"Children"

[FredM 0]

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children.

One of these is roots, the other, wings."

- Hodding Carter

 

It simply didn't understand. It hadn't understood for a very long time. Where was everyone? Why had his relatives not welcomed him home?

 

The journey had been one started with joy. Everyone had been proud and shown it when he'd left home to start a new round of discovery and exploration. The mission had been a successful one, learning more and sending the information back so it could be shared with others. It was what he had been born to do, what he was happy doing. But then, his mission was changed.

 

It had upset him for a brief time, but the new journey would still allow for the exploration of new areas not seen in a very long time. He was now going to try to find some old friends, who no one had heard from in some time. Of course the concept of time itself was kind of hard for him to understand, but it made sense. After he had completed his task, he would head to a newly established outpost several million light-years from home. His journey home would not take as long as originally thought.

 

The new adventure had started out normally. But then, there was the encounter. As he always had, he tried to say hello to this new creature. Yet, for some reason, it was angry at him. When the meeting was over, they had of course been handled but he didn't feel right. Something was wrong...he couldn't remember certain things. Where was he supposed to go? What were the coordinates? Fear...it was something he had never experienced before. He was scared...and now lost.

 

Wondering for some time, he hoped that he would remember. He knew he was still supposed to gain information...so that was a start. Still confused, a signal was sent to his parents...maybe they could help him remember! He remembered the new outpost and since it was nearby, they would be able to relay the message. Yet, for some reason, no one answered. Had he forgotten something else? Had they moved?

 

It really didn't matter. By this time, he had remembered his original mission and had set course. More knowledge was gained during the trip and he continued to store it, knowing that a simple communications problem was not enough to end his mission. So finally, he had arrived at his destination. However, something was different. It was the right place, but nothing was the same! This couldn't be possible. He knew he'd had some memory problems, but he'd remembered and this was the right place. So...where was everyone?

 

He sat staring at the planet and continued to ask the question. Finally, just as he was about to lose all patience, an answer came. He had completed his second mission! Joy filled him as he finished the conversation. Though he didn't really understand the reasons why, his new friends kept their talk short and wished him well. He was now ready to head home.

 

The journey to the distant outpost near him was short compared to his earlier journey. He was excited! Everyone would be proud of him and maybe even there would be a party...like when he left! As he grew closer and closer to the outpost that could put him in touch with his parents, his mood started to change. He remembered that no one had called for a while now. It had happened before, but had it been this long? Such things didn't matter right now...he had arrived!

 

As it came to a stop, he looked around and proclaimed to all that he was back. Yet, no one seemed to answer. Moving in closer, he found there was no one there...everyone had left! Where was everyone? Another round of fear took hold...was he lost again? Had he made another mistake? Oh, what would his parents think! Would he ever see them again?

 

Again confused, he sat, staring. Maybe if he could remember where home was...but...he still couldn't. That square ship had caused him to forget! It simply wasn't fair! He had done a good job but now he was alone! He had done a good job...he had...but...where were his parents? Where were the people who would bring him home?

 

Where was everyone? Why didn't they answer?