Mamma Mia, Chapter 4

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Mamma Mia: Chapter 4   

 The Feather stops an hour later. “Coordinates reach. Invitation to dock by unknown sender. Proceed?”

  “Where are we?” Arthur asks.

  “R7-SS42-S3172-ST3.” The ship reads out.

  Carlo sits up. “Wait, aren’t those the coordinates for-?”

  “What is the current timeframe for the coordinates?” Arthur interrupts.

  “The current timeframe for R7-SS42-S3172-ST3 is September 12020.” The ship answers.

  “No wonder our communicators don’t work.” Carlo sighs, “We’re in the Exile Ages!”

  “It explains why our communicators are freaking out at the moment.” Arthur comments as he taps the computer screen. “How is this ship supposed to find him if we’re in the Exile Ages?”

  The ship reels in and descends toward the planet below them. It instinctively camouflages itself as it enters the atmosphere seamlessly. “Can you imagine what would happen if this ship wasn’t as awesome as it is?” Carlo asks.

  Arthur doesn’t answer. A sudden weight of duty and mystery brings him down as the ship descends into part of the water beneath the atmosphere. The ship bobs on the water as it converts to a liquid-compatible travel. Once it does, The Feather dives into the water and toward a strange shimmering haze in the water.

  “Hey! Our communicators are – working again?” Carlo’s communicator bleeps quietly. “Seems like my skills are still working. Your Starlight ranking went up.”

  Arthur doesn’t bother commenting. The ship pierces the haze and rests on a small beach with a dock and a house nearby. Naturally, it slides into place on the dock and powers down its engines. The screens fixate on a single human with lean, almost skeletal features. “Feather, identify the figure.” Arthur commands.

  “Comparing and checking databases.” After a few moments, the computer chimes. “Closest match identification: Alonzo Uccello.”

  “He doesn’t look as toned as he does in his profile.” Carlo chuckles.

  The ship opens as Arthur and Carlo approach their person of interest. Alonzo sees them and stretches his arms out in a giant guesture. “Welcome to the Star Traveler’s Amnesty, gentlemen.”

  “Don’t the local creatures call this Bermuda’s Triangle?” Arthur cajoles.

  Alonzo lowers his arms and his grin. “Mr. Altamura, I find it difficult to inhabit the same emotional aura as you.”

  “Dude,” Arthur rubs his forehead, “I have been taken away from an idyllic progressive situation to come find your now-skeletal hide so that way your father can tan said hide into a faux-conspiracy babbler leather coat.”

  The three men stand awkwardly while Arthur regains his sliver of composure. “Let’s just get on the ship and-”

  “Wait, you’re a conspiracy babbler?” Carlo wonders aloud. “That’s not on your profile.”

  Alonzo smiles and puts an arm on Carlo’s shoulders. “That’s because Mother Altamura makes some information hidden.”

  Arthur rolls his eyes. “Can we leave now?”

  “I don’t think you want to leave without seeing something.” Alonzo pulls Carlo along while walking toward his protected beach house as a dolphin dances overhead.

  Arthur heaves a heavy sigh and follows Carlo into a rabbit’s hole.

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