Hybrid

An Illusion

Emma and I walk through her neighborhood where we first met. It looks and feels just like Earth. 

"Why would they recreate Earth on another planet?" Emma asks me. 

"Good question. Is it real or is it just an illusion?" I bend down and touch the grass. "It feels real." 

"It's real."

Emma and I turn to see an older woman standing on Emma's front porch. "Hello, Joe and Emma. I was told you both arrived on our planet. Now that you're more acclimated to the planet, I wanted to welcome you both myself. My name is Uli."

"I'm sorry we barged onto your planet like this. Emma's life was in danger on Earth. I had to find a safe place to bring her."

Uli descends the stairs and walks toward us. "I understand. But I'm afraid you've mistaken this place as a safe haven. We're controlled by the leaders of the Universe, including members of your High Council." She looks at me. 

"You both are not safe here."

"What do you mean members of my High Council?"

"This planet used to be inhospitable to life but members of your High Council wanted to see if they could turn that around and create life where none existed."

Emma looks around at her duplicated home. "So they re-created Earth?"

"Earth is one of the least-advanced civilizations in the universe. It's the easiest to replicate."

"What do they plan to do with this place?"

"As you know, humans are not kind to their planet Earth. They don't understand that their neglect has dire consequences.  Global warming is destroying their atmosphere. Earth's leaders know this to be true and instead of educating their fellow humans, they've decided to invest in another Earth--a place they can control once Earth has been destroyed. The High Council has partnered with Earth's leaders to make this planet Earth 2.0."

Emma looks at me. 

"You knew about this?" she asks.

"No, I had no idea. I've never heard the High Council speak of these plans." I turn to Uli.

"Why are you telling us all of this?" I naturally get in between Uli and Emma, concerned.

"I was a friend of your father's Emma. He sent me here when I needed a safe haven. But I'm afraid I cannot extend the same courtesy to you both as I've already received demands to alert the High Council should you show up here. Every leader in the Universe has."

"If this place is controlled by my High Council then technically Emma here controls it," I say. "Can she not exert her power and garner protection here?"

"We're a planet without an army. We can't offer the protection you need. I can stay quiet about your arrival but I can't guarantee how long you will have before your presence is discovered. I can offer you a familiar place to rest and plan your next step." Uli gestures to Emma's home. "You'll find it's an exact replica."

"We appreciate your help," I say. 

"Yes, thank you," Emma agrees.

"You'll excuse me then. It's been an honor." Uli dissolves before us. 

Emma sighs. "I'm getting a little tired of this chase. What are we going to do--play hide and seek across the Universe and hope to not get caught?"

"You're right. We can't keep running like this. I think it's time we head to my...our planet."