Excerpt from Befriending Aliens

This excerpt was written by my mother, Norma Druid. I’m publishing it here as part of an ongoing Legacy Edition project to preserve, curate, and share her work with new readers.

Although Reedsy lists this piece as a “response” to the weekly prompt, it stands independently as a selected passage from her book Befriending Aliens. My role here is not as the author, but as the caretaker of her voice — presenting her words with context, respect, and the same sense of wonder she carried into every story she wrote.

Befriending Aliens explores connection across impossible distances: human and Varangian, warmth and permafrost, fear and curiosity. Much of the book unfolds through letters exchanged across space, where two people who rarely meet face‑to‑face learn to understand one another through the fragile medium of written words.

I chose this excerpt because it captures that quiet emotional gravity — the way her characters reach toward each other even when separated by worlds, cultures, and the aftermath of catastrophe.

The following scene takes place during the fall of the colony Dev Boylun, as families prepare their children for evacuation while facing their own final hours. 

Excerpt from Befriending Aliens by Norma Druid

Field Marshall Death

Into the Cave

Planet Dev Boylun: Hansa Year 530

Day 0022 2400 Hours Fleet Standard Time

Licinio never forgot the trip to the cave. Uncle Don was driving the ramshackle buggy they used for exploration and hunting, while Uncle Lennart sat in the rear box they usually used for supplies, keeping the tow secure. The women and children sat huddled on the board floor in the middle, surrounded by their baggage.

    It was a deadly quiet trip. Aunt Patrice crooned wordlessly, the sort of lament women had made since time immemorial. Otherwise, there was nothing but headlights, the hum of the motor, and the scent of his mother, who pressed him close to her. Licinio wouldn't complain he was too big to be hugged– not now. All pretenses were stripped away. Soon all the people he loved would face Field Marshall Death before Valknar’s druids could sing them into paradise.

    “We’re here.” Dan Arcin cut the motor and turned on the big battery lamp they used, illuminating the cave mouth.

     “My friends,” A large pale cat came out of the darkness and sat on her haunches before them. “I am ready to take your instructions on how to care for your babies.”

     Magda set Licinio down and grabbed a large toolbox. “Come Licinio. We’ll need to get you set up.” Grigori had sent a large transmitter Licinio was used to and the portable red light they used for photography.

     Licinio crawled into the cave with a large flashlight. They had to get everything set up right now: there wouldn’t be another chance. Magda pushed the equipment through the opening, then stuck her head in as far as possible.

    “Your father charged this thing.” she said, grunting as she pushed the heavy transmitter, “and set it to switch to the battery automatically. It ought to retain full power for a week, especially if you’re only listening most of the time.”

     “The Agile Alice, the Apex Transport Vessel should be in the area within thirty-six hours.” Licinio reminded her. “I know how to conserve batteries, and I know Demetria has her own transmitter for backup.”

      Magda sighed as she tried to position the lighting fixture to be invisible from the cave mouth. “I can’t believe I’m trusting animals and aliens to keep my own son safe. And to give you such a job at your age!”

      “Mother, kids have come through tough places before,” Licinio comforted her. “You all told me all those stories, remember?” His jaw clenched. “I’m going to show them the truth and make them eat it.”

       Magda occupied herself testing the batteries and devices. “You’ll have to see a psychologist to deal with that anger, Licinio.” She pulled her head out of the cave. “Come out and help your aunts get the baby stuff settled.”

      Marina, Patrice and Alceste were in earnest conversation with Demetria. Alceste turned when she heard Licinio approach. “Your animal friends are very clever, Licinio and so caring. My little Drigo…” She dissolved into tears. Drigo, the youngest, was only three months old. Jenny Yazzie was six months and Hilde Rostonoff just nine months. They would have no memories of their parents but the color-coded bundles that rested in their carriers.

    Patrice Yazzie embraced Demetria. “Just remember, the pink carrier is for Hilde, the blue for Dirvo, and the yellow for my Jenny. Yellow’s for cavalry–buffalo soldiers—-Sam’s and my ancestors. And, since I’m going to heaven in a few hours, I’ll put in a good word for you Felidae and the Varangians. Lots of humans aren’t such true friends.”

     Licinio went back to the buggy for his own belongings and to call goodbye to Dan and Lennart, shadows visible in the lantern behind the cave. The three new mothers were pushing their baby carriers into the cave, and Magda followed with the picnic cooler and the baby supply bag. They watched as Licinio shoved in his own bag and Demetria wriggled in after it.

    Suddenly, Alceste screamed and fell to the ground, beating on it with her hands. She began chanting in Greek, ending in a desolate wail. Lennart ran to lift her up.

    “I can’t leave my child!”, she screamed at him. “Bring the cyanide pill and let me die here!”

     Lennart lifted her, shaking her a little. “Stop it, Alceste! You know if the aliens find human traces anywhere beyond our boundary river, they’ll flame the whole land mass! The children would asphyxiate!”

     Alceste relaxed, shuddering into his arms, and the other women surrounded her. Patrice lifted her chin so Alceste would meet her eyes. “Woman, you think you’re the first mother who’s had to leave a child?”

     “I’m sorry,” Alceste turned and looked at Licinio. “We’ve tried so hard not to break down in front of you.”

     Licinio hugged her. “I love you, Aunt Alceste, and all my family. When Drigo gets big, I’ll make sure he knows you love him.”

    After some final wordless hugs and kisses, the grown-ups got into the buggy Dan already had running.

    Licinio crawled in and sat in the dark, listening to the buggy drive away. Then Demetria came to him, and he cried out his pain into her fur.