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the journals of
early First Contact specialists. For example, when Thracia received
its first beam propulsion engine, they immediately raided all of
their own moons, eradicating the indigenous population. Most of the
population of Fracard left their own planet and headed for richer
places, like Elytia, which eventually had to bring in strict
immigration controls.
    Their first job
involved making sense of the huge amount of data that flooded out
of Inhab-47.
    "We need to get our
first experience out of the way. Just for an hour in a safe city,
lots of people around where we won't stick out," Soohan had said
after two days of research into the planets inhabitants and
communities.
    Williams found a
“Government Warning” information page regarding the safest places
to travel. Once compared with maps, news channels, and images, they
had a good idea where to go first.
    Their craft docked
around the back of an empty moon and immediately dispatched space
security probes. Once the captain was satisfied that there were no
immediate threats, the planetary probes were launched. The probes
were of military quality with full invisibility. Returning data
suggested little capability of space travel, and planet weaponry
was basic. Gravity readings confirmed it was virtually the same as
Elytia. The captain relaxed, stood down weapon techs, and
communicated to Williams that space and planet zones were safe for
travel.
    ***
    Williams and Soohan
went about creating clothing, refining their language skills, and
turning off their implants. He had chosen a plain shirt, trousers,
and black shoes, with Soohan picking a female shirt, casual
trousers and black boots. She had stood by, whilst Williams removed
all jewellery, gadgets, and anything else from their home worlds.
He had to satisfy her that he was wearing the correct style of
underpants. Their “look” was finished off with a hat and sunglasses
in order to take someone's eye off their faces. Being from Elytia,
though similar in appearance to the city people below, they had
more yellow skin pigment than seemed the norm.
    "Remember to use their
main language and call me Soo. I'll call you Ward. If we lose each
other, use the hand gesture for immediate transportation. The
sensor team will be continually scanning our movements."
    Once the captain gave
permission, they travelled in an invisi shielded craft near to the
planet's atmosphere and transported down into a small area behind
some trees.
    ***
    Williams tried to take
it all in, but felt overwhelmed. They were standing in a small
grassy area, the light appeared gloomy and the air quality poor
with an acrid smell that he could taste. There was a humdrum of
noise; engines, the rustle of leaves, beeps, hoots, and voices. The
buildings appeared old and worn out. Some packaging and containers
lay on the grass near an empty receptacle bin. Williams glanced up.
Nothing flew in the air, no AG skiffs, or glide scooters, just
ground cars and wheeled contraptions. Loud engine scooters buzzed
by, chugging out smoke. Everything worked at ground level. It
appeared chaotic.
    He took a few breaths,
aware that his shoulders were tense and his jaw tight. Have to
remember this is real, there are no bots, anti grav drive or
weather and air control systems.
    Soohan had also not
moved. She glanced around, her wide, staring eyes hidden behind the
dark glasses.
    "Ward, everything
okay?" Soohan said in main Inhab-47 language.
    "Yes, err, Soo, just
realising that I am standing on an alien planet, untouched by the
Association."
    "Just breathe normal.
We are safe, no scanners here. People just going about their
business, ignoring us, unless we just stand here gawping."
    "Okay, let's walk. Our
beverage cafe place is just over the roadway."
    As they walked across
the area, Williams stopped, placed his hand on a tree trunk, and
ran his fingers between the bark. Soohan joined him.
    "Yes, interesting. If
you close your eyes and felt the tree, it’s no different from