Chapter 2

       As Jao stood up from his chair, his left arm tingled for the first time in days.  His robotic replacements were working beautifully! He moved his silvery metal arm, flexing his fingers and wrist. He could actually feel the hum of the ship in his arm.  It would take some getting used to, but at least he had two functioning arms again.

          The ship was about to land on Quandoia.  Jao was so excited! This was the first time he had ever been to another planet, but he had no choice now. He felt suddenly angry, remembering three days before.

          Jao and Morri, his friend who lived nearby, were playing chess on Morri’s new board that Jao had gotten her for her birthday, when a man had entered the doorway, blocking the only way out of the house.  He had spoken to Mom, in a whisper.  Mom had told Jao that MURTH headquarters was drawing too near.  They had to leave Earth.  They had packed all their things into the bags, and were leaving when a woman in a long black coat flew into the room and let loose her laser! Morri was hit, and Jao watched her fall to the ground. A shot had sizzled through Jao's arm and chest, knocking him unconscious...

          When Jao had awoken, he was on the ship bound for Quandoia.  He had to have his arm amputated and robotic replacements in his chest, too.  But now his robotic arm was just as good, although it was rather heavy.  He could even adjust it to grow with him! The only problem was that Morri was on a different ship, and Jao didn’t know how bad she had been hurt.

          The ship touched ground with a soft thump. Jao stepped into his living chamber.  The academy he was going to had no extra cabins, so Jao would have to sleep in the ship for a night or two.  Papa wasn't planning to stay long. He hoped to go to the QAANS base to fight in the army.

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          Jao stepped out of the ship, opening the door that led out of the docking bay. Inside was a huge pool of water where many aquatic aliens swam. One seemed closed off, isolated, sad. Jao couldn't help kind of feeling sorry for it.... but he would have time for that later. He needed to figure out where to sign in. Mom had told him to look for the signs leading to the front.           

One sign read:

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FRONT

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          Jao walked in the direction of the sign. An exit came into view, followed by the front office at the end of the main hallway.

          Just before he entered the office, he was greeted by a cube-like 'droid. "Greetings. I am 10wA. I am second in care command. Name and Identification, please."

          "Cool, a 'droid!" Exclaimed Jao.

          "Greetings, Cooladroid. May I see your ID, please?"

          "No, no, my name is Jao." He said, running his fingers through his brown hair. "I am coming into the office to get my ID. I can give it to you later."

          "Have you any photo chip with your name in it?"

          "Nope. Nada. Will you please let me pass?"

          "Yes, you may."

          The droid moved aside, and Jao stepped into the office. Inside was a young looking alien. "Hello." the alien said in a sweet voice. Jao thought a moment.

          "This must be a Rarenfo!" Jao whispered. "Hello." he replied, unsure of how much universal language this creature knew.

          "Are you one of the humans who have just landed?" She asked. Obviously, she knew the language. "Have you come for your ID?"

"Yes, I have." Jao replied.

          "I am Mama Wominoz. What is your name?"

          "Jao." Jao replied.         

          "Just come into this room," she said, gesturing to a white door to the left, " and we'll take the shots and blood samples."

          "Sh-shots and blood samples?" Jao gulped.