In No Time At All

Part 1: List of Names, Facts and Figures

Guide: Ravash

Fellow Travellers: Joachim Valdez, Professor of Anthropology – University Quito EQ

The Companions of our Guides: Mihlar, Calohar, Ulahmè

Guide: Kadiri

Fellow Travellers: Hamet Al Akhmin, Tourist Guide – Cairo – Egypt

The Companions of our Guides: Mylah, Rustofah, Pholoty

Guide: Sarnah

Fellow Travellers: Ernst Knaup, Chemical Engineer – Stuttgart – Germany

The Companions of our Guides: Rivah, Chosha, Arochè

Guide: Thiwon

Fellow Travellers: Chu Yuan Han, Produce Farmer – Macheng – China

The Companions of our Guides: Michoh, Alvosh, Hilvathor

Guide: Theonol

Fellow Travellers: Towhaki Whaitiri, Fisherman – Society Islands – Polynesia

The Companions of our Guides: Washinov, Culivar, Rotivar

Guide: Urach

Fellow Travellers: Peter Hendricks, Food Salesman – Adelaide – Australia

The Companions of our Guides: Shavash, Cordish, Vinohvar

Navigators:

- Mothoval - Commander of the Mothership ‘Portheomos’

- Rimahvic – First Officer

- Daltomè – Second Officer

This Mothership is named after a most Famous Scientist.

*****

Part 2: Our Destination

The Planet Mypolarius, situated in the fourth spiral ring, of the Andromeda Galaxy. Some 2.2 million light years from Earth (Unbelievable as this is)

Some Facts about Mypolarius

It’s twenty eight times larger than our planet Earth, thus still being a medium sized planet. Population is at some fifty one billion, about four and a half times less than our population per area. Also, as a favorable addition, a very efficient eight billion robots, who are well programmed, for any task. Mythodoros is the capital city, and the second major city, Isothar. The Planet Mypolarius has a sixty hour day. There is never total darkness, as it has two suns, and four moons. They live in total harmony. Wars, corruption, greed, crime, and sickness, are virtually non existent.

After a stopover, on the planet Ostaforia, the Leader, Kharoumus, is replaced by Atkhabar – Peace prevailed.

Arriving on Mypolarius, we meet:

- The Supreme Lord of the High Council – The Lord Urasthovan (Who is also Urach’s Father).

The Other Lords of the High Council:

- Lord Vashcomèh -The First Lord, and Chief of National Security.

- Lord Hawhonol

- Lord Thalvahta

- Lord Alvashtos

- Lord Covahnah

- Lord Misthovic

- Lord Boshtovar

- Lord Rothamish

- Lord Abelathy

Others We Meet

- Lady Aretheamèh – Urach’s Mother

- Lady Ayushamèh – Urach’s Sister

- Lord Aristhomeah – Urach’s Brother, and Commander of the Super Cruiser, ‘Portheocari’

- The Head Coordinator, Muldahfarah

- The Chief Executive Chef, Eusthamish

- Their Staff and thousands of other Dedicated People

- Mèhtoshia – The Dancing Girl

- Monifahèh – The Hotel ‘Servant’ Girl

- Nikitahiah – The Sister of Monifahèh

- The Beautiful lady friends of my travelling Companions.

- Jack Smith – From Liverpool and many, many others.

Of course, all whom we met on Mypolarius, were like Family, in more ways than we understand the term, ‘Family’ here on Earth.

Some Tribes on Mypolarius Who Prefer to Live Like their Ancestors

- The Thescolars - Similar to the Eskimos on Planet Earth

- The Thohowis - Similar to the Touareg Desert Tribes on Planet Earth

- The Ocnahmies - Similar to the Pygmy, and Kalahari Bushmen ,on Planet Earth

- The Thufahlu’s, The Ngomarians, The Dharamoc’s - Similar to our African Tribes

- The Chicarons, The Icohmas, The Ticohlarans - Whom reminded us of The American Indian Tribes on our Planet, before well … we all Know!

- The Zuhmanehrah’s - A Nomadic Tribe

- The Tescohtaharans - Also a Nomadic Tribe and extremely proud and independent, yet so generous and loving, like the Island Tribes

*****

Chapter 1 - Urach and the Invitation

At 3:30am, the alarm clock went off, but I was already awake. Normally I sleep very well, not so, that night. I had twisted and turned for hours, to the dismay of my wife.

What’s wrong, darling, she’d mumbled sleepily, what’s on your mind?

No ... no, nothing darling ... go back to sleep!… I had answered.

I couldn’t have given her an answer, as I didn’t have one, but ... something was different. The whole night, my mind had been overflowing with strange visions, visions I couldn’t explain. I’d tried to make sense of them, but didn’t succeed ...

We both got up, and my wife made some coffee and toast, whilst I had a quick shower. Half an hour later, I looked in on the sleeping children, and kissed my wife goodbye.

Please be careful darling, she whispered, it’s such a long trip!

She was right of course. Alice Springs was not an Adelaide suburb, as it is situated about 950 miles to the north.

I smiled, nodded and kissed her again. Of course ... you know I will be, I answered, as I opened the garage door, I’ll see you on Friday ... and say goodbye to the children for me.

She smiled, I will darling.

Opening my car door ... I had second thoughts ... one of those strange visions had reappeared. I shook my head ... weird ... I had never experienced this before ... but, I got into the car, and drove out of the garage. My wife waved me off, whilst closing the garage door. The darling, I thought. I’d miss her ... and the kids.

Soon, I had left Adelaide behind, on another of my regular ‘Country trips’, for the Company who employed me. My new Ford Falcon, which was given to me only two weeks before, was purring happily. It should be a smooth journey to ‘the Alice’.

I stopped in Port Augusta, to fill up with fuel and for a cup of coffee. Then, just after sunrise, I hit the road again. Soon, the desert opened up in front of me. I’d always loved the open space, the almost eerie isolation, of this beautiful country, and I absorbed all the splendor, it offered. Close to the highway, some kangaroos looked up curiously, then hopped away to continue their grazing, on some sparse grasses, elsewhere. I smiled, as it always gave me great pleasure, to watch them in their natural habitat. I found them to be one of Australia’s most beautiful and unique creatures. Unfortunately, they had to compete with cattle, for their livelihood. Understandably, graziers did not like these prolific breeders much, and therefore occasional culling, seemed, so far, the only answer. Hopefully one day, there would be a better solution ...

Radio reception had ceased, and I played some of my favorite music, selected from the many cassettes, I always carried with me on long trips. I was quite happy now, singing along, looking at the fascinating scenery, and making good time. All was well, and I had forgotten about my bad restless night, and the bizarre visions, which had vaguely come to me. Soon, I was in Woomera, where I had to see some clients. As always, they were so Friendly, and sincerely happy to see me. Coffee, and good business deals with all, made me even happier! On a natural high, I continued my trip. It was the 2nd of March and the desert started to simmer. It would get hot, so I looked forward to lunch and a nice cold beer or two, in Coober Pedy. I had left the Woomera area now, and suddenly, I thought about the rockets, sent up from there! They had been in one of the visions, I had the previous night. Then, I remembered, I had also seen other ‘Space Crafts’ … I shook my head … don’t be stupid, I thought, it doesn’t make sense. But, still ...

I started to wonder, why those visions came back right now ... Was it the loneliness of the desert around me? And ... why did I have them in the first place, it couldn’t possibly mean anything? Right then, I nodded my head ... not knowing why! What was going on ... was I slowly losing my mind? I knew strange, unnatural, and mysterious things happened all over the globe, but, I certainly had never, ever experienced anything ‘unusual’ myself … So ... what the hell was going on now? Then, I ‘consciously’ shook my head, squinted my eyes, and concentrated on the road ahead of me. Slowly, I came to my senses again. Idiot, I thought to myself, you’ve read too much about all that; The Supernatural, The Unexplainable, Ancient Mysteries, Are We Alone In The Universe? Etc … etc …

I laughed, I had indeed read a lot. Maybe, it all began to cloud my mind! I needed a holiday, I thought. Most of the so called unexplainable and supernatural stories, I had easily dismissed many times, but those about UFO’s and other worldly civilisations, I’d accepted. The sightings of UFO’s must have been in the hundreds of thousands so far, some from very reliable sources; pilots, the military, the police force, scientists, and some very dedicated people, all over the planet. The fact that there is a cover up, seems logical at this stage. I could imagine some religions to fall, stock markets crash, and total panic, possibly world wide. But, just the same, most of us know, and indeed ‘feel’, that intelligent life forms are there, among the Billions of Galaxies in the Universe ... Could there be any doubt?…

I must have been about 130 miles south of Coober Pedy and I was happy again, as the cassette player was playing one of my favorites; ‘Trio Los Paraguayos’, ‘La Peregrinacion’, and I was cheerfully singing along … when it happened!…

The engine of my new Ford, suddenly cut out! I was coasting ... The Latin music and singing went on, but I wasn’t singing any more. As the car came to a full stop, the song came to an end, and suddently, there was only silence ...

Bloody new car, I cursed out loud, what could possibly be wrong?

Here I was, in the middle of nowhere, on the middle of the road, full stop, no mechanical knowledge, no food, no drink, eleven in the morning, this on a very hot day ...

I will always remember it was the 2nd of March, about 90, and I was ‘bloody’ stuck!…

Great, I thought, what now? It could be hours before another car could pass by ...

I didn’t panic though, as I knew people would stop and offer assistance, if they could!

Australians are famous for helping people in distress, not always in the Cities, but in the ‘outback’, yes! I got out of the car, walked to the front, and opened the hood ... Yes … there it was … the engine!… I fiddled a bit with the battery cables, and decided all looked fine, engine still there, battery and cables in place, air filter, and so on, all looked alright to me. I wish I was a mechanic, I thought. I’d be on my way soon and lunch in Coober Pedy, with a nice cold beer. I wiped the sweat off my face, and swiped at some pestering flies, as I turned around to walk back, to sit in the car, and wait for help ... I was sure that within a few hours, I would be well on my way again to a late, but well deserved lunch ...

How wrong I was, to think this ... Fate interfered! Whilst I turned around, I heard it a sound I never, ever heard before ... Something … like all engines known to man, playing a symphony in F together ... Frightening, and yet Peaceful, in total Harmony ...

What a sound! I whispered to myself. What the hell could that be?…

I was truly puzzled ...

Then I saw it, and I became very cold, in the heat of the desert. It came slowly … very slowly over a hill near the side of the road, some 160 yards away. I froze!

I wiped the cold sweat out of my eyes, blinked and blinked again, maybe in the hope, it’ll go away … It didn’t!…

This is some strange mirage. This isn’t real, I must be dreaming. It’s the heat, I thought. I closed my eyes again, and shook my head, I was just dreaming, this wasn’t for real, it just couldn’t be!…

But … it was, as it still came closer! I opened my eyes as the foreign symphonic sounds stopped. Then, I dared to look through my fingers, at a shining, glowing, silvery blue Craft! It’s size could have been about thirty feet across, but suddenly, my emotions took the better of me, and shivering, and crying, I fell to my knees, and lost consciousness ...

When I came to, I felt a ‘hand’ on my shoulder. I felt so calm, so good, so protected ...

Was I in heaven? I never felt so good. No heat, no flies, no sweat, just coolness and serenity, such Peace and calmness came over my entire being, that I thought; this is the most beautiful dream I’d ever had. But, I wasn’t dreaming!

When I looked into His beautiful eyes; I saw soft, blue green oceans, which inspired me with confidence and trust.

He helped me up, with just one finger, hardly touching me. I felt light as a feather, but good and strong, standing tall on this deserted desert road. I didn’t care where I was, I was with Him. I was not afraid any more. I felt better, than ever before in my entire life! He smiled at me with his eyes; they said everything! God, I felt good.

I must be dreaming, I thought again.

No, he said, with his eyes. You are not dreaming, Peter, You even got part of our message last night!

I looked at him. The visions … I mumbled.

He nodded, and smiled ...

Slowly, I felt myself moving, with him, towards the Craft. He wasn’t ‘talking’, as he looked sideways at me, but at the same time, he said, Don’t fear: You are ‘Invited’, Peter!

How fascinating, I thought, ‘Telepathy’, at its most advanced state.

Yes, it is, he answered. "Come, follow me, You will learn much in the near future!

My name is Urach, in Your language, and I’m Your Guide"…

Heavens, I felt so at ease, so comfortable, so protected in his presence, I felt so safe.

I didn’t think about my stalled car in the middle of the highway, nor about the time of day, lunch, customers to see, my work, or anything else. I just floated on air, affixed to the moment, in awe of what was happening to me! Invited?… His beautiful eyes smiled, as he guided me into the silvery blue Craft. A sliding panel had opened, and closed immediately behind us! I was trapped, I thought ...

Do You wish to leave already? came the question, instantly.

I was embarrassed. No, no… I said in haste, with glowing face. I realised now, that before I spoke, Urach already knew, what I was about to say. I have to be careful with what I say, I thought. His eyes just smiled, in recognition of that thought.

With that I knew, that I just had to be honest, to myself and to those beautiful haunting, spellbinding eyes, of Urach, my Guide.

To where and what? I thought. The answer came within a split second;

You’ll soon see, Peter.

I felt so good, so relaxed, so comfortable. I didn’t know what lay ahead of me, but I was no longer afraid. I didn’t feel trapped, to the contrary, I felt Invited, as a Special Guest. But, why me, I thought …

You will know, in time … Peter, came the immediate reply.

Chapter 2 -The Craft and The Guides

We passed through a portal into a suprisingly large area, in the center of which were instrumentation panels, of a nature, I had never ever seen before. They looked like some weird computer systems, set into a semi circle. Urach escorted me around the panels, and introduced me to Shavah, Cordish and Vinohvar, almost spitting images of my mysterious, fascinating ‘Guide’. Their eyes shone softly, like the blue green oceans, I had encountered, looking into Urach’s eyes.

Welcome, Peter, we are your Friends, they ‘said’, with those eyes.

All I could do, was nod my head, and smile. I was totally and utterly overwhelmed and completely speechless, by the current events. Their eyes smiled and the message We understand, Peter, came, without a spoken word. Well … I still didn’t really understand it, but it all seemed to be real, and pinching myself, I knew, I wasn’t dreaming.

There I was: ‘Invited’, but, locked into a foreign Craft, with the strangest instrumentation panels imaginable, and with four new ‘Friends’, including Urach, my ‘Guide’, all assuring me by telepathy, to be not afraid, but relax, and enjoy the experience ahead of me …

I would ‘see, learn and understand’ more, than most ‘Earthlings’ could ever visualise in their most inspiring, mental pictures! This, was their message, and I, in awe of it all, accepted it humbly and gratefully, for this was the ‘one in a hundred million chance’, we only dare to dream about in our wildest, most fantastic dreams. But this … was real. I looked at ‘Them’ again, my ‘Guide’ Urach, his ‘Companions’, Shavah, Cordish, and Vinohvar. Their smiling eyes, reassured me that I had nothing to fear, and that I was destined for a very special, unique experience, not too many ‘Earthlings’, ever had the privilege to encounter.

All four of my new ‘Friends’, started to move about the panels, pushing some buttons, and levers. It seemed we were ready to leave, and a very, very strange sensation came over me. What would lay ahead? I couldn’t even guess …

As I truly observed them for the very first time, I took note of the fact, that they were indeed genuine ‘Aliens’, from ‘Heaven knows’ where in the Universe. They each turned around instantly, and those incredible eyes told me:

We are very pleased You trust us, to be Friends, as we truly are ‘Your Guides’ and ‘Companions’ and believe us … even distant ‘Family’, however strange this may seem, Peter!…

Good Lord, Family? I did not get an answer this time, as they were all quite busy now, working at the light blue, metallic panels, with screens, switches, levers, buttons and an array of other instruments, I had never seen in my life. Urach looked at me, and with his incredible eyes, invited me to sit down at the side of the Craft. The seat seemed to be floating in midair, and as I sat down, I felt to be a part of the chair, and also had the feeling I was floating. My next surprise, was that a panel fell away, revealing a large window, looking out over the desert and deserted highway.

There’s my car! I cried. The driver’s side door and the hood, were still open ...

‘They’ just smiled …

Someone would soon find it, and maybe look in the vicinity for its owner, who might have wandered off for whatever reason. I grinned … they wouldn’t find me. I had disappeared, from the ‘face of the Earth’!

I felt a faint vibration, ever so slight … then, slowly the Craft lifted ...

I stared down in disbelief at the point where my car stood, as suddenly, it had vanished. That’s not possible, I thought, it was there a second ago, I must be dreaming ...

Fear overcame me, as the Earth beneath fell away, faster and faster. I thought, I’ll pass out, I’ll be sick, but I didn’t, not at all. I continued to feel great and very relaxed, as I suddenly saw the Earth, as our Astronauts would see it from Space. What a sight, and a privilege, how fortunate was I, Peter Hendriks, from somewhere down there, up here in space!…

It was now dark outside. Planet Earth becoming smaller and smaller, a sapphire of ‘incredible beauty’, a small moon just to its side, but what I saw beyond that, was absolutely astonishing, a huge black velvet cloth, scattered with diamonds, millions, no billions of them, it went on endlessly. I felt so small … It was so awesome, my innermost emotions came to the surface, my mouth was dry and tears welled up in my eyes, and I still felt I was dreaming, but the hand I suddenly felt on my shoulder, convinced me I was not. I felt comfort, warmth and reassurance. I wiped the tears from my eyes, and looked astonished at my ‘Guide’. For the first time, to my surprise, I ‘saw’ him, I mean, I ‘really’ saw him! Had my senses been dulled before, so as not to frighten me? Yes, I had seen him first outside the Craft, but then again, I had only ‘really seen’, those soft mesmerising, blue green oceans of Urach’s eyes. It must have been some kind of hypnosis, to keep me calm and sane. I looked at him now, and was not surprised or shocked, nor frightened, by his appearance, but yes, he looked ‘really’, different. Still, I only felt warmth, security, Friendship and a feeling of total well being in his presence. Urach was not tall, about 4½ feet. Slender, small body, thin arms and legs, hidden by a tight fitting, pale blue metallic suit, which seemed to glow softly, as if it was plugged in to a low source of power. The feet were hidden in short boots, of the same material. His hands were amazing, quite small, but with three very long fingers, consisting of five joints, without nails … and a thumb, which looked almost identical to the fingers, had four joints. They looked fragile, those hands, but … I wasn’t too sure about that … The color of the skin was like ivory, some veins were showing, but hair was totally absent. The neck was long in comparison to the size of the body, and it looked very strong and erect, although thinner than a human neck, but with the great advantage, of the ability to turn completely around, without movement of body. Now … how could I describe his head and his face? I already mentioned his eyes, they were very, very large! This didn’t look strange, as, taken in proportion to the size of his head, they looked almost normal. Urach’s head was very large, widening at the top of the head, which was devoid of hair. I knew the skull would hide an enormous brain, and some veins were noticeable under the tightly stretched ivory skin. The nose was hardly worth mentioning. It was a small protrusion with two small holes, about human size, but of course looking far smaller due to the proportion of his head. The ears were absent, a small hole in their place. The mouth consisted of about an inch and a half slit, surrounded by a set of thin colorless lips. The chin was almost absent. But again, ‘those eyes’, those big magnificent, colorful magnetizing eyes, they just made me look ‘past’ the differences, in Urach’s appearance.

The amazing thing was, that although Urach’s Companions, Shavah, Cordish and Vinohvar looked ‘identical’ in appearance, I somehow could ‘feel’, they were totally different ‘Individuals’, strange, but yet appealing. Suddenly, I felt very embarrassed, as I must have been staring at Urach and his Companions.

It’s alright, Peter, the message came, as Urach observed me. For your own Peace of mind, You had to make this assessment. And may I say, You did very well, we know, to You, we do look amazingly different, but believe me, at some stage in our evolution, we looked quite ‘simular’ to the way You look now.

Urach’s index finger pointed to the window screen. I turned my head, and my mouth fell open, when I looked in awe at a massive Planet. It was brownish yellow, with cloudy white and dark brown belts following the surface and then I saw a huge red spot. It looked much bigger than the Earth … I knew it was Jupiter.

Correct, came the answer, the largest planet in Your solar systerm with a diameter of some 89.000 miles. Now look at its moons, Peter, two are in sight. Io and Callisto, but two more, Europa and Ganymede, we will miss seeing, due to the speed we travel. You know of course, those four moons were discovered by Galileo Galilee, in your Earth year 1610.

But, I said, how do you know that?

Urach smiled, I was there! … he conveyed.

My mouth stayed open. He was there? Unbelievable, I thought, that wasn’t possible …

How many ‘Earth years old’, do you think I am? Urach’s question came.

I made some quick calculations, 1610, say 1510, now it was 1998, thus, About 500 years, or so? I stuttered.

I heard laughing, in my brain.

Sorry, Peter, it came, I’m a little older than that ...

All looked at me now, their eyes smiling, so vibrantly.

Then, Urach said; I was there, when some ‘Leaders’on your planet decided to build their ‘Pyramids’, some five millennia ago!

My mouth could not open any further. The pyramids?’ I heard myself whispering. Some five millennia ago?"…

Yes, Urach said. It was however, also for our own purpose, that we gave a helping hand, mainly in designs and locations. You see, Peter, he said, we have beacons, on various planets in your Galaxy and in dozens of other Galaxies.

I just sat there, shaking my head in amazement, my mouth still open, my mind spinning.

You’ll learn much, later, Urach said, and then; nine thousand, one hundred and forty eight ‘Earth years’, Peter!

I looked at his young face. Not possible, I whispered again … How?…

Again, Urach said, I said ‘Earth years’, Peter ... Time is very different in deep space, and on our Planet … this beside many other factors … You have to understand that first! Urach motioned to the screen and, after turning my head I almost fainted, as I stared at the frozen, fantastic rings of Saturn.

The Craft was skimming the rings, which seemed to be many miles thick. I looked at the planet, this fascinating, but forbidding giant, with constant extremely low temperatures ...

I saw the rings now almost from atop, various colors of icy green, dark blue and grey, an awesome sight, considering that the diameter of the outer ring is about 175,000 miles ...

It was just stunning ...

We’ll be docking soon, Peter, Urach said.

I looked at Saturn and its rings, and I thought, docking where, down there?…

It looked all very beautiful, and spell-binding would be an understatement, but landing there, didn’t really appeal much to me, as I was still in my short sleeved shirt ...

No, I wasn’t looking forward to that. It looked just fine, from up here.

The Mothership, Urach said, we’ll be docking at the Mothership!

I looked puzzled, a ‘Mothership’? I thought this was it.

No, this is only a very small ‘Reconnaissance Craft’, Urach said, we use them for short trips, like this!" He just smiled, with his big bright eyes.

Short trips like this? I grinned, as I looked at my watch. It had stopped.

Watches are absolutely useless here, Peter and on the Mothership it would go backwards, if it could do so!…

Chapter 3 -My New Suit

Shavah, Cordish and Vinohvar, seemed to be concentrating on their work, with various tasks to complete in connection with docking this ‘Small Scouting Craft’, no doubt ...

They looked very happy though, like kids playing with a computer game.

They turned and smiled, giving a nod, and then continued with their work.

Urach went to some type of locker. When he opened it, there was an almost blinding blue light, and yet, it didn’t blind me, but made me feel warm and protected. Urach took out a pale blue metallic suit and matching boots, identical to the ones they were wearing. He also took out a one inch wide headband of a simular type material, although when he handed it to me, it felt solid.

Please, put these on, Peter, Urach said, they will protect you against; radiation, microwaves, cosmic dust and a Host of other undesirables, which could surprise us when we dock!

Great, I thought, all stuff I’d like to encounter.

Don’t worry, Peter, Urach smiled. The last time such an incident occurred, was more then seven and a half thousand Earth years ago. I was just about two thousand years old then … a mere youngster. He had to be kidding of course, but …

I noticed a chuckle, or so I thought. Shaking my head, I started to put on the suit, but Urach interrupted me.

First, you have to undress, he said, then a shower, and then … the suit and headband.

He smiled and added. However, please do hurry, Peter, we’re docking soon!

I handed everything back to him, and confused now, I looked for a place to strip … some privacy.

I’ve seen it all before, Peter, many times. I was there, when you were born.

My mouth fell open again, as I quickly stripped ...

Just joking, said Urach, pointing to another locker and motioning for me to step inside. I handed him my glasses, as he closed the panel.

I was suddenly engulfed by the same type of blue light, as I had seen before in the clothes locker. I looked for water and soap, but, then I laughed ... Of course, I wouldn’t find it. Seconds later, I felt clean, like I never ever had felt before, in my entire life ... inside and out. I stroked my fingers through my hair, but there wasn’t any. I looked at my body; as smooth as a baby’s bottom! I grinned ... The panel slid open.

A new man! said Urach. How is your arthritis? he inquired, with a smile ...

Your toothache gone too … and, where is your hair? he grinned.

I nodded, completely dumbfounded. Arthritis in my left shoulder and foot, had bothered me for some time now, and as for my regular toothaches, I just hated those visits to the dentist, but … all my aches and pains had totally disappeared. Not, that I had particularly noticed them, since I boarded this Craft, but now, I felt cured; completely!...

Urach, pointed to a mirror at the side of me, and to my utmost surprise, I saw a man of about thirty years old, more than twenty years younger than I really was. I had a new body. How good, I felt and looked ... I was stunned beyond belief!...

You’re happy, and that’s good! smiled Urach.

Once more I looked into the mirror, my teeth were a brilliant white, and the fillings had gone. I’d always hated the sight and feel of the amalgam and its metallic taste, but all had gone.

How?… I started to ask.

Later, Peter. Now, first the suit, we must hurry, as we’re about to dock…

He handed me the pale blue metallic suit again and hastily, I put it on.

What a perfect fit, I said, looking at theirs … and wondering, how they …

We know your size, replied Urach. Now, just the headband, and … you’re ready!

I’d noticed, that after my ‘shower’, I didn’t need my glasses any more, but then, after I put on the headband, a new world opened up for me. I really could ‘see’!

Everything seemed almost twice the size it was before, and was crystal clear. I truly felt over the Moon.

No … Saturn! laughed Urach.

I knew by now, ‘They’ also had a good sense of humor.

The screen, Peter, pointed Urach …

I dashed over, and sat down. And then, oh my God… There she was: ‘The Mothership’. She was massive. The size, of at least two football stadiums. Various circles of light were around each of her eight level structure. As I saw it, she looked like a gigantic spinning toll, but … motionless. The effect of all the different colored bands, flashing around all levels, made it look like a fascinating fantasy; blue, green, yellow and red lights blinking, as she just ‘hovered’ there. She was absolutely awesome, this hulking mass, this incredible surreal, presence of the ‘Mothership’.

Chapter 4 -Inside the Mothership

Much slower now, our Craft approached a ‘slot’ just above the center of the Mothership, and silently … we slipped inside.

Home Base, Peter, said Urach. and soon, we shall really be Home!

I was still astonished, speechless and in awe, over what had eventuated since I’d been ‘invited’ by Urach, and Friends. Just the journey in the small ‘Reconnaissance Craft’, had been incredible, so fantastic in fact, that I still thought I was dreaming. I looked at my watch, but … it wasn’t on my wrist.

You lost it in the shower, Peter, said Urach. It’s stored with your clothing, as you won’t need it here! He smiled again, with his incredible blue green, hypnotic eyes.

A sliding panel in the side of our Craft opened with a whoosh, and Urach motioned for me to follow him. We stepped out of the Craft, followed by Shavah, Cordish and Vinohvar. All looked happy, after a successful docking, I thought.

Basic routine stuff, came Urach’s answer.

Yes, right, basic. I replied.

The hangar-like compound we stepped into, reminded me a little of one, on the huge Aircraft Cariers of today, but still, much, much larger. There, parked neatly, stood another dozen or more reconnaissance Crafts, like the one which had brought us here, although, I now noticed a variation in the size of some. They reminded me of photos, and descriptions of flying saucers, as indeed they filled some of those, I thought. They were not glowing now, but all had this beautiful shiny silvery blue, metallic color, and looked very sturdy and strong. Of course, they also looked really Alien. Urach saw me looking at them, and knowing and following my thoughts, he said; T.M.L.C.T.T., or maybe, the Earthlings would call it T.L.T., short for, Taxmagnalithichromtitanium.

I cringed and said, I beg your pardon? It sounded like some impossible to understand Latin word, although the last bit, ‘titanium’, I’d heard before.

Yes, said Urach, T.L.T. could be the possible name your scientists may give it, once they know the composition of this metal. The Crafts, the Mothership, much on our home planet, our weapons of defence and thousands of other items, including the suits we wear, your headband, etc, are all made from this incredibly versatile, ultra super strong; all rays, virus and bacteria destroying metal.. I shook my head in disbelief. Then, he added, as if it wasn’t enough, it is the lightest, strongest and most versatile metal in the Universe today. It is seventy times lighter, and about six thousand times stronger than your steel, on planet Earth. It can withstand any outside pressure or heat, all types of attacks, may they be debris in space, meteors, or, even attacks from ‘Alien life forms’, throughout the Galaxies. It would protect us, even if our Radio Proton Shields, would fail!

Some metal, I thought. Our military would love to get hold of that.

Urach immediately hooked on to this, and said; Some of Earths military powers, have some of this metal, from one of our accidentally crashed small Crafts, but it is absolutely useless to them, as a quarter of its composition is mined on planets, beyond your Solar system. To detect and mine it , to find the right composition and the way to forge this versatile incredible metal, will probably take another millennia or so, before Earthlings can manufacture it.

I would never see that day, I concluded ...

But, said Urach, you’re seeing the results now, Peter!

I looked at him in wonder, and felt very privileged. Yes, I saw the end result of this incredible mixture of various compounds, T.L.T., the metal of the future, and they were using it. I wore it, and travelled in it, and would probably see a lot more of it.

Urach smiled, and nodded. Yes, you will, Peter.

We walked on through this gigantic hangar. Its size truly amazed me. I felt very humble and emotional at the same time. Here I was, in outer space, on board of an enormous Mothership, just sitting here above the rings of Saturn. God knows, what lay ahead of me, I thought.

Don’t worry, Peter, said Urach. You’ll be fine!

Of course, I hadn’t spoken a word, but he knew, and just put the answers straight back into my mind. To the side of us now, some ‘Aliens’ were unloading various types of containers.

Mypolarians, said Urach.

I looked puzzled. Mypolarians, what are they? I asked, thinking about the contents of the containers.

Urach laughed, his eyes beaming. No, us, he said. We are the Mypolarians! Shavah, Cordish, Vinohvar, myself … all the other ‘Aliens’ you see right now, and those you’ll meet shortly, are the ‘Mypolarians’, just as you are ‘Earthlings’, from planet Earth. Our ‘Home’ is the planet Mypolarius, in your language. It is about twenty eight times the size of planet Earth, three quarters of our planet is landmass and one quarter oceans, but we’ll show you all that. Our planet is situated in the fourth spiral of the Andromeda Galaxy, or, as coded by your scientists, M31, and called your ‘Sister Galaxy’. 2.2 million light years from Earth.

I thought he was joking, he just had to be … 2.2 million light years from Earth?… Impossible! Urach looked at me, nodded, and just smiled …

As we walked on he said, The containers have been filled with certain minerals, plants, and other life forms from the corners of your, and other planets, in your system. For example, there are containers just filled with various types of bacteria, of which your planet alone has well over three million. Your scientists have identified about four thousand of them. Our labs have analysed so far, 2.4 million of those, and we’ve learned some alarming facts ... All we can say is, that we hope your scientists speed up their work, to the benefit of the Earthlings! concluded Urach.

We came to the end of the hangar, and a sliding panel opened. We then entered a long hallway. All this time, the Companions, Shavah, Cordish and Vinohvar had quietly and silently followed us, some five to ten paces behind. They had never spoken or interfered, but only smiled, when I looked at them. They had been very content, to leave all of the communications between Urach and myself, although I knew, they understood all, and respected Urach as the Guide.

Now, in the hallway, Urach spoke again:

We have been gathering plant life, minerals, etc, for over two hundred thousand Earth years, from various Galaxies. About a hundred and sixty thousand Earth years ago, our scientists discovered some amazing medicines, mostly, may I add, from plants and trees, from your planet. Among one of those discoveries, were some almost unbelievable species and after some centuries of hard work by various scientists, we could prolong life by thousands of years, and beyond.

I could only shake my head in disbelief. My grandfather was just over one hundred years old, I said, I thought that was quite old…

Urach smiled, On Earth it is, and I’m very happy you had him that long, Peter, he said respectfully, "but one day, some millennia from now, if all goes well, the age of three to four thousand years will be the norm on your planet. Beyond that … look at us, it is possible. Believe me, Peter, Earthlings have all of the means right in their grasp ...

We know, your scientists now look closely at genes and DNA ... All together, it won’t be too long. Once, your people did reach the age of a thousand years and over, far over, you know this."

I thought, and said, Yes, Methusela, I remember the story.

Urach smilingly shook his head and said, Long before that, Peter, long before!

I probably just looked blank. Looking me in the eyes, he said:

My grandfather, some twenty six thousand years ago, met with some of your very early ancestors. Something happened … and a ‘Promise’ was made, that’s why you are here, as indeed, we are ‘Related’. Now, you have been ‘chosen’, to meet with some of your ‘very distant’ relations. However, you are not the only one, Peter. Shortly, you will meet others, and don’t be surprised, they are like you, related to us. Indeed, although it may seem impossible, they are also related to you, by way of your ancestry, many millennia ago… But please, do not be shocked, as they come from different parts of your planet, it sounds all very complicated, but, just trust me, all will be made clear shortly!…

Urach looked at me, and I had no reason, not to believe him.

Chapter 5 - Behind the Panels in the Hallway

The five of us, Urach, the Companions and myself, walked along a large circular hallway. On both sides were large panel doors, above which were gold name plates, with a ‘hieroglyphical style’ of writing. Urach saw me looking at the writing.

A combination of many very ancient cryptic writings, but still ‘uniquely’ our own, he said. We know most languages in the known Universe, but over four hundred races, communicate mostly by telepathy now, as we do. However, at certain official functions, a ‘common ground’ language, is still spoken. Eventually, language does not come into it any more, it is just a feeling of understanding the exchange of brainwaves, that breaks all the barriers!...

I very happily agreed with this, as everything he ‘said’ to me, was so clear, even though, he had not always ‘spoken’, I understood exactly, every word and meaning, conveyed to me.

Urach looked at me and said; "Later, back on your planet, this could be a great advantage, because you will know what people think, well before they speak to you …

You are subconsciously learning this very well now, as without you knowing it, I’m helping you to become very skilled at this, but … you have to promise me, Peter, to never ‘abuse’ this gift!"

He looked at me intensely … and of course, I honestly promised him, I would not.

We now passed various sliding panel doors, and Urach explained; Quarters for staff, crew, stewards, chefs, scientists and so on, but, may I add, all are alike in rank, and as you can see, in looks too, he smiled. "The Commander, technicians, and flight officers accommodations are on a different deck, closer to ‘the Bridge’. Altogether, we have one hundred and sixty five Mypolarians on board this Mothership, with room for sixty more if necessary, and we have two hundred and eighty Guest Cabins, which are often all occupied, with various Guests from other planets, whom we beFriended, or have alliances with.

Needless to say, I was extremely impressed. The size of it all, the number of crew, officers, etc, and the number of passenger Guests this Mothership could carry, was very impressive, I thought.

Until, Urach laughingly said; This is one of our smaller MotherShips, Peter. We have twelve of these, twelve twice this size, and four Supercruisers about five times this size. These are indeed large, and have been specifically built for pleasure, carrying thousands of Mypolarians and other Guests, in total luxury, to some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenes in our, and nearby Galaxies. Unfortunately, we must maintain a small fleet of warShips … just in case, but, for some Millennia now, those Crafts have not been used, for the purpose for which, they were originally built! There are some frictions in a nearby Galaxy, but most races have learned, to live in Peace!

I listened with open mouth, my mind spinning. God, we are so far behind, I thought, we still had war and friction, between one country, and the next … learning to live in Peace?

Earth will get there, Urach said, smiling, logic and sanity will prevail, eventually.

We stopped before a sliding portal door. Urach opened it by pointing his finger.

The Holo deck, he announced, a bit similar to your own ‘Starship Enterprise’, he really smiled now, and continued; almost every game and fantasy, can become real here, or, so it will seem. Playing tennis, or any other sport, known in the Galaxies, adventure on different planets, mind games with other ‘Aliens’, whatever comes to mind, can be found here. It is therefore often used by individuals, as well as small, and sometimes larger groups. All our Ships have these facilities, and we have many larger ones on our planet, purely for excitement and entertainment. You may see, and enjoy these later, Peter, he added, or something similar.

I certainly looked forward to that.

We walked on again, and passed some storage facilities, meditation rooms, medical and surgical rooms, laboratories, kitchens, dining rooms, reception and conference halls, libraries, archives, and music rooms. All were just splendid, and left me speechless. Some were astonishingly rich and beautiful, like the reception and great dining hall, they were brimming with gold, diamonds, and precious stones in dozens of chandeliers. Hundreds of paintings by all known masters, were gracing the walls.

Perplexed, I looked at Rembrandt, Halls, Vermeer, Van Gogh, Bruegal, Raphael, Goya, Gozzoli, Guardi, Canaletto, Dali, Renoir, Monet, Gainsborough, Constable, Boucher, Gauguin, and I could go on and on, as there were hundreds more ... Sadly, most I couldn’t recognise. There were Egyptian, Phoenician, Persian, Indian, Chinese, Greek and Italian statues, and artefacts, big plaques from Mayan, Aztec, Columbian and early Mexican origin. Dozens of sculptures stood strategically in various corners and niches. There were columns of precious stone of all colors, lit from within. It was just all so beautiful.

But, one thing puzzled me ... Some of the paintings, I had seen before, in European museums, likewise the statues of Venus, David and ‘The Kiss’ from Rodin ...

How was it possible, they were here?

A hand touched my shoulder. I turned around and Urach said;

Don’t be alarmed, Peter, all the Earth’s art treasures are still in their place, we just liked them so much, that the artists made them also for us!

I went red in the face, and mumbled something from my confused mind. Urach took my arm, and we walked back to a music room ...

I didn’t ‘really’ show you, but I’m sure you will like this room, although, we have to keep it brief. He opened the door again, and I was indeed amazed by the warm, dark timber room in which, along the walls stood the busts, on pedestals, of all known famous composers, from Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Tchaikowski, Mahler, Berlioz, Mendelsohn, Offenbach, Strauss, Verdi, Chopin, Copland, Rimski, Schumann, Schubert, Liszt, Handel, Hayden, Bizet, Smetana, Vivaldi, Wagner to Debussy, Ravel and Bernstein, Dvorák and many, many more. On the walls, were hundreds of plaques, with the images and photos of all the famous singers ever known, from Caruso, Gigli, Tauber, Callas, Lanza, the Dames Sutherland and Te Kiri, etc, to Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo and Bocelli. Among them were the most famous in their genre, from classical, to pop music and everything in between, from Hank Williams to Elvis, from the Beatles to Bob Marley, Sinatra, Crosby, Como to ABBA, from Asnavour to Franklin in fact how could I name the hundreds, or maybe thousands, but I'm sure all were there, and I was truly astonished!…

Urach just smiled. We do like it very much, therefore we have similar rooms on all our Ships, on the Cruisers, and our planet, they include music from all planets known to us! he explained.

Is the music from those other planets much different from our own? I asked.

There are different instruments and combinations, different types of voices, unknown to Earthlings, but in general I would say; it’s all music, designed to please the ear of billions and billions. Most of your music is very, very pleasing, especially your classical music, therefore it is enjoyed by most inhabitants of many other planets in the Galaxies.

I was so very impressed and pleased by this statement; I could have jumped with joy …

Our music … enjoyed throughout the Galaxies … fantastic!…

Urach looked happy too, as he smiled brightly.

Come, Peter, think of a composer, a melody, singer or song, he encouraged me, almost emotionally stating again; "we do love your music, and your arts very much, Peter ...

The Earthlings have great talents and special gifts, you know?"

Of course, I knew. But … I was so happy, they knew too.

Now, I closed my eyes, and thought of the appealing melody of Pachelbel’s Canon in D, and immediately, the warmth of the music engulfed me completely. The sound was so pure, so perfect, and the acoustics so brilliant … Slowly I opened my eyes, and there, right in front of me, only about 15 yards away, was a full orchestra, conducted by a handsome young man, in tails and all. No … I thought … This is just not possible … Urach smiled, as, with open mouth, I pinched myself, in total disbelief … but they played on, one of my favorites. Slowly, the music faded away, as it was taken over by guitar and harp music. I heard, La Peregrinacion by Trio Los Paraguays. The most unbelievable thing though was, that in the blink of an eye, the orchestra was gone, and my favorite South American Friends stood there, playing, and singing. To say the least, I was stunned once more, and I think its fair to say, that I never, ever will forget this particular moment!…

That was a little override, chuckled Urach, as this was the music by which your journey started! He smiled, and announced; But … the ‘Real Journey’ is about to begin, so let’s go to the ‘Bridge’, or ‘Flightdeck’, as some may call it!

The ‘Real Journey’ … I thought … what would lay ahead of me?

When we left the music room, I heard the sounds of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, I quickly turned, before the panel door closed, and again, saw a different full orchestra.

Another favorite of yours, Peter, said Urach, among many, we love too!

Er, yes, I answered ... How do you know all this … all my favorite music … and my love for art … What else do you know about me, Urach?

He looked at me warmly. We know ‘all’ about you, Peter … your likes and dislikes, and there are other reasons, why you have been ‘invited’ to our Planet!

I had no ‘secrets’; they knew everything about me, it seemed. I felt embarrassed, and out on a limb! Urach probably ‘pretended’ not to notice my confusion ...

He just smiled and said; You’ll hear, see and learn much more on planet Mypolarius, Peter. Please, don’t worry about anything, and you’ll find yourself very pleasantly surprised!

I felt a bit more at ease now, in fact I was grateful, the subject of my ‘innerself’ was not pursued. I was still deep in thoughts, when we walked into an elevator, on the inside of the hallway. It was a glasslike globe, and it sparkled gently. There were no cables holding it. Stepping into it, felt like stepping into mid air, as it was completely transparent. From within this sphere, I could glimpse at something, which looked to me, like the inside of an enormous nuclear reactor.

No nuclear power here, Peter. We are a ‘bit’ more advanced, as you will learn, was Urach’s reply, to my vague idea.

I looked again, and decided that I couldn’t make any sense of this ‘engine’ room.

Deep down in the center, something was glowing with a sparkling array of colors. There was red, orange, green and blue, sometimes one more dominant than the other, sometimes all glowing together spontaneously, brilliantly.

The bowels of the beast, said Urach, almost grinning. But the nerve center and brains are on the Bridge. That’s where the technology of our way of travel, is brought into action!

Once more, I gazed down in bewilderment. The colored lights almost hypnotising me … that awesome power source, that would take us to another Galaxy.

On the way up, we passed dozens of pipes, boiler like constructions, walkways, panels with screens and buttons, levers and pulleys. Dozens of Mypolarians were busying themselves down there, over two or three levels, in the ‘bowels’ of this beast!

The elevator stopped, and Urach, myself, Shavah, Cordish and Vinohvar, who always had been near, walked into a portal from which the Bridge extended ...

Chapter 6 - The Bridge and The Five Others

I believe, the elevator ride had only taken a couple of seconds, but I thought it had seemed longer, maybe to give me a better view of the ‘engine room’ of this gigantic Mothership. Here we were, just ‘sitting’ in space, just above the rings of Saturn, at the edge of one of its moons, and I wasn’t dreaming.

All small Crafts have docked, all containers have been catalogued and stored, and the other ‘Chosen Visitors’ are on board, said Urach. You are curious, as to whom they may be, Peter? he confirmed my thoughts …

Of course, I was curious, and nodded ... Dare I ask, how many? I thought ...

There are five other ‘chosen’ ones, on this voyage, came the immediate answer. Sometimes we invite some more but, not on this ‘Special Journey’, as the six of you will be shown, and taught a lot more, than many who came before you!

I looked at Urach, after he had said this, and asked him why?

Because, as I said before, Peter, our ancestors made promises to your ancestors, and we ‘have to fulfil those promises’! This we will do, the best way we can…

I felt almost relaxed now, and yet very anxious as to who the other relations may be. From which part of our planet they came, how old would they be, would they speak English? Would they be afraid, like I was at first … or highly excited, as I was now?

I couldn’t wait to meet those ‘distant relatives’ of mine.

However, Urach’s nod gave me confidence ... They will be here very soon, he said. They have been shown all you have seen so far. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to show you everything, but we will make up for this. Shortly, we’ll be on our way to our Galaxy, via Alpha Centauri, Rigel in Orion, and so on… Then he added;

Of course, we will be talking to you all, and explain, what’s important for you to see, learn and experience!

We didn’t have time to walk onto the Bridge, as the elevator arrived again, and a good looking young man, although bald, wearing a head band, dressed as we were, in our special space suits, walked in, followed by, I presumed his ‘Guide’ and three ‘Companions’.

Peter, Urach said, this is Professor Joachim Valdez, of the University of Quito in Equador. Dr Valdez is an expert on your planet, in anthropology and archaeology.

Of course, I was impressed with his title and what it stood for, and I liked him instantly. Hello Professor, I said, shaking his hand. Peter Hendricks, from Adelaide, Australia. I’m really pleased to meet you!

He smiled, Likewise Peter, but please, call me Joachim. I was once in Australia. Such an ancient and fascinating continent, so much to explore there, especially the origins of the people who lived there, so in tune with nature, for well over forty thousand years. A captivating country, with such a great mix of cultures from all over our planet!

I nodded in agreement … True … very true Joachim.

He was more naturally tanned than I was, and yet, he had vibrant blue eyes, which seemed a bit unusual, but, he looked like I felt; very excited. I thought we would get along well. Some steps behind him came Ravash, his Guide, as Urach introduced him and the Companions, Mihlar, Calohar and Ulahmè.

Hello and Welcome, they said, we’re pleased you are here!…

As soon as the introductions were over, the elevator door opened again, and Urach introduced us to Doctor Ernst Knaup, a well known and respected chemical engineer from Stuttgart, Germany. He looked almost identical to Joachim Valdez and myself, although he was a bit more portly, his face looked open and Friendly. Joachim and I shook hands with him, and introduced ourselves.

Please, call me Ernst, said the thirties looking doctor. After all, we are related somehow, aren’t we?

Joachim and I nodded, and smiled at him, We sure are, we said almost in tune.

Joachim and I looked at each other, and then laughed. Ernst nodded, and laughed too.

This is Sarnah, Ernst’s Guide, said Urach, and Companions; Rivah, Chosha and Arochè. We each said Hello and they said Welcome, and smiled. The same procedure happened three more times. The elevator stopped again, and we were introduced first to, Hamet Al Akhmin, Tourist Guide of Cairo, Egypt, and his Guide Kadiri, and Companions; Mylah, Rustofah and Pholoty. Again, we exchanged greetings and so on, as with Chu Yuan Han , a Farmer from near Macheng, on the Great Plain of China with his Guide, Thiwon, and Companions; Michoh, Alvosh and Hilvathor.

And last but not least, said Urach, this is Towhaki Whaitiri, from the island of Raietea, in the Society Islands, Polynesia. Towhaki is a Fisherman.

We nodded to Towhaki, as Urach continued, And this is his Guide, Theonol, and Companions; Washinov, Culivah and Rotivar.

We shook hands again, smiled, and felt we were all alike; Guests of fantastic Hosts, who, because of some ancient kinship with our earlier ancestors, were taking us to their hearts, and giving us the privilege of accompanying them to their Galaxy and their ‘Home Planet’, many, many light years from Earth.

Again, we looked at each other, we were really different in nationality and race, and yet, we felt like brothers, we even looked the same, a handsome half a dozen Earthlings, from totally different backgrounds, yet … we had so much in common, as here we were, together, in the same time and space from which we could not escape, on our way to an unknown future! None of us seemed to be frightened or worried. What we had left behind, was in the past. We looked with anticipation towards the near and far future, ahead of us ...

After all the introductions, we were Guided onto ‘the Bridge’, which was situated in the center of a circle, with a vast array of fantastic instrumentation. I was sure, none of us had ever seen anything like it. The circle was approximately the size of the Pantheon of Imperial Rome. A dozen or so Mypolarians, were now busy in front of their screens, which varied in size, computer like controls, with colored lights and switches, panels with handles, buttons, graphs, indicators, and more screens… Whole arrays of unknown apparatus, without which, we were convinced, we wouldn’t move. Much of the instrumentation had a type of hieroglyphic writing, on, above, or underneath it. It did intrigue me, it was the same type of writing I had seen in the hallway, and I felt sure, I had seen it before that. Another most impressive feature, were the enormous windows, of the Bridge. The screens were about 30 feet in width and 20 feet in height. Dozens of them were all