Wells began with a question.
“There was no audio included with this recording, but did your men report any sounds coming from the dragons?”
Swanson was already primed to answer.
“I was just getting to that. Based on their report, the dragons made no sounds at all – no hissing, growling, or barking. Even when they moved they were nearly silent, which is intriguing given their size and awkward gait. What our man did say, however, is he felt a strange sensation while the dragon looked at him. He struggled to put it into words, but described it as a ‘presence’ in his mind which faded away after the encounter was over. The other men in the group reported nothing unusual, but they were never as close to the dragon. He was convinced the creature was attempting to communicate with him, but the evidence, while suggestive, is entirely subjective.”
Wells paused to think for a moment, brushing the palm of his right hand back and forth over his bald head in a contemplative gesture.
“The evidence so far certainly implies the dragons are communicating at a level much higher than instinct. If they are unable to vocalize, they must be using a different method. Given what you just described, and even though we have never encountered it before, these creatures could well be telepathic. Evidently, stealth has played a part in their survival up to now, so being able to communicate silently would certainly have given them a distinct advantage.”
“On the other hand, they may communicate via pheromones, gestures, or some other method we have yet to observe. I understand, Ambassador, you were directly involved in learning to communicate with the Vingah when you first encountered them. I was most impressed with your methods, and would like to suggest we consider using something similar here.”
Perry lifted a finger, and Swanson nodded encouragingly to her.
“I am inclined to think you are correct about how they communicate, Dr. Wells, but given the differences in our physiology, do you think it will be possible to bridge the gap?”
Wells turned to look at her and smiled.
“If they are indeed telepaths, we have no other examples by which to compare. Whatever it is which enables them to send and read thoughts, it may have nothing to do with the physiology of the creatures they interact with. On the other hand, we may discover our thought patterns are radically different, and direct communication difficult or even impossible. Even so, I still believe two intelligent species can find a way to interact and understand each other, even if it is only on a primitive level. That, Ensign, is our goal.”
Their discussion was interrupted by an urgent knock on the door. Swanson rose and opened it to find Vice President Flynn waiting for him in the hall with a concerned look on his face.
“What is it, Sam?”
Flynn responded with some urgency.
“A large group of protestors arrived at the alpha site just moments ago. I know you just got started, but we may need you to speak to the press. On second thought, bring the team with you, but we need to leave right now.”
Swanson filled in the others as they followed Flynn through the twisted hallways of the Presidential wing and out a nondescript door on the lower level. They were greeted by a security team waiting in a strange looking overland vehicle. Once they were all aboard, the ride was surprisingly fast and smooth as they drove the short distance to the area claimed by the dragons. They approached the perimeter fence and were waved through without delay.
Nearby, a large group of people carrying signs congregated outside the fence, which was heavily guarded. The messages they proclaimed were a mixed bag. Some blamed Pacifica for interfering: Leave Our Dragons Alone! Others questioned why the area was closed off: What are You Hiding? Some signs were more blatant: Get off our Planet! or We Don’t Need You.
Kiren was glad the buoy was still on station, no doubt recording everything in detail. Some in the group were chanting slogans, while others simply marched back and forth. The media was present in full force, interviewing protestors and getting stock footage for rebroadcast later. This was the first time her team even stepped foot on the dragon’s territory, though she recognized some of the land features from the buoy recordings. What she really wanted to do was start exploring, perhaps even meet one of the dragons herself. They hadn’t even discussed the next steps, but at some point they would have to attempt direct contact.
Flynn and Swanson immediately conferred with the Lieutenant in charge of security, and after a few moments came to a decision. The vehicle was driven closer to the protestors, and the Lieutenant climbed on top so he could be seen clearly by everyone.
“This is an unauthorized gathering in a restricted area. We are asking you to disperse peacefully.”
The crowd exploded in vehement protest, with people shouting, waving, and attempting to rush the soldiers and get over the fence. In response, the security forces surrounded the entire group and began herding them back towards the city. Flynn approached a few reporters, excluding those from the Carruthers Media Group, and drew them aside for an impromptu statement. Once the noisy protestors were far enough away, he prepared to speak, making sure the First Contact team could be seen behind him.
“I will not be taking questions at this time, but I do have a short statement. While we appreciate the concern for the sand dragon’s welfare, we requested the group disperse quietly. This site, as you may know, was originally chosen as the staging area for the water project. When it was discovered to be the home of the sand dragons, it was decided to move the project to a different location. In addition, this area was cordoned off and is now guarded in order to protect the dragons, and to give us a chance to study them carefully.”
“We are confident the Saharan people will respect this. President Morales has assembled a First Contact team, made up of representatives from both Pacifica and Sahara to learn all we can about these magnificent creatures without further disrupting their way of life. When their investigation is complete, we will share their conclusions and recommendations with the public. Meanwhile, any requests for information may be channeled through my office. Thank You.”
Flynn shepherded the team towards the waiting vehicle, while the stubborn reporters shouted questions. Several soldiers intercepted the media, and began escorting them back to the edge of the city. When it became apparent they were getting ready to leave, Kiren spoke up.
“As long as we are here, may we look over the area?”
The rest of the team liked the idea as well, and Flynn saw no harm in it.
“I need to return to the city, but I will send the transport back for you in an hour. For your safety, I will have the Lieutenant send along several of his men.”
They all thanked him, and then asked Kiren where she wanted to start.
“I was thinking it might be worthwhile to examine a few of their tunnel entrances. There is one in particular their leader uses often, and I believe it is just over this rise.”
No one else had a better plan, so they began a slow walk over the uneven terrain. Several minutes later, they recognized the outpost seen in the recordings. It was well-placed on the highest outcropping, looking like nothing more than a loose pile of rock, interspersed with some scraggly patches of moss. As they neared the top, it became obvious the entire site could be seen from this vantage point in all directions. The group took turns at the summit, as there was little room to stand without falling into the tunnel entrance. It was perfect, however, for a sand dragon with large clawed feet who would be moving low to the ground.
Karol Luftis approached carefully and leaned down to sniff the cool air coming from the opening. She could detect hints of water, growing things, and perhaps dung. In addition, there was a sharp pepper-like odor, very distinct, yet not unpleasant. Did the dragons give off the scent? It seemed likely, since there were several hundred of them living in the warren of caverns below the surface. As the highest point around, this opening could also serve as part of their ventilation system; carrying away the stale air as fresh entered from
another source. She relinquished her place to allow the others to see for themselves.
The group spoke very little, and then only in hushed tones, so as not to disturb or alarm the dragons. It was assumed their presence was known, and they were being watched. It wasn’t likely they would actually see a dragon, since they only appeared above ground after nightfall. For this reason, they were all the more surprised when a dragon’s head suddenly appeared at the opening. The security detail drew their weapons and urged the team to back away quickly. Kiren, who was closest to the entrance, stumbled and fell, her hand grazing over the sharp spines on the creature’s head.
She hissed in pain, blood dripping from the deep scratches on her palm. The dragon drew in several deep huffing breaths, and then crawled out of the entrance. Kiren appeared to be dazed, and remained seated on the ground as the dragon approached her slowly. Judging by the unique color patterns of its scales, it was the same one they deemed the leader. The rest of the group backed away, hoping to convince the creature they were not a threat.
Kiren was not feeling quite right, but there was also a strange stirring in her mind which she could not identify. There was an overwhelming sense the dragon was not going to harm her, though she didn’t know where the assurance was coming from. The dragon stretched out one of it’s massive paws, and began to lick it with his long brown tongue. It paused, looked directly at her, and then did it again. When it began to shuffle even closer to Kiren, Andre stepped towards forward, intending to pull her to safety. She looked at him and shook her head.
“No. He’s not going to hurt me.”
Though she was getting very sleepy, she finally understood the dragon wanted to see her injury. Without fear or hesitation, she extended her open hand towards him.
The creature inhaled deeply and then began licking the blood from her injured palm. In moments, the bleeding stopped and the cuts appeared to be rapidly closing. Kiren looked at it, confused, and then promptly slumped back in a dead faint. The dragon backed away towards the tunnel opening as Andre Swanson moved in quickly to gather her in his arms. As he turned to go, he nodded to the dragon.
“Thank you. I hope we meet again soon.”
The agile creature thumped his heavy tail against the ground twice, and slipped silently into the tunnel as the group of humans hurried back to the fence line. By the time they arrived, the overhead buoy was instructed to whisk Andre and Kiren directly to sickbay aboard Expedition.
####
Sh’zul alerted his people, and then moved quickly towards their meeting place – a huge open cavern, deep below the surface. The caves and tunnels which made up their habitat maintained a steady temperature and the thick phosphorescent moss growing overhead and along the walls provided illumination. The Rxyl could see quite well in the dark, but they preferred their living spaces to be well-lit. Sh’zul knew every nook and cranny of their home, not only by sight, but by scent as well. Most of the adults were already gathered to hear what happened on the surface, curious to know if he gleaned any new information.
He made his way to the center of the meeting place, while those assembled raised their heavy tails in the air as a sign of respect. As soon as Sh’zul reached the center of the cavern, he took his place on top of the large flat stone which was reserved only for him. The power of Sh’zul’s mental voice was strong enough to penetrate through solid rock and distance, so even those who were not present would be able to hear his thoughts.
I have touched the mind of a pale one. A link has been established, and it grows stronger. Soon, the one known as “Kiren” will return, and it will know us. It will tell us why they have come and what they want. We must watch for it, and be ready.
####
Kiren floated slowly towards consciousness, struggling to reach the surface as though she were swimming through a thick warm soup. She was laying on her back, a soft pillow under her head, and could hear hushed voices murmuring in the background. Obviously, she was no longer at the alpha site, and though she was not in any pain, her mind was...overflowing, for want of a better word. Wherever her body might be, her mind was also somewhere else; somewhere cool, subdued and smelling of earth.
Kiren.
Who was calling her name?
Kiren, return to us.
Her ears did not register the sound, but she was ‘hearing’ it just the same.
Kiren. We are linked. I am Sh’zul.
An image of the sand dragon leader came to the forefront of her mind.
We are the Rxyl. Return to us.
With a gasp, Kiren’s eyes flew open, and she found herself in the sickbay. Dr. Oren Mayfield, the chief medical officer aboard Expedition, stood next to the bed. Someone was holding her left hand, and when she turned, Andre was smiling at her.
“Welcome back. How do you feel?”
She gathered her energy and moved to sit up, only managing to make it halfway before strong arms held her upright and then leaned her back against the now-raised head of the bed. She was still in her dust covered uniform, and though a little light headed, seemed to be in one piece. With a cough to clear her throat, she finally spoke.
“A little dizzy, but okay I think.”
The memories flooded back of her fall and the blood, and the dragon coming closer...her hand! She lifted it and saw the palm was completely healed. There was nothing but smooth clear skin, which was impossible! She felt the skin tear, she saw the blood dripping onto the dusty ground...and then the dragon licked her wound. Afterwards, she remembered nothing except the strange dream right before she woke.
Dr. Mayfield offered her a glass of water before running a hand held scanner over her from head to toe.
“How is she, Doctor?”
The voice belonged to Rear Admiral Arlington, who, Kiren noticed, just entered the sick bay. The doctor shook his head and answered the question with a wry smile on his face.
“Except for the unidentified substances in her blood, and the unusual brain activity, I would say she’s perfectly healthy.”
Mayfield turned to face Kiren.
“Ambassador Swanson has already explained what happened, Kiren, and we have viewed the recording from the buoy - but can you tell me what you remember?”
She closed her eyes for a moment to gather her thoughts.
“When Sh’zul appeared at the opening, it startled me and I lost my balance and fell. On the way down, I sliced my hand against the spines on his head. I remember it hurt, and the blood was dripping onto the ground. Then Sh’zul showed me he could help, so I held my hand out to him and he licked off the blood. When I looked at it, it was already healing...and then I must have passed out.”
With a nod from the doctor, Andre stepped into the conversation.
“Kiren, do you remember how you felt after you were injured? You seemed to be in a daze and were very focused on the sand dragon.”
Kiren shook her head.
“They are called Rxyl, and his name is Sh’zul. I recall feeling very sleepy and the cuts on my hand were hot and prickly. More, though, I could feel him in my mind. Not words so much, as an overall impression he wanted to help me, and I didn’t need to be afraid of him. What happened after I fainted?”
Swanson’s eyes flicked between Arlington and the doctor before resting once again on Kiren.
“The dragon...um, Sh’zul, went back underground and the buoy transported us directly here. That was three hours ago, Kiren. How...how do you know what they are called?”
She shrugged, a small smile on her tired face.
“He told me just before I woke up.”
Mayfield’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, while Arlington and Swanson looked at each other with concern. The doctor pulled a low stool up to the side of the bed and sat down.
“Are you in contact with the creatures? Are they speaking to you?”
Kiren knew how it would sound to them, but she was not one to prevaricate.
“Yes, Doctor, I believe Sh’zul is speaking directly to my mind. Wha
tever took place down there must have changed something. After the accident, it felt as though Sh’zul was trying to ‘talk’ to me, but I could only grasp general impressions. Just before I woke up, he was speaking to me in words I could understand.”
“I thought I was dreaming, but having been awake for a while, I’m sure it wasn’t a dream at all. He knew my name, then he told me they were the Rxyl and his name was Sh’zul. He said I was linked with him and he wanted me to return. I think Dr. Wells theory about them being telepathic must be true. It’s the only thing which explains what is going on.”
Arlington took a step closer to the bed, attracting Kiren’s attention.
“You must understand, Kiren, while you may be correct, we have no way to confirm what you are saying. We would very much like to believe you, but the brain is a complicated organ, and we don’t yet fully understand what the tests have discovered in your body. I’ll let Dr. Mayfield explain it to you.”
They all turned to face the doctor and waited while he activated a nearby viewscreen. The image revealed side by side brain scans, one of them smeared with several areas of deep blue, and obviously different from the other.
“While you were unconscious, I performed a thorough exam and found two things. The scan on the right was taken when you joined the ships’ company. The one on the left was taken shortly after you were brought to sickbay. There are three key areas of the brain associated with speech, language processing, and word-image association. In the image on the left, the blue areas show all three of them in your brain are hyper active, meaning something has stimulated them beyond their normal activity level.”
Odyssey (Galactic Neighborhood Book 2) Page 8
