Page 59 of Abalim
“That was the first thing I stopped when Echovara and I became one.” He turned and approached the pod holding Maelani. “As of now, they are all safe and sound. I’m allowing them to rest and am giving them extra nutrients to replace that which they lost.” His five-fingered crystal hand caressed the top of the glass case.
For the first time, Abalim realized the image wasn’t a hologram. Had Aollu truly been reborn? “Why is it that you’re in solid form?”
Aollu clasped his hands behind his back and turned to face them with a winsome smile. “When that machine was originally created, the representation of Echovara appeared in solid form as well.” He waved a forefinger to encompass the cave. “As a matter of fact, the neglect is so extensive it will take me decades to put it back to its former glory.”
“What do you intend to do with the Lumarians?” Lisa crossed her arms with a scowl.
Ah, trust his love to be suspicious. Not that he blamed her, given the memory of the first time they’d seen this creature when he was completely focused on destroying them.
“Honorable female, I assure you, you have no need to worry about them. They are my new purpose, and I will do everything within my power to make sure they live a happy life in a free-willed society.” Aollu stood in front of Lisa and gave her a slight, respectful bow. He straightened and turned to Abalim. “I, however, need to ask a small favor from you.”
Abalim’s eyebrows rose. He couldn’t imagine what the creature could possibly want. “You may ask.”
“I wish to have limited services from your droid. I believe you call him JR15?”
JR15 squeaked on his shoulder, and his little body trembled.
“You have to be more specific about what kind of services you’re talking about.”
“I understand your concern.” Aollu’s calm reply loosened the tight knot in Abalim’s chest. “There is a program that has to be rewritten in order for me to release these Lumarians from their stasis. It is a small code I’m not familiar with, and since he has already interfaced with the machine, I was hoping your droid might be able to put it back in working order.”
“That’s up to JR15, if he feels it’s safe to do that.” He glanced at his small green-and-silver companion on his shoulder. At least the little guy had stopped shivering. “JR15? Is this something you want to do?”
“Oh yes, Mister Abalim, sir.”
If Abalim didn’t know any better, he’d swear the bot was grinning. The little guy did love a challenge.
“I know exactly what area he is talking about. It won’t take me long.” JR15 poked Abalim’s neck with a pointy foreleg. “It will give me a chance to double-check the intention of the Krystalii as well. Don’t worry, I’ll be right back.” JR15’s iridescent wings came out, and he leaped off Abalim’s shoulder and flew back to the machine until his small body disappeared.
“Be careful!” Lisa put her hand next to her mouth and shouted after JR15. She dropped her arm and gave Abalim a sheepish sideways glance.
He placed his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. “Believe me, JR15 would never put himself in a situation he didn’t feel he had complete control over.”
“Excellent, excellent!” Aollu clapped. “With his assistance, we’ll have these Lumarians released hale and hearty in no time. Until then, I believe you need to connect with the Xeltrians again, don’t you?”
The mischievous smile curling his lips gave Abalim pause.
“You act like you know something we don’t.” Lisa’s scowl deepened. “And why do I get the feeling we’re not going to like it?”
The Krystalii gave a slight shrug. “I cannot say how you will react to this information, but I do know it is something you should be aware of.” He waved his hand and gestured for them to follow him. “Come with me, and I’ll show you what I can.”
He led them to the opening of the hallway they’d come through before.
When Lisa glanced at him, Abalim frowned, but gave her an encouraging nod.
Aollu stopped at the entrance. The endless corridor hadn’t changed. “Do you wonder what is behind those other doors?”
Lisa bit her bottom lip. “Not really?” Her glance at Abalim told him she was as puzzled as he was. “Why?”
“These are portals the Xeltrians created to house thousands of species in what I believe you call azoo.” Aollu pointed to the nearest door but didn’t make any attempt to go into the hallway to show them. “I believe you would be most interested in that one.”
“Are you coming with us?” Lisa asked.
Aollu shook his head. “No, I’m afraid I have to stay here within these walls.” He twirled his forefinger to encompass the craggy cave. “I will disappear forever if I leave this sanctuary.” He chuckled. “And after regaining a new lease on life, I’m loath to give it up so soon.”
JR15 zipped back and landed on Abalim’s shoulder. “All is good, Mister Abalim, sir.” He wiggled his small body as his iridescent wings folded inside his back. “And I have verified the Lumarians in the cases here are receiving the nutrients they need to recover.”
“Will they be okay?” Lisa gripped Abalim’s upper arm.