Dwellers of the New World Chapter Nineteen ( Pt 3 ) An Unknown World

The trip back to Obsidian had been strange with so many aboard, though everyone had been cordial, even the children spent a good part of their time enjoying the hospitality they were offered, especially now they'd had a good sleep.

Addie had spoken to Simon, telling him he was a special child, who was not only gifted, but very courageous too. “You showed much bravery in the tunnels, most children would have been scared to death having to face those spectres.”

The boy took on board what Addie said, not really feeling brave at all, but just doing what came natural to him. He had no idea what the man had in store for him, it just felt like one big adventure.

Even Brad was amazed at his son's venturesome spirit, and could hardly believe how unafraid he was. He on the other hand wanted to go back to his own world, this place they'd landed on seemed desolate and not very welcoming at all.

The crew gathered up their passengers ready to disembark. Each person lined up, while Brad carried the cage with Tawny in. They all gazed around at the strange lakes that seemed to reflect off the crystals that stood beside the waters edge, though not really recalling much, just feeling helpless and afraid as they now followed the crew.

Firstly they went down some stairs in single file and were taken to a holding area below the control room. Everything seemed so big to the boys, who couldn't help feeling intrigued by all the controls, buttons and sliding doors which they'd never seen or imagined in their wildest dreams.

Ben hated the fact there were no trees, no ocean, just a lot of underground corridors and rooms, but he thought it all seemed comfortable enough. His mind went back to Fern and Netty. 'They wouldn't ever believe any of this!' He thought to himself. Turning to Brad he spoke to the man. “This place is very desolate – don't you think?”

Brad was in agreement. “Yeah! I know what you mean, can't believe there's no forest or rivers, Oh! How I miss the rivers, just want to get back to our world.”

“I agree my friend – I agree!” Replied Ben.

Once in the holding area, Ben noticed how white and clean everything was. There were cubicles with square objects on the wall. Penny was the first to speak as they waited to find out what would happen next.

“I need you all to strip off your clothes. Over here are some towels.” She pointed to seats outside each cubicle, where lay some towels.

“What are towels?” Asked Ben, vexed at the fact he was doing all the enquiring and nobody else was speaking up.

“Sorry Ben! I keep forgetting you have no idea of our world. These towels are to be used for drying off, after you've had a shower and cleaned up.”

“But why do we need to dry off?” Enquired Ben. “Back home we dry off naturally.”

“I understand your suspicions, but please be assured it's for your sakes and we wouldn't ask you to do anything that would harm you, so if any of you have any more doubts, I'm happy to give you answers.” Penny waited to be interrogated, but no more questions came. They all just stood submissive and naked in front of the woman.

After showing them how to take a shower, Penny left them to it, feeling slightly uncomfortable at their nudity. “I'll come back with gowns for you, just ring that buzzer when you're ready.” She pointed to a red button on the wall.

Each took a turn, placing their hand on the square on the wall in front of them, as they were shown. A profusion of water showered down on them, it felt good, similar to standing under a waterfall, except more powerful, it hit every muscle in their bodies, leaving them feeling relaxed. Tawny was put into a cleansing room too, it was a special area for cleaning birds and animals that existed on Obsidian. A special spray was applied to the bird, then he was passed through a machine to make sure every particle of the old world was gone, the bird spread its wings flapping about wildly, unsure of what would happen next.

Ben felt as if he were in charge, so he pressed the buzzer once they were ready. Dawson brought the gowns down for them. After putting them on, they were taken along to a special unit. The corridors reminded Simon of the tunnels back on his world, though they were brighter and they no longer needed torches.

In the units they each had a comfortable bed and were given food and drink they didn't recognise, it came on a tray and had a strange taste. Varden thought it was similar to the taste of the Ocean when he swallowed some of the sea water. Si had told him it was salt and that it wouldn't harm him, in fact the boy quite liked the taste and realised how bland their own food was without it.

The only thing they knew for sure after they'd eaten, was that they were once again tired and still afraid. The little party of travellers climbed into their very own beds, a real luxury. It didn't take long for them to sink into a deep sleep like they'd never known before. The guards on duty dimmed the lights and in that unit, the only sound that could be heard was that of the gentle rhythmic breathing and faint sound of the Ocean being played to remind them of home.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Nineteen ( Pt 4 ) The Meeting | ABCtales