Loner in Space

by Steve Simons

  The alien at the craft watches closely as it sees its comrade approach every closer, willing him on and wishing that the pace would pick up. At the same time he is wondering why anyone would want to live on a planet like this. This stuff, that is making one heck of a noise on his helmet and suit, also making it difficult to see any distance. How could anyone appreciate such a hostile environment. It makes him wonder why the earthling boy even contemplated leaving their planet to return to this awful place. He had noted that there were plants, but there seemed to be none as advanced as his species.

  The boy and alien are now just over half way towards the craft. You could cut the tension on both sides with a knife. Paul and the alien are tempted to speed things up, just to end this torment as soon as possible, but they have been given strict instructions that they must keep a steady slow pace. The last thing they want to do, is trip and fall, that in itself could create a battle, as each side would believe that the other has shot them.

  The radios blare to life, as someone reports that they have spotted something. The tension builds even more as both sides expect a shot to be fired. The commanders voice can be heard over the radios assuring everyone that they are not to fire, unless there is definite attempt by the alien's to fire upon them.

  Paul's radio draws his attention, as the commander gives him some instructions. Paul and the alien stop a moment as Paul listens then responds to the message. The commander has updated Paul, that someone has spotted an alien sniper in the entrance to the ship, it is on the left hand side. He tells Paul to keep an eye on both the alien and sniper. Paul thinks, 'I'm nervous enough, without having this to deal with.' He acknowledges the message. They start walking again towards the craft. Paul can see the fear in the alien's face. Paul wonders what he can do to reassure the alien that no harm will come to him. Apart from smiling and he recalls what happened last time he did that; he can think of nothing, that he can do. Paul turns his attention to his friend. Paul nudges him and signs that they should be close enough now that the alien should be able to hear him. He suggests that he try and reassure the alien that he is OK and that everything will be fine as long as no-one does anything silly.

  The aliens converse as the distance closes between them. The alien signs at Paul and explains to him that his fellow alien is greatly relieved to hear that Paul and his kind, mean them no harm and that like themselves, all these weapons are purely here to make sure everything goes well.

  Paul is relieved to see the fear disappear from the other alien's eyes, his body stance seems somewhat more relaxed also. They can hear that the alien is relaying the message to his friend up in the entrance. There is no reply.

  The distance between Paul, his friend and the other alien is now about 2 metres and closing. Paul signs to his friend that he is planning to shake hands with the alien, as a sign of peace. This will be seen by both sides and he hopes it will indicate to both sides that this should be the start of a lasting friendship. Paul's friend relays the message to his comrade and even demonstrates with Paul what will happen. His comrade confirms that he understands and further indicates that he agrees with this gesture of friendship.

  As they approach even closer, Paul moves to one side, so that the handshake can be clearly seen by both sides. The radio blares into life as someone asks 'what on earth is that boy doing.' There is no reply. Paul and the alien hold out hands. The alien holds out the wrong hand, but Paul copes with this, whilst the handshake is a bit awkward it is clearly a handshake and as the area that the three are standing in is floodlight, the gesture can be clearly seen by all. Paul reaches into a pocket and draws out one of the gifts that had been presented to him when he was leaving the alien planet. Paul hands it to the alien and he takes the item, turns it over in his hands and there is a sparkle in his eyes as he recognises the item. Paul says, Let the safe return of each others citizens be a sign of friendship and the exchange of gifts be the sign of continued good relations. Paul signs the content of his speech as best he can and his friend, after a few questions, translates the speech for his comrade.

  Paul turns and shakes the hand of his friend and signs that this means goodbye, he also says that he will for a long time consider him to be his friend. Paul's friend signs back that he will some day find a way to return and visit Paul.

  Paul's alien friend reaches up to his helmet and Paul hurried signs, asking the question, 'What are you doing?'

  The alien signs, back that before he leaves he must find out what this stuff coming down at them, this rain, is really like.

  Paul signs that it could be harmful to the alien as the rain will contain all sorts of organisms that could kill him. The alien replies, that it just has to feel this rain, in order to understand it. Whilst Paul understands the sentiment and would probably feel the same if he had encountered something similar on the alien's planet, he still has great concern for his friend's safety.

  The other alien is also showing concern and it sounds like it too is trying to convince his comrade that it would not be wise to remove his helmet.

  Being of strong will and having high level of curiosity, Paul's friend removes his helmet and at first the shock of feeling the unremitting rain fall upon his skin, makes him feel like putting the helmet straight back on, he persists and finds the experience quite exhilarating. He knows that if he had not done this the questions would have remained with him for the rest of his life. Meanwhile Paul and the other alien look on in shock, not believing that he had actually taken the helmet off.

  Paul's friend replaces his helmet, turns to face Paul again, holds out his hand and they shake hands. The two aliens turn and walk towards the craft. Paul remains standing there watching. Then his friend seeing that he has not moved, signs that for his safety, he should move further away. Paul obeys and the two aliens walk up the slope, disappearing into the craft. Paul, having reached, what he considers a safe distance, turns and watches as the door slides shut. There is silence for a while, then the craft's engines start up and soon the craft lifts off into the air. Paul's radio buzzes with activity as the commander informs those further afield that the mission has been successful.

  Paul hears a massive cheer from the soldiers and others upon the hill. Whilst he is glad that everything has gone according to plan, there is a tinge of sadness at the loss of his alien friends. He reflects on the fact that things have changed, from single friend to friends. He marvels at how quickly things can change, that now the peoples of the earth have friends out there in the blackness of space. Furthermore, Paul can take great pride, in the fact that this is mostly down to an eleven year old, down to himself.

  Paul thinks, 'What can a mere boy do? A lot if he puts his mind to it.'

  ~~ The End ~~

  Steve's word processor is nearly always busy working on something new, check out his website to find out what he is currently working on. There is even a podcast giving updates. You can also track what Steve is up to via twitter.com/SteveSimons.