Short Stories
THE MOVIE
It was summer and hot, late August. I was nine and dreading going back to school in a couple of weeks. Cartoons and a sun porch slash den were my entire world during these cherished days before classes started again. Nothing unusual had sparked my interest in this day except for the expectation of another episode of Spiderman and looking forward to seeing a rerun of Star Trek later.
So I lazed in my red beanbag chair and dozed relishing in the coolness of the AC window unit and thinking to myself all is right in the world. Laying there my ears perked up at the sound of a loud motor and the soft vibration of some kind of vehicle pulling into the drive.
I figured it was my Dad, today he was coming home from summer camp. An annual drill and training program for the Local National guard. Dad was the commander of Company A, a tank unit. I was proud of him and sometimes a little scared, you see I was more of a dreamer and I liked to draw. I didn't think he quite approved of that. It wasn't till after he died did I understand otherwise. But today would get a glimpse of that and a bit more of how much he loved me.
The car door squeaked open then clanged shut. It did not sound like his old Oldsmobile but different. He grumbled as he came up the steps.
"Come on, Johnny," he said calling back to someone who had accompanied him home. I knew Johnny; he was my Dad's best friend, although they didn't act like it most of the time. They served in the Guard together and were pretty much constant companions for the rest of their lives.
The passenger door opened and slammed shut and another pair of booted feet traversed up the steps.
The door swung open and Dad and Johnny stepped inside. Both were still in their fatigues and smelled of that odd combination of sweat and beer. They had ad a few but not enough to cause a problem driving. It appeared they had driven all the way from Fort Stewart in South Georgia without stopping. Before I could jump up and say hey Dad and give him a hug he exclaimed.
"Come on Lee Boy we're going to a movie" and smiled then lit the stub of his cigar.
What a treat, dad had never taken me to a movie before especially with Johnny my pseudo uncle. Where Dad could be boisterous and outgoing at times, Johnny was soft-spoken and carried a quiet wisdom. They complimented one another, and I was going to be a part of that little team, at least for the afternoon.
"Where? I said with a little eager anticipation.
"Patton," said Dad.
I knew the name he was a WWII General and my father's idol. I shared a love of history with my father; it was the only thing we had in common at the time. Dad was not too much into science fiction or the arts nor did he go into playing sports or roughing it with me as most fathers. But that was not a bad thing, and I did not mind because those were not my favorite pastimes either. As I said, he had a love of history and books and we could talk about those subjects without forced togetherness. He also had a passion for movies, a love I still possess. So to say this was a special treat and a surprise was an understatement.
Dad went to the kitchen and my mother intercepted him at the fridge as he grabbed a couple more cold ones for the road.
"You're home early," she said with pleasant surprise. I assume he gave her a quick kiss before he meandered across the living room.
"Lee boy, Johnny and me are going to a movie" there was stunned silence from the other room. My mother was no doubt in shock at having one less kid to take care of for the afternoon.
"I'll take care of them, Suzanne," said Johnny to assuage my mother's fears as the three of disappeared out the door.
To my surprise, sitting in the driveway was an actual army jeep! With the top down and all, how cool is this I thought to myself as we piled into the old bucket. Here I am with two grown men in their gear riding in an open-air jeep; I could only hope some of my friends would see me.
Dad handed Johnny a beer.
"No Jerre we can't ride around with open cans in our hands," said Johnny who always called my dad by his given name. Most everyone else addressed him as JJ or Jim he made sure of that because he felt Jerre was too feminine. That is why my little sister is his namesake. But he let Johnny call him Jerre and did not seem to mind I always wondered about that.
"Don't worry" Dad popped the top and placed the can between his legs and pressed the ignition on the jeep. Johnny just rolled his eyes and shook his head.
First Avenue Theater was old and in need have being torn down even before we arrived that Saturday afternoon. It only had a few more years of life left in it. But today it only had to last for the next three hours. Dad parked the Jeep and he and Johnny polished off their beers before we went in. Dad belched at the ticket stand.
"Three for Patton," he said retrieving his wallet and peeling out the money. The old man behind the glass yawned and tore off the ticket and gave Dad his change.
Inside was just as bad as the outside but it was cool and dark like being underwater and felt great from the outside summer heat. The excitement was building in me walking between the two jolly green giants who I both loved and admired at the same time.
There were very few patrons to the matinee showing; maybe ten other people besides us were in attendance. A fact I would not appreciate till a few minutes later. We found our seats about midway down just in time for the opening credits. There were a few mindless previews of bad B-Horror movies coming up then everything settled down and went quiet. I do think both Dad and Johnny were holding their breath as the movie began. Slowly the image emerged of a giant American flag that filled the screen. Then creeping up from the bottom walked the imposing figure of General Patton played by George C. Scott who looked remarkably like the man he was portraying. Then the fanfare of "To The Colors" music started up as Patton snapped a salute right at the audience. At first, I thought Dad and Johnny would remain seated as this was just a movie but to my surprise, they both stood! They didn't salute thank God, but I would not put it past them and didn't ask me to join them. The music finished and Patton told the men in the movie to be seated and true to form my movie partners did too.
The movie captivated me and I fell in love with it and could not take my eyes off the screen. About two-thirds of the way through I glanced over at Dad, he was sound asleep then to Johnny; he was too. But it did not matter I was having the time of my life and enjoying every second. Half the fun of going to a movie is the ones you share the experience with.
After the credits rolled we all stood up the two men stretched and grunted being well rested. I was pumped and wanted to stay for another show not wanting the afternoon to end but it was already six.
"How did you like it Lee Boy?" said Dad
"Great movie wasn't it?" said Johnny as if either one of them had seen the whole thing. I was not going to let on I knew they were both snoozing through most of the picture.
The ride home was a blur and so was dinner. I went to sleep that night with a comfortable feeling of a new bond that formed between me and my father. He had let me into his patriotic world and the brotherhood he shared with his best friend Johnny. I was a part of that group now and forever would be.
When Dad died Johnny cried, and I felt his grief as much as my own, he had lost his "Buddy", a term that goes beyond just mere friends. Johnny passed away the other day. My mother called to let me know, and she cried. But I smiled because I knew he and Dad were together again in some far off place drinking a beer and arguing with one another. I will miss them both.
AN ANCIENT TALE
Discovered in a general planetoid survey decades ago L22 revealed no significant life.
Conducted by the department of planetary affairs and research this planetoid seemed of little significance. Located at the edge of the known galaxy it was extremely isolated with no inhabited worlds even close to it. Therefore it was deemed as just another possible source of raw materials that may be even suitable for terraforming.
That's where I come in, my name is Voshule Et Ratied, just call me V for short. I was assigned to research and maybe develop this new world. With the help of my partner Estrel, a linguist, and my mate we formed a team. The group consisted of me, Estral, of course, Coruth our pilot and biologist, and Saline a Theoretician. Taking a transport Warp Shuttle we departed Rentalisis Five and headed out to the remote reaches of the galaxy.
This was no easy matter because the Planet lay in the Outer Realm which was outside the known patrols and therefore subject to marauders and the legendary dreaded Ciscosis. A species that has no physical form or shape. It is presumed they exist as pure energy and thought and are not detectable until it's too late. Taking over the mind of its prey and bending it to do their bidding. Fortunately though, for us, that is, a Third Order Telepath of The High Galactic Priests was available. Being of the Third Order is not a relatively exalted spot, just shy of a normal sentient being, but enough to give us fair warning if a Ciscosis was in the area.
L22 is a medium-sized planetoid and I figured we'd be there no more than a couple of hours. So I deemed the risk to be negligible and we proceeded on the mission. Little was I to know the vast discovery which awaited us.
Blue like a bright gem in the heavens L22 floats in the vast blackness of space. V wonders at it as the shuttle drops out of warp speed just on edge of the Solar system. The medium size yellow star at the center is starting to cool, running out of its fuel. In a star's life, this process still could take several million years and even then, another million or so, until it winks out forever. So there is plenty of time to figure out what to do with this round ball.
The shuttle slows as it proceeds into the core of the system. Passing by several giant gas planets, these too could be coaxed into a star if need be, but that was for somebody else to figure out. Finally, L22 fills the viewscreen, brilliant blue, dotted by white wispy clouds. L22 is covered mainly in water with just a few landmasses. From the air, they look green and lush.
V checks his bio readout screens. On them, several small blips appear nothing of consequence probably only insect life. The FLY BY DRONE that had found this planet was too far away to
have gotten any sort of indication of any life at all. Estrel sighs as she too looks at the screen. "I wish for once we could find a planet teeming with life." V nods his head in agreement. Even in a galaxy crammed with many life forms, it is always refreshing to discover new ones. It gives a sense of adventure to the job, a challenge. It makes him feel young again when the thrill of exploration was fresh. Alas, he and Estral aren't as young as they once were and need to start thinking about winding down their long careers, but not just yet. There is always the next time when one has the possibility of that new big discovery.
Settling into orbit, the shuttle decelerates extending its drive flaps. An old maneuver, it's still effective in fuel conservation. Older shuttles such as this one are not fitted with the newer HYDRO SCOOPS that gather hydrogen atoms radiating from stars. The most common element in the universe, Hydrogen is the source of all life, powering its very existence, from travel to food production to medicines to cure its diseases. It is now harnessed and controllable. Except for this tiny shuttle which has seen it's better days. However, it is still a sturdy craft and all V's Department could afford.
The shuttle makes several passes around the planet gradually descending as it goes. So far there is nothing unusual, just various forms of vegetation. Huge trees reach hundreds of feet in the air. The trees are vast and from all indications extremely old, anywhere from several thousand to maybe even millions of years in age. They are an oddity at best, but nothing to put down in the report.
Going lower, passing just over the tree line something appears on the scanner. V sits up taking notice, there, deep below the ground, perhaps a mile a grid structure. The outline resembles some sort of ancient and primitive cityscape. Not like today's modern dwellings that float in the atmosphere not disturbing the natural worlds they inhabit. This was something built on the ground a rooted structure. V marvels at this, he has only read about this kind of architecture in the history books. Like the earliest records of established civilizations going back millions of years. The first such dwellings were found on the edge of the Outer Realm. Those were similar but different and far younger than these. His readouts indicate these to be on the order of twenty-two to thirty-two million years old. V shakes a little as he checks his findings. Estral notices his demeanor commenting. "What's the matter?" V can only point at what the scanner reads, Estral smiles knowing this could be it, the big find they have always wanted.
The Shuttle Pilot Coruth, maneuvers the shuttle through the canopy of trees with the deftness of a seasoned navigator. He manages not to even disturb the leaves of the encroaching trees.
They descend along the trunk of one of the giants. It's width twice the diameter of the shuttle. Coruth wonders at the majesty of it all. The bark, a strange red hue, looks like armor protecting the mighty tree. He thinks out loud. "This tree could be as old as our planet" V does not disagree taking more readings as they finally touch down on the soft earth.
Covered in a fine layer of leaves and twigs that have turned into a carpet of mulch, the ground gently supports the weight of the shuttle. The sun barely creeps through the coverage of the foliage above them. Tiny beams of light stream down, pin lighting the forest floor below. On the whole, it is more like twilight than mid-day as V's findings tell him it should be. Pulling back the shuttle looks to be a tiny insect next to the base of the trunk.
Letting out a fine gas, the shuttle exhales as its engines shut off. All of nature around them is still and quiet. Breaking the silence, the shuttle door lifts open, disturbing the peaceful surroundings. These Shuttles are a far cry from the clumsy metal apparatus of centuries ago. Made of porcelain and lightweight alloys it was designed to be aesthetically pleasing, but here amongst all this natural grandeur, it looks way out of place.
First out is the Third Order Telepath, Tyrin. A slightly clumsy individual, he means well and his heart is pure, but he just can't seem to fit in. Somehow being a Telepath just doesn't suit his demeanor. If you were to meet him outside the confines of the temple of the Galactic Priests you would think him just an ordinary theologian. He raises his appendages and breathes in the fresh air, clearing his mind to absorb any of his surroundings. Exhaling he recites the Ancient chant for peace, prosperity, and success in the mission. He shows no signs of any change in behavior, so far so good.
Departing one by one they set about their tasks of surveying this new world. V gazes up at the tremendous trees surrounding them. It seems almost like a vast cathedral. The scene is like a place of worship where at any moment a loud booming voice would thunder in announcing the coming of a divine spirit. That was not the case, only silence, and a slight breeze. Spreading out in a semi-circle around the shuttle the group takes in more readings. V ventures ahead of the rest his indicator beeps strongly getting a clear signal of something big. Gazing at his scanning device he adjusts the monitor. On it, a long cylindrical shape a tunnel of some sort, deep underground, it slopes gently to the surface. Looking around V finally spies the opening, hidden by millennia of brush and leaves. Curious though, a structure this old should be completely sealed by dirt and debris. For a moment he gets the sense that they are not alone in this world. It almost appears as if it was cleared away for them.
V motions for the others to come over. Saline is the first to comment on the strange orifice "it looks to be of intelligent design". V moves closer to the entrance pushing aside some of the hanging vines, "you state the obvious, what I find interesting is the ease in which we found it" V replies. The remark sets the others a little on edge, the tone of the endeavor now a little less exciting. Sweeping back the vines the hole is deep and cavernous. V looks down at his feet, there is another curious structure, horizontal panels that lead down into its depths. Thinking to himself, he remembers seeing a display of this kind of architectural device "Steps or more appropriately a stairwell" V exclaims. "it is a very ancient form of moving vertically up and down from one level to the next."
V starts to take a step but Tyrin intervenes advising he should go first. He enters the opening and begins the descent. Unused to this form of travel he is awkward and almost careens down into the void. Caruth, always erring on the side of caution, thinks better of this adventure and runs back to the shuttle. He returns with a defensive apparatus, a multi-phase weapon capable of stopping anything that comes their way. Coruth has seen his share of bad situations when a device such as this would have saved the day. V looks at it disapprovingly replying "you're being childish put that thing away." Coruth barks back "better to have it and not need than to need and not have it." V and the others shake their heads and proceed to follow Tyrin into the Tunnel.
Descending, Tyrin pulls out his worship staff. A long vertical pole made of a sturdy alloy, on top of it is a glowing blue orb that reacts when the ambient light is low. It is mainly used for ceremonies in the temple, but Tyrin finds it good for support in his advanced years. The glowing staff illuminates his way. He notices on the wall beside him about five feet up from the steps is a long rail running parallel with them. Placing his hand on it he realizes this was probably used for support while traversing this crude architectural structure. He is not usually so quick on the uptake and comments his findings to the others, rather proud of himself for figuring it out.
V and the others follow suit, taking hold of the railing as they continue down. Estral cautions him not to trust something this old and fragile. V concurs, and he and the others activate their anti-gravity belts. The belts are a safety precaution so that if they stumble they will not fall and hurt themselves. Anti-gravity belts are extremely handy, especially for the elderly who are
always worrying about taking a spill. They give anyone, at any age a good sense of independence making their lives richer.
Deeper into the darkness they go. Their footfalls echoed in the darkness as they are approaching the bottom. Tyrin almost falls all over himself as he tries to take another step down and there isn't one. He makes light of it commenting "that was exciting" his voice reverberates in the still blackness. V realizes they are in some large underground chamber. Coruth takes out a handful of illumination drones and throws them into the air. One by one they pop on, filling the whole area with light; they hover and move upwards trying to get a bearing on the ceiling. Finally, the drones find the perimeter and fan out across the room. They cast a low luminescence over the group. It's not like a bright sunlit day, but enough to tell where they're going. The air in the chamber is damp and cold. V notices that they can see their breath every time they exhale "better turn up and environmental controls." he tells the group. They all adjust their belts turning up the temperature a fine red hue surrounds each individual. Except for Tyrin of course, whose large cloak is already heated, however, he does drape the hood over his head. Now he looks more like a monk, complete with a lighted staff. Saline laughs at his appearance commenting "do you know how ridiculous you look?" Tyrin is used to the jibes. He manages to come back quickly with "no more than you do my dear when you put on that silly you look trying to pretend to be someone you're not." It cuts deep into Saline, she knows what he means and forgets that Tyrin is a telepath
and knows what's she's feeling. She'll remember next time she wants to fly off with a clever comment.
Saline is not one to repeat the same mistake twice. She's good at her job but insecure about her appearance, she makes up for it by being sarcastic. Getting to work, she ventures over to the nearest wall. It is covered in some sort of hieroglyphics. There, displayed near the ceiling, are a multitude of large symbols that seem to be carved directly into the stonework. V places his hand onto the wall, it seems porous, and he flakes off some shavings into a container and scans them. His readings are astounding and make him giddy with excitement. Estral looks at the readout and smiles, she comments "the carbon indicator shows that this is older than the ruins found on Celetium Minor, 28 million years old." V closes his eyes reveling in a tremendous discovery. He cannot hold back, he has to say it out loud "this could be it, this could be it" his words drift off as he goes into silent reflection taking in the moment. Tyrin has come up behind them his glowing staff casting their shadows along the wall.
"I feel your excitement, but we have to be sure before we relay our findings." He replies. V acknowledges with an affirmative nod "I know I've waited all my life for this."
Coruth listens, but he does not understand and blurts out "Okay what are you talking about?"
V sighs with momentous reservation and a little pride stating "The Old Ones the Uniden's, they that we owe all existence to."
The group stands in reverent silence in awe at the prospect of such a find. Finally, they get back to work, the process of discovery is a painstakingly difficult one and they've only scratched the surface. The proof is what they need and all they have is speculation. Towards the opposite end of the room, the floor drops down about half a level. The floor is made of the same material as the walls. Cut into it are two parallel groves about a meter apart from one another. Inserted into these grooves is a strip of some sort iron alloy, V exclaims "it's what they once called steal, it's full of impurities but sturdy". These groves run along the sides of the walls and disappear into infinity down another long dark tunnel. V climbs down to investigate; the illumination drones sense his movement and follow him. They keep pace with him lighting his path just a few feet ahead at all times. Beyond their gentle glow is nothing but blackness. He stops, pondering which way to go. A slight breeze whips up the tunnel and for one brief moment, he thinks he hears a mournful cry of "WAR". It's like the word has a presence all its own, it passes through him like a phantom and continues down the expanse of the tunnel, sending him into a shiver, but he's not the only one. Tyrion is on high alert, "did you feel that?" he exclaims. Could it be the Ciscosis V wonders but he didn't get a sense of anything menacing, only deep sadness?
Caruth charges his weapon, and then some force jerks it from his hand and hurls it down into the void of the tunnel. It clanks as it hits the floor in the distance. This petrifies the group, everyone holds their breath, V finally speaks up "it was only the wind" Coruth is adamant "something grabbed that out of my hand." V dismisses the notion and the group calms down,
they follow him onward into the darkness. The tunnel is remarkably preserved, but then again why wouldn't it be, being so deep underground the temperature remains constant and the humidity low. All considered it was more like a giant tomb. They reach Coruth's weapon lying on the floor. The others watch him as he makes a decision, reaching down his hand trembles a bit. Is this a sign of things to come, has fear taken over his actions. Coruth has seen a hundred different worlds, now he trembles in the dark. This cannot be, he thinks to himself, "I am a scientist and a skilled navigator, this is not who I am, I have never been indecisive." With calm reserve he picks it up but does not charge the device, then holster's it in his belt loop. The others admire him not to letting fear rule his judgment or actions. No one has said so out loud but this mission is panning out more like a bad Ghost story. A superstition that died out centuries ago but still holds sway over dreams and the subconscious. The fear of Ghosts is a primal one that has never been fully erased. As explorers though, the group keeps these feelings deep, it cannot interfere with objective findings. So the task at hand, they soldier onward, the illumination drones following them overhead. The soft hums from the scanners and their footsteps are the only sounds. Rounding a slight bend in the tunnel they see something, obscured by the darkness it seems to be a pile of rocks or debris. Moving closer they realize it is something more remains of some sort. What they see appears to be fossilized by the countless eons. The denuded bones that are now gray like the walls and floor around them. It is clear to V that what they are looking at are several dozen different beings. Taking his holographic scanner he passes it over the top of the mound. The device can extrapolate from one individual to another. It completes a full skeletal rendering of one of the organisms and displays it in front of the group. The primitive creature has what appears to belong limbs at the base of the trunk and shorter forelimbs. Also a larger than the normal cranial cavity, that must have supported a well-developed brain. V bends for closer examination there is something matted to one of the fossils. It has a pattern to it, intricate and layered but also fossilized.
Then he notices something else, metallic, a decoration located near the top of one of the forelimbs. V wipes away some of the dust, it is shiny underneath and five-sided. A symbol of some kind, older cultures were authority driven maybe this individual carried some importance. The age was right but this goes all against scientific logic, the Unidens were the first to reach into space. Forming the first Republic, but like all governments, it became too big and bloated with bureaucracy. It eventually fragmented into Civil War. Then powerful factions came together and formed the First Galactic Empire. It was a time of so-called order, but with little or no freedoms. Yet again like all Empires it to fell into a downward spiral of corruption. It finally collapsed under its weight. After which came to the Wanderers to pick at the carcass of the old Empire. They reformed the old Empire into one of slavery through commerce when life was as cheap as the number of credits you had in your pocket. Whole species died out because of them, till the Core worlds citizens had enough and rebelled. They fought back with intelligence and subterfuge changing the consciousness of its citizenry to one of peace. In the end, the Wanderers could not keep up with the idea of peaceful co-existence their power had come through intimidation. Now that fear had been relegated to some minor emotion they had no hold on the
populations and were driven into the Outer Realm where their numbers are dwindling and only occasionally, do explorers come across them. They have become more desperate for survival and now resort to force to get their way. This means, regrettably, they have to be destroyed when one comes across them. The thought of taking a life even one as vile as a Wanderer is deemed regrettable.
As intriguing as the thought maybe these were biological creatures and far too old and primitive for even those early events. Older by several million years, so what are they? Were they even sentient? This bare catacomb of a tunnel only indicates intelligent design, but nothing is linking them with its construction. Plus the scanner is not infallible it only interprets from what is deemed a life form amongst existing species? So it could rearrange the remains and not give a true picture of what it is. Enough of the speculation V and the others need to move on and find more positive evidence of whom or what built this place.
They leave the heap of fossils with the fading light of the drones casting an eerie light upon them. V moves out ahead of the others angling down a bit he comes across a large sealed access way it resembles an ancient massive doorway but different somehow. It is more or less perfectly square and hinged to the wall by two sets of bolting mechanisms. V steps closer and places his hand gently on it, its cold and made of the same material in the groves on the floor, steal! This is what he is looking for this means something. He looks up it towers above him and by all indications, it is several feet thick. There is no handle or way to open it; this seems like a dead end.
The others join him at the towering structure and are likewise dumbfounded by such a weird sight. As V ponders this, his mind starts to wander, the room begins to sway back and forth. Estral and the others start to morph into strange shapes. Something is happening to him he feels like he's floating out of his body. For a moment he thinks he hears Estral scream and the others gasp uttering the dreaded word Cicosis. Finally, everything goes black and he goes limp
He hears footsteps and strange hushed voices. Opening his eyes he is on the floor, it is glossy and smooth his face is pressed up against it. He feels his arms outstretched in a prone position. The voices start to get louder and more urgent as they draw nearer to him. One of them sounds a little softer; tender like Estral's then a small hand appears, covered in pink fleshy material. It grabs V under what appears to be a forelimb. V starts to focus; the images around him are becoming sharper. Ahead is a large screen brightly colored and rectangular. The soft voice seems to be calling to him, it utters a word in a language he has never heard before, but somehow recognizes. V turns in the direction of the voice, there almost directly in front of him is a species he has never seen. About two meters high with an average skull it looks at him with two round orbs probably eyes. The scalp is covered with some long light gold-colored fur. For some odd reason he feels an attraction to the creature, he gets the sense this is a female of the species he notices the telltale signs of the bumps on the chest indicating breasts. Her mouth and face are adorned in a kind of ceremonial paint making him appear more attractive. V notices something
else, his body is reacting to the sight from below his waist something has grown, it doesn't hurt but he feels a strong urge to do something. As best he can figure this has something to do with mating. The creature is screaming at him.
"Are you alright, Sir!" she says.
The words have little meaning to him; he has no context to relate an appropriate answer. So he remains still, trying to absorb what is happening around him. The room is a hive of these creatures, all alive and busy doing something. Is this a dream? Where am I he wonders, should he speak? Checking himself, he is not in his usual attire. His research belt with all his equipment is gone, including the universal translator, used for such occurrences in the first contact with a new life form. He decides to chance it anyway and utters
"I'm okay" the creature seems to calm down after his response. Slowly, he doesn't know how he begins to pick up on their language. The room is filled with noise, there is a blaring sound of a warning device and a voice that is coming over it some sort of audio system counting down.
"Thirty seconds to impact" it states
Thirty seconds to what? He is sure that is some sort of time calculating system, but how long could that be? With everything going on around him it appears to be urgent. The female creature beside him draws him close. V feels incredible warmth towards this animal almost an attraction. This animal is important to him but what is he? Somehow he has changed, this can't be happening he's hit his head or something? No, it finally dawns on him, is this it's like to be taken over by the Ciscosis? If that's true, the legends are wrong; he feels no overwhelming urge to do anything contrary to his will. Nothing about him has changed, except his body that much is sure. All these animals are treating him with a common familiarity. As they pass by him they raise their forelimbs to their cranium then snap down quickly uttering the word Sir. V looks down at what he assumes is his shoulder, there on it is four, of the shiny five-pointed decorations he saw on the fossil outside. Outside that's it he's in the room sealed off by the huge door.
Several of the creatures rush up to him speaking urgently. One of them is different from the first creature he encountered. Larger and it has very little fur on its head. Its appearance is different there are no bumps in the chest area. This must be a male of the species. All the creatures, as well as himself, are adorned in the same type of material as he saw earlier. This is clothing, these creatures are sentient, V surmises.
The creature snaps his forearm to his cranium and asks, "Sir, he is secure." V stares at him blankly, Sir? That must be his calling sign or name, but who is he referring too, who is secure? The audio system continues its relentless countdown; the mood in the room is extremely tense. These creatures are scared to death of something. All V can do is listen and wait, the room goes silent, the only sound is from the audio system.
"Three, two, one, IMPACT."
Nothing, everything is still and quiet, then it hits with a crack. The room rumbles and the large screen goes white. The monitoring systems around the room spark and sputter. V and the female creature are hurled across the room and land on the floor with a thud. The room goes dark except for a single lighting device. Combustible material starts to heat up giving off some kind of noxious fumes. Fire is what it was called and its by-product is smoke. Toxic, if V remembers correctly. The creatures start to cough horribly; he too has the urge to expel the gas. Something is dripping in his eye it is warm and viscous he brings his hand up and touches the area, it hurts. He looks at his hand, it is red, this is the creature's blood he deduces. Not the light pink hue of his normal bodily fluid.
The female creature is sprawled across him, unconscious. He checks her and feels that she is still breathing. V instinctively shakes her to wake up. She heaves up startled and confused and stares around wildly.
Pushing away from him V feels her fear, he also senses something else, a presence that at once is familiar to him. V crawls over to her; she shivers in terror at his approach. V raises his hand to her in a calming manner. With a confident reservation, he speaks.
"Shush, be still, it is I Estral my love, V." Somehow, someway Estral's consciousness has been transposed as he has. Estral's eyes turn tender in recognition of his voice.
"What has happened, why am I speaking like this?" she says
V nods for her to be quiet as he gets up and looks around the trashed room. He helps Estral to her feet. She wobbles a bit, and then notices some strange apparatus covering her feet. Whatever they are they're binding and uncomfortable they appear to be elevating her stature from the ball of what she thinks is her heel. Long and pointed, the device is very tricky to balance on. She can't stand it and bends over and removes the awkward coverings.
Seeing her discomfort V explains. "They are called shoes" Ancient species used them to protect against the elements, but hers were different, not functional probably another ceremonial decoration. Then another sound a whirring noise, air comes rushing in and starts to suck out all the smoke. More lights clank on with a shuttering noise filling the room with illumination. V and Estral survey the dismal faces of the creatures surrounding them. Whatever has happened it is not good they feel it. Some great tragedy has befallen the group; there is hopelessness in the air. The creatures gather around V and Estral they see in their eyes a longing, seeking guidance as to what to do next. V gets it but still hasn't got a clue as to the situation unfolding before him. The audio system bleeps on and the huge screen in the front of the room resumes its functionality. On it appears a map, the configuration of the land masses is virtually identical to the readings V took earlier of the continents on L22. This is a representation of them as a flat surface. Ingenious, this species, for its age is far superior to anything that is believed to
have existed in recorded pre-history. Over the entire map, little bright dots appear, grow bright and disappear. It finally clicks in V's head what he is witnessing is a war in progress. The blips on the screens are more than likely a type of city. Estral has picked up on it too as she wraps her arms around V in comfort.
"They're destroying themselves," she says in a quiet reservation.
V nods his head in agreement. But why is he taking part in all this, why are they here? He has come to realize this is not a dream these events are or did happen. On the screen, the blips continue in a flurry increasing in speed. No part of the map is unaffected the saturation is enormous. V can only imagine what is going on outside this room; it must be total carnage on a planetary scale.
The room is somber the creatures hang their heads low. Again the audio system blares on and a different voice comes over it. This voice is older, it sounds wise even amongst all this insanity. It also sounds sick like it is dying. The voice addresses the room.
"To all personnel, what we feared has come to pass. Our forces, as well as the enemies, have rendered this planet uninhabitable. In a matter of 10 minutes, our civilization that has grown and prospered over the past twelve millennia is now gone. The estimates are coming in; five billion are dead including me.
Everyone in the room gasps in shock, as the voice continues.
Even though I was a safe distance away from the blast zone the prevailing winds shifted scattering the whole area with enough radiation that at most I have maybe one or two days. It is now up to you Commander Furman and your lovely wife to save what is left of our race.
The creature seems to be talking directly to V and Estral. They look at one another in amazement as they reach the same conclusion almost immediately.
This planet which has sustained us is now dead, we can no longer call it home. The water is poisoned and the air unfit to breathe. All animal life will be dead in a few months. However, your program at least has the possibility of success. Your project is now our only hope of survival.
Take your ship and leave this planet never to return. I wish you God Speed. Good luck."
The voice finishes and the audio system goes silent. None of the Creatures utter a sound. Then the back wall of the room slides opens revealing another cavernous space. V and Estral walk with the others into the large well-lit area. It is a vast chamber; in it are three long cylindrical objects that tower hundreds of feet into the air. Attached to the bottom, are what appear to be engines, very primitive. Large hoses are connected to them, vapors emit from the point of contact. V inhales he recognizes the odor, the engines are being filled with liquid Nitrogen. It is not very efficient and certainly dangerous.
Other creatures besides the ones from the room are working at a frantic pace loading these giants. Are they weapons? That couldn't be right this planet is effectively dead. The creature on the audio system said they have to leave, but where? Certainly, these things couldn't be a spacecraft of some kind. They would never reach another solar system and all the planets nearby are uninhabitable.
He and Estral are approached by two of the male of the species they are carrying a kind of box. Their faces are grim and solemn as they open it and present the contents up to him.
"Here Sir take these. Use them to establish your new world." Says one of them "Go in peace and remember your home." Says the other
V looks into the box and takes out a folded cloth he unfurls it. It long and rectangular it has a large blue patch in one corner on that are stitched white five cornered emblems identical to the ones on his shoulder. He does a quick calculation of the number, there are fifty of them emblazoned on the blue. Opposite that covering the remaining portion of the cloth are thirteen red and white stripes. V surmises this to be a tribal emblem of some kind. He then takes out a yellowish looking document it is written in a language he's never seen, except three words stand out at him. Estral sees them as well, their mouths drop. V returns the document to the box and reverently folds up the cloth and places it on top. The creatures close the box and latch it shut, it has a handle on top. V realizes this is for ease of carrying; he grasps it with one of his appendages.
The two creatures extend their hands, another ritual; they seem to be beckoning for them to take them. V and Estral reach out and they clasp hands with one another. Something wet is coming from their eyes; it's not blood but clear. V and Estral look around all the other creatures seem to be in the same state this is an emotional moment for them.
A long ramp extends from about midsection of each of the craft. Many vehicles using round objects for locomotion are heading into the belly of them carrying other boxes. It seems to be a mad rush almost frantic. Finally, the ramps are clear, whatever they were doing it is now finished. Another door retracts revealing an adjacent room where another group of the creatures that V has not seen before emerge. They are dressed in a kind of orange clothing with a white covering over their heads. It looks to be a hard shell with an open faceplate that has a retractable clear shield.
Attached to this, is a black hose that wraps over their backs to a large canister.
One by one the creatures climb the long ramp, in a slow procession. They all disappear into a hatchway above, save two, who stop before proceeding up. The two creatures stand there and look across the room towards them. Removing their coverings revealing their faces, it is the individuals whose identities V and Estral who have been assuming through this whole bizarre episode. The box appears in the male's hand and disappears from V's. He understands something
now as he and Estral walk to meet their counterparts. Stopping about midway across the room the two pairs come face to face with one another. The male is the first to speak.
As you probably have guessed by now we escaped our dying world. Rendezvousing with a mother ship secretly built in orbit around the moon. On it was DNA samples from every form of life here on Earth. We hoped to find others in the vast reaches of space to help us in our plight.
Alas, ours was the only planet in the heavens to have developed life. Our generational ship traveled for eons among the cosmos till we finally found a suitable world to inhabit. My wife and I had been put into stasis at the beginning of our voyage hoping to be awoken at some future date to aide in colonization but were forgotten and drifted with the ship after the others departed.
Somehow we remained alive in cryogenic freeze. Generations passed our minds continued to develop, eventually, we abandoned our bodies and were able to roam the stars as energy, pure thought. We watched our offspring grow and multiply. However, we were sad that no one knew of the great world we once were. Then our minds touched your probe and we remembered our parting words to remember our home. So we guided you here so that once again this planet may know life and happiness. Enjoy it now my children and live in peace when we leave you we will commend our spirits to oblivion.
V is stunned by the revelation he stutters to ask one last question. "Might we know your names?"
"Yes, my name is Adam," says the male "Mine is Eve" replies the female.
The couple and the room fade away to blackness.
V feels he's being shaken; his eye pop open and finds himself on the floor once more. This time Estral is beside him. Hovering over him with a concerned look on his face is Tyrin; he helps V to his feet. At first, V is kind of groggy he shakes it off.
"There was a magnetic surge from your scanner it shorted out the diatonic in your cybernetic brain implants. For a moment you shut down completely." Replies Coruth
Was it all a system malfunction, did he slip into a diagnostic mode. To be safe V inserts a reserve power supply enough to get back to the ship. He and Estral are of an older design and are in bad need of a refit. They'll return to their base to be overhauled then return here to research this noble race. How ironic that a Biological life form is the descendants of today's cybernetic units.
Estral then speaks up.
"Unidens, The United States, the name has been badly slurred over the past twenty million years. They were extremely brave for creatures that only had a single lifespan."