Ideal Comics
Everything Great About Comics
Space, 1951 - An Odyssey (Chapter 5)
17 January, 2010 by chris
Check out this awesome cover Rhys designed.
We also have another chapter. Enjoy.
Space, 1951 - An Odyssey
by Chris Lawton and Mathew D. Rhys
"Aquarius is the seventh planet out from our sun. The sun is a red giant and looks pink against the blue sky, but not so much from under water. Aquarius is covered by water, and everyone can breathe as I can, but not everyone lives there. Many live on the three continents. Most of the continents are covered by mountains and high forests, and when our Father's first came to our world they lived in mountain villages for centuries. Before long though, they took to the seas. That's where I was born--in the City Beneath.
"The City Beneath is the oldest and largest city on Aquarius. Is it the center of technology and study. My father was born there, as was his father, and his. We are of the House of Yam of the Sea, who has been in the leading classes--and has as far back as memory stretches. My mother's family was from the Mountains. I grew up both places, but I loved the ocean more.
"Like myself, many of our people have powers--speed, strength, and the powers of mind. Those adepts are trained and encouraged to enter the public service. They often do, and we have built a space program and there is even work toward colonization.
"I was working for the colonization program when we discovered Earth. We were mortified at the way you live--war and fear and slavery of the mind. We brought it before the Council--they chose to send an emissary—A Messenger. I volunteered.
"My father is on the council, and he was less than pleased with me. He begged the rest of the Council to not accept me, to find some one else, but they would not. He was disappointed, but relented. Avri did not.
"Avri is my betrothed, and has been since her birth. Her family is that of Nepis the Red and we are to create a new House together. To this end, we were raised together, from the time were young children playing whirls and shell games to hours spent discussing our future. We had, by design and by choice, everything in common. Until I told her I was leaving.
"It was important I said, but that swayed her none. It would not be forever, but that comforted her little. It was a matter of duty and honor by then, though, and nothing she felt could change that, and she knew it.
"She attended my departure ceremony in body, but not in mind or emotion. We embraced, before I left, but there was no--heart. She responded to my touch with nothing but indifference. I've often wondered what it would be like when I returned. Would we be able to share a life together? Has she forgiven me for choosing an alien race over her?
"I'm not sure we have much of a choice in the matter. We were destined to be together, and we are bound by duty to do so. But, I often wonder what becomes of a relationship with no attraction or desire. Can it survive?
"I wish I were returning home under better circumstances, but that cannot be helped. Avri and I will have our reunion, at some point, I am sure; and all of these questions will be answered, for better or for worse."
Mar's eyes are sad in ways I cannot explain, but I know are true. And I-I loathe myself for the glimmer of hope I feel at the distant sound in his voice as he speaks of her.