Songs of the Universe (A Gay Anthology)

By Gerald Lopez

The universe is filled with stories and songs. Both can be filled with light and life or darkness and terror. A song can unlock hidden secrets and move beings even when delivering a death blow or tearing at one’s heart. In the end a song is meant to be sung by who or whatever encounters it... no matter the outcome to them or their world. That’s when the stories can be told. Tales of passion, fear, and exploration in new unfamiliar worlds populated by humans and otherworldly beings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gerald Lopez
• Release date: Nov 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215054031

Gerald Lopez

Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for Gerald—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.

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Copyright © 2023 by Gerald Lopez

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Wherever possible, the syntax and spelling in this book follows guidelines set forth in The Chicago Manual of Style, 14th Edition, and in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary.

Song of Light Copyright © 2023 by Gerald Lopez

Song of Creation Copyright © 2023 by Gerald Lopez

Song of a Dead Sea Copyright © 2023 by Gerald Lopez

Doll Song Copyright © 2023 by Gerald Lopez

Cover Art Copyright © 2023 by Gerald Lopez

Table of Contents

Song of Light

Song of Creation

Song of a Dead Sea

Doll Song

Contact the author

About the author

Song of Light

Gerald Lopez

Chapter 1

Crew

He let out a loud grunt while pushing himself to break his record of chin-ups. Rather than focus on the pain, the man gripped the metal bar letting its coldness penetrate his skin. The morning workout didn’t leave him feeling completely satisfied. So he focused on something other than the exercise. His gaze turned to the full-length wide window taking up most of one glossy white, mirror-like wall.

Small twinkling stars filled the dark, velvet vastness of the galaxy… nothing but tons of open space, a few uninhabitable worlds, and the planet Chrysalis below. He remembered the ride up to this strange concoction and all the thoughts that initially went through his mind. And there were questions for which he had no answers… yet.

No one knew its true purpose… at least his immediate superiors didn’t nor anyone he’d spoken to about the mission. It would be just him and one other occupying the tall, shining white lighthouse that had been built onto a tiny dead planet in space. Eons ago it had burnt out and humans decided to build a lighthouse with a working light as a beacon of sorts maybe. There was a reason behind constructing it and someone had at least known the truth of things but that info hadn’t been shared with him or his roommate.

Do all humans push themselves as hard as you do, Oliver Neil?

Some, Oliver managed to say, though his body was now trembling. Soldiers do… and I’m a soldier. He let go of the bar, squatted, then moaned loudly and ran his hands through his long, damp red hair. You should try exercising some time, Lynore.

I would pull all four of my arms off if I attempted what you just did.

Probably.

Oliver chuckled, picked his tank top up from the floor and wiped his face with it. He went to the rock climbing wall next, and jumped up to the first row above his head.

Are you still staring at me, insect man? Oliver said with his bare feet dangling in the air as he raised his body upward.

Your feet and fingers amaze me.

Just mine?

I haven’t seen many other humans in various states of undress.

Just imagine— He breathed deeply before getting a hold on a ‘rock’ on the next row. Imagine if you saw me fully nude.

Actually I was going to ask about that, so it is good you mentioned it.

Really? Oliver said, then let go of the rock wall and landed on his feet with a thump that was muffled by the thickly cushioned, silver floor covering below. Are you talking about getting wild in this lonesome lighthouse in space?

Of course not. I would like to paint your portrait.

Nude?

If possible. My studies have shown me that many great artists throughout history painted nudes.

You’ve done a lot better teaching yourself to paint since you learned English. It took you two years to learn my language.

And it took you two and a half to master mine.

‘Master’ being the key word. It’s not the easiest language to learn and I did already know a smattering of important words like ‘where’s the john?’ He heard his alien companion chuckle. The sound was deep as it left his thick, shiny segmented skin. Do I have time to shower?

Of course, although the sweat does make your skin glisten nicely.

You speak such sweet words. I’m beginning to wonder about you. Could it be you’re in heat?

Not for some time yet and we do not call it ‘being in heat’. I’m speaking purely as an artist.

I’ll shower but leave my pale skin damp just for you to capture on your canvas. He smiled then left the gym.

"Capture". The human’s word had triggered something primal deep within Lynore. It was a pure desire for revenge. If he could, he’d deliver not just this human’s carcass but those of all the two-armed invaders of his planet —which they’d renamed Chrysalis—to his high priests. Years together working in the lighthouse hadn’t really forged a friendship between he and Oliver, merely an understanding. And he was sure the human felt the same way.

: : : :

The art studio Oliver and Lynore shared was located one floor below the gym, and was almost all floor-to-ceiling windows. Lynore already had an easel set up, as well as a stool to sit on. There was also a small table that held paint tubes, brushes, and a palette. Across the room was a long table underneath of which were various clays that Oliver used when sculpting.

Oliver entered and got Lynore’s full and immediate attention.

He’d put on a robe but his hair was still wet from the shower. The bright red color of it always darkened a bit when damp. His pale skin was slightly red from the hot water still, but would whiten in the coolness of the room. White, metal, saucer-shaped suspended lights illuminated the room in a way that was perfect for doing art, especially working with color.

So where do you want me? Oliver said, then grinned.

Was that a joke?

My people would call it a double entendre. It’s when a simple and innocent statement can also have a somewhat naughty meaning.

How?

‘Want me’ can also imply desiring me for a sexual rendezvous.

Our species aren’t compatible in that sense.

You know that and I do, but the walls don’t.

What do the walls have to do with anything? And there is only one real wall in this room housing the closet. The rest is windows.

Stupid joke on my part, sorry. Where would you like me to stand?

In my line of sight would be good. I turned the air up so you won’t catch a chill.

Much appreciated. Say, have you even seen a human fully nude?

Not in person. Merely in photos we were shown during my military training.

How do I compare?

You’re significantly more handsome with surprisingly buff musculature.

Thank you. That was quite the compliment.

I was merely responding to your inquiry. Whenever you are ready kindly disrobe.

As you wish.

Oliver was about to slip off his robe when red lights flashed and a computerized voice was heard.

Emergency! Emergency! Please return to the control room immediately. I repeat this is an emergency.

It took mere seconds to get in the lift and up to the control room located directly below the light on the uppermost floor. Oliver and Lynore were seated at their stations looking at the panels in front of them and pushing buttons. All but one wall of the dark room was glass. The narrow space was filled with gray, metal workstations. Glowing buttons in colors ranging from pale yellow to blue, red, and purple lit up the interior.

There’s a meteor shower heading our way, Oliver said.

Will they be close enough to be a danger, and if so, can we blast them?

Yes, Sergeant, they can be a danger. Set the laser canons to blast. I’ll lower the protective shields down the entire lighthouse.

Understood, Colonel Neil.

There was a low buzzing sound and the room vibrated as the shields went into effect. The glowing blue color of the protective shell covering permeated the interior of the room. Minutes later the sound of laser cannons firing could be heard.

Lynore, what does your artist’s eye think of the shield’s particular shade of blue?

It is very pleasant.

Computer, Oliver said. How long is this meteor shower expected to last?

Twenty-five years, the computer voice said. "The shields should keep the lighthouse unharmed for the duration of the shower. But life support may go in and out. Would suggest crew members Lynore and Oliver enter hibernation chambers for the duration.

Understood and on our way down, Oliver said, then stood. Please have computer staff robo member Rilo Eight safely put away our art supplies.

Will do, Colonel, the computer voice said.

Computer, Lynore said. Estimate damage to the planet below from the meteor shower.

Expect there will be damage to at least forty percent of the surface with mass casualties. The make up of these particular meteors may be able to pass through the planet’s atmosphere without breaking up into smaller particles. That could be a serious problem.

I’m sorry about that, Oliver said as he walked past Lynore. Nap time.

Lynore said a quiet prayer in his native tongue as he followed Oliver into the lift that would take them to the hibernation chamber located deep in the core of the tiny, dead planet the lighthouse was anchored on.

You’ll have to take a rain check on the portrait session, Oliver said.

What is a rain check?

We’ll try it again in twenty-five years give a day or year. Who knows, we may even get a surprise or two?

Chapter 2

Apocalyptic

Oliver dreamed that he worked on a portrait of Lynore. Squeezing a tube of black paint onto a white canvas that he then brushed into a human-insectoid shape. Next he added the distinctive streaks of yellow that were as individual to their species as fingerprints on a human. He stared into the humanoid insect’s large round eyes. Seemingly going into the darkness trying to penetrate them and come out the other side. But he woke before reaching his goal.

There’s no dreaming in hibernation, Oliver said in a low voice. "Computer, lights on.

He shielded his eyes until they adjusted to the sudden brightness of his quarters. While the room was a decent size, it was also devoid of anything but the bare necessities. Being a soldier, he preferred to travel light. There was a bed, dresser, and a chair. Oliver walked to the window and looked out at the darkness as if he could figure out what had occurred on the planet below. But he’d see nothing from this angle, not even Chrysalis itself. Still, he stood nude and stared absentmindedly ahead until he was interrupted by an incoming call on a secure line—it could only be one person.

Good morning, General Keane, Oliver said.

You look better than ever, Colonel, a bodyless voice said into the room from a speaker .

Your view screen must be working again… after how long?

Fifty-two years. You’ve kept up with the exercise. Looking good, old man.

Funny, I did wake up feeling old.

How goes the mission, Colonel Neil?

We’ve only just come out of hibernation. The lighthouse is still standing but it was bad, wasn’t it?

Yes.

No details allowed, I know. Don’t worry I’m a good soldier and won’t ask any questions.

Oliver.

Yes, Sir.

At ease, soldier. Oliver, you do know that I personally picked you for this mission, and approved the life-lengthening process?

I’d heard as much.

And I’d seen your record… it was excellent. Your men spoke highly of you as the consummate soldier.

I do my best, Hank.

Geez, your ass is perfect.

Focus, General.

Believe me I am. Things have been rough here.

Because of the meteor shower.

Have you had a chance to ask the computer for an update on that shower?

No. Like I said and you would know—since you folks monitor me—I haven’t been out of hibernation even twenty-four hours yet.

I’ve seen you in person before, Oliver. I knew I wanted you for this mission from the instant I laid eyes on you.

That I didn’t know. You figured we could spend several lifetimes communicating like this and not get tired of each other, huh?

"The key word in my last statement was ‘wanted’. Meaning I ‘wanted’ you in every way. I’d been