by Kumar L
‘Like the message from you leaders, we extend our hand in friendship and hope we can work together for both our people.’
There was a thunderous noise in the hall and a shocked Anara realized this was their way of expression. One of the aides nudged her, asking her to stand up and she did so. Bowing slightly, overwhelmed with the welcome.
After the ceremony, RyHiza apologised for keeping his true identity hidden from her, as they walked around the city.
‘I needed to do that to understand your people. That would not have been possible if you knew I was the supreme leader on Kifrwss. I am very happy that we sorted out the differences. Maybe in time we will form an alliance which will be good for all our people. The Universe is a very big place. We Kifrwss’s have just taken the first steps. Our ship’s cannot hope to reach other anytime soon. The last journey with the probe was the limit of our capability.’
‘I understand, Sir,’ said Anara. ‘I wish I had not held you hostage. But you are a true statesman, much like our Prime Minister. I wish I had known more people like you.
‘We do not know when we'll meet again, Captain, but you will always have a friend here.’
‘Thank you for everything RyHiza though I wish we could see your planet from outside these suits. I hope you will make a journey to Earth soon.’
‘That may be difficult, Anara. The TrueKif’s have been brought for trial but we have not found the leaders. Their accomplices are creating trouble throughout the continent. I need to tackle this before the Discat will allow me to do anything to travel to Earth. But we can still exchange messages and maybe, one day our wish will come true,’ he said sadly.
Anara nodded wondering what the future had in store for them.
4th July, 2117
Homecoming
The team used the time on the return trip back to wind down, relax in the hospitality of the Kifrwss and catch up on much needed sleep after the excitement of many days. They landed back on Huzryss to find Antariksh and the other ships just as they had left them on the planet.
There were a lot more smiling human faces on the planet this time around. A few of the Kifrwss had accompanied them back as well. Ryan and Dr. Khan greeted Anara when they landed.
‘It’s good to have you back Captain!’
Anara smiled back. ‘I think humanity has made more progress in the last few weeks than it had in the last several generations. I finally have a penpal who lives four light years away from me!’
They all laughed quietly, the tensions of the last many days melting away in the pale sunlight.
Joe, Lucy and a few other Huzryss came forward to join them.
‘What do you plan to do now Captain Anara?’
‘First tell me about the baby, Lucy!’ She looked as radiant as a mother to be could be.
‘Everything is good! The Doctor has explained everything to me and I think I am ready,’ she said shyly.
‘All under control, Captain. I don’t foresee any complications and the baby girl will be with us in just a few months’ time!’
‘I am so relieved to hear that and so happy for you. You child will be a celebrity back on Earth!’
The Huzryss looked at each other their smiles vanishing.
‘Captain, what do you mean? What will happen to us now?’
‘I have thought this over Joe and I have taken permission from RyHiza as well. I want to offer to take all of you back to Earth with us if you so wish. If, however, you want to stay back, RyHiza is guaranteeing your safety. He asks only that for some time you stay back on Huzryss till he settles the issues back on Kifrwss.’
The Kifrwss looked relieved at this offer. A look passed through them and Joe reached out to Anara.
‘We have been discussing this also for the last few days, Captain. This is the home we know now. We have decided we will stay here. Only now, this place will be the first human colony in space,’ said Joe.
‘We respect your decision,’ replied Anara acknowledging the decision of the group.
‘But we have one request.’
‘Anything you want.’
‘We want our first child to be raised on Earth. In time she can come back to us but for now let her know the wonders of Earth and we will live through her eyes,’ said Joe, his eyes brimming with tears. ‘Please take Lucy and me with you.’
‘Of course. We have enough space on the ship and who knows maybe we will find your real family somewhere back on Earth. In fact, now that we have the profile of all of you, I am sure we will find traces of families for all of you. I’m sure in time, they will come back here to meet you.’
‘Then, I guess, this is as good a time as any to start our journey back. Come Lucy, let’s get prepared for the journey back to Earth.’
A few hours later, Antariksh was cruising away from Proxima B system with two and a quarter people extra on board under the care of Dr. Khan.
The senior crew was all in Ops preparing their respective functions for the Jump.
‘Narada, hope course is plotted. Any other issues that we see, people?’
‘No Captain. All systems go,’ reported Madhavan. ‘I will be with the Lieutenant for the first Jump, just in case.’
‘So this is the end of our first journey,’ said Anara looking with pride at the crew which had faced insurmountable odds to make the first human-alien contact in the known Universe. This was one journey no one would forget. ‘I’m looking forward to being back on Earth .. in a few weeks!’
Epilogue
The Chairman’s pod landed quietly some distance from the village. A lone figure who was waiting some distance off, walked quickly to the pod as its engines wound down.
The Chairman was the head of the largest and most powerful business house on Kifrwss. Its family wealth went back generations and the mantle had fallen on its shoulders just a few years back. It had changed the way the family business was conducted - its goal was now power not money alone.
‘Tell me what happened?’ asked the Chairman.
‘Lucy is carrying a baby,’ answered Jim. ‘It’s how humans breed. She and Joe left on the ship.’
‘Humph. The RyHiza is a fool! He should have not allowed anyone to go back. We should have sent a strong message to Earth not to mess with us. That is the way to project power. I now need to gain command to lead our people to greatness.’ said the Chairman fiercely in his typical style.
‘Yes. I understand. But you will take care of us on Huzryss? You will take us back to Kifrwss?
‘Of course and you have been wronged by RyHiza by being condemned to stay on this planet. You will be rewarded with a seat on the Discat. The first human on that seat. A human from Kifrwss, dedicated to Kifrwss and personally obligated to me. The TrueKif’s will have power!’
‘Now, did you get the details of the weapon the Earth people had placed on the planet – the thermonuclear device? It is hundred times more powerful than anything we have here and it will make our enemies shake!’
‘I have it all here,’ said Jim as he handed over the data.
‘Good. This is what we will do once our new ships are ready...’
About the Author
Kumar L. is the adopted pen name for this series of books. He is a first time author based in Bangalore, India with his wife and two daughters. A mechanical engineer by education, he has been working in manufacturing for the last 20 years. Passionate about writing and technology, he has tried to bring together this story in a simple style to be enjoyed by all readers irrespective of their background or understanding of science.
He can be reached @Captain_Anara on Twitter or on www.facebook.com/Captain-Anara-and-Antariksh-170949266764813/.
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