Life on Mark II

"Earth Two" Meets "Extra Earth"

Chapter 10 

Commander Meena

As they walked through the forests and across the streams toward the other group's settlement there were many excited and nervous expressions that were both awaiting the meeting of the two groups. a few of the thoughts going through their minds were about the acceptance of a new expedition by the old one. Would they be upset by the lack of information from the new group? 

Or would they be gracious and generous and assist the growth of the community with contributions to the ongoing studies? 

No one knew what to expect and the prospect of this new adventure on this strange world was overwhelming for many to say the least. 

It took nearly the whole day to walk from the encampment to the settlement of the Earth Two candidates. 

By the time they got to their destination the Sun was setting and making way for the many different constellations and the silvery blue moon. 

As they walked up to the front gate the tension was almost tangible. The first thing they noticed, it was actually very difficult to miss, were at least fifteen of the giant red beasts that had terrorized the Extra Earth encampment. The massive creatures stood docile and trained, much like enormous horses. Each had a nameplate around their necks. One read: Layla, while another had: Samuel written on it. 

"We call these the "screechers" due to their powerful call." Commander Meena explained as though she were a tour guide at a zoo. "We use them for anything from transportation to working to plow fields for farming. There is nothing even close to something this useful on Mark I. It even rivals the machines." 

They passed through the gates that opened seemingly on their own. It revealed a large pasture with a knee-high, light pink colored grass. The animals that were by the river were calmly grazing through the field. "We call these ones camoswirls. They were named by one of the younger candidates" Commander Meena explained. The little ones had their fur rippling in a shade of pink almost identical to the grass were nearly hidden in the tall blades. 

even more impressive than the massive field was the multitude of buildings made from what resembled milky quartz bricks held together with a bluish grey cement. They stood three to four stories high with a flag at the top of each. In the diminishing light the insignia was just visible. It looked like two planets, one considerably larger than the other, and the words:"There is no 'final' frontier". It flew proudly from the highest point of each building. A symbol of the mission they were entrusted with.

As all 5,250 students, settlers, pioneers walked into the pasture, curious faces slid into view at the windows and in the doorways. Some even came outside to see the parade of newcomers marching into their settlement. 

The newcomers in question were amazed to see the veterans of the new world as well. It was amazing to think of what they had endured and survived to make this ground a habitable community. 

One of the people that had been standing in the doorway of what looked like a tailor shop jogged up to the Commander. "Are these the next expedition we were told about? Do they have the information?" His questions were interrupted by the Commander holding up a hand for him to stop. "Raymond, call the other Commanders and tell them to meet at the Center and tell them to bring their apprentices as well. We must meet in one hour and it is imperative that we must meet on time." Raymond gave a curt nod and rushed off to find the other Commanders.