[ WP ] Tales of Old Earth

Varth shivered. Dead worlds like this one awoke some primal desire in him, to run, flee back to the stars, away from rotting bones entombed in the rock, away from the shattered concrete towers - monuments to a world long gone. He moved a bit closer to the Induction Plate, a beacon of warmth and light in the darkening twilight. 
 
 *Did the inhabitants of this world once warm themselves with this simple act? Is it not a universal truth that all beings seek light to see by and heat to warm themselves? * 
 
 The clutch of broodlings on the first Planetfall of the Expedition were already wrapped up and gazing at the holograms above the plate. 
 
 *That ancient ancestor of ours, when he told our young to Go Forth And Explore, I wonder if he foresaw these cold, alien nights? Still, it is good experience for them, and progress towards their Social Status. Which means I suppose it is time to fulfill my duty as a Social Instructor. * 
 
 “ Gather together little ones. Come. We sit upon the planet known as Terra Urth, home to a long-lost peoples called the Humanling. We have translated some of their stories. When the Star returns, we will venture into a structure they called the'Unity Naton'. We believe it was their central seat of government, and their will be plenty of opportunities to help the Expedition and earn your Marks. But tonight. Tonight we have a story. Would you like to hear it? ” 
 
 Fifteen youthful faces nodded, eyes fixed on the Instructor. 
 
 “ This is called the Tale of Pollo and the Moon. 
 
 Once upon a time, there was a powerful Humanling called Pollo, who lived in a beautiful city called'Oh-Hai-Oh'. Pollo was a proud man, and boasted that no man could beat him in any competition. Then one day, a foreigner came to the city and challenged Pollo to a race. 
 
 Pollo accepted instantly and asked only to where the race would be run. The man, Soi-ooze then named his course – from the city to the moon high overhead. 
 
 Pollo had never been to the moon, but he had accepted the challenge before the whole city. So he gathered his friends and asked them how he could win the race. 
 
 His friends Murcary and Jemenai had an idea and helped Pollo build a powerful rocket to get to the Moon. They called themselves Team America, and painted their rocket a brilliant white and blue. 
 
 While they were working, Soi-ooze was also busy building. His friends Soot-Nik and Lun-Kahod also built their own rocket, aiming to win at any cost. They called themselves Team Sov-Iet and painted their rocket a gleaming red colour. 
 
 The race day came, and both rockets were lined up to start. The inhabitants of the City turned out to watch. Both rockets stood shining magnificently in the sun, until the start signal was given and with a concussion of smoke and flame, the race was off! 
 
 It was soon apparent that Soi-ooze ’ s rocket was faster. He led the race as they got to orbit, and then led again as the two rockets raced towards the moon! 
 
 But Pollo was a strong and cunning racer, and he was only letting Soi-ooze think he was winning. As the rockets approached the finish line on the Moon, Pollo passed Soi-ooze and crossed the line first, taking the coveted Check-Erd trophy. 
 
 The people of the city rejoiced that their champion had won the race, and Soi-ooze went home, defeated. Pollo stood in the city with his friends and proclaimed that Team America had won the Space Race to the Moon. ” 
 
 The faces of the broodlings turned to look at the white crescent that was peeking over the horizon. 
 
 “ Did he really go there? ” 
 
 “ Well, we have found traces of metal on that moon that have come from Terra Urth. I doubt it was quite like that, but it does appear the Humanlings indeed held a race to get there. ” 
 
 They contemplated that for a short while. It was a good tale – one that reinforced the value of teamwork among friends. But now came the fun part of being a Social instructor. *And the ambiance is now a definite plus. * 
 
 “ But that ’ s not all little ones. Who wants to hear the tale of Pollo and the Moon Monsters? ” 

