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Captain Morris walked down the line, taking the time to note the attire of each crew member.

 

“Jameson, fix your collar,” she said. “We need to present our best selves if we want these peace negotiations to be successful. This mission is critical. We are representing not only the World of Galactic Peace, but all of humanity. What happens today will go down in history.”

 

“Quick question.”

 

The captain rolled her eyes.

 

“Brennan Beamis,” she said. “I think there’s been a mistake. We won’t be needing your… expertise.”

 

“That’s all well and good,” replied Beamis, arching his back. “I was hoping it’d be okay for me to stretch my legs for a bit. I’ve been working in the engine room all morning and my joints are tweaked something fierce.”

 

“Very well. You’re to stay with the ship. Don’t wander off anywhere. You’re not crucial to this mission, but you are to the integrity of our vessel.”

 

“No worries. I won’t be a bother. I already see a nice rock for sitting. Beautiful day we’re having, isn’t it? You’d think with the two suns it’d be mighty hot. Feels like Spring back at home.”

 

“Take a seat on your rock. We’ll be back this evening.”

 

“You’ve got it, boss. About what time will it get dark? Do both suns set at the same time?”

 

“It’s perpetual daylight here, Beamis. This information was in your briefing packet.”

 

“Ah, makes sense. I lost that the moment I got it.”

 

* * *

 

Beamis took his respite on the rock near the ship. He watched as the crew took off on foot toward the city below. The skyline reminded him of something he’d made as a kid on the beach. Each building resembled an overturned bucket of various sizes. The limestone surfaces added to the illusion.

 

After close to an hour, Beamis couldn’t help but feel parched. The recycled water on the ship had such a distinctive taste, nothing like the water he’d grown accustomed to at home. He peered down at the city. Life means there’s water, right? Surely they’d have some.

 

* * *

 

Captain Morris shook her head as she led the crew back toward the ship. She wondered what she could’ve done differently to get the leaders of Navusen to sign the treaty.

 

“What do we do now?” asked Jameson.

 

“We return to Earth,” she replied. “Only not as heroes as I had promised.”

 

* * *

 

Beamis trotted along the streets of the city. He waved to passersby until he noticed someone rotate their head on their shoulders, first dropping their chin to their sternum and then touching it to their left shoulder before completing the circle, in reply. He mimicked the action to gleeful results.

 

* * *

 

The ship took off. Captain Morris sank into her chair.

 

“Contact Beamis,” she said. “My scanners indicate we’re not maximizing our fuel.”

 

“Captain...” said Jameson. “Beamis isn’t on the ship.”

 

“What?”

 

“His tracker indicates he’s still on Navusen.”

 

“How?” The captain let out a heavy sigh. “He walked away from the ship, didn’t he?”

 

“It appears that way.”

 

“Tap into his radio. I want to hear his excuse.”

 

“We found his earpiece in the engine room. We have no way of contacting him.”

 

Beamis...

 

* * *

 

Beamis entered the capitol building hoping to find Captain Morris and the others. He noticed a group of natives exit a chamber. They wore elegant robes unlike anything he’d seen on Earth. The silk-like material glowed as it caught glimpses of the suns through the high arching windows. Beamis repeated the gesture he’d learned in the street.

 

“Very good,” said one of the natives. “You know of our customs. What brings you here? We’ve already spoken to your authority figure. Unless you’re of a higher power?”

 

“You spoke to Captain Morris? You must be the ones we came here to meet. I assume things went well? I’m Brennan, but you can call me Beamis. How do you do?”

 

“It is a pleasure, Beamis. My name doesn’t have a translation in your native tongue, but you may call me Zee, if you wish. These are my fellow council members. Forgive their silence, for they do not know your language as I do. I’m afraid conversations with your captain didn’t end in the manner she wished. Now, what can I help you with?”

 

“I’m parched. Do you happen to know if your water would turn my stomach into knots? I once traveled to another country when I was a boy. It’s wild what bacteria you’re not accustomed to will do to the body. Do you have that same problem when traveling?”

 

Zee laughed, and the others soon followed suit.

 

“I assure you our water is safe for your consumption.”

 

* * *

 

Captain Morris exited the ship along with her top-appointed security officers.

 

“We don’t know where Beamis is,” she said. “Despite the natives not accepting our conditions for peace, we have no reason to suspect he’s in any serious trouble. He will be, however, as soon as we find him.”

 

Upon entering the city, the captain observed all the natives making their way to the city center.

 

When she arrived at the source of the commotion, her eyes grew wide. Beamis stood atop a stage alongside the council members she’d spoken with earlier, adorned in the same garb as the locals.

 

“With this signature,” said Zee, “we agree to a treaty with Earth. Beamis, it is my honor to welcome you to our planet as an esteemed guest. Please accept this medal that’s been passed down through my family for generations.”

 

“That’s real swell of you, Zee,” said Beamis. “I really appreciate this medal. It sounds awfully important to have been passed down through your family and all, but all I really need is just a glass of water.”

 

The captain slapped her forehead.

 

Beamis…

Copyright 2024 - SFS Publishing LLC

Where is Beamis?

These two suns really brighten up the place

Dan Leicht

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