The Visitor

The Verdict

Silvery shards of moonlight seeped through the elongated, one-way windows. The glimmering rays sifted through the panes. Fluid bronze lined the contours of the sphere-shaped chamber and ochre orbs warmed the otherwise barren surroundings. Curved, chromed benches circled the perimeter and a quartz monitor hovered over a four-foot sunken platform. Facing each seat, a sort of pico(10-12 )-wireless translator flashed at eye-level. On the wall facing north, hung interactive maps representing the solar systems of all species aboard.

Electromagnetic waves charged the atmosphere. Those who formed part of the council were a hodgepodge of intergalactic, pure-conscious souls who worked on a formidable mission.  Althoughtelekinetically many of them chattered with each other, a blanket of silence enveloped the room. Twenty in total, the traveler's auras glowed awaiting details of what would come next in their collaborative project.

The amber of Haĝiēn's pupils scampered and Ecniv, a fellow crewmember from Ilum, held his attention. Wearing a virtual, moon-gray uniform with crisp edges and maroon lines at each side of his arms, he scrolled through a minute screen without the use of his fingers. Sensing being watched, he hoisted his head and bowed in response to the prying eyes, before tending back to the device.

With an eerie feeling, Haĝiēn scrunched his forehead.

"Hmm. Hmm ..."

The thirteen-foot geneticist to his left took him out of his thoughts when in a meditative state, he closed his lids and rumbled. Unable to recall his name, a reddish tint heated Haĝiēn's chest spreading to his face and abdomen. The names reeled in his brian but were difficult to pronounce.

Cousins to the Pleiadians, from planet Avyon, in the Lyra constellation, most of their kind were scholars. Existing before earthly creation originated, the Titans were able to form an exemplary society, where elders were revered for their wisdom, and both genders held equal societal status.

Their star, Vega, burned forty times brighter than the Sun. The planet's density, temperature, and gravity matched Earth's and the vegetative life begot lush, trees, and plants dating millions of years. The crystalline bodies of water resembled polished, rose diamonds, and orange citrine.

Droves of Haĝiēn's adult memories came from there. A biosphere where he completed a substantial portion of his training, underwent an unsurmountable amount of adventures and experienced eros for the first time.

Puffing out constricted air, he placed his sight over the giant examining the fine fur on his bare skin and the burnt orange mane which was typical on males and females. Introspectically he grinned with a tinge of envy. Not for himself, he had never desired tresses, but his hearts thumped when the opposite sex sported it.

The catlike-humanoid swiveled offering a smile turned up at one corner. The gleam in his pupils reflected a lively temperament. With a sunny disposition matching the feline's, Haĝiēn reciprocated before turning his attention to Qûarzar.

With all four spindly hands on her lap, she sat a foot away to his right. Behind her oculars, the calming expression settled him. An inquisitive eye gravitated to her smooth head. She did not have the usual antennae the majority of Insectoids did. The balanced DNA blend of ilum and insectoid genes notable.

His light flickered and dimmed. "Dalutia."

"Greetings to you too, Haĝiēn, are you concerned?"

Nonchalant he shrugged and her eyes fluttered.

"I don't believe you."

A grin spread across his face. "Some ..."

Haĝiēn switched their verbal communication to telepathic.

A collection of data, charts, and graphs I compiled prove a majority vote. The propositions will pass. While the feelings of uncertainty were evocative, he pushed them back. Proximity is imperative to obtain material samples and—subjects.