Chapter 4: Chapter 4

“Hey, how does this thing run?” Sebastien asked, looking at the lights and the screens that were obviously on. “Well, the unnecessary electronics like the TV and the charging outlets are powered mainly by the solar panels. But the more necessary stuff like life support and artificial gravity are powered by.. a balmeran crystal.” William answered, leading Sebastien over to the door to the patio, which was now blocked off with steel frames and no windows but still a door. William approached it. “Outside? Or is that the airlock? And what the heck is a balmeran crystal?” Sebastien asked, letting William do his thing. He put in a code and the door opened like a split sliding door to the patio, now a large steel plated and glass walled room, which in the middle was a large pedestal on both the floor and the ceiling surrounded by glass was a large blue-ish-white diamond shaped crystal about a yard tall and two feet wide at its widest point. It was hooked up with eight black tubes, four on the top and four on the bottom, the crystal floating in the middle, glowing white. “Woah.” Sebastien said, touching the glass. “Balmeras are large extraterrestrial bodies about the size of a large moon or a dwarf planet. They are petrified but still alive and create power giving crystals. Alteans use their crystals as a power source, but taking them is like removing a vital part of the body, so they perform a healing ritual.” William explained, staring at the crystal. “Alteans?” Sebastien asked. “Alteans are an advanced race with magic-like abilities. My dad is an Altean.” William explained. “Well that's very cool, but I'm bored.” Sebastien pointed out, sitting on the floor. “Well, wanna play uno?” William asked, then Sebastien’s face lit up.