Edward Hudson's daughter
The bustling streets of Midtown were lined with barracks, dirt and some flickering town lights, their reflections glistening in the wet pavement. Amid the bustle of the town, a group of men gathered around a campfire, dressed in old dark clothes and hats, their faces obscured in shadow. One man stood out from the rest, his piercing brown eyes seeming to shine through the darkness. Known as Capo, this shadowy figure was whispered about in hushed tones as a good and trustworthy guy. Different from the other minders and foremen. Amidst this dangerous crowd sat Edward Hudson, his daughter and a few other faceless slaves.
As night fell, the flickering flames of the campfire casted shadows over the faces of the men gathered around it. Their voices were low and hushed, as they spoke in secret about their hopes and plans for a better future.
Even in the midst of this dangerous crowd, Hudson seemed to trust Capo implicitly, knowing that he is a good and trustworthy man. Despite the looming danger all around him, Hudson's unwavering faith in Capo seemed to give him strength in the face of adversity.
Hudson had known him for many years and Capo would never have disappointed him. He seemed different from the other foremen and slave drivers.
He plucked up courage and said to John: "Capo, my friend, we have known each other for many, many years. I remember many adventures and dangerous situations that we went through together. Do you remember when we freed that old man from the mines from the rocks? Do you remember the joy on the man's face when he could finally be free? “
John smiled at Hudson's words. "You are a good man, Hudson. I always knew you were special. You have a kind heart and a generous spirit that is so rare in this world. I trust you completely and I want you to know that I would never let anything bad happen to you."
Hudson felt a rush of warmth and gratitude towards his dear friend. As they sat together at the campfire, Hudson felt a deep sense of peace in his heart. He knew that even in the midst of danger and uncertainty, he always had a loyal friend who would always have his back.
He swiveled to face the person seated beside him and uttered forth his words. "Oh look, my daughter is here too. Amity, my darling Amity, come and keep us some company," he continued.
Amity walked over and greeted her father warmly as she moved to take a seat next to him. Amity's eyes were bright and sparkled in the flickering light of the campfire. They were a deep, warm brown, reflecting her kind, gentle spirit. Her face was framed by long auburn hair. Her face was pale and smooth, lips curled in a sensual smile. She was dressed in a simple slave tunic.
As she took her seat next to her father, she looked at him with affection and said, "I am so glad to be here with you, Father. I know that you have been through so much, but you always seem to find the light even in the darkest times. Your strength and determination inspire me every day."
Hudson smiled and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "My darling Amity, you are the light of my life. You are my one true joy and I am so grateful to have you by my side. I know that together, we will overcome all the challenges that come our way," he said.
Amity looked up at him with pride and affection, tears glistening in her eyes. She knew that her father is a brave and honorable man who will never give up in the face of adversity. She knew that together they will always strive for a better future, no matter what challenges they face.
"Do you know this?" Hudson asked Capo. "Do you also have a family that you love and care for, Capo?"
"Unfortunately, no," John said, "all my life I have only worked in this hellhole."
"But why do you still do it?" questioned Hudson.
Capo sighed. "I started working in the mines so long ago that I don't remember a time when I wasn't working here. For many years I did it just to survive, but now I do it because I have hope for a better future." he said.
Capo sighed deeply. "My life has never been easy, Hudson. I was born and raised in these slums, and I have seen the worst this world has to offer. I have struggled with poverty, hunger, and fear for much of my life.
Hudson nodded in understanding. He knew that Capo's belief in a better future was what kept him going day after day. Despite the hardship and oppression that he faced; he never gave up hope for a brighter future.
Looking into the distance, Hudson smiled. "I believe in you, Capo," he said. "I believe that one day you will achieve your dreams and live the life you deserve."
Capo looked at Hudson with gratitude and a fierce determination in his eyes. "Thank you, Hudson. I will never forget your kindness and support," he said. "I promise you that we will bring change to this world."
Amity studied Capo closely. At that moment she recognized Capo's good heart and said approvingly: "You are right, Capo. I believe in you. Together, we will fight for a better future where all people are treated with compassion and respect."
Capo was taken aback; he hadn't expected to hear from Amity. She seemed quite timid and reserved. He responded with thought and consideration. "I sure hope so. We need to change how we think and how we treat each other. It's time to give everyone a chance, no matter their race or creed!"
She gazed across the town, her gaze intense and unwavering, before she answered careful, but certain: "Yes, we do. The world has become an inscription on a tombstone of our memories. We are walking on a black carpet that has been woven with our hopes, dreams and desires. This carpet is stained with blood and filled with tears. It is time for us to take the world back, we must unite as one collective consciousness and fight for what we believe in."
Capo was taken aback by Amity's passionate words. He could see the fierce determination burning in her eyes, and he knew that she was not someone to be underestimated. Though aware it would be unwise to voice this in a public setting, he carefully articulated his response in a restrained manner. "You are right, my dear. We must never give up hope, no matter how difficult it may seem. We must keep fighting for a better future, for a world where everyone is treated with fairness and compassion."
As the flames of the campfire flickered and danced in the night sky, Capo and Amity continued to talk deep into the night. Their passion and determination gave them strength in the face of adversity, and they knew that they had found a new friend and trust together. Hudson recognized this too. But now he noticed that his stomach reported. He hadn't had anything to eat for hours. He had discovered the small grill on which one of the slaves was preparing and distributing food for the others.
Hudson beckoned them forward. "Let's go eat," he said.
"Yes!" Capo and Amity exclaimed in unison. All three of them headed off towards the grill together.
As the three friends sat down to enjoy the warm, savory meal, they felt a deep sense of gratitude towards each other.
Hudson nodded; his eyes downcast. “Yes, that was essential for now. But I must be leaving for a bit. We will come across each other once again an hour from this point. Cherish this night together. Live in the here and now. See you soon.”
Hudson got up and quietly walked away from the others. After a few steps he came to a stone shrine a little further down the path.
The towering figure of a god was carved into the stone, its stern face staring out impassively at the world. Its body was massive and imposing, carved with intricate markings and symbols, finely etched, their delicate lines and curves imbued with meaning and power. They glowed faintly with an inner light, a soft, resonant energy, like a low hum that hums through the air, vibrating through the body and stirring the soul. Made entirely of stone, it still seemed to pulsate and flow with some kind of energy and magic. It filled the air with an otherworldly essence. Each of the engraved symbols had its own meaning, which paid homage to the great wisdom and understanding of the godlike being. The figure radiated an aura of strength and power, commanding reverence and awe. The mysterious stone gleamed in the moonlight, its imposing form looming face was serene and regal, its gaze focused on something beyond the physical world.
Reverently and conscientiously, Hudson knelt in front of the statue. He clasped his bruised hands, bowed his head and began to pray: "You, my great God, are all-powerful. You have seen my pain, my suffering, and my doubt. But I know you are merciful and will help to heal my wounds and guide me through this difficult time. Please hear my plea for guidance and strength. Help me to be strong and courageous, and to never give up on my dreams, no matter how difficult or hopeless it may seem. May your light shine down upon me, and guide me and all of my brethren through these dark times, lifting us up and helping us to reach our full potential. Thank you, Great One, for all that you have done and all that you will continue to do. I am forever grateful. Grant me your wisdom and guidance in this dark hour. Let me see beyond the illusions that cloak my perception so that I might see clearly what lies ahead. Give me strength to continue the fight for a better future and a world free from injustice and oppression."
The soft glow of the statue pulsed and flowed in response, as if in solidarity with Hudson's prayer. In his mind he spoke, as if to hope for an answer so great it cannot be received. "May my family be safe, my good Amity, my friends, and my kindhearted Capo. May they always walk on their right paths and have luck blow beside them. I beg you, oh great god of the sky, the stars and the sky ship, send aid that we may need, and may the magical beings of the starship colony live eternally!"
In the deeps of his trance Hudson prayed, “Oh great god of the stars, how can I ever repay your never-ending kindness?"
The statue began to glow. A blue light barred unceasingly, until it glowed with a white radiance.
Hudson stayed kneeling before the image, feeling overwhelmed by the serene and powerful energy that radiated from it. For a moment he thought he heard a distant voice inside, but he assumed it was just the wind in the distance. He closed his eyes and tried to listen carefully, trying to make out the words. And then it seemed as if the words took shape.
"I have always protected you, my faithful follower," the voice seemed to say. "I swear to help you in your time of need. Never lose hope. With faith, strength, and determination, you will achieve your dreams and live a happy and fulfilling life. Remember that I am always with you, and that I will never abandon you no matter how dark the times may be. I am your God,” sang the towering voice, “and you are mine. My great, almighty strength surrounds your small body. My immense mind looks deeper and further than your worthless, inferior mind ever could. Everywhere and everything is watched by me."
At that moment, Hudson was startled. A clattering noise caught Hudson's attention, and he rose to his feet.
Hudson looked around frantically, wondering what had made that noise. He soon saw a dark figure moving towards him quickly. Quickening his pace, he thought it might be an attacker. Indeed, he was attacked, but not by who he had expected.
The dark figure reached out and grabbed Hudson, holding tightly to his neck, pinning his arms to his sides. Hudson felt a rush of terror as he recognized the attacker; it was a big, frightening man. He struggled and writhed, trying to break free, but the man only tightened its grip.
Instead of flying fists, a sinister voice hissed in his ear. "Your days are numbered, Edward. I've been eyeing this for a while now. Give me your shoes, or I’ll end you!”
Hudson felt overcome by fear and helplessness. He knew that there was nothing he could do against such a powerful man.
Still, something compelled him to resist. "No!" he shouted. "I will never give up!"
With a thunderous bellow, he pushed the shadowy figure off of him with all his might. It staggered backwards, astonished by his resistance. Hudson spun around and ran as fast as he could into the darkness of the night, his heart throbbing with terror, dismay and fatigue.