Kevin Colbran

Somewhere in the long forgotten future


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gel portions flowed onto the pilot’s chair and formed a blob.

      Killa strolled over picked this up and held the blob over his head, as he did the gel now flowed over him covering from head to foot then the fur lengthened into hair all over. Killa now was a Wooky, if somewhat shorter and lighter than Humph's effort. “I have done this before, and with my relatively high voice, I can be a girl Wooky as I can speak the language at the same pitch as a female. Your turn, you will look like a Wooky teenager, perhaps a shy one who doesn't talk much, as there isn't enough time to train you,” Killa explained.

      “Yes, if there is no problem breathing and I don’t like the idea of covering my eyes,” Algertz considered. But copying Killa went through the covering process.

      “Good I can still see,” She exclaimed.

      “Shy, remember,” Killa advised, and laughed as Algertz made a zipper motion to her lips, then added wryly, “If we had been fully briefed on your status and the likelihood of being searched for, this trick would have saved the drama.”

      “Huugughhg uuhghhgh aaaahnr,” Killa said, “Now we load up with Wooky weapons and backpacks. Even kids go armed in Wooky polite society.”

      “Huuguughhg uughghhgh aaaaahnr,” Humph corrected.

      Killa laughed and suggested, “A bit high pitched for Chawbaya.” Killa added. “You will need an audiovoder.”

      Humph did so picking up the required bows and a blaster each while adding the audiovoder on a neck collar.

      “Raaaaahhgh huurh uughghhgh wrrhwrwwhw,” Humph said, sounding a dead ringer of Chawbaya.

      They moved to the shuttle deck and manned the controls. The shuttle was eased out, and the doors swung shut behind, the bulk of Humph being still in control of the Yella Terra.

      Humph guided the shuttle to skim around the moon surface until they reached the settlement’s spaceport on the moon; then engaging system drive Killa traversed from the moon orbit and entered the atmosphere of Fwillsving. Arriving at the spaceport, Killa landed the shuttle in a parking bay; then the trio wandered off to the customs office and handed over their data sticks for examination. Wookys are not expected to be able to pronounce Basic; however, written answers were deemed acceptable. The customs cleared the shuttle; then the trio proceeded towards Roxz office first using the computer to announce the imminent arrival of 3 Wookys with a package.

      As they entered Roxz walked over and greeted them politely as one should with Wookys, “Welcome gentle souls, how may my lowly establishment assist you.”

      “Hi Uncle Roxz it’s me Algertz,” She announced in a whisper.

      “Well, I‘ll be a monkey’s uncle, where have you been?” Roxz exclaimed loudly.

      His office staff nearly died of fright and made ready to bolt for safer spots; that is one thing you just don’t say to Wookys.

      Using the tablet Killa wrote: - We had better keep our fur on, Imperials are about to flood the place with troopers, so we have to stay in character, “Ruh gwyaaaag,” Killa announcing that they were friends.

      Roxz tapped his ear then nodded, “You are indeed with friends, fair Wookys. What cargo would you have me receive?”

      Killa wrote: - ship hidden, have a list of consignments. Have to wait for the Imperials to leave. Our documents describe us as Kiltatha, Dewchit and Rorykam merchants, (Pointing at each in turn as he wrote the names.)

       Sorry had run in with them, they are not very happy and are looking for the package.

       Expect trouble for yourself if your relationship was known.

      Reading this Roxz commented wryly, “It is so wonderful that you bring exciting times. I suppose you need somewhere to stay? There is my summer residence in the hills that should keep you comfortable and has plenty of trees to make you feel at home.”

      Killa cleared the previous and added: - How kind of you, difficult to get there?

      'It is easy if you know the way,' Roxz answered, 'I will take you there myself, perhaps my wife should come and act as host.'

      Killa wrote: - Should cover all eventualities. Can the staff handle the shop while you are away?

      'If they want to keep their jobs they will,”

      'Roxz glared at the hapless sales team.

      Fwelsving in Interesting Times

      Roxz rang his wife Hnetz and said, “That package that we were expecting has arrived, perhaps we should open it at the old hut?” He then continued, “It seems old Gimpy is in town and says I owe him something.”

      After listening for a minute, Roxz hung up and commented, “Hnetz will be around in about fifteen minutes packed for a few days. I suppose you understand that Gimpy are the people following you?” After Humph had nodded, Roxz added, “On occasion, it is necessary to speak covertly in the merchant business, so my lovely wife knows what is required.”

      As they waited, the local radio which had been playing music in the background rose in volume and announced, “The Imperial Navy has graciously consented to visit and will conduct security patrols to remove subversive elements. All law abiding citizens are expected to co-operate with this task.”

      “As if they have any jurisdiction in this sector; still 'might makes right' doesn’t it,” Roxz grumbled.

      The windows dulled as a shadow blocked the sun, shuttles and fighters could be seen streaming from ports. The shuttles spread out to land and disgorge storm troopers. Then Roxz received the call that his car was waiting at the rear exit. “OK let’s go the car awaits.” Roxz waved the trio towards the back and out the door where an enclosed vehicle was waiting.

      “Hnetz meet Kiltatha, Dewchit and their daughter Rorykam; we will have them as guests for a while,” Loxz introduced the three.

      When all had seated themselves, Hnetz guided the vehicle down the lane-ways towards the hills overlooking Svitalos City. When none could hear, Roxz indicated to Algertz that it was safe to talk.

      “Hi Aunty, guess who?” Algertz announced.

      “Little Algertz, it seems that you have let your hair grow a little? And these others are?” Hnetz asked unfazed.

      “Killa and Humphs in drag,” Roxz laughed which surprised the named pair.

      “You and your jokes, one of these days it will be the death of me,” Hnetz commented, “Roxz has told me all about you and how nice you are.”

      Roxz purpled in embarrassment and mumbled, “They can add a little interest to the day.”

      “I am in contact with the ship; another two Wookys will be landing loaded with extra gear and a car and will follow a different route. The ship is being converted to look like a YT2450 freighter and painted grey,” Humph passed on. The tone of his voice caught Hnetz attention as she had never heard Humph talk or expect a child’s voice to emanate from a big Wooky. The high pitch was because the setting of the audio enhancer was for the Wooky language and didn’t assist his normal voice.

      “I expect some explanations when we get there; please allow me to concentrate as we are coming up to a checkpoint. Cheeky boys have a road block in my town,” Hnetz commented, “If we weren't trying to travel incognito, I would give them a piece of my mind.”

      Roxz sighed in relief at that; someone else wore the pants at home.

      Being waved down, Hnetz lowered the window and asked, “Can I help you?”

      The team leader growled, “I’ll ask the questions, who are you and your passengers?”

      “And your authority is?” Hnetz glared at them.

      “On the Emperor’s business; there are subversives in the city.”

      “Despite