“My fellow Americans, we stand on the brink of annihilation once more at the hands of our enemies. The recent summit between myself, my Russian counterpart and his Chinese comrades wasn't as productive as I had hoped. I was left with no alternative but to continue the embargo against China, Russia and their Middle East allies. If the Russ-Chi Alliance continue to show aggression towards Israel and our European allies, we will respond in kind...”
Several million miles from his troubled homeland, Colonel Dennis Coburn has more pressing matters to consider outside of possible nuclear war. Coburn was chosen to fly the first single man mission to Jupiter. Everything had been going smoothly, but suddenly the ship's instruments began going haywire. A blinding light beamed through the view screen and Coburn blacked out.
“Ugh,” Coburn groans, holding his throbbing head, “where the hell am I?” Instead of the familiar sphere of Jupiter on the screen, Coburn is greeted by the sight of a strange green planet, roughly the same size as Earth. “That's definitely not Jupiter.”
“Mak frelm hogarth friel,” a nasal, monotone voice says though Coburn's intercom system.
'With whom am I speaking?” Coburn asks, fully expecting an incoherent reply.
“An Earthling? We thought you were an enemy vessel,” the nasal voice answers in impeccable English. “You may go about your business, although we hardly see why one of your kind is so far from home.”
“Where am I exactly?” Coburn asks in desperation. “I was preparing to land on Jupiter when there was a flash of light. I blacked out and found myself here when I awoke.” Coburn doesn't seem struck by the magnitude of being the first human to communicate with an alien being. He is more concerned with where he is, how he got there and how to get home.
“You are orbiting our home planet of Havlok,” the voice answers.
“How did you know I'm from Earth?” Coburn is beginning to grasp the historical implications of this encounter, assuming he makes it home alive to recount it.
“We have visited your planet many times. We have even talked with your people. In fact, we have one of your kind with us here now.”
Coburn is speechless for a moment. Finally he composes himself. “Who is he?”
“I'm not a he,” a female voice answers. Judging by her accent she is likely British. “My name is Dr. Agatha Zant.”
“I have heard of you,” Coburn says. “You were a professor at Oxford. I had a cousin who went there. The police figured you for dead after you went missing.”
“You sound as if you are from the United States, mister...”
“Coburn. Colonel Dennis Coburn. I am from Florida, Ms. Zant.”
“What are you doing way out here, Mr. Coburn?” Agatha chuckles incredulously.
“As I told your host, I was on a mission to Jupiter. There was a blinding light and I blacked out. I woke up orbiting this strange planet.”
“Interesting,” Agatha muses. “May we see with whom we are speaking?”
“Certainly,” Coburn politely replies as he flips a switch. The image of a pretty blonde woman in her late thirties appears on screen. She is flanked by two gray beings, which tower above her and are impossibly thin. “How did you get here?” Coburn asks as he tries not to stare at the gray men, or what he assumes to be men.
“The Havloks visited me one night. They told me that they have been watching us for millennia. They said they had learned much, but desired an Earthling to assist them in furthering their knowledge of us even more. They also offered to show me something we humans could put to great use.”
“What?” Coburn leans forward, anxiously awaiting elaboration from Agatha.
“A tiny organism, similar to what we know as bacteria. Instead of causing illnesses, these bacteria can cure them.”
“What illness can they cure?” Coburn wipes perspiration from his brow as the enormity of the situation dawns on him.
“All of them,” Agatha states flatly.
“All?” Coburn's eyes grow wide with disbelief. He sits back in his chair, staggered by the scope of Agatha's claim. “Why haven't the Havloks, or even you, come to Earth with this news?”
“I still have much to teach the Havloks.” Agatha pauses and smiles, turning to one of the beings. “Now that one of my own kind have come, I would humbly ask your permission to go with Coburn with some of the bacteria.”
The gray being's expression doesn't change. “We will have to discuss this. As you stated, we still have much to learn and so do the Earthlings. We are not certain that the humans are able to adequately deal with the ramifications of nigh immortality, or even worthy of that privilege. Your people even now fight among themselves for wealth and power.”
“Furthermore, your Earth craft is insufficient to make it back to your home planet within your lifespan,” the second being adds. “We would have to take you back in one of our craft, which would require much fuel.”
“You were just talking about Earthlings being greedy and now you're worried about using fuel?” chides Agatha “Are you Havloks familiar with the term hypocrisy?” The query is met with silence “I'll tell you about it when I return.”
“You intend to return?” The Havlok's voice and tone is unwavering, but his huge, black eyes grow even larger, as if in disbelief.
“There's still much for us to teach each other,” answers Agatha. She is the picture of confidence.
“Either way, I'd like to get home,” Coburn interjects. “Unlike Ms. Zant, I have a desire to be back with my own kind on a more permanent basis, particularly my family.”
“We are familiar with family,” the Havlok says drolly. “Our kind are all family. We will tell you our history, Coburn, if you desire.”
“Perhaps on the ride back to Earth?” Coburn's voice quivers slightly.
“We will discuss it,” the first Havlok drones. “Rest Coburn. We will give you an answer shortly.”
Colonel Coburn flips the switch, turning the view screen off. The image of Agatha and the gray beings is replaced by a live view of the green planet of Havlok. He closes his eyes, hopeful that when he opens them the Havloks will bring him good news. Even better, perhaps this is all just a dream and he will awaken in his own home. A beeping wakes Coburn, shattering the dream theory.
“Colonel?” Agatha's voice greets the groggy Coburn. “I have good news. The Havloks have agreed to take us back to Earth. Also, they have agreed to let me take a small container of the bacteria to the leaders and top scientists of the world.” Agatha is almost giddy as she relays the news to Coburn. “There is one small catch...”
“What is it? The disheveled Coburn rubs his eyes. “I'm almost afraid to ask.”
“The Havloks insist that all the countries in the world disarm their nuclear weapons. A treaty must be signed and after a time, assuming peace is maintained, more of the bacteria will be given, along with the secret of how to make them multiply.” Agatha sighs. It is obvious she has been lobbying hard with the Havloks and is exhausted.
“That's easier said than done,” answers Coburn somberly. “There was talk of World War 3 on the verge of breaking out just days before I departed for Jupiter.”
“Perhaps when we show everyone the bacteria and the Havloks make themselves known, terms can be agreed upon,” Agatha replies hopefully. “It's the only way we can get you home.”
“Since you put it that way,” Coburn shakes his head in disgust, “I suppose we have no choice. When do we start?”
“Immediately,” a Havlok answers, stepping into view. “I am Frenlok. I will be piloting the craft that will take you to Earth. Your female companion will be boarding your ship now to assist you.” On cue, Agatha teleports on to Coburn's ship. “She has something you must wear to make boarding my ship possible,” Frenlok adds.
“Take this,” Agatha says. She hands Coburn a metallic band, lightweight and silver in color. “Put it on your wrist like a bracelet.” Coburn does as she requests. “Get ready. This will feel strange. It's almost like riding a rollercoaster.”
Coburn becomes slightly woozy and sees stars, as if he has been punched. Just as Agatha warned, Coburn's stomach turns as if he is going over the first hill on a rollercoaster. It has been so long since he has taken his family to an amusement park. He silently promises himself a vacation once he gets home, assuming he makes it there in one piece. The tiny, white stars dissipate and Coburn finds himself standing next to Dr. Zant and Frenlok, his host.
“I warned you,” Agatha giggles. “You look like you're going to puke, Colonel.”
“Gee thanks,” Coburn mutters, “your kindness is overwhelming.”
“Please sit down,” Frenlok says, pointing towards a cube with his six inch long forefinger. It looks less than comfortable and is made of a hard, silver metal.
Coburn sits down gingerly. He looks around in awe at the interior of the ship. He notices a thin fog permeating the room. There is no apparent control panel or steering apparatus. There are only silver boxes of various sizes scattered through the sparsely lit room. A single view screen is front and center.
“How far are we from Earth?”
“Only a few thousand light years, Colonel,” answers Agatha. “We should be there in a little less than a week.”
“What is there to eat here?” Coburn looks around the metallic room. “Where do we sleep?”
“Do not worry, Coburn,” Frenlok chimes in, “there are sleeping quarters and plenty of sustenance.”
“I hope the beds are comfortable. I feel like I could sleep for a whole week.” Coburn rubs his bald head. He feels his face and notices that he is in desperate need of a shave.
“An entire week? Dr. Zant says that humans only need a few hours of sleep per 24 hour period.” Frenlok looks at Coburn with wide eyes. Otherwise, his expression is unchanged. Besides large, round, black eyes, the Havloks have a small slit for a mouth. They also have two tiny holes where a human's nose would be. The slit moves very little as the Havloks speak. “Is it possible to sleep for that long?” Frenlok asks.
“He wasn't being literal, Frenlok,” Agatha answers. “Come with me, Colonel. I'll show you to your quarters. I've rode in these things many times, so I know the layout.”
Coburn and Agatha navigate a long, narrow and extremely cold corridor. The mist that filled the control room of the ship is thicker in the corridors. Coburns coughs before asking, “What is this fog?”
“The Havloks must have it to breath. Think of it like a humidifier back home.” Agatha shrugs. “I'm not sure what kind of gas it is, but the Havloks assure me it isn't harmful to humans.”
“Can I get something to eat?”
Agatha makes a sudden left turn. The seemingly solid wall suddenly opens up, revealing what Coburn assumes to be his sleeping quarters. The bed looks much more comfortable than the metal cube Coburn sat in earlier. Agatha walks over to a counter and a small compartment opens. A container with a thick, pink liquid slides out. She hands it to Coburn who slurps it down. It tastes a little like a strawberry milkshake. After gulping down the pink liquid, Coburn wearily wobbles over to the bed. He doesn't even bother taking off his boots before lying down. Agatha leaves the exhausted Coburn alone.
Frenlok is standing in the exact same spot that his passengers left him when Agatha returns. In lieu of steering the ship mechanically, the Havloks use their minds to drive their craft. Frenlok stares blankly at the stars through the view screen, paying Agatha's entrance little heed. He has his orders and he must carry them out. The Havloks' punishment for failure is severe.
“Good morning,” Coburn says cheerfully as he enters several hours later, “or is it afternoon?”
“I guess that depends on which planet you are on, Colonel,” Agatha replies sarcastically.
“I feel great. How long did I sleep?”
“Only twelve or thirteen hours,” Agatha chuckles. She stares out into the black stillness of space. “We will be nearing the Milky Way soon,” she continues.
“How is he driving the ship?” Coburn asks as he points towards the statue still Frenlok. “I don't see any control panel or a steering mechanism.”
“The Havloks steer our ships with our minds, Coburn,” Frenlok replies. “We do most tasks with our minds.”
“The other Havlok said that you are all family. What did he mean?” Coburn is making small talk to pass the time as much as satisfy his own natural curiosity.
“We have existed for millions of years. Just as many Earthlings believe in a God that created all life, we have our own creator. Unlike the humans who rely merely on faith and ancient writings, we know for a fact that our creator exists.”
“How do you know?” Coburn is intrigued now. He takes a seat on the metallic cube. He even ignores its uncomfortable hardness as he listens to Frenlok's story.
“I have met him many times, Coburn. He is Havlok, the one our race and our planet are both named for, seer of all. He created us using his own DNA. Since he is a male, our entire species is also male. We have no sexual organs, since we have no need to reproduce. Our lifespans are infinite, although we can be killed with weapons and other unnatural causes. Our god Havlok discovered the green planet which bears his name and with it he discovered what Agatha called bacteria. Havlok discovered their extraordinary properties and injected each of his genetic children with them.”
“The Havloks call the bacteria Larmox. They are only found in the green ocean that covers half of their planet,” Agatha adds.
“Given what Agatha has told us of your God, it stands to reason that he may have used a similar technique used by Havlok to create his own race, with the biggest difference being two genders instead of one.” Frenlok turns, staring out the view screen at the stars with his black, vacant eyes. He continues, “We have explored our own galaxy, as well as countless others, including your Milky Way. We have revealed the secret of the Larmox to only one other race.” Frenlok pauses, his large eyes narrowing. “They were unworthy of such a gift.”
“What happened?” Coburn is captivated now.
“They destroyed themselves in a war between two factions. Both wanted sole control of the Larmox. In the end, they killed each other in a quest for everlasting life. You see now why Gorlok was hesitant to reveal our secret to the people of Earth. We have observed you for centuries. We know you, like many other races, war among yourselves over petty things such as who has a better god or who owns a portion of land.”
Coburn and Agatha are largely silent for several days after Frenlok's story. Neither had considered the possible negative repercussions of a miracle cure for all diseases known to mankind. Agatha was hopeful that mankind would welcome such a gift and use it for good. Now, as she mulled over the possibilities, she wasn't so sure. Coburn had seen the atrocities man was capable of during his time in the military in several conflicts in the Middle East. Like Agatha, he was now fearful of what the revelation of the Larmox could cause. After all, mankind was already preparing to destroy itself without the added factor of a miracle bacteria in the mix. He was no longer sure the Havloks should ever reveal themselves or the Larmox to mankind.
As they near the end of their journey, the Colonel and Dr. Zant talk about everything except the Larmox. “Why don't you want to return to Earth for good, Agatha?” Coburn asks.
The former college professor is silent for a moment. She clears her throat and sighs. “I feel I can do more good teaching the Havloks and learning from them than I can trying to get through to a bunch of horny frat boys and air headed sorority chicks. I was an employee of the university for nearly a decade. I was a single mother struggling to make ends meet. My daughter was killed by a drunk driver.”
“We all have our problems,” Coburn shrugs. “If you expect sympathy from your fellow man, go see a shrink. Judging by your friend Frenlok, I doubt a race of immortal aliens care too much for sob stories. I have a hunch they've seen more grief and death than either of us can ever imagine.”
“You're probably right there,” sighs Agatha. “I'm going to get some sleep. We're only a few hours from Earth.” Agatha leaves and Coburn joins Frenlok in the control room.
“We are approaching Earth,” Frenlok says dryly. “You may want to wake your female,” he continues. “The scanners are detecting high levels of radiation...and no signs of human life.” As Earth comes into view, it appears scorched and desolate.
“Nukes!” Coburn's eyes well up with tears. “I guess we don't have to worry about whether we should tell the people about those germs. There are no people left to tell.”
THE END

An original story by Joey Webb copyright 2019