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EARTH HUMAN?
Did someone speak? Alexa blinked, rubbing heavy eyelids. The sounds of gentle snoring greeted her.
Can you hear me, Alexa?
She sat up. Was that Rusty? No, he was lying on his bed, taking the slow, deep breaths of someone lost in slumber.
I knew this would not work. I am foolish to think it would. She is nothing more than a low, simple-minded—
“Osu?” Alexa whispered. She slipped out of bed. How did he get free? A single Guardian stood on the far end of the cell block, studying a small tablet and fighting back a yawn.
Ah, so you can hear me.
Alexa swept her gaze across her tiny cell. “How is this possible?”
I have been looking for you for the last twenty-four hours. I was about to give up, but I sent my voice to the farthest reaches of this damned place, and there you are.
“Are you still in your cell?”
Of course, I am still in my cell. Where else would I be?
“But, how—”
My people were skilled in projecting their voices across vast distances when we were at our greatest strength. Only the ruling class had such an ability, of course. This projection saved us many, many times. I was not sure if you would be receptive, and once again, you have proved to be an exception to your species. To most, in fact.
“I’m surprised you bothered trying.” Alexa couldn’t help smiling. He reminded her so much of Una. “I thought I was too low to be worthy of your attention.”
You are. At least, you should be. However, speaking to another living, breathing creature is much better than losing my mind. I have not had a conversation in years before you came to my cell. And I have no wish to be so isolated again if it can be helped.
“I guess I’m better than nothing, huh?”
If I am stuck in this horrible room for the rest of my life, I’d rather not suffer alone. And you are not afraid of me, which is quite strange. Most gape at me in horror once they realize what I am.
“You’re not so bad.”
The overhead lights brightened. Throughout the cell block, creatures stirred, grunting and yawning as they woke up.
“They’re turning up the lights here.” Alexa turned her back so she could hold onto her conversation for a couple of seconds longer. “I’m not cleaning in your cell block anymore. They’re sending me somewhere else.”
I guessed as much when they took the lift away. Why did they have you clean the Supreme Security Unit anyway? The place was already spotless.
“I was right, it was just a threat,” Alexa whispered into the wall. “Be good, or else you’ll end up here too.”
You are dangerous too, you know. They must be frightened of your telekinetic power. It is a rare ability, even across this vast multiverse. Whatever you do, never show them just how powerful you are.
“Good advice.” Alexa turned over at the clip of Guardian footfalls near her cell. “We’ll talk later.”
Guardian X appeared outside her cell, a serene smile in place. “Are you ready for your new assignment, X485?”
Alexa sat up and faked a yawn. “Sure.”
***
Never had Alexa felt so small as when she stood on the roof of the Safekeeping Residence and peered into the vast purple heavens of an alien world. Residence Darkstar stood at the top of a great mountain in the middle of a mountain range that easily rivaled the Himalayas. Craggy, blue rocks pierced the sky as far as the eye could see. No other signs of civilization were anywhere in sight.
Above her, a violet sky displayed several golden moons, each bigger than the next. The celestial bodies nearly obliterated the heavens. Stars winked in the distance, and once, some sort of satellite or rocket sped across the sky.
Alexa hadn’t been able to tell from within the Residence, but the building was nearly the size of a football stadium and protected by an enormous, transparent dome that was almost invisible, except when she angled her gaze just right. That was why the temperature was perfect despite being on the top of a mountain range. She and a dozen other Residents scoured the rooftop while a couple of Guardians looked on.
Guardian X touched her shoulder “X485, you need to keep working.”
“Sorry, it’s just so beautiful.” Alexa adjusted the pack strapped to her back and vacuumed the accumulated dust. At least this time, she wasn’t pretending to work.
“You’ve earned the view.” Guardian X peered across the vast landscape, a genuine smile tugging at her lips as she absentmindedly tossed a three-foot steel rod end-over-end before catching it. The Guardians were armed while overseeing the Residents. This tossing action was as menacing as it was playful. ”It’s so peaceful here, so far away from all the troubles of the multiverse. I never tire of this view.”
Alexa hummed, reminding herself not to be too aware or too present. Further across their section of the rooftop, Deedee and Murphy bounced along, attacking each other with their vacuums when the other Guardian wasn’t watching. Alexa’s tuneless hum soon altered into a recent favorite from her updated playlist. What she wouldn’t give to listen to Weezer again. To listen to any music again.
Guardian X turned from the mountains. “What’s that sound you’re making?”
“You mean my humming?”
“Is that what you call it?” Alexa’s Guardian appeared genuinely interested. “I did not know your species made music.”
“We live for music.” Alexa shrugged.
“If you continue to be a good Resident, perhaps I can get special permission to let you listen to some of our libraries. We have music from all members of the MGA. Even some non-members, I believe. At least three thousand worlds. Would you like that, X485?”
Alexa couldn’t hide her excitement. “That would be awesome.”
“Very well.” Guardian X clasped her hands behind her back and beamed. “Give me seven more days of good behavior, and I’ll see what I can do.”
Alexa didn’t have to pretend to smile after Guardian X’s offer. What sort of music did other worlds enjoy? Would it be so weird it hurt her ears, or would she hear the echoes of the universe?
“Guardians! I need immediate assistance!”
Halfway across the roof, a burly Resident the size of a small mountain was screaming. He wrenched his vacuum from his back and threw it full force at the nearest Resident, Deedee. The skinny woman cried out as the device knocked her off her feet. At the same time, all three Guardians surrounded the enormous man, arms spread wide. Electricity snapped and buzzed at the end of each steel rod.
The large man howled and charged through a gap between the Guardians. Despite his size, he moved fast, knocking over another Resident who got in his way. He zigged and zagged, arms waving wildly, his screams growing from a roar to a screech. Guardian X managed to send a quick zap between his shoulders, but the madman easily smacked her away. Guardian X’s attack redirected the wild Resident, sending him barreling toward Alexa.
She caught the red gleam in his eyes. Saliva streamed from his bellowing mouth as he raised his arms as if intending to pummel her into the roof. She collapsed into a tiny ball, extending a useless hand to protect herself.
“Stop!” she cried out, preparing for impact.
The collision never happened.
Alexa looked up in time to see the insane Resident floating several feet off the ground. He writhed and bellowed, pie-plate-sized hands reaching for her.
“No,” she whispered and mentally pushed him several more feet into the air.
While the Residents gaped, the Guardians electrocuted the madman until he lost consciousness. The moment the man stopped moving, Alexa let him go. All she had to do was withdraw her focus from him, and he slammed like an enormous bag of meat onto the rooftop.
Everyone on the roof, in various states of surprise, confusion, and delight, stared at Alexa. As the two other Guardians sorted out the Residents, Guardian X was the only one lucid enough to approach the unconscious man and stick him with a needle.
Alexa froze. She had just exposed her ability in front of three Guardians. They would probably throw her into one of the isolation cells and pump her full of drugs. Then she would slowly lose her mind while Osu told her she was a stupid, silly Earthling who got what she deserved.
“Well, I guess we underestimated your skills.” Guardian X gave the colossal man a nudge with the toe of her shoe. “Looks like we’ll need to give you another evaluation. Immediately.”