The Light: An Alien Abduction by Michael L. Thal

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Michael L. Thal

Book Excerpts

- The Light: An Alien Abduction

The Light: An Alien Abduction (Book Excerpt)
by Michael L. Thal

Page 13 of 13

Peda's face couldn't disguise his disgust. Though he heard conversations like this all his life, he couldn't get used to the sexist bigotry. This talk made him feel small and insignificant as if he weren't in the room. The loss of his friend was shattering to him. He knew the ship's protocol and the captain had it within her power to shut the ship down in an emergency. She could have saved Selva... but he was a male. If it were Annetka, or even Marina, that would have been a different story. What if he was the one whose life was in jeopardy? Would Lela attempt to save him?

Annetka looked away from her commanding officer with distaste as she and Marina lifted the Earthman to his feet.

Embarrassed, Lewis looked away from the aliens and said, "I felt like I was hit with a ton of bricks."

"You were," Lela said. "Space travel is not an easy form of transportation for men to adjust to."

"I noticed it didn't agree with Selva. What happened to him?"

"Selva's job was to program the engines to convert over to tachyon power to make the jump into hyper-space. He should have had plenty of time to get to his protective dome but as usual, he was slow and this time he got caught."

"Marina, Peda return to your duties." Lela barked. "Annetka, explain to this man the chores he needs to do before you return to your post. - And teach him how to use the equipment. He's much too fat!" Lela thrust her shoulders back and marched from the room like a commandant in a German Nazi concentration camp.

Annetka reached for Lewis' hand. She caressed it for an instant and let go, gesturing for him to follow her. "You are to take care of the operations of the cleaning machines that control the environment of this craft." It was a simple job, typical male work, so he wouldn't have any trouble getting used to the routine.

"What if I refuse to work?" Lewis asked.

"Then you will be isolated in your quarters," she said as she enfolded his hand in hers.

Her touch felt warm and comforting. He enjoyed being in her presence. She felt a calming effect and a sense of power from this man, a sensation she had never felt from any other male. They looked at one another, smiled, and knew that they would be friends. He wanted to be with her, get to know her, so he agreed.

Annetka said, "You have to do something about that excess bulk you're carrying around," as she escorted him into the gym. It was the largest room aboard the craft with cardiovascular machines and weight lifting apparatus in the center while a wooden track wrapped itself around the perimeter like a belt. Lewis eyed the jump ropes on pegs in a corner and quickly dismissed a childhood obsession.

Annetka trained him on some of the machines that would develop his upper and lower body. "You also need to strengthen your lungs and heart. This cardiovascular machine will do just that." She pointed to a monstrosity that made the human cringe.

"No faces! Lela was right. If you are to survive this trip, you need to be in shape. You had better exercise as if your life depended on it. We don't want to lose anyone else." Her voice quivered. The loss of Selva disturbed her.

Lewis knew that he would have to take her warning seriously.