Commander John Koenig stood in Main Mission, his gaze fixed on the viewscreen displaying a gorgeous green and white planet computer designated as Beta 4.
David Kano received a printout from the computer. He faced the commander and read from the paper, although all of the operatives in Alpha moonbase's nerve center listened intently.
"Life readings exceed our ability to measure fully," Kano said. "Computer indicates much of the surface is covered with vegetation. No indications of surface water."
Paul Morrow cocked an eye and said, "If there's vegetation, there must be water." Then, to annoy Kano, he added, "Maybe computer isn't thinking straight."
Professor Bergman chimed in fast to keep the snide comment from ballooning into an argument. "Yes, well, there will likely be water in underground aquifers leading to springs and so forth." He looked to Commander Koenig and bobbed his head. "No way to be sure without going down and taking a look, I'd say."
Sandra Benes, the data analyst, spoke to herself but loud enough for the others to hear, "It is beautiful. It reminds me of Earth."
Kano tempered her romanticizing of Beta 4, ticking off facts as provided by computer. "Less than half the surface size of Earth, no differentiation between land masses, a constant air temperature, and this is a binary system. To say it is anything like Earth is not correct."
Professor Bergman countered, "A rose, Mr. Kano, by any other name."
Koenig broke in: "One thing is for sure, it seems promising. But listen, let's not get ahead of ourselves." He pointed at the screen while speaking to everyone in the room. "If that planet is right for us, we need to find out fast. So we have a job to do. For now, focus on that."
"And celebrate later?" Paul Morrow said, letting more emotion slip than the normally stoic second-in-command allowed.
Professor Victor Bergman told them, "The sensors here on Alpha have given us plenty of data, as much as any scanning from high orbit. I suggest we skip phase one and go straight to phase two: a planetary survey."
Koenig: "Agreed, Victor." He spoke to Paul. "Get an Eagle on the launch pad and Carter in the pilot's seat."
Morrow nodded and contacted the Reconnaissance Section via his console's communications interface.
Koenig told Dr. Russell, "Helena, put together a survey team. We're going to need to run plenty of tests. Air, water, soil, plant life. A complete workup."
Her eyes reflected the same mixture of hope and caution Koenig felt. The corners of her mouth hinted at a grin as she said, "If you insist."
# # #
Commander John Koenig sat in the copilot's seat of Eagle One, gazing out the cockpit window as the spaceship approached the planet Beta 4. He couldn't help but be awed by the beauty of the green and brown surface stretching before him. Alan Carter, the pilot, wore a smile as he maneuvered the Eagle into orbit.
"Look at that, commander," Carter said. "Have you ever seen the like?"
Koenig's expression hardened, and he shot his eyes at Carter. "Slow down, Alan," he warned. "We've had close calls before. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
Carter's enthusiasm dampened. "Well, aren't you a spoilsport?"
"Realist, Alan. It looks promising, but there are a lot of questions to answer before I'm giving the order to evacuate Alpha."
The console communication video screen popped on and Dr. Russell's face appeared as she called from the passenger compartment she shared with her protégé, Dr. Ben Vincent.
"John, we're picking up some incredible readings," Russell said, her voice filled with wonder. "The life signs are overwhelming our sensors. I've never seen anything like this." She shrugged. "It's, well, it's incredible."
John sighed. He appreciated the enthusiasm, but feared it could cloud their vision, impeding their ability to conduct the necessary research to construct an accurate overview of the planet. Once he gave the order to leave Alpha and settle on a new home, there was no turning back. They needed to be certain of the planet's viability.
Koenig exchanged a glance with Carter before responding. "Copy that, Helena. Any indications of what could be causing those intense life form readings?"
"Commander." Carter grabbed his attention. "Something on forward sensors."
Koenig examined the monitor and translated, "Reads like something artificial." A pang of disappointment thumped in his chest. "Maybe we're not the first ones to think this place would make a great home."
"Whatever it is, it's right below us at the edge of what reads to be some light woodlands and foothills."
"Can you find us a landing spot?"
Carter assured, "Commander, you say the word and I'll park us in a bird's nest if it means going down to this place."
The Eagle descended from orbit, passing through a thin veil of clouds and emerging into rays of afternoon twin suns beaming over a countryside of grass, hills, and brush. It felt like a pleasant dream rather than an actual place. Koenig had to catch himself from falling into the same enchanted daze infecting his team.
The descent rockets fired, and the ship eased down at the edge of a thin forest of broad leaf trees. As usual, Carter landed the ship perfectly, culminating in a soft bounce as the shock absorbers on the struts absorbed touchdown.
Koenig unbuckled his seatbelt, rolled back his chair, and stood. "Let's see if this place is as good as advertised."
He led Carter into the passenger compartment where Doctors Russell and Vincent grabbed shoulder bags and portable scanners in anticipation of what was to come.
Helena told him, "We've confirmed what our sensors on Alpha indicated; the atmosphere is breathable. Air temperature here is a comfortable twenty-two degrees Celsius."
Carter said, "I suppose I should've brought my shorts."
Koenig threw him a disapproving glare and then told the two doctors, "We think we've found something artificial. We don't know what it is." He grabbed a stun gun from the weapons rack.
"John..?" Helena reacted.
"We do this by the book. We're explorers, we're scientists; not tourists. So clear your heads and do your jobs."
He pointed his commlock at the side door and, after a quick beep, that door slid open. In rushed fresh air carrying scents of pine, mud, and wood: a smell redolent of a northeastern forest back on Earth. Back home.
"Okay, let's see what's out there."
Koenig took point, leading the way through the dense foliage. The ground was springy and soft, covered in a thick layer of moss and fallen leaves. The surrounding air was alive with the sounds of insects and birdsong, creating a symphony of natural music.
As they walked, he kept his eyes peeled for any sign of danger or the mysterious object they'd detected from orbit. His fingers rested on the grip of his stun gun in its holster on his utility belt, ready to draw at a moment's notice. But so far, everything appeared peaceful — serene, even.
They came across several small animals during their trek, none larger than rabbits or squirrels. Their presence only added to the idyllic ambiance of the place.
The group finally caught sight of their quarry: a massive structure looming above the tree line, half obscured by tangles of vines that had grown over a long span of time. From their angle, it resembled an enormous silver eggshell, split open along one side. Bent and cracked baffles on one end gave it away as a spaceship, although it would never fly again.
Helena stepped close to Koenig and asked, "What do you think?"
Koenig, his mouth hanging open, answered, "I have no idea."
It felt as if they had unearthed an ancient artifact, evoking a mix of astonishment and disbelief. He pointed toward the ruined vessel and said, "Let's take a closer look."
As they moved into its shadow, they realized how huge the craft truly was. It dwarfed their Eagles dozens of times over, making them seem like toys in comparison.
The group dispersed, moving apart while maintaining eye contact with each other. They examined the alien ship's exterior, looking for hints as to its origins or purpose. Unfortunately, centuries spent exposed to the elements had taken their toll on the derelict, leaving little behind save rust and rot.
Koenig approached the hull near a gaping hole leading to darkness and placed his hand on the metal; some kind of composite steel, not unlike that used in Earth's space program.
A sound came to his ears, from the darkness within. He froze, ears straining to pinpoint the source of the noise. Someone–or something–moved inside the ship.
He raised his stun gun and listened. More footsteps. Closer… closer. A figure burst forth from the darkness, coming face-to-face with Koenig.
It was a boy: the body and features of an Earth-born human male in his mid teens. He sported dark hair, olive skin tone, and brown eyes flecked with gold. His clothes were simple but functional, comprising loose trousers and a homespun tunic.
For several seconds, the pair faced off, neither speaking nor moving. Finally, unable to stand the silence any longer, Koenig lowered his weapon and attempted to make contact.
"Hello," he ventured, keeping his tone neutral and holstering his gun. "We mean you no harm. I am Commander John Koenig, from a place called Alpha. We are not of this planet."
The boy said nothing, but gaped; his expression that of puzzlement.
The others in the landing party came to Koenig's aid.
"What do we have here?" Carter asked.
The commander tried again. He placed a hand on his own chest and said, "John Koenig. Do you understand me? Can you speak? What is your name?"
"His name is Sol," came a new voice from behind.
The Alphans spun around and came face to face with a tall man, broad-shouldered, white-haired, and bearded. He wore similar clothes as the youngster, but with the added addition of a star-shaped, crystal pendant hanging from his neck.
"He can understand you," the man said as more of his kind emerged from the forest, including a dark-haired woman who ran to the boy's side and placed a protective arm around him. "It's just that he has never met anyone from beyond our village before."
Koenig looked at Helena and then Alan.
"Greetings, friends," the elder said and opened his arms wide. "Welcome to the planet Yomi. My name is Chief Elder Anansi. And this is our home."
MARTIN LANDAU
BARBARA BAIN
SPACE: 1999
THIS EPISODE… the viewscreen displaying the image of a lush green planet… an Eagle descending through clouds and flying over a beautiful countryside… Koenig and Bergman riding in a moonbuggy through a forest…Helena standing in light woodlands stretching her hand out reaching for something and screaming in pure terror… THIS EPISODE… a woman in hand-woven garb kneeling inside a dormant high-tech control room before wads of wires and pieces of destroyed technology arranged in geometric patterns… two Eagles flying side by side across a blue sky… a field of strange trees on which grow colorful fruit… a crowd of villagers dressed in primitive garb converging angrily on Helena, John, and other Alphans.. a stun gun and a commlock lying discarded on the ground… the bones of a human skeleton laying beneath a cracked glass canopy…