Chapter XCII: Galaxian Gentrification

Chapter XCII: Galaxian Gentrification 

Manboutu is hanging out in Serge’s lab. “So, how’s it looking?” Manboutu asks Serge. 

“Turns out, I was wrong.” Serge says. 

“Elaborate.” 

“I thought Mirror Planet was an alternate dimension, but you were right, it isn’t, it’s just another planet. So, I contacted the planet.” 

“You contacted the planet? How?” 

“Remember those beacons you dropped?” 

“Yeah.” 

“I can contact the whole solar system they’re dropped into, and since you dropped them at the designated points, it made a chain of communication. I can contact any planet from here to the Zorkon System.” 

“So, what’s up with the Mirror Planet?” 

“Turns out that there isn’t really anything ‘living’ there per se, more like energy from the planet manifested those beings you saw. The planet read everyone’s minds while they were on the ship. It reconstructed the environment based on memories and the ship’s data base. It read two species, and didn’t know how to present itself, so it showed two different planets on one planet, only visible to the appropriate species. It was confused by the half breeds, which is why they were able to see both planets, but invisible to the inhabitants.” 

“So, I guess no half breeds can come?” 

“Precisely.” 

“Did you ask if we could move in?” 

“Under the condition that you don’t ruin it.” 

“Well, after spending so long in space, I think my species has learned its lesson.” 

“I hope so, because the planet swears it will make itself uninhabitable if you do.” 

“Can I make the announcement then?” 

“Sure.” Serge hits the override switch for the televisions around the world for his broadcasts. “Go ahead.” 

“This is Manboutu Jomama with a message to all Galaxians. We have a second chance to get our planet back, due to the generosity of Mirror Planet. Half breeds are not allowed, only because of the planet’s confusion discerning species, sorry. If you’re interested, stop by Serge’s Laboratory before next weekend when we blast off for more details and eligibility. Thank you, hope to see you on the ship.” Serge cuts the feed, and sets it to loop once an hour for the next two weeks. 

“So, you’re really gonna leave us.” 

“It’s nothing personal, we can still keep in touch, it’s just that when I was on that planet, it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Like every other Galaxian alive, we’ve never seen our planet in its prime before we did that day on Mirror Planet. Gorgon was speechless when I showed him the pictures.” 

“It’s ok, I understand. Thanks to his help, I never thought I’d see the Earth healthy again. The air actually smells fresher, the water tastes better, the land looks lusher. I thought it looked ok before, but man! The planet really is beautiful.” 

“The plan is to repopulate our species, get a society going, and basically continue where we left off.” 

“Do you think many people will leave this planet?” 

“I don’t expect everyone to volunteer, but maybe half our population will wanna go, possibly more.” 

“Well, good luck to you.” 

“Thanks, boss.” Manboutu leaves. 

“Gorgon, could you come in here?” Serge says over the intercom. A few minutes later, Gorgon strolls into Serge’s lab. 

“Hello, Ultimate Ruler.” Gorgon says. 

“We’ve been coworkers for two decades, I keep telling you, you can call me Serge.” 

“It feels disrespectful.” 

“But I’m allowing you.” 

“Understood, buy corn.” 

“Um, anyway... I suppose you saw the broadcast?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Are you leaving?” 

“No, I’ve grown accustomed to living on Earth.” 

“What about your crew?” 

“They haven’t made a decision, they’re discussing it among themselves. I estimate at least a quarter are considering it.” 

“What do you think of the proposal?” 

“This would make for a second chance for my people, I support it too.” 

“I don’t blame you.” 

“I’ve looked over the reports from the mission and there are no actual topographical features, nor are there any living entities. It seems the living energy in the planet manifests it all.” 

“I came to that conclusion too. Do you have any predators to worry about?” 

“Possibly. The dinosaurs we brought preyed on our people, but maybe they won’t be there since they weren’t native to our planet.” 

“I’ll let the planet know.” 

“You can speak to the planet?” 

“The live ones, yes, unless there’s representatives for the planet, like Fantasix and Planet Automaton. Manboutu and his successors will be the representatives for Mirror Planet.” 

“I never thought I’d live to see the day our planet would be restored, even if it is just a copy.” 

“You can visit any time you want, just, please, come back.” 

“I will, do you mind if I go on the maiden voyage?” 

“I knew you were gonna ask that, that’s why I told you I hope you come back.” 

“Is there anything you don’t know?” 

“How this story will end.” 

“Cryptic.” 

“I want you to help Manboutu get your people aboard the ships and such.” 

“What did he mean by ‘eligibility’?” 

“Parents of half breeds can’t go.” 

“Will the blind ones be allowed to go?” 

“I don’t see why not.” 

“Thank you... Serge.” 

“No problem, Gorgon. Looks like your people are starting to show up. Manboutu!” Serge calls over the intercom. Manboutu shows up. “They’re already showing up.” Manboutu and Gorgon starts taking people to an office and start their interviews. Ballester shows up. 

“Is this true? Galaxians are leaving the planet?” Ballester asks. 

“Some of them.” Serge answers. 

“And you’re just gonna let them?” 

“Sure, why not?” 

“Because then the planet would be severely underpopulated.” 

“Considering all the breeding in the past twenty years, I think we’ll be ok.” 

“I hope Xagrog doesn’t leave me to go with the rest of them.” 

“I doubt she will.” 

“I hope.” 

“You’re being paranoid.” 

“I think I have every right to be.” 

“Whatever, what are you up to today?” 

“Xagrog is napping, and I’m so wired, I can’t sleep so I decided to wander, be nosy about what’s going on.” 

“Take the kid and grandkid out hunting, if I recall correctly, Nallester REALLY wanted to do level five.” 

“Level five? Is he insane? He’s too young for that!” 

“You’ll be pleasantly surprised, believe me.” 

“Alright, whatever.” Ballester leaves Serge’s lab. 

“!” Serge says over the intercom. He puts his goggles on, and watches ! enter the room. 

“What’s up, boss?” 

“Are you going to Mirror Planet with the other Galaxians?” 

“Does it matter? No matter where I am, I don’t exist.” 

“If you want, I’ll reverse it.” 

“You can do that?” 

“Of course I can, I’m the f*****g Ultimate Ruler!” 

“All right.” 

“Think of a name, now that you’re going to have an identity again.” 

“Chylxis.” 

“All right, Chylxis, lie down.” Serge proceeds to perform the operation, bringing Chylxis back to visibility. When he wakes up, Serge hands him a mirror. 

“Wow, I forgot what I looked like! Thanks for giving me back an identity.” 

“No problem. Manboutu!” Serge says over the intercom. Manboutu comes in. 

“What’s up?” Manboutu asks. 

“This is Chylxis, you know him better as !” 

“Hey, what’s up, dude?” Manboutu shakes Chylxis’ hand. 

“He’s going home with you. I reversed the experiment, so he’s visible again.” 

“That’s awesome, dude!” 

“Well, I’m in my two hundred eighties, I need somewhere to retire, and this is the perfect opportunity.” Chylxis says. 

“Well, welcome aboard, I’ll add you to the crew manifest.” 

“Thanks, Manboutu.” 

“No problem.” 

“Oh, I only took away the invisibility, you can still shoot light out of your hands.” Serge says. 

“Cool!” Chylxis says. They leave the lab in conversation, but Serge interrupts. 

“Manboutu!” Serge says. 

“What’s up?” Manboutu asks. 

“Do you want a reversal too?” 

“Nah, I like the enhancements.” 

“All right, figured I’d ask.” They continue their conversation and leave the lab. Two weeks later, the Galaxians are boarding their ships. “So, what’s the total?” Serge asks Manboutu. 

“Three million, eight hundred ninety four thousand, three hundred and seventy one.” 

“Wow, are you sure you’ll be able to transport everyone?” 

“Oh yeah, we’re good.” 

“I hope so.” 

“You’re worried about nothing.” 

“So, this is goodbye, huh?” 

“I guess, but we’ll keep in touch.” 

“Good luck, mister ambassador.” 

“Thank you for everything, Serge.” 

“It’s no problem, you were a great employee.” 

“You sure you have enough toxin?” 

“If we need more, I’m sure we can put in an order.” 

“And I’ll deliver it personally.” 

“Here’s the blueprints on how to build the machine. I’m sure you’ve got some scientists and engineers and technicians to help you.” 

“Oh yeah, I made sure to have a wide variety of skilled people.” 

“Sounds like you’ve got everything figured out.” 

“I’ve been planning this for years, no offense.” 

“None taken, may Scorpious be with you.” 

“Thanks, Serge.” Manboutu boards the ship, and a month later, they arrive at Mirror Planet. “Attention everybody: welcome to Planet Galaxia II.”