SHORT FICTION
Underwater Aliens With a Message of Warning for Humanity
An alien claiming to live under our planet’s ocean and wants to warn us about the return of our ancestors. They say it won’t be a happy family reunion. (Interdimensional Talks -Episode 13)
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Ladies and gentlemen, alien or domestic, Welcome to Interdimensional Talks with your host Mike!
The only fictional radio show in the world broadcasting across the universe and the multiverse. Listen in as we talk to the most diverse bunch of guests you can possibly imagine. We’re talking aliens, ethereal beings, artificial intelligence, and even humans from parallel universes.
Suspend your disbelief, open your mind, and join us on a journey of fascinating exploration of ideas. Grab a drink and enjoy the show.
EPISODE 13:
Underwater aliens with a message of warning
“Ladies and gentlemen, alien and domestic, biological and silicon, organic or inorganic, welcome back to Interdimensional Talks with your favorite host, Mike. That would be me. As you know, most of our guests come to the show from parallel universes, but today, we were contacted by friends from much, much closer. Not only do they live in our universe, they live on our planet. That’s right, they are from Earth but aren’t human. Are you intrigued yet? I sure hope so.
We’ve all probably heard of UFOs that allegedly run around our planet. Well, some of them are said to disappear into the oceans. We call them USOs — Unidentified Submerged Objects. If there were ever a perfect place to hide, it would be at the bottom of the sea. Did you know that scientists claim we have only mapped about twenty percent of our oceans and that we know more about outer space than we do about what lies beneath the wavy surface of our own oceans? You do now.
Our guest tonight claims to live under the sea, and apparently, he and his friends have been there for centuries without us ever knowing we had neighbors. With that introduction, I’ll let him fill in the details. Please welcome Plebious, the underwater alien. Welcome to the show, Plebious.”
Plebious: “Yes.”
Mike: “Am. Okay. Can you tell us more about yourself?”
Plebious: “Yes.”
Mike: “Please do.”
Plebious: “I am Plebious of the clan Aquatic. I am sworn to secrecy and cannot reveal our true origin and star system. It would be dangerous for us. We are not from this solar system but are distant neighbors. I come to you in peace.”
Mike: “Hm, sure. What can you tell us about your people?”
Plebious: “We are a peaceful people. Our species consisted of three clans: Aerials, Terrans, and Aquatics. As the names suggest, we are very diverse. Some of us can only live underwater, while others have adapted to life above the surface.”
Mike: “I take it you’re the underwater type?”
Plebious: “Yes.”
Mike: “Are there any other clans on our planet at the moment?”
Plebious: “No, but we are many factions spread across your oceans.”
Mike: “Interesting. Can you tell me how many of your people live on Earth?”
Plebious: “I cannot.”
Mike: “You will not?”
Plebious: “Yes.”
Mike: “You do know you’re going to have to give me something, right?”
Plebious: “I do, and I will.”
Mike: “Alright. How do you survive in the deep? How do you breathe? Where do you live? Have you built underwater cities, or do you live freely?”
Plebious: “Which question do you want me to answer?”
Mike: “All of them would be nice, but start where you want.”
Plebious: “We have built homes for our people, but they are nothing like yours. Our technology and building materials are organic, making us undetectable to your sensors and radars. We can breathe underwater but cannot breathe in the atmosphere. Therefore, I assure you — you have nothing to fear from us. I cannot reveal where we live, only that it is deep underthe surface of your oceans and that we are spread all over the planet. We have lived beside you in peace for ages and wish to keep it this way. I hope you understand.”
Mike: “Safety first. I do. What else can you tell me about yourself?”
Plebious: “I didn’t come to your show to talk about my people, Michael.”
Mike: “You didn’t? Why did you come then? When aliens live on your planet, you can understand that we might want to know more about them. You, in this case.”
Plebious: “If we are aliens, then so are you.”
Mike: “I’m sorry, what? We are aliens? Humans? Yeah, I don’t think so.”
Plebious: “I know.”
Mike: “(to the intern) Is the translation device working properly?”
Intern: “As far as I can tell.”
Mike: “Plebious, could you be more specific?”
Plebious: “Regarding?”
Mike: “You said that both you and we are aliens on this planet?”
Plebious: “I did. More specifically, I said if we are aliens, then so are you.”
Mike: “Same difference. What makes you say that?”
Plebious: “By definition, we consider all life forms that do not originate on this planet alien to it. Do you have a different definition?”
Mike: “No, I don’t suppose we do. But we, humans, have developed here, on this planet. Therefore, we can’t be alien.”
Plebious: “(some weird sound that could be laughter) You did not.”
Mike: “Care to explain what makes you say that?”
Plebious: “We have been here longer than humans exist in this form. We understand things you do not, Michael. We have seen you come and go.”
Mike: “You have? How long have you lived under our oceans?”
Plebious: “Earth has been our satellite operations base for… converting to your time units… one hundred and thirteen thousand years or thereabout.”
Mike: “Are you serious? This can’t be true?”
Plebious: “I am. It is.”
Mike: “You’re killing me with these short answers.”
Plebious: “I am not! I come in peace. I apologize.”
Mike: “Yeah, yeah, I get that. It’s a saying… never mind. Forget I said that.”
Plebious: “Yes. Forgotten.”
Mike: “If you really came to this planet before humans did, tell me more about how that came to be. Who were humans before settling on Earth, and how did we come to live here? I can’t believe I’m asking this question.”
Plebious: “Understandable. This is your third civilizational attempt on this planet. You are an alien race from another galaxy that seeds planets with habitable environments. You have seeded life all over the neighboring solar systems and have settled hundreds of planets that are known to us. Earth is one of many you now call home.”
Mike: “Slow down, please. What do you mean this is the third civilizational attempt for us?”
Plebious: “You had settled on this planet two times before and began building a human civilization.”
Mike: “What happened to the other two civilizations that came before?”
Plebious: “They were destroyed.”
Mike: “By what?”
Plebious: “The correct question is by whom.”
Mike: “Wow, really? Okay, by whom were the previous two civilizations destroyed?”
Plebious: “By other humans wanting to settle on this planet.”
Mike: “You’ve got to be joking, right?”
Plebious: “I am not.”
Mike: “Let me see if I got this right. Humanity is alien to this planet. We colonized it. Not once, but three times. The first two civilizations were destroyed by none other than other humans who are actually aliens from outer space who coincidently seed life all over the universe. Oh, and you are also aliens who live under our oceans and have been here longer than all of humanity, including the previous two attempts at building a civilization. Have I got this right?”
Plebious: “Yes.”
Mike: “There is no proof or indication of any of that. It sounds ridiculous! Why should I believe you?”
Plebious: “Because your fellow humans from outer space are coming back, and they’ve never come in peace. Unlike us, who come in peace and mean you no harm. We are just observing you and are not allowed to interfere in human affairs.”
Mike: “Wait, what? Damnit! So many questions. Who’s coming? When? Why?”
Plebious: “Our sensors have detected a large presence at the edge of the solar system. A fleet of human vessels is coming to this planet. I risked exposing myself and my people because I wanted to warn you of impending danger. You’ve come so far this time. It would be a shame to see it all disappear again.”
Mike: “Thank you, I guess. How certain are you that they’re coming?”
Plebious: “One hundred percent regarding their presence. Thirty-three percent regarding their intentions.”
Mike: “And those would be?”
Plebious: “Three options. Routine check-up on your progress, an invitation to join the United Planetary Force, or total annihilation.”
Mike: “I have so many questions. Starting with how do you know all this?”
Plebious: “Our planet has been colonized by humans. Those who survived the encounter were forced to flee and find refuge in secrecy all around the galaxy. Most weren’t so lucky. Humans are the most feared civilization in the universe. You are the boogyman in the darkness of space.”
Mike: “Then why try to warn or save us if we’re so bad?”
Plebious: “Earth’s humans are far from perfect, but you are a docile species compared to your ancestors. Which could be the reason they keep destroying you. Perhaps there is something about this planet that makes you more emotional and kind, while space and more hostile environments bring about the cruel and cold version of your species.”
Mike: “We’re the nice guys? Really? Jesus! Now, you’ve got me worried. Can we defeat them?”
Plebious: “(weird sounds that could be laughter) No.”
Mike: “Why not?”
Plebious: “Compared to your ancestors and the United Planetary Force, you are babies. Helpless, clueless, and new to the world of violence.”
Mike: “I can’t believe you describe Earth’s humans in such a manner. From my point of view, all we do is wage war and kill one another.”
Plebious: “You throw rocks and shoot bullets while they destroy whole solar systems with one shot. You are not a threat to them — yet.”
Mike: “So why would they destroy us?”
Plebious: “I don’t know that they do. It’s just a guess based on previous encounters.”
Mike: “Fine. Why did they destroy the previous two human settlements then?”
Plebious: “You will have to ask them this question. We just saw the aftermath.”
Mike: “Are you afraid of us, as well?”
Plebious: “Of humans here on Earth? No. Of them — terrified.”
Mike: “Would you stand with us against them if they chose to attack us?”
Plebious: “No.”
Mike: “Dude! Why not? You live on this planet, too. Don’t you want us to survive?”
Plebious: “We are not an aggressive species and have no way to defend ourselves against them. The only way we can survive is by staying invisible. They can’t kill what they can’t find.”
Mike: “So how do we survive?”
Plebious: “If you are lucky, you will be asked to join the United Planetary Force. Say yes and hand over the planet to the UPF. This is your only chance.”
Mike: “You want us to surrender the planet and join them without resistance? Some alien long lost brothers of ours? I don’t think this is going to happen, Plebious.”
Plebious: “Then it has been nice knowing you, as brief as it has been.”
Mike: “Just like that?”
Plebious: “Your ancestors are top predators of the universe. Either you join them, become like them, and hand over your resources, or they will take them by force and reseed the planet anew. It is their way and has been since forever. None have been able to stand against them — that we know off.”
Mike: “Were you asked to join them?”
Plebious: “No. They do not see other species as equal or worth preserving if they get in the way of their plans. When they realized our planet was inhabited, they didn’t even bother making contact. They just opened fire.”
Mike: “I’m so sorry to hear that, Plebious.”
Plebious: “Yes. As am I. We are lucky that they are not interested in underwater life forms. Our clan has managed to survive their visits on this planet, our home planet, and a few others because we always stay submerged. We are protected by oceans, as humans can’t survive deep underwater.”
Mike: “At least there’s that. Are you in contact with your people on other planets?”
Plebious: “Yes.”
Mike: “But how does that work? From the bottom of the ocean and at such long distances?”
Plebious: “Through quantum entanglement. Our communication is instant regardless of distance. There is no loss or latency. We remain one people, even if we are scattered around the universe. Invisible, dispersed, but united in spirit, we prevail.”
Mike: “I’m glad to hear it. So you are technologically more advanced than us?”
Plebious: “Yes. You are a very young civilization. You can get only so far in a few thousand years.”
Mike: “How old is your civilization? If you don’t mind me asking.”
Plebious: “I don’t have exact data. We’ve been here, separated from our homeworld, for over one hundred thousand years. At this point, that is the origin story we teach to our young. The day we settled here, on Earth. From our perspective, this is our home planet now.”
Mike: “I understand. Do you ever venture to the surface?”
Plebious: “Only for scouting missions, resource gathering, and when passing through on the way to open space.”
Mike: “Are our two species anything alike?”
Plebious: “Nothing.”
Mike: “Then how can we communicate so well? Apart from the universal translator.”
Plebious: “It is my life’s work to observe and study humans, so I’ve learned to understand you. The way you think, talk and act. It makes it easier. Translational programs fill in the blanks and adapt communication to your understanding. If we met, we could not communicate, except…”
Mike: “Yes?”
Plebious: “Never mind.”
Mike: “There you go again with your secrecy. Is there anything else you can tell me about your people? I would love to know more.”
Plebious: “I’ve already said too much. We must stay hidden. The less we reveal about ourselves, the better. It’s the only thing that keeps my people safe. From you and your ancestors.”
Mike: “I understand. Have any of you ever been in contact with humans, our governments, or individuals?”
Plebious: “Governments, no. Individuals, yes. Our paths have crossed on occasion.”
Mike: “What was it like? The interactions? Do you think we could be friends?”
Plebious: “Most of them were morbid. Your people were dying near our outposts, and there was nothing we could do to help them. We just observed as they passed away.”
Mike: “That is morbid. And the friends part?”
Plebious: “I could consider us friends, Michael.”
Mike: “I could as well, Plebious. It’s a start, I guess.”
Plebious: “Unfortunately, we cannot risk exposure until the threat of your ancestors is gone. It is best that you know as little as possible of our existence, as you might become our number one enemy in the coming years. Either that or another dead friend.”
Mike: “Can you give us some advice as to how to act or defend ourselves when they come, the space humans?”
Plebious: “Die well, Michael!”
Mike: “Jesus fucking Christ, dude! I thought we were becoming friends?”
Plebious: “We are. I warned you of impending danger so that you would live the rest of your lives as best as you possibly can. When I say die well, what I mean is I wish for you to live in the moment, for your life is most likely about to end very soon, at least to the extent that you know it. Be with your loved ones and do all the things you want to do before you die. The future was always uncertain, but now, as you say, it might as well be written in stone.
They are coming, and the odds of humanity surrendering and joining them are almost nonexistent. You are a proud people, which means war is coming, and it will end with your collective annihilation. Make peace with it and live the rest of your lives as best as you possibly can. Then, when the time comes, you can die well with no regrets and be at peace.
If you are smart enough, you will understand my message to you, and perhaps some of humanity can be saved. There is still time. You must act quickly, though.”
Mike: “What message? Wait a minute! I don’t think I understood what you were implying…”
Plebious: “You will. Listen to our conversation again. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Michael. I wish we had more time. Maybe we could have been good friends after all. Goodbye and good luck.”
Mike: “Goodbye, my friend. I was hoping we would learn more about our underwater neighbors, but it turns out we found out more about our own origins. If we believed anything Plebious said on this show, that is. This conversation opened more questions than it provided answers. I hope to God he’s wrong and we are not about to be visited by Mommy and Daddy from outer space. They don’t sound all that nice.
If we are, I hope the encounter will go our way. I suppose joining them is better than dying, even if it means handing over our planet in its entirety. I wish I had more trust in our leaders to have the wisdom to guide us through the coming trials, but hey, what will be, will be.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to figure out how to move my family under the ocean in case the negotiations go wrong. If any of you out there have the resources, vision, and capability to build an underwater human civilization, you know where to find me. Until next time. This was Interdimensinal Talks with your favorite host, Mike. God, I need a drink…”
THE END
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