Reality

Chapter 6: Interrogation

Rain opened a small door. There was a note on it reading, "Either you have a very good reason, or you should really keep out. Yours sincerly, Commander Rain."

"It's absolutely necessary. The Ettins are really good engineers but what's in my office should stay in my office, unless I remove it myself. You know what I mean."

"Yes, I do." Douglas answered automatically. Inside the room was a large but empty desk. Somehow it made Douglas feel uncomfortable to see such a tidy working space. There were also three chairs. One behind the desk where Rain was already sitting, and two in front of it. Rain offered him one of those. Douglas sat down, and watched Rain touching the desk. It lit up and he realized it was a giant touch screen. Oddly enough it was covered with scribble.

'That must be the answer to the tidy desk.'

"Let's start." Rain said. "How did you get here?"

"I know it sounds stupid, but I really have no idea."

"Then tell me what you know."

"Well, I went to bed as usual and the next thing I remember is a Grendel. I could already feel its breath. Next I punched it, and ran until I found this door. Then I was captured by the Ettins, but I guess you already know that, and that's all."

"And where is your bed? On this ship? On another ship?"

"No, no. I live on a planet called Earth. At least I used to. I guess you never heard of it..."

"Did you Earthlings watch us? Did you observe our ship?"

"No. I didn't even know it exists..."

"How do you happen to speak our language then?"

"I thought you use some translator..."

"What do you mean?"

"Well... you see... in fact..."

"Answer!"

"It's my native language..."

"Do you think I'm totally stupid? Where did you see Norns and Ettins before, if you didn't know this ship exists?"

'Oh. That was it. I knew I said something wrong...'

"And how did you know about the Ettins are kleptomaniacs? ... I'm waiting."

"Well, that's a little bit complicated..."

"I've got time. Start explaining."

"You see, there's this computer game, It's called Creatures, and those creatures are called Norns, Ettins and Grendels. Tthey look exactly like you, I know this sounds like a fairy tale, but it's true..."

"Enough. Guards!"

The door opened and two Norns came in. They seemed to be very strong and were armed."

"Get him out of here. Throw him into a cell, and I want him to be watched."

"Yes, Commander."

'I knew she wouldn't believe me. I knew it. I wonder what a Norn asylum is like...'

Chapter 7