And now, a story from Ron’s past…

 

Gauss Minor shone brightly onto the blue oceans of Ichthus. A clean white beach sat far below, littered with noisy tourists. “Ok everyone! If you get lost, look for the umbrella with the giant mustache on it!” Uncle Fern said, smiling broadly.

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The entire Brody family were on their first vacation. They lived on the industrial fishing moon Ichtheles 3. It was no place for fun, only work. It had taken him a long time, but Uncle Fern had saved enough for the entire family of nine to spend the week on Ichthus. Almost before Uncle Fern had finished, the kids took off to the beach like a pack of bloodthirsty predators. In a flash, they hit the water, splashing like monsters.

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Uncle Fern laughed and threw his wife Lamia an overjoyed grin. “Look at them go!”

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She smiled and took his arm. “Well…I guess we’d better set up that ridiculous mustache umbrella…”

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Uncle fern kissed her on the head. “I like the way it looks.”

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In the crystal-clear waters of the ocean, Ron splashed Mandy. She returned the favor by kicking a great wave of water into his face. The kids laughed and frolicked in the sun. Sima was the youngest of the children, no older than five. Still, Moscaul children were more likely to get hit by a meteor than drown, so parental supervision at the beach was minimal.

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Ron and Jarl were definitely among the minority on the beach. Ichthus was the Moscaul home world, so the beaches were filled with bright skinned Moscaul.

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Mandy pointed to a sand bar several hundred yards out. “Let’s swim out there!”

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“It looks far…” Ron said with uncertainty.

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Mandy giggled, “I thought you said humans could swim just as well as Moscaul?”

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Ron scowled. Jarl bumped into him, “Ron you’re red! Did you get sunburn already?” Ron twisted to see his back. Jarl interrupted, “No wait, it’s because Mandy just roasted you!”

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Toby and the other children broke into a chorus of squeaking and croaking laughter.

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Ron splashed them all and began the swim towards the island. I can out swim Mandy she’s just a girl!  The water began to deepen as Ron sprinted with all his might. He was a strong swimmer. Uncle Fern had made sure of that. He opened his eyes as he swam, not minding the water’s salty sting. Mandy swam underneath him grinning and waving. Ron pushed himself harder, but she was way too fast. Toby, Randol, and Lemy flashed by, jeering in similar fashion. What hurt the most was when Sima swam underneath him. She actually stopped and stared for several seconds looking at him as if something were wrong with him.

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Ron stopped for a break. There was no point in rushing. Mandy was already standing on the sandbar yelling. Ron looked behind him to see Jarl. He couldn’t help but smile. Jarl made so much splash and so little progress it was comical. He looked like he was drowning when he swam. Ron giggled and swam toward the island. At least I won’t be in last place.

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-End