head. The information you can give my boss is invaluable.�

“Wait a minute. My name ain’t Annalise. I don’t know anything about having a price on my head and if what you say is true, then I’m not worth your time. So… you can take me home, right?�

“Whatever you say Miss. I’ll play your game with not knowing what I’m talking about, but I know that you are Annalise. You look exactly like her – and act like her for that matter. You even knew that this was a space ship, so you had to be Annalise. I’ll be happy with my reward though, but my boss just said preferably alive so stop pestering me.�

“What do you mean preferably alive?�

“It means that if you don’t shut up, I will seriously think about having you arrive dead.�

“Oh.� Cindy set the object down and looked at her plate. She was hungry, but was she hungry enough to eat the food? Shaking her head no, she set her plate down and shuddered at the thought of what the man had said.

Annalise… who was she? Where was she? What did she know that was so useful? How could her kidnapper think she was Annalise when she had never seen him before or been to space for that matter? Why was she in this predicament?

Cindy decided to eat the saw-dusty bread and pea-like objects. The man was right, the bread tasted better with the other stuff on it. It tasted almost like food instead of wood.

Cindy used the bundle of clothes as a pillow and laid down. She fell asleep thinking about what she would like to do to her kidnapper if given the chance.

When Cindy awoke, she looked around. The man must’ve taken the plate, but the bundle of clothes and the sandals were still in the room. She quickly put the dark brown robe and sandals on. Then went over by the door to wait.

The door soon opened and Cindy came face to face with another man. He was heavy-set and had beady eyes that stared at her intently. “This is the girl, Niemand. How much do I owe you for her?�

“What do you mean?� Cindy asked, but only got a slap from the newer guy in answer.

“Commander Owens, don’t hurt the merchandise.� Cindy’s kidnapper, Niemand, quickly said.

“How much do I owe you for her?� The other guy insistently asked.

“You know the original agreement.� Niemand said.

“Corporal Tyler, give this fine man what his payment is.�

“Yes sir!� Corporal Tyler said. Cindy watched as Niemand turned around and was shot by a zap gun.

“So much for your deal with Niemand.� Cindy said sassily.

Commander Owens slapped Cindy again, this time bringing tears to her eyes from the sting of the pain. “Don’t sass me Annalise. Do your duty Corporal.�

Cindy watched as another blue beam of light hit her and she sunk into unconsciousness, only slightly worried about what would happen next.

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As Cindy opened her eyes, she felt different than she had since being in space away from her home. She looked up at the ceiling. It was gray – a bleak, drab gray. She felt a blanket over her, and tipping her head slowly she looked at it. The blanket was brown, just like the robe she still had on. She was lying on a bed from what she could feel. Slowly turning her head she looked around the room. She was alone in a cell of some sort with a door at one end. The door had a small window with bars on it.

Cindy slowly sat up on the edge of the bed, not her bed. She mustn’t think of anything here as hers. She crossed her arms. Her thoughts drifted to Annalise. ‘Who was Annalise? And why had she been mistaken for a girl she had never known.’

Cindy fell back into a laying position as the sharp pain filled her brain. “Oww…� she moaned as she squeezed her forehead with her hands. She heard footsteps and tried to get up, but the pain was too bad. The cell door creaked open and someone was shoved in, then the door was shut again. Finally she was able to sit up and look around.

“Who are you?� Cindy asked the man who was standing on the inside of the cell door, peering through the bars.

The man turned around with a smirk on his face. “You don’t remember me Annalise? You should.�

Cindy just looked at him. It was the guy commander Owens had called Niemand. “My question still stands.� She quietly said. “Who are you and what are you doing here?�

The man sighed. “Well I guess I can tell you now since we are both in trouble. My name is Niemand. What I am doing here is a long story, but if you shortened it up it’d be something like this: I agreed to kidnap a girl named Annalise for a ransom of 200 million tecs. Instead I’m locked up in the same cell as she is because they didn’t keep their end of the bargain.�

“I told you that I wasn’t Annalise.� was Cindy’s simple reply.

“For both of our sakes, I hope you’re just trying to protect your friends. If you are serious, then neither of us will be living much longer.� Niemand said as he sat down with his back to the wall.

“What do you mean?� Cindy asked.

“I mean that if you aren’t Annalise, then we will both get killed sooner rather than later.�

“Well then, we are going to die because I’m not Annalise.�

“Just stop the act already! For once why don’t you care about what is going to happen to others?� Niemand yelled at her and stood up. “Annalise, show that you care what is going to happen to us! Don’t you know that death is final and it will be painful for one of us?!�

Niemand was just a couple steps away from Cindy. She slid back away from him a little ways, but there wasn’t enough space to get away from him. Two more steps brought him, snarling about how she was just pretending right next to her.

Cindy tried shrinking back closer to the wall, but she couldn’t get any farther back. She was terrified now. She couldn’t think. She wanted out of this situation. Looking into Niemand’s eyes, she saw anger and hatred. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him raise his hand. The next thing she knew, she felt his hand come in contact with her cheek.

Cindy’s cheek throbbed and she was even more terrified of this man – if that was even possible. She couldn’t think of anything else to do other than to cry because there was no way anything she did would really affect this guy. Bringing her knees up, she wrapped her arms around them and rested her forehead there. She started to cry – every bit of pain from leaving her family behind, how scared she was and had been, and everything that had happened to her just came out right then in tears.

“Shut up.� He snarled. Cindy raised her head to look at him and saw his hand moving toward her again. She made herself as small as possible and hid her face. She was prepared for him to hit her again, but instead she felt him touch her hair. She flinched away from his touch. He walked away from her and back to the door. “Not so brave now are you?�

Cindy didn’t say anything. Tears were still running down her cheeks. The good memories of her past were changing into some kind of nightmare. Like a movie that she didn’t want watch, memories about everything that had just happened flew through her mind in fast forward. After a while, the thoughts and tears slowed as Cindy drifted into fitful sleep.

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Cindy woke up to someone shaking her shoulder. Opening her eyes thinking that she was going to see her Mom looking down at her, but instead she saw Niemand’s face. She tensed up waiting for him to do something to her. “Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you… as long as you provide a pass for me to get out of here.�

“Why should I help you?�

“Simple. You help me and I won’t hurt you. Don’t help me, and you’ll be sorry.�

“What do you want me to do?�

“Refuse to do any work until I am set free with my payment for kidnapping you.�

“That won’t…�

“Shut up and do as I tell you… or else.� Niemand growled at her.

Cindy just looked at him. “So are you going to do what I told you to do?� She didn’t move a muscle. “Annalise, answer me now.�

The hand started to move as Cindy said, “Yes.� To her relief it stopped moving.

“That is a good girl. Now just stay good and no one will get hurt.�

Niemand turned toward the door and Cindy sat up as the door started moving. There were two soldiers with zap guns ready if their prisoners tried anything. “Come.� One of them said.

“Why?� was Cindy’s response.

“Because if you don’t, you’ll be sorry.�

Cindy was breathing hard as she woke up to see Annalise sitting beside her. “Annalise?�

“I’m here Cindy.� Annalise replied, a sad smile on her face. “Are you ok?�

“I’m fine. Just remembering a lot of things that kind of scare me.�

“What all do you remember?�

“Niemand kidnapped me to begin with and I was you?� Cindy asked, her confusion apparent.

“Niemand did originally kidnap you and bring you back to space.� Annalise admitted. “He was sure that you were me because before the accident we could have been twins.�

“Oh.� Cindy’s confusion lessened some and then totally went away as she thought of other things. “Who is flying the ship?!� She asked as she quickly sat upright, a worried look on her face.

“Don’t worry, Niemand is flying the ship. We are almost back to our old base. He decided to take it slow so you had a chance to pull yourself together before we got there."

Cindy relaxed. “The base is destroyed. You know that, right?�

“Yes, but we can relocate. And on the planet there is the old database that tells how to get into contact with our old pilots.�

“Good.� Cindy smiled. “I have a score to settle with a certain Commander Owens.�

Annalise smiled back at Cindy. “It is really good to have you back Commander Cindy.�

[Cindy]

Chapter 8

Niemand came in a little while later. “Cindy, are you okay?� he asked.

“I’m okay. Have we arrived yet?�

“Yep, and Wishter is waiting for us on the planet’s surface.�

“Good.� Cindy smiled as she stood up. “Let’s go.�

Once they were on the planet’s surface Wishter ran over to them. “Cindy! It is so good to see you again commander!�

Cindy’s smile got bigger. “Wishter, it is so good to see you again too! I’m so glad that you are safe.�

“Same goes for me. I tried to keep in touch with you, but the Earth Doctors made that impossible for me to do without getting your government on both our cases.�

“Niemand came back to get me.� Cindy laughed. It felt so right to be back in space where she belonged.

They continued learning more about what had happened to each other since the last time they had talked. Everyone seemed so happy. The Canary Dido suddenly interrupted them with a message. “We have incoming hostiles from the Terbiates.�

‘The Terbiates are my people. I was their princess. Let me talk to them.� Annalise said.

“Okay, but guys, prepare for the worst.� Cindy called as they headed back to their ships.

“Cindy, what do you want me to do?� Wishter asked, waiting for orders.

Everyone turned to look at Cindy, but she was gone. “Canary Dido, where did Cindy go?!� Niemand was the first to ask.

“Cindy was beamed aboard the Terbiate ship.� was the reply.

“What?!� asked a startled Annalise and Niemand at the same time.

“She was taken?� Wishter, wanting a confirmation, asked.
“Yep.�

“We have to go after her.� Niemand decided. “We need to work together. Annalise, do you think Commander Owens got ahold of the crown?�

“I hope not.� Annalise shuddered. “Commander Owens was a vicious man.�

“Yeah, but let’s get moving before anything else goes wrong.� Niemand said and Wishter nodded his agreement.

Niemand and Annalise headed towards the Canary Dido while Wishter got back into his ship, Dumpster. The Dumpster formed up with the Canary Dido and they headed back into space.

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Waking up a few hours later once again in a cell with a headache wasn’t on Cindy’s agenda. Getting off the bed, she paced back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. When she got tired of doing that, she went forth and back, forth and back, forth and back. There was no denying it – she was furious. ‘How could they, whoever ‘they’ were, beam her up from the planet like that?’ She wondered angrily.

Cindy kicked the bed leg and immediately regretted it. “Ouch!� she yelped and sat back down on the bed. What was she going to do? She remembered Niemand, Annalise, and Wishter. What was going to happen to them? Or were they just another piece in this puzzle that she shouldn’t trust?

As for that other man… Commander Owens was his name… well she had plenty of thoughts of what she’d do to him if she ever got within fighting distance of him. Getting back off the bed, she went back to steaming while wearing a path in the cell’s floor.

If someone didn’t come soon Cindy felt like she’d explode. “Of all the …� Her voice trailed off. There was no way anyone could make her say the things she was thinking right then.

Four steps, turn, four steps, turn, four steps, turn, but then Cindy paused. ‘There has to be a way to get out of here.’ Now the voice was doing something useful for a change. She smiled to herself. There had to be some way to get out. She began searching for any way to achieve her goal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few hours later, Cindy had still found no way to get out. And the bed leg was still as hard each time she kicked it. It might have even grown harder. Growling at herself – and growling about what she was going to do to that, that, that thing – was taking all the energy she had. Sitting down on the bed, she glared at the door. Maybe she could make it melt, but that failed as well.

As Cindy planned her revenge, she lay down. She couldn’t get out, so she would have to wait patiently for someone to come get her out. When they did… a new smile spread across her face at the thought of what she’d do to them. Drifting off to sleep wasn’t what she wanted to do, but after hours of pacing and trying to find a way out of the cell she couldn’t keep her eyes open a moment longer. With a sigh, she fell asleep.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cindy didn’t know how long it had been since she went to sleep, where she was, or why she had woken up when she did at first. Within seconds her attention was back and her eyes were focused on the door. Someone was unlocking it – a bad attempt at quietly. Slipping up right next to the door, Cindy was ready to slip out as soon as it opened. There was no way that they could stop her… no matter who they were.

The door finally started to creak open. As the crack widened, Cindy cautiously peered out to see who was there. No one was in her range of vision, so she opened the door a bit more. Looking up and down the hallway, she didn’t see anyone or any other cells unlocked.

‘Who was the mysterious person who unlocked her cell door to set her free? And why didn’t he or she stick around to be seen?’ were the questions running through her head.

Cindy contemplated about what to do. Stay here and wait or make a run for it. She decided on the later. She ran down the hall and around the corner. More cells. ‘Where was the way out of this building?’ She listened to her heart pound and just relaxed her breathing.

Cindy heard a voice. “Cindy. Cindy, you promised that you’d never leave us. If anyone can hear me and help us find Cindy, bring her back. Please bring Cindy back.� She followed the voice until she came close to a cell door and then it stopped abruptly.
“Can you hear me?� Cindy asked.

“Yes, I can hear you. What do you want?�

“I want to know everything you know about Cindy.�

“You are wasting your time. I don’t know anything about anybody named Cindy.�

“Then why were you asking for her?�

“I was asking for her? You must have me mixed up with someone else. Now can you go away and leave me alone?�

“My name is Cindy. Do you know me?�

“I told you, I don’t know anyone by the name of Cindy.�

“Oh. Ok.� Cindy sighed.

“Would you by any chance help me get out of here?�

“Sure.� Cindy spotted the keys hanging on the wall at the end of the hall. “I will be right back.� She walked up to the keys, grabbed them off the wall, and headed back to the cell. Trying each key, she eventually found the one that fit the lock.

As Cindy opened the door, the guy grabbed her and pinned her against the opposite wall with a knife at her throat. She in some strange way wasn’t scared. Looking up at him she said four words, “Pax, honor, et amicitia.�

“Where did you learn that?� The knife released some of its pressure on Cindy’s neck.

“I don’t know. I just remember bits and pieces from my life before.�

“Do you know what the words mean?�

“No.� The knife resumed its place putting pressure on her throat. “Are you going to kill me?�

“The words mean ‘Peace, honor, and friendship.’ It used to be the motto I held dear. I don’t know if I will kill you or not.�

“Typical.�

“What do you mean ‘typical’?�

“I mean everyone who has captured doesn’t know what to do with me.�

“Hmm…�

“Well while you are thinking, what is your name?�

“Niemand.�

“I’ve already met a ‘niemand’ and you aren’t him, so what is your name?�

“I told you, my name is Niemand. Now be quiet.�

“But, I…� Cindy’s voice trailed off as the knife pushed harder. “Listen, you push much harder and I’m going to be hurt.�

“Do you think I care?� The knife released back to the original slight pressure.

“Yes, I think you care.� Cindy paused and then continued, “You miss Cindy a lot don’t you?�

“I don’t know any Cindys.�

“Whatever. If you want to lie to me go right ahead Mycia.�

“What did you say?�

“I said that if you want to lie to me, go right ahead and do it.�

“No. What was the name you said?�

“Mycia. That is your name.� The knife dropped to the floor.

“Cindy?� Mycia asked in a whisper. “Is it really you?�

“I don’t know if I’m someone other than Cindy, but if I am Cindy, I think I got myself in a whole mess of trouble.�

“Cindy!� Mycia exclaimed and hugged her.

“Woah. Hold on a minute, just a minute ago you wanted to hurt me and now you are hugging me? That just doesn’t make sense.�

“I thought that you were never coming back. You look different now then you did before – your hair is shorter.�

“Is having shorter hair a crime?�

“Yes, I mean no, but…� Mycia’s voice trailed off – he was obviously flustered. After a minute he said, “You know that you are my boss right?�

“Right now, I’m not the boss of anything, I’m not sure of anything, and, furthermore, I’m not sure I should trust you with this, but here you go.� Cindy reached down, picked up the knife, and handed it back to Mycia.

“I won’t disappoint you Cindy. I am your loyal servant.� Mycia said as he took the knife.

“Let’s get one thing straight right now… I am not your boss. You are not my servant. As for loyalties, I don’t really care right now about them.�

“Your heart is still the same Cindy.� Mycia smiled. “Trust me, if you had said anything to agree with me being your servant, you would be locked up right now.�

“Well don’t do it again.� Cindy did a half-glare at him. “How do we get out of here?�

“Get out of here and leave all these people? You can’t do that.�

“I wasn’t sure who these people were or if they could be trusted.�

“These people are people that you saved Cindy. You saved them multiple times. Without you protecting it, the ‘safe place’ was destroyed. Many lives were lost. These are people whose lives were spared in order to give the new rulers ‘sport’.�

“What do you mean, ‘sport’? And who is the new ruler?�

“Trust me Cindy, you don’t want to know what the ‘sport’ is. The new ruler is Commander Owens. Now shall we get these people out of here?�

“Commander Owens?!� Cindy exclaimed.

“Yes, the evil Commander Owens, but right now we need to get your followers out of here.�

“Okay, but we will finish this discussion about this ‘sport’ later, right?�

“Let’s not talk about it Cindy.�

“Fine.� Cindy started working on unlocking the cells, while Mycia organized the people into groups.

“This is going to take forever.� She muttered.

“I heard that Cindy.� Mycia called to her, but when Cindy turned to say something back, the smile playing on his face made her bite her tongue and smile back.

As she turned back around though, the smile faded as he quietly said, “We’ll have a fight to win to get out of here.�

“I know.� was Cindy’s only response as she got back to work.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

A few hours later it looked like they were almost organized. Not very well perhaps, but still it was better than nothing. Cindy sighed. There was no way she could care for all these people. They had counted 54. ‘How would they get them all out of here?’

“Mycia, get these people out of here. I’m going to check the cells again for anyone we might have missed.�

“No Cindy. You can’t go alone. We need you here.� Mycia replied.

“Mycia, remember you said that I was your boss?� Cindy waited for Mycia to nod and then continued, “Well now I’m giving you an order. Get these people out of here. Now.�

“But Cindy…�

“I said now, didn’t I? I made a mistake – now, as in, hours ago. Get moving!� Before Mycia could reply, Cindy darted off down the hall thinking, ‘I sure hope he can follow orders.’

As soon as Cindy was out of sight though, she felt herself slipping back into a flashback. She felt herself hit the floor and then she replayed more memories.

Now which cell? Aha! There it was. Just to make sure, Cindy whispered, “Niemand, can you hear me?�

Cindy was delighted when she heard Niemand’s voice say, “Go away.�

“You don’t want me to go away Niemand. I got the keys…� Cindy giggled as she shook the key chain.

“You came to get me out of here?�

“Yes, but only if you want me to…�

“Yes I want to get out of here. What is the catch though? I didn’t treat you very nicely.�

“No, you didn’t.� Cindy kept talking while she searched for the correct key to unlock the lock. “But I couldn’t leave you here either way.�

As the lock gave way and the door swing open another voice said, “You should have left him here. Put your hands up.�

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in the Canary Dido, Annalise and Niemand had finally reached the planet where most of the rich Terbiate people lived.

“Who is going down there?� Wishter asked over the radio.

“I am.� Annalise replied.

Niemand quickly said, “No, you aren’t. I am going down there. It will be safer for us all.�

“But…� Annalise thought that it would be better if she went down because they were her people.

“No buts.� Niemand insisted.

“I agree with Niemand.� Wishter said. “He knows the territory since he was kept down there for quite a while as a prisoner.�

“Okay.� Annalise finally agreed.

Niemand was beamed down and found Cindy lying on the ground next to one of the cells. As he rushed towards her, a guard appeared from around the corner.

“You should have left her here. Put your hands up.�

Cindy woke up, realizing that there was someone actually talking. “No, I wouldn’t leave Cindy here.� It was Niemand’s voice.

“I told you that you should have left her here Niemand.�

“I am not leaving Cindy to your cruel mind.� Niemand’s voice was cold. “You already tried to kill her once already and failed. She will be the downfall of you and your household.�

Cindy slowly turned her head around. There was a guard with a stun gun pointed at Niemand. The sound of her shifting caused the guard to realize she was awake.

Cindy took in the situation. Niemand had his hands behind his head. The guard had a stun gun. And she was on the floor, powerless to do anything.

The guard stepped over to Cindy and roughly pulled her to her feet. “Both of you are going to regret ever letting us capture you.�

“I didn’t let you capture me. You just surprised us by beaming me up to your ship.� Cindy’s sass only got her a slap on the cheek.

“Don’t hit her.� Niemand snarled.

“Would you rather me kill her?� The guard grinned evilly.

“No.�

“Okay then, don’t worry about what I do or don’t do.�

After waiting for a few minutes, the guard’s reinforcements finally came. Having her hands tied behind her back wasn’t what Cindy had in mind, but neither was having Niemand captured with her. They were blindfolded and walked down several halls and up several flights of stairs.

When Cindy was starting to get tired from both the quick pace and the distance, they stopped. The blindfold was taken off of her, the ropes were cut that held her hands in place, and she was pushed through a doorway. She quickly looked around for Niemand. He was calling something about not making her do this.

‘What was it that he didn’t want them to do?’ Cindy wondered.

Looking for an answer, Cindy took in her surroundings. A circle of high walls with many seats above them surrounded a large arena. The seats were packed with people who were deathly silent.

‘What were they waiting for?’ Cindy was curious, but she also had a sinking feeling in her stomach that she didn’t want to know.

[Cindy]

Chapter 9

A door at the other side of the arena opened and a large animal came rushing out.

Cindy stood perfectly still as the beast took in its surroundings. She saw it see her and gather itself for an attack. So this was the sport? Get killed by a wild animal… how nice a thought. She banished it out of her mind. Concentrating on only the animal she closed her eyes.

Cindy heard the pounding of her heart, the extremely loud silence of the crowd, and the animal charging. Focusing on the sound of its paws hitting the sand in a steady rhythm, she quickly side stepped to avoid its charge just in time. Opening her eyes, she saw it hit the door she had been pushed through and bounce right back into the arena.

The crowd started cheering, but Cindy focused on the animal. What would be its next move? Almost immediately after the animal decided its move, she knew what it was going to be. It was getting tiring though, waiting for the animal to decide to attack her time after time. She decided to end this.

Everything grew quiet as Cindy advanced towards the beast. It would rush at her, she would dodge, and as it planned what to try next, and she would advance towards it again. Singing a lullaby she remembered from a long time ago, she focused on trying to calm the animal. Time after time she had to start all over again, but she kept at it.

The huge beast finally dropped its head at her approach. When she got within feet of it, it laid down. Still singing, Cindy reached out and touched the animal. As she did, it quivered in fear. “It’ll be ok baby, nothing’s going to hurt you if I have anything to say about it.�

The gate opened a second time and another animal shot out. Cindy stopped singing for a split second and the first animal was back on its feet moving away from her. Both the animals charged at her before she was ready. Jumping out of the way, she hit the wall. “Not good.� She mumbled as she struggled to get back up and focus properly on them.

After several attempts at focusing on her attackers and leaping out of their way, Cindy was breathing hard. This obviously wasn’t going well for her. The crowd cheered louder and louder sending the animals into a frenzy of excitement and causing her to lose all of her concentration. The animal’s charges kept getting closer to where she was.

In a split second, Cindy’s whole life flashed before her eyes. She remembered everything that had happened to her. She remembered being in this predicament before.

As the animals charged one last time, she sank to the ground. If it was time for her to die, it was time. The crowd was yelling that she was a coward, but she didn’t care as she closed her eyes.

Cindy listened to the beats on the ground as the animals got closer and closer to her. The heartbeats in her chest started to match. She felt a little bit of strength come back. The animals were almost upon her as she started humming another song.

Cindy heard them change direction right before they got to her. Focusing on matching the rhythm of her song, the beats of her attackers, and her own heartbeat she just lay there. The shouting got dimmer and dimmer until she had her perfect concentration back. The animals were pacing in a large circle around her as she stood up.

Cindy stopped humming and just stood there quietly. The animals stopped walking and watched her. She breathed a deep breath and relaxed her body. To her joy, the animals did the same.

The door she was pushed through opened and she was motioned back inside by a guard as the animals calmly watched her leave.

“I liked it out there.� Cindy said as her hands were tied behind her again. “Can’t you think of any better ways to kill people? Or are you not smart enough to?�

“There are other ways. Ways that there can be no possible way of your escape.� Her guard said.

“Do you want to bet? If you can’t kill me next time you try, Niemand goes free, ok?�

“Nope, you both will die.�

“Oh… I am sorry to hear that.� Cindy said sarcastically. “Where are you taking me?�

“I’m taking you to see King Zonien.�

“May I ask what you want from me?�

“Yes, you may. We want nothing from you. The King, however, does.�

“Is that good or bad?�

“Usually good, but you never know about such things.�

Cindy let the soldiers lead her down many, many corridors. They came to a majestic doorway and the soldiers left her after receiving her promise not to go anywhere other than into the room.

Cindy twiddled her thumbs while waiting in front of the door. When she was tired of waiting, she got to wait some more. After what seemed like hours and hours, the doors swung open and she was asked to enter. There was someone that looked really familiar at the other side of the room.

Everyone else left Cindy and the strange man alone in the room. The man turned around and looked Cindy over. Cindy studied his face. It seemed familiar, yet she couldn’t quite place it. Smile lines showed at the corners of his eyes but this face wasn’t smiling. She should know that face. She just knew it, but she didn’t at time same time.

“Cindy.� One word said so full of love and hope that Cindy’s eyes filled up with tears. Why couldn’t she remember who exactly he was? The man’s hopeful eyes turned sad and he turned away.

“Opa, I’ve missed you so much! Please don’t leave me alone again.� Cindy moved towards him. When she finished talking, he turned and looked at her with a smile on his face. Tears of happiness slid down both of their faces as they hugged each other close.

“Cindy, oh how I’ve missed you! I won’t let anyone take you away from me ever again.�

“I love you so much Opa.�

“I love you too Cindy.� He kissed her hair and then gently pushed her back so he could look at her. “You’ve grown Cindy. You’ve grown a lot since the people from Earth took you away.�

“You are just like I remember you. I hope that you haven’t changed on the inside because of everything that happened after the accident.�

“Let’s start there Cindy, we have a lot to talk about. First though, have you received any word from your network on Annalise?�

“My network?�

“Yes, your network.� Peering deep into her eyes he asked, discouraged. “You don’t remember much do you?�

“No, but I’m gaining my memories back.� Cindy smiled reassuringly and got a rewarding smile in return. She wasn’t sure that she should trust this guy, even though he was like a grandfather to her, with how much she had remembered.
“That is good. Let’s go talk in your rooms, ok?�

“Ok.� Hand in hand with her Opa, Cindy walked with him.

Once Cindy and her Opa were alone in the rooms that he said were hers, and comfortably seated, their chat began with Cindy’s many questions spoken rapidly. “Why was I on Earth? What happened to Annalise? Why did Niemand say that he was working for you? What happened after I left? When…�

“Easy Cindy, I can only answer one question at a time.� He smiled, then turned serious again. “I’ll start just after the accident. You were injured when your ship’s subsystems failed and crash-landed on the planet. I don’t know anyone else who could’ve kept that ship in the air as long as you did.

“You almost sacrificed your life to save the life of your adopted sister, Annalise, who is the actual princess of the Terbiate people here in Heldere. She and you look exactly the same and had been friends since children, but as you grew older the differences became more apparent causing friction between the two of you. Annalise disappeared later in the fight, but the last thing I remember was she sending commands over the radio to our ships to pick you up and make sure you were okay.

“That war greatly affected the Helderites – the royalty of Terbiate – more bad in the effect than good. After Annalise disappeared, we tried to contact your network who could have probably helped us find Annalise, but it was like the entire network had disappeared. We never could figure out how to contact them.

“You were badly hurt and we were worried that you were going to die. Some people visited our planet from Earth. In trade for the supplies they needed for their ship, they promised to try their best to save your life and that they’d bring you back when and if you got better.

“After about a year without hearing from them, we decided to try and find out what happened to you. We put rewards out for Annalise, hoping that someone would be able to find you or the real Annalise. This person, Niemand, came to us claiming that he knew where Annalise was and in trade for bringing both you and her to us, we’d allow him in our army. That is never going to happen though.�

“Why won’t you keep your end of the agreement with Niemand?�

“Niemand means nobody. That isn’t his real name and I’m pretty sure that he is running from the law.� King Zonien sighed. “There are many Niemand’s since the war.�

“So what are you going to do with him?�

“There are many possibilities in that area… but I’m glad you’re home at last. I should go so you can get refreshed before we eat.� King Zonien stood up and started to walk out the door.

“Wait.� There was no mistaking the command in Cindy’s voice. “Stop avoiding my question and answer me. What are you going to do with Niemand?�

King Zonien turned around. “You are just the same Cindy. Sometimes you should avoid looking too far into the truth. The truth will hurt a lot at times.�

“This is one time that I’m asking for the pain then. Please answer my question.� Cindy’s look begged her Opa to tell her, but he just turned away.

King Zonien walked to the door, went through it, and started to shut it. One look at Cindy told him how much she wanted to know the truth. “I will guarantee that he will have a fair trial. It will be up to his past to decide his fate.� He then shut the door.

Cindy lay down on the bed so she could look up at the ceiling. ‘I have to believe Opa.’ One voice in her head said, but another voice said, ‘Don’t trust anyone. Find the truth for yourself.’

“Oh, just be quiet and leave me alone.� She had barely finished talking to herself when two guards rushed in.

“Cindy, are you ok?� One of the guards asked, while the other guard proceeded to search her room.

“Yes, I was just fine until I got my room invaded by you two.� Cindy glared at them.

“We heard you talking to someone and thought you might be in danger.�

“I was talking to myself. So now I endanger myself by talking to myself?�

“Our apologies Cindy, we just need to make sure you stay safe.� The other guard had finished searching her room. “We’ll be going now if it is ok with you.�

“It was ok with me to not have you in here before you came in here, but I guess you do need to do your job.�

“Yes, we do Cindy. We’ll see you later.� The guards turned and started to leave her room, but quickly turned back around and drew their stun guns. “You are under arrest Cindy.�

“Why?�

“Because you are part of the rebel faction.� One of the soldiers answered.

“What is that?� She asked while pointing behind them at something. As the guards turned to look at what she pointed at, she took off towards the door.

Cindy dodged around the corner post of the door as some of those awful blue beams hit the doorframe just a little ways behind her. ‘OK… here is not the best place to gather my thoughts.’ She thought to herself and then she ran down a few halls, trying to find where her Opa would be.

Cindy came to a quick stop when she saw King Zonien and another person talking. She hid and listened in to their conversation. “Worry not my friend, the child believes that I’m her Opa. The plan is foolproof. No one will be able to take the kingdom of Hildere or the Terbiate people away from me now. Cindy, as she calls herself, will soon be dead along with the people who might’ve been in her silly little network.�

“I worry because it is you who is in charge. Your foolproof plans have failed before. I don’t know why the council put you in King Zonien’s place. If the child is correct in her claim about being Cindy, you’d better keep a close watch on her. Cindy was the only one who could’ve defeated us in the war. As for her network, it wasn’t silly or little. It was huge, she knew what was going on everywhere which gave her an advantage.�

“Well it is time for you to go back to your position. We’ll talk later my friend.�

Cindy turned around to leave and ran into another member of the so-called royal guard. “Hi?� She asked.

“Yep, hi, let’s go.�

“But I don’t want to go that way. I like this direction better.� The guard sighed and pulled out a stun gun.

“Ohh… ok, that way looks like a good direction.� Cindy proceeded around the corner and towards who was supposed to have been her Opa, but now she could see the differences.

“What is she doing here?� The imposter asked with exasperation in his voice.

“I think that the real question is what are you doing here? And what happened to Opa?� Cindy was remembering little things that Opa had done for her. The fun that he and his granddaughter, Annalise, had had with her.

“That is none of your business Cindy. What is your business is what happened to your network. Tell me how to get in.�

“Don’t tell me what is or isn’t my business. What happened to Opa is my business. What you are doing here is now my business because I’m here right now. And one last thing, my network is something that I’d never betray to the likes of you.� Cindy glared at him.

“The likes of me, eh? What is wrong with me?�

“You really don’t want me to tell you that.�

“Fine be that way. Though I will tell you this, I’ll enjoy watching you die like your precious Opa.�

“You killed my Opa?!?� Cindy screamed a cry of rage and pain. She sprang at him, wanting to hurt him so badly. She heard a dinging sound from behind her, felt the slight shock, and sank into unconsciousness. The last thing she remembered doing was searing the man’s picture into her brain for future reference.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

When she woke up, there were two guards standing over her. “Get up and get moving.� One of them ordered her.

Cindy got up and caught a glimpse of Mycia peering out from behind the next corner. She quickly wiped the smile off of her face so that the guards wouldn’t suspect anything.

When they were almost to Mycia’s position, Cindy tripped herself and fell. Quite a few dinging sounds rang out and the guard escort were helped to a few hours of rest.

Cindy got up with the help of Mycia who asked a few questions very quickly as he untied her. “What do you think that you were doing? Were you trying to get yourself killed?�

“I was not trying to get myself killed.� Cindy replied with a grin.

“Cindy. You really need to think things through. You could’ve gotten killed out there!�

“Could have is the key phrase. I didn’t, but if we don’t get moving, they will have another chance at it.�

“You are lucky I agree with you about getting out of here. I have a lecture ready for you that is way overdue it seems.�

Cindy giggled. “A lecture won’t amount to much compared with that.�

“This way is the hanger bay where they keep the ships, Cindy. Come on.� Mycia pointed down the passageway towards the hanger bay.

“No. We have to go back for Niemand.�

“No way Cindy.�

“I will not leave unless he comes with us.� Cindy was adamant in her refusal.

“Fine, I’ll go back for him. You go and keep the others quiet.� Mycia made a compromise.

“Alright.� Cindy agreed.

Mycia and Cindy parted directions. She waited with the others in the hanger bay. Eagerly anticipating the arrival of her friends. She was worried that they wouldn’t make it out before the others gave up on them or that they would be caught.

Pacing back and forth in the hanger, Cindy strained her ears to hear every sound hoping against hope that she would soon here her friends coming.

Presently Cindy heard shouts of rage and anger. It also sounded like there was heavy fire coming from the passageway.

“Get ready to go!� Cindy called to the others, who quickly took their places in the spacecraft. Somehow she knew that Niemand and Mycia wouldn’t have time to get the crafts in the air.

“Take off!� Cindy ordered.

“Are you sure Cindy?� called the pilots were flying the passenger transport ships.

“Yes, I’m sure! Those ships will be nowhere good enough to make a quick getaway in! C’mon! You’re wasting time! Launch!�

Cindy watched as they safely took off and started ganging altitude. She started to feel alone as Mycia and Niemand came upon her at a run.

“Let’s go!� Niemand said as he spotted a few small fighters.

Each of them clambered into one of the small framed, light weight fighters. They took off just as a handful of guards showed up.

As she put full throttle on her ship and pointed it’s nose straight upward, Cindy flew towards space and freedom. Not only her freedom, but the freedom that awaited her friends and followers that entrusted their safety to her.

It was the beginning of a new start for both her and those with her. They were ready to start a new legacy - a legacy of peace and exploration outside of Commander Owen's reach of power.

[Cindy]

The End

I hope ya'll enjoy the story as much, or more, than I enjoyed writing it! See ya out in space!

[galahir950]

What is this, a story for literates?!

Great story!

[DaveK]

48 pages 23K words - it's a novella!

It's on my to-do list to do tomorrow! (it's late evening here and I've just got back home)

[Maarschalk]

The End

I hope ya'll enjoy the story as much, or more, than I enjoyed writing it! See ya out in space!

Some how I do not think it is "THE END".......The end sounds to much like a big cliff hanger and do you know how long I have been hanging from the last cliff?......Yeh, that is right!.....And now you are telling me I have to keep hanging from the cliff for infinity?......No way!.....LOL....:P