Part 8: Sam and Emma Defenders of Earth

Be sure to read parts 1-7 first.

When the pod was in position and the airlocks had corrected the air pressure, the doors connecting both ships opened. Emma was used to seeing full grown aliens but Jaryk was a brute. All of Sam's forearm disappeared into Jaryk's fist when they shook hands. Jaryk had to stoop down on one knee to enter the pod and introduce himself to Emma with a kiss on her hand. His whiskers were like bristles and he had short tusks on either side of his mouth. He had long pointy bat ears; the right one was missing about two inches.

Emma had only seen Jaryk on video and thought his skin was green. In person, under the light of the pod she could see he was a very light purple. As she looked past him she could see that the illumination on his ship was green and dim.

As her eyes became accustomed to the dark, she saw the other person with Jaryk. Emma was sure he was the same species as Jaryk, but he looked very old and frail. His back was hunched up almost as high as his ears drooped down.

Jaryk led Emma and Sam forward to meet the old man. "This is Pachra, my grandfather."

Emma bowed slightly. Pachra Shook Sam and Emma's hands. Emma noticed his eyes were sharp but filled with sadness.

As they walked through the cargo hold of the ship Pachra's steps were mechanical and identical in length. He had braces and motors controlling his legs roboticly. The old man's robot legs carried him in the direction that he leaned toward.

Sam was pulling a cart behind him and as they entered the main room of the ship he pushed it up onto the table. Once everyone was seated Sam pulled out the peanut butter, coffee and M&M's. Jaryk set the radar module for Sam's suit on the table. Sam then produced a shoe box with holes in the side. The box disappeared as Jaryk placed his hand over it and slid it to his side of the table. When he saw there were two kittens inside instead of one he slapped his hand on his chest. Emma could see Jaryk's skin turn a deeper purple and his eyes began to sparkle.

"Ha, Earther, you make the deal brighter than we agreed. I am sure you will ask me for a favor someday, and you just might have it."

Sam laughed, "I didn't want one to get lonely so now you have a pair. I am glad you like them, and I might need a favor. Someday."

Jaryk's look became a little more serious, "Don't we all? Some days. As for today my Pachra carries the second part of our deal. I have heard the tale so I will go and stow my goods."

Jaryk rubbed the kittens bellies with one of his great fingers and made little noises and baby squeaks as he walked away.

Pachra placed a tablet on the table. It was the size of a small book. He waved his gnarled hand over the tablet and a soft glow appeared above it. To Emma it looked as though a mist hung over the pad. The fog began to darken and solidify. A beautiful blue-green orb coalesced and began to turn lazily. Sam and Emma leaned closer. The little planet had land and puffy white clouds like Earth. As the land turned toward the night side, little lights appeared. Cities and towns, thought Emma, so like Earth.

Pachra sighed and began his story.

Stay tuned for more.