MORE THAN AN ECHO (Sequel to Second Coming)
Host and Guest

The exit hatch compartment was never engineered nor designed for six crew members to occupy at the same time. Zaque reaches for the unlocking mechanism. The others are all pressed in tight behind him and peering over his shoulder. The ramp has fully extended and the amber light blinks signaling that the hatch is clear for opening.

Zaque opens the hatch. The hiss of releasing air pressure causes a few of the team members to jump. He looks back at them with excited eyes, “Boo!” He steps across the threshold into a new age.

Just beyond their ship stand constructed buildings. The small square structures seem out of place in this grand chamber filled other worldly technologies. Since he can view no activity or beings in the vicinity, he begins to descend the exit ramp and says, “That’s one small step for a Shi’ann, and one giant leap to progress the path of the people.” A phrase that the wise Elder Sam had passed to the crew. Zaque remembers the aged Councilor and wishes that he could see them now.

The crew begins to follow their mission schedule and move to different areas inspecting the outside of their vessel. Originally this task was expected to be performed in pressure suits using flight packs. Since their craft is inside the atmospherically controlled environment of the Others docking bay, they can perform their inspection with ease.

Each of them replaces it difficult to focus on their task at hand. There is so much to see in this grand arena. Pleytus is the first to call out from the port side of the vessel, “If this room is this large, their rest of their vessel must be the size of a moon! Can you imagine the resources that it would take to construct such a thing as this?”

Chrystoya points to the walls and the high ceiling of the docking bay, “Those cables, are they for communication … energy? They almost look like jungle vines stretching out.”

The crew continues the chatter as they perform their inspection. All eyes are constantly scanning the room hoping to see one of the Others coming to meet them. Except for the crew, the room is still and silent. Nothing moves about. There is no sound except a slight hum, coming maybe from an engine or some type of machinery. Each wonders why the Others have not yet shown their face. What are they waiting for?

Their starship, the Garguth, was named for a mythical winged beast. In the myth the creature carried pilgrims to the home of the gods, the beings who gave light to the world. While the vessel was being constructed it seemed gigantic, but now compared to this city size room in which it sets, it appears as a child’s small toy.

With the inspection now complete all of the crew assemble in front of their vessel. Pleytus remarks with a bow, “Oh great Garguth, have you carried us to the top of the mountain? Have you brought us to the home of the gods?” He looks at the other crew members nods his head and proclaims “May we replace favor in their eyes?”

The team now moves toward the six small buildings which have been placed just a short distance from their docked space craft. Zaque leads the way, keeping the commander third in line, behind Pleytus. Mission protocol must be observed. Keep the commander safe and at the least risk at all times.

They all know that this mission demands the best performance of each crew member. They are such a great distance from their home world and do not possess the resources for a return trip. This is a one way mission. All of them are vital not only to the mission but to each of the others survival as well.

The buildings are placed in a circle, surrounding a long table equipped with seven, three legged chairs. Regnoh is the first to comment “Perhaps the Others are more like us than we have imagined. The seventh chair must be for one of them. They sit in chairs just like us.”

Zaque remarks that the six buildings, seem to be very similar in style to “what we would have back home, just not as pretty.” His statement earns a few returned smiles from the crew.

Samantha reads the scene faster than the rest of the crew. “Perhaps these constructions were made for our benefit only. They have had much time to study us and know of our ways, our needs.”

Regnoh ask “Then what of the seventh chair? Would you not say that the Others must be of a similar build and have a physique that operates in a like manner as ours?”

“I do not know Regnoh, but look around the room. The ramps and walk ways are larger than we would require. Look, over there” she points to a distant wall. “That appears to be door. It is much taller and wider than one required for beings of our stature.”

Chrystoya and Velmana are inspecting one of the buildings when a doorway that is human size, slides open. They step back quickly as Zaque moves to the front and slowly enters the apartment sized dwelling. The others wait outside. Then they hear his laughter through their garment’s communications system.

“These are our rooms indeed. It’s equipped with a bed, chairs, it even has a bathroom. Amazing!” He exits the building and begins removing his head gear.

Chrystoya objects raising her hands, “We have not yet been cleared to expose ourselves to this environment!” But it is too late. Zaque takes in a deep breathe then exhales. The Commander begins her reprimand but Zaque waves her off and enters again into the edifice. He motions for them to follow.

He points to a display on the wall. Glowing yellow letters upon a wall section that is some type of communication screen. It is in the Shi’ann language. “The Colony welcomes you. This environment is adequate to sustain your species.”

Pleytus says, “Of course they would know our language, we have sent them messages in our spoken and written language.”

Velmana winks at Samantha “Yes, in school days, we all had to memorize the famous message that someone’s grandfather sent to the Others so long ago.”

Each building is inspected by the crew who have abandoned their environmental suits. The dwelling compartments are crude and basic, but have definitely been constructed to accommodate human visitors. Sleeping and eating arrangements are present. Bathing and bathroom essentials are very similar to those used by all Shi’ann back on the Earth.

Velmana is excited about the trays of vegetable growth that are stationed on one wall. The plants are strange and alien, but she believes that they have been placed there for nutritional consumption. All agree not to consume any, until an analysis can be performed. Even Zaque agrees.

As each crew member is selecting their own dwelling, all hear a chiming sound and exit the apartments in search of the source. The noise is coming from the long table that sets in the middle of the small buildings. There are six displays on the table, each in front of a chair. The displays use the same type projection technology as the wall message. “We shall meet with you here.”

Samantha leads the way and sets at the table. The others follow her lead and take a seat. An opening appears on the table in front of each seated crew member. A container of clear liquid rises from the opening. The opening closes leaving the liquid filled containers upon the table’s surface.

Zaque says “Drinks, they’ve made us drinks.” He looks at Chrystoya who is shaking her head with a stern look on her face. Samantha holds her hand up to signal that all of them will follow protocol. Zaque laughs and shakes his head.

“So” Samantha says, “we await our host, the Colony.”

Tre’ stands at the viewing station awaiting the signal that will allow him to open the portal and enter the docking bay to meet the Thirds for the first time. Moments before, he was standing before the Overseers. He had requested an audience with them this time. He is still adjusting to the emotions that accompany this new form of existence, this new being that he is becoming. He feels nervous, apprehensive, and even uncertain. Is this fear? He sought their counsel on this matter.

The Overseers, though wiser than any other beings encountered in the Colony’s long history, do not experience emotions. They are of little help in relieving his discomfort. Tre’ attempts to explain his experience to them. They listen intently then become silent for a while. They are not capable of understanding emotions. Finally the instruction is given, “It is time for the first contact between the Colony and the Thirds.”

The Colony can trace their evolutionary lineage by millions of cycles. They began as small invertebrates on a green world. They were scattered bands of foragers, spread out across the swamp covered land. Their existence was a simple unorganized state before they evolved into a more complex form. Order manifested from chaos and the Colony arose.

There were other species throughout the ages that were in competition for the same resources as the invertebrates. Battles were fought. Natural selection chose the victors. The laws of nature prevail throughout the universe regardless of the arena.

As some species do, theirs entered into an association with another life form. It was a cooperation which evolved into a symbiotic relationship. The life form produced a fruit at the end of each of its many branches. The invertebrates consumed the fruit and discovered it to be an optimum nutrient. The invertebrate’s bio-waste was an energy that fueled the photosynthetic life form towards more intricate stages of evolution. Throughout the ages these partnering species experienced a myriad of metamorphic cycles in unison.

After many generations a balance between the two life types was achieved. Each thrived because of their partnership. This supreme sharing of energies allowed a new emergent property to enter into their world. The interaction of the two species caused them both to become hypersensitive to any received stimulation. Both species began to experience identical sensations simultaneously.

Interaction in this manner over many millennia encouraged the two species to function as one unit. This relationship gave birth to an entity which their world had never before witnessed, intelligent consciousness. This consciousness could plan and adapt to achieve the most advantage in any environment. Together they had become a self-aware being.

The Colony is more than the shells that dwell within it. It is more than the intelligent life force which grows and sustains its corridors, caverns and outer hull. It is more than a life unit inside an engineered form. It is more than a vine that reaches toward paradise. It is a reasoning being which gazes into the Cosmos and ask, “Why?”

A loud sound from across the docking bay causes all of the crew members to turn towards the noise. Metal sliding against metal, the hiss of released air and an electric hum echoes across the expansive room. A door has opened on the next level above, a bright light revealed, and the shadow of a being is displayed upon the surface of a long and wide descending ramp. The crew hold their breath as they view movement.

The shadow grows shorter as the being slowly travels down the ramp. It is walking towards them. It is bipedal and possesses a humanoid form. It is looking towards the crew, who are seated at the table. It has departed the ramp now, and is moving closer, still keeping its gaze upon them.

Regnoh stands and says, “Human? He’s a human and he looks just like one of us! How can this be?”

“Regnoh, calm yourself!” Samantha orders. To the others she says, “We should stand and greet our host.”

Samantha keeps her eyes on the approaching being as she rises. She notices more than just his human appearance, even his garments are copies of theirs. The blue flight suit seems to be tailored to his physique. He is thin but appears to be in optimum shape. His shoulders are broad. His chiseled features reveal a handsome face. He is perfect and too human she decides. Something is wrong here.

His movements are not exactly human. He seems to be light on his feet, his arms swing determinedly. It is almost a march that he performs, moving each leg in perfect precision. The commander considers that perhaps this is some type of robotic messenger.

He is almost to the table when she looks his eyes. He has stunning green eyes. They are the greenest eyes that she has ever seen. His skin tone is a creamy brown color, similar to her aunt Felitra’s. The look in his eyes is familiar. It’s as if she is gazing into the eyes of a friend whom she has not seen for many cycles. She catches herself staring too long, but cannot break her gaze.

His eyes scan the faces of each crew member. He does not smile, nor does he frown. His expression is the same as his movements, determined. It spite of his confident march, the Commander senses apprehension in this human looking being. She wonders if he is as nervous as she is.

He stops and stands at attention near the table’s vacant chair. The being offers a mechanical smile and speaks the Shi’ann language with a strange accent “My designation is Tre’. I am your servant. On behalf of the Colony I welcome you in peace with open arms.” He opens his arms to the crew.

“You honor us by speaking the greeting of our people in our own language.” Samantha says with a slight bow.

Pleytus is the first to move towards Tre’. “And we receive you in peace with open arms” Pleytus reaches to embrace his host. Tre’ performs the ritual and begins to move among them, offering the traditional Shi’ann greeting to each.

The crew members are impressed and more at ease. The Commander is cautious of their host’s motives. Though she was moved by the warm embrace from the alien. He felt so human.

Tre’ points to a vacant chair and ask “Shall we recline and communicate?”

After all are seated their host begins “Accommodations have been provided for your dwelling spaces.” He motions to the constructed compartments which surround them. “The Colony wishes that you experience comfort here.”

“Thank you Tre’. We have examined the dwellings and are impressed with your knowledge of our ways.” Samantha says. “I am...”

Tre’ speaks and finishes her sentence “...Samantha, mission commander.”

She raises an eye brow, “So you already know who we are?”

He looks directly into her eyes as he responds “I know your designations, and something of your species and your culture. I have been prepared to assist you in communication with the Colony.”

As handsome as he is in his perfect male human body, Samantha thinks that his smile is artificial. It’s as if he just learned how to make the expression. Is he giving them the expected response? She wonders if they are being deceived. It is easy to smile back at him.

Tre’ points to the drink containers, “You will replace these liquid nutrients refreshing and comparable to your customs. The Colony has studied your culture and desires to offer an environment in which you are most comfortable.”

“We are grateful for your thoughtfulness but our mission procedures require that we analyze any nutrients before we receive them.” Samantha adds, “We trust that you understand our adherence to health and safety protocol?”

Tre’ seems confused for just a moment. His eyes roam as if he is searching for a memory. He looks at the Commander and says, “Mint tea.”

“What?” Samantha sputters.

“The liquid in your container will taste like mint tea, which you enjoy.” Tre’ says with an almost honest smile. The host points at Zaque’s container and says “Red wine.” Chrystoya is told that hers is “Black bean tea.”

Turning to the Commander, Tre’ announces “The Colony’s intentions is to offer a proper greeting. We have reviewed the informatory data in your vessel’s systems and have prepared items with which you are accustomed.”

Zaque lifts his container and sniffs it. “It really does carry the fragrance of wine.”

Velmana speaks to Tre’, “It is very thoughtful of you to offer us drink and our own customary greeting. We thank you for your hospitality.” She looks at the Commander, her eyes pleading with Samantha to accept this offering.

Dozens of protocol directives pass through the Commander’s mind. She decides, nods and lifts her container in a toast. The others seated at the table lift their drinks as well. Except for Tre’, who watches the crew perform a strange ritual.

“We honor our host, the Colony. May our relationship become a friendship built upon trust.” She takes a sip. The others follow her lead.

“This is a fine lemonade indeed!” Regnoh says, smacking his lips and waving his glass.

The others all offer their gratitude to Tre’ who is pleased that they have accepted the offering.

Samantha sets down her glass and watches Tre’. He is looking from face to face at her crew as they discuss how authentic their drinks taste. Zaque mentions that he did not receive approval to consume wine while on duty. Laughter erupts from the group.

Tre’ appears surprised at the laughter. Samantha thinks perhaps he has never heard laughter before. His smile now seems more natural. He is so caught up in watching the crew that he is startled at the Commander’s question.

“Why did the Colony contact us? Why did you invite us here?” The table becomes silent as all turn their gaze to their host.

Tre’ responds “We viewed you from a great distance and desired to know you, to understand you, and to gain more knowledge and understanding of the universe, of existence. We wish to share our knowledge with you, sentient beings such as ourselves.”

Samantha says “I trust that we will not disappoint the Colony and that our meeting will be mutually beneficial.”

Chrystoya looks at her commander with an expression that seeks permission. Samantha nods her head and the physician says “We are quite surprised with your appearance. We did not expect you to be so similar to ourselves.”

“I have been designed and constructed to assist in your communication with the Colony. My shell was created to appear as one of yours to better serve our relationship.” Tre’ announces.

Regnoh speaks without seeking permission. “Your human appearance is impeccable. The Colony must be very advanced in the sciences to have performed such a feat.”

Zaque ask “So then I assume that other Colony members do not look like you?”

Tre’ responds, “They do not.”

Pleytus ask “What are they like, how do they compare to human physiology?”

Tre’ says “They are different.”

The Commander, cutting her eyes toward Pleytus, assumes control of the discussion. “Tre’ forgive us, we all have many questions. I am sure that there will be time for those later. Perhaps you should tell us what plans the Colony has for us.”

“A schedule of events has been prepared which will allow the Colony to interact and learn more of your species. This unit was designed for the primary interaction between our species. During your visit here, the Colony desires to answer any questions you have regarding our culture and science. We hope to learn more of your society, and of your understanding of existence.” Trey announces in what sounds like a prepared response. Samantha thinks that he is mechanical in his actions.

“This is exactly what we wished for Tre’. We are grateful to the Colony for being so open and benevolent.” Her own prepared response. “So, what is the next item that we need to address on our schedule?” Samantha ask.

“The Colony desires that you review your dwelling spaces. I can offer assistance regarding the operations of utilities which each dwelling is equipped. Report to me if you need any other items or accommodations.” He says with a slight smile. Though she is not sure of the sincerity of his smile, she offers one back.

“Let’s go crew. Consider your mission directives as you perform your inspection.” Samantha says as she rises from her chair and motions for the other crew members to do the same. They enter into the small apartments for a more thorough inspection.

Within a few minutes everyone has returned to the table. All report that their “dwelling spaces” are adequate. A few questions are ask, and their host replies precisely. Operation of the few utilities are now understood by all of the crew. Regnoh announces that they will be unloading some equipment from the Garguth. Tre’ did not realize that permission was being sought.

Finally Tre’ understands. “Yes, whatever you require to accommodate your stay here.”

Velmana, the crew botanist, inquiries about the vegetable trays that are stationed in each apartment. Tre’ explains that these plants are intended for consumption. She ask if the vegetation is from the Colony’s home world.

Tre’ responds “The plants were engineered for your use. We used the data from your informatory system on board your vessel to arrive at nutritional items with which you are accustomed. They were prepared for your use.” Velmana is pleased with his answer and is impressed with a species that can engineer plant life.

Tre’ stands and reaches to a side pocket of his garment. “This item has been prepared for your examination.” Tre’ offers them a thin glass like object that is the length of his hand.

Regnoh reaches for the item and begins looking it over. There are three compartments to the clear strip, each containing a tiny encased drop of liquid. Regnoh smiles as he turns it over in his hand. This must be samples of the Colony’s life form pattern.

Tre’ states “You have technology on your vessel which allows you to analyze these samples.”

Chrystoya views the glass container and answers, “Indeed, we do.”

“This is the first of many offerings of information the Colony will share with you.” Tre’ points to a compartment of the glass strip. “These each are samples of biological structures.”

Pleytus ask “Of other life forms?”

“Yes” Tre’ answers.

“Sentient? Intelligent? From where?” Pleytus ask.

Regnoh interrupts “So you have encountered other life types in the cosmos?”

“Yes” Tre’ answers, slightly confused by the multiple questions spoken at the same time. “The Colony has...encountered... multiple life types throughout our journey. Though only three of the discovered life forms are... sentient.”

Sami notices that his eyes move around as he searches for the proper words to use. A human trait. He seems to quickly review Regnoh’s words in his mind, as he prepares his response. It’s as if he just learned communication skills. She wonders how much time he was allowed to study their language. It’s not his words or his strange accent that causes her to be suspicious. His actions seem to be a shadowy portrayal of human behavior, as if he has practiced his responses. She has always been cautious of shadows.

Pleytus cannot contain his excitement and stammers “Will we be allowed to examine your data for the other life forms?”

“Yes” Tre’ even nods. Samantha thinks that he is a quick study. He can already mimic expressions and movements that he has just witnessed from the crew.

Tre’ speaks to Pleytus, “I will establish a connection with your vessel’s systems and send data from our memory chamber. It will be sent in a form that your system can...process. This data will include our acquired information of all the species that we have discovered.”

“Excellent! Thank you very much.” Pleytus then ask, “And is there any information that we can share with you, with the Colony?”

Tre’ replies “We have accessed your vessels’ system and have reviewed all data. The interactions between us will provide the Colony with more understanding of your species and culture.”

Zaque cuts a quick glance at the Commander. She too felt a concern that the Colony had examined them, their ship and information files, while they were still in stasis.

Regnoh speaks more to himself than to the others. “Three sentient life forms! I cannot wait to examine these bio-samples.” The other crew members gather around him trying to view the sample container.

Tre’ says “We shall discuss your analysis after your time of regeneration. I will depart from you now and shall return after your time of rest.”

As he stands to leave, all of the crew stand as well. Samantha says “Thank you Tre’, we look forward to future interactions with you.”

“As does the Colony.” Tre’ answers automatically. He turns his back to the crew and begins to walk away.

The crew watches in silence as Tre’ returns to the ramp from which he had arrived. As he marches forward the ramp begins to rise, lifting him to the upper level of the room. The large door from which he made his grand entrance remained opened during his visit. Once he is beyond the threshold, the door begins to close. Samantha watches Tre’ as the door is closing. He is looking back at her as well.