Chapter 2

The females were still huddled when Hakath, still chuckling and shaking his head, escorted the three out of his den; and Hoot wasn't even sure if the females realized that he was gone.

The group arrived shortly at a quiet clearing containing a large hut, secured by a substantial door. Leading them to the door and ushering them in, Hakath said, "This is the habitat assigned to you. I hope you find it appropriate."

Inside they found doors leading from a good-sized central area with comfortable seating, a dining area, to two bedrooms, and an area with many soft throws for Hoot.

The three agreed that it was quite appropriate to their needs and, after checking, they found a kitchen controlled by a Proto like entity. They thanked Hakath for the thoughtfulness.

Hakath told them to refresh themselves, eat, and rest for the night because tomorrow would be very busy; and once Hakath departed, the three agreed that sleep, a cleansing, and food were desired but not necessarily in that order.

Finally, having accomplished eating and cleansing, they entered their respective rest areas, and were asleep almost as soon as they put their heads down.

The Colonel awoke a few hours later for a call of nature and decided to walk outside and see what night was like on this planet.

The double moons were bright, one full; the other partially shaded by the first, and much smaller, more a satellite of the first.

The night was quiet, with the sounds of the various insects predominant. He felt a presence beside him, and turning quickly, found two large glowing eyes at about waist level.

Greetings gentle being. I am sorry if I startled or disturbed your solitude. I am Mendow, a Nondeaka. I am curious as to your race and function, as I've not seen your kind before.

Recovering quickly, the Colonel said, Greeting to you as well. I am a Human from Earth. I have found that all planets to be called earth so I guess I should say I am from Human Earth, is that correct.

Yes, that would be acceptable, but what is your function?

At the moment, the Colonel replied, I am a representative of my plane. In the past, I have fulfilled many roles. And you?

Mendow said, In your terminology, I would be in sanitation. Not a glamorous profession perhaps but necessary. We Nondeaka, live in tunnels beneath the top most layer of the planets crust, and only emerge when the primary goes down.

Ah, we call that nocturnal. And, in one sense, the Colonel chuckled; I guess you could classify my usual profession to be the same as yours. I also clean up refuse in a way.

Mendow inquired, I have not seen you prior to this. May I assume that you have recently arrived or are not, as you said, nocturnal?

In answer, the Colonel said, You are correct on both statements. We are a Diurnal and have only just arrived. I was only observing the beautiful scenery of this planet.

Is your family able to travel with you? Mendow inquired.

Sadly shaking his head the Colonel replied, No, I have no family. They died long ago, and I have neither mate nor the prospects of one, which given my normal profession is probably a good thing.

Why is this, a good thing? Mendow asked.

The Colonel's face assumed a somber cast as he said, I must travel a great deal, I am seldom in one location for long, and must be prepared to follow the refuse to eliminate it at a moment's notice, which is hardly conducive to finding or keeping a mate.

Yes, I can see that your lifestyle would present a problem as far as a stable domestic bonding, Mendow replied.

Do you have a mate and offspring? The Colonel inquired.

Oh yes, I have many offspring, and many ... acquaintances I believe you would term them. We Nondeaka are not what you would term ... monogamous, nor do we have what you would term marriages. We all lay eggs, which hatch quickly, and the young, are able to feed them selves immediately.

We have a creature that is similar in function and nature, which we call an earthworm but not as intelligent as you, gentle being, the Colonel said.

It has been an honor to meet and communicate with a new life form such as you, Mendow said. Sadly, I must continue my journey or the planet would be up to its neck in refuse.

It has been an honor for me as well, gentle being, the Colonel replied. I hope, if I am out in the dark again, that we may continue our conversation. I too need to return to my rest. Tomorrow will be a very busy time for me.

As he sank into the soil, Mendow said, Until we meet again, Colonel.

Grasping the handle on the door, the Colonel replied, Until we meet again, safe travel, friend Mendow.

The three had finished breakfast the next morning when the knock on the door revealed Hakath. "Greetings, friends. Did you rest well?"

Hoot replied, "I rested well and was not disturbed by anything -- other than the Colonel's wanderings."

"Sorry I disturbed you Hoot," the Colonel said. "I wanted to observe the night sky, and the nocturnal actions of the citizens. "I met one, or rather, he met me because I had no idea he was beside me until he was there."

"Who was it?" Hakath asked.

"Mendow, a Nondeaka," the Colonel replied. "Very nice. I learned more of the workings of the planet while we visited. It was quite enjoyable."

"Mendow is the leader," Hakath said, "or more correctly, the representative of the Nondeaka. They are a necessary part of the infrastructure of the planet. Without them we would soon be overwhelmed by waste."