Chronicles of Idukuria - Chapters 1, 2, & 3 Sci-fi Audiobook and Novel

Read prologue here

Chapter 1

Azure sat in the cafe, taking in all the sights and sounds around him. After placing an order, he sat next to a window near the front of the shop.

“I want to see all the people this place has to offer,” Azure thought excitedly.

This was his first time in such a busy city. There was so much going on and so many people carrying about, on their way. For Azure, this wasn’t just a 1st time experience in a new city. This was his first time in a big city on the planet Earth.

As the people passed by the window, Azure starred, his lips slightly ajar, gazing at each person. A man with a sports jersey carried a sack of groceries. “I wonder what he is cooking for lunch?”

A woman with headphones walked the opposite direction, a slightly upbeat step in her stride. “What is she listening to?”

Azure wanted to dive into each person’s story. “I bet he is cooking some steak and rice for lunch,” he thought as he pondered and smiled at the thought,”And she...she’s listening to some music with a saxophone...or saxophone...I think that is what it is called.”

Only reading and learning about this planet from afar, through pictures, literature...comic books, Azure’s imagination ran wild with all the possibilities each person held.

“Azoo...Azoorah,” a voice from behind him echoed. “It’s Ah-zoo-ray!,” he shouted back across the cafe. It was the first time someone from this planet said his name.

The bartender gazed an unease smile, holding a white paper bag as Azure approached for his order.

“Oh, sorry sir,” the bartender said.

“It’s okay my man!” Azure replied with over enthusiasm.

The bartender blinked before smiling back. “Heh heh, okay man. Enjoy your day Azure, man.”

Azure grabbed his order, smiled and walked back to his table to inspect what he ordered.

“Hmmm, let me see, this sweet one is for Tama, the powdery one is for Lima, and the yellow one is for me.” Azure stared at his order inside the bag. “Maybe I should try the sweet one, Lima loves these,” he thought.

After gazing inside the bag for a few short moments, Azure looked up again, the crowd outside catching his gaze once more.

“Wish I could do this more often,” Azure thought as a slide back into his chair. Everything that was going on around him was very busy, yet...not so on edge. From living in the Extorvia planet system, surviving and maintaining the ecosystem was a daily chore for him. Since he was a young boy...since Lima had brought him to Extorvia..he learned how to live like they did.

Chapter 2

There isn’t much time Alisha. We need to get him here now, Madam Berger said as she scurried from her Alisha’s room to the next.

“Oh, I’m on the phone with him right now, Madam Berger, don’t worry, Alisha replied.

Madam Berger rushed back to Alisha’s room. Madam Berger stuck her head into the doorway, causing Alisha to jump in surprise.

Let him know we only have one more hour. The driver can only keep the kids preoccupied for a little longer. The rain cut into their playtime outside and they are making their way back here in the bus at this moment! Can you ask him exactly where he is, Alisha?

"Oh, he just went out on a little pastry run. He'll be back in about 15 minutes. I'm going to head over to the hall where the kids will be getting off."

"Ah, that's excellent, dear. See you over there."

Petal picked up her clipboard and made her way toward the door.

"Oh, Alisha, please don't forget those extra paper letters for the board...Alisha...Alisha?" Madam Berger said.

Petal continued walking as Madam Townsend tried to gain her attention. "Dear, please, please pay attention. We must stay focused!" Madam Berger projected her voice to get Petal's attention.

On the second call, Petal snapped out of her daze.

"My name is Alisha here. Goodness, I keep forgetting," Petal thought to herself.

"I got it, Madam Berger," Petal said, making her way out the door.

---

Azure walked into the large room of the orphanage. The upcoming party was coming together slowly. The room, which is set aside for events and presentations, was slowly transforming into the location of a large birthday party. Each wall was decorated with ribbons and paper letters spelling “Bon Anniversaire.”

“The children will love this, don’t you think?” a voice from behind Azure said confidently. It was Madam Berger.

“I know the children will be excited for all the games and activities we have planned but seeing everyone happy is what gets me excited. I think they need it,” Azure said.

“You know Azure, I already said this to Petal but I wanted to say thank you so much for your help these last few weeks,” Madam Berger said. “You guys have helped us throw a scavenger hunt, taken the children on picnics, and now a birthday party. We are going to miss you guys when you leave soon.”

“It was a pleasure, Madam Berger.” Azure replied, “It makes us feel great to be helping others that are in need. I think that’s what brought Alisha, Ghavi and I together in the first place.

“You are sounding so sappy, Azu,” Petal said walking up behind them,”And besides, we can always make a nice return to help out again.”

“That’s right! Isn’t summer just around the corner? We have a couple of birthdays in June, and the weather will be nice enough for a day trip to Lyon.” Madam Berger exclaimed as she spoke more excitedly. “We can explore the old castles and enjoy the cathedrals. It will be a most stupendous time. The children also…”

“Well,” Petal interrupted, “we need to check our schedules. We can’t forget the main reason why we are here. We are on a research project with our school.

“Oh, yes, of course, Alisha. May I ask, how has your project done so far? Have you gathered everything you need?”

“Yes,” Petal said as smiled and turned her gaze to Azure. “We found a lot of information. The economic plight of the neighboring villages and townspeople really gave us all we need for our report.

“What was the name of the report again? Sorry, I’m forgetful about all these technical things.”

“The economic Plight of the Countryside,” Azure and Petal said at the same time. Azure smiled at Petal as she let out a short chuckle. “I guess we have gone over the subject too many times,” Petal said she turned her gaze back to the room.

“The fun isn’t over yet. We still have a party to throw for all these kids. I just spoke with Ghavi on the phone. He is about 40 minutes away. Let’s get this party started and then we can talk about helping out in the future.”

“Oh, that makes me so overjoyed, Alisha. Again, you guys don’t know how much this means to us.”

“I just hope he kids aren’t too sad once we leave...’ Azure said as his voice trailed off.

“Just make sure you come visit us again. The children do so love your stories. You are an original Homer telling your Odyssey. The children love your stories," Madam Berger said with a twinkle in her eye.

Azure smiled and added,"good stories open up the mind's possibilities into a greater world,"

"Oh, here comes Ghavi and the kids," Petal said as a white bus full of bustling children drove to the front of the building.

Chapter 3

Ghavi arrives with a bus filled with boisterous children. Mr. Ceroix, the bus driver, waves goodbye as each of the children scurries off of the bus.

"How did it go?" Madam Berger asked as Ghavi approached her.

"It went great. All the kids got to play at the park for an hour. They all joined in a game of petanque. Even little Jean decided he wanted to jump in."

Madam Berger smiled. "That's good. He can be shy but he still wants to play with the other children."

"But after that, we just ventured into the garden. We played another game of 'find the treasure in the castle.' The kids brought back some interesting things."

Ghavi took a small flower and a purple rock from his pocket.

"For some reason, the kids thought these two things were the most valuable things they could find."

"Oh, these might be good to add in a train project I have coming up." Madam Berger took the two objects. "I'll keep them safe and sound for the project. So, what do the kids know? Do they suspect?" Madam Berger asked as she leaned in closely to Ghavi.

Ghavi smiled. "They know nothing," Ghavi replied with a wink.

"Good. Here is what you do next." Madam Berger slowly led Ghavi facing away from the crowd of children. "Take the kids for a bathroom break. Of course, make sure they wash their hands. After this, go to the back of the central meeting building. We have all the decorations set up and it will be pitch black. Azure will give the signal and that is when you can bring the children inside slowly. Try to quiet them down a bit, as I know they will be very antsy from entering a dark room. We will count to 15 after all the children are inside and 'boom.' That is when we yell “surprise."

Madam Berger continued to whisper to Ghavi as one child looked around the courtyard. He scanned the space, ignoring the clamoring of the other children, to find someone special.

Entering the courtyard from the white building, Azure emerged smiling at the crowd of children. The moment Azure was visible to all the children, a stampede of young voices all charged toward him. Azure, a bit taken aback, crouched down to greet the children.

"Azu, Azu! Look what I found! One boy shouted as he pulled an orange flower from his pocket. "It is a rare orange flower."

"No it isn't. You just picked that from the garden," another girl said dismissing the boy's claim.

"You stole that from the garden but Azure will love this," another boy shouted, pulling a green insect from his pocket.

"Yuck!" A few children yelped in harmony.

Azure laughed heartily as the children continued to bicker in front of him.

"Everyone, I'm sure all your treasure is worthwhile. Don't fret what one person found. Each treasure is special to you. It is a precious gift to yourself," Azure explained.

As the children continued to amuse themselves, Petal signaled for Azure and Ghavi to come closer.

When the three had a tight circle, Petal whispered,"we need to leave near the end of the party. I want to go over our mission tomorrow evening. Don't forget the main reason we are here."

Azure and Ghavi both gave a quick nod and smile, making sure not to interrupt the festive mood of the children.