by J G Possum
“Yes, Commander,” Andy replied.
Lance said, “Andy, you shall address me as Captain.”
Andy replied, “Affirmative, Captain.”
Walter stood next to Lance. “Shall I prepare a drone, Captain?”
Lance replied, “Affirmative, Walt, as soon as you can get it ready.”
Andy went with Walter to Deck One to help set up the drone for launch. He returned within thirty minutes to the command center on Deck Three and stated, “On your command, Captain, Drone A-1 is ready for launch.”
“Thank you, Andy, “Lance replied. “You have permission to launch.”
Andy pressed a button on the main console. The green launch light identified as Drone A-1 came on. On Deck One, a panel slid open on the forward edge of the ship just above the reinforced shield, and Drone A-1 slipped into space and headed out of orbit down through the atmosphere toward Tara.
Lance watched the main navigation screen, as Andy remotely flew Drone A-1 toward Tara’s surface. Only clouds could be seen. Finally, the clouds gave way and the surface outlines became visible. It looked a lot like Earth. There were two distinct continents that appeared to span its equator with an ocean between them that extended to its outer poles. Lance leaned close to Andy. “Can you increase the magnification?”
Andy replied, “Increasing to maximum, Captain,” as he adjusted the controls.
It was a bright day and visibility was improving with time. A-1 flew closer to the surface. Mountains and valleys showed up--also rivers and lakes. The surface was green with various shades of tan and brown. The area near the equator was dark green. The ocean was a dark blue and covered most of the planet. Time passed, and A-1 traveled across the water over to the dark side of the planet as the screen turned black. Most of the operations crew watched the screen. They could not take their eyes off of it. A-1 continued its flight over the dark surface.
Lance exclaimed, “Was that a light I just saw, like a flash?”
Andy replied, “I thought I saw a light, but I can’t be sure, Captain.”
They monitored the observation screen for the next four hours. Nothing changed. A-1 continued to scan the planet’s surface. Two more hours passed. The surface resembled a young Earth. There was no evidence that indicated asteroid craters or catastrophic surface damage. There was evidence of volcanic expansion and some high mountain ranges.
Andy exclamed, “Captain, I detect evidence of civilization. There are lights indicating a city with large areas of possible wilderness throughout the surface, and our sensors indicate various sound levels.”
Lance said, “Aqua, transmit friendly message as preprogrammed, on all frequencies.”
Aqua answered, “Affirmative, Captain. Transmitting message: We Are Here in Peace.”
The message was transmitted in five known universal languages, using simulated digital sound bites and video signals, every five minutes. Excitement in the control center permeated the room. How would the message be received? Would they answer? What would they look like? Would they be friendly or hostile? Would the crew be able to land the ship? Would they understand the message?
The palace was in the center of the city. Tron entered the rotunda area and announced, “Leader, I must inform you that we have located a large vessel in orbit around our planet. We have been monitoring it for several time segments. We are also tracking an aircraft, flying high over our city. We have received a message, that we have interpreted, we believe is asking for peace. It may be a trick.”
Zor got up from his chair. Tron could see he was visibly concerned. Zor was a small man, about five feet tall, with delicate features. He was extremely intelligent. He thought, Is it happening all over again? We must be extremely alert. Zor moved to the round table in the center of the room. “Understood, Tron,” he replied. “Notify my council at once.”
“As you say, Leader,” Tron replied, as he left the rotunda. Tron was Zor’s second in command, assigned to protect and assist Zor, who was the leader of the Eron Nation.
Zor’s council arrived at the palace as requested. They consisted of three slightly taller individuals, all wearing hooded capes, each a different color. They were the Eron’s wisemen and had established the laws that governed their society. They were considered the most intelligent of their race. Zor consulted with them on all important matters, and their opinion was highly regarded.
Zor gathered his council around the large table and stated, “I believe you are aware of our situation. We must be extremely careful. We cannot make the same mistakes of the past. What say you?” They looked at each other in silence, communicating telepathically; finally one of them replied, “Leader, we must respond to the message, without commitment, we must learn more about who they are, in order to understand their intentions.”
Zor replied, “Prepare a message, for my review.”
On board the Aquarius, Lance was watching the screen as A-1 continued scanning Tara’s surface. The operations crew were on high alert. Lance wondered whether the beings on this planet understood the message-- and if they did, would they bother to respond? He must be prepared for anything that could happen. If he had to leave orbit, where would they go? This ship was not designed to travel from planet to planet. He thought, They have to respond. I must make peace. We must land the ship.
Chapter Four
Zor was in his favorite lounge chair located in the central palace.
Andy said, “Captain, we are receiving a message from Tara.”
Aqua announced, “Incoming message, Captain. THIS IS ZOR, LEADER OF THE ERON NATION, WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?”
Lance said, “Aqua, what does the atmosphere of Tara consist of?”
Aqua replied. “74.8% nitrogen, 24.5% oxygen, and 0.7% various gases, similar to that of planet Earth.”
Lance turned to Andy and said, “Has Aqua analyzed the message and determined its carrier frequency and origin so we can continue to communicate?”
Andy answered, “Yes, Captain.”
After careful consideration, Lance said, “Aqua, transmit the following message: ATTENTION, ZOR, THIS IS CAPTAIN ROBERTS OF THE SPACESHIP AQUARIUS. WE ARE FROM EARTH, THE THIRD PLANET IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM, LOCATED IN THE MILKY WAY GALAXY. WE WISH TO MEET WITH YOU AND DISCUSS MUTUAL BENEFITS. WE ARE PEACEFUL PEOPLE AND WISH YOU NO HARM.”
Aqua replied, “Message transmitted as directed, Captain.”
Zor listened to the message and turned to his council for advice. The three council members consulted with each other. “Leader, we must establish visual communication and observe who they are.”
Zor agreed. “Let it be done.”
Tron announced, “We are tracking their ship, Leader, and are prepared to defend ourselves.”
Zor replied, “We must be careful not to show we are concerned, and we must not project weakness. Have General Urgon come to the palace at once.”
On board the Aquarius, Lance conferred with Andy and Walter. He was concerned with what kind of people the Eron were. He thought, I need to set a meeting without seeming too anxious.
Andy announced, “Incoming message, Captain.”
“This is Zor, Leader of the Eron Nation. We wish to establish visual communication in order to continue discussions. Do you agree?”
Lance thought, This is exactly what I want. He looked at Andy and said, “Set up a com link.”
Andy adjusted the transmitter and replied, “Com link established, Captain.”
Lance pressed the transmitter button and said, “This is Captain Roberts of the spaceship Aquarius. We agree to visual communication, transmit on same frequency.”
The ship’s communication screen changed channels and switched from Drone A-1 scanners to communications video. The entire operations crew watched with anticipation. The communications screen flickered a few times then cleared up. The face of Zor, with three robed individuals next to him, materialized on the screen.
They were pleasant-looking people with slightly larger heads than humans’. They l
ooked straight ahead, with no noticeable expression. Zor, the leader, looked like an intelligent older man, with large dark eyes. The three others looked somewhat alike. Zor said in a soft, steady voice, “Captain Roberts, we see you now. Greetings from the Eron Nation. What do you want?”
Lance replied, “Greetings to Zor and the Eron Nation. We want peace and would like to have a meeting with you to discuss future cooperation between our people that can benefit us all.”
Zor and his council looked around at each other, and after a long pause, Zor answered, “We must consider this. We will contact you when we have an answer. That is all.” The screen returned to white standby status.
Lance said, “Well, how did that go?”
Aqua was maintaining orbit, so the crew could engage in discussion about Tara. Lance, Ashley, Walter, Lois, Frank, and Terry were seated in the operations lounge. Andy monitored the operation console. It was agreed the Eron people looked friendly.
Walter said, “The Erons are hard to read.”
Lois said, “What should we do if they don’t want to meet?”
Lance remarked, “That’s not an option. We will find a way. We must land the ship at all costs.”
After discussion, it was agreed that no matter what Zor had to say, the ship must land on Tara. Lance said, “We must engage in dialog until we have some kind of agreement, even if it’s temporary. From what we know, there is more than enough land for everyone to live in peace.”
Frank said, “They need assurance we mean what we say; we need their trust.”
After two hours, Andy announced, “Incoming signal, Captain.”
Zor appeared on the communication screen. “Greetings, Earth people. We have agreed to your visit. We’ll assume you have an aircraft for transportation. You shall enter our atmosphere in four time segments.
We will track your vessel and escort you to an airfield near Eron City, where you may land your craft. Do not bring more than four visitors. We will maintain a communications link and escort you when you enter our air space. We will meet in our palace. That is all.”
Lance faced the screen and said, “We appreciate your generosity and look forward to our visit. That is all.” The screen went blank. Lance said, “Aqua, explain time segments.”
Aqua replied, “Time is divided into ten segments of light and ten segments of dark. On Tara, one day equals twenty time segments. This equals twenty Earth hours. The days are a little shorter than on earth.”
Lance turned toward his crew and said, “Walter, you, Andy, Frank, and myself will make up the visiting team. Ashley, you will command the ship. Andy, return Drone A-1 and assist Walter with configuring the shuttle.”
He turned back toward the main console and announced, “Aqua, link our shuttle with the navigation program necessary to land on Tara and intercept the Eron craft. Inform me when to leave orbit in four time segments from the last transmission.”
Aqua replied, “Acknowledged, Captain. Departure time at 0800.”
Lance said to the team, “Prepare for the unexpected. Carry your personnel weapons and com phones. I’ll meet you in the shuttle air lock at 0745.”
Lance was concerned that they could be falling into a trap.
Zor sat at the round council table. His council and his general were present, as well as his security staff. Zor announced, “Intercept their craft as soon as it enters our air space. From the appearance of their captain, and what we have seen of their crew, they look similar to us. I believe they are a friendly people; however, we must be prepared. We have been fooled before.”
“Never again,” General Urgon announced. “We are prepared, Leader. We have been tracking them from the time they entered our space. We were also tracking the small observation craft, but it returned to their ship. Our scanners indicate that their ship is not designed for war.”
“Very well,” Zor replied. “That’s good to know. Direct their aircraft to airfield ‘A,’ where they shall land and be escorted to the palace. We shall meet our visitors in the rotunda at the round table.”
Lance called Ashley aside and said, “Honey, I don’t expect trouble; however, we will be ready. I’ll contact you. If we are attacked, our chance of returning to the ship will be slim, in which case you may need to take the Aquarius out of orbit until you can evaluate the circumstances and devise a plan. We knew this would be difficult, but I believe the Eron are a peaceful race, and I will do my best to negotiate an agreement between us.”
Ashley kissed him and said, “Lance, I believe in you. Come back to me. I’ll wait to hear from you. Please be safe.”
Lance said, “Aqua, maintain a stable orbit. Captain Ashley is in command.”
He turned and took the lift to Deck One and entered the air lock. His team was already in their space suits. Lance climbed into his suit and entered the shuttle. They strapped themselves into position, and Andy took the controls. At 0800 they closed the airlock, opened the outer hatch, and slipped into space. Andy maneuvered the shuttle into position for re-entry and dropped out of orbit. The shuttle entered Tara’s atmosphere and headed for the planet’s surface. The forward window shields lowered, and the clouds cleared, revealing Tara’s vast ocean. Andy leveled off and flew over a large expanse of dark blue water.
Almost immediately, three Eron aircraft flew alongside. They were surprised at how fast they were located and intercepted. The face of an Eron pilot appeared on the shuttle screen and announced, “Follow me.”
Andy replied, “Understood.”
They flew low over the water and approached a land mass. On the horizon, the outline of a modern city could be seen. Most of the buildings had dome-shaped construction. As they approached, a large domed silver building appeared in the center of the city. Next to it were several buildings and what looked like a landing field.
The forward Eron craft banked to the left, slowed down, and landed near an open pad. Andy followed him and landed the shuttle. The screen lit up and the Eron pilot said, “We have arrived. You will be escorted to the palace.”
Lance said, “Gentlemen, so far so good.” The shuttle hatch opened and the Aquarius visiting team stood on a new world. Lance smiled. They took their helmets off and smelled the warm air. It was fresh and clean.
The sun was bright, and the sky was blue, with a few white clouds. It looked a lot like Earth, but newer. There were mountains in the distance, and a lot of green foliage everywhere. It was beautiful. The Eron escorts approached them. Lance and his team stood at attention, with helmets in hand. The Eron were small people. They wore white uniforms.
Frank said, “Captain, they are armed.”
Lance looked straight ahead and nodded. There were six escorts. One had a star on the shoulder of his uniform. He addressed Lance. “You and your people must remove your weapons. I will take them now.”
Lance replied, “Not so fast. We reserve the right to self-protection.”
The Eron said, “We are a peaceful race. You and your people will not be harmed. You will be under our protection.”
Lance reluctantly handed him his weapon and motioned to his team to do the same. Lance said, “You are responsible for our safety and the safety of your people as well.”
The soldier replied, “Do not be concerned; no one will be harmed.”
The team and the escorts boarded a transportation vehicle and were driven through a part of the city. The dome-shaped buildings were ultra- modern in design. The Eron people watched as they drove along. The people were smaller than humans, bald, had slightly larger heads, clear tan skin and fair features. They wore loose-fitting robes of various colors. Some wore hoods, probably to protect them from the sun. They appeared very interested in what was happening around them. The transport turned onto a wide avenue, and a large silver dome came into view. The driver remarked, “That is our palace.” They pulled up in front of what appeared to be an ornate entrance and came to a stop. They exited the transport and waited for directions. Several armed guards flanked the entrance. The
escorts lined up on both sides of the team and motioned them to enter the building.
Inside the palace, they were greeted by another group of individuals, who were wearing beautiful robes made of fine cloth having elaborate decorations. Guards were posted.
They entered an area that had round sides with a high glass dome in the center. In the middle of the room was a large round table. The team was shown where to sit. Seated at the table was Zor with three taller Eron dressed in royal blue hooded robes. The walls surrounding them were engraved with gold-colored metal, and silver emblems having intricate shapes. Lance looked at his team. He could see they were fascinated. Across the table, on the right side of Zor, was a uniformed individual who was highly decorated. He appeared older and important. Lance assumed he was probably military.
The Eron were glancing back and forth between themselves. Zor raised his hand, and immediately the room became quiet.
He said, “Earth people, we welcome you with caution. We know and can speak your language. We can communicate with you. We are a peaceful people, that I will tell you.” Lance and his team listened intently.
Zor stood up and said, “I am the leader of the Eron Nation. This is our government. Turning to his right, he gestured toward the three individuals in blue robes. “This is my council.” He then turned to his left and said, “This is Tron, my second in command, and this is General Urgon.
“We arrived here over five hundred years ago. We came from a distant planet we call Erona, which is also located in what you call The Milky Way. We know of your planet Earth. Our planet was dying and many of the inhabitants hated us because we were the intelligent ones. Life for our race was difficult and was becoming increasingly unbearable. Something had to be done, or we would be extinct. We were persecuted and sometimes killed on sight.
“With time we located this planet, and after years of secret planning, managed to obtain a spaceship, gather one thousand of our people, and make the long voyage. We survived and prospered over the years. We constructed our city, as you have seen, expanded and lived peacefully for almost four hundred of your years. One dreaded morning, a large alien spaceship entered our air space.
