New to Space Traveler Fargone? Start at the beginning
We walked down the street to the donut shop and went inside.
“Welcome to Friendly Donuts,” a girl who looked to be in her teens said.
I noticed her name tag and said, “Hi, Reelan. We are new in town. In fact, we are new to this planet.”
“I don’t think we have ever had visitors from another planet, but everyone is welcome at Friendly Donuts. Can I get you something?”
“You are not curious about what planet we are from?” Em asked.
“Of course. But it wouldn’t be polite to ask personal questions until I know you better.”
“Then allow me to introduce us,” I said. “I am Fargone. This is Emma, Leonard, Harold, and Flow. We are Space Travelers. We visit planets and write about them on SpaceBook.”
“I’ve never heard of a space book. Do you have a copy I could see?”
“It is not a physical book. It is a media platform that is popular in our galaxy. But I can show it to you.”
I took out my com and opened the SpaceBook app.
Reelan’s eyes got big. “I’ve never seen anything like it. We have books in the library, but nothing like that.”
“If you have time. I would like to ask you some questions about your town and your planet.”
“Sure, it has been pretty slow today. Ask away.”
“Can we get some donuts, first?” Harold asked.
“Of course! Excuse me. What would you like?” Reelan replied.
“Hold it. We have no way to pay for them. Unless you take Solar S Credits,” I said.
“We only take cash.”
Harold’s jaw dropped open. His disappointment was palpable.
“But I am sure Dad won’t mind if I give out some free samples to visitors from space,” Reelan said.
“Bless you, Reelan,’ Harold said as life returned to his face.
We all picked out a donut and sat at a couple of tables. Reelan sat with us.
“What is the name of this planet?” I asked.
“Parcum,” Reelan replied.
“And the name of this town?”
“Greenville.”
“Your planet looks like a giant park. Is there any industry and manufacturing?”
“Of course. But it is all underground. We keep the surface for enjoyment.”
“Do you live underground also?”
“We do. But it is mainly just work and sleeping hours. The rest of the time we spend in the parks.”
“But some people work on the surface. Like you?”
“Yes. It is mostly food industry jobs. We allow people to stay on the surface and enjoy their time.”
“I just realized I didn’t see any cars,” Em said.
“What are cars?” Reelan asked.
“Vehicles that carry passengers from one location to another.”
“Oh. No, we just walk where we need to go. Nothing we need is very far away.”
“Can we see the underground?” I asked.
“Sure. My friend Seelan should be here any minute to relieve me. If you can wait, I can give you a tour.”
“That would be great. Thank you.”
“Perhaps, Reelan has some questions for us,” Flow said. “No doubt, you noticed that I am not like the rest of my companions.”
“Yes. I did notice. But Pa says not to remark on people’s appearance unless you are giving a compliment.”
I chuckled.
Reelan blushed. “No! I didn’t mean it that way. I think you are beautiful. I’ve just never seen silver skin before, so I didn’t want to say anything that would embarrass you or me.”
“I do not get embarrassed. That is a human characteristic. I am a Metallum. A sentient metal being. I have taken the shape of a human to make my companions comfortable and to experience things from their perspective.”
“You can change shapes? That is amazing.”
“It has proven useful. When done wisely.”
“Can I see you change shapes? Only if you are comfortable doing so.”
“I would be happy to.”
Flow changed into a chair and then back.
Reelan’s eyes grew, and then she smiled. “Wow.”
“I hate to interrupt the show, but I was wondering if you might have another free sample available. I’m starving,” Harold said.
“Don’t be rude, Hank,” Leonard said.
The door opened, and another teen girl walked in.
“Seelan, I want you to meet my new friends. They are from space. They are visiting our planet to write about it.”
“Really? That is unusual,” Seelan said.
“This is Fargone, Emma, Leonard, Harold, and Flow.”
Seekan smiled. “I am pleased to meet you.”
“I am going to show them the underground.”
“Have fun.”
We left Friendly Donuts and started walking down the street.
“Before we go underground, let’s stop at the diner. You must be hungry. And I am sure Heelan would love to meet you.”
“I like that idea,” Harold said.
Leonard punched him in the arm.