How to Lose an Extraterrestrial in 10 Days

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Extracted 1 threads from 9780373772414-exw.PDFUntitled Article 01: UntitledPlanet Sandreem Twenty-five years agoSILENT AND DETERMINED adversaries, the boy and his father were locked in battle. Their foreheads nearly touched as they sat hunched over a Sech board, scrutinizing several dozen game pieces carved to resemble soldiers. The bustle and laughter of the rest of the family filled the cottage, while filets of fresh-caught river eel sizzled on the grill. A few raindrops splashed against the windows of the cottage, the last of an early evening squall. Eriff tried to predict the result of his fathers con- fident moves across the game board. Some endings had him invading his fathers Holy Keep, but others had Eriffs goddess falling to his fathers onslaught. Which would be the best move? The right move. His fathers quiet voice broke his concentration. oeLife or deathso it always is for you, boy. Eriff glanced up into amused blue eyes that looked just like his, according to his mother. oeAs vivid as the noon sky on High-Sun Day, shed say. oeWith hair as black as soot and eyes like those, my fair Eriff, youll snare your ladys heart with a glance, just as your father won mine. His fathers chair creaked as he leaned back. He pretended to work stiffness out of his limbs. oeI fear Ill grow old waiting for you to make a decision. His fathers teasing left him puzzled. Time sped by when he was stalking his preyoutside in the woods hunting, or here in a game of Sech. oeHave I taken too long? oeLet me say this. It seems the gods gifted you with infinite patience. With life so slow on this backwater planet, itll serve you well, I think. Under his breath, he added, oeMove your ar- cherthere. oeBut that will open my quadrex to your warriors! oeTake a chance. His fathers eyes sparkled. oeBut, Papa, my archer, its notlogical. oeNot everything in life can be logically thought out, Eriff. Often, taking a risk brings the sweetest reward of all. Often, but notalways. And that was the part Eriff didnt like about his fathers advice. As soon as a players goddess piece was taken, the game was over. But in Sech, even the lowliest soldier could topple an empire. Eriff moved his scout, planning to inch it forward and breach his fathers Holy Keep. His father gave a shrug and captured one of Eriffs commanders, dropping the piece into a worn leather pouch. Eriff lowered his head. Chuckling, his father reached across the table to ruffle his hair. oeSo serious