Zein: The Homecoming by Graham J. Wood Read Free Book Online Page A

he gestured to those listening, ‘confirmed that we are ninety-nine per cent similar in our DNA.’
    ‘That’s good isn’t it,’ said Tyson.
    ‘It is not as simple as that,’ replied Walter, who was now in his element as he talked to the eagerly listening group. Other scientists also joined the group, interested in his view. ‘If you take the difference between a chimpanzee and man, most biochemists feel there is only one per cent difference, and I am guessing that you don’t feel like a monkey?’ he pointed to Bailey.
    ‘To be fair Boff, not the best example, Bailey acts like a monkey most of the time,’ said Tyson sardonically and then moved hastily as Bailey aimed a playful punch at him.
    Walter joined in the laughter and then continued, ‘In that one per cent we found major differences. Our body mass is denser which makes us stronger but our internal functions act much less efficiently then the Zeinonians.’ He saw the expectant faces and knew that he had started so had to finish his explanation. ‘There seems to be something impacting the Zeinonians’ key organs, they are very resistant to viruses and illnesses. It seems they have an internal medicine that drives away things that we as humans come to expect, like colds.’
    ‘Is it due to our magics?’ asked Bronstorm. Walter saw the unease spread across some of the scientists.
    Why does everyone fear what is new? We really haven’t changed since we found that the Earth was round and not flat! He shook his head in despair.
    ‘Yes, I think it is. You have these wonderful capabilities and they benefit you broadly, but push these capabilities too much and I worry that it has a destabilising impact on your chemical balance,’ said Walter, Bailey saw Tyson frown and swap glances with Amelia. ‘Now when we arrive at Zein, I expect that the mixture of air to favour the Zeinonians and that additional strength we humans experience will not be such a factor during any fighting.’
    ‘Hey, Boff, look, these beauties are always going to show up those weak aliens,’ said Bailey as he flexed both his arms, showing off his large biceps.
    ‘Oh my hero,’ said Kabel’s sister, Belina, jokingly, as she joined the group. Everyone again broke into laughter. Since Belina had been rescued from the Eastern Quadrant by her brother, the change in her morose attitude was remarkable. Now with freedom to travel and make friends her cheerful demeanour made her popular amongst all those that met her.
    Amelia happily joined in with the merriment pleased that the group were all together again. Except Kabel. Where was he?

Chapter 4: Deep Space
    Kabel watched the stars go by. He marvelled at their brilliance against the black landscape, their number seeming to stretch to infinity and beyond. Was this how his grandfather had felt?
    Excitement? Dazzling stars and endless space, with the anticipation of seeing a new galaxy or planet? He wished he could have been part of the Zein Expeditionary Force that found Earth. That day must have captured a truly memorable occasion with the Zeinonians desperate for a new start and a renewed hope of returning to Zein and rescuing loved ones left behind.
    The piloting crew, handpicked to support the humans and Zeinonians fast asleep in their individual hyper-sleep cocoons, busily went about their everyday tasks. The crew were mainly Zeinonians but there was a strong human military presence supporting them. When the orders were sanctioned by the Joint Earth and Zein Council, trust was there but also nervousness. The humans wanted control of the military aspects of the expedition and the Zeinonians, who had retained autonomy through many conflicts and enjoyed their independence, required input into key decisions. The humans would only support the recently named Expeditionary Force of the United League ofPlanets if military control was placed into their hands. Reluctantly, the Zeinonians agreed. They needed the humans to support the long journey