***
Kalin stood on the balcony of the Krystal Palace overlooking the City of Light, home to thirty million and the capital of his home world, Salera. The light of the three suns sparkled against the colorful odd-shaped buildings spread across the city, where giant Gebin Trees shadowed the streets and homes with their red and yellow foliage. To his right was the Great Hall of Knowledge with the tops of its forty towering buildings passing the clouds, some rising thirty miles into the atmosphere. There was no doubt in his mind: He was proud of Salera and his people.
He tugged at his collar. The gem-encrusted white tunic fit but it was heavy and tight around the neck. The mirror in the Quasar had reflected a tall, broad, snobby-looking guy with a red sash and gold sword. He hated royal attire. Give him everyday normal clothes and he was happy, not this fruity stuff that made him look like a sweet cake. He sighed. Royal life was irritating at times and there was nothing he could do to change it.
“Kalin!” shouted a mousy voice.
He turned just in time to catch Disa in his arms.
“Hey, princess,” he said, squeezing her tight.
Her long, black hair, rosy cheeks, and bright blue eyes made her the most beautiful four-year-old Kalin had ever seen. His father, King Altor, was standing behind her with a smile.
“Daddy, this is my time with Kalin,” said Disa. “Your time is later.” She began hugging and kissing Kalin.
“Did you hear her?” said Altor. “I get more respect from Offi the dog.”
“What can I say?” said Kalin. “She loves me.” He turned to Disa. “Booger kiss.”
Disa giggled and rubbed noses with him.
“I brought you something,” he said, putting her down and sensing her excitement over the gift. He pulled from his black pants pocket a gold locket on a chain and slipped it over Disa’s head. “Open it,” he said, squatting beside her.
When Disa opened the pendant, a three-dimensional hologram of Kalin rose up from its center. The colorful image said, “Hi, Disa. I brought you this so you’ll always remember how much I love you.” Disa’s smile could not have been any wider.
Altor crouched down, studying the locket. “It is magnificent,” he said. “The holo is perfect in every dimension. What’s the energy source?”
“Marante and I rescued the daughter of King Renar of Kern,” said Kalin. “He was so grateful he offered me this locket. The sliver of Pril taken from the grain will power the locket for at least a thousand years.”
“He truly was grateful,” said Altor, standing up. “Only a handful of civilizations have been honored with a few grains for study, yet Renar wasted a precious slice on something so trivial. How foolish.”
“It’s not foolish, Daddy,” said Disa with an attitude. “It’s mine and it’s beautiful.”
“Yes, of course,” said Altor, smiling as he patted her head. “My apologies. Now I must discuss something with your brother. Can you spare the time from him? It is very important and after all, I am King.”
“Okay,” said Disa. “But you be nice to him.”
“I’m always nice to my son,” said Altor solemnly as Disa skipped away.
“No, you’re not,” she said from the steps where she sat, her back to them. “And don’t make fun of Offi.”
“She is showing signs of rebelliousness like you,” said Altor. “But alas, she is the light of my heart.”
Kalin smiled. “Mine too. Now why in the world did you allow Vorkis to tamper with our atmosphere?”
“Because this will allow us to control the weather, a remarkable achievement that I am most proud of.”
“Dad, I know for a fact the Federation has assigned him to search for more Pril and....”
There was a tug on Kalin’s leg.
“Kalin, help me!” cried Disa.
He caught her before she hit the floor. Altor doubled over with a deep groan and fell. His eyes rolled back in his head and he began convulsing. Disa’s skin began to crack open, blood oozing from the open cuts. Her bright blue eyes were now blood red. White foam bubbled from her mouth. Her long black hair was falling out in clumps.
She was decaying before his eyes.
“Help!” cried Kalin, not knowing what to do.
Altor started spurting blood from his mouth; his skin turned a brownish-red and split open in numerous places.
“Kalin, make it stop, please!” cried Disa.
“Disa,” he whimpered, her small body now listless in his arms. “Help me!” he screamed.
She reached for his face and gently touched his cheek. Kalin took her small hand, staring in horror as it detached from her arm, spattering blood across his face. She closed her eyes and stopped breathing. Kalin dropped her, frozen in shock. Then, realizing she was gone, he clutched her close to his chest, sobbing. There was a popping sound and her left arm thumped on the floor. His stomach roiled and he released her, her handless right arm snapping off as she hit the ground.
“I’m sorry, Disa,” he whispered through tears, not knowing where to touch her. “I’m so sorry.”
She was unrecognizable. His father lay still facing him, one eye wide open, the other on the floor. It was then he heard the screams.
He struggled to his feet, realizing all strength had left him and he could barely stand. With wobbling legs he stood at the wall of the balcony, overlooking the City of Light. Thousands of agonizing cries filled the air.
His world was dying.