A Simple Touch

Nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say.

There goes an old myth about those who love against standards. My grandmother told me this myth when I was young, warning me about the fates of love. She said that love can take shape in many forms and it is hard to tell its appearance. She told me the story about the myth of a woman who loved wrong.

The myth went like so; a woman at the beginning of our exploration of space was a commander of her chosen fleet. Beautiful and skilled, she led her fleet to explore the galaxy of Andromeda, the galaxy that was meant to collide with the Milky Way.

Leading her armada she landed on a planet that was colored in beautiful pastels. Along with these pastels was where she discovered a new species. Like man they developed communication among themselves, but like man they were frightened by what is ‘new.’

The woman tried to reason with them but the species was fearful, immediately they fled from her. The woman, saddened by the species' actions, watched the creatures leave. She couldn’t help but find them beautiful and wanted to learn about them. They looked like man, but their skin glowed in pastel colors against the sun, their eyes a deep blue that reminded her of sapphires.

One of their species stayed behind, he was larger than the others, he stood with pride and interest in the woman.

This was the start of both their destructions.

The woman and the creature tried to communicate. The woman began learning their language as did the creature. The woman’s armada did not agree with her ways, because of man's past they strived for territory. The armada devised a plan to take over the planet against the woman’s better judgment.

The woman, knowing about her fleet’s plan, ran to the creature to warn them but it did not understand. Then the attack began, many of these new species were killed while others were imprisoned.

Feeling betrayed the creature watched his species be tortured and killed. The woman’s guilt compelled her to attempt to reason with the creature, trying to communicate with it but it did not want to listen. The woman, heartbroken seeing the ways of man, decided to help them. She released the creature and its species in secret, unaware of the destruction she would cause.

The woman watched her fleet be destroyed by the species she saved. She tried to reason with the creature but ended up being killed by it. They say that the woman’s screams are still heard throughout the universe of her betrayal and heartbreak.

The woman who loved deeply, lost everything for her mistake. My grandmother didn’t explain whether the woman loved the creature or loved the creature's species so much that she couldn’t help but save them.

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As I walked the halls of the armada ship, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. The planet that stood before me through the thickened glass window sent shudders down my spine. The planet beautiful, and bright, was beginning to be clouded in darkness. Researchers couldn’t figure out if it was a rainstorm, tornado, or something that was created by the planet.

The planet ‘Meli,’ named after our commander, Amelia, is under the operation of our fleet to observe wildlife and the dark cloud that hangs over the planet without coming into contact with the species living there.

After all the training I did to get to this point, I couldn’t help but feel a little regretful. Regretful that I left my grandmother and the safety of Earth. Doubt began to rise, immediately wanting to back out of this mission but the planet never left my gaze.

“Eliza,” A voice called out, snapping me out of my daze. Turning away from the planet, I see the commanding crew walking towards me.

I quickly saluted, “Officer Niel.”

“The meeting is about to start,” He replied, nodding at my salute, everyone walking behind him stopping in their tracks. I felt my chest tighten as I looked at their belittlement stares.

I quickly put my arm down, “Yes, sir. I was on my way there now.” I directed my gaze to Officer Niel away from the others.

Officer Niel nodded, “The meeting room changed to the airship, we will conduct the meeting as we are headed towards the planet.”

“I see, do you mind if I join you?” Officer Niel nodded. He continued walking without haste as I followed closely behind his group. The group did not speak a word, only glancing at me a few times. The walk felt like eternity with the silence and dread that was omitted through the halls. I was glad I was in the back of the group so I wouldn’t feel their death glares from behind.

Each of them walked with confidence and superiority that anyone would back away. I glazed at their side profiles, each of them with an unwavering and stern facial expression. Their hands tighten and loosen with each step. The walk made my stomach turn as tingles erupted through my body. Excitement and nervousness bundled together made me confused by the group's seriousness.

Entering the airship, a roar of voices erupted the stillness of the group. As Officer Niel stepped into the room, the voices came to a silence. I walked slowly behind the group looking for an open seat as those who were sitting stared at me with shock. Finding a spot I quickly ducked away shuffling through the crowd of legs to the open seat. Officer Niel’s group quickly took their seats in the front row, their attention directed to him.

“Thank you all for being here with a quick location change. We have no time to waste so I will get started.” Officer Niel said, turning on the small projector.

The airship jolted causing our bodies to slam forward to the seat in front of us. I looked out the window noticing the airship was detaching itself from the main ship. Officer Niel continued without distraction from the jolt.

“The creatures that reside on ‘Planet Meli’ are a species we haven’t faced before. Similar to chameleons, they are able to camouflage with their surroundings. Their skin is made of scales that are able to help them blend in. Their physical stature looks identical to humans but they are stronger, and more agile as they have adapted to living with the wildlife.”

What looked similar to a woman appeared on the screen, Her skin made of scales shimmered as the projection showed her blending in with the background and then back to being visible. She wore nothing as there were no reproductive organs to show. Her eyes were closed and looked as if she was sleeping. Her long white hair reminded me of what an elf would look like.

“Compared to humans, these creatures are six foot in size with their comparable athletic ability to be greater than ours. As you all know we are to extract and observe wildlife but not make contact with these creatures.”

The man next to me raised his hand, “What can we do if we do make contact?”

Officer Niel looked down, “To defend yourself you are able to take action but if there is no hostility, do not attack.” The man next to me smirked, clenching his fist. My stomach twisted as I stared at his fist. The man glanced at me, sneering as he saw my reaction. I quickly turned away directing my attention back to Officer Niel

“We are nearing ‘Meli,’ so please prepare to land. Dismissed,” Officer Niel said, turning off the projection.

I quickly followed everyone’s lead as they walked towards the bunker where our suits were hung labeled with each of the crew’s names.

A shoulder bumped me causing me to stumble. I turned towards the person, noticing it was the same man, “Don’t get cocky because you walked with Officer Niel’s group.”

“I wasn’t-” I began but he cut me off as he leaned in to my face. I backed away hitting the wall behind me, “Make sure you mind your own business when we arrive on the planet.”

I clenched my jaw, “What are you planning to do?” The man growled, “Didn’t I say, mind your own business?”

I smirked, “We aren’t on the planet yet.” The man glared slamming his fist on the wall next to my face. I jumped back, shrinking from his fist. “Pathetic,” He said smirking, he quickly turned walking away.

I sighed with relief as I watched his figure disappear behind the crowd of people putting on their suits. I looked around and noticed a few of them were staring at me. My cheeks immediately flushed as I walked towards my assigned cabinet.

My name was highlighted in dark cursive letters written above the suit materials that were hung nicely. The dark blue suit was always difficult to put on even in training. I quickly stripped from my clothes allowing only my undergarments to remain. The suit resembling skin caused a struggle to slip the legs through as it stuck to your body. As I wrestled with the material, I heard everyone begin pressing the small button that allowed the suit to adjust to your body. Embarrassed, I began tugging at the suit trying to catch up to everyone.

I mentally cursed at myself as I made eye contact with a few people who were slipping on their helmets. “Here.” A woman said, helping me slip my legs through the suit. Blood rushed to my face as I felt like a child once again.

“Is this your first mission?” The woman asked, helping me slip the suit through my arms. I nodded weakly, losing my voice.

Her short black hair shaped into a bob highlighted her green eyes. Her skin was pale and she had dark circles under her eyes. I couldn’t help but think she was sick.

“It was a struggle for me too, during my first mission. I hate these suits,” The woman chuckled, pressing the button allowing the suit to squeeze to my body shape. I gasped as it wrapped around me making me feel uncomfortable. Thinking back to my training, I wish those suits were like these. These felt unnatural and left little room to move.

“Thank you,” I said, moving my arms trying to get used to the feeling. I grabbed the small knife placing it in the thigh pocket. The woman placed the small helmet over my head, she hummed in response before turning to grab her helmet.

She began walking with the rest of the group as they exited the bunker towards the drop-off. Everyone was silent as we lined up against the wall. Officer Niel’s group walked in, their suits were black with lines of red wrapped around their arms and legs. On their backs were loaded guns glimmering red against the light.

I looked around and saw everyone’s eyes filled with envy and jealousy. This was everyone’s main goal, to be promoted and be able to wear the suit that showed authority. As I looked at everyone admiring Officer’s Niels' group I made eye contact with the man that threatened me. On his suit was a name tag that read ‘Carter.’ I quickly turned away hiding behind the person beside me but nonetheless I could still feel the daggers from his gaze.

Suddenly a loud bang was heard jolting the ground beneath us. I fell to my knees grunting from the impact. The lights then began flashing red and a loud alarm pierced my ears. I winced at the sound covering my ears.

“MOVE!” Officer Niel screamed running towards the sides of the drop-off. He opened one of the compartments pressing a button, immediately large escape pods appeared on the sides. Everyone closest to the pods jumped in, making me rise to my feet. I searched for an empty pod but each one kept disappearing as I got closer.

A pod appeared before me causing my legs to instantly move, as I ran towards it a set of hands pushed me causing me to once again stumble to the floor. I looked up at Carter who was smirking at me as he entered the pod.

He waved before pressing the button, launching his pod and disappearing from sight. Second pods didn’t appear after each launch causing my stomach to turn. The drop-off was empty with no other escape pod in sight.

I felt myself begin to panic as I spun in circles in the middle of the room searching for help. “ELIZA!” The woman who helped me earlier screamed waving at the end of the drop-off. Her body was barely visible due to the red blinking light. I sprinted towards her, beginning to feel relief.

Immediately after my comfort, a loud explosion from behind me sent me flying across the room. I screamed as my body smacked against a pillar. My ears buzzed and my vision blurred as I tried to stand. My arm was immediately seized, yanking me to my feet. I grunted in pain as I was dragged.

“Shit,” A voice muffled in my ear. I felt my back bang against a wall and a body squeezed against mine. I closed my eyes feeling the ground beneath me disappear.

“Eliza! Stay with me!” A voice screamed, my vision slowly returning. I felt something wrap around my body, a small click following immediately after, I shook my head trying to regain my vision. The woman’s face came into view as she placed a cloth on my forehead causing me to wince, my vision immediately returning.

I looked behind her, the sky moving behind her. A cloud of dark smoke then covered the glass. “The cloud,” I said, my eyes widening with fear.

The woman smirked, “We are about to find out what this cloud really is.” She dabbed my forehead once again making me wince. I looked down at her name tag, finally able to know her name, “Christina?”

Christina smiled nodding her head causing me to smile back as she placed a bandage on my head. The dark cloud disappeared revealing the bright planet, the trees shimmered against the light covering the ground. “There’s no storm,” I muttered looking at the planet that was still.

The trees were a bright white as its leaves were a light pink. The trees covered every inch of land for miles that the light pink leaves could easily be mistaken for the ground. The sky above reminded me of a sunrise back on Earth which was unusual when a dark cloud was just above us.

“We are coming down too fast.” Christina said, glancing behind her. Once again an alarm went off emitting a red light from the top. My heart began to race as Christina pressed buttons behind me.

“We are almost there!” I yelled as the pink leaves grew closer. “We’re ejecting!” Christina yelled, grabbing onto me.

“Wait! You’re not buckled!” I screamed trying to undo the buckles. Christina pressed the eject button launching us into the air. I quickly wrapped my arms around her as the pod plummeted into the trees with a loud bang. The wind whipped us away from the pod as we clung to each other desperately. Christina pulled a string attached to my back releasing a parachute. I grunted as our bodies bounced from the sudden stop and then glided through the air. I looked back at the pod that immediately emitted black smoke.

I gripped Christina as she clung to my body. “Are you insane?! What if you fall?!” I screamed as we drifted in the wind. “There was no time! These pods are only supposed to fit one person!” She screamed back as we drifted towards the shimmering trees.

Guilt waved over me as we neared the trees. She wouldn’t be in danger if it wasn’t for me getting hurt. “That smoke would draw any creature's attention, we need to hurry and lay low,” Christina said.

“Can you see where anyone else landed?” I asked, scouting the forest. Christina hummed as she scanned the area behind me, “No, it seems like they all landed fine.” I clicked my tongue in disappointment, “It seems like we will draw the creatures away from everyone.”

Christina nodded, “It is likely we will run into them, be on alert and remember not to attack.” I nodded.

“Ready?” Christina asked as our bodies neared the forest. I sighed heavily, nodding in response. The light pink leaves gently moved away as our bodies made contact. The branches reminded me of gelatin as they bended against our body weight.

“These branches don’t even break after bending so far.” Christina said, trying to place her feet on one of them. “How far is the ground?,” I said as we sank further into the trees.

The parachute suddenly halted tangling with the thick leaves and branches, our grip immediately slipping from one another. “Shit,” Christina cursed as she wrapped her arms around my waist. I quickly wrapped my legs around her waist as my hands grabbed her forearms.

“Pull me up!” Christina yells lifting herself a bit from my waist. I grunt as I pull her arms upward.

Another jolt from above causes my grip to loosen, Christina slides down my body, her shoulders trapped by my wrapped legs. Christina gasps as she holds on to my knees. “Eliza!” Christina’s voice rising in panic. I looked past Christina, noticing the leaves covering the ground. “Crap, I can’t see the ground.” Christina looks through my legs, “You’re right.”

I look up at the parachute that is still tangled with the branches, “If the parachute gets untangled, we could die.” Christina inhales sharply at my comment, “Don’t think negatively, we just need a plan.”

“What if I can swing to that branch?” Christina said. “Then what are we gonna do?” I said, trying to look behind me. “If I land on that branch then you can swing to me and I’ll catch you. From there we can climb our way down.” I hummed at Christina’s plan trying to think of a better solution. “Eliza, we are sitting ducks right now. We have to do this now,” Christina said as she began to swing her body.

"The branches are like gelatin there's no way you would be able to land safely," I said racing my mind for another way. "We have to try," Christina said swinging her body more aggressively.

“How good is your grip?” I sighed, causing her to stop moving. She smirked, “Top of the class.” I smiled, “Think you can hold on to my ankles and swing?” Christina instantly lost her smirk, “Are you crazy?” I shook my head, “Right now your shoulders are trapped by my legs you would have to shimmy as you jump or I have to let go the moment you launch yourself. It’s better if you hold on to my ankles.”

Christina gritted her teeth, nodding shortly after thinking. I cautiously lowered my legs as she slid slowly down gripping my feet. "Just so you know, I don't agree with this plan." I said. "Yeah, yeah." Christina's body dropped as she grabbed my ankles. “Ready?!” I yelled. Christina’s grip tightened, “Yes!”

Christina guided as she rocked her body back and forth slowly she built up enough momentum for me to do the same. Both our bodies became one large swinging rope as we swung in the air.

“I’m going to let go!” Christina yelled, releasing my ankles as she flew towards the branch. I turned my head as much as possible to get a good view of Christina. Her body smacked the branch that caused it to immediately bend against her weight. Her grip began to slip as she slid down the branch.

“No. No. No!” I heard Christina scream as she tried to climb up the branch. “Christina!” I screamed trying to undo the buckles. “Eliza! Help!” Christina grunted, her face turning red as she gripped the end of the branch.

“Hold on!” I yelled, fumbling with the buckles. Christina’s hand slipped and she began falling, her screams echoed throughout the forest. “NO!” I screamed. I cringed waiting for the thump of her body hitting the floor but it never came. As I waited for the sound the forest grew quiet.

Tears began to blur my vision, this is all my fault. I should have stopped her from doing this stupid plan. I'm sure there was another way. Tears flowed down my cheeks as I wrapped my arms around my waist. I want to go home.

Suddenly a soft hum echoed through the forest causing my tears to stop. A chill ran down my spine as I looked around for the humming. I quickly slapped my helmet, I’m alone now, I have to be cautious. It is now life or death.

I looked down wanting to catch a glimpse of the ground to devise a plan. If I unbuckle myself I could easily fall like Christina did.

The leaves stopped moving despite the small breeze that blew against my body rocking me back and forth. I glanced at my surroundings for the humming but the leaves covered almost every gray area.

The humming stopped and started again each time getting louder. I quickly grabbed the knife from the lower thigh pocket whipping it out. If something were to attack me I have no means of defending myself. Being held in the air limited my defense as I began fumbling with the buckles once again. The buckles not budging after each press causing a slight panic to rise in my chest.

The humming grew louder with no sign of the creature or thing that was making the noise. “Come out!” I yelled, holding the knife tensely by my side. The humming then stopped causing more panic to rise. I quickly snapped my head up and saw a small bird flying down cautiously towards me.

The bird was as small as a hummingbird but it looked to be made of crystals. Its eyes were a bright pink as it began humming again as it neared my body. The bird turned its head curiously at me and backed away at a distance where I could not reach.

I quickly put my knife away and held out my hand for the bird to touch. The bird immediately backed away but then began flying circles around me. Its humming grew louder with each lap around me. I gaped at the little bird who glowed beautifully in the light. The birds humming stopped and disappeared as it went behind me. I glanced around searching for the beautiful creature when I heard little taps on my helmet. I froze as it tapped around in circles on my helmet.

The creaking of a tree branch immediately gathered my attention. A few feet away one of the branches bent down slowly. Chills ran down my spine when I noticed nothing was there. Did I already run into one of them?

A loud whistle was heard and the bird took off in its direction, the bird landed in the air snuggling against nothing. I slowly reached for my knife waiting to see how the creature would react.

The empty space dispersed as the creature shifted from its camouflage form. Its scales looked as if they were flipping from its body revealing the shimmering skin of the species we were supposed to avoid.

The creature looked identical to a man similar to the woman that was shown in the bunker. The only difference is that its eyes were a deep blue that could be seen from any distance. Its arms were crossed over its chest as it stared at me tilting its head identically to the bird. Its bright white hair flowed down to its shoulders barely moving against the breeze.

The creature wore nothing since there were no reproductive parts to hide but nonetheless it was beautiful. The creature hummed causing shivers down my spine. It bent down on the branch slowly, causing my breath to hitch in my throat.

I need to escape before it attacks, there is no way I can defend myself suspended in the air. I need to be on equal footing. I looked up towards the parachute that was still stuck on the branches, the rope still attached to the backpack.

I glanced back at the creature that was still crouched down watching my movements. I need to escape and tell the others even if it costs my life, I have to flee. I whipped out the knife quickly, slashing the rope above me. I glanced back towards the creature who was now standing. I closed my eyes as my back fell towards the ground. My only wish being that if I die let it be quick. My body began tumbling through the leaves when I heard a loud whistle.

I opened my eyes and saw the bird swooping down towards me, I blocked my face as the bird neared. I waited for the impact of the bird's attack but instead I felt my body seize from falling, the soft platform beneath me caused me to remove my arms from my face. The beautiful creature stood before me on what looked to be feathers. I looked down and noticed the bird was now ten times its original size as both I and the creature sat on it.

I looked back at the creature who began to approach me. My blood ran still causing my body to freeze as the creature reached its hand towards me. I gasped as its finger raised towards my helmet.

I gripped the knife in my hand wanting to move but as I stared into its eyes I couldn't help but be entranced. My pulse raised as it moved closer, every fiber in my being telling me to strike. Sweat began to form as I battled with my body but it didn't stop the creature who bent down to my height.

With the contact of its finger, I felt a shock of electricity through my body and my vision began to blur. The creature's head neared my own before my vision turned black.