Sinth Stalker - Pearl Tate Page 0,4
claims? When he accused the Sinth Sovereignty, the ruling body on our planet, of hiding information and turning a blind eye to other alien species, specifically the Fakel, undermining the delicate balance of other planets through the natural off-gas of the Wen virus??
The Fakel claimed they didn’t realize what traveling with a Wen would do to other planets, but from what Purlogh was able to discover during his rudimentary investigation, that wasn’t true. In fact, the Wen virus started on two of three infected planets earlier than they claimed. Could Earth be another casualty of their deception?
“Yes,” I finally answer, waiting a few long moments to make him realize how disgusted I am with the way he’s acting. As though it’s ridiculous that I’d want to see this planet before it’s totally destroyed. That’s a matter of opinion. I’ll be the first one to admit I’m a bit of a loner. I just prefer my own company. “I am still traipsing around Earth. And that’s another thing I wanted to tell you. I don’t plan to check into the logs any longer—”
“What!” Purlogh’s voice isn’t just disgusted … it’s angry. “Why?”
“Because they can tell every time I go in. Not only what I’ve looked at but the general idea of where I am. I just need a break. I want to enjoy this planet while it still looks like this.”
My voice trails off as I catch sight of a strange bird high up in the canopy of trees. I’m about to tell Purlogh that I’m going because there isn’t any more to say. He’ll be sad to not get his regular update of Guardian drama, but he needs to become less dependent on me. I can’t help feeling used, but his next words have me pausing.
“Are you sure there isn’t another reason why you’re there? Maybe you’re being drawn to your mate? Now that we know some of the others have found theirs, could this be a possibility?”
Forgetting about the strange bird, I blink, trying to give his words an honest answer. Rubbing the back of my neck, I watch the water dance in the small stream I’m sitting next to. “No.” The more I think about it, the less likely I really believe he could be right. “I’m very remote right now and in a restricted area on the planet. No Humans are allowed here and haven’t been for some time due to the danger of a volcano.”
“A volcano!” I hear Purlogh’s interest shoot through the roof. “How unstable? Have you seen any explosions?”
“No, but it could happen at any time. It’s incredible.” I know if I start to describe just how beautiful and interesting everything is here, I’ll end up talking to him for some time, and I’m not interested in staying here. I have a lot of ground I’d still like to cover before I phase into my own dimension to sleep.
Honestly, I don’t know what’s driving me, but my Predecessor would feel the same way if he came here, I’m sure of it. Maybe it’s just part of our family line? This thirst for adventure and to see the unknown—or at least unknown to us as Sinth. So far, I’ve seen incredible wildlife here.
“Well, I’ll respect you don’t want to be involved in updating me, but let us at least set up a check-in time so I know everything is going alright with you personally? How would ten of your daily rotations be?”
Accessing my personal time log, I create the reminder, knowing that the main battle I want to win is to not have to give him regular updates. We’ve had this discussion before, and he’s always talked me out of it. I’ve never left my squad before though. This is the first time I’ve gone totally remote on an alien planet without even logging into the system. Maybe that in and of itself is what’s making him realize just how serious I am.
“Alright. Until then, be safe.” Purlogh signs off before I have a chance to answer. That’s fine. He probably doesn’t want to give me any time to change my mind.
Glancing up, I’m disappointed to see the bird is gone. Phasing to the top of the tree where the bird was sitting, I hover in the doorway of my dimension, happy to enjoy the more temperate air while I survey the landscape.
This is where most Sinth spend the majority of their time, especially as Guardians. Here, I can see the pod I set up