Olivers Emergency

(live:4s)[(stop:)When Oliver was younger, his grandma always told him the tale of her time. When she was young, humans had overused and abused Earth’s resources. Seemingly out of nowhere, these kind extraterrestrial creatures came to Earth.] (live:16s)[(stop:)They offered to remove the humans from Earth and take them to a compatible planet in another solar system. At the time, there was no other option. They were nowhere near developing technology to move to another world, and they needed to remove themselves quickly.] (live:24s)[(stop:)The air had become thick with pollution, ash, and soot. What they didn’t know was what Oliver already knew. The aliens were not just kind. They had an ulterior motive. They knew that humans were far less advanced than they were, which meant they could take advantage of] (live:26s)[(stop:)[[them.]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver’s grandmother was a kind soul. She often apologized for her generation’s mistakes when she spoke about her past and how the human race got to this situation.] (live:10s)[(stop:)The situation the human race is in right now is not good, but they have become complacent. When the aliens helped the humans escape the dying earth, they took them to a planet they used for resources. They used the humans they rescued for slave](live:12s)[(stop:) [[labor.]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)There was a simple hierarchy on this planet. The reputable aliens ruled over the humans, and the humans worked. Here and there was an alien who lost his reputation. Whatever they did made them henceforth undeserving to serve with the other aliens on the planet, so the other aliens demoted them to slave labor. They were thrown in amongst the humans. Humans and undeserving or criminal aliens were called laborers.] (live:14s)[(stop:)They worked for the class of aliens that ruled them, which called themselves, The Exterts. The Exterts were cruel in the way they led. They allowed very few breaks and only gave the laborers a few hours of sleep. They had maximized efficiency in the slave labor they] (live:18s)[(stop:)[[commanded.]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)The planet that the laborers worked on was flat and full of sand. At least that’s all the humans had ever known. There must’ve been someplace on the planet that was beautiful and green to regulate climate and provide oxygen, but the humans had never seen it. Oliver wished he could see anything other than the bland sand and rock formations that he mined. Even the houses that he lived in were made of sand. His grandmother told them of how beautiful the earth was before her generation destroyed it. The thought of Oliver’s grandma now brought tears to his eyes, but he loved to remember](live:20s)[(stop:) [[her.]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver’s wife, Violet, noticed Oliver crying and knew what was happening. She never knew Oliver’s grandmother, but she knew about his affection towards her. She was a more mindful person, however. If something didn’t affect her immediately, then she didn’t worry or think about it.] (live:16s)[(stop:)“Honey,” Violet said in a soft tone. She began to rub Oliver’s back, “I know you miss her, but we have more pressing matters. The baby is kicking. It’s getting so hard to move. Could you fetch me some water? I’m exhausted.”] (live:28s)[(stop:)Oliver peeled his head back to look at his wife in the eyes. To be out past curfew was dangerous, and they had already drunk all the water The Exterts allowed them this evening.] (live:36s)[(stop)“You know I can’t,” Oliver whispered in a pleading tone. He also knew that for her wife to be asking this, it must be dire. Oliver sighed, “How bad is it.” “I would never ask you to do that unless I really needed it, Oliver. You know that,right?”] (live:44s)[(stop:)[[Get The Water For Your Wife]]] (live:44s)[(stop:)[[Say It’s Too Dangerous]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)The thought of getting caught rattled Oliver’s brain, but he knew his wife needed the water. The water well was at least fifty yards from his home, though, so he would have to be very sneaky. He looked out of his windowless hole in the sand to see if there were any Exterts around. They usually hovered above the laborers.] (live:16s)[(stop:)The coast looked clear, so Oliver hustled to the water well. He stopped behind a couple of bins halfway between his house and the well. Oliver peaked over the containers to see, and… yep, it was clear. He made a run for it. He was almost there when he heard a shout, “Hey!” said a guard.] (live:32s)[(stop:)Oliver slowed to a stop and turned in the direction of the voice. “Out past curfew, huh? You know what that means.” Oliver did know. He knew that he would receive no breaks tomorrow and a cut to his food supply. As he stood there defeated with the guard hovering down on him, he heard the guard ask, “What are you out here for anyway? Wait a minute, I know you.] (live:44s)[(stop:)You’re the trouble maker.” Oliver was upset that he had that reputation. The Exterts caught him stealing food from dining before. He also initiated fights with other people at the base when he had to. Once to protect his brother, the other was to retrieve food that some bullies had stolen from a kid he met. Oliver knew his fate relied heavily on how he] (live:46s)[(stop:)[[responded.]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver was sorry, but he had to refuse. He couldn’t dare to get himself in trouble. He already had a history of violence and theft in the Exterts eyes. The Exterts caught him stealing food from dining before. He also initiated fights with other people at the base when he had to. Once to protect his brother, the other was to retrieve food that some bullies had stolen from a kid he met.] (live:18s)[(stop:)“I can’t risk going out there right now. Who knows what might happen to me if I get caught.” Oliver drowned in sorrow when his wife coughed a cough drier than the sand between their](live:18s)[(stop:)[[ toes.]]]

[[Tell the guard the truth]] [[Get an attitude]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver began to panic, but then he committed. He leaped from the wall and threw the guard to the floor. As the guard fell, his weapon slid across the floor away from him. Oliver scrambled to get the gun, and just as he recovered the weapon, the guard was getting back on his feet.] (live:16s)[(stop:)Before Oliver knew what was happening, he noticed that in between his eyes and the guards was the gun. Oliver pulled the trigger. As the guard fell, Oliver could feel nothing physically. Anxiety replaced his rage. He knew that the other guards heard that shot.] (live:24s)[(stop:)In a last-ditch effort to save himself, he fled the home. As he left the house, the guards surrounded him. He was taken into custody and sent to prison. Shortly after, the Exterts sentenced Oliver to execution.] (live:34s)[(stop:)Oliver regretted his decision. If he had just decided to get his wife the water, none of this would have happened. He would’ve been safe in his home with his wife and child. Life would have been perfect, just how he imagined it.] (live:38s)[(stop:)[[Beginning]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)When the guard entered the room Oliver knew what was happening. He glared at the guard with fire in his eyes. The guard was alarmed, but unphased. “You’re not going to help her,” Oliver said as he dropped his eyes. The guard faced Oliver and reassured him, “I just got off the phone with my superior. I was told that somebody would be over shortly. I can assure you that your wife will be fine.” Oliver’s fists clenched. The guard knew not what to do expect, so he backed away from Oliver. Currently he was in range of an attack he needed to get his hover vehicle. The guard knew that Oliver knew.] (live:24s)[(stop:)Oliver was enraged. His wife was all that he had in this life. He ran at the officer, but it was too late. The officer escaped into the air and called for back up. Oliver dropped to his knees and started to sob. Oliver knew that he was going to be arrested for violating his curfew. He serves life imprisonment. The Exterts were strict on their rules. A few days later, his wife went into birth. Violet was excited to see her baby until she found out that her baby would end up stillborn. She delivered the news to Oliver. He broke down into tears and he felt the guilt of not helping Violet out. He would deal with this feeling for the rest of his life.] (live:36s)[(stop:)[[Beginning]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver was uncertain of how the guard would react, but he somehow trusted the guard to be a caring person. He informed the guard about the water his wife needed. He explained how she was pregnant and wouldn’t ask Oliver to do this unless it was necessary. “You know it’s against the rules but you came out anyway” the guard said. It sounded like he was repeating a difficult math problem. Like he was trying to hear something different to job his mind and find a solution.] (live:24s)[(stop:)“Well it takes guts” The officer said as if he was impressed. “You know what,” the guard asked but Oliver did not know. He remained silent while the guard shuffled in thought. “I’ll let you have this one since you were honest. You impressed me with your bravery. I could have had you killed, but you showed me the respect I deserve. You have two minutes and then I’ll escort you back” the guard informed Oliver.] (live:32s)[(stop:)Oliver rushed to the well and gathered as much water as his arms could hold then raced back to the guard. The guard had gained altitude, but watched Oliver walk back home. Oliver then goes to give his wife the water.] (live:38s)[(stop:)[[Continue]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver let his emotions get the best of him. He remembered that the Exterts were the reason his wife needed the water so severely anyway.] (live:10s)[(stop:)Oliver spat at the officer and said, “wouldn’t you like to know.” The guard was stunned by this because he didn’t know what it meant. Nobody had ever spat at him before. Oliver stood there, waiting for the worst, but it didn’t come.] (live:18s)[(stop:)“What does this mean?” the guard asked.] (live:24s)[(stop:)“Huh, you aren’t gonna hit me?” Oliver asked. The guard was unsure why he should and replied casually, “My only job is to make sure you’re back in your house as soon as possible. Now tell me again why you’re out, please.” The guard demanded.] (live:34s)[(stop:)[[Knock him out]]] (live:34s)[(stop:)[[Be Honest]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver was uncertain of how the guard would react, but he somehow trusted the guard to be a caring person. He informed the guard about the water his wife needed. He explained how she was pregnant and wouldn’t ask Oliver to do this unless it was necessary.] (live:14s)[(stop:)“You know it’s against the rules but you came out anyway” the guard said. It sounded like he was repeating a difficult math problem. Like he was trying to hear something different to job his mind and find a solution. “Well it takes guts” The officer said as if he was impressed.] (live:28s)[(stop:)“You know what,” the guard asked but Oliver did not know. He remained silent while the guard shuffled in thought. “I’ll let you have this one since you were honest. You impressed me with your bravery. I could have had you killed, but you showed me the respect I deserve. You have two minutes and then I’ll escort you back” the guard informed Oliver.] (live:44s)[(stop:)Oliver rushed to the well and gathered as much water as his arms could hold then raced back to the guard. The guard had gained altitude, but watched Oliver walk back home. Oliver then goes to give his wife the water.] (live:46s)[(stop:)[[Continue]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver swung on guard with a closed fist. He bit his tongue with excitement and hardly kept his balance. Oliver stood over the guard and mocked him in his unconscious state. “Oh, no. Oh, no! You didn’t set an alarm, did you?” Oliver giggled as he walked to the water well. Once he brought the water to his wife he told her he had left something at the well. She was confused but wished him a safe and stealthy travel back to the well.] (live:18s)[(stop:)When Oliver returned to the scene to see that the guard was still there he smiled a mischievous smile. Then he noticed that the guard was carrying a weapon. Not only that, but the other guards had noticed that this guard was missing. They were searching the area and nearing this spot.] (live:28s)[(stop:)[[Steal Weapon]] or [[Run Home]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)The next day he woke to his wife’s coughing earlier than he would have liked. Oliver liked to get as much rest as possible. Violet rolled out of bed and stumbled to the floor.] (live:10s)[(stop:)“Violet,” Oliver said inquisitively, “Are you okay?” After seconds of no response, he felt the adrenaline take over. He jumped out of bed and made his way to her. “Violet!” Oliver shouted. He demanded a response. Could this be his fault because he chose not to get her water?] (live:24s)[(stop:)Oliver lifted her head from the sand and removed the specs off of her face. “Violet, answer me!” Oliver cried. He ran outside and shouted at the nearest guard,] (live:38s)[(stop:)“My wife isn’t responding to me!” The guard hovered down casually. “Please hurry!” Oliver insisted. “Yeah, I’m](live:40s)[(stop:) [[coming.”]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)The guard said sharply. When the guard arrived at the scene, he knew not what to do. He entered the other room and explained the situation to his superiors.] (live:16s)[(stop:)Oliver overheard the whole thing. He had just refined his hearing to pick up the speaker’s voice when he heard, “I don’t have time for this. Just tell the trouble maker that I’ll be there soon and go back to your post.” Alright, boss.” The guard replied.] (live:30s)[(stop:)Oliver was swelling with anger. Anger with the guard and the guard’s superior, but mostly anger in himself for not getting the water. He hid against the wall before the guard return and observed the guard as they entered. Oliver knew he was out of the guard’s view, and he knew what he was going to do.] (live:42s)[(stop:)[[Pounce]] or [[Confront Guard]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver dashed back to his house. He had just made it back inside when he heard a commotion outside of his house in the direction of the well. He leaned out of his window while still hidden to listen to the guard’s conversation with one another. One guard asked, “What happened?” ] (live:16s)[(stop:)The guard who had just awoke was unsure. He shook off the daze as the other guards helped him to his feet. “I don’t know. Last thing I remember I was about to escort somebody back…” the guard cut his sentence short. Did he remember what happened? Oliver hoped not. “Well? spit it out.] (live:28s)[(stop:)Who was it? Did you escort them back?” Oliver was sure that the guard remembered him. He knew his face. “I was attacked. There were four of them that came from behind the bins. Let’s search the houses near her.”] (live:40s)[(stop:)The other guards were puzzled. “You only have one bruise. What do you mean you were attacked by multiple? I am glad they were merciful at least.” The guard blushed and pretended like he was still regaining](live:44s)[(stop:) [[consciousness.]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver hurried for the gun, but the buckle on the holster was being difficult. Was there some security feature to the holster? Oliver hit the guard in the mouth as he was getting the weapon. The guard fell to the ground and acknowledged to him that “you cannot get the gun, it is only access through fingerprint recognition.” Oliver continued to wrestle with the guard, but eventually, the guard got the upper hand and apprehended him. Oliver was thus sentenced to life imprisonment for assaulting an officer. Violet ended up having her baby and she would visit him every month to check up on him and he was happy to see his baby.] (live:26s)[(stop:)[[Beginning]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)“Why?” Oliver responded. He was about to ask what happened, but the guards cut him off and yanked him out of bed. In the struggle, the cup Oliver had stolen fell from the nightstand. The guards almost didn’t realize the cup, but Oliver trained his eyes on it. The guard who had noticed Oliver at the well also noticed the cup. It all came back to him. The guard’s heartrate dropped to a minimum as he grinned and said, “That’s him.” “Let’s take him away” another guard said with excitement.] (live:16s)[(stop:)“Oliver, what?” Violet asked while trying to gather what happened. Before she could get another word in Oliver was being dragged out of the house. All that was left of him was the struggled footprints that led toward the door. Violet tried to chase after him, but she couldn’t.] (live:30s)[(stop:)Violet didn’t sleep that night. She cried. She knew that there was only one outcome for Oliver. He would be sentenced to death in front of everybody so the Exterts could make a statement with him.] (live:40s)[(stop:)Sure enough, there was an execution the next day and Oliver was in the performance. Violet was saddended and a few days later, she had her baby.] (live:42s)[(stop:)[[Beginning]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver faced the group of guards. He tried to hide his nerves. “You been out of your house tonight?” the guards asked Oliver. Violet was pretty good at keeping her composure, but she didn’t know about Oliver so she intervened. “He’s been with me all night,” Violet announced, “I would have felt him leave and you can tell I have been asleep for quite some time.” Violet was an incredible actress. The guards shifted their attention and Oliver relaxed a little. The Exterts studied Violet for a minute and then came to the unanimous decision that this must be true.] (live:24s)[(stop:)They were on there way out and onto the next house when Oliver began to think about the consequence of his actions. Yes he saved himself, but the guards were gonna have to catch someone. The guards would never admit they were wrong or let anyone get away with hurting them. Somebody would be caught and most likely executed. The Exterts needed to make statement out of somebody.] (live:40s)[(stop:)For Oliver, however he was fine. Everybody that he cared about was safe and healthy. Violet ended up drinking her water.] (live:48s)[(stop:)The next day Oliver awoke to a meeting the Exterts called. As he anticipated, the guards found there man. Oliver never knew the guy, but he knew what the crime was. One of the Exterts joined the group on the platform in the center of the base and spoke proudly. The Extert announced the crime and displayed the punishment. Oliver didn’t look away. ] (live:52s)[(stop:)[[Continue]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)She ended up resting fine and Oliver was relieved that he did not get in trouble for getting water. A few days later, his wife broke her water. She ended giving birth to the couple’s new child. Oliver reflects back on his decision to get his wife the water. He felt content with his decision and he is glad that he got his wife the water.] (live:14s)[(stop:)[[Beginning]]]

(live:4s)[(stop:)Oliver knew that he was in trouble so he did the only thing he could. He hid the cup behind a picture frame on his nightstand and pretended to be asleep. The guards finally made there way to his house after about three hours. Oliver was anxiously awaiting their arrival.] (live:14s)[(stop:)Finally he heard footsteps down his hallway. The Exterts never knocked.] (live:18s)[(stop:)“Hey!” one guard shouted as they entered the home. Oliver acted like he had just woke up. His wife somehow hadn’t heard the guard or maybe she just didn’t care to acknowledge that they were there. “Wake up!” He said again in a thunderous tone. Oliver rose quickly and squinted at the Exterts. “Remember any of them?” said one guard to another. That was him. Oliver was shaking invisibly. “No they don’t ring a bell. Get out of bed and stand up for us” the guard demanded.] (live:28s)[(stop:)[[Ask Why]] or [[Get out of the Bed]]]