The Guardian

The Guardian

Molly looked out the habitat window. A beautiful day in Paradise. There was something about the colors that resonated with her. The sky was like an emerald held up to the light and tinted the world in shades of beryl and chartreuse and even peacock.

Explosions sounded in the distance, causing Joshua to whimper. "Shhhh. There's nothing to fear. The Guardians will protect us."

Joshua peeked over the window ledge. "I see them, Mom! They look like iron giants!"

"Back, honey. We need to be careful until the trouble is past."

Paradise had been colonized in spite of the fact that a sentient race existed there. Early contacts had shown them to live in a small geographical area, giving rise to their name "Biotope," but as Governor Brandt had said, "it's a mighty big planet."

What wasn't understood or factored in was their lifecycle. Each clan underwent sudden and dramatic changes in physiology. The changes forced them to move, like pawns on a chessboard. The planet was really a series of connected but unique biospheres – each supporting a different need of the Biotopes in their strange evolutionary dance.

It had to happen, I guess. Sooner or later it always comes down to them or us. Molly was tired of conflict; this is what drove her to come to Paradise in the first place. We should leave, she thought.

"Mom!" Joshua's yell broke her reverie. "There's only one left."

Molly moved to the window in time to see a single Guardian charge out into a swarm of the natives. "Oh my God," she whispered.

Without warning, the area seemed to explode. The whine of star drives could be heard as the support ships descended, inundating the area with withering fire.

"Nooooo!" The low sound escaped Molly's lips as she watched the Guardian crumple, his blood joining the native's and soaking into the earth.

The sacrifice had been made. Molly knew that this was now her planet.


Notes:
An entry for the 2/24/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: star, drive, trouble

This was written as companion piece to Jim's Hyperiongate entry: "Anonymous Hero"  [13+]

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 300

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken