Austy frowned as she gazed out into the endless oblivion. What had
she gotten herself into? While on Earth, she had always kept a low profile.
Now here she was, flinging herself out into the open? She shook her head.
The gargantuan craft had not even landed yet and she was already having
second thoughts. She glanced over at the broad Irken across from her who
seemed to be in a daze himself. Austy had never been considered an outgoing
person, and now she had taken an occupation that required constant customer
interaction. The thought terrified her. For a moment, she considered taking
Sizz-Lorr's offer of returning to Earth. She quickly stopped herself. No.
Her parents had never given up. They risked their lives every time they
communicated with her. Austy's eyes became watery at the thought. It upset
them terribly to watch their daughter grow up in front of them. Even though
they were always light years away, they still taught her, scolded her, and
loved her just as they were right there beside her. Austy sighed. Angela
and Brian had been wonderful parents to her, but she longed for the day
when she would be reunited with Sirrus and Lynne.
" I'll do it. for them!" she thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sizz-Lorr stared out his windshield, pondering to himself. What had crossed his mind when he had hired this girl, this human? He leaned back further in his seat. For one thing she wasn't Irken. He thought. Since Foodcourtia was an Irken possession, everything would be written in Irk's native writing so he would have to explain all of it to her. He groaned at the thought. Also, she probably didn't have any knowledge of how to operate the equipment at ShlooGorgh's. He yanked on his antennae. That would be another tedious topic he would have to cover with her. Who knew if she would even be a suitable employee. Sizz-Lorr sighed. At least she was better than nothing. He continually repeated this statement, hoping to reassure himself.
Both were pulled out of their daydreams by a high frequency sound emitted from Sizz-Lorr's control panel. Sizz-Lorr looked up to see a pinkish spinning sphere ahead. Perplexed, Austy rose to her feet to gaze at the unfamiliar planet. She looked towards Sizz-Lorr as he cautiously directed his craft through the sea of vehicles also entering Foodcourtia.
"Um, excuse me sir?" she said trying to sound respectful to her new supervisor.
Sizz-Lorr raised his antennae signaling for her to continue.
"Um, what exactly will I be doing at ShlooGorgh's?"
"Register," was his one-word response. "Oh, ok then," said Austy feeling slightly uneasy . At this time, they were in the Foodcourtian atmosphere and Sizz-Lorr was scanning the surface, looking for an adequate space to land his immense vessel. Spotting a location, he descended roughly on the terrain. Opening a compartment, he escorted Austy and himself out of the ship just before it was beamed into storage. Austy gaped at her foreign environment as Sizz- Lorr and she wove through the enormous crowd. Sizz-Lorr had not taken his eyes off of her, for he feared she might seize this opportunity to escape. He was sick of people escaping from him. Zim had succeeded too many times for Sizz-Lorr not to be cautious. Austy however, stayed close at his side. The frycook paused as he peered up at large building decorated with brilliant neon lights. Atop it sat an odd blob-like creature adorned with a hat stamped with an S. ShlooGorgh's. Austy was bewildered to see so many distinct races of the universe all clumped together. She gawked at the unusual restaurants dotting Foodcourtia's surface. She was awakened out of her stupor by clicking from behind her. She spun around to see Sizz-Lorr impatiently tapping his foot.
"Go ahead and enter," he said sternly.
Austy gazed at the purplish wave of energy that covered the entrance. She was a tad bit apprehensive to enter the restaurant. She knew she would have to make a decision soon for she heard Sizz-Lorr's irritated grumbling behind her. Before she gave it a second thought, she dashed through the door. She sighed with relief when nothing happened. The customers all glanced up from their meals to gaze at the unusual visitor. Austy, not enjoying all eyes upon her, backed into a corner.
"Hey Austy, over here." Said Sizz-Lorr sharply as he gestured her over to the counter.
Austy walked over as he proceeded to explain the strange markings on the keys. Austy half-listened. Her parents had taught her Irken text decades ago. It had taken several transmissions for them to get through each lesson but none the less she knew it rather well. She glanced at the appliances in the kitchen. For the most part they appeared to be simple mechanisms. Austy knew the ins and outs of basic appliances pretty well. One of her hobbies was to dissemble some sort of device and see how quickly it would take her to put it back together and still have it work properly. She remembered the look on her foster parents' faces when they had come home one day to see their washer and dryer in pieces. She laughed slightly at the thought.
"So do you understand everything?" said Sizz-Lorr . Austy snapped out of her trance.
"Wha?" she said.
Sizz-Lorr slapped his forehead.
"It's gonna be one of those days," he thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Austy sighed as she twirled her faux hair. It had only been 10 minutes since Sizz-Lorr had gone through all the basic procedures with her for a second time and she could already feel her anxiety developing.
"I'll be right back," said Sizz-Lorr to Austy as he entered a door towards the rear of the restaurant.
Austy rested her head on her hands, wishing in the back of her mind that she was back on Earth with Angela and Brian. Oh, how she missed them already. Not to mention they were probably sick with worry about her. Austy rose up as she seen two small Irken males advancing toward her, dressed in their ShlooGorgh's attire. Austy grew nervous as they continued to approach her. One of them spoke.
"Uh, hi.Austy is it?" Austy nodded. " Welcome to ShlooGorgh's! My name is Gashloog and this is Caspos" he said as he pointed to the slightly shorter Irken beside him. "You're the only nonIrken ever to be employed here," said Caspos. "Are you nervous?" he asked. "Just a little," said Austy trying to sound confident. "Oh, by the way here ya go," said Gashloog as he handed Austy a pair of goggles and an apron. "It's your uniform," he stated smiling. "Boss said you wouldn't have to wear the hat though," said Caspos. "Probably cause you're so tall," he said, eyeing her towering frame. "If you ever need anything, feel free to ask either of us," said Gashloog as they both headed for the kitchen. "Thanks," said Austy stunned at their courtesy.
Perhaps she was wrong about most Irkens. Austy stared at the items in her hands for several minutes before putting them on. Just as she was tying her apron, a customer approached the counter. He was a tall, broad male, dressed in a bulky, armor-like suit. Austy took a deep breath of air as she began.
"Hi, Welcome to ShlooGorgh's. Can I take your or-"
She was cut off by the being's acrimonious response.
"I already ordered not too long ago and I just want to say that you should have your hearing checked!" "Eh," said Austy disconcerted at the consumer's curt comment. " I specifically said to leave the jetta off my sandwich but it's definitely on it!" he roared, his anger intensifying.
"Sir, I didn't even-," replied Austy, meekly. "Nonsense! Maybe when you learn some customer appreciation, I'll come back!" he bellowed as he stormed out the exit.
. Breathing heavily, Austy clutched her chest as tears began to form. She fought them back.
"No Austy," she told herself. "Be strong and make it through the day."
She gasped as she saw her employer's violet eyes fixed on her.
"You saw the whole thing?" she asked in a low voice.
Sizz-Lorr sighed. "Look Austy, I can see you're trying, but if you feel this job is too much I'll return you to-," "No, Sir. Please give me another chance. I will try harder," interrupted Austy, frantically. "Alright," said Sizz-Lorr gruffly as he trudged back into the kitchen.
She rubbed her forehead, regaining her calm.
"It's gonna be a long day," she thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~
It HAD been a long day. At least for Austy. The remainder of the day hadn't been much better for her. She gazed at the nocturnal surroundings of Foodcourtia. There were bright lights everywhere and constant traffic. Surprisingly, Sizz-Lorr allowed her to venture on her own. After she explained how exhausted she was and did not have the energy to attempt to escape, he backed off. Besides, she had said, she didn't have a vehicle to leave with. A growling from her belly startled her. She had been too upset all day to eat, but now she was famished. Deciding against ShlooGorgh's, she ventured into a nearby restaurant called Grub Demon. She gazed at the Irken menu. She politely stated her request to the cashier and took her seat. Within minutes her meal flew over to her table. The smell filled her olfactory senses as she smiled slightly. She hadn't eaten Irken food since she was a smeet. As she chewed, the familiar taste brought her back fifty years in the past.
*Flashback* A slick, streamlined craft drifted through the heavens.
"I still see you daddy!" said a young female Irken . "How can you see me! I have my cloaking belt on!" laughed a tall emerald- eyed Irken. The smeet giggled. "Cause you forgot to turn it on!"
The green-eyed male slapped his forehead.
"So I did," "Yeah, you have to push the green button first an then the red one!" said the young green-eyed female happily.
The tall male put his hands on his hips.
"Oh yeah Austy, how do you know?" he said smiling. "Cause I made one too!" she said happily, pulling a device from behind her back.
Clamping the belt around her waist, she pushed the two buttons and in an instant she was invisible.
Sirrus chuckled. "Where did she go? Where's Austy?"
He felt the weight of a small body on his back. Austy laughed as she reappeared.
"I'm right here daddy!" "There's my little technician," said Sirrus as placed his daughter on his shoulders.
Sirrus tiptoed around the corner.
"What're we doin daddy?" said Austy. "Shh, Shh, we're gonna sneak up on mommy," he said in a whisper.
The ruby-eyed female was deep in her work and didn't notice the two creeping up behind her. As she felt a pair of icy fingers on her shoulder, she jumped. Clutching her chest, she spun around to face her husband and daughter.
"You goofs," she said smiling as she hugged them both.
Sirrus let Austy down as he turned to face his wife.
"How's it look?"
Lynne frowned. "Not good," she replied. "I don't think they're gonna let them go."
Sirrus nodded. He knew she was talking about a group of Vortian scientists, imprisoned by the Irken Empire for failing to comply with Irken orders.
Lynne sighed. "If this is how they treat their allies, think of how they handle their enemies," she said sadly.
Austy looked up to see her parents' discouraged faces. She ran over to her mother.
"What's wrong, Mommy?" she asked innocently.
Lynne smiled at her daughter. "It's okay sweetie. Some people just don't tolerate anyone opposing them," "You mean, back home?" said Austy.
Lynne nodded. She knew that her daughter was aware of the Irken empire's militaristic nature and that they didn't permit 'inferiors' conflicting with their intentions.
Austy sighed. "Why can't we all just get along?" she said.
"Exactly my question hun," said Sirrus. "But you know that we will always protect you," he said. "That's right," said Lynne. "If anything ever happens, we will make sure you are safe,"
Austy grinned at her parents and hugged them. "I love you," she said to them. "Excuse me," said a distant voice. "Exxcusse meeee!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Huh," Austy was jolted back into reality.
She looked over at the counter of Grub Demon's to see an irritated employee glaring at her.
"Excuse me," he said. "But we're closing. You're gonna have to leave."
Austy rose abruptly.
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't realize how much time had gone by.
The cashier just grumbled as Austy hurried out the door. She needed to find a place to stay for the night anyway. Austy wearily scanned her surroundings as she paged through her thoughts. She longed to speak with her parents. To hear their soothing words again. Now she didn't have Angela and Brian to talk to either.
"Angela! Brian!" Austy yelled to herself.
She had to find a way to contact them. Gazing up she noticed a large fluorescent sign indicating an Inn. She gaped at the skyscraper of a building. 'Snacky Shack' it read. This would have to be sufficient. Racing through the entrance, she looked for the front desk. Galloping up to it, she quickly asked for a room.
"How many nights?" asked the clerk in a fatigued tone. "Just one," said Austy. "Room 6775, eightieth floor," replied the clerk, her stale, crimson eyes not leaving the computer screen. "Your total," said the clerk in a monotone voice, "Is 278 monies." "Can I start a personal transfer account?" said Austy.
She did not have Irken currency on her at the moment but she would soon, thanks to her employment at Shloogorgh's.
"Sure," replied the Irken hotel clerk in an irritated tone from behind the desk.
After giving her all the standard information, Austy now had a registered personal account. She thanked the clerk as she headed to her room. As she slid her card key into the slot of the lobby hall, a white light engulfed her and she found herself on the eightieth floor.
"Why do I have to be on the eightieth floor?" thought Austy as she searched for her room.
She smiled as she spotted it and slid her key in, opening the electronic lock. Upon entering it she immediately noticed the large screen situated in the center. Closing the door behind her, she scanned her foreign room. It looked so .different, so. Irken. There were wires crisscrossing across the walls as tubes sprung from every which way. No décor, no pictures, no anything. Every object was operated in some way by machines. Even the bed, Austy noticed was entangled with wiring. It was contoured and angular but extremely comfortable due to motion sensors, targeting body movement. Austy walked over to the immense monitor as she booted up the CPU "Accessing communications line," said the computer.
Typing in Earth's coordinates, she utilized a security system so no one could intercept her call. "Security lock activated. Contacting Earth. Please wait," replied the artificial voice.
Shortly after, an image of the green and blue planet appeared. Austy swept her fingers over the keyboard as she punched in the latitude and longitude for her foster parents' home.
"Connection line established," boomed the computer.
The screen filled with the view of Angela and Brian's bedroom. Only they were no where to be seen. Austy became anxious as she tore away her human features.
"Hello! Is anyone there? It's me Austy!" she hollered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Brian sorrowfully watched his wife sob as tears streamed down his own face. Angela looked up.
"I just don't know what to do. We were supposed to protect her, now who knows what danger she is in," said Angela.
The thought just made her cry even harder.
"Yes, but Austy is good at taking care of herself. She's not a little girl anymore," said Brian trying to reassure himself more than his wife.
The pair hadn't eaten nor had a wink of sleep since they had discovered their foster daughter's sudden departure.
"Maybe we should just try to get some sleep," said Brian attempting to be calm. "No! How can you think of sleep at a time like this? Our only daughter could very well be in a life-threatening situation!" Angela shouted. "Ang, we should at least try to take our minds off of it. At least till tomorrow. Why I bet she didn't even leave the planet!" said Brian. "Brian!" Angela hissed. Didn't you read the note?"
Her husband responded by gazing at the floor of their living room. Angela sighed.
"I'm going upstairs to watch some t.v." she said in a low voice.
Brian slowly picked himself up and followed her.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After several minutes of repeated shouting, Austy was ready to give up. Her hand reached for the maroon button, which would terminate the call. She pulled her hand back as she heard a distant thumping. Her antennae twitched, attempting to tune in the sounds.
Opening her mouth, she again yelled. "I'm in here. It's me, Austy! Ang? Brian?"
Angela was nearly to the top of the stairs when she heard the sound. Could it be? Was it her? Angela dashed to her bedroom, hoping that she was not hallucinating. She let out an ecstatic gasp as she saw her foster daughter's green face staring at her from her television.
"Brian! Come quick!" said Angela, overjoyed.
Brian ran as fast as his seventy-year-old self could carry him. He nearly fainted as he saw Austy's emerald eyes, glinting at him.
"Austy!" he said. "It's so good to see you! But what was the meaning of taking off like that young lady!" he said sharply.
"Yes, you nearly worried me to death," said Angela. "I'm sorry," said Austy. I didn't want you to be upset. It was a stupid and impulsive decision, but now I'm here so I have to deal with it," she replied.
Angela became nervous.
"Where exactly are you, Austy?" said Angela. "Uhh.Well. I'm on a planet millions of light years from Earth called Foodcourtia and now I'm stuck working for an ill-tempered Irken until I can find a way to escape." Said Austy.
Angela collapsed on her bed at her foster daughter's words.
"Don't worry," said Austy. "It's not as bad as it sounds."
She then went to explain how she sneaked on Sizz-Lorr's ship and was found and how she had made a compromise with the stubborn violet-eyed Irken.
"But don't worry. I'll be fine," said Austy.
Angela and Brian brightened slightly.
"And I'll be sure to keep in touch with you," said Austy. "But remember to make room when I come home with mom and dad," said Austy grinning. "I sure hope you find them," said Brian. "Me too," said Austy. "Me too." "Well, you two look exhausted. You go ahead and get some sleep and I'll take to ya later," said Austy. "Alright honey," said Angela. "You just remember to call." "I will," said Austy and with that she cut the transmission.
Austy sighed as she dove onto her mechanized bed.
"My life is doomed," she thought.
*a/n: This chapter is too long but I hope ya like it anyway I had writer's block! Ahhh! Anyway this chapter is bad and sorry it took so long. I know I keep saying this but it will get better! It will it will it will! How would u rate Austy as a fan character?
" I'll do it. for them!" she thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sizz-Lorr stared out his windshield, pondering to himself. What had crossed his mind when he had hired this girl, this human? He leaned back further in his seat. For one thing she wasn't Irken. He thought. Since Foodcourtia was an Irken possession, everything would be written in Irk's native writing so he would have to explain all of it to her. He groaned at the thought. Also, she probably didn't have any knowledge of how to operate the equipment at ShlooGorgh's. He yanked on his antennae. That would be another tedious topic he would have to cover with her. Who knew if she would even be a suitable employee. Sizz-Lorr sighed. At least she was better than nothing. He continually repeated this statement, hoping to reassure himself.
Both were pulled out of their daydreams by a high frequency sound emitted from Sizz-Lorr's control panel. Sizz-Lorr looked up to see a pinkish spinning sphere ahead. Perplexed, Austy rose to her feet to gaze at the unfamiliar planet. She looked towards Sizz-Lorr as he cautiously directed his craft through the sea of vehicles also entering Foodcourtia.
"Um, excuse me sir?" she said trying to sound respectful to her new supervisor.
Sizz-Lorr raised his antennae signaling for her to continue.
"Um, what exactly will I be doing at ShlooGorgh's?"
"Register," was his one-word response. "Oh, ok then," said Austy feeling slightly uneasy . At this time, they were in the Foodcourtian atmosphere and Sizz-Lorr was scanning the surface, looking for an adequate space to land his immense vessel. Spotting a location, he descended roughly on the terrain. Opening a compartment, he escorted Austy and himself out of the ship just before it was beamed into storage. Austy gaped at her foreign environment as Sizz- Lorr and she wove through the enormous crowd. Sizz-Lorr had not taken his eyes off of her, for he feared she might seize this opportunity to escape. He was sick of people escaping from him. Zim had succeeded too many times for Sizz-Lorr not to be cautious. Austy however, stayed close at his side. The frycook paused as he peered up at large building decorated with brilliant neon lights. Atop it sat an odd blob-like creature adorned with a hat stamped with an S. ShlooGorgh's. Austy was bewildered to see so many distinct races of the universe all clumped together. She gawked at the unusual restaurants dotting Foodcourtia's surface. She was awakened out of her stupor by clicking from behind her. She spun around to see Sizz-Lorr impatiently tapping his foot.
"Go ahead and enter," he said sternly.
Austy gazed at the purplish wave of energy that covered the entrance. She was a tad bit apprehensive to enter the restaurant. She knew she would have to make a decision soon for she heard Sizz-Lorr's irritated grumbling behind her. Before she gave it a second thought, she dashed through the door. She sighed with relief when nothing happened. The customers all glanced up from their meals to gaze at the unusual visitor. Austy, not enjoying all eyes upon her, backed into a corner.
"Hey Austy, over here." Said Sizz-Lorr sharply as he gestured her over to the counter.
Austy walked over as he proceeded to explain the strange markings on the keys. Austy half-listened. Her parents had taught her Irken text decades ago. It had taken several transmissions for them to get through each lesson but none the less she knew it rather well. She glanced at the appliances in the kitchen. For the most part they appeared to be simple mechanisms. Austy knew the ins and outs of basic appliances pretty well. One of her hobbies was to dissemble some sort of device and see how quickly it would take her to put it back together and still have it work properly. She remembered the look on her foster parents' faces when they had come home one day to see their washer and dryer in pieces. She laughed slightly at the thought.
"So do you understand everything?" said Sizz-Lorr . Austy snapped out of her trance.
"Wha?" she said.
Sizz-Lorr slapped his forehead.
"It's gonna be one of those days," he thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Austy sighed as she twirled her faux hair. It had only been 10 minutes since Sizz-Lorr had gone through all the basic procedures with her for a second time and she could already feel her anxiety developing.
"I'll be right back," said Sizz-Lorr to Austy as he entered a door towards the rear of the restaurant.
Austy rested her head on her hands, wishing in the back of her mind that she was back on Earth with Angela and Brian. Oh, how she missed them already. Not to mention they were probably sick with worry about her. Austy rose up as she seen two small Irken males advancing toward her, dressed in their ShlooGorgh's attire. Austy grew nervous as they continued to approach her. One of them spoke.
"Uh, hi.Austy is it?" Austy nodded. " Welcome to ShlooGorgh's! My name is Gashloog and this is Caspos" he said as he pointed to the slightly shorter Irken beside him. "You're the only nonIrken ever to be employed here," said Caspos. "Are you nervous?" he asked. "Just a little," said Austy trying to sound confident. "Oh, by the way here ya go," said Gashloog as he handed Austy a pair of goggles and an apron. "It's your uniform," he stated smiling. "Boss said you wouldn't have to wear the hat though," said Caspos. "Probably cause you're so tall," he said, eyeing her towering frame. "If you ever need anything, feel free to ask either of us," said Gashloog as they both headed for the kitchen. "Thanks," said Austy stunned at their courtesy.
Perhaps she was wrong about most Irkens. Austy stared at the items in her hands for several minutes before putting them on. Just as she was tying her apron, a customer approached the counter. He was a tall, broad male, dressed in a bulky, armor-like suit. Austy took a deep breath of air as she began.
"Hi, Welcome to ShlooGorgh's. Can I take your or-"
She was cut off by the being's acrimonious response.
"I already ordered not too long ago and I just want to say that you should have your hearing checked!" "Eh," said Austy disconcerted at the consumer's curt comment. " I specifically said to leave the jetta off my sandwich but it's definitely on it!" he roared, his anger intensifying.
"Sir, I didn't even-," replied Austy, meekly. "Nonsense! Maybe when you learn some customer appreciation, I'll come back!" he bellowed as he stormed out the exit.
. Breathing heavily, Austy clutched her chest as tears began to form. She fought them back.
"No Austy," she told herself. "Be strong and make it through the day."
She gasped as she saw her employer's violet eyes fixed on her.
"You saw the whole thing?" she asked in a low voice.
Sizz-Lorr sighed. "Look Austy, I can see you're trying, but if you feel this job is too much I'll return you to-," "No, Sir. Please give me another chance. I will try harder," interrupted Austy, frantically. "Alright," said Sizz-Lorr gruffly as he trudged back into the kitchen.
She rubbed her forehead, regaining her calm.
"It's gonna be a long day," she thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~
It HAD been a long day. At least for Austy. The remainder of the day hadn't been much better for her. She gazed at the nocturnal surroundings of Foodcourtia. There were bright lights everywhere and constant traffic. Surprisingly, Sizz-Lorr allowed her to venture on her own. After she explained how exhausted she was and did not have the energy to attempt to escape, he backed off. Besides, she had said, she didn't have a vehicle to leave with. A growling from her belly startled her. She had been too upset all day to eat, but now she was famished. Deciding against ShlooGorgh's, she ventured into a nearby restaurant called Grub Demon. She gazed at the Irken menu. She politely stated her request to the cashier and took her seat. Within minutes her meal flew over to her table. The smell filled her olfactory senses as she smiled slightly. She hadn't eaten Irken food since she was a smeet. As she chewed, the familiar taste brought her back fifty years in the past.
*Flashback* A slick, streamlined craft drifted through the heavens.
"I still see you daddy!" said a young female Irken . "How can you see me! I have my cloaking belt on!" laughed a tall emerald- eyed Irken. The smeet giggled. "Cause you forgot to turn it on!"
The green-eyed male slapped his forehead.
"So I did," "Yeah, you have to push the green button first an then the red one!" said the young green-eyed female happily.
The tall male put his hands on his hips.
"Oh yeah Austy, how do you know?" he said smiling. "Cause I made one too!" she said happily, pulling a device from behind her back.
Clamping the belt around her waist, she pushed the two buttons and in an instant she was invisible.
Sirrus chuckled. "Where did she go? Where's Austy?"
He felt the weight of a small body on his back. Austy laughed as she reappeared.
"I'm right here daddy!" "There's my little technician," said Sirrus as placed his daughter on his shoulders.
Sirrus tiptoed around the corner.
"What're we doin daddy?" said Austy. "Shh, Shh, we're gonna sneak up on mommy," he said in a whisper.
The ruby-eyed female was deep in her work and didn't notice the two creeping up behind her. As she felt a pair of icy fingers on her shoulder, she jumped. Clutching her chest, she spun around to face her husband and daughter.
"You goofs," she said smiling as she hugged them both.
Sirrus let Austy down as he turned to face his wife.
"How's it look?"
Lynne frowned. "Not good," she replied. "I don't think they're gonna let them go."
Sirrus nodded. He knew she was talking about a group of Vortian scientists, imprisoned by the Irken Empire for failing to comply with Irken orders.
Lynne sighed. "If this is how they treat their allies, think of how they handle their enemies," she said sadly.
Austy looked up to see her parents' discouraged faces. She ran over to her mother.
"What's wrong, Mommy?" she asked innocently.
Lynne smiled at her daughter. "It's okay sweetie. Some people just don't tolerate anyone opposing them," "You mean, back home?" said Austy.
Lynne nodded. She knew that her daughter was aware of the Irken empire's militaristic nature and that they didn't permit 'inferiors' conflicting with their intentions.
Austy sighed. "Why can't we all just get along?" she said.
"Exactly my question hun," said Sirrus. "But you know that we will always protect you," he said. "That's right," said Lynne. "If anything ever happens, we will make sure you are safe,"
Austy grinned at her parents and hugged them. "I love you," she said to them. "Excuse me," said a distant voice. "Exxcusse meeee!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Huh," Austy was jolted back into reality.
She looked over at the counter of Grub Demon's to see an irritated employee glaring at her.
"Excuse me," he said. "But we're closing. You're gonna have to leave."
Austy rose abruptly.
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't realize how much time had gone by.
The cashier just grumbled as Austy hurried out the door. She needed to find a place to stay for the night anyway. Austy wearily scanned her surroundings as she paged through her thoughts. She longed to speak with her parents. To hear their soothing words again. Now she didn't have Angela and Brian to talk to either.
"Angela! Brian!" Austy yelled to herself.
She had to find a way to contact them. Gazing up she noticed a large fluorescent sign indicating an Inn. She gaped at the skyscraper of a building. 'Snacky Shack' it read. This would have to be sufficient. Racing through the entrance, she looked for the front desk. Galloping up to it, she quickly asked for a room.
"How many nights?" asked the clerk in a fatigued tone. "Just one," said Austy. "Room 6775, eightieth floor," replied the clerk, her stale, crimson eyes not leaving the computer screen. "Your total," said the clerk in a monotone voice, "Is 278 monies." "Can I start a personal transfer account?" said Austy.
She did not have Irken currency on her at the moment but she would soon, thanks to her employment at Shloogorgh's.
"Sure," replied the Irken hotel clerk in an irritated tone from behind the desk.
After giving her all the standard information, Austy now had a registered personal account. She thanked the clerk as she headed to her room. As she slid her card key into the slot of the lobby hall, a white light engulfed her and she found herself on the eightieth floor.
"Why do I have to be on the eightieth floor?" thought Austy as she searched for her room.
She smiled as she spotted it and slid her key in, opening the electronic lock. Upon entering it she immediately noticed the large screen situated in the center. Closing the door behind her, she scanned her foreign room. It looked so .different, so. Irken. There were wires crisscrossing across the walls as tubes sprung from every which way. No décor, no pictures, no anything. Every object was operated in some way by machines. Even the bed, Austy noticed was entangled with wiring. It was contoured and angular but extremely comfortable due to motion sensors, targeting body movement. Austy walked over to the immense monitor as she booted up the CPU "Accessing communications line," said the computer.
Typing in Earth's coordinates, she utilized a security system so no one could intercept her call. "Security lock activated. Contacting Earth. Please wait," replied the artificial voice.
Shortly after, an image of the green and blue planet appeared. Austy swept her fingers over the keyboard as she punched in the latitude and longitude for her foster parents' home.
"Connection line established," boomed the computer.
The screen filled with the view of Angela and Brian's bedroom. Only they were no where to be seen. Austy became anxious as she tore away her human features.
"Hello! Is anyone there? It's me Austy!" she hollered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Brian sorrowfully watched his wife sob as tears streamed down his own face. Angela looked up.
"I just don't know what to do. We were supposed to protect her, now who knows what danger she is in," said Angela.
The thought just made her cry even harder.
"Yes, but Austy is good at taking care of herself. She's not a little girl anymore," said Brian trying to reassure himself more than his wife.
The pair hadn't eaten nor had a wink of sleep since they had discovered their foster daughter's sudden departure.
"Maybe we should just try to get some sleep," said Brian attempting to be calm. "No! How can you think of sleep at a time like this? Our only daughter could very well be in a life-threatening situation!" Angela shouted. "Ang, we should at least try to take our minds off of it. At least till tomorrow. Why I bet she didn't even leave the planet!" said Brian. "Brian!" Angela hissed. Didn't you read the note?"
Her husband responded by gazing at the floor of their living room. Angela sighed.
"I'm going upstairs to watch some t.v." she said in a low voice.
Brian slowly picked himself up and followed her.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After several minutes of repeated shouting, Austy was ready to give up. Her hand reached for the maroon button, which would terminate the call. She pulled her hand back as she heard a distant thumping. Her antennae twitched, attempting to tune in the sounds.
Opening her mouth, she again yelled. "I'm in here. It's me, Austy! Ang? Brian?"
Angela was nearly to the top of the stairs when she heard the sound. Could it be? Was it her? Angela dashed to her bedroom, hoping that she was not hallucinating. She let out an ecstatic gasp as she saw her foster daughter's green face staring at her from her television.
"Brian! Come quick!" said Angela, overjoyed.
Brian ran as fast as his seventy-year-old self could carry him. He nearly fainted as he saw Austy's emerald eyes, glinting at him.
"Austy!" he said. "It's so good to see you! But what was the meaning of taking off like that young lady!" he said sharply.
"Yes, you nearly worried me to death," said Angela. "I'm sorry," said Austy. I didn't want you to be upset. It was a stupid and impulsive decision, but now I'm here so I have to deal with it," she replied.
Angela became nervous.
"Where exactly are you, Austy?" said Angela. "Uhh.Well. I'm on a planet millions of light years from Earth called Foodcourtia and now I'm stuck working for an ill-tempered Irken until I can find a way to escape." Said Austy.
Angela collapsed on her bed at her foster daughter's words.
"Don't worry," said Austy. "It's not as bad as it sounds."
She then went to explain how she sneaked on Sizz-Lorr's ship and was found and how she had made a compromise with the stubborn violet-eyed Irken.
"But don't worry. I'll be fine," said Austy.
Angela and Brian brightened slightly.
"And I'll be sure to keep in touch with you," said Austy. "But remember to make room when I come home with mom and dad," said Austy grinning. "I sure hope you find them," said Brian. "Me too," said Austy. "Me too." "Well, you two look exhausted. You go ahead and get some sleep and I'll take to ya later," said Austy. "Alright honey," said Angela. "You just remember to call." "I will," said Austy and with that she cut the transmission.
Austy sighed as she dove onto her mechanized bed.
"My life is doomed," she thought.
*a/n: This chapter is too long but I hope ya like it anyway I had writer's block! Ahhh! Anyway this chapter is bad and sorry it took so long. I know I keep saying this but it will get better! It will it will it will! How would u rate Austy as a fan character?