In the not too distant future, the world is a far different place. Human rights are non-existent. For those who disobey the many laws, the punishments are severe. Especially for those who practice manlove -- the crime of desiring another of the same sex. In a desperate attempt to flee the guards pursuing him, Taar runs into the slums of New Melbourne. As the voices of his pursuers grow louder in his ears, he is suddenly pulled into a disused service entrance. A homeless man guides him to the back of the darkened space, shushing him, and Taar couldn't be more grateful. Yet his relief is short-lived as the man begins shouting to attract the guards' attention. When Taar is finally captured, the homeless man asks about the reward. As Taar is escorted to an awaiting police vehicle, the homeless man is told there will be no reward, though that brings Taar no satisfaction at all. He knows the penalty for his crime is exile. Never again will he see his mother nor his lover to explain to them, to say sorry or goodbye. He will be a member of the first prison group to be abandoned on the newly discovered planet, Tansa. Even if he survives the space shuttle journey, what will become of him in the unexplored wilderness of Tansa? How will he survive? More importantly, will the handsome Bror, a fellow exile, be there for him the way he would like him to be?

The Twin Moons of Tansa

Taar screamed in pain and tried to push away the stranger, but he knew, somehow, telepathically, his attacker had feasted on the ichor of lower creatures for too long to let him escape.


“Get off me!” snapped Taar, punching at Mantika and finally managing to knock him away. He scrambled out from beneath the whey-faced creature and stood up. “You goddamned son-of-a-bitch!” he screamed, kicking Mantika one final time before fleeing.


He ran like he’d never run before, but he could still feel the presence of Mantika all around him. It was dark now. In the jungle, moonlight filtered down through the leaves and branches, though the darkness was no barrier to his finding his way back to the village. Soon, he could see the flames of the village fires burning brightly. A sense of relief flooded him. Only a few metres now. He kept running, Mantika’s presence strong, and getting stronger. Taar could smell him everywhere, the stink of something unwashed and ancient.


Chapter 12