The Planet OhAno 4 Crash - Pt. 02

Part 2

Conclusion

Space Force Earth, Star Ship Brizo, Captain's Log: 2324-0527.

It has been three days since Space Force Command has had any communication contact with the Explorer Survey Ship, Ambassador 3. This is not correct procedure. SF Command fears the worst. Captain Kirock is a tried-and-true captain. If there was a major mishap, the ship should have automatically ejected a rescue or communication beacon with repeating signals to alert Command. These beacon buoys broadcast on a continually monitored, emergency sub-space frequency. Since the early beginnings of commercial flights, this buoy would have generically been called, the black box, which records the last moments of the ship's demise. SF Command has detected no such beacon signals of any kind.

Their last known trajectory reported was mapped as heading toward the OhAno Star System, as last ordered. There are only three planets that orbit that system. Two planets share the same orbit. In our experience, this is a rare situation. It is likely, since their orbit is within the Goldilocks Zone, the Captain would have directed their first exploration efforts toward either OhAno 3 or OhAno 4 of that system. We've been ordered to investigate, offer any assistance we can, and/or rescue survivors. We should reach orbit around OhAno 3 in only a few hours -- present speed. Captain Jobe Kumar, Commanding.

"Lieutenant Capshaw, has Space Force Command been alerted to any further updates from the Ambassador 3 survey ship?"

"There have been no further updates, Captain. The situation remains as it was."

"Very well."

"Navigator. Are we withing scanning range of OhAno 3?"

"Not quite, Captain. The only information we have is that it is a barren planet without very much water."

"Understood."

"Captain. My long-range scanning has picked up debris orbiting Planet 4, but it is insufficient to determine its origin." The First Officer has sole access to long range scanners, since readings cannot be considered entirely accurate and require extensive extraneous thought and research.

"Navigator, how long until we reach OhAno 3?"

"About one-hour, Sir."

"And how long until we can reach OhAno 4?"

"Approximately two-hours, forty-six minutes, Sir, since we have to circumnavigate their sun."

"Very well. Continue course to OhAno 3. We'll get a closer look to rule it out before we continue around to OhAno 4."

"First Officer, continue to analyze all information regarding the space wreckage for as long as you can until we can get closer to investigate."

"Understood, Captain."

"Engineering, I want that weapons panel manned at all times to be ready to go to Red Alert -- full deflector shields around the hull - at a moment's notice."

"Aye, Captain. Ready on your command."

"Very well."

"First Officer. What information do we have in our database about these two planets?"

"Only that they exist in this location and have heretofore never been scouted, sir."

"We shall have to see what information we can add to the Space Force Libraries, won't we."

Meanwhile, on Planet OhAno 4, Captain Kirock was being escorted to Krall's interview chamber alone this time. Still wearing his mental telepathy/translator device, he tried to keep a clear head.

"Sit here, Captain. We must communicate." The interview room was the same as it was before. He selected the same stool he used before. Again, Krall entered from the side portal. Krall sat behind a long table in a tall seat with a backrest. The room was barren of decoration or accoutrements.

The captain and Krall communicated through the headphone type device placed on Captain Kirock's temples. Krall communicated directly.

"It is time for us to communicate further. You and your crew have been here several planet revolutions, and we have provided you private accommodations in the pairs we have selected for you."

"Yes, Krall. We find the accommodations comfortable, and we thank you."

"You also have a separate room for your numerous crew meetings and meals."

"Of course, as Captain, I must always be in communication with my crew. I'm sure you understand."

"We have taken over your nourishment production since your food stores have been exhausted. We have understood no complaints or comments. Has this been satisfactory for your crew?"

"We find the food palatable and nourishing. We hope it is not difficult for you to produce. We do not wish to become an inconvenience here."

"We have done all this, after numerous excursions to your ship's crash site to recover items necessary for your crew members. We did this with you as your ship is in an area of the Red Plaines inhabited by the large, slithering beasts. These beasts are dangerous to our people. We have lost many citizens to its appetites."

"We are very grateful to you and your people, Krall. You have provided for us very well as your guests. You have made us feel welcome and secure since we arrived. Yet, we do not wish to be a burden for you. We remain hopeful that a rescue ship of our own people will arrive very soon. We base this hope on our last reported trajectory of travel through this quadrant of your space as ordered by our home world."

"We know nothing of such things. Our planetary self-protection device has caused your ship to crash, and we feel partially responsible. We have no way to communicate with beings from other worlds. That device is our only protection from invaders. We are one of only a few cities on this planet that remain after the Old Ones died. The slithering beasts have reduced our numbers. We have no weapons to fight it. Because of that, many citizens have lost interest in going further and wish to end our society at our eventual longevity. Do you understand what that means?"

"I believe I do understand, and I find that prospect disturbing. We have encountered many planets and societies -- all with problems and troubles -- but none has ever been in a depressed mode to allow its society to wither and die out entirely. All have fought very hard to survive and preserve their future. Surely the true desire is to continue as a race of kind, generous, and caring society you have shown to us that you are."

"While I may agree with you, there are others on our Supreme Council that do not. We cannot control the slithering beasts. We cannot kill them. They attack our villages at night and consume the nesting eggs of our females before they hatch into younglings. Our reproductive cycles are long. Our citizens have suffered too many losses to continue."

"I can understand how that could happen, but truthfully, you must find a way to fight these beasts that are trying to kill you. You simply must survive to evolve your race. You must find a way."

"We cannot. Surely, as you know by now, we would not kill your crew if they did not perform for us in the village center. We read your minds and believed using this word 'kill' would motivate you. We did not realize the true meaning of the word, only that you feared it. We mean you no harm."

"I understand that, now. We came here in peace and wish no harm for your citizens."

"Surely you understand that your repeated reproduction method performances in the village are meant in the purest sense to be motivational for our citizens. Some of us in leadership believe that if we can portray the reproduction process as an enjoyable recreational activity, that we can produce more younglings and give our society the will to survive again."

"I confess that I had not considered that before. I see your wisdom in that now. I believe we will appear to be more cooperative from now on, since we are not truly threatened."

"Will you help us? Will you continue to show us new ways to mimic the reproduction process and make it appear to be recreational? Others and I on the Council believe that this negative trend among the villagers must be reversed."

"Krall, I must mention that our crew is tasked by our home world only to observe, make notations in research, and leave each planet undisturbed and unchanged. We are forbidden to do anything that will alter the natural course of any planetary civilization and evolution."

"So, you will not help us. Is that true?"

"Will you please forgive me, but I cannot answer at this time."

"What does this word, 'please', mean? It seems an odd word."

"In our language, we use it to express politeness in a request. It is asking your permission to answer further after I discuss it with the crew. If we can help you, we will all have to agree to violate our first principle to help you and your people. Violating that principle must be for the greater good. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Yes, I do. Now I must convey that information to the Supreme Council. I know they also, will discuss any interaction our citizens may have with your people."

"As long as we are communicating openly, I'm sure our two peoples can come to an understanding. Once again, we are grateful for all you've done for us."

"Tonight, we would like another demonstration of your reproductive practices by your crew. If it would assist your decision, I will say Please."

"Thank you, Krall. I will pass along your kind words. As I have said, I believe that after this, we shall be much more cooperative. May I return to my crew, please?"

"Yes. Your escort will accompany you."

The Star Ship Brizo had arrived in this star system and was now on its third revolution of planet OhAno 3. So far, the crew has found nothing of villages, civilizations, or higher life forms. Although the lush vegetation areas held many species of lower life forms. Mostly, it was barren rock with limited, low ceiling atmosphere. After a few more orbits of continued scanning to look for any signs of a crash site, Captain Kumar gave orders to abandon the search there and proceed to OhAno 4.

Captain Kirock held a crew meeting to pass along the information shared with Krall only a few moments before. The escorts of Tabor-Nu brought refreshments into the communal area. The crew enjoyed their meal. Yet, there were still questions that needed answers.

"Something I don't understand, Captain. Why are we made to have sex in the village square every night?" The female crewman looked at her assigned partner. "Not that I'm complaining, of course." Her partner's expression went from tenuous to a smile.

"We have crashed into a serious situation here. It seems that society here has decided to allow itself to end when their normal life expectancy ends. Has anyone seen any children in the village?"

"Maybe they don't want the children to watch, Captain."

"We can't judge these kind people by our ancient Puritan standards. Their children mature very quickly if they are to survive. Their biggest problem lies outside the village walls. It seems there is a 'slithering beast' -- as Krall called it - that consumes the eggs the females produce before they can hatch as live younglings. There is also the threat of the larger slithering beasts that attack and consume the mature villagers caught unawares. In short, the villagers have no will or weapons to fight back."

"Why can't they make weapons, Captain?"

"I don't believe they have the knowledge. Krall referred to the Old Ones who have all died out. Perhaps there was some sort of societal reset that took place at their death. Krall doesn't know. Between them, they held the knowledge and the wisdom to continue. They created the planetary defense devise that destroyed our ship."

"Why can't we help them by making weapons and helping them fight these beasts?"

"I think you know the answer to that, lieutenant. Our Prime Principle states to not interfere with any society we contact. We are to observe, study and notate, then carry on in the name of science, hoping to make new friends along the way."

"These people have treated us well, under the circumstances. We must help them. I don't believe that under this situation, the Prime Principle applies."

"The prime principle always applies, yeoman. You've known this since day-one at the academy. The trick is to bend that rule so that we can help them. Giving them weapons is a big issue. We have no right to involve ourselves into their evolution -- or lack of it."

"We haven't any weapons to give them anyway, Captain. All of ours were destroyed in the crash."

"There's one more thing we can do. Tonight, we are going to be putting on another sex show for the villagers in the square. I cannot order you. Krall may say someone will be killed if they don't comply, but I think we know that won't happen. If there is any way possible to have sex look like it is fun and enjoyable, a recreational activity to look forward to and enjoy, perhaps our presence here will give them the will to want to survive their depressed attitude. All we can do is show them the way."

"I know I get a little depressed when I don't have recreational sex. Count me in," said the young yeoman from life science panel. Some of the crew chuckled in agreement.

"Krall and a few of his councilors are hoping it will. There are others on their council who are just as convinced to let the society die out. That the battle is unwinnable. I'm asking for volunteers to make Krall's goals happen. Fill your minds with positive thoughts. Perform a real show for them. Perhaps they will read our minds and begin to believe for themselves that live is worth living. Now, let's get some rest. Couples, I hope you will discuss this between yourselves and be helpful. Remember, we are serving the greater good for these people but try to have a good time and show it, think it, be good examples. No BDSM. It is too far advanced for these folks. They would not understand the emotional complexities of any other way. It's back to basics. Try to remember what new, young love felt like to you as teenagers. They would understand that."

Right at dusk, our escorts arrived to take us to the square. Their faces were emotionless, so getting a read on what they might be thinking was impossible. As I explained to the crew, we are to use all thoughts to influence these folks that having recreational sex is a good thing. Actions speak louder than thoughts, at this point. We should all appear jovial, happy, and caring that we are being allowed to do this. That we are looking forward to it and we are going to enjoy it. I couldn't ask the crew, but I hoped that Krall and his escorts chose the sex pairings accurately. For us, it was non-negotiable. Over the past two nights, there have been no complaints.

Tonight, as usual, we were lined up naked -- in our true form - and in single file so the crowd could look at us before we begin. Just as in the other nights, there were three hetero couples, two female couples and on male couple. "They will be judging our non-verbal communications, so be positive and cheerful." We tried forcing a smile until we heard what Krall had to say.

Holding his broadcasting translator to the temple area of his head, Krall began. There was no audible sound, but we all were able to understand.

Krall began announcing to the villagers. "Tonight, our new friends are going to give us examples of physical love. Love is an emotion. Our new friends express that emotion using their bodies when they conduct the process of reproducing. I do not expect we will be knowledgeable of this love since the Old Ones left us. As you have already witnessed, these new friends visiting from another world have the knowledge of love. They will be giving us their thoughts and feelings about what love is to them. Perhaps, we can learn for ourselves if it is good."

With that introduction, we all knew what we had to do. Since being paired with yeoman Christine Reynolds, we have had no issues between us. As captain, I mustn't get emotionally involved, but her willingness and efforts to please while having public sex are above and beyond the call of duty. Sadly, there is no official Space Force citation for that.

Once again, we were escorted and spaced equidistant around the blue water well in the center of the town square. As our escorts left us alone, we would begin. The crowd of citizens, now familiar with the pairings, moved and situated themselves around the square to view their favorite couples.

Yeoman Reynolds -- Christine -- turned to me with a smile on her face. "Captain, I mean Theo, what may I do to show my pleasure at having sex with you? Is there anything special you would like?"

I quickly got into character as a loving partner. With Christine, this was easy, but I had to remember that I was still her captain, and this show was all for the villagers.

"Christine, you know that you please me very much. I'm sure that when we kiss, our minds will come to some conclusions of their own. We've never had a problem in that area. Have we?"

"No, Theo, we have not." Christine drew closer to me, her firm young breasts, pointed with pink, hard nipples pressed into my chest comfortably. She placed one hand around my waist and the other behind my neck. I mirrored her. We kissed as we always have which is probably why Krall kept all the couples together since we were matched by Krall's telepathy readings. I don't know what method he used to sort everyone into couples, but it worked.

Christine and I started out warmly and we quickly escalated to hot. Based upon our experiences so far, how could we not? Her kisses were as if she were a hungry child who had missed many meals and was suddenly given all the food she could eat. I admit that she was also a tasty treat. In no time at all, our bodies were melting together in hot, molten desire. There was never a thought of looking at other couples to see what they were doing. This was an effort for the townspeople.

Carefully, we laid ourselves down. Our mouths sought out the parts on each other's body that we already knew created pleasure. Hoping these sensations were being picked up telepathically by the townspeople, we made extra effort to think clearly and simply. As her lips surrounded the tip of my cock, I tasted her outer pussy lips with definite intentions to dip into her deeper. As I did, I heard her moan. The vibrations her voice made, gave an extra charge to her deep lip lock she had on my cock. Her gentle touch caressing my balls in her hand. Again, she tried to give a deep throat. I never force that. I gave her high marks for her effort.

I rolled her over and began kissing and massaging her ass cheeks. She was an excellent physical specimen. She was firm. Her skin was smooth. The crevice between her cheeks was extremely kissable. Suddenly, she reversed herself. Her breathing was becoming erratic. She pushed me onto my back and climbed onto my stomach. As a demonstration, she placed her pussy over my chin and rubbed it against her clit. I tried working my tongue into play. She was dripping her sweet honey, and I took it all in.

Finally, she reached around to my cock and pulled on it, stroking it. Then, quickly she slid her body down and positioned her pussy over my cock and held it at the entrance. She bounced but twice onto the cushioned head then slid all the way down until our hips met. She held herself there for a moment. She rotated her hips in a circular motion making sure she was fully seated inside her. Her pussy muscles squeezed and sucked at my length. She rose slowly a few more times and then burst into a speed motion intent on building a fire that could not be extinguished between us.

Her ass cheeks were slapping my thighs as it was all I could do to hold onto her hips to keep her from flying away. She held onto my chest with her hands over my nipples. Unconsciously, perhaps, every so often she would squeeze her hands, and her fingernails would dig into my skin. Her passion was building to a crescendo.

For the sake of the townspeople, I couldn't allow that to happen too quickly. More time involved, the more pleasure to be gained. I whispered to Christine. "My turn."

Carefully, we rolled her over onto her back without slipping out. She brought her legs up and placed them on my shoulders. As I leaned forward to rest my weight on my hands, she could feel me deeper inside her. "Oh, yeah, Theo. Just like that."

I began to stroke into her, slowly at first. With her ankles around my neck now, she could squeeze her pussy tighter. With one hand on her breast, pinching her nipple and squeezing it underneath, she used her other hand to circle her clitoris with her wet middle finger. I continued stroking while picking up the pace to match her breathing. If possible, I wanted to finish simultaneously while deep insider her. This was the correct way to encourage fertilization.

"How are you, Theo?"

"I'm hoping to climax with you, Christine."

"It's too late for the first and second one, but you can still make the third one if you pound me harder. I mean, bang my ass cheeks with those big balls until they hurt. I'll be there with you."

Well, how much more direction did I need? I gave her all I could. Her chest was already flushed. Her breathing came in gasps. Her fingers were busy on her clit as I continued pounding. Just as I felt the point of no return coming on, I turned my head to the right and grabbed her left foot and began to lick and suck on the soft arch and toes. I licked on her ankle bone and more into her arch. She moaned out loud. Shortly afterward, she came. Her ejaculation coated my cock and balls with new heat - also a first between us. I pulsed cum jets deep inside her. She must have felt that because she moaned again.

I pushed myself against her as I lowered her legs to the ground. The I moved up and covered her body with mine, resting on my forearms -- holding her head in my hands. I couldn't stop kissing her face -- just as she couldn't stop kissing mine. Her hands were squeezing my ass cheeks and motioning my hips into her in slow waves as she came down from her high. I kissed her again and pulled back a little.

"Do you think we gave them a good show tonight?"

"Should we wait for the applause and find out?"

"I just wish the ground was softer here."

"Captain. I have scanned the debris field in the space surrounding planet OhAno 4. I believe it is the partial remains of the Ambassador 3. Further scanning on the planet's surface, I believe the balance of the debris lies there -- a kilometer or so just outside of a small village. If there were any survivors, they may be found there."

"Is there any indication that planetary defenses are alerted to our presence."

"Negative. There are no sensors scanning our sector."

"Let's stay safely in high orbit with our shields up just in case. You and I will take a security team down to the crash site and examine the wreckage in the short-range shuttle. Make sure we are armed."

"I'll see to it, Captain."

"Chief Engineer, you have the ship. Be sure we are always monitored."

"Understood, Captain."

The shuttlecraft landed about 500 feet from the wreckage of the Ambassador 3. The security team formed a perimeter, while the captain and first officer scouted the wreckage. There was almost nothing recognizable about what remained. They found the graves of the crewmen who died in the crash. "We must have survivors somewhere. I count possibly twelve based on the crew complement of the ship and the number of graves.

"Captain. Look to your left... in the tall grass... movement."

"Arm yourselves. Be alert. We have no idea what we're facing here."

Suddenly, a huge, serpent-like beast raised its head above the grass. It looked like a giant red and black catfish in the face with two long fangs at the top and bottom of its mouth. Yet is more resembled an earth snake of huge proportions in the way it rose up from the grass. Its head was about eight feet in the air. Its mouth seemed poised to strike. It lunged and hissed menacingly. It was going to strike.

Just as it was about to strike, a laser beam shot down from the orbiting space craft, Brizo. The great beast stopped its attack and began to burn.

Captain Kumar's communicator sounded. "Is everything all right, Captain?"

"Quite all right, engineer. Your timing was impeccable."

"Our lifeform scanning picked up a large, serpent-like animal heading directly toward you. Our estimation was that your hand lasers would not be effective against it. There was no time to warn you. We're sorry our timing was so close."

"We're all fine, here. Are there any more of these beasts in the vicinity?"

"Yes sir. We are monitoring another one in your immediate area and two more nearing the village from the southeast. From our position, it appears the villagers are not aware of them."

"Continue to monitor our location until we get back aboard the shuttle. We're going into the village to alert them of the impending danger."

"Captain, fly low into the village. We're not sure what their defense systems are capable of. So far, we have not been able to get a reading on them, but the analysis of the space wreckage indicates that it's very powerful."

"Understood. Kumar out."

He yelled to the security team. "We're going to the village. Keep alert. Let's go."

Flying low over the tall, red grass lands, they could see the trails of the huge snake-beasts made in the flattened grasses. They seemed to be heading toward or surrounding the village in high numbers. The village was in desperate trouble.

As the pilot continued on-course, Captain Kumar got on the communicator. "This is Captain Kumar of the Star Ship Brizo. We come in peace. Your village is being surrounded by large aggressive beasts. Secure your citizens in a safe place. We're here to help you. Please acknowledge."

There was no answer. The captain repeated the message into a recorder and set it to broadcast repeatedly.

"Kumar to Brizo. Are you prepared to repel the beasts surrounding the village?"

"Yes, captain. We have eliminated the second one that encroached on the wreckage of the Ambassador 3 and are currently monitoring three, repeat three additional beasts surrounding the village."

"If they get within 5 kilometers of the village, lock-on and destroy them. We know they're hostile and the people of the village are their targets."

"Understood, Captain."

As the shuttlecraft approached the village, the captain decided to land in the village square. It was imperative to be noticed by the people there immediately. They needed to establish communications right away to warn them. As they landed, the Brizo's security detail deployed and established a perimeter around the shuttle craft, but kept their weapons secured. Except for the red serpent beast, they knew nothing of the people here.

The message was still being repeated by their communications device, but there was no response. Captain Kumar and the First Officer stood outside the shuttlecraft, side by side, waiting for some sort of contact from the inhabitants. They did not want to appear hostile in any way.

A single laser beam originating from the Brizo, shot into the grasslands surrounding the village outside the southeast sector with pinpoint accuracy. Another serpent-beast dead.

Suddenly, a door opened, and six Tabor-Nu villagers and one ship's captain appeared walking toward the shuttle. They had no apparent weapons.

"I am Captain Jobe Kumar, commanding the star ship Brizo. We've come in search of our missing explorer ship, the Ambassador 3."

Krall was in charge. This was his show. Captain Kirock stood silent. Krall motioned to one of his men and a headphone-type device was installed on the captain's head at the temples. As it did initially with Captain Kirock, it searched for the correct brainwaves through which he could mentally communicate with Krall.

"I am Krall. This is the village of Tabor-Nu. Do you know this person?"

Captain Kirock stepped forward. He was not wearing his Space Force uniform, but he was humanoid in form and wore an aluminum foil-like attire. He also wore a headphone-type device.

"Captain Kumar, I'm Captain Theo J. Kirock of the explorer ship, Ambassador 3. You are a sight for sore eyes."

"Yes, Captain. You and your crew of survivors are why we are here."

Krall interrupted. "You have now destroyed three of the slithering beasts that prey upon our people."

"Krall, we used only defensive force since one attacked us at the wreckage site and another hostile beast encroached within proximity of your village. Currently, we are monitoring two others that are also nearby. We seek to protect all life, when possible, but we believe that these serpent beasts are detrimental to the survival of sentient beings, such as us. It is to important that your lives be preserved."

"Since we have assisted Captain Kirock and his crew, through his communications with us, we have come to understand that your world would send another ship. That a rescue was possible. We have maintained their lives, since our automatic planetary defense system destroyed their ship. We have no way of communication other than with our minds. We were able to monitor your ship's arrival, but since only your small ship entered our planet, our defense system did not activate automatically. It was armed and not deemed a threat. I have deactivated the defense system temporarily. Now we are vulnerable to attack from above. This is not our way as established by the Old Ones."

Overhead, another laser beam from the Brizo locked onto another snake beast and destroyed it before it could get too close to the village.

"Krall, our ship is stationed above us in high orbit and is well armed to protect us here. However, you do not need to fear us. We can protect you for now."

Krall continued. "You will come inside, and we will communicate further. If you wish, you may have some food and water. We have been furnishing if for the crash survivors. They are well. You may see them for yourselves."

Captain Kumar turned to his security team. "Three of you stay here, three come with us. Oh, and you can turn-off the repeating message broadcaster. We've made contact."

In short order, the Ambassador 3 crew was united with the security team, while Captain Kumar, his First Officer, Captain Kirock, his First Officer, and Krall met and communicated in his interview room.

"Captain Kumar and Captain Kirock. You will make certain that the crash survivors of the other ship have been well maintained. As soon as you are satisfied, you may begin your rescue proceedings. Concerning your weapons and the destruction of the slithering beasts, I will be in meetings with our Supreme Council. We have much to discuss. I feel certain we will wish to communicate with your further about that."

The rest of the day was spent in meetings with Krall and he with the Supreme Council. They were long meetings since the future of their village, the collection of other small villages, and perhaps even the planet itself was at stake. For the crews of Space Force ships, the question of violating the Prime Principle was the topic of discussion. How far could the Prime Principle be bent to help these people without interfering with their evolution.

Captain Kirock made an appointment to communicate with Krall -- the only alien leader he has ever been in contact with. At the appointed time, his escort took him there. Krall was waiting for him this time.

"Please sit. Did I use the word 'please' correctly, Captain?"

"Yes, indeed you have. Krall, I would like to ask some questions about you and your people, please. I want you to know that I mean no disrespect and I seek only to help."

"You have been helpful. Your star ship has also been helpful."

"I would like to ask how you were able to turn-off your planetary defense system when our rescue ship arrived."

"The Supreme Council advised it. Only I have the knowledge."

"Would it be possible for me to meet your Supreme Council?"

"No one has ever been allowed that. Only I have that authority."

"What happens when someone on the Council expires? How is a new member added to replace him?"

"It has never happened."

"How is that possible? You mentioned the Old Ones that have now expired. Why would a member of the Supreme Council lifeforce not expire."

If it were possible, Krall wore a huge question mark on his face. "Wait here."

Krall left the room, and I waited. Our escort was standing at the portal, silent, of course. Krall was gone maybe ten minutes and returned. "Captain, come with me."

We went into a larger chamber where there were six pale citizens -- who had always been sequestered indoors and had never developed the color-shifting skin of those who ventured outdoors. Each of them took the time to shift their telepathy projections to the receiver device attached to my head.

"We understand you have questions. This is not allowed. However, your kind has been helpful to us, so we will allow it. What are your questions?"

Over the course of the next hours, I learned that the Old Ones were once the rulers of the planet. They had witnessed and been participants in the scourge of wars. They had fought the battles between visitors from space and prepared against future ones. They had taught the citizens as children and always wanted them to remain children and well cared-for. They were to speak to the Council through Krall for all their guidance. Over time, the children became totally dependent. They were unable to think for themselves to guide their own lives. They remained as children. The Supreme Council provided everything they needed.

I asked about books or knowledge of the planet's history of its civilization - especially during the time of the Old Ones. Where could it be found, if it existed.

The Council added, "That knowledge was forbidden since it could only bring them harm and unhappiness. They would remain quite happy not knowing these things."

"Council, while our arrival here was accidental, we did come in peace. Surely, there will be others. You do need planetary protection, but you also should be open to those who offer peace and trade which can benefit all your people."

"We have no need of trade. We do well enough without interference from other worlds. Your ship disaster was our fault. We have treated you fairly. Now, you may leave in peace and forget that we exist. Please leave us as friends."

"I'm afraid that's not possible. You have proved to us that you need us, our weapons, and our help. We have protected you from the slithering beasts. They will come again. Surely you know this. Your people have lost the will to survive because the slithering beast preys upon them as a food source. We have known you to be a kind and generous race. You must preserve yourselves and prosper. This is the way of all civilizations. It is against the nature of life that you simply allow your species to die out. Krall has used us to encourage your people to have sex, which can create more life."

"I must admit that since your ships have destroyed several attacking slithering beasts, we have noticed the collective mindset has been more positive toward life," one councilor thought-waved. "It was also I who encouraged Krall to pair your crewmates into sexual congress on the village square -- in hopes that might encourage them to produce more younglings. That effort was seen at entertainment value only. In their hearts they could only see creating more younglings was only a way to feed the slithering beasts. Only recently, since the arrival of your other ship have the villagers seemed more interested in the reproductive acts."

"We are grateful for how you have treated us while we are here. Now that our second ship has arrived, we will no longer be a burden to you. Under our Prime Principle, we are not allowed to influence or change your civilization in any way. If this is your final decision, then this is how it will be. We shall begin preparations to leave your world in peace and as newfound friends in the galaxy."

Our escort returned us to the communal room where my crew and Captain Kumar's men were waiting.

"Folks, prepare to leave. We have done all we can, and our services are no longer required. Even if we could help, the Prime Principle forbids it. I don't know about you, but it will be nice to be in our Space Force uniforms once again."

Suddenly, Krall appeared. He used hand signals that he wanted to communicate. His thoughts were not coming through to me. Instead, he motioned for me to follow him. I turned and motioned to Captain Kumar to join us. Krall confirmed by waving as well.

"First Officers, gather the crew and any belongings and prepare to transfer to the Brizo. It will take more than one round trip."

"Understood, Captain."

Not communicating mentally with us, Krall led Captain Kumar and myself down a different corridor than we ever used before. We came to what appeared to be a control room. He closed the door behind us to seal the room. It was only then that his thoughts came through to us.

"No one can read our communications while inside this room. The Supreme Council does not know I am doing this. This is the room that controls the planetary defense system. It is also the central room for the archives of the Times Before. It will do you no good to know these things. Our written language you will not understand. What I tell you now, I must tell you because you have fears of betraying your Prime Principle. Fear no more. I assure you that in the Before Times, we had weapons, we had knowledge of the outside worlds. My father told me about these things before his lifeforce ended."

Captain Kumar spoke. "Does your Supreme Council know these things?"

"Yes, everyone on the Council does. The are afraid that the Before Times will ruin us. But there are many of us who see the failures of these times and the need to be less dependent on the Council. The fact that we have no weapons against the slithering beasts and what that has done to the minds of our people is hurting us. Your influence here may be our only hope to survive. Can you help us. WILL you help us. Does it help you decide if I use the word, 'Please'?"

"Give us a moment, Krall. You may read our thoughts, but we need to discuss these things in our own language."

"Together, Captains Kirock and Kumar were unanimous in their decision to help. The Supreme Council had to be confronted to change. It must be their decision."

"Krall, if you have any historical documentation of the Before Times that we can prove to the Supreme Council of the need for weapons of defense and ability to communicate with other explorers who are sure to come, we believe that your people will change their minds and want to see their society survive. If we only had historical records."

"I have records. They are very old. I will review them to find what we need to prove to you and our Council that we are on the wrong path. You can convince them. You have other worldly experience."

"Krall, I promise you that I will do my best."

"Then for now, you must return to your crews while I research. I hope they are well and now on board your ships."

Captain Kirock explained, "Kumar, why don't you return to your ship and make sure that our people receive any medical care they need and any other requirements they may have. Leave me a communicator and I will contact you later. I will remain here and assist Krall."

"Very well, Captain Kirock. It isn't often that I take orders from a junior captain to me, but under these circumstances I will allow it."

"Of course, it IS your ship. Isn't it?"

The escort outside the room took Captain Kumar to the shuttle craft along with the balance of the crew of the Ambassador 3. The shuttle lifted off to rejoin the star ship Brizo in orbit above just as another laser blast zeroed in on another giant slithering beast outside the village perimeter.

Krall and Captain Kirock worked through the night in the control room. Some records were stored on their machines. Others were stored on scrolls stored behind a secret panel hidden behind a false wall. It took them most of the night. By early the next morning, they believed they had the evidence to present to the Supreme Council. Krall contacted the Supreme Council for a meeting.

Krall communicated first. "Honored Councilors, Captain Kirock and I have labored through the night researching evidence of the Before Times from our historical documents. There is evidence that we were formerly a more independent society. We had control of our own lives and therefore, our destiny. It was only after the attack of the alien warship many annual revolutions ago that our society changed. We have become dependent and therefore weak. Our citizens have given up on themselves. They are living as though they are only alive to be used as food for the giant slithering beasts. According to our own history, we are the dominant species. They only grew large because we failed to control their numbers. Captain Kumar has been protecting us from his star ship above our planet and has destroyed several since they first arrived. I have expressed our gratitude, but surely you must believe that this is a task we must be performing for ourselves. We must have the ability to defend ourselves or we will perish most certainly."

One of the councilors communicated. "Captain Kirock. What do you have to say."

"Since our arrival here, my crew has been very well treated and cared for. It was not our intention to be a burden to your people. Since our arrival, we have learned that your people are kind and generous. They are also sad and emotionally depressed because they cannot see a future of peace with the slithering beasts. They have resigned themselves to die -- either at the teeth of the beasts or at the end of their lifespan. Where is the will to live? Where is the will to survive and flourish? These are the desires of all the civilizations we have encountered since we began exploring worlds other than our own."

"Then what is it that you suggest, Captain?"

"I believe that we can convince our Home World that we need to remain here with you and assist your people to returning to the days of the Before Times, when they were strong. They had pride in their land and their lives. Together, we can assist you in rebuilding the strength you once had. This will give the people a reason to live, to freely reproduce, and enjoy their lives. We can also help you develop a self-defense against the slithering beasts. Since the historical records prove that you once had these things and set them aside for a time, that restoring them to your society would not be a violation of our Prime Principle. It is also our hope that your world and our world can continue to be friends. In this galaxy, that is a very good thing."

"Is there anything further either of you wish to add? Do you have any further evidence that we can consider?"

Krall and Kirock looked at each other and acknowledged that they had said all they could say.

"Very well. We will retire to confer. We will recall you after our decision."

Both Krall and I were exhausted. Neither of us had consumed nourishment or had any rest. Rest is what we needed the most.

I opened the communicator to talk with the Brizo. "Kirock to Kumar."

"Kumar here."

"How is my crew? Any new developments?"

"Your crew is fine medically. They are enjoying the home cooking of our food stores. Some are getting some rest and recovering from various minor bruises on their shoulders, backs, elbows, and knees. Do you know anything about that, Captain?"

"Uh, I'm sure you're aware that when our ship crash landed, we were tussled about the command deck very roughly. They are much better now."

Space Force Command did not have to know about the nightly sex shows we were demonstrating to the villagers.

"One more thing. I think these serpent beasts are getting the message not to encroach on the village. They seem to be moving along elsewhere."

"I think you're correct. Perhaps we can survey the other villages and aid them as well, while we square things here."

"Agreed. You're safe for now. Kumar, out."

I returned to my room and waited to be informed by the Council about our proposals. Krall had also retired. This would be the first night without having great sex with Christine on the town square since we landed here. Frankly, I could use the rest. Christine would be a difficult habit to break once we're on the ship and sailing for home again. I began to wonder if Space Force Command would separate the surviving crew onto other ships. How soon we could get another ship after the mandatory inquiry. Soon, my questions remained as in word cloud bubbles above my head as I fell asleep.

Morning came. An escort brought me food and water. I had not heard any news. It was a very weighty decision to make. Once the Council made the decision, I would have to contact Space Force Command to arrange an extended stay, extra supplies, and materials to assist the OhAno people in any way necessary -- if they so desired. The waiting was the hardest part. If they chose the status quo for their race, we would have no choice but to pack up and leave these fine people to the fangs of the beasts. There was so much wrong about that possibility.

Finally, the door opened to my room and the escort stepped in waving me outside. Krall was meeting me in the corridor. Together we walked to the Council Chamber. Quietly we stood as the members filed in and took their seats.

"Krall and Captain Kirock. We have examined the historical documents and took note of our situation with the slithering beasts as well as the effects of those attacks on our people. We have decided that we must relinquish more authority to the people so they can learn to self-govern their lives. Therefore, we wish to ask Captain Kirock if he and his crew would like to stay with us to assist us through this transitional period. It is our hope that he can bring our communication methods and self-defense standards to a higher level that we -- as a planet -- can coexist peacefully with other worlds, while being capable of defense against hostility when it exists. Captain, can you convince your Home World to help us in these ways?"

"Honored Councilor, I shall make the necessary preparations this very day. I believe our Home World will stand ready to assist in any way possible for our new friends in this galaxy."

"Then it is settled. Krall, please inform the village population. We will relay our decision to the other villages as well. We have been hoping that someday our people would desire these things on their own again. It is a source of pride for us and a source of shame that it has taken this long to affect these changes. I can understand if the villagers would like to celebrate."

Krall began his procedures to inform every citizen of the Council's decision. He could sense an immediate turnaround in their mental attitudes.

I contacted the Brizo and was patched through their communications systems directly to Space Force Command with a list of things we required by way of an aid package for the citizens of OhAno 4. They responded that they would consider my request and send a resupply ship as soon as possible.

I then asked Captain Kumar to sequester my crew in a private area. I needed to speak to them privately alone and directly. As soon as they were gathered, I addressed them on the communicator.

"First Officer, are the eleven other survivors of the Ambassador 3 command crew assembled?"

"Yes, Captain. They are."

"Very well."

I continued. "Crew, you now have a choice to make. On this, I cannot order you, but I do solicit your combined expertise and experience. You know what it's like here. We have often discussed the needs of the people here. I have assurances from Space Force Command that no violation of the Prime Principle exists under this circumstance, so all efforts we make here are completely sanctioned and will be supplied as we need them. Now, my question to all of you is this: Will you stay here and assist me in our efforts, or will you return home aboard the Brizo? This must be your choice. I will respect each of your decisions. I will give you time to converse and decide. Kirock, out."

What seemed like hours took only fifteen minutes. Of the eleven other crew members, nine had agreed to stay on, while only two elected to return to base. We could request replacements and get the crew we needed and have them on the supply ship when it arrives.

"Very well. I request that you wear your new uniforms and bring a spare and anything else you need from ship's stores. There's no need to rough it if we don't need to. Transport via the shuttle craft as soon as possible."

Within an hour, the nine volunteers were standing in formation at the rear hatch of the shuttle craft. Yeoman Christine presented me with a small seabag of uniforms for me as well. "No captain should be seen out of uniform, sir."

"Keep that in mind at tonight's party on the square, yeoman."

The shuttlecraft was set to automatically return to the Brizo. My communicator sounded. It was Captain Kumar.

"We've cleared most of the beasts away from the other villages. So far, it appears as though they have a learning ability to stay away from where they are repelled. This information will be helpful to you as you plan your future defenses. We're on our way to Space Force Command Base. We've been informed that your supply ship and new crewmen will be sent within a few days. Take care, Captain Kirock. It was good working with you. Perhaps you'll get a star ship command the next time. Kumar, out."

At the usual time of evening, when the torches around the village square were lit and the villagers assembled, our escorts came for us. We were escorted to our positions. Without being told, we separated into the couples we've become accustomed to being with. Soon, our uniforms were on the ground, and we stood before the village as our true selves. Our escorts moved us around the blue water fountain but there were only five pairs this time. The male pair had decided to return to base. Nobody seemed displeased at our current paired status.

Before we began, Krall addressed the villagers. They had already been informed that we were staying her voluntarily to assist them in the changes to come. Krall made a special effort to remind them. The crowd seemed larger somehow.

I looked at Christine. "Shall we begin?"

"As in every night, Theo, I look forward to it."

As we began to kiss, hug, stroke and massage each other romantically, we heard a rustling among the villagers. Our eyes were closed so we could enjoy the sensations we were receiving from each other. It had only been one evening, but I'd missed Christine's kisses. She knew me very well by now and used every technique in her arsenal to keep my mind entertained with sexual fantasy and feeling. Clearly, she was in my head as well. Our purpose was to express this so the good people of the village could pick up on that. The rustling became louder. Our knees grew weaker, and we needed to lay down to further stimulate the areas that begged to be stimulated. Her pussy was already wet and beckoning. My cock couldn't be more at attention. I couldn't wait to be inside her body heat again. It was then that I opened my eyes.

What I saw was beyond belief. The townspeople had come down from their perches and laid down beside and surrounding each of the crew couples. Although their anatomy was slightly different, they wanted to share the love-making experience with us. As we made love, they made love to each other as well. It was a giant orgy of grateful citizens who were pushing aside their own past fears and embracing a future of hope. This was their way of sharing their affection for us... by imitation, since they couldn't communicate. That may come later. Christine and I would come in our own sweet time.

~ the end ~

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