A Different Path.

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Remember when I told you that your future changes with every small decision of yours? Well, the life of someone you know well changed the same way. I think you actually do know who it is that I'm talking about here, don't you?

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Elppa temple, borders of Griseran forest, Raeffonoz, Planet Dehzahk:

"That son of a"

"Sir, the communication service is still on…"

"Shut that damn thing down", growled Ray.

"Mr. Ray, wait…", Skarr cut the connection before the POTUS could complete his sentence.

"Ready a trap Skarr. We've got our orders anyway haven't we?", said Ray after a few minutes of complete silence.

"Are you sure, sir? Your telepathic radio says just the opposite…"

"Just do it Skarr. Please don't irritate me anymore. I'm fed up with actually everything."

"The POTUS won't kill you if you decide you don't want to catch the Alien."

"No Skarr, it ain't that. I ain't afraid of the POTUS or Riv. But last time Stefan did something like this, he lost his parents. I don't want to die. Not until I become at least eighy.

"I'll set up the traps, sir.", Skarr bleeped.

The underground bunker, Griseran forest, Forvirretia, Planet Dehzahk:

Hours of crying later, Fred heard a buffering sound on his radio.

"Can anyone hear me? Hello?", said the voice on the radio.

Fred couldn't believe his own ears, but the voice repeated the message. He immediately picked up his radio transmitter, tuned into the same frequency and said, "Hey there! Can you hear me?"

"Yes! Yes I can!", exclaimed the voice.

"Who are you and where are you transmitting from?", asked Fred.

"We're a group of survivors here at the Elppa Temple on the borders of Raeffonoz. And you?"

"I'm Fred, a lone survivor at an underground bunker in the Griseran forest on the borders of Forvirretia."

"Why, hello Fred! We were searching for survivors for a long time now. I'm so happy I found you. We have ample supply of food and other necessities with us for a dozen more survivors. Since you're alone, care to join us?"

"Umm… Well, I don't know…."

"Don't hesitate Fred. I'm ten years and four months old now. How old are you?"

"I'm seventeen, why?"

"I'm much younger than you. You think I'm lying? Everyone other than me here are adults… At least twenty years older than me. If you join us, we could be more like brothers…"

Fred hesitated for a while, but accepted the offer nevertheless.

"You do know how to find the Elppa temple right? You must know the logo. The temple was considered sacred by people in Raeffonoz, Forvirretia, Eladsnoil, Aidats, Elgoog and many other cities and villages around Griseran forest…"

Fred suddenly remembered the logo. The one someone drew on the asteroid piece. The one that made him start his search. He suddenly forgot that he was ever crying over the loss of Gregory. He was not going to be alone anymore. He was going to have friends. Not Geoffrey, but others. He wouldn't be friends with Geoffrey anymore, or so he thought. He was going to be supported. He still was in a dilemma whether to believe this or not. It was too good to be true. But he couldn't say no to a kid. He had to admit that he missed playing with the children in his neighborhood. His favorite of them all – Jack – whom he had left when he was running to the bunker just because Jack's parents didn't allow him was always on his mind.

"What is your name, kid?", Fred asked immediately.

"I'm Jack.", came the reply.

Now Fred's joy became immeasurable.

"You know Jack, I once had a friend with the same name when Dehzahk was still intact. I'll come there as soon as possible."

"Thank you Fred! I'm so happy right now!"

Fred smiled and cut the radio. He packed all his things. He also took his camera so he could record his way in case he was lost and could return to his bunker easily. He set out on his journey to find his new friend.

Survivors camp, borders of Griseran forest, Retattwihqt village, Planet Dehzahk:

"Son, I'm sorry, I didn't know it was his dog. I was so hungry and cooked it without any hesitation. I lost my appetite when I learned the truth about the dog. I'm really sorry!"

"Kiddo, I helped dad. He didn't know, man, and I thought that the dog was just running around the forest when it found us. We're really, really sorry mate."

"I'm leaving right now to go back to Fred and beg him for forgiveness. Yes, I'm going to beg him. He was the only friend I had in a long time and you broke our friendship in a matter of seconds. Now, please stop irritating me. If you want something, cook your own kidneys and eat. I hate you both. I'm going back to console him."