Chara and the Planet

Chapter No. 38

Chapter No.38.

The Avenger dropped out of warp three million miles away from an Earth-like habitable planet orbiting a G2V main sequence dwarf star, much the same as the Sun. The alien solar system had five other planets, all but one of them were gas giants orbiting out beyond the habitable zone.

"The planet has an atmosphere with oxygen," Alma reported. "Its bolometric temperature is similar to Earth's."

"If that's the case, this is a planetary scientist's prize system," Ryan said.

"The question is, is anyone home?" Myra said.

"I am approaching the planet in full cloak," Chara said. "This could be a Space Command trap."

"Hopefully, we've solved the tracing problem," Ryan said. "They shouldn't be able to locate us."

As they approached the planet, it's image on the main screen grew to exhibit a blue ocean planet like Earth. The land masses were only twenty-five percent of the planet's surface, but they had mountains, an indication of volcanic activity. There were many more islands distributed on the surface.

"I am detecting what appears to be structures on the main continent," Myra said. "They don't appear to be massive."

Everyone's eyes were captured by her telescopic images of the surface. What they saw was reminiscent of Earth's bygone farming communities.

"Interesting," Ryan reacted. "They look like the work of humans."

"How the hell did humans get all the way out here?" Evan asked.

"Good question. First we have to verify that this is the result of human activity."

When Chara inserted the Avenger into orbit, it became more obvious that there was movement that would indicate human activity. Close telescopic views showed that the living creatures on the surface resembled humans, but it was also obvious that they were living rather primitive lives.

"Are we going to go down there?" Myra asked.

Ryan turned to Chara. "Do you think this is a Space Command trap?"

"My scans of nearby space don't indicate that. I suppose the only way we'll know is to go down there."

"Okay," Ryan said. "But let's go down with some muscle. I think a hundred androids should suffice. Evan and Gary will pilot fighters loaded with androids. You and I will go down in a shuttle with six armed androids. Myra will arm the ship just in case there's an attack from space."

No one objected to his plan. The participants went to the hanger deck to begin the process. Chara and Ryan, with six armed androids, were the first to exit the hanger in a shuttle and begin the journey to the surface.

Chara guided the shuttle on a leisurely flight over one of the larger settlements, which consisted of two dozen houses near an old Western style town. Outside the town humans were busy tending to various crops growing in neat rows.

After Chara sat the shuttle down, she and Ryan exited and waited for the expected approach of people.

"Let's try to avoid any sighs of threat," Ryan said. "Have the fighters stay away until we need them."

Chara nodded, but Ryan could sense that she was not too happy about the situation.

A group of people approached, both male and female, and some had dark skin but they were not African. The humans were clothed in similar outfits that consisted of shirts and trousers made from white cloth. Some were barefooted, but others had what appeared to be shoes made from plant parts. They didn't appear to be carrying weapons. However, three men came up behind them, each holding what appeared to be some sort of gun.