by LARDLAD (ANTHONY E. TAYLOR)
Jalarl was so frightened that he could barely move. He just stood agape, not knowing what to do.
"Please, there's no reason to be afraid," Reep said. "I'm a friend--a member of the Legion of Super Heroes. Chameleon."
Jalarl croaked, "Legion of Super Heroes? What's that?"
Chameleon was a little taken aback by this. He hadn't encountered many who hadn't heard of the LSH. "The Legion is a group of young people, some about as young as yourself, who've gathered together to fight evil."
Evil. That Jalarl understood very well. His curiosity was definitely piqued.
Chameleon continued, "Every member of the Legion has a special power."
"Power?" Jalarl asked confused.
Chameleon began to grasp the enormity of the boy's isolation. "Yes. A power is a special ability most people don't have. My power is the ability to change my body into almost any form I can imagine. I can even change myself into a perfect likeness of you!"
Jalarl began to feel something he'd never felt before: childlike wonderment. He tried to contain the excitement as he asked, "Please show me!"
"I would if I could, but," Cham gestured to his restraints, "these keep me from using my power. That's what I need your help with."
Jalarl stiffened. On one occasion, another more lively prisoner had begged Jalarl to free him. Jalarl had walked out. He never saw the man again. He changed the subject, "How did you get here?"
"I was on a mission for the Espionage Squad, a special part of the Legion. This planet was believed to be a site for the construction of a new devastating weapon. I found it, but unfortunately, the Khunds had a new device for detecting my race and I was caught. I was alone, and they don't yet realise I'm a Legionnaire. Soon, they will interrogate me."
Jalarl shuddered. He'd witness the Khund masters interrogating prisoners before.
"What is your name?" asked Cham, interrupting the boy's morbid thoughts.
"My name is Jalarl."
"Jalarl! I like the name!" Cham changed his mood back to the dropped subject. "I need to know if you will help me, Jalarl.
Jalarl thought about it for a moment, but the sound of heavy footsteps startled him. It was the quarter-hourly guard patrol! Shaken, Jalarl hurriedly whispered to Cham, "I've got to get out of here. They'll wonder why I've been in here so long!"
Cham understood and whispered back, "I understand, my friend. See you tomorrow?"
Jalarl nodded back and shuffled quickly to the next cell. He tried to feign as if he'd been in there for a while. The guards passed by without incident.
As Jalarl went about his duties, his thoughts were consumed with Reep Daggle and his request. He also wondered what a "friend" is.
He was definitely looking forward to the next day!
End Part Two