I have no memory of my father, but my mother does. I hear her screams late at night.
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Eighteen years ago on Freeport 10.
As she looked up, the farm pods were illuminated by the pale iridescence of the ice-crystal field that surrounded Freeport 10. Inside was filled with thick silver mists of water vapor that kept the fruit and vegetable trees healthy year around. Blue and silver butterflies danced in the air pollinating the vegetation that would help feed the families on Omicron Alpha. The station was quiet, asleep. Working late to maintain the farm pods earned her extra money to care for her aging mother and father on Planet Malta.
She heard the air-lock door open and close. She heard the murmur of voices as three men approached her.
See these purple plants, put them in the bags. Our orders are to get as many of them as we can and return to Planet Crete before the Freeport wakes up. If were caught here, those damn Outcasts will crucify us.
Wait, someones here.
Over there, shes hiding behind that large tree.
She heard them come toward her. Shaking and her heart pounding, she waited.
Oh look, an Outcast, the tall one said.
And not bad looking either, I wonder how she looks under that skin suit.
Lets find out.
She screamed.
The three Corsairs grabbed her by the hair and arms and dragged her to the back of the farm pod. They forced her onto the floor and began to take off her clothes. She struggled as hard as she could. Then she was naked and one of them was on her. She felt as if she was surrounded by a vast, empty space in which her own screams echoed like those of someone else. She closed her eyes and tears covered her face. She set her jaw and waited as blood covered the earth beneath her.
-----
The following day a group of base workers found my mother huddled under a tree unconscious. I was born nine months later. In the years that have passed, I have been befriended by a pilot of the 101st. His caring guidance and mentorship of the Orange Light have helped ease my mothers grief and my own thoughts of desperation and suicide. He says that my rage has been turned inward onto myself, and I must release it toward its true cause if Im ever to find resolution. It must be released on those who have caused so much suffering for me and my mother.
I pledge myself to protect my mother and all Outcast families who have suffered at the hands of those who live on Crete. The Corsairs must die, all of them. And most especially, my father in whom I will never know.
2) What are two things that you enjoy doing in real-life besides playing freelancer?
I am the happiest when Im outside in nature. I spend most of my summer weekends hiking in the mountains and rock climbing. Colorado has many mountains over 14,000 feet. So winters youll find me with ice-ax in hand and strapped into snow shoes or crampons scaling those rugged peaks. Summers Im usually clinging to a 300 foot vertical cliff praying that my rope will hold. Im a big fan of libraries, so youll often find me perusing the isles for the latest science fiction or mystery.
3) What would the last sentence of your autobiography be?
As I leave this earthly plane, I am filled with joy and happiness without end. May you hear God calling you in my shining face and happy laugh.
4) If you could be a fictional character (from a film, book, comic, etc...), who would it be, and why?
I would be Santa Claus. The time of Christmas brings a light to many who have lives filled with darkness. He comes bringing gifts and joy and demands nothing in return. Let no despair darken the joy of Christmas. Filled with love and celebration, I would bring joy and love to those who have none.
