Last time on The Earthnauts From Space . . .
LAGRANGE <on saucer communicator>: “Expedition I, this is IFS Thunder and Expedition II requesting permission to land.”
ECHO: “IFS Thunder, you have permission to land!”
AGENT DOLPHINA: “WHOAAAAHH!!! Is that the saucer you saw?”
MR. BEN: “Sure is! The same ship that Echo, Chance, Sneak, Oceana, and Union landed from in our backyard!!!”
And now, Expedition II Arrives!!! But first, earlier that morning . . . .
LAGRANGE: “It is incredible! It’s unbelievable! Is it possible?”
MEDALLION: “It appears that it’s true! Our origins are actually . . . FROM EARTH!!! “And I sensed the power of the Imm Leader and his legions of Imm there. At that stream of water, in the land they call . . . Israel!”
ELI: “Is it true that our people in the past have come to this land?”
GRAND ELDER: “Yes, Eli! The Imm have given our people instructions to protect the people of this land Israel . . . manipulating even the weather patterns, geological forces, controlling their animal life, stopping water flow in seas and rivers, and even stopping the Earth’s rotation at least twice.”
ELI: “After seeing that spring in Israel that Lagrange lead us to, I liked how we got called into action by the Imm to defend both Israel and a bunch of innocent villages and cities in two countries east of there!”
MEDALLION: “I am too. Obviously the enemies we fought were just as ruthless as the Agagans, loyal servants of the On overlord also, and just outright jerks! We shall discuss more later with Union, Echo, Chance, Sneak, and Oceana.”
LAGRANGE: “Are we ready for Operation Thunder In The Skies, Grand Elder?”
GRAND ELDER: “Yes, indeed. Eli, commence the operation!!!”
ELI: “Ok! We’re moving in, over the Earth habitation Colorado Springs! We should be showing up on NORAD’s detection systems. What should be do if their forces attack?”
LAGRANGE: “Remember, we are peaceful toward Humans. If they attack, we will use our EM pulsars to disable their armaments but not their aerial fighter craft. Don’t fire unless fired upon . . . and only to disable their weapons. Don’t harm the humans or their craft at all”.
ELI: “Yellow Alert!!!” NORAD has detected us. The city’s looking quiet. Well, . . . <smiling> . . . let the show begin!!!”
NEWSCASTER: “We interrupt this broadcast to bring you an urgent bulletin!!!”
NEWSCASTER: “An urgent story unfolding right now over the skies of Colorado Springs and northern El Paso County. Citizens have spotted a mysterious flying object or craft in the skies . . . flying swiftly around local airspace. It is the second time since June of this year that a UFO has been seen above the city . . . and believed to be the same one as well! The US Air Force and NORAD detected the craft entering Earth’s atmosphere above the area about an hour ago . . . “
NEWSCASTER: “Around that time, just before sunrise, a local resident’s security camera caught an image of the UFO floating between the town of Monument, just north of the Springs, and the US Air Force Academy. Authorities have instructed all citizens to stay indoors and all drivers to pull over and stay in their vehicles if possible. The US Air Force is responding with fighter patrols from nearby Schriever AFB right now . . . ”
MR. BEN: “Oh man!!! I’d better go tell the guys!!!”
<Meanwhile in Ben’s office, the four Earthnaut men Union, Echo, Chance, and Sneak were already up assessing the situation . . .>
UNION: “It’s here! The Thunder is in our airspace . . . with The Grand Elder!!!”
SNEAK: “It’s the first time a Grand Elder of Engedi has visited Earth . . . and THIS MANY Engedians have been on Earth at one time in modern times!”
CHANCE: “They’re certainly making a grand entrance with your ship, Echo!”
ECHO: “True. Even so, I’m concerned about what Mr. Ben’s national defense will try to do to my ship!”
MR. BEN: “They’re coming!!! Expedition II and your ship are coming!”
UNION: “Yes, we know, Mr. Ben!!! Expedition II is going to test Earth forces and ascertain security!”
<Ben and the four Earthnauts watched the news, then noticed the News Report mentioning that Schriever Air Force Base was calling in fighters to intercept the craft.>
MR. BEN: “They’re dispatching the F-35 Lightning!!! It’s one of our new advanced fighters that are mostly radar-invisible!”
ECHO: “Oh yes!!! The composites used in the airframe deflect most radar beams and make it seem to be either not there or not visible.”
Schriever Air Force Base . . . East of Colorado Springs
NEWSCASTER: “NORAD and Schriever Air Base are dispatching a squadron of F-16’s to intercept the craft . . .”
F-16 SQUAD LEADER: “Unidentified craft at 12 o’clock at 297-degrees Northwest. About 5 miles ahead. Move to intercept.”
F-16 PILOTS: “Roger that. We have two F-35’s inbound to assist the interception.”
F-35 PILOT: “We’re moving to intercept. ETA 5 minutes!”
F-35 PILOT-1: “We have a clear visual on the craft. I . . . I don’t believe it! It looks like a . . . flying saucer!”
F-35 PILOT-2: “Incredible! Do you think the stories of Area 51 are true???”
F-35 PILOT-1: “I don’t know. But I’m guessing our commanders and the CIA will want us to not say anything!”
ELI (onboard the Thunder): “Earth fighters closing fast, Lagrange!”
F-16 SQUAD LEADER: “Attention unidentified craft. This is Colonel John Q. Winger of the United States Air Force. You are flying in our airspace. Please respond, over.”
LAGRANGE: “I think it’s time we say something, shall we?”
MEDALLION: “At last, the Imm Leader has given us instruction. At last it’s time for the “signs and wonders” that he wants us to perform in these days before He changes his Throne World. Eli . . . speak to them!”
ELI: “Earth forces of the land America . . . uh hi . . uh, . . . where do we go to get an Earth hamburger and some coffee?”
MEDALLION: “What? Is THAT what you wanted to say?”
F-16 SQUAD LEADER: “Attention unidentified craft. Repeat?”
ELI: “Yeah, OK. We heard about this moving picture stories about some great laser sword warriors going on right now. Where do you go to see these?”
F-16 SQUAD LEADER: “What? Who is this? Please verify your intentions. You are in an unauthorized flight pattern.”
LAGRANGE: “Attention Earth flying forces. We apologize for flying in this unauthorized flight path. We mean no harm to you or Earth. We are on an investigative and scientific mission to Earth. If we had intended to harm you, your forces would have been destroyed by now.”
F-16 SQUAD LEADER: “A mission to Earth? Who are you? Uh . . . WHAT ARE YOU???”
LAGRANGE: “Who we are and what we are is of no consequence. What we will say is that we are on Earth’s side. We come from a . . . group shall we say . . . that is very much in charge of protecting Earth and learning more about it. We seek peaceful relations sometime in the near future.”
MEDALLION: “That’s something that you humans don’t understand. Anything that you see that’s more technologically advanced is not necessarily a threat.“
F-16 SQUAD LEADER: “Do you believe this???”
F-35 PILOT-1: “I don’t know what to believe. I heard everything, and I see this craft flying faster around the city skyline faster than any craft I know of. I have a lock on the craft . . . should I fire?”
LAGRANGE: “You would not be able to, dear military pilot! We would outrun your armaments and even if it hit us it would be like shooting stones at one of your armed sea destroyers!”
F-35 PILOT-1: “Are you what I think you are?”
MEDALLION: “I know the word . . . SPACE ALIENS??? Perhaps Space Alien to you, but we call our particular group of that term you use as Engedians!”
F-16 SQUAD COMMANDER: “Incoming message from our commanders . . . Return to Base???”
F-35 PILOT-1: “I received the same message too. The orders come directly from The Administration in Washington! We’re to keep quiet about this too, and let this ship come and go as needed!”
GRAND ELDER NOMAD: “Thank you, dear Earth pilots! You are certainly most understanding and charitable, and please thank this “Administration” as well. We will not cause you any trouble. You may not see us much, but we are here and we will keep a low profile in return. I know that some Humans are not prepared for people of our race to walk as openly among them yet. Some very dear friends of ours have lived 6 months among you and have no doubt that the RIGHT Humans might very fun to get to know.”
F-16 SQUAD COMMANDER: “Understood. Perhaps we’ll get to know more of your “group” one day???”
F-35 PILOT-1: “If we do, maybe we can take you to see that ‘Laser Sword’ warrior movie!”
GRAND ELDER NOMAD: “That would be fantastic. Now if you noble pilots will excuse us, we have some work to do . . . “
GRAND ELDER NOMAD: “Certainly a nice group of pilots, weren’t they?”
LAGRANGE: “Yes, Grand Elder. Even so, I believe it would be prudent to keep a close eye on Earth forces, particularly those of Mr. Ben’s nation.”
ELI: “Well, I like them! I’m a pilot myself, and I can see why Captain Echo likes them so much! Maybe I’ll get one of his camo coats too and a motorcycle shirt too. I guess many former Earth soldiers like that.”
MEDALLION: “And I’d like to try one of these “Earth Caps” that our friends Echo, Chance, Sneak, Union, and Oceana have worn since getting here. I guess in their atmosphere, our scalps get chilly very quickly!”
ELI: “Grand Elder. I contacted Captain Echo earlier, and he gave us landing coordinates on the South Side of Mr. Ben’s town of Monument. It’s near a large colorful light display called “Christmas Lights”. This is to keep visibility down on the Thunder landing and not alarm the public.”
GRAND ELDER NOMAD: “Very good, Eli! Let the landing approach for Expedition II begin!!!”
Monument, Colorado. Christmas Display South Side of Town. 6:15 PM
AGENT DOLPHINA: “So, we’re going to see the IFS Thunder?”
UNION: “Yes! She will be here in a few minutes, Dolphina. And thank you for letting me hold Manna-Nanna-Tee earlier!”
MR. BEN: “Oh yeah! Her stuffed MANATEE. You call her the same name she did when she was 2 years old! Anyway, I heard that the Air Force suddenly called off their chase of your ship for some reason. Any reason why?”
OCEANA: “Professor Lagrange says that this ‘Administration’ told them to let them go peacefully. I think it’s because of something heroic they did when the Thunder flew over to Israel. Union once used the Thunder to save hundreds of thousands of Engedian children from being enslaved by the Agagans! He was so smart and so brave and . . . ”
SNEAK: “Gracious, little sister, you seem to talk about Union a lot these days! I know he’s your PhD advisor, and he’s my best friend . . . especially after that battle with the Agagan fleet.”
MR BEN: “I really need to hear that story sometime soon! So why are they wanting to land here at the Christmas Light display?”
SNEAK: “The ship will visibly blend in with the display and the public won’t think much of it. Plus the Air Force won’t come snooping because they’re under the Administration’s orders to be “la la la la”, whistle, and look the other way”.
CHANCE: “I’d really like to meet this Sergeant Eli. The way he handled flying the Thunder was impressive! I know he made some modifications that are revolutionary! Not bad for a younger engineer and pilot!”
ECHO: “I was concerned about how my command ship would hold up under a younger Engedian Star Force officer’s handling.”
<A roaring noise mixed with a wailing siren noise fills the air . . . >
ECHO: “Uh, Mr. Ben?”
UNION: “It’s her! Our ship . . . the IFS THUNDER!!!”
MR. BEN: “I . . . remember that noise! I heard it over the house when I looked up and saw . . ”
AGENT DOLPHINA: “WHOAAAAHH!!! Is that the saucer you saw?”
MR. BEN: “Sure is! The same ship that Echo, Chance, Sneak, Oceana, and Union landed from in our backyard!!!”
LAGRANGE <on saucer communicator>: “Expedition I, this is IFS Thunder and Expedition II requesting permission to land.”
ECHO: “IFS Thunder, you have permission to land!”
MR. BEN: “And on behalf of the Human race . . . welcome to earth!!!”
<IFS Thunder lands in the field, and lights turn on above the lower entry door . . .>
ECHO: “Presenting his great honor and leadership, The Grand Elder, and EXPEDITION II!!!”
MR BEN: “What in the . . . ?”
THE GRAND ELDER: “Good evening!!! I recognize you from the holo-transmitter message 6 Earth-months ago! I believe you’re Mr. Ben???”
MR BEN: “Yes! And no doubt you’re his excellency The Grand Elder? Don’t have to worry about the radiation affecting the holo-transmitter’s broadcast now, huh?”
THE GRAND ELDER: “Ha ha ha ha!!! Yes, yes, very true . . . you remember that, I see!!! I am Nomad, Grand Elder of Engedi. On behalf of Expedition II, I thank you very much for welcoming us to visit your planet!!!”
THE GRAND ELDER: “No doubt you saw the ‘flying saucer’ show over your habitation earlier? We will discuss this further. Did your Miss Jessica save us those Pumpkin Scones that Sneak leaps across rooms for? We’ll tell you then! but let me introduce you to the others!”
LADY TIA: “Hello, Human Man and Daughter! I am Lady Tia, Nomad’s wife. I wanted to visit Earth to see how Union gained greater health from being here for 6 months! Plus I wanted to be near my husband!”
LAGRANGE: “Hello, Mr. Ben! I am Lagrange! I am the Dean-Emeritus of the Great Engedian Academy and am the current Newtonian Professor of Engedi! We thank you for your tremendous hospitality to our 5 friends this past 1/2 Earth orbit! I must talk with you at length about some important matters soon!”
MEDALLION: “I am Medallion! I am an Oracle of the Imm, a great celestial race of beings that defend the Universe on behalf of the Great Imm Leader. The enemy of the Universe is the evil Ahnn Lord, a ruthless being that’s doomed to destruction but wants to take as much with him as possible. I am here to learn of all Humans that are allies of the Imm . . . and I sense the Imm power in that nearby building for some reason!”
ELI: “Hello! I’m Eli. I’m the acting Pilot and Engineer of the IFS Thunder! Thank you for having us visit. Got any room for 5 more Earthnauts?”
MR BEN: “Of course! Miss Jessica, the kids, and I would love to have you!”
LAGRANGE: “Hmmmm. Ok, Grand Elder . . . it’s clear not all Humans should be distrusted! I understand now.”
GRAND ELDER: “Good, good, very good Lagrange! It’s the Imm Leader that guides many Humans. Those who know He is over all!!!”
UNION: “Well, welcome Expedition II!!! Well, while Agent Dolphina goes to unlock Mr. Ben’s land vehicle called an SUV, let’s talk!”
GRAND ELDER & LADY TIA: “Hello, Oceana!!!”
OCEANA: “Hello!!! So good to see you Grand Elder and Lady Tia!!!”
LADY TIA: “Look, Nomad!!! Oceana has hair . . . just like Human ladies!!! So amazing! Didn’t you say it was a ‘Lash Sense” liquid compound?”
OCEANA: “Yes, Great Lady! I love it . . . and I know Union seems to like it a lot. You should listen to all the things he’s learned these past 6 Earth Months. He is so incredible!”
GRAND ELDER: “You certainly look radiant, Oceana! The human clothing styles you and the others have adopted are notable! Perhaps I should look into replacing my shredding silver robe with a Human equivalent!”
ECHO: “Greetings, Great Nomad! Lady Tia! Both of our teams and Mr. Ben’s family are safely secured. When we head to Mr. Ben’s house, the IFS Thunder’s autopilot will fly to the secret Earth base and stay hidden until we call for it.”
GRAND ELDER: “Good work, Echo! We’ll tell you more later, but we have some good news for you!”
MEDALLION: “Have you determined if Mr. Ben’s family are allies of the Imm Leader?”
ECHO: “I have no doubt. Sure they have struggles and conflicts like human families do, but it’s clear that the Imm forces surround them in such a way that there’s no doubt.”
MEDALLION: “We shall see . . . but I sense it too!”
UNION: “Hello, Professor Lagrange!”
LAGRANGE: “Greetings, my highest-achieving student! Your efforts and scientific leadership with Expedition I have been exceptional! The faculty and researchers at the Engedian Academy will likely be spending years disseminating the data you and our four friends have gathered! So how are you?”
UNION: “I am good! I feel differently these days. So how was your diversion to this land called . . . Israel?”
LAGRANGE: “Eventful . . . but more on that soon. ”
CHANCE: “Well, if it isn’t Sergeant Eli! High Command has told us many good things about you. Your piloting skills earlier today above Colorado Springs was impressive!”
ELI: “Thank you, Mr. Chance! It’s an honor to be meeting with two Engedian Star Force officers I’d like to use as Doctoral advisors!”
SNEAK: “Doctoral advisors? Us? And ME included? I’ve never been a Doctoral advisor before!”
ELI: “Well Mr. Sneak, your knowledge of nuclear fusion has led to many new developments for our Engedian saucer propulsion systems. That and the star building you’re so well-known for! And you Mr. Chance know more about subspace teleportation and communications than many in the current time! I have a great idea on how to merge both into a powerful mass-transportation device that can save many people!”
CHANCE: “I remember us talking about this when we got that Emergency Signal-38 around the time of the Solar Eclipse. Let’s sit down tomorrow and we’ll talk more.”
SNEAK: “Agreed! I’d really like to see how a fusion device could make a mass-teleportation device work!”
GRAND ELDER: “Well, Mr. Ben! So much going on around here isn’t it? Once again, thank you for everything you’ve done for at least 5 of us these past months!”
MR BEN: “Thank you Grand Elder! Or should I call you Nomad?”
GRAND ELDER NOMAD: “Either one’s just fine. My people actually call me either. I don’t hold them to any rules saying it has to only be “Grand Elder” or “Sir” and such. Humans often do that with their own leaders. My role is a LEADING GUIDE, and not an overlord.”
MR BEN: “I sure wish there were leaders on my planet that felt that way too sometimes. Welcome to planet Earth!”
<Mr. Ben and Nomad shake hands>
LADY TIA: “Mr. Ben? It is nice to meet you! You, your wife and three children are famous on Engedi! No Humans have ever had as much communication with us except for the Imm Leader himself!”
MR BEN: “Really? How is it possible for a Human to have ever visited your planet without using a ship. And our current rockets can’t send travellers into space for more than a couple of weeks?”
GRAND ELDER NOMAD: “That’s one of the reasons why we of Expedition II are here. We know He’s here and that he’s known by many. We have much to tell you on this matter . . . but first, could my wife Tia and I get selfies with you? We’ll send them back to High Command and the Lesser Elders!”
LADY TIA: “That would be great, Dear Husband! Would you Mr Ben?”
MR BEN: “Of course!!! I’ll snap a couple of pics here!!!”
<Click> <Click>
Later that evening at Mr. Ben’s House . . . 7:54 PM
AGENT DOLPHINA: “Daddy, what about pictures of ALL the Earthnauts?”
MR BEN: “Of course! Let’s take pictures here in Gimmick Command!” Everybody say COW SNATCHER!!!”
ALL TEN EARTHNAUTS: “COW SNATCHER!!!”
<Click> <Click>
GRAND ELDER NOMAD: “Well, we’re safe and sound at Mr. Ben’s home, the IFS Thunder’s flying off to her secret Earth base, and we’re ready to begin work. But let’s relax for a bit . . . and get our Earth Caps too! We have a special ceremony for Expedition I pretty soon. And Union, . . . Lagrange and Medallion have something special to share with you.”
UNION: “Who me??? What’s it about?”
LAGRANGE: “You’ll see my esteemed student.”
MEDALLION: “It’s truly amazing!”
For the Great Galactic Space Gimmick, we’re the Earthnauts of Expeditions I and II, Agent Dolphina, and Gimmick Commander Mr. Ben (Faltinowski)! 🙂
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(DISCLAIMER: The alien characters depicted in this story are fictional, and any real alien with similar names, similar appearance, or similar home planet is highly coincidental. Also, the aliens and some photos used for The Earthnauts stories are used in honor and parody of various works of science-fiction and alien themed literature and media. It is believed that this constitutes legal fair-use. )