Shoot for Earth: MedSci Missions 3

They landed in an obvious parking lot as instructed, where they took a minute to watch the aliens walking by. Karen instantly liked the look of the Spitters. They were much more symmetrical, though still not the bilateral symmetry she was used to. They did indeed have hair all over, but it was silky and translucent. Zooming in with field goggles, she saw that the hair seemed to actually be fine tubes.

While the others were looking around, Walsh headed straight for a large pyramid, mostly metallic with windows on top section that ended in a point. Probably an observatory, the Captain thought, considering with whom they were visiting. As an astronomer, he was very interested to see what the Lisers were learning about space.

The astronomer they’d contacted met them in the foyer of a grand chamber full of artifacts. It appeared to be a museum, with labels on meteorites, bits of metal, and models of aliens, some of whom they’d met. Large star maps covered the walls.

“Hi, I’m Zinobel Mobilisk.” He was a bit taller than the Smoothies, with skin just as smooth beneath the translucent tubes hanging from cheeks, chin, arms, and probably other areas covered with clothes.

Walsh stepped forward. “Richard Walsh, astronomer on Earth.” He motioned. Our Ambassador, Karen O’Bien.” She nodded but stayed where she was.

“Here’s the map of your space I mentioned,” Walsh said, projecting a holo map from his Pocod that showed his own studies of their local space.

“Interesting! I’ve never seen this exoplanet, just outside our own solar system! I guess there’s an advantage to studying it from a ship.”

“You don’t ever explore from a ship?” Walsh asked.

“No, it would be a huge expense. The money men are focused on planetary infrastructure. We do have some great equipment in the observatory.”

“I’d love to see it!” Walsh said.

“I thought you would. This way.”