Shouts, voices and laughter echoed from a crowd of Plersizian gathered around a frozen lake. While they were approaching, small Plersizian children darted around their feet, and one of them, appearing quite young, stumbled and fell at Tom’s feet. Tom grabbed the child’s hand, helping him back up, and noticed something red glistening against the white ground. Blood. Red and crimson, just like his own.


<< The little one scraped his knee >>Tom said to A-01, but before she could react, the young Plersizian ran off to join his own.


<< Don’t worry.. He’ll go to his mother, and in an hour, the wound will be completely healed..>>


<< With what? The power of love? >> Tom asked, his sarcasm spreading a smile across his face.


<< Well, love has healing powers, yes,… but no…Our doctors have created creams that make the skin cells regenerate faster than usual. Like the one I used on your wounds..>> She paused , examining his face closely..<< And it looks like it worked quite well >>


Unconsciously, Tom raised his hand to touch his cheek. The last time he had seen himself in a mirror, he was like new. Not a scratch remained to remind him of the rough landing he’d had on Plersizian’s world.


A ball suddenly crashed down in front of them, interrupting their conversation. Instantly, all eyes were on them.


Tom saw a group of nine Plersizian standing on the frozen lake, staring at him. One of them, a muscular Plersizian, extended his hand toward Tom, signaling for him to come over.


<< No, thanks..>> Tom said bluntly, picking up the ball and tossing it back to the muscular Plersizian, who caught it with a skillful move and spun in a circle. Then, turning back to Tom, he pointed directly at him this time.


<< What’s he doing ? >> Tom asked A-01 discreetly.


<< I am inviting you to join my team ! >> the Plersizian replied, stepping closer. << I am Tronnak, the team leader! Will you play with us, Tom Waltts ?!>> he asked with a slight struggle evident as he pronounced the human name.


<< Thanks for the offer, but I don’t know the game..>> Tom said, trying to excuse himself.


<< You’ll learn..>> A-01 whispered to him and gave him a gentle push toward the frozen lake.


Tom exhaled with hesitation locking up his body. He notice all eyes were still on him, so reluctantly, he walked over to the muscular Plersizian, Tronnak. As soon as his feet touched the ice, they slipped, and he collapsed to the ground in seconds. His fall elicited a few chuckles from the vast audience.


Tronnak extended a hand and helped him back to his feet.


<< You know what? I had second thoughts.. Maybe this isn’t for humans.. for me.. .>>


<< So…You say that just because you fell ?? >> Tronnak asked , his face showing mild confusion, as though Tom had said something utterly irrational.


Tom found himself questioning his sudden refusal to learn something new. He never gave up. His whole life, he’d start something and ensure his performance was sharp from the very beginning, yet here he was, hesitating over a simple…game.


He was always in the shadows- a dangerous, invisible man. And now, an alien species was inviting him to play, with everyone watching him and suddenly he was visible. Visible to the Plersizians.. Visible to… A-01.


<< Ahhh. The immediate despair you humans feel when trying something new! >> Tronnak half smiled. << Tell me.. What matters more to you in the end ? How many times you fall, or how many times you get back up ? >>


Tom laughed at the absurdity of the situation, where an alien species was giving him life advice. Yet he realized that, as uncomfortable as he felt, Tronnak had a point, and a sudden boost of determination surged through him.


<< I’ ve got this! >> he said with resolve. << What do I need to do ? >>