p a r a d e s s a . 1

written by Joseph Laurino, circa 1999

It was a time when technology controlled
the destiny of a civilization. It was a place
where enchanted beings roamed the land.
Some dreams are never meant to be remembered.
Very soon someone is about to be awakened and
everything will change.


[begin transmission]

CHAPTER 1 | The root causes of suffering are ignorance, craving and hatred

Monday

The western hemisphere’s gentle line was disturbed by the shape of something that reminds one of elegant movement -- as if the stroke of someone’s hand was carving metal with a pencil. Flying low from the east are three Paradessian scout ships. “Control Tower, this is eagle scout delta. We have made visual contact with the Mugadi transport ship.”

Inside the ship, Ambassador De Santos is deep in meditation. Colonel Lorenzo enters the chamber in silence. “Colonel, I can feel your doubts flowing through your spirit. What disturbs you my old friend?” The colonel kneels on one knee, “Ambassador, I’m afraid to think of what might become of the most beautiful city I once called my home. What we are about to do is going to make invasions in the past look gentle and childish.” The ambassador takes a deep breath, “Your fears are making you worry too much Lorenzo. Don’t you ever wonder how it would feel to return to your home and never have to worry that someone will take it away from you while you are asleep?” There was an unnecessary pause. “That is why we are here. That is why you need not worry of the future. Today, we come in peace. It is up to the Paradessians to listen and give back what is rightfully ours!” Lorenzo stiffens, “but what should we do about Project Launain?” De Santos opens his eyes and looks past the walls of the ship, “leave that for me to worry about.”

Outside, the wind is blowing from the north and the sun is halfway past its daily journey across the clear blue skies. Where the wind and water almost meet, is the shadow of the transport ship. And hidden underneath its belly, a soldier is silently waiting.

[transmission interrupted]

How gentle the wind blows. How innocently the light reflects.

[transmission interrupted]

CHAPTER 2 | There are two sides to every story

Wednesday

Paradessa is now a city under siege. With its protective walls fallen, the invasion army has commenced an effective low altitude bomb assault strategy. The computer controlled defensive guns can’t keep track of the light and agile bombers. Smoke filled the streets, waving like a flag asking the bombers, why have you not noticed that we surrendered yesterday? War is brutal to those who wish it was over. War is lethal to those who wish it never began.

[transmission interrupted]

In the midst of a battle, one can always make out the sound of the crying children. A few of them can be heard coming out from the vehicles.

[transmission interrupted]

“It’s amazing how easy it is to take out human life. If one had enough time to think about these things, wars would probably never start. But people love drama – death and suffering delivers these and more. Resolutions are just compromises so that the defeated party will have time to regroup and rethink their strategy. It is better to run and survive for another day rather than fight aimlessly knowing death will come and wash away any hope for revenge. That’s what the high council believes and that is what I will fight for.”

[transmission interrupted]

Up above the city skyline, a silent soldier watches the destruction that she caused. A bullet does not care. A bomb does not have any feelings. A grenade does not have any conscience.

Below the towering buildings, another soldier is lying by the side of a young child. All his hope for redemption is gone. He failed his best friend. He failed his dearest. He failed himself. Guilt could not describe his feelings right now. Hate does not even begin to comprehend his burning fists. Revenge is an option too insignificant to even consider. Why does he blame himself? In the dark silhouettes of the heart hides the primal feelings of love. Love can make anything possible. Love conquers any place. Love can be patient about time. The truth that the soldier feels right now is absolute in his heart. He made a promise based on love.

[transmission interrupted]

[end transmission]