Welcome to the Galaxy

Unwelcome Guest

Gerald was a striking young man. He was roughly seventeen. He inquired “What is a lovely creature like you doing in a drafty cave all alone, in the middle of winter?”

“Trying to make a way for myself that doesn’t involve having a dozen babies before I die.” Helion replied coldly.

“You’re a woman. What do you expect from life?” Gerald questioned.

“I’m not sure what there is available here. This is but a stepping stone for me, the sky is the limits. If I hadn’t moved out on my own, I’d probably have been married two or three years ago. I could very well have died in childbirth long before now. So what do I expect? Something better.” Helga’s voice trailed off at the end of her statement. If one thing had happened out of his time as a woman, it was his change of attitude towards them. If he got back to being himself he was set on being a better boyfriend and husband someday.

“You better be careful talking like that. I should call the priests and have to tried for witchcraft for talking that way.” Gerald replied.

“Talking what way? Like a free thinking person?” Helga questioned.

“Like a woman set on changing her nature against the good book.” Gerald responded.

Helga grabbed her habit hood and put it back on. “You should guard your tongue when talking to a women of God. Least you fall into the path of sin yourself. Now be on your way and leave me to my penance.” She stated forcefully.

“Begging your pardon sister. I didn’t know you were a holy woman. You don’t sound like any I’ve heard of before.” Gerald said slyly.

“How many have you met before?” Helga retorted.

“Not many in caves.” Gerald bantered back.

“We each have different callings. If you trap a woman in a cave, even a woman of God, she will be on her guard. I have work to do here. I make blankets and help some of the poor families with my tithes to the church. I live and work in solitude so I can donate all but the bare necessities. Now please leave me to my work.” Helga requested.

“In that case, the least I could do is help you in return. I’ll bring back meat for your stewpot.” Gerald stated firmly.

“I would rather be left alone. I suffer from lust of the flesh. Your presence alone is a temptation I do not need. If you must, leave it at the cave entrance.” Helga pleaded.

“Very well but I don’t like it. You could be set upon by brigands. They wouldn’t be as valiant as I am.” Gerald said as he left the cave.

Helion was glad he left. His blanket making had covered him as much as the nun’s habit. He didn’t think the ruse would hold too long. It certainly would not hold up to inspection if he asked questions at the church.

Helion couldn’t do anything to rush the transmutation in progress. He took a quick look at it. He estimated it would be ready in two days. Then he could finish his work on the third day. The next step after that would be seeing if the new design would actually allow him to travel through time. It would be even better than the original if it worked. If it didn’t he would need to be on the road quickly.