Trouble in Orion's Belt; A Stellar Journey
Chapter 5: The Earthen Mound

Richard resumed the task of measuring and plotting the building complex with Dave. He drew a rough diagram for Dave to look over. He went over the details in his mind then looked over the myriad of curved walls that obscured the landscape at terraced levels and determined that this may not be a structure used as living spaces.

The layout suggested that it may have been designed for either storage or possibly some kind of industrial purpose. But the next burning question in his mind was; ‘what?’ What could have been the reasoning behind such a complex structure? He also bore in mind that he had originally assumed that the structures were ruins when in fact they were not.

He decided that his next logical step would be to go to the highest point and get a perspective of the massive structure to get a better understanding of its purpose. He motioned for Dave to accompany him to the uppermost lever helping him with a camera and other recording devices.

They found themselves on the uppermost tier looking out in utter amazement at the complexity of the design. Richard noticed for the first time the rectangular cells that permeated the huge structure and were uniformly consistent to the horizon. He also noticed that the wall behind him overlooked a vast space enclosed by the structure.

Clotho was exceptionally bright that evening giving him an almost perfect vantage point. In fact the cells were so consistent throughout the structure that he readily determined a relative importance to them.

“Dave,” he finally said. “I want to go down into one of those cells to study them closer. There must be something in them that will give us a clue to the reason of their existence?”

“There are some hoisting devices in the storage bins of the plane but it will take most of the night getting them here and then set them into position; not to mention the lights we will need.”

“Well, I guess if we are to proceed with our work we should get that task underway immediately.”

Dave being Richard’s loyal friend and working companion proceeded to do just that.

The two men worked expediently throughout the night. They retrieved the necessary equipment from the plane and labor intensively set it at the proposed site. And as Atropos oozed its way up over the horizon they had moved all of the apposite equipment into their prospective positions.

“Well,” Dave said, “that’s everything but the spotlights and the digital lasers.”

“I think we can cover the equipment and return to the dome. We will bring Jul and Brad with us to help with the hoisting equipment.”

About an hour later Dave had landed the aircraft and noticed that the carryall hadn’t arrived yet. It wasn’t surprising considering the precipitate nature of their arrival. Richard, why don’t you go in ahead of me while I go through the other plane? I haven’t had time to go over it yet and this seems to be a good time.”

Richard looked at his chronometer and over at the smaller aircraft. “You’re right this is a good time to do that so go ahead and do what you have to do then meet me back in the dome.”

Dave went to the craft immediately and began studying it. It was however unremarkable as opposed to the other. Its outward appearance was that of a helicopter that could accommodate no mare than three people, including the pilot at any given time. He thought for a moment that he would suggest using it instead of the hoisting device but then thought better of it. Richard had mentioned earlier that he planned to bring Jul and Brad along. This plane he thought may have been intended for emergencies observing its agility and possible speed; yet lack of cargo space. He was satisfied with the outside of the vehicle so he climbed aboard to examine the controls. There is nothing unusual he mused, unlike the multipurpose craft he had been using. He made several quick notes in his electro pad and abandoned his research.

Later Richard and Dave were sitting discussing plans for later that day when Simon and his crew rambled through the door.

“Richard we have some interesting things to show you,” Simon said exuberantly. “We’ve definitely found something that’s significant.”

“Significant is a close enough word,” Brad said replaceing his way over to the conference table.”

“Hi dad,” Jul said taking a seat next to him while Brad scanned through his notepad.

Brad held up the notepad then handed it to Richard. “What you are looking at,” Brad said indicating the series of images he had taken at the jobsite, “are pictures of markings on the ground; though these markings are consistent and easily distinguished in their shape they vary in size and appear at random yet are evenly spaced.”

“They look like checkmarks imbedded on the ground,” Richard remarked.

“Yes they do,” Brad agreed, “but they resemble footprints in an abstract way. I believe they had to have been made by creatures of significant size and weight. If you scroll to the second page you’ll see the caption of how I determined that these particular sets of prints were made by a creature that is over eight feet tall.”

“Hmmm?” Richard thought for a moment. “How accurate are these determinations; meaning in what variant degrees are they?”

“That’s a good point you’re making, Richard. And not knowing the ‘G’ factor of this planet it makes it difficult but rough estimations allow me to believe that this creature is no less than eight feet in height and no more than ten.”

“So you are saying that we are dealing with a creature that is significantly larger and consequently stronger than we are?”

“Yes I’m saying that, but taking the consideration that these are intelligent creatures and we see no outward aggressions towards us I will also say that we are in no considerable danger.”

“That is assuming of course that they’ve actually noticed we’re here,” Richard noted.

“Oh they know we’re here alright,” Simon demanded.

“Oh have you seen evidence that they’ve detected our presence?”

“Not much, but some, and it will stand to reason that you don’t have to see a ‘skunk’ to know there is one in the area,” Simon responded.”

“The evidence is limited yet distinct,” Jean added, “that we have made some changes in their environment with the specimens we’ve gathered.” He showed Richard the photos of the area from where the moss specimens taken. “There were a number of these prints in this area,” he stood pointing to an area outside the frame of the photo. “Also there are some scratches on the surface that indicate they have been concerned over the disturbance.”

“I see,” Richard responded taking a deep breath while going into deep thought. “But you say there are no signs that indicate that they are disturbed by our presence.”

“Not that we can readily determine,” Simon agreed, “but these creatures; whatever they are; aren’t human.”

“There is a point to be made and taken on that note,” Brad said. But it has been my experience that aggression is aggression and there is no sign of that.”

“That’s true,” Jean said, “but at this point we should go forward in caution.”

“I think we should all agree on that point,” Richard said in solidarity. “Okay Simon and Jean; do you two want to continue without Jul and Brad?”

“I don’t see why not,” Simon responded. “We’ve found some interesting channels in the earthen mound that require a bit more study.”

“Channels?” Richard mused. “Do you mean conduits of some sort?”

“I suppose one could view them as such but they look like passageways and access ports to me.”

Jean brought the screen of his electro-note to the photos of the so-called channels. “They are not readily noticeable because of the odd shape of the mound and at eye level they blend in appearing to be pock marks in the side but as you walk along the outside wall they emerge in front of you.”

“You mean like an optical illusion?” Richard asked.

“Yes they form an optical illusion from a distance,” Jean said.

“Hmmm; do you think the creatures intended to cover up the entrances?”

“Oh, not at all; I thought that at first but now I’m convinced that it was a product of the design. I don’t belief aesthetics had any bearing behind the motivations of the construction. I believe it was designed for a specific purpose.”

Richard stroked his chin in deep thought

“Okay, Brad you’re the Biologist; what kind of creature are we dealing with hear?”

Brad’s eyes widened for a moment for being drawn into the conversation.

“Well it’s hard to tell at this point and until we acquire more data I can only make out a sketchy theory.”

“Okay, Brad tell us about it,” Richard urged.

“Well, I’m not an Entomologist but I’d say we may be dealing with a high order of insect or something similar.”

“Hmmm? Why an insect; what are the indicators?”

“Well, the configuration of the ‘footprints’ though they do not conclusively resemble insect tracks. And the way the buildings are laid out are relatively similar to some insect dwellings, but remember I’m only making comparisons not conclusions.”

“I understand.

“Okay, tonight we’re going to bring our reflective suits and other survival gear along with extra food,” Richard surged. “We are getting into a little more complicated area of our project and it will be more difficult to determine the amount of time needed to complete our tasks. And Jul and Brad will accompany Dave and I. We’re in our second week already.”

The group disassembled and dispersed out of the room.

Jean met Julia in one of the hallways leading to the other rooms with Julia tugging at his arm as he tried to walk passed.

“Halte-là, Jean,” Julia commanded. “Vous avez une leçon d’allemand à remplir. Mais, d’abord nous avons une affaire personnelle à régler,” she pulled him close to kiss him. He kissed her back with equal passion.

They broke their embrace and headlong toward Julia’s quarters. Once inside Julia unbuttoned his shirt then gazed upon his muscular form. She was transfixed for a moment at the smooth dark color of his skin which had a natural aroma that stimulated her arousal. He brushed her hair aside and caressed her cheek. He moved the back of his hand down her neck until her reached the top button of her blouse. He flicked the button open which revealed the twin flesh mounds there. He then worked his way down until the last button was released. The two mounds pushed up from a white lace bra that he reached around the back and unfastened it.

The bra dropped revealing the two erect nipples centered in perfectly round light brown areola. He lightly grasped her ribs with his large dark hands and gently pulled her to him and kissed her,

He caressed her left nipple with his right hand and she began to moan. He worked his hands down around her waist and tugged at her pants; they gave little resistance as they moved downward. He then caressed her vagina rhythmically and slowly until he felt the juice flow then slowly inserted a finger. He worked it in and out for a moment then caressed her clitoris with his thumb.

They broke their kiss while he moved his mouth down the side of her neck and then onto a nipple. The nipple stiffened and then jutted out like the top of a thumb. Jean then moved his way down sucking skin as he went. He hesitated a moment at the naval then sucked the top of her pubic area. His tongue voluntarily stiffened and he lashed out at the clitoris with vigor causing her to moan.

He then removed his pants and revealed his erection. She laid back and thrust her pelvis upward and he gazed momentarily at the open vagina. The sight and the scent stimulated his already aroused state. He leaned further onto his knees guiding the phallus to its appointed destination. He applied pressure and her vagina pushed upward he slowly pushed to complete penetration.

He paused for a moment to gaze into her beautiful brown eyes. He began thrusting and she echoed his movements with rhythmic pelvic movements. He continued his motion until she erupted in tumultuous and wet orgasm. He returned with an explosion of his own.

He backed off panting and lying at her side. She laid there still recovering from the event; and then she spoke.

“Jean? Wohin gehen wir? Ich verstehe nicht, meine Gefühle zu diesem Zeitpunkt. Als mein Mann gestorben, und ich hatte nicht die Absicht, den Erwerb einer Geliebten,” she said in impeccable German.

“Je suis désolé, si vous parlez français je peux mieux vous comprendre mon allemand n’est pas encore au point. Vous avez dit quelque chose quand votre mari est mort?” he responded in French.

“Okay, je vais parler français, mais rappelle que nous sommes ici pour apprendre l’allemand. Je disais que je ne comprends pas mes sentiments et je n’avais aucune intention d’acquérir un amant après que mon mari est mort”

“Oui, je comprends tout à fait. Je ne peux pas remplacer votre mari, mais je peux vous montrer l’amour. Mais vous devez aussi comprendre que vous gardiez interrompre lorsque j’essaie d’apprendre la langue.”

“Je suis désolé, il est juste que vous êtes si masculin quand vous me regardez avec vos yeux faim, je perds mon contrôle de soi et il me fait peur un peu,” she heartfully admitted.

“Je serai heureux de s’abstenir de faire l’amour si ça vous gêne chères, mais vous devez finir ce que vous avez commencé et enseigne-moi la langue allemande.”

“Je ne suis confus, je serai heureux de vous enseigner l’allemand. I n’est pas votre faute, je n’arrête pas de faire l’amour avec vous, mais j’ai pensé qu’il était important de communiquer mes sentiments.”

“Ja, ich verstehe, und ich werde auch weiter bemühen, die Sprache zu lernen und make love to you,” he responded in not so perfect German.