Commander Blaine left his earth-based home in the usual way\u2026by sleek personal air shuttle. He greeted the pilot chauffeur cheerfully. It was just a brief transit. His destination was the spaceship \u201cOutreach\u201d, hovering in place a few miles in the air for security reasons. Upon arrival on board, the Commander was greeted respectfully by the loyal crew.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood morning, Sir, we stand ready for your orders\u201d, said Executive Officer Gronk. He was tall and imposing with a distinctively orange-tinted face. The Commander believed this might be a characteristic of the people from Gronk\u2019s birth planet. He\u2019d never seen anyone on earth of this color.<\/p>\n
\u201cJustin, all recovered from our last mission?\u2019 inquired Doctor Oliver Moss, one of the few addressing the Commander by his first name. This intimacy was earned as the boss\u2019s longest-term shipmate and friend. Doc\u2019s expertise had proved critical in many encounters they\u2019d had with aliens \u2013 injuries suffered; toxic environments; and even dealing with misunderstandings. Justin remembered well that macho standoff he\u2019d had with Argul, leader of the powerful ape resembling Nullends.<\/p>\n
Argul had sneered: \u201cWe\u2019ll find out who is the greatest warrior. Choose your weapon.\u201d Laid out was a brutal assortment of swords, maces and other fearsome items. Seated around on pillows were members of the Nullends Council and the Outreach crew. The Commander was fearless but hesitant. A fight would inevitably mean a failure of the mission. The Doctor whispered something in his ear. Argul chose a hefty double-sided ax which looked like a toy in his muscular grasp. To the alien\u2019s surprise, Justin selected\u2026 just a pillow! He declared: \u201cThis shall be my weapon. I again apologize for any unintended remark you found offensive. Do what you will. I accept the consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n
Argul froze with weapon in hand, then registered an expression that likely was his kind\u2019s version of a smile. \u201cWe value bravery and humility above all else. You\u2019ve demonstrated both. For that we salute you. Let us seek a friendly alliance instead.\u201d The Doctor had relied on his intuition when counseling Justin. He counted on the cultural values of the proud Nullends to prevail over their warring ways. Justin was mindful of other such times when Doc had tempered his more aggressive impulses.<\/p>\n
With all crew gathered in the Control Room, the Commander declared with his customary gusto: \u201cHere we go again. More adventures into the unknown\u2026 where no man has\u2026\u201d He didn\u2019t finish, recalling that this phrase was attributable to a certain revered hero from the past. \u201cO.K. start the count for launching. Our mission is renewed.\u201d<\/p>\n
And what a mission it was for Outreach. No less than visiting other worlds in our universe identified as containing some signs of life. Not to control or dominate, but rather to maintain peace everywhere. This ambitious journey was undertaken on behalf of the Authority, empowered by the World Unification Compact. It contractually joined all of earth\u2019s nations together with certain shared goals for humanity.<\/p>\n
Commander Justin Blaine was confident in his ability. He had always been an achiever. Not the best at everything ever tried, but always competitive. With his brown hair streaked grey, manly features suiting a heroic figure, his leadership quality and self-confidence seemed evident and well earned. The universe held endless surprises. He couldn\u2019t wait to seek them out.<\/p>\n
One hour later Outreach was ready for blast off. Its destination a rogue planet identified merely as \u201cUP75 (for the 75th Unknown Place)\u201d. It was calculated to take twenty-nine days of travel to reach that destination at hyper speed. The ship would be on automatic control until then. The<\/p>\n
crew members readied themselves to lie in individual pods and be tranquilized for the journey. The Commander prepared to do the same.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Actors, TV crew, cameras and other equipment surrounded the Control Room. The large full view front windshield of the Outreach set appeared to display their earth city fixed in position several miles below. It was not. Director Miles Haven was filming the 200th episode of \u201cThe Outreach Chronicles\u201d. This rather corny science fiction series had been the top-rated TV network show for seven seasons. It was still going strong. The public couldn\u2019t get enough of the space adventures, the simple moral issues addressed, and most especially, Commander Blaine. Gronk, the Doctor, and Serene the psychologist had also come close to iconic status.<\/p>\n
So, is this just a story about imagined space travel adventures? Yes\u2026to all but one person this was a beloved, if not first quality, TV series. To Commander Blaine, however this was honest to goodness life. It was not fictional! How could this be?<\/p>\n
On an ordinary morning some three years earlier, Justin had jokingly bestowed a dramatic goodbye kiss upon his wife Vivian and infant son Devon. They were merely making a crosstown visit to her mother. \u201cYes, she said teasingly, we\u2019ll return from this dangerous five-mile adventure in a few hours. Meanwhile, you\u2019ll be captaining your spaceship to the far reaches of the universe. Do be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy God, how my life is blessed\u201d thought he as they drove off. An adored healthy and happy family. A wonderful lifestyle afforded by his being the star actor in The Outreach Chronicles. Such a signature role that his own name was used for the Commander character. The Series had slipped a bit in the polls, but another year\u2019s renewal seemed likely. Filming was scheduled later this afternoon of the latest episode. With coffee in hand, he picked up the script again and within<\/p>\n
a few hours had it thoroughly memorized. The phone rang and he answered. Wham! That was the end of the life he knew.<\/p>\n
\u201cVMX News Flash\u2026Within the hour, the wife and child of actor Justin Blaine of Outreach Chronicle fame, were tragically killed in an auto collision. Details to follow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eight weeks later, the Director held a private meeting with the cast of the Series, excluding only Justin Blaine. \u201cWe must together undertake a bold experiment. Justin suffered severe shock from the unfathomable loss he recently suffered. As a result, he seems to have submerged himself completely, let me emphasize completely, into his Commander persona. The Series has become real to him.<\/p>\n
The actor, Adam Fedder, who plays Gronk, spoke up. \u201cWe all really like Justin and commiserate with his loss\u2026but what does this mean for the Series. Can it continue? He was the dominant character. Will he be replaced?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Director explained, \u201cThat is exactly our challenge. He will remain in place as the Commander. However, it will be necessary for us all to acknowledge his perception of reality. We\u2019re going to try working with a flexible script, with the Commander\u2019s involvement being necessarily improvisational. A few episodes should tell us if this approach can work and the Show remain compelling to our audience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nella Dean, the actor playing the psychologist Serene, speculated, \u201cSo, our extra job will be to nudge Justin, who genuinely believes he\u2019s the Commander, to somehow perform within the script ballpark \u2026oh, but it wouldn\u2019t be a performance for him, would it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Director nodded affirmatively. \u201cYep. Strange I grant you\u2026but that\u2019s the idea. There\u2019s something else you\u2019ll also need to accept. His infirmity must be kept a secret from the public.<\/p>\n
Sympathy toward Justin won\u2019t make the show successful. Given all of that\u2026are all of you ready to give this a go?\u201d<\/p>\n
Everyone knew that the Network saw no alternative to trying this approach. The Chronicles Series was mind-bogglingly profitable, dependent upon Justin remaining in his role as leader. All studios will go to great lengths to satisfy the whims of their top talent. Just an annoying cost of doing business. For what it was worth, Justin was not just another vainglorious actor. He hadn\u2019t been the least bit egotistical or difficult to work with.<\/p>\n
And Justin. What was going on for him? In the last few moments of consciousness upon hearing the ghastly news about his family, a multitude of images flashed for him \u2013 Vivian as lover, mother, friend; Devon as the son he\u2019d hoped for, to nurture and raise; his profession as an actor, or was it as a spaceship commander exploring the universe? As he sank to unconsciousness, the death of his loved ones remained vividly real. The pain only moderated by the sweet memories. Practically everything else about his life slipped away as non-existent, except his being the Commander of Outreach and bearing responsibility for the mission. That was also internalized as true.<\/p>\n
The first few new Series\u2019 episodes of the Chronicles came off better than expected. As Commander, Jason followed the lead of the rehearsed actors. and the partially scripted plots worked surprisingly well. The cast was getting the hang of steering the Commander around to fit the plot needs. For his part, Jason automatically would bend or disappear from mind those facts or people not fitting his perceptions. The TV crew either vanished for him or was converted by his imagination to have some part in the drama.<\/p>\n
The publics\u2019 response to the Commander\u2019s role was shown by a surprising increase in ratings. Jason was applauded by the critics as \u201cbrilliant\u201d, \u201cinspired\u201d, and \u201cbest actor\u201d. No one could<\/p>\n
guess that he wasn\u2019t acting at all! The Director and the Network were exultant that they\u2019d taken this risk.<\/p>\n
In the fifth episode a crazed fan had found his way into the studio grounds and on to the set. Obviously, he was a member of the huge fan base for the program calling themselves \u201cOutreachers.\u201d The spaceship was also preparing to leave on its mock mission. The intruder entered the Control Room carrying a gun. It was in fact merely a replica of the crew\u2019s pretend space guns. He demanded to remain on board for the launch.<\/p>\n
Holding the gun to Serene\u2019s head the fan declared: \u201cI don\u2019t want to hurt anyone but will shoot her if you try to eject me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cameras continued to record this unexpected intrusion. Director Haven considered that this actual drama might be worked into the episode, so studio security wasn\u2019t called. The actors stayed in place, amused by this stranger\u2019s actions posing no real threat. No one knew what to do next except the Commander. He had stepped between the gunman and Serene, saying to him: \u201cYou\u2019ll not hurt Serene or anyone else. Give me your weapon.\u201d<\/p>\n
The intruder did so without objection. \u201cI surrender to your authority Commander. As a devoted Outreacher, I\u2019d have given anything to be on your crew.\u201d He was escorted off the set to await the police.<\/p>\n
The private snickers of all present faded with the realization of the bravery demonstrated by Jason\/the Commander. It hadn\u2019t been a life-or-death situation, but he hadn\u2019t known this.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
With knowledge of that history, this day\u2019s Outreach adventure to Planet UP75 is now resumed.<\/p>\n
The Commander had settled back into his pod as others were doing. He inhaled the sleep-inducing fumes expecting that he and the crew would awaken upon reaching the alien planet. He experienced the usual anticipation when venturing into the unknown. In fact, though, he alone would be really anesthetized. This would allow sufficient time to change sets to match script locations.<\/p>\n
Jason\u2019s next awareness was exploring UP75 with Gronk by his side. Exotic plants were in abundance in this seemingly gentle environment. The dual suns shone brightly in the sky. What forms of life might exist here? They turned the corner of a rock formation and\u2026egad\u2026they were confronted by a monster. At least that\u2019s what Justin saw. It began hurling missiles at them.<\/p>\n
Director Haven cursed. \u201cOh shit, that\u2019s a batting machine. It must have been left over from that baseball documentary on this stage.\u201d<\/p>\n
But to the Commander\u2019s eye this was an aggressive life form attacking them with deadly large spherical objects. \u201cOuch, dammit. Those blows are painful!\u201d.<\/p>\n
Grock said to the Commander: \u201cI believe this large menace is aiming only where you\u2019re standing. It would be logical to step away from that target position.\u201d<\/p>\n
But his leader ignored the sound advice and chose to fight back mano y mano. Looking around he saw a bunch of arm length pieces of wood. (We\u2019d recognize them as baseball bats.) Grabbing one he advanced toward this enemy trying to ward off the painful hits, come close and kill it. Unfortunately, one of the round missiles struck his temple knocking him out. Grock dragged the Commander safely aside and sought to revive him.<\/p>\n
Justin in a semi-conscious state experienced a sudden flood of diverse images: an interview for his first acting job; being knocked cold in a high school football game; his honeymoon bed<\/p>\n
bedecked with flowers as Vivian had romantically choreographed; the pride of being the Commander.<\/p>\n
The unexpected violent event called for the Director to further alter the flexible script. The batting machine would be edited for TV to appear as a monster. The Commander was revived in a few minutes and the drama continued as scheduled.<\/p>\n
The Commander awoke with a start recalling the battle, his eyes covered with a soothing wrap. Removing it, he saw a stunning and remarkable face smiling at him. A most beautiful woman to be sure\u2026not entirely human, though somehow familiar. Her skin was smooth but deep green in color which harmonized with her waist length honey-colored hair. Two small horns protruded from her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cRelax Commander, I am Amorda, Sovereign of our planet Raylon. Have no fear. A mind scan was performed to know your language and peaceful intentions. You and your crew are welcome here for having slayed Montor, a beast which had been plaguing us for years.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
The following episode of Chronicles found the Commander and Amorda with their staffs, including her second in command Manzel, in a joint meeting. It was discussed how their civilizations might productively cooperate in the future. In the evening the two leaders met privately to celebrate their progress. They enjoyed delicious food and drink unfamiliar to the Commander, now \u201cJustin\u201d to her. They talked about their respective homelands \u2013 so different and yet with some surprising similarities. Justin remarked: \u201cIt seems that our Earth people are not the only ones demonstrating greed, selfishness and a hunger for power.\u201d<\/p>\n
The discussion became personal.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmorda, might I ask about the social arrangements between people in your kingdom?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure. Everyone enjoys the utmost degree of freedom and respect. There is no discrimination. Families receive the highest priority. Every type of relationship is honored.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMay I ask if you have a family or perhaps what our people might call \u201ca significant other\u201d?<\/p>\n
\u201cNo Justin. I\u2019ve been too busy for that. As for you, I have had the advantage of probing your mind and personal history. You were paired in what you earth dwellers call a \u201cmarriage\u2019 for many years\u2026 until your wife and son were killed in a tragic accident. Since then, as a spaceship commander, you\u2019ve spent very little time with other female companions, be they human or humanoid. Your devotion has been to the mission.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, that\u2019s exactly right. So, I suppose no secrets could be withheld from you.\u201d<\/p>\n
She chuckled knowingly: \u201cCorrect. Right now, you\u2019re feeling sexual impulses toward me. Trying to decide how or even whether to act upon these.\u201d<\/p>\n
Flummoxed by mixed feelings of arousal and curiosity, Justin could only blurt: \u201cI\u2019m embarrassed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur people don\u2019t have that emotion. We are outspoken. I express frankly my strong attraction to you too. Come to my chamber. We shall see if there\u2019s a match.\u201d<\/p>\n
Oh, my yes there was. As TV viewers could surmise from the sounds emitted from the chamber. The couple clearly had discovered exceptional compatibility, both as to\u2026ahem\u2026 key functioning parts and the heat of their passion. These intimate sessions were shown as repeated in the following several days by flash forward scenes in that same episode. To his surprise and delight she had covered her bed with the most beautiful of Raylon flowers. \u201cI could read your mind\u2026remember?\u201d<\/p>\n
Laying by her side after another of the wonderous exertions, Justin gazed upon Amorda\u2019s delicately horned face and sleek green body: \u201cI\u2019ve travelled the universe to arrive at this particular place \u2013 to find a new partner who completes me.<\/p>\n
He thought to himself \u201cOh, my dearest Vivian, you cannot be replaced. This is a quite different attachment with a far different person\u2026uhhh\u2026female.\u201d<\/p>\n
Amorda, I can\u2019t assume that you have the same feelings. Besides, my ship must leave tomorrow as scheduled, so this would be the beginning and end for us anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d She answered assertively. \u201cI want and will have you. Our bonding has unintended consequences for you. In our culture when two people have a sexual consummation coupled with declarations of love, they become obliged to remain physically together for no less than one year. I have directed the removal of an essential engine part from your vessel. This ensures that it cannot depart until that time expires. Your crew will also remain as our guests.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stunned upon hearing this, Justin stammered in confusion, \u201cYou are holding us hostage as a test of devotion? But my quest must continue\u2026I have responsibilities. How can this be explained to the Authority?\u201d<\/p>\n
Amorda smiled smugly. \u201cI suppose you can\u2019t tell them it\u2019s the price of love. You\u2019re resourceful and will think of something convincing. For this moment, please give me one of your earth tongue kisses and I\u2019ll reciprocate with a special \u201cfemalien\u201d maneuver.<\/p>\n
The Director felt that the Series writer\u2019s idea for this love match was inspired. He\u2019d obviously been influenced by reading of the Odyssey wherein Circe the sorceress intervened in Odysseus\u2019s journey home to hold him as a love prisoner and his crew as hostages. It seemed a good bet that program fans, particularly females, would enjoy this romantic diversion from<\/p>\n
the<\/p>\n
e part of Amorda. She seemed perfect for the role.<\/p>\n
Cut!<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
The scene ended, but not for Justin. He continued to badger crew members\/actors remaining on the set about his new love on the Planet Raylon . They pretended to care and be encouraging, but discreetly mocked him. He was such a fool. Jenna Haynes, as Amorda, was already in the dressing room removing the bothersome makeup.<\/p>\n
This presented a new challenge for Director Haven though. The infatuation with the alien\u2026uhhh\u2026humanoid, was completely real to Justin, which makes it exceptionally compelling to viewers. Might this best be sustained by blending the relationship into his off-the-set blurred life?<\/p>\n
The reader surely must wonder how Justin can continue believing that the series is real when the episodes end, and real life must ensue. Well, since the onset of his delusion after the tragedy the Studio had provided him luxury residence at a secluded ranch. Several employees cognizant of his delusions were also maintained there. After all, the contrivances to simulate a true life for Justin didn\u2019t have to be perfect. He had a compelling need that they be real.<\/p>\n
The Director privately explained all this to Jenna Haines. \u201cThe unique power of the show is that the adventures are genuine in Justin\u2019s mind. The audience senses this complete honesty not knowing that Justin is mentally unstable in this respect. If this illusion is shattered, the show would surely lack its magic. And we don\u2019t know what adverse effect it might have upon Justin.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jenna responded: \u201cThat\u2019s really weird, but I get it. What does that have to do with me? I\u2019m just another actor in the show.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Director cautiously proceeded. \u201cThe best thing for our series at this time would be for his romance with Amorda to continue after filming. She wouldn\u2019t have to be there 100% of that time, but frequently and with intimacy as he perceives it.<\/p>\n
Jenna was offended. \u201cThere are things I won\u2019t do. If you\u2019re suggesting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWait, I know what you\u2019re going to say, but hear me out. You\u2019ve gotten to know Justin a little bit on the set. He\u2019s a decent guy who happens to be stuck in his imagination. What he confided to you as Amorda about the loss of his wife and child was exactly true. I\u2019m not suggesting that you truly engage in sex. Just spend some time and humor him for the weeks that this story line continues. You\u2019d be doing him a kindness as well. Don\u2019t feel pressured please. It\u2019s entirely your choice. Of course, you\u2019d be paid amply for your time spent in this off-stage role.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm. When you put it like that, maybe I could do it. Broke up with my boyfriend recently and my social life is on hold, so what the heck.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJenna, I\u2019m so grateful that you\u2019re taking on this assignment. There would be one more inconvenience you\u2019d need to suffer\u2026Remaining in full costume to sustain the illusion\u2026all greened with horns.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
In the next episode of The Outreach Chronicles, Justin is approached by Amorda\u2019s second in command, the ominous dark Manzel.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow has your stay been with us Commander?\u201d Justin had taken an immediate dislike to this guy. He seemed an imposing arrogant show-off with his multiple necklaces and bracelets.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, no complaints other than being held up from our universal mission. \u201c<\/p>\n
Manzel zeroed in: \u201cOur dear Amorda, I have the greatest respect and admiration for her. However, there is an exception to the one-year rule. If anyone so bound, she included, should engage intimately with someone else during that time, the deceived party would be freed from the captivity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not relevant to me. Amorda would never do that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI tell you this in confidence and a desire to be your friend. Her indiscretion is known to me because I was that lover. We are a hot-blooded people.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf that is true, why would you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI would seek to be Sovereign in her place. She has been an adequate leader. Now though, in new alliance with the Authority, it would be the time for a man to be elected as our peoples\u2019 Sovereign. I believe that is the prevailing belief in your home country as well. I would seek your backing for this which would shift the vote in my favor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Controlling his anger, the Commander responded carefully: \u201cI\u2019ll take it \u2018under advisement\u2019, as we say back on Earth.\u201d<\/p>\n
He later confronted Amorda. \u201cIs it true that there is an exception to the one-year rule that holds me here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, there is if one person is disloyal to the other. Have you done this? After all, there are many attractive females here available to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, that wouldn\u2019t happen, but how about you? Forgive my bluntness but have you had Manzel as a lover?\u201d<\/p>\n
After a hesitation, she answered: \u201cYes, I have. It is common for our people to have many casual sexual experiences until they commence a permanent arrangement. I would cut my throat before breaching that promise to you. Besides that, my love for you is strong and lasting. What caused you to question this?\u201d<\/p>\n
He related his conversation with Manzel. \u201cHow could I have doubted you. Forgive me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manzel entered the scene and he instantly sized up what had happened. \u201cAmorda, I urge you not to believe any lies from this stranger. We are of the same place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Justin faced up to the much larger Manzel. \u201cI know your kind. A troublemaker. You besmirched Amorda. Perhaps she will not dole out any punishment for your deceit, but I will.\u201d With that he took a wild haymaker swing at Manzel who effortlessly avoided it and caught Justin with a powerful blow to the chin. Justin dropped to the ground. Amorda, stunned by what had happened, kneeled by his side.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, my poor dear Earthling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Confused thoughts surged in Jason\u2019s subconscious: Was he hero or foil? Faces of Vivian and Amorda somehow melded; he felt an emptiness in his life.<\/p>\n
\u201cCut\u201d.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cJeez, I\u2019m sorry\u201d, said the actor playing Manzel to the Director. \u201cIt was instinctive. Sure didn\u2019t want to hurt Justin.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s O.K.\u201d, responded Miles. \u201cThat\u2019s good TV. Just a hazard of integrating Justin\u2019s off-kilter perceptions with our make-believe drama.\u201d He suddenly realized that Justin had become a kind<\/p>\n
of Don Quixote: A foolish man misguided in his perceptions of noble causes and the love of an idealized woman.<\/p>\n
Crew members had a range of responses to the one punch fight. \u201cHow dumb can a guy be.\u201d \u201cHe acted gallantly for his love.\u201d \u201cHow strange a life he lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Four episodes already of The Outreach Chronicles had prominently featured the love affair of Amorda and the Commander on the planet Raylon. However, surveys showed that this lusty and romantic plot device had run the course of maximum interest to viewers. Time to move on.<\/p>\n
During this period Jenna Haines had, as requested, been a frequent real companion with Justin. She would come and go from the ranch – with excuses for her absences readily believed. They maintained complete privacy except for occasional contact with actors and employees informed of the circumstances. Jason apologized to her:<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry we can\u2019t leave the ranch when here together on Earth. I know that the public would give unwanted attention to your \u2026umm\u2026so different appearance.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJason, don\u2019t worry. I\u2019m perfectly content to spend the time with you alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
He felt happy in her company for the first time since his family\u2019s tragedy. Surprisingly, Jenna found herself enjoying her assignment as well\u2026except for the need to so frequently assume the alien disguise. She really liked Justin. His delusions were strictly limited, and she found him otherwise to be a charming and thoughtful companion.<\/p>\n
However, the disruption in Justin\u2019s life was inevitable. He was never provided with scripts so couldn\u2019t know what was coming. In the next to last episode of the series, change was underway.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cThe year of your relationship commitment to me has ended.\u201d Announced Amorda, though Justin was all too aware of this. \u201cYou\u2019ll now be returning to the peace mission for the Authority.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could travel with me. My ship can accommodate us both.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, my love. My place is here leading the nation. You would have to return to Raylon to be with me, if it becomes possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI suppose that\u2019s the way it will have to be. But we\u2019ll stay in constant tele-contact just the same. I\u2019ll not say goodbye so long as we both live.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cut.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
The very last episode of the Chronicles season had Outreach leaving Raylon to investigate some other remote planets on its mission. A split tele-screen for viewers showed Amorda seated in her chamber. The other panel had Justin at the desk in his quarters. They looked at each other on the screens with quiet affection.<\/p>\n
Justin saw Manzel entering Amorta\u2019s chamber without invitation to confront her. \u201cI don\u2019t have our public on my side, it\u2019s true. But I do have the loyalty of enough disgruntled armed men to demand a takeover. Were the Commander present here, you might have been protected, but he is far, far gone. Concede to me now and you\u2019ll suffer no harm.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever. Leave my chamber.\u201d And he did.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs he a real threat to you?\u201d, enquired Justin.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. He\u2019s mostly bluff and bluster. Manzel has resigned from his post to try and attract more supporters. He is not highly regarded but is relentless in his ambition.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAmorda, my love. Being away from you for these months has been almost unbearable.<\/p>\n
Changing the painful subject, she asked: \u201cHow about your new explorations. Anything novel and exciting to report?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll save the stories for when I see you in person. And that\u2019s the wonderful news. I have arranged for a return of Outreach to Raylon three weeks from now. I\u2019ve convinced the Authority that my follow-up visit there could result in your planet becoming a signatory on the World Unification Compact.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, we will gladly do that anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShhh. Don\u2019t take away my excuse for seeing you.\u201d<\/p>\n
They laughed together, despite appearing in their separate tele-contact screens. They didn\u2019t notice a figure easing in to Amorda\u2019s frame. Justin caught a glance of a braceleted hand holding a knife, which was instantly plunged into Amorda\u2019s neck. Blood spurted. That side of the screen went blank. Justin collapsed as though shot.<\/p>\n
Cut.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
That was splendid TV fiction. But Justin\u2019s simultaneous collapse on the set was a disaster. He was rushed to the hospital and there diagnosed to be in a coma state for an unknown duration. At rare times he would mumble unintelligibly.<\/p>\n
“Where\u2019m I? Who\u2019m I? What\u2019s my life?<\/p>\n
He was visited by the Director and some cast members, but no one as devotedly as Jenna Haines. The Director had to determine whether Justin would be available for the next season\u2026or ever again. It was hoped that some recognition of pleasant times past might help the recovery. Jenna needed no urging to try this. So, she started coming to his bedside stroking his head and holding his hand\u2026 in full Amorda costume.<\/p>\n
One day Justin looked up and seeing her, with a startled expression uttered: \u201cAmorda, how could you have come back? It can\u2019t be.\u201d, he sobbed, then became silent again. His brain and emotions were active though he remained motionless with eyes closed. He thought:<\/p>\n
\u201cI lost Vivian and\u2026though the circumstances are fuzzy, I afterwards lost a newfound love. But that was on Outreach\u2019s visit to another planet. I\u2019d was the Commander, but\u2026 Oh my God… I\u2018m so confused. Could that have not been real? No Planet Raylon? No spaceship Outreach? Amorda just imagined? Am I crazy?\u201d Having said that, Justin fell silent and slept.<\/p>\n
For several visits thereafter Jenna did not assume the Amorda identity. Then one day with Jenna at his bedside, Justin suddenly became fully conscious, sniffing the aroma of flowers Jenna had sprinkled upon his bed. He smiled at this pleasing but dimly recalled gesture and spoke coherently:<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m trying to get my head straight. Among these tangled recollections is a memory of someone named \u201cAmorda\u201d. Do you know who that might have been?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u201d, she responded. \u201cThat was a character at the end of the Chronicles last season who your Commander was shown to love. She was viciously killed in the last episode. At that exact moment you suffered shock and became lost in a coma. I guessed this was a painful reminder of the earlier tragic losses in your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jason looked intently at Jenna. \u201cMy mind is clear at last. I know now of my retreat into a delusional world, becoming the Commandeer character played as an actor for so long. I suppose this served as a way of escape from grief. That\u2019s over. It\u2019s time for me to fully live again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome back to the real-world Jason. I think you\u2019ll like it just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
I seem to remember you though from my jumbled past. Forgive my faulty memory but who are you exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone who cares greatly for you. I\u2019m Jenna. The woman of your dreams, one might well say. Do you remember our ever being together?<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a hazy sort of way yes. Sweet thoughts. For that matter, I recall acting in many past episodes of the Chronicles, but kind of like I was sleepwalking through them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re fully recovered, will you be ready to start the new season of the Series?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy sure. It\u2019s a great part for an actor. Everyone likes space fantasies. Please forgive the foolishness of a recovering patient with a bad memory, but I feel we have a strong connection. Could we see each other after I\u2019m out of here? We might have something special.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh Justin, do we ever!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
John Baldwin Commander Blaine left his earth-based home in the usual way\u2026by sleek personal air shuttle. He greeted the pilot chauffeur cheerfully. It was just a brief transit. His destination was the spaceship \u201cOutreach\u201d, hovering in place a few miles in the air for security reasons. Upon arrival on board, the Commander was greeted respectfully […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":0,"parent":19,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-264","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","clear"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/euphemism.illinoisstate.edu\/17-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/264","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/euphemism.illinoisstate.edu\/17-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/euphemism.illinoisstate.edu\/17-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euphemism.illinoisstate.edu\/17-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/44"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euphemism.illinoisstate.edu\/17-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=264"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/euphemism.illinoisstate.edu\/17-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/264\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":265,"href":"https:\/\/euphemism.illinoisstate.edu\/17-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/264\/revisions\/265"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euphemism.illinoisstate.edu\/17-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/euphemism.illinoisstate.edu\/17-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}