Jaunts of the Mantis

by Jim Henderson

  Then he said to the other ship, “People of Vessel 4, greetings. We have surveyed this planet because our leaders long ago claimed this system and this planet. Our leaders directed us to survey it because it appears to be changing and they wish to know why. We were unaware of your presence or your claim”

  The other ship responded, “Kremniy Survey Craft Mantis, this is planetoid vessel 4 of the People. Your people could not claim this planet as they have done nothing with it. Therefore, we have claimed it for the People and are fixing it.”

  “People of Vessel 4, are the changes we have seen on the planet a result of your fixing?”

  “Of course, Kremniy Survey Craft Mantis. We are modifying the planet for our use. We have travelled far and need a home to bear many young.”

  “People of Vessel 4, we understand and are impressed with the speed of your modifications. We will notify our leaders and they will wish to discuss the use of this planet with you. They may be able to assist.”

  “Kremniy Survey Craft Mantis. We will welcome any assistance. Advise your leaders of our ownership of this planet.”

  “People of Vessel 4, this is Mantis, we will advise them and encourage assistance. You said you have travelled far. May we ask where you have travelled from?”

  “Short name Mantis, we travelled from our home system as our sun became unstable. We have been travelling for 213 orbits of the home of the People around the People’s sun. Please view this diagram of our home.”

  They then sent an odd but readable star system diagram. It showed numerous star systems with unreadable notations but seemed to indicate they came from approximately 17 star systems away.

  Onboard ship, Ximon said, “Holy crap, they’ve travelled 17 star systems in something like 213 years. They’re clearly travelling sub light the whole way. They must have a generation ship or a sleeper ship.”

  “Vessel 4, we thank you for the insight. You have, indeed travelled far and your need of a home is understood. Do you travel solely with thrust like that you’re using now?”

  “Mantis, yes, it is the most efficient means available to us. We can reach velocities of approximately 67% of the speed of photons in a vacuum when not affected by external gravitational effects. We observed your vessel arrive in this system but did not see how. Do you use other means to travel?”

  “Vessel 4, yes sometimes we use something called hyperspatial jump travel. We on this ship are few and of limited understanding. But, when our leaders discuss assistance, they may be able to explain this to you.”

  “Mantis, that would be of great assistance. Please tell your leaders of our desire for assistance and hyperspatial jump travel.”

  “Vessel 4, our leaders will be able to offer better assistance if they understand your People better. May we ask how many of the People are with you?”

  “Mantis, the people are many, though far fewer than on our home world. On Vessel 4, there are 30 of the People. In our other vessels, there are several thousand and thousands of eggs.”

  Elsbeth chimed in internally at that, “There are thousands of them, and they lay eggs. Ximon, I think it’s about time to get out of here.”

  Ximon told her, “Agreed, but I’ve got just a few more questions.”

  Ximon then had Mantis send Vessel 4 an encyclopedic entry about humanity and about the Republic.

  He then contacted them, “Vessel 4, we have sent you some additional information about our people and our leaders. The information includes some pictures of our people. Please, let us know if you can access this information and the images.”

  “Mantis, we have received the information and thank you for this gesture of peace. However, it will take us some time to understand it. We can see the images, though your people appear strange indeed.”

  “Vessel 4, many alien races appear strange to one another until they establish peaceful relationships. Could you send us an image of your race so that our leaders may better establish peaceful relations with you?”

  “Mantis, we value peaceful relations. Please receive this image of our people as a gift of peace from the People.”

  Elsbeth let out a yelp when the image appeared on the main screen, “What the hell?”

  The image contained several dozen individuals on a planetary surface with a strangely colored landscape and sky. At first glance, the People looked a fair amount like a more upright combination of an ant and a praying mantis. The People pictured varied considerably in size, presumably including young. However, there was no definitively sized object to compare to.

  Ximon said, “Interesting. They appear insectoid. I wonder if they evolved from some insect or evolved separately in a separate way.”

  He then contacted the Vessel, “Vessel 4, we appreciate the opportunity to understand your people better. As discussed, we will report back to our leaders that they may offer assistance and establish peaceful relationships. To do this, we will continue on this course for approximately 25% of the distance from the planet to the sun. We wish you peace, success in your modifications to the planet, and many young.”

  “Mantis, we welcome peace and encourage you to leave this system as you propose. We will continue to the planet, but another of our vessels will meet you soon to escort you to the point you name.”

  Elsbeth said, “They apparently don’t want us strolling through their other ships. But, Ximon, you’d better say something about the cubesats and about the mining colonies.”

  Ximon, “I was trying to find a time to work that in. I guess that’s now.”

  “Vessel 4, we will welcome the escort of another vessel of the People. Two other things I must mention as we part. First, we have deployed several artificial satellites around the planet that we may understand it and, thereby, better understand you. “

  “Mantis, why would you seek to learn about a planet we have clearly claimed?”

  “Vessel 4, we were not aware that you claimed it, so our leaders asked us to learn more about it. When our leaders discuss things with you, this knowledge will help them offer assistance.”

  “Mantis, understood. We will not obstruct these artificial satellites if they do not harm us.”

  “Vessel 4, thank you for understanding. The other thing I must mention is that there are other humans working on other planets and asteroids of this system. We will ensure they do not bother the planet you claim, but we must ask that you don’t disturb them or the ships visiting them. They have claimed these other planets and asteroids and our leaders would not understand if you interfered with them.”

  “Mantis, we have noted the other humans at range, but have not contacted them. We will respect their claims if they respect ours. They must not visit our planet or interfere with our ships.”

  “Vessel 4, certainly. We will inform them to not interfere or visit.”

  “Mantis, very well. Please tell them that our leaders would not well understand if they did.”

  “Vessel 4, of course. We all value peaceful relationships.”

  “Mantis, as do we. We must continue to the planet. We look forward to meeting you again in peace.”

  “Vessel 4, as do we. Thank you.”

  They all breathed a sigh of relief after that exchange.

  Elsbeth said, “I’m going to have nightmares about that one. Those things were creepy, like giant bugs.”

  Raiza chimed in, “Per my observation they appeared insectoid, not arachnid. As you know, insectoids are the most common complex life forms in Republic space.”

  “Yeah, whatever. They’re still creepy.”

  Ximon interrupted, “In any case, we’ve got a few things to do before we jump. First, I’ve got to issue a NOTOSC (Notice to Spacecraft). Second, we’ve got to talk to that guy’s buddy when he contacts us. Third, I’ve got to send an addendum to our report. Elsbeth, could you take the conn and talk to that other vessel? Alert me if anything appears to be headed ‘south. I’m going to go to my room to write this crap up. I’ll be back in about 60.”

  Els
beth took his chair, “Sure. I’ll try not to start an interstellar war.”

  Mantis chimed in, “An interstellar war would be most unwelcome …”

  Elsbeth cut her off, “Yeah got it. You just like them because they look like your namesake. What the hell are the odds of that?”

  Mantis responded, “I’m not entirely sure what namesake you’re referring to. However, the odds of two species that evolved separately appearing similar are fairly low.”

  Ximon went to his cabin and pounded the keys. In about 20 minutes he had a draft NOTOSC that he asked Mantis and Raiza to both proof for accuracy and consistency. They both agreed that it properly reflected the situation accurately. Ximon then had Mantis send it to all the mining stations and send it to be forwarded to travel advisories. It read:

  NOTOSC

  System Affected Avar (837B-7V).Issue Date 348149 101937

  Issued by: Kremniy Survey Craft 1550-V, the Mantis

  By order of the Kremniy Republic of Worlds, no Republic of allied vessel is to approach within 100,000 kilometers of the planet Avar 4 or interfere with any alien vessels transiting there. The KSF has initiated first contact protocol with an alien race that is conducting peaceful operations there and at the following Avar system coordinates … Any violation of this order is punishable by ship confiscation, loss of license, or imprisonment. Republic representatives will return to conduct follow-on negotiations. Please forward any questions to the nearest KSF Office or the regional governor.

  About that time, Mantis was hailed by another vessel.

  Elsbeth answered, trying to sound officious and like Ximon, “This is Kremniy Survey Craft Mantis. We welcome you in peace.”

  “Kremniy Survey Craft Mantis, prepare to receive and send video as a sign of peace.”

  Elsbeth adjusted her hair unconsciously and sat up straight then accepted the video.

  An image appeared that looked to her like a giant praying mantis sitting in a chair and playing with controls. A few smaller figures were visible in the background scurrying about (in her mind) like cockroaches. It made her skin crawl.

  “Short name Mantis, this is Planetoid Vessel 11 of the People. We are to accompany you to a point for approximately 729 //garble// to a point agreed upon with Vessel 4 of the People. We greet you in peace and will leave video communications open that we may better understand you in peace.”

  Elsbeth suppressed a cringe and tried to stay focused on her controls, “Greetings Planetoid Vessel 11 of the People. We will travel to the agreed upon point at our current velocity and will not deviate from this course.”

  “Understood Mantis. Your people are, indeed, as strange as //unintelligible clicking// 4-74 indicated, but we welcome peace.”

  “Vessel 11, in understanding there is peace.”

  They then travelled on in silence, but Elsbeth felt like it was sizing her up for dinner and tried to avoid eye contact.

  A short while later, Ximon finished his addendum to their survey report and had Mantis forward it to the mining station and the comm buoy. Then he returned to the bridge. Elsbeth happily gave up her seat, tried to move out of view of the screen, and studiously avoided looking at the screen.

  “Mantis, this is Planetoid Vessel 11 of the People. I am confused. You creatures appear quite distinct. Which one of you is the creature that //unintelligible clicking// 4-74 communicated with?”

  Ximon, now in his seat, “Vessel 11, I am the one he communicated with. I am known as Ximon and I lead this ship. May I have your name?”

  “Mantis, very well. There is peace in understanding. My name is //unintelligible clicking// 11-27. I lead this vessel of the People.”

  He signaled Mantis to play back that name then added, “… it is an honor to converse with you and see you.”

  “Mantis, yes. We value peace.”

  They then flew on in silence until they approached the point. Mantis detected at least 8 vessels of varying size near the comm target point. Ximon had her take extensive images.

  Ximon had everyone prepare for jump and asked Raiza to prepare dinner for after they jumped.

  Vessel 11 spoke up. “Mantis, our data indicates that you will reach the agreed upon point in 18 //garble//. We ask that you depart as agreed that we may all enjoy peace.”

  “Vessel 11, we depart in peace as discussed. We will leave now …” and he pushed the button to engage. The stars waivered, they all felt a lurch and they disappeared from the Avar system to the nothingness of jump.

  Elsbeth tore off her headset, “That was some weird crap. I’m going to take a quick shower before dinner. All jump readings look nominal.”

  Ximon followed not long after. He noted Raiza was still making dinner and thanked her. She said, “You’re welcome. Dinner will be ready in 15 minutes. Then, if you have no other tasks, I’ll go do a complete diagnostic.”

  Ximon nodded and headed to his room for a quick shower and a new jump suit.

  When he got back, Raiza was just setting dinner and drinks out. Elsbeth arrived a few minutes later, carrying a bottle of wine. She looked quite nice. Her hair was loose of the braid she typically wore, and she had quite a mane. … and he’d swear she was wearing makeup and wearing perfume.”

  Ximon pointed to the table, “I think we’ve got some here.”

  “Sure, but I wanted to get a head start.” The bottle was clearly open and down a glass or two.

  Ximon complimented her, “Well, dinner’s ready. Have a seat and let’s eat. You clean up pretty well.”

  Raiza sat down the last few items and poured them the wine she had selected. Then she left.

  Elsbeth said, “That was a bizarre encounter. Those things made my skin crawl. I’m not sure if I’ll sleep for a week.”

  “They weren’t that bad, and first contact is always exciting.”

  “I think if you look at the history, first contact often goes poorly, with some death and destruction pretty common. We got lucky they were reasonable bugs, but I don’t know what the Republic is going to do with them. Those bugs will be pissed if the Republic shows up and tells them to leave.”

  “I don’t think it’ll come to that. If the People are willing to be a protectorate or something, the Republic will let them stay as long as they behave themselves. We obviously have some technology they can use, but I think we might have some things to learn from them. That terraforming they were doing looked pretty dramatic in a short period of time. I’m going to emphasize that in my formal report. I think it might work out if the People and the miners avoid each other.”

  “Maybe, but if someone goes back and all the mines are slag heaps full of half-eaten bodies, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

  “So, melodramatic.”

  “So you say, but I’m telling you it looked like that guy was sizing me up for dinner and I don’t want no bug chewing on me. Like I said, I’m betting on nightmares.”

  Then they talked about some of the things they still had to do as they travelled back. Ximon needed to finish his more complete, formal report on the trip and prepare mission invoices. Elsbeth had a few more minor repairs she wanted to work on and then she had to finish her list of supplies and parts that the ship needed. She warned Ximon that it would be sizable.

  Ximon said, “Well, I’m new at this accounting. I’ll turn in the final report when I get there and file the invoice. They supposedly pay fast and then I’ll get you your share and buy those parts. What are your plans for after this? Are you up for another contract?”

  “I’m open to that if you can get those parts, I can hire a mechanic to help for about a week when we’re back in port, and you try to find another crewmember. We were AWFUL short-handed there.”

  “True, but it worked out, right?”

  “Only by luck. You know that we could have used someone who could have better understood all that scan data. That COULD have been essential to dealing with those things, but luckily it wasn’t.”

  “Just yanking your chain. I plan to try to find someone
, but I’ve got to get the pay first. Would you consider a 6-month contract?”

  “I’m up for that IF we can meet those conditions. Oh, and I’d like the new crew member to be a super-hot, desperate boy toy.”

  “Not at the top of my list, but you never know.”

  They kept eating, chatting, and drinking until all the food and all the handy wine was gone. Ximon was a tad fuzzy, but he thought Elsbeth might be more so.

  Finally, he said, “I’ve got to crash. Looks like you could use some rest too. Catch you in the morning.”

  She said, “Sure, leave the girl to clean things up.”

  “You don’t have to get it, Raiza will get it.”

  “Still a girl. I’m arguing for solidarity.”

  He shook his head and headed for his room, “G’night.”

  He got ready for bed, but then worked on his report for a bit before turning in. He was afraid he might forget a few things if he slept on it.

  About 45 minutes later, there was a knock on his door.

  He opened it and there was Elsbeth, in pajama pants and a sport bra. He’d never seen her without coveralls on and she REALLY filled out that bra.

  He started, “Uh ….”

  She broke in, “Ximon, I wasn’t kidding about those things giving me nightmares. I’ve tried but I can’t sleep. Can I sleep with you tonight?”

  “Uh, that’s not a good idea.”

  “Why not? What’s wrong with crewmates bunking together. I know you’ve done it before.”

  “Yeah, but it’s often a bad idea.”

  “Look. We’re mature adults. I’m scared and I’m lonely. You might be lonely if not for Raiza. But give a real girl a chance.

  “You’re drunk.”

  “Just a little and I’ve made far worse decisions sober. Look, let me sleep with you even if you can’t stomach anything else. Please.”

  “Oh, it’s not that and it has been a long while since I’ve been with a real girl. Come on in and we can see where it goes.”

  “Great. We can always pretend it never happened if we want.”

  Ximon woke up to the sound of gentle snoring next to him and paused to admire the body. He concluded that, yes, this had probably been a terrible idea. But, Elsbeth was an energetic and vocal companion and it was nice to wake up next to a soft, warm, real body. Oh well, he concluded, not much we can do about it now. We’ll just have to see what kind of crazy it brings. Then he got up quietly, went to take a shower, and got dressed.