Creator1

By the time they had arrived back at the base camp Tracy had wiped any tears and placed a strong mask over her fraught face. She reached out and held Maddie’s hand, who continued to look out the rover window, they were both shaking. The droids left the vehicle and offered a helping hand to the humans as they left the back seats. They began immediately stripping their heavy suits, finally being able to move in a gravitationally normal environment.

They were greeted by three officials, only one of which were familiar to the ladies. Base Camp Operations Commander Wilma, the Marine like figure who briefed the mining operations earlier. She had softened now, her hard exterior shell now feeling more grandmotherly, her eyes were different, no longer stern but caring. She smiled, keeping her hands folded in front of her, ‘Welcome home.’

The other looked like a human version of the droids, unordinarily armed and alert, almost looking anywhere but the five of them. The last member was in a suit, he was a white man with slicked back hair. He was short, at around five feet eight inches, his eyes were soulless and green. He smiled, revealing a few sharp teeth, extending a pale hand revealing his layers of button up shirt, sports jacket, and a coat, his hand seemed scaly. Tracy shook it.

‘I’m Jay Bird. Last name is some remnant of an animal species on Earth. You’ve probably never seen one.’ Jay said smiling, shaking Tracy’s hand aggressively. She pulled her hand away, and there was an unnatural silence. Finally, Wilma broke the awkwardness.

‘Well, we were all pleased to hear about your safe return. Are you injured?’ The two said nothing, looking at the ground, unsure of what to say.

‘As I said, I’m Jay Bird, this is my partner here, his name isn’t important.’ Jay said gesturing to the armed watchmen, ‘We are part of the Earth Intelligence Apparatus, we understand that you may have seen something unusual during an otherwise routine mining operation.’ Maddie looked up.

‘Why don’t we go somewhere quiet to speak.’ Wilma suggested. They walked through the labyrinth of base camp’s hallways, following Wilma’s brisk walk. Tracy felt as though they had taken extra turns on purpose to get lost. She knew these people were being polite and gentle, but she knew it was all a show. They were all salivating, they couldn’t wait to interrogate them, she knew if they could crack their heads open and see what they had seen they would in an instant. Jay continued to try to make small talk and conversation with both her and Maddie as they continued their way through the halls. Tracy thought it was odd that Jay faced them, talking and listening the entire time, almost never looking forward to see where he was going, he had done this before.

They entered a larger room with a wooden table, Tracy had only seen these tables in top managers offices, usually only during promotions. Jay walked to one side gesturing to the chairs opposite him. He reached his chair and stood behind it, smiling softly at them as they took their seats. After Maddie and Tracy sat, Jay followed, then Wilma, the other gentleman closed the door and stood at his post.

‘Ya know what! I have got to show you these!’ Jay said whipping out a small metal puck. The metal disk immitted a beam of light that formed a small five by eight inch floating video image. The image showed a turquoise liquid moving rhythmically over yellow dust. The sky was a deep blue, the liquid emitted a dull soothing roar. Maddie and Tracy were entranced, but Tracy hid her interest, Maddie could not. She leaned into the image, letting the waves possess her.

Then it was gone.

‘That’s called a beach! This one’s from Turks and Caicos, specifically.’

‘Whu- Well wait, what. What was all that? The brown and green things, the blue liquid.’ Maddie stammered.

Jay chuckled. ‘I’m sorry, I often forget that most of the people I meet have never seen these things. That’s water, naturally occurring. On Earth, it’s in abundance. The other stuff are called trees, You’ve seen trees before?’

‘I’ve only seen trees grow to 4 feet in space…’ Maddie said.

‘The noise is the sound of the ocean, and wind. Which are giant bodies of water.’

Maddie began to cry.

‘That place exists?! I’ve only heard about a place like that from other workers! I thought it was fake.’ She sobbed.

‘There’s no need to be sad. This is a normal experience.’ Jay comforted her, he looked at Tracy who was now standing, scowling, unnerved at what she was watching.

‘I know you have been through a lot.’ Jay continued

‘Can I have something to eat?’ Tracy interrupted. Jay looked up, visibly perturbed from stopping his manipulation.

‘What would you like?’ Wilma softly asked.

‘I want steak. Real steak. Like the stuff they have on Earth.’ Wilma immediately frowned and shook her head,

‘Lead Tracy you know that’s not pos-‘

‘No, you come in here, dangling videos of a place we will never see again. For what?! Why would you do that!’

Jay sat in silence, he didn’t look at Tracy, he let go of Maddie’s hand.

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean- I just wanted to share something beautiful.’ He said mournfully.

‘I will fetch the best of whatever the cooks can make for you all.’ Wilma said as she left the room.

‘Stand outside as well.’ Jay commanded his guard who nodded. His voice was more gruff now, it had lost that softness and care he once had a few moments ago. The door shut and Jay pulled himself up to the table, making himself taller by adjusting his posture. He looked Tracy in the eyes, then Maddie.

‘Alright. I know about the asteroid bugs, or crabs, or whatever.’