Carro's Visit To Earth - A Weekend Engagement Challenge
My view outside of Carro's window, created by me in Apophysis and Gimp, edited with Canva.
One beautiful summer evening I was sitting in my favorite thinking spot, a quiet little place where I can see for miles. I needed a topic for my next post on Hive. For some reason I didn't have any ideas, and none of the prompts called to me. Then I saw it.
At first it was just a dot on the horizon. I thought it might be an eagle, or perhaps an aircraft. As it came steadily closer, I saw that it was disc shaped. In the disc were little slits, which had a soft yellow light coming through.
Curious, I got out my binoculars. It didn't look much different, just bigger. And getting bigger by the second. Soon I had to put my binoculars away, because it was too close, and moving too fast.
It seemed like it would fly right over me! I was really excited at this point, and planning on taking note of every detail. Then I became dizzy, and couldn't keep my eyes open.
When I came to I was in a small room, laying on a sort of couch that seemed to contain gel. It was pleasant to the touch, and conformed to my body. The texture was like that of warm leather, but I got the sense that it was a type of soft plastic which I had never encountered. It also intuitively changed shape as I sat up.
The walls of the room were smooth, gleaming metal. They curved towards the top, and they and the ceiling seemed to be one unbroken piece. The ceiling was about six feet up. Underneath my feet I discovered a walking surface similar to the couch, including the soft gel, but with less give.
Across the room was a being. Out of respect for my new friend, I will leave the description to your imagination. There is a reason why most of humanity has never their race. If and when our species is ready, you will understand.
I rubbed my eyes, then said "Hi, thank you for showing me your home. I'm honored to meet you."
"Hello, you wouldn't be able to pronounce my name, but you may call me Carro. This is not my home, rather a research vessel. You are very welcome, and I will show you around after our meeting." replied Carro, but the voice was coming from elsewhere. Perhaps a sound system in the walls. Or telepathically, directly into my head? I really couldn't tell.
"Are we in space now?" I asked, my heart beginning to beat faster at the idea of a ride in a real spaceship!
"Go look out the window." suggested Carro.
I stood and eagerly strode towards one of the large windows, which I remembered had appeared so small from outside. The gel underfoot firmed and molded to my every step. It was extremely comfortable, but took some getting used to. I gasped. Outside, there was a pastel mass, glowing in every color. The backdrop was the velvety blackness of space.
"We are no longer in your home galaxy. You are now in deep space, further away from Earth than any creature from your world has ever traveled." Carro explained.
After giving me plenty of time to examine my new surroundings, Carro asked "would you be willing to answer a few questions before I take you home?"
"Of course. I'm grateful to you for showing me this!" I replied, and meant it.
"What is your purpose in life?" asked Carro.
"Do you mean as a species, or me personally?" I asked.
"How about both." said the alien.
"Well for me personally, it's to enjoy life, and help others. I don't see much point in doing things I don't enjoy, that harm others, or if it seems pointless. But keep in mind, goals vary a lot from one individual to another." I said, making myself completely comfortable by sitting back. Oh, how I wished I could take this piece of furniture home!
I yawned, completely relaxed. "As for my species, it sometimes seems like we want to learn everything there is. And that we can do anything if we just focus on it. Other times, I feel like we will never learn anything - not even how to govern ourselves, or not harm our planet. I guess you could say that the purpose in life of the human race is to grow in knowledge, while becoming more compassionate and responsible."
"I've seen those problems while studying your planet. Do you feel like there is any hope for your species? We have the capability of humanely euthanizing all of your kind. Without harming the planet, or any of its flora and fauna. Should it be apparent that you are heading towards a slow, painful extinction, and taking the rest of the planet with you, this is an option we must consider." Carro said, with some apparent sadness.
"I think there is hope. We are beginning to see the effect of our careless behavior, and taking measures to curb it. Give us enough incentive, and we will usually figure out a way to get things done.
As a species we are lazy, and will usually take the easiest route. Our advances in communications and other forms of technology grow by leaps and bounds. Anything that might make things easier is given top priority.
I suspect that is why we aren't more advanced in space travel. It simply is not easy, and doesn't promise convenience. Yes, it promises adventure and knowledge, but we seem to be short on explorers right now." I replied, somewhat unnerved by the direction of the conversation.
"Do you think your race might become better stewards if we provided you with the technology necessary to reverse the damages? And what about other technology?" Carro asked thoughtfully.
I breathed a huge sigh of relief. This sounded like a much better idea!
"I like the idea of you providing the technology necessary to reverse the damages we have caused. If things were back in balance, I feel that we would work harder to keep it that way. In the past, I have heard so many people say that it's already too late. Without that excuse, nobody would have a reason to be careless.
Other technology? I think that would be an excellent incentive to get us on the right track! Just make clear rules and boundaries for the world leaders, and give out the technology a little at a time, as the necessary changes are made. Perhaps starting with medical advances?" I suggested eagerly.
"I thank you for your honest and candid answers, and I shall consider all that you have told me. Now, how about that tour I promised you?" said Carro, with obvious delight.