Stranded on a Tiny Planet

Merco watched and waited as the golden robed leader descended from the top gate arch with her attendants and flew across to where Merco sat. She landed steadily and stood before Merco.

“Sey-tala, Felreh.” He greeted.

“Sey-tala, Merco.”

She made a gesture back to Anashee with her hand and he looked to see a procession coming out of Anashee’s gates. Several were guiding floating carts with all different kinds of food and what looked like vessels of liquid. When they came to the spot just in front of where Merco was sitting they lined up the smorgasbord of cuisine. Merco was impressed with the variety and a bit overwhelmed. True enough he was hungry but even this seemed like so much from his hosts.

Perhaps they were trying to impress him like a foreign dignitary?

He couldn’t identify any of the dishes. Some looked similar to pastries, just odd colors and shapes. A few looked like roasted meats, though he couldn’t identify a species. A plethora of produce of every hue and form, including those noxious, pink ones.

He’d politely avoid those.

He felt a bit overwhelmed and humbled by their generosity. On his shoulder he could see Verin and Pixie leaning forward, watching everything getting laid out. It was obvious they knew what was being presented and had the look of kids watching a Thanksgiving feast being laid out. When all seemed to be in readiness, the preppers stepped back from their items. Felreh nodded to him and gestured to the menagerie.

“Um...thank you. This is...very generous.” Merco admitted.

He wasn’t even sure where to begin. So, he decided to take the logical approach of right to left, just so he could try each thing without skipping. The first food item was a reddish sort of bread item in a big basket. He plucked one up which was no bigger than a piece of macaroni and tasted it. It was definitely a bread...but not one he’d ever tasted. It was almost gooey in the center but spicy. He liked it and took the basket, offering some to Verin and Pixie. They happily took the offerings and ate them. Merco finished the basket in a mouthful.

"Iti.” Pixie said.

“Iti?” Merco repeated, through chews.

Well whatever Iti was, he liked it.

And so, he went down the line, trying all kinds of things he’d never tasted before. Some were delicious and had a familiarity to them and some he had to choke down just to not look impolite. Anytime he made a face of discomfort of disgust, Pixie was twittering in his ear. At the city wall Merco could see crowds of the little aliens watching him eat. Again, he felt like some sort of exotic animal on a safari tour. Anything he did seem to be fascinating to the natives.

Eventually he’d tried about thirty or so dishes and a couple beverages other than water. Pixie would name each one as he tried them, but he wasn’t so sure he was learning them by name. One of the drinks, Pixie called He-ne-tee, tasted like a fruit juice but Merco had no comparison for its flavor. It was sweet and tart...maybe a bit like cranberry and something else. The other had a bite to it much like alcohol and he guessed that was what it was. It certainly made him grunt when it went down. He sighed, content and satisfied and bowed his head with thanks to the food providers. He wondered how this variety would affect his stomach later. Typically, he didn’t have many problems trying foods from different worlds since his job took him to exotic places with even more foods, but there were always exceptions. Going to the bathroom was already a hardship on this world...he didn’t need further complications.

Sometime earlier in the meal, Verin had flown off of his shoulder and seemed to be speaking with Felreh. He then left and flew over the wall with a guard.

...

“And you believe this theory would work?” Elder Felreh asked the young Ansheetan after he had explained his idea of using the education probes on Merco to teach him their language.

Verin shrugged, “More hopeful than sure. But if it would work then we could communicate with Merco so much easier and perhaps get some more complicated questions answered.”

The Elder turned to one of her guards, “Please go to the Temple of Emergence. Bring Dr. Jasta here immediately. Take this young one with you and explain to Dr. Jasta your theory and tell him to bring any devices he needs to see if this can be done.”

The sentry nodded and gestured to Verin who floated up with him whispering, “I’m going to meet the Dr. Jasta! Oh...”

Dr. Jasta was the foremost researcher and head scientist in charge of developing, repairing, and improving chrysalis chambers; Anashee’s main obstetrician if you will. He had come up with safer and more advanced chrysalis chambers that lessened the possibility of Emergence failure and death. He also was the foremost developer of new and better education probes and programs. In essence an Ansheeta of scientific brilliance and repute.

...

After the meal, a flurry of activity began as the excess was taken away. Merco felt Pixie sit back on his shoulder and hold her stomach. She was still thin as a stick but it was clear she was full from all the sampling. Merco had to admit he was actually close to full too. It was a good feeling.

As he watched the food and vessels being taken away he saw Verin return with another green skinned alien, dressed in a gray jumpsuit with tiny lights around the collar. He appeared tall in comparison to the other aliens around him and before his eyes was a device that looked like glasses but were much more technologically advanced. Verin was talking with him in a fast manner .

When they were closer the new alien suddenly flew forward fast and was right in front of Merco’s left eye before he could react. The alien bent at the waist and seemed to be observing his eye very closely.

Merco blinked and greeted him with a confused tone, “Um...Sey-tala?”

The green alien’s long sharp ears flicked as he pulled back a moment, ”Sey-tala, Merco.” He touched his chest, “Jasta.”

Merco repeated the name and when Jasta nodded he boldly resumed what looked like an up-close examination. There wasn’t any fear in him that Merco could tell as he poked and prodded various points of his face and head. Merco wasn’t sure what was going on but he held perfectly still and allowed Jasta his observations of him. He had the distinct feeling of being examined by a doctor or being studied by a scientist. Of course, he should’ve come to anticipate such an action. Had a strange giant alien landed on Earth without warning it would most likely be studied. Earth had of course developed laws that protected alien visitors after first contact with other worlds had been made. Many laws, regulations, treaties, and other forms of legality were signed, resigned, and so forth so Earth could join the interstellar community. But, given that these aliens didn’t appear to possess any sort of transport that left their planet, it was unlikely that they had such regulations. Merco kept a guarded feeling. Not that he felt threatened necessarily, but cautious.

Jasta suddenly landed on his head and began walking around, feeling his scalp through his shorter hair. Merco’s eyes roved upward, wondering what he was doing and then looked at Pixie who was watching him as well.

...

When Dr. Jasta was brought he went right to work examining Merco’s head with the enthusiasm of an intrigued scientist. He showed no fear at all approaching the huge alien and even touching him. His eye device was a medical scanner of sorts that could detect brain patterns and other bodily functions inside a chrysalis, but he was trying it on this gigantic alien.

“Interesting.” He would say quietly as he floated around Merco’s head. “The bone density is remarkably strong. But there are strange fissures all across the top of his skull.”

“You mean injuries?” Pixie asked from below on Merco’s shoulder.

The scientist shook his head, “No...not injuries. It’s almost...it’s almost as if his skull was in pieces and came together at some point early in his life. Fascinating.”

Dr. Jasta landed on top of Merco’s head amid his hair, continuing his scans.

“Well, he only has three sections to his brain that I can detect. He doesn’t have five like we do. But...since he doesn’t fly I suppose that would be logical. Can you get him to speak? I need to know what part of his brain becomes active.”

Pixie floated off of Merco’s shoulder and he looked at her without moving his head, ”Sey-tala Merco.”

He gave her a funny look but replied, ”Sey-tala, Pixie.”

Dr. Jasta’s eyes seemed to bounce a second, “I need a bit more. Say more.”

Pixie pointed to Dr. Jasta touched her head and moved her mouth at Merco to mimic speech.

He made a confused look but said, “You...want me to talk? Is that what you want?”

She moved her hands to encourage him to say more.

“Um...ok...Uh...My name is Merco, Company number Echo Delta 87443, Earth Army, Ground Force Division. Section 11. Rank Corporal of Earth Defense.” He rattled off his memorized military designations.

Dr. Jasta nodded, taking note of what he was seeing. After a bit he floated off of Merco’s head and landed near Elder Felreh.

“Well? Is young Verin’s theory plausible?” she asked.

Dr. Jasta seemed to think, “His speech seems to come from deep in the center of his brain mostly but it goes to the front and back sometimes. If he’s going to be rigged with educational probes then I’d need him to come to my facility inside Anashee. The portable rigs aren’t big enough or powerful enough to work on him.”

"Inside the city?” Commander Madala could not hide her concerned tone.

“Will it work?” Elder Felreh asked.

“I can’t be certain...but I think it would be a breakthrough if it does. I’m willing to try it.” Dr. Jasta admitted honestly.

The Elder thought a moment and then asked, “When would you be ready for him if you were to do this?”

“Tomorrow morning I should think. I’ll get my people to work right away to prepare for him.”

Commander Madala faced the Elder, “Elder Felreh, is this wise? I’m not saying anything he would do would be intentional, but he’s capable of immense destruction even by accident.”

“My facility is at ground level. If he traversed the market paths toward the peaks instead of using the front gate, he would be well away from the more populated residential districts and less walkway obstacles.” Dr. Jasta offered. “And if we warn the citizens ahead of time of his arrival it would prevent any...accidents.”

The Commander didn’t seem convinced, “I’m not liking this idea Elder. The risk to Anashee and its citizens is too great.”

Elder Felreh considered the options for a few moments until she said, “I believe this opportunity for understanding cannot be ignored. Dr. Jasta, go prepare your facility. Commander Madala, I want you to map the best path for our guest to take through the city to get there. One with the least amount of risk. I will inform the citizens before tomorrow.”

The Commander and the doctor both nodded and flew off to complete their assigned tasks.

Felreh called Anu and Seraysa to her. The pair of new ambassadors landed before her.

She looked to Seraysa, “Your brother’s theory of teaching Merco our language through our education probes is going to be tested tomorrow. Which means, Merco is going to have to enter Anashee. Will you be able to convey that to him?”

The females looked at each other with concern and doubt on their faces, “Yes...but how?”

The Elder gestured with her hand, “Commander Madala is already working on the logistics and I will be informing Anashee soon.” She stared out at the wall, “For now, I will inform our citizens to come meet him if they see fit. Then you may show him to his sleeping quarters for the night.”

...

Felreh was talking to both Pixie and Anu. After she did she took a device in her hand reminiscent of a phone and said something along with a long whistle that rang out through the city speakers. Merco was uncertain what was going on or what was said but Anu had already landed beside him and had begun to draw pictures in the dirt. Merco, however, couldn’t quite determine what she was saying. Something about talking or speaking but he wasn’t quite sure. He guessed it might have something to do with Jasta and his examination of him. Pixie and Anu seemed frustrated that he didn’t understand.

All at once Merco’s attention was captured by movement at the wall. He saw a few of the little aliens had begun floating up into the air toward him; only about a dozen or so. They kept their distance, a bit more than an arm’s length from him, and slowly flew around him in a slow circle. Merco watched their curious circling with patience. At the wall he could see lots of eyes on him. It was almost as if a brave few had been sent out to see if it was safe. Pixie and Anu were speaking to the fliers. Their tones sounded like they were trying to coax them or reassure them.

Merco felt something touch the back of his shoulder. He slowly turned his head and a blip of green darted away from his gaze. One alien with green skin had paused in the air in front of him, eyes unsure but curious. Anu gestured for Merco to hold out his hand which he did. Then she flew over to the male, took his hand, and floated backward, leading him. She touched down softly in Merco’s hand first and he tentatively followed. He seemed shocked at first, nervous. Merco gave him a gentle smile and held still as a statue. Gradually, the green-skinned male seemed more at ease, kneeling down to touch Merco’s palm.

Seeing this, the small group of aliens flew in a bit closer too and that triggered many more from the wall to fly in. In moments Merco was surrounded by a veritable swarm of flyers who cautiously flew closer to him. He had the distinct feeling of being in a butterfly arboretum. It was very similar; hold very still and let the delicate little flying creatures do whatever they want but don’t touch. Merco’s eyes moved around busily trying to watch the flurry of movement around him. Then, he felt lots of tiny hands touching him at various points; his back, his arms, his chest, his legs, almost everywhere. He shook minutely at the tickling sensations. The tiny movement sent a few of the aliens darting backward but they returned. Then he felt them begin to land on his arms, atop his boots and bent legs like hundreds of little tame birds. Merco barely let himself breathe he was trying to hold so still.

Pixie and Anu were busily talking to the curious flock. He wondered what was being said about him. He hoped it was all good things. However, after maintaining his still posture for such a long time Merco began to feel a cramp across his back and numbness in his legs. He wanted to move but he didn’t want to accidentally hurt or frighten any of the inquisitive aliens on and around him.

But then, unexpectedly, a particularly bold individual flew up and touched his mustache unknowingly letting her scaled head crest briefly tickle his nose.

Oh shit...

Merco froze, his lungs hitching in a desperate attempt to halt the sneeze that was threatening to explode out of him. His change of breathing caught the aliens’ attention. Slowly and preemptively he brought his gloved arm toward his face which sent those perched atop it flying away. He couldn’t hold it back as he sucked in a deep shuddered breath and sneezed into his arm. The loud noise and the sudden jerk sent the aliens scattering in all directions like a flock of frightened birds. Merco sniffed and opened his eyes only to find himself pretty much alone save for Pixie dangling from the cloth of his shoulder and Felreh leaning sideways in her chair with a shocked look on her face. Her guards were around her on the defensive.

Merco gave a look of embarrassment and slowly lowered his arm, “Sorry...I couldn’t help it.”

Pixie made a sound and slid down his chest into his shirt pocket. When she popped up again she gave Merco a bewildered look as if to ask, “what was that?“. He chuckled and gently patted her head with a finger.

“Sorry, Pixie. Are you ok? Huh?”

She seemed fine; startled, but fine. Merco glanced around in the darkening sky, trying to figure out where everyone went. He looked up and quite a few of the aliens had retreated higher into the sky while a few had landed on the ground, ducked down for cover. Merco felt bad for scaring them so much but there was no avoiding a sneeze once triggered. Despite that, he took the opportunity to stretch out and loosen his stiff muscles since most were out of his way. With tingling pins and needles in his feet, he stood up. He shook his boots, trying to get the blood to flow again.

When he stood the aliens floating above him parted outward with looks of disbelief on their faces as if they couldn’t believe he’d be as tall as he was. He stretched his arms behind him, grasping them to pull at his shoulders and pec muscles. Then he popped his back for good measure.

“Ah. That’s better.” He muttered after stretching.

Below at his feet he heard Felreh emit a series of whistles and twittering words. Shortly after she did, many of the aliens gave him room or began flying back into Anashee. Anu and Traynar flew up to his eye level, gesturing for him to follow them. He looked down at Felreh and gave her a nod of parting which she returned and followed after his two flying friends.

Together they took him to the wall and stopped. He approached carefully, peeking over to see the city of Anashee as darkness fell. The city was becoming aglow with tiny twinkling lights of almost every color. The huge black trees had swirls of lights that flowed gracefully around the trunks and led up into the homes in the branches that hung like glowing fruits. Shop lights of every hue lit up the huge mountainside at the back of the city and seemed to flow out like a river of light into the homes and buildings beyond. And above all of it he could easily make out the glowing lines of each walkway that spanned the trees and the mountainside.

Anu and Traynar were both pointing to various things as if giving him a tour of the city from the outside. He politely listened to them but didn’t gather a word. Still, even without explanation, their home was beautiful to look at. He looked down just beyond the wall and could see several little aliens traversing the wide paths between the structures. They were watching him, towering outside their city.

Soon, Anu and Traynar led Merco further down the wall, closer to the rocks that formed the back half of the city wall and then transformed into a sizable mountain peak. Even to Merco it was a true mountain, rising skyward and cradling the city against its base. However, Merco couldn’t see too many more mountains chained to the one over Anashee. It was almost as if the planet had buckled in this one area and pushed itself up sharply, forming a few mountains and a few tall, pointed, rocks fragmented around it.

As he took in the topography, Anu called him to a spot at the mountain slope a bit to the left of the city. Two huge, flat rocks were pointed toward each other and formed a tent-like overhang. Beneath the rocks he saw a large circle of what appeared to be strange green hued bubbles. It almost looked like an exotic rug or bathmat. Anu flew down and landed in the center of the bubbly material. Then she spread her arms and fell flat onto her back bouncing slightly to show it was soft.

“This is...for me?” he asked.

She flew up and gestured for him to lay down. He went to his knees and slowly reclined on the green bubble material. It almost had the texture of a soft fuzzy blanket filled with bubble wrap, but it also felt like it was made from something organic. It was strange...but way more comfortable than the ground. Nearby there was even a large mass of it to serve as a pillow. He grabbed it and pulled it under his head to test it. His head sank into it comfortably.

He made a sound of comfort, “Mmm. That’s nice.”

Merco honestly hadn’t expected this kind of treatment. He figured he’d visit and walk back to his lake campsite afterwards. But it seemed the natives had prepared him a “guest room” of sorts.

He bowed his head with thanks at Anu, Traynar, and Pixie, “Thank you very much. I didn’t realize I’d be staying here.” he admitted.

Pixie made a movement in his pocket as if to climb out so Merco helped her and she floated in front of him. She gestured he should sleep.

He nodded, “All right. Good night you three.”

Gradually, Anu, Pixie, and Traynar left him and flew back over the wall of Anashee. Merco sighed and took off his boots, gripping the “pillow” under his head. He felt very humbled by the aliens’ generosity. Though he had to wonder what prompted it. At the canyon he’d saved some of the aliens there which explained their acceptance of him. But he hadn’t done anything for Anashee to warrant this treatment. Perhaps it was nothing, perhaps they were just a kind people? Or maybe they wanted something from him? In any case he felt the need to repay this generosity somehow. He’d just have to find something. Merco sighed liking the feeling of a soft “bed” beneath him.