Zoo

by Phil Price

  They sat waiting as infrequent vehicles passed by their position, the ship’s cloak hiding them from view. After a few minutes, a voice came through the communication speakers. “Cargo bay unloaded. Closing bay doors.”

  “Okay, Rex. Let’s go home.” The ship ascended effortlessly, breaking orbit a minute later as Shimmer050 headed out into the void of space. In the deserted field, a large metal container with red markings sat there, becoming slowly covered in falling snow.

  The following morning, the snow had stopped falling on the village of Belbroughton, a thin layer of white still carpeting the landscape. A black Agusta Westland helicopter landed at the far end of the field. Prime Minster Johnson exited the craft, being met on the frozen ground by Rupert Marshall, Secretary of State for Defence for the United Kingdom. Next to him, Oliver King, Chief Executive for the UK’s Space Agency. As the Prime Minister’s sturdy boots trudged through the snow, she could see numerous police cars, along with army trucks positioned around the large open space. A police cordon had been set up at the entrance, screening the field from prying eyes. “What’s your latest update?” she said, pulling her black coat around her neck.

  “The village is being evacuated, Prime Minister. Residents are being taken to Kidderminster and Worcester hospitals as a precaution,” Marshall replied. Ahead of the threesome, a large metal container sat brooding on the ground, tendrils of steam seeping into the atmosphere. “HAZMAT crews have analysed the container and surrounding areas. Nothing remotely hazardous has been detected.”

  “Good. That’s the last thing we need just after Christmas,” she replied as they came to the alien object.

  “It’s one hundred and forty feet long, forty feet wide and twenty feet tall,” King announced as they came to two large steel doors.

  “Has anyone tried to get inside?” Prime Minister Johnson asked.

  “No, Prime Minister. We were waiting for you to arrive. There is a control panel just there,” he said pointing. “It looks to have power, as you can see.”

  “Hmm,” she said, walking forward.

  “Prime Minister. I strongly advise that you fall back to a safe area whilst we open the container. It could contain an alien pathogen.”

  “Oliver. Open it please,” she countered.

  “If you’re sure,” he replied, extending his hand to the control panel. He placed his hand on the panel, a red line scanning his palm before the whole screen turned green. Steam billowed from the doors as they opened slowly, the threesome falling back a few paces until the doors were fully open. “Oh my god!” King said.

  “Is that what I think it is?” Johnson replied, stepping inside the container.

  “I believe it is,” Marshall said as the metal confines lit up around them. Holographic heads-up displays lined the workstations and walls, displaying star maps and planetary systems.

  Johnson waved her arm through one display, blue shimmering particles distorting until her hand passed through, returning the display to its normal state. They walked around the large object in the centre of the space, heading towards a map of their solar system, slowly rotating against the wall. As they approached, a holographic figure appeared, startling them. The Prime Minister regained her composure, walking a few paces towards the male figure in front of them. Despite the situation, she appraised the man. “Gosh. Not really what I expected. He’s rather dishy isn’t he,” she said, the men stepping forward until they flanked her.

  “My name is Torben Fraken. Captain of Shimmer050. I recently visited your planet, abducting one hundred and seventy-two of your citizens. And for that, I am truly sorry. I was acting under the direct orders of the Lomogs, our benefactors and commanders. I then returned them back home to you, except for four humans who sadly died whilst on the planet of Valkash. I am sending you this message, along with the contents of this container as a gift, from us to you. This idea was agreed upon by the Lomogs, who asked me to make delivery, which I am about to do at the time of broadcasting this message. I hope that what you discover is of great use to the people of your planet. We have no plans to return to Earth, so do not be troubled by the thought of another abduction. We live on the far side of the universe, having everything we need to sustain us. Your planet is very special. Amongst the data I have given to you is information about two exoplanets, relatively close in proximity to Earth. If you’re going to reach out to the stars, they are a good place to start. Captain Fraken, out.” The image disappeared, leaving the solar system rotating next to it, the threesome standing in silence.

  King broke the silence. “He’s given us a spaceship.”

  “We need to keep this under wraps,” the Prime Minister replied, walking over to the ship. She ran her hand across the hull, liking the slightly dappled feel of the dull alloy. “The only person I will inform is the President. If Russia and China knew about this, the shit would hit the fan.”

  “Understood,” the Secretary of State for Defence said. “I will arrange for the container to be relocated to Hereford for now. We’ll form a ring of steel around it, while King and his teams decipher exactly what we’ve been given.”

  “He spoke English,” King stated.

  “Yes, he did,” the Prime Minister replied. “But let’s not worry about that now. We’ve got a lot of work to do. We need to know how this ship works. And if it does work, what kind of technology it possesses.”

  “Understood, Prime Minister. Once it’s in situ at Hereford, I’ll have the smartest people on the planet poring over this.”

  “Good work. Looks like Christmas came a little late this year.”

  “You’re not wrong,” Marshall replied. “It looks like all our Christmases have come at once.”

  Epilogue

  One year later

  Torben stood on his newly extended jetty, looking back at their home. The once compact cabin had increased in size dramatically. Guest quarters above a large workshop had recently been completed, the thatched roof on top of the wooden structure looking resplendent in the midday sun. A large wooden fence had been erected, forming a border around the property, giving them the seclusion and security they’d wanted. Their lives had settled into a happy routine, the couple growing increasingly close at the seasons moved on. Snows had arrived, bringing warm evenings in front of the fire, followed by spring, with its balmy evenings. The Lomogs had largely left them to it, occasionally asking Torben to visit command, with new propositions, which he kindly declined. All that he’d needed was right in front of him. He spotted Kyra walking out of the guest quarters, slowly walking down the stout wooden stairs at the side of the two-storey building. She saw him on the jetty and walked across the grass towards him, her gait not as loping as it once was. Torben smiled, his eyes drawn to her midsection, which had also dramatically increased over the previous months. “What have you been up to?”

  “Just adding the last finishing touches to the guest washroom. It looks really nice.”

  “You should be taking it easy. The physician told you that you should be resting.”

  “Torben Fraken, I am with child. I can still potter about the place under my own steam.”

  “Well, I am here to help you.”

  “I know. And I thank you for that, Torby. You’ve been working very hard over the past few months. Soon, our daughter will arrive. Then the real work begins.”

  Torben knelt down, placing his ear on Kyra’s distended stomach. He felt a flutter inside, smiling up at his woman. “Hello, little star. It’s your Father. I cannot wait to meet you, Elsor.” At hearing her mother’s name, tears pricked at Kyra’s eyes. She let them form, then spill out over her cheeks, enjoying the tender moment with her family. “We’re going to have such adventures.” He kissed her midsection, standing up to wrap Kyra in his embrace.

  “I like this softer side of you. When we first met, you were a different man to the one that stands before me today.”

  “Old age is mellowing me.”

  She giggled, playfully punching his shoulder
. “It’s love that has mellowed you, Torben Fraken. Love from me, and our little bundle. Talking of love, have you heard from Ark this week?”

  “Yes. He and Ebrisa are back in Vasteras. Looks like they are getting quite serious.”

  “About time you pilots found good women and settled down. Let the youngsters explore the universe.”

  “You may have a point. My days of interstellar adventures are behind me. I cannot wait to be a father, putting our children in their bunks every night.”

  Kyra walked to the end of the jetty, a pod of sea mammals breaking the surface as they tracked their way across the ocean. “I love you Torben,” she said. “I cannot wait for our baby to be born. I cannot wait to take your name and plan the rest of our lives here.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” he replied. “I’ll drink for all of us.”

  “Just save me some. The thought of a cold beer is so good right now.”

  “Hold that thought, Kyra Fraken.”

  “Kyra Fraken. I like how that sounds,” she said, a gust of wind ruffling her hair, the red lock shimmering in the sunlight. “Come. Let me show you the guest quarters. The washroom is complete and the bunks are freshly made.”

  Let’s skip the washroom. Show me the bunks. I need to test their firmness.”

  “Hmm. Maybe it will speed things along,” Kyra said as she took his arm, walking slowly with him across the stubbly grass. Towards their forever home.

  Earth

  Gemma stood with her sons as the bus pulled to a halt in the centre of the village. “Thanks, Des,” she said, smiling at the bus driver.

  “You take care. Bit slippery underfoot,” the bus driver said.

  “Bye Des, the boys said happily, drawing a beaming smile from the older man. He reminded Gemma of Santa Claus, without the beard, such was his rosy complexion and white hair.

  “See you soon,” he said, as they stepped off the bus onto the frosty pavement. They stood there, watching as the single-decker bus wound its way out of the village, towards Birmingham, the Christmas decorations bringing the sleepy village to life.

  “Mummy,” Finn said. “What are we doing tonight?”

  “Daddy is going to watch a movie with you both,” she replied as they crossed the quiet country lane. “Mummy is going out with her friends. You remember Caroline?” They both nodded happily. “Well, she is getting married soon and Mummy is going on her hen night later.”

  “What’s a hen night?” Finn asked.

  “Are there lots of chickens?” Oscar said?”

  Gemma chuckled. “Yes, boys. There will be lots of chickens.”

  “Sounds fun. Can you take lots of pictures?” Finn said.

  “Okay, my loves,” she replied happily as they came to their home. Letting them inside the hallway, Gemma smiled when Hugh appeared on the landing. “Hello, hun.”

  “Hi, babe. Have you had fun?”

  “It was nice. We rode the steam train all the way to Bridgnorth. Didn’t we, boys?”

  “Yes, Daddy,” Finn said. And the driver tooted his horn when we got off. Mummy bought us hot chocolate too.”

  “Sounds fab. I’m very jealous,” he replied, limping down the stairs, the cast on his leg making progress slow and painful.

  “Steady, hun. You’ve already taken one tumble. Don’t do it again.”

  “I’ll be okay. Bloody thing,” he said, looking at the cast. “I’ll be glad when it’s off. It itches like mad.”

  “Well, no more ice-skating for you, mister.”

  “You’re not wrong there. That was the first and last time I do that. I’ll stick to country walks and surfing the net.”

  “If you’re okay to take over, I’ll go and get myself ready?”

  “Sure, babe. You go and do what you need to do. Boys, in the lounge, please. Daddy will cook you a pizza.”

  “PIZZA!” they cheered as Gemma started climbing the stairs, a broad smile on her face.

  An hour later, she walked into the familiar surroundings of the Talbot Inn as the evening was getting into full swing. She bustled past revellers and a large Christmas tree, spotting a group of women in the far corner of the lounge next to an inviting fireplace that was gently crackling away, casting its heat across the pub. “You’ve started without me,” she said playfully, smiling at Caroline and Sarah.

  “Only just. This is the first round,” Caroline replied jovially, standing to embrace her friend.

  Sarah joined them, wrapping an arm around Gemma. “Hello, lovely. How’s you?”

  “Good,” she replied, getting a whiff of the blonde woman’s perfume. “We’ve been on the Severn Valley Railway today. Bloody cold though.” She looked at the older woman sat next to the fire. “Hello, Margaret. How are you?”

  The woman looked up, smiling warmly. “Hello. I’m good, dear. Caroline bought me a gin and tonic with raspberries in it. Bit of a change from sweet sherry.”

  Gemma chuckled. “Well, you enjoy. It’s a special occasion.” She looked over at the adjoining table, nodding at a few familiar faces. “Hello,” she said politely, the women replying in a friendly manner as Gemma settled herself next to Caroline. “So, where’s Tom this evening?”

  “Probably knee deep in beer,” Caroline replied. “He’s not going mad though. He’s meeting up with a few friends and colleagues in Kidderminster. He’ll probably be home before me.”

  “Any news on the house?” Sarah asked.

  “Yes. All being well, we’ll be in after the honeymoon.” Caroline had kept them updated about her impending house move, a three-bedroomed semi in nearby Blakedown - their new love nest.

  “It’ll need plenty of work,” Margaret added. “No one’s had the paintbrush out since 1976.”

  “Thanks, Mum. That’s fine with us. It will give us chance to do a complete makeover. Put our stamp on it.”

  “Sounds very exciting,” Gemma added as she suddenly remembered she’d forgotten to get a drink. “Anyone for a drink?”

  “I’m okay, dear,” Margaret said. “This will last me a while.

  Sarah and Gemma nodded, Gemma knowing their favourite tipples. “I’ll give you a hand, hun,” Sarah said, standing up. Many pairs of eyes, both male and female looked her way as she attempted to straighten her miniskirt.

  “Oh, to have legs like that again,” Margaret said. “Make the most of it, dear.”

  Sarah smiled, blushing slightly at the compliment. “Thanks,” she said awkwardly, before following Gemma to the bar. They returned a few minutes later, drinks placed on round cardboard beermats.

  “Cheers,” Gemma said. “To Caroline and Tom.”

  “Caroline and Tom,” they repeated happily before each taking a sip of their respective drinks.

  “Any news on the honeymoon?” Sarah asked.

  “Nothing. He’s still not letting on. I’ve been trying to find out for weeks. All I know is that I need to pack a swimsuit and not much else.”

  “You probably won’t make it out of the bedroom, lucky sod!” Sarah said playfully.

  “Well, here’s hoping,” Caroline replied, looking at her mother.

  “I know what goes on, dear. I was young once. Your Father took me to Benidorm when we tied the knot. We had a lovely week, but I didn’t get much of a tan, if you know what I mean.”

  “Mum,” Caroline scolded. “Stop it. You’ll scar me for life.”

  “Sorry, dear. I do miss your Father. He was a good man. But so is Tom. I know he’ll take good care of you.”

  Caroline burst into tears, spilling some of her lager onto the floor. Gemma deftly took the glass from her as the Welsh woman embraced her mother tightly. “I miss him too, Mum. Every day. And I wish he was there to walk me down the aisle, well, registry office aisle.”

  “He’d be proud as punch, my love.”

  “I hope so. And you’re right, Tom is a great guy. From the first time we met at the interview, I kinda had a feeling that something was in the air.”

  “Well it’s all worked out well,” Ge
mma said. “We have had an eventful year or so. Abducted by aliens. Involved in an interplanetary war before being dropped off home. That’s a lot to put on your CV.” She looked at Sarah. “How about you, lovely? Any gossip?”

  “There may be.”

  The three women looked at Sarah, expectant expressions waiting to be updated. “Tell all,” Caroline said.

  “I’ve been seeing a guy from Bromsgrove. Nothing serious yet, we’re just getting to know each other.”

  “Well, why don’t you bring him to the wedding, hun? Then he can meet his extended family.”

  Tears formed in Sarah’s eyes. “Really? Okay, thanks, hun. I will text him,” she said, hugging the bride-to-be.

  A few hours later, they all said their drunken goodbyes. Gemma smiled as she watched Caroline escort her mother gently down the road, the older woman swaying as she tried to navigate the pavement. Sarah gave her a kiss, sauntering off across the sleepy village, the sky above filled with distant stars. Gemma made the short walk home, stopping at her front gate, peering up at the blackness above her. She smiled, wondering where Torben and Kyra were, hoping they were safe and happy. Closing the gate behind her, she made her way up the path, towards her house. Her home.

  Five years later

  The ship slowed down, reverse thrusters deployed as it hung hundreds of miles above the ochre planet below it. Minutes later it was descending through the atmosphere, the heat shield protecting the hull as the ship headed towards the set coordinates on the planet’s surface. A few hundred feet above the craggy landscape, landing legs appeared below the hull, readying the ship for its touchdown, gently settling on the hard rock a minute later. It sat there, flanked by dark-coloured mountains, lakes of water dotting the landscape. On the horizon a large star cast its light across the solar system, appearing much larger than what the crew were used to. Behind it another star lit the sky, appearing much smaller than the goliath that filled their view. Within the ship, feverish activity was underway, the landing party being readied and suited-up by crew members, just like how they had been practising on the long journey from their solar system. Minutes later, the ship’s ramp lowered to the rocky surface, settling almost silently. Two astronauts walked down the gradient, stopping shy of the surface as they looked at each other. One smiled at the other, patting him on the shoulder of his spacesuit, giving him the go ahead. The man took a step forward, then another as the other astronaut followed suit. They stood there for a few minutes, taking in the strange vista, noticing the lakes and mountains around them. The two men took it all in, the smaller man scanning the surface with his atmospheric monitor. He checked the reading, satisfied that all was as it should be before placing the monitor on the dull, rocky surface. He unshouldered his pack, pulling out a metal staff that had a large swathe of material attached to it. The other man nodded to him, watching proudly as the man unfurled it before hammering it into a crack in the surface a few feet from the ship as jets of steam from the hull enveloped them. After a few well-placed taps with his steel hammer, the pole stood proudly, the flag fluttering gently in the breeze. It stood out against the dull backdrop, its red, white and blue colours vividly displaying themselves for the watching cameras. Thin clouds above the ship moved across the landscape as the two astronauts walked a few yards before turning back to their craft.