The protector hesitated. Then he added softly, “The only other explanation I can think of is that perhaps the Grak have found a way to control their minds—although if that’s true, I can’t figure why they wouldn’t have used the same mind control methods on you and the others.”
George felt cold and uncomfortable, in spite of the warm sunshine streaming through the window. The idea that his father’s mind might be controlled by those horrible creatures was more than he could stand. The beauty and joy of his recent visit to the Uth planet seemed suddenly distant and far away, clouded by worry for his father and fear of what he might be going through.
“There’s one more thing you need to consider,” said the protector softly. “The Grak don’t give up easily. When one of their plans fails, they usually try another. Although I hate to say this, perhaps it will give you some hope for your father at the same time that it frightens you. I think the Grak may try again in their scheme against the earth. It may not be through you and Jiu Na and Tereza this time, but perhaps through others. After all, they still have three Uth stones. Since the three men know about earth and its customs, they will probably be preserved and used by the Grak for this purpose. Hence, your father could still be a key part of their plan, and they will probably not hurt him physically.”
George said nothing, but looked quietly out the window. A part of his mind was fighting what the protector had just said, not willing to accept it, while another part was leaping in hope. Perhaps the Grak would indeed preserve his father for that reason. But that would also mean that the earth was still in danger, and that the Grak could strike again. And this time, George would not have an Uth stone to help him.
Emberly was standing by the window. Suddenly she pointed to something they could not see.
“The ice cream store!” she yelled. “The one on wheels that we went to yesterday! He’s right over there!”
The protector strode to the window. “You’re right,” he said with a smile. “He must have turned his music off, or we would have heard him. Do you want to try another bomb pop today?”
Emberly screwed up her face in distaste. “It might explode in my mouth,” she said loudly.
“But remember, we told you, it’s not really a bomb,” said the protector. “It’s just food.”
“Well,” said Emberly, looking back out the window at the ice cream truck. “Maybe I’ll try one of the funny faces. Maybe they’ll talk to me before I eat them!”
The protector laughed, and even George’s lips curved up in a smile.
“Let’s go!” said Emberly excitedly, racing to the door.
“Hold on, now,” said the protector. “George isn’t up and dressed yet.”
Emberly grabbed George’s shirt and pants and threw them on his head. “He can get dressed on the way,” she said simply. Then she opened the door and was gone.
The protector went to the door. “Well, I guess I’d better follow her. There’s no telling what she might do or say. Why don’t you get dressed and come along?”
“Sure,” said George getting slowly out of bed.
“Remember,” said the protector, reaching out and putting his hand on George’s shoulder. “Emberly’s world was also attacked by the Grak. Her parents and all she knew and loved were turned to stone. Yet she can still laugh and find joy in life, somehow.”
George smiled at the protector weakly. “I’ll try not to worry too much about my father,” he said slowly. “Hopefully, he and the others will find a way to escape. They each still have an Uth stone, which hopefully will help them find a way to freedom, just like mine did.
“There’s a very good chance of that,” said the protector with a smile. “When the time is right, it will likely happen.”
“Come on out as soon as you’re dressed,” he said, turning to the door. “After the ice cream, we’ll call on Jiu Na and Donna Tereza and get their stories. Then we’ll dial up the intergalactic police to tell them your story, and get an update from them. Who knows? There still may be something we can do.”
The protector smiled back over his shoulder, then disappeared through the door.
George slowly started getting dressed. The protector was right. This adventure wasn’t over yet. His father could still return. His father still had an Uth stone, and it was inconceivable that its world would leave one of their own kind in the hands of the Grak forever. When the time was right, perhaps when it seemed there was no hope left, they would rescue it—and his father too.
Tossing his pajamas on the bed, George quickly went through the door to join his friends.
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR
Juvenile Fiction
My Science Teacher is a Wizard
Fifth grader Blake Drywater has a new wizard science teacher, who promptly turns Blake's class into roaches and earthworms. But Blake soon learns there is more than science going on in his classroom. An evil wizard is seeking a powerful potion his teacher has made. And when Blake is given the potion soon thereafter, he finds himself facing problems far harder than any science exam! Book 1 of 'The Stewards of Light' series.
My Math Teacher is a Vampire
Blake Drywater and his fellow unfortunate students at Millard Fillmore Middle School once more find themselves facing an unexpected creature in one of their classes. Because of a sudden 'neck disorder' suffered by their math teacher, Blake and his classmates receive a chilling substitute. His name is Mr. Coagulate, who has a strange fascination with blood and dreams. Book 2 of 'The Stewards of Light' series.
Detectives in Diapers: They Mystery of the Aztec Amulet
Flo and Mo are not ordinary babies. Although they are only fourteen months old, they can use a computer, trick any mindless adult they want, and help their goofy detective father solve baffling crimes. Then a mysterious girl comes to their father, claiming that her grandmother has disappeared. Will the babies' superior brains be able to solve the mystery and save their bumbling parents?
Cloud Trouble
Inventor Uncle Ned has discovered that clouds are alive and can be transformed into common objects. He gives his nephew Talmage a cloud turned into a pen, with the assignment to see what it says and does. However, Talmage soon learns that THIS cloud is nothing but trouble since it insults everyone they meet! And since no one believes pens can talk, they think Talmage is the one saying the insults!
Adult Fiction
Crazy Pete
On a dark night in a lonely park in LA, crazy old Pete saves a teenager named Kelly from a suicidal encounter with a street gang. While Kelly initially resists Pete's kindness, he is gradually drawn into the life and service of his unusual mentor--a lifestyle of total concentration on others, and forgetting of himself. But even Crazy Pete has secrets, and one day, with a shock, the boy learns the terrible history of Pete’s past that turned him into the saint he has become.
Miss Lydia Fairbanks and the Losers Club
Miss Lydia Fairbanks is the newest teacher at Inner City Junior High School, the deadliest school in the state. While the school principal believes she won't last a day, Miss Fairbanks quickly surprises everyone by not only surviving in the midst of her killer students, but actually thriving in the classroom. But even someone as weak and small as Miss Fairbanks can harbor secrets from the past ...
My Name is Kate and I Just Killed My Baby
Kate's journal begins with a very simple entry. "I like pizza and ice cream and going on dates and watching funny movies. I like to swim and text on my phone and go skiing in the winter. Oh, and there's one more thing you should know about me. I just killed my baby." Join Kate as she struggles with the aftermath of having an abortion, and the nightmare she never dreamed would follow.
Running for the Guv
Blake Guv is a starving young attorney fresh out of law school, desperately trying to get new clients. In a mad gamble to obtain some publicity he foolishly enters the race for Governor of his state as an independent candidate. But when a series of unexpected events shove him to
the front of the race, Blake is appalled at the prospect he just might win--since he hates politics with a passion!
Santa v Afton
Shortly before Christmas the tiny town of Afton is shocked when everyone is sued by a man claiming to be Santa Claus. His lawsuit is for wrongfully 'firing' him from his delivery job, since he can only come to people who believe. With less than two weeks until Christmas, will Santa's lawsuit convince them to change their minds?
Nonfiction
The Anti Stupidity Book
This book discusses six fundamentals of stupidity that lead to the stupid choices we see all around us. These include the belief that there are no moral values, that God does not exist, and that it is acceptable to become addicted and to treat others badly and be proud. In the end we see that the only sure way to avoid and overcome stupidity is through the saving power of Jesus Christ.
The Ninth Amendment: Key to Understanding the Bill of Rights
This book explains how the Ninth Amendment is the key to understanding rights in the United States. The founders created the Ninth Amendment to protect unlisted natural law rights as they were understood in their day. This amendment was never intended to allow future generations to create new rights. Rather, it was to safeguard the morality and natural rights of the founding generation.
False Worlds
A false world is like an apple full of worms. It appears juicy and attractive on the outside, but is in fact disgusting on the inside. This book discusses a number of false worlds masquerading as truth but which are in fact false to their core. Included are the false worlds of politics, international relations, law, sexual confusion (premarital sex, abortion and gayness), entertainment and pride.
The First Auto Laws in the United States (Under pen name "Ansel Hatch")
Stopping speeders by throwing logs in front of their car? Having a man walk in front of the car waving a red flag, to warn it is coming? Putting the initials of the driver on a piece of metal to act as his license plate? Giving a driver's license to anyone who has the use of both arms? These are but a few examples from this book of the first laws dealing with new-fangled automobiles.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Duane L. Ostler was raised in Southern Idaho, where the wind never stops. He has lived in Australia, Mexico, Brazil, China, the big Island of Hawaii, and—most foreign of all—New Jersey. He has driven an ice cream truck, sold auto parts, been a tax collector, and sued people as an attorney. He has also obtained a PhD in legal history. He and his wife have five children. If you would like to contact Mr. Ostler you can reach him at: mailto:[email protected]
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