USS Kepler Dawn

by Gerald Lane Summers

  It wasn’t quite that easy, but they did get the idea and after several hours started talking to us in a rudimentary way. I was sure over time we would able to understand each other well enough to convey our basic ideas. We were so excited that our enthusiasm spread to them. They started what I interpreted as laughter and excitement, shaking all over like a bowls of jelly underneath the loose skin. That convinced me they were truly sentient.

  Now, my recommendation to the captain was to send language specialists down to fine tune what we had accomplished and get it uploaded to the computer as well as our portable transceivers.

  Before we gave up for the day, I asked them what they called themselves.

  After babbling a bit, which sounded like static, the original brown one said, “We call Umon. You?”

  “Commander Herman smiled. “We are called Human. Not same, similar. We are from far away planet.”

  The Umon started bouncing up and down. “Human? Umon? Close.”

  “And friends. Yes?”

  “Yes. We know of Human. From signal talk. You from place called, “Earth.”

  I don’t know about the others, but I was absolutely astounded.

  We all looked at each other, smiling as wide as people could smile.

  “Commander Herman asked the question that was on my mind. “You have been listening to our talk?”

  “Yes, weak signal like young child, but enough.”

  What do you call this place?” She spread her arms and swept them all around to include everything including the satellite.

  The two Umon looked at each other. “In past, we call ‘family of sky ball.’ Better now to call it Place of Umon.”

  Commander Herman nodded as if it made perfect sense. “How many Umon here?”

  “Many. How many human on big space machine?”

  “Many,” she said.

  Again, the Umon seemed to get a kick out of the answer.

  There was then a pregnant pause as we all contemplated this answer exchange.

  Finally it said, “You stay?”

  I said, “Only if Place of Umon invite.”

  “You share knowledge?”

  “Yes. Information is for all. No secrets.”

  “Then, you stay.”

  I glanced at Miki. Tears were running down her face.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  It was getting dark by the time we finished talking with the Umon. We had settled on the methods by which we would continue to communicate and learned that the Umon knew a great deal about us. It became clear that they were in-fact flesh and blood creatures with a strong affinity for the electro-magnetic spectrum. I deduced this might be due to the satellite’s strong magnetic field and how the species responded to it early in their evolution.

  We figured out that they could receive and understand the vast majority of our communications, but making the sounds other than by way of EM transmission was not possible. They could, however, understand the translations via the radio transmitter. That they knew of our existence as far back as the early 1930s was amazing.

  As we stood to leave, the grey Umon reached out to touch my uniform. Sparks flew and it started to laugh. I would not have known it was laughter except for the tone and repeated resonance of the static. It was unlike anything I’d ever heard. Then the other one reached out to touch me. Again, sparks flew from my emergency shield. The repulsive safety device we thought so much of had no repulsive effect on them at all. At most, it tickled them like a very small flow of static electricity.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  When we returned to Kepler Dawn, we discovered the delegation from the Kennedy had also returned. The leader of their separate landing team, Commander Horton, spoke for them.

  “We were bumbling along trying to communicate with them when your AI computer managed to make contact with our team and told us how your people had accomplished the task.

  “Suddenly,” he said. “It became clear that though these fuzzy looking animals resembled cartoon characters, they were in fact highly intelligent and enjoyed a sophisticated life. None of it had been obvious to us, but we ultimately deduced that behind all the fuzzy bamboo was a civilization of some size. They have no enemies or even a word for the concept. Still, we thought them able to project powerful electro-magnetic forces in their defense if necessary. They laughed at our security belts.”

  We eventually agreed to combine forces with our various scientists, linguists, and others of value in establishing a colony and working with the Umon to locate a suitable place where we could build out a community.”

  After listening to the Kennedy’s survey team, I knew we would have to develop strict rules for the colonists to follow in interacting with the Umon. Our entire history had involved colonists attacking and destroying indigenous species. We could not allow that to happen here for one very good reason. It was likely the Umon would defeat them. Being EM creatures, we concluded they could probably control the entire spectrum and that might even allow them to control our ships in orbit. We would need to hold instructional classes on the subject and make sure no weapons were allowed on the satellite and that everyone knew they could not push these lovable looking creatures around.

  Perhaps of more importance, we would have to make sure we were not carrying any micro-organisms that could harm them.

  I drafted instructions for the captain’s approval and suggested we submit them to the computer for analysis. It was to add anything it could to help with our interactions with the Umon and protect them from our presence.

  Supplemental Report of the Captain

  Earth Ship “USS Kepler Dawn,” Year 2456

  By Captain JoHan C. Hollenbeck

  To: Spa/Com. Subject, Discovery of Intelligent Life.

  Our colony on Kepler 186f, now known as “Dawn,” is on a sound footing and we expect it will soon be complete and self-sufficient. Once we became sure of this, we set out to explore its satellite. A joint expedition was sent down with a science party from the ES Kennedy. The satellite is a remarkable body with a large iron and possibly Uranium core that provides it with a very strong magnetic field. This field apparently provides protection from stellar radiation for all life forms there.

  While seeking the source of some odd AM radio signals, we met and communicated with an intelligent species known as the “Umon.” They have so far demonstrated a lack of hostile intent and have invited us to stay and explore.

  I am attaching digital photos of these beings to my message and will be providing additional information as we learn more about them. We were surprised to learn they have been monitoring Earth’s radio signals since the 1930s. We have deduced they evolved within the protection of this EM core and are able to manipulate it in many ways. We speak to them via a translation of the radio waves they send us through our AI computer. A preliminary decision has been made by our officers and those of the Kennedy that we will not attempt to build out a settlement there due to the dangers it might present to their environment. Still, we will be continuing our studies of their habitat and way of life.

  Chapter 28

  After catching up on my daily duties, I found time to query the computer as to its findings regarding the likelihood of our people coming into conflict with the Umon. The computer’s suggestion was that we turn around and go home, or we at least abandon our plans to establish a colony on the satellite. There was a certainty, it explained, that at some point there would be conflict between our two species. One of them would not survive the conflict. Again, it based its recommendation on the historical records in its data base as well as the chaotic math projections.

  “Lieutenant Kelso,” it said. “In addition to compiling that recommendation, I have completed my scans of the rest of this stellar system. It does not appear the planet or the satellite is in any immediate danger of an asteroid or comet collision. The outer band of small bodies is similar to that around our own star and could at any time send an impactor into the inner system. Again, the odds of that are not r
ealistically capable of calculation. On the bright side, if an impactor of moderate size were to approach, it is probable that with a combination of AG engines precisely placed, it could be deflected. If it was very large, however, that might prove impossible.

  Indications from the very many planetary satellites without an atmosphere in the Kepler system suggests there was an early cometary bombardment period about three point eight to four billion years ago and then another a billion and a half years ago. The planet 186f and its satellite show few signs of bombardment, although there is one crater-like structure on the far side of the planet. There is also one on the satellite. The latter appears to be the most recent, although without examining them, there is no way to tell. I’d say they were both created about a half million years ago. The cause is still unknown to me. I am working on it. You should probably take a team down to visit the crater on the planet.”

  “Thank you. Now, please forward a record of this conversation and your recommendations to Captain Hollenbeck. I am going to suggest he convene a conference to include the new leaders of our colonial complement and that of the Kennedy. We must make decisions on all this before we are too far along and begin a wasteful use of our resources.”

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  We gathered in the main conference room on Kepler Dawn with everyone we thought might be able to add to a general conversation about the Umon and whether we should try to establish a colony on the satellite given the computer’s recommendation. Captain Hollenbeck led the conference. He was accompanied by Captain Ho of the Kennedy, a tall slender man with short black hair, and Commander Sykes, his first officer. Sykes was another white-blond fellow, tall and well built. He had a sparkle in his eye, a light sense of humor and a broad smile that was no doubt attractive to women. I noted he was sometimes referred to as “Whitey or just White.”

  Sykes was also from the Netherlands and seemed to enjoy speaking Dutch with Captain Hollenbeck. To them, it was old home week. To me, he was a threat. The first thing he’d done when he met Miki was to give her a lecherous look. For a moment I’d found myself thinking of another challenge fight. The SOB. Fortunately, Miki knew his type and blew him off with an upturned nose.

  All of Kepler Dawn’s ranking officers were present along with me, Miki and Commander Herman. The colonial administration for the planet Dawn, the name of which had still not gained widespread use, had come in force. It seemed they now liked the planet and wanted to stay. They had found large quantities of valuable minerals, including gold and platinum on the planet and seemed to have an attachment for the stuff. What they were going to do with it was anyone’s guess. There was no functioning economy as yet and a successful one would not likely be based on those minerals. All previous economic systems that were based on some form of precious metal had ultimately failed simply because the need for it could not meet the needs of the society.

  The Kennedy’s delegation suggested that from what they had seen so far on the satellite, it too would make a good place to build a colony.

  Captain Hollenbeck stood and told the group of the computer’s recommendation that we stay away from the satellite. There was a lot of grumbling by the assembled masses and Hollenbeck quickly shut them down.

  “There is great logic to what the computer says and we need to listen and consider before any decision is made. And, you must remember, that decision is ultimately mine and mine alone. That is just the way it is. If anyone decides to interfere, I will have them ‘keelhauled.’ We have already experienced one outbreak of rebellious sentiment and were any sign of it to return the command reaction would be beyond severe.”

  However, you must know I will not make that decision without a thorough discussion of the issue, so I expect a rational, logical examination of the facts. I want no yelling or threats and anyone who creates a disturbance will be twiddling their thumbs in the brig for the next few years. It’s quite large and has plenty of room for expansion.

  Computer, you have the floor.”

  The computer spoke out of the ether, its voice strong and simple at the same time. Many of the attendees appeared nervous and started looking around, trying to find the source of the voice. They did not like being lectured by a disembodied thing.

  As usual, the computer started by explaining its view, the history behind it and then got right to the point. It succinctly explained its reasons for suggesting we leave. After outlining humanity’s tendency toward other intelligent species, it added one more factor that none of us had known before our last conversation. I was stunned.

  “I have now completed my in-depth scans of both the planet and the satellite,” it said. “The impact craters found on both are unique. Neither was created by an asteroid or cometary collision. They were created by nuclear weapons.”

  There was a collective gasp from the room.

  The computer paused, apparently to allow this news to sink in. Wow, I thought. It was learning to speak to a crowd like a politician.

  “It is apparent,” the AI continued, “… that in each instance an alien colony had been at the site and was utterly destroyed by the explosion. I have detected residual radiation aged approximately five hundred thousand years at both sites. They were huge weapons, larger than any previously tested on Earth.

  My scans were obviously from the ship, so I still recommend that both sites be examined closely to confirm my observations. In the meantime, the Umon should be asked about this to determine what happened, if they remember. Due to their EM evolutionary structure, their memories are likely stored digitally and it is possible they can still recall them.

  Regardless of what is found, it is apparent the explosions were not created by the Umon. There is no evidence of any kind to show they ever developed nuclear weapons. If they had, there would still be some residual evidence of test explosions. I have scanned the satellite in fine detail and do not believe the existence of such weapons could escape those scans. There are no nuclear weapons on the satellite today.

  I can only provide speculation as to how all this occurred based on the evidence I can see. It suggests that the Umon came under nuclear missile attack by an alien species that had established colonies on Umon and Dawn. The Umon were able to deflect the first attack back upon the local colony. It had likely been targeted toward the bamboo upon which the Umon depend. They then turned back a second attack and delivered it instead onto the alien colony on the main planet. Thus, both of the alien colonies were destroyed.

  What happened to the remaining aliens, if there were any left on board their ship, is anyone’s guess. I have found no debris in orbit to suggest that any ship was destroyed there. So, it is likely they withdrew and continued on to some other system.

  As some of the command group had thought, the Umon are a very powerful species capable of frying an entire planet with their EM emissions if they chose to do so. You humans cannot defeat them, because you have no means by which to get through their shielding or successfully attack them without the risk of suffering an existential defeat. This leaves you with no choice but to move on if they tell you to do so.

  I recommend you confirm all of this with the Umon before a decision to leave is made. If they confirm what I suspect, you should beg for time to gather the necessary minerals and proteins for your trip to the next planet. They are a compassionate species with no desire to destroy you. I am convinced they will over time resort to that remedy unless an unbreakable agreement is reached, one that would force the colonists’ hand. Otherwise, conflict is inevitable.

  Right now, I would suggest that you select another destination from the list of potentially habitable planets compiled before we left the Earth.”

  The room was silent for a moment and then erupted into hoots, angry words, and threats. Few people liked what the computer had said.

  Benjamin Heartfield, the newly elected leader of the colonials — who had succeeded Chairman Marshal — refused to accept that they could not defeat the Umon. Others demanded proof and still others asked
for a report from their own expedition to the craters. On the computer’s earlier recommendation, they had sent out a group of archaeologists and anthropologists to look over the crater on Dawn. None of them were currently present, so I asked the computer to locate them and order them back to the conference room.

  I stood up and recommended that everyone take a break while we awaited the return of that team. As they all stood and started milling around, I noted Commander Sykes still ogling Miki. She was paying no attention to him. Nevertheless, it was time for a rescue mission.

  “Lieutenant Sakura, would you accompany me to the lounge?”

  “Yes, sir. I think I need a touch of the good stuff myself.”

  Commander Herman saw what we were doing and asked if she could join us. “My guess is that these folks are still on their way back to the ship,” she said. “I overheard a conversation with them on the command net a few moments ago and they were fifty miles out.”

  As we were walking to the lounge, she leaned over to Miki and asked if she’d like her to intervene with Commander Sykes. “He’s a nice looking fellow,” she said. “An obvious cad, perhaps worth a quick bounce in the hay.”

  Miki started laughing and agreed to the plan.

  After I’d had a couple of sips of beer, I excused myself to find the captain. I figured he’d be in his office, possibly with Captain Ho and/or Heartfield. A thought had come to me that might solve the problem, and it would require another trip to the surface of the satellite.

  It was a short walk to the captain’s office, since it was near the lounge and I knew the shortcut.

  Captain Hollenbeck was leaning back in his chair with Captain Ho in a similar chair off to the side. It was obvious they had been having an intense conversation about leaving the system. Heartfield was there too. He was a veteran of prior wars on Earth and clearly did not want to give up so easily.