Celten was a planet comprised of descendants from Israel, France,
Uganda, Armenia, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Chile and Thailand. It
was also under attack by Islamist terrorism, committed by invaders
from the neighboring planet Orroken that took a toll on many
communities they attacked, and infiltrated in disguise. That
terrorism would have cost the life of a 16-year-old girl,
Bernadette, if it hadn't been for the intervention of 16-year-old
Jacob, a religiously observant boy wearing a skullcap, who put
himself between the laser blade a jihadist wielded against the girl
in an airship transportation station, all because she was wearing a
miniskirt. Jacob fought him off, even as he sustained terrible
injury from the weapon, and defeated the terrorist with a sock to
the forehead.
Bernadette, while relieved, was actually surprised Jacob had
intervened in her defense. She hadn't thought or expected somebody
of Jewish descent to come to the rescue of somebody not of the same
ethnicity.
“Jacob, make no mistake. I'm in your debt that you saved me from
being murdered. But, I'd like to know, why did you perform such a
noble act on behalf of a girl like myself, who's not of your
ethnicity, and doesn't practice the Judaist religion?” she asked as
a planetary medic attended to his injury while he lay on a surgical
cot.
“Because, by the teachings of my religion, I recognize that you're a
human being, and wearing a skimpy outfit is absolutely no excuse for
what that evil savage tried to do to you,” said Jacob. “I don't even
think miniskirts are anathema to Judaism, unlike the ultra-Orthodox
Satmar clan from ancient times, who did. Nor do I think sexuality is
an inherently bad thing.”
“Above all,” said Jacob, “I believe your life as a woman is just as
valuable as mine, and maybe more, no matter what your ethnic
background.”
“Jacob,” said Bernadette in amazement, “I...I am so flattered. You
really do believe in the importance of life.” She leaned over and
kissed him. “Let this serve to help you heal from the injury you
suffered. When you recover, we must see more of each other.”
“Thank you, Bernadette.” Jacob said. “I'll always do the best I can
do to ensure the safety of an innocent, lovely life like yours on
this planet of ours.”
