Chapter No.30 Bingo
Sometimes you just get lucky.
We arrived at a solar system that only had three planets, one of which was an Earth-like planet. It orbited a K0-V dwarf star that had a luminosity of 0.7 times our Sun. The planet had an atmosphere that exhibited both oxygen and water.
"This is another water world," Molly said. "There is a sizable island chain but it only covers about 20 percent of the planet's surface. I'm not detecting any evidence of satellites or space vehicles in orbit. "
"Put us in orbit in stealth mode, Judy."
"Yes, Jason."
The planet's surface passed slowly under our vessel and it revealed a magnificent island near the equator that was lush with greenery. Obviously formed from volcanic activity, this tropical island had a mountain range, rivers and valleys.
"I see what appears to be structures on the main island," Molly said. "I'm not detecting any transmissions or seeing any evidence of fiber communication."
"Send a probe down with insects, Judy."
The probe has been launched, Jason."
We patiently waited for the visual and audio feeds to appear on our screens. What they revealed made both of us gasp.
"Oh my God!" Molly exclaimed. "They're humans."
"How is this even possible? This is so close to the maniac species."
"Maybe the maniac species didn't consider them to be a threat."
"That's unbelievable!"
"The conditions appear to be right on," Molly said. "Pressure, oxygen content and temperature are similar to Earth's values."
"Even that's hard to believe. How is that possible?"
"We're in another galaxy. Anything is possible."
I had to agree. We were seeing things that no one would believe."
"These humans don't appear to be violent or threatening," Molly said. "They have family units with children."
I stood up. "Well, I suppose we should go down and check them out."
"Your shuttle is ready, Jason."
I smiled. The androids are anticipating my wishes."
We boarded a shuttle with Alice and Ellen and were soon on our way to the surface. We landed near a number of habitats that appeared to be constructed from natural materials like bamboo-like poles and large plant leaves. The tropical climate obviated any need for secure housing or heavy clothing. Most of the people were wearing what appeared to be cloth woven out of silk-like plant material.
"Greetings!" I said, smiling. "We're from a galaxy near this one. We have been searching for humans and here you are."
An older woman approached, holding a child. "How did you travel from another galaxy?"
"It's a complicated process, but rest assured that it's possible. Do any of you remember Earth?"
No one seemed to understand my question.
"We are from the planet Earth in a galaxy that's called the Milky Way. That's where humans originated. Many humans were abducted by an alien species that breeds them for food stock. All human life was annihilated on the planet Earth when a large asteroid collided with it. We are the only two humans to survive, but we are no longer human even though we look human. We assume that you are descendents of the human abductees."
An older male approached. "We have heard a story like that from our ancestors, but we never believed it. We have been here for a long time and have not been visited by anyone . . . until now."
"Interesting!" I replied.
His face took on a panicked look. "Are you here to take us away from here?"
"No, but we will offer you a chance to go back to Earth and repopulate it."
The man blinked several times and looked back at the others gathered to watch us. He turned to me and I noticed a subtle smile on his lips. "We have some people that we have incarcerated. Perhaps they might wish to accept your offer."
I squinted. "Why are they incarcerated?"
"They are young and foolish. They have been caught committing the forbidden act before reaching the age."
I assumed that he was referring to sex, but it didn't matter. "We would like to offer them this opportunity."
The old man gestured for us to follow him as he led us to a more solidly built wooden structure with no windows and one door that was locked with a wooden bar latch. He opened it and gestured for us to enter.
Twelve young people-six males and six females-were separated in paddocks as to gender. They eyed us with curiosity showing on their young faces.
"These . . . people are from space. They have a proposition for you to consider."
The young people looked with curious expressions at the old man and then at us.
"Ah . . . we wish to offer you a chance at a new life on the planet Earth, which is the planet of origin for all humans. If you decide to take up our offer, you will be taken back to a nearby galaxy where this planet of origin resides and be placed on an island much like this one. We will assist you in establishing a new colony of humans and see to it that you are protected from any alien interference."
A young male moved forward and peered out of the makeshift bars. "Why are you offering this to us?"
"Life on the planet Earth was annihilated by a large asteroid collision. We are the only two survivors but cannot reproduce because we have been converted to cyborgs by these artificial life forms." I gestured to Alice and Ellen. "Our mission is to repopulate the Earth with humans. We have no other motive other than that. "
"What makes you think that we are human?" a female asked.
"We know that humans were being abducted from Earth on a regular basis by a reptilian alien species as food stock. Their enemy, which is called Scath, removed humans from the reptilian alien food farms and transported them to this galaxy. You are descendants of those humans."
"You have nothing to fear," Molly told her. "We will help you establish a new human race on the planet Earth." She smiled. "And, you will not be punished whatsoever for committing the forbidden act. In fact, we want you to commit it as often as you can."
They laughed and giggled.
"After looking at one another, the first male stepped forward. "We accept you offer."
"Great!" I looked at the old man. "Release them and we will be on our way."
He did, and we called for two more shuttles to take them to our ship. We had finally achieved our mission and it made us very happy.
When we got back to our vessel, the androids placed the volunteers in stasis chambers and injected them with a sedative to put them to sleep. It was better that they didn't experience the disorientation of warp. This procedure wasn't as severe as actual stasis, but it was good for a short session. The revival process would be much less damaging.