The Pellegrine

BY
Soul Lark

Prologue

© The author reserves all rights to this work.

Disclaimer:

This story is of an adult nature. It is not intended for minors nor for those whose law in their land forbids them to read this material.
This story is entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people is purely coincidental and unintentional.

NB: Words found between asterisks (*) refer to words exchanged in psychic or telepathic communication.


Date: 20 December 1969, Saturday

A few months before, the whole world watched in awe as a man took his first step on the moon. What they did not realize was that the moment that a space craft landed, hidden sensors were activated. The central computer that these sensors were linked to ascertained that these beings that were moving around were human. Two transmitters were activated subsequently. Then, the sensors and central computer began to disintegrate into dust.

♣ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ♣

After the briefing for the mission that she was to be part of, Clara Wang glanced at her friend Gertrude Krueger. Clara had noticed a subtle change in Gertrude. Gertie, as she is known among friends, had become more introspective. Being introspective was good, of course, but introspection was never one of Gertie’s stronger points.

*Hey Gertie, what’s up. You seem to be a thousand kilometres away just now. Didn’t you hear what the squad leader said?* Clara asked her friend as they were getting ready for transport.

*Of course I did!* replied Gertrude.

*Then why are you leaving your torch behind? We’ll need it if we are to lead the girl scouts out of the tunnel.*

*Didn’t the squad leader say not to use our torches to look for them? The armed militia might still be there?*

*Yes he did. He also said that whoever finds them must lead them out towards the southern end of the tunnel. Squad 7 will be distracting the militia at the Western end.*

*So, we don’t need to bring the torch!*

*My dear girl. Wouldn’t it look strange if they find you being able to walk so confidently in the dark?*

*Oh yes, I didn’t think about that.*

*What’s wrong with you Gertie? You’ve been drifting off to dreamland these past few months*

Gertrude did not have the time to answer. Their squad leader called the whole rescue team to start transporting to their destination.

After the mission, Clara confronted her friend. “We need to talk, girl.”

“What about?”

“You know. You were about to tell me about your constant drifting off to another world these past few months.”

Gertrude smiled. “Lately, I’ve been feeling a little strange. It’s like there’s something missing in my life. I know that I’m doing what I want – rescuing people in the rescue corps, but there’s something still missing … something unfulfilled. When I led the girl scouts out of the tunnel, it suddenly became very clear to me.”

“What?!” asked Clara anxiously.

“Children. The thing that’s missing in my life is a family.”

“Wait a minute, you have a family,” protested Clara.

“Not my parents’ family … my own. I want a family of my own.”

“Oh!” said Clara quietly.

Gertrude was slightly amused. “That’s all you can say? ‘Oh!’ ?”

“I remembered telling my mother when I entered the rescue corps that I never wanted family. Seeing the trouble my brother and sister-in-law had with my nephews and nieces, I decided that I didn’t want that kind of inconvenience. Then my mother said, When nature calls, no one can resist. I never believed her. You’re the first evidence I’ve had.”

Gertrude looked a little surprised.

Clara continued, “You’re the most career minded woman in the rescue corps on this side of the planet. I’ve seen you push yourself so that you could be the best rescuer you can be. You’re the last person I’d think to leave the rescuers.”

“Who said anything about leaving the rescuers?” asked Gertrude.

“If you’re going to start a family, you can’t dedicate yourself to the corps anymore.”

Gertrude laughed, “Just because I’ve realized that I want a family doesn’t mean I’m leaving the corps immediately. Silly girl, I’ll still be here. The only difference is that I’ll be on the lookout for a man, and you’re going to help me snag one. Marriage may be still a long way off but I’m relieved that I know what’s been bothering me. Maybe I can concentrate more on the rescue job at hand from now on.”

♣ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ♣

Date: 6 January 2028, Thursday

Gertrude Vengstrom-Krueger and her neighbour Elise Sklerer-Johansen were seated at indoor children’s playground. They were knitting and watching their children at the same time.

“They grow up so fast, don’t they?” remarked Elise.

“Yes. Sven seems to be growing very fast,” said Gertrude. “My son, on the other hand, seems to be on the thin side.”

“So long as they’re healthy, you shouldn’t worry. Nick and I know we’ll have no problems with Sven, that’s why we decided to have another.” Elise patted her abdomen which was just showing signs that she was pregnant.

“Same reason we decided to have Marie here,” said Gertrude as she peeped into the pram to see if her daughter was still sleeping soundly.

“Mummy! Mummy!” shouted Sven as he ran up to his mother with his neighbour close at his heels. “We have decided to be rescuers, just like Pappa and Uncle Lars!”

The two women smiled. The two boys were really becoming best friends and almost inseparable from the time when they were in nursery school. They were now in school together and doing quite well in their studies according to their teachers.

“Is this true?” Gertrude asked her son as he came running into her.

“Yes Mummy. Sven and I will be the Dye-meek Dwo!” The boy turned to his friend and asked, “Isn’t it right, Sven?” Sven nodded happily.

“I’m afraid Nic has been showing off his ancient comic book collection again,” said Elise apologetically.

Gertrude replied, “Don’t apologize Elise. I’m so glad that our husbands find the time to spend with their boys. It’s so sad how many boys don’t see their fathers at all. Personally, I’m glad that the boys have the experience of their fathers’ love.”

“And a good experience, I must add,” said Elise with a chuckle.

“Boys, if you want to be good rescuers, you’ll need to study hard and get good results. More importantly, you need to work together – co-operate. Always think of each other’s feelings before you speak or act, especially when you’re angry. Understand?” instructed Gertrude.

“Yes Auntie Gertie,” replied Sven.

“Yes Mummy,” said Gertrude’s happy son. Then the boy cocked his head a little and said, “Resucer Sven, I think there’s a little boy who needs rescuing. I’m getting a distress call. Follow me partner!”

The two women laughed as Sven replied, “Yes, I hear it too. Lead the way and I will follow you, Rescuer Jorg!”


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