Setting: Ancient Egypt, The Sahara. IONNA enters, followed by CYRUS, ATHENA, THALUS, and THEMIS. IONNA clutches her baby bump and surveys the area thoughtfully
IONNA: Odd. The tomes of old had said that this planet was full of lush vegetation and resources. I see nothing but dry sand and shrubs.
THALUS: Terra is a planet of diverse ecosystems, Mother. This is desert, much like planets such as Epsilon Phi or Beta Ito back in the Empire.
IONNA: I see. We must make sure find a way to control those wormholes... Please, make a note, Thalus.
ATHENA: I see no Earthlings here, should we be on guard if any are waiting to attack.
THEMIS: No, Athena. There is no need to prepare for battle.
CYRUS: If any were nearby, we would have sensed them. They are very simple creatures. I've heard that they don't even have the gift of telepathy like we do.
THALUS: No, Father. I wonder how they have survived thus far without any sort of power.
IONNA: As such, why we're here. Although we have not arrived as planned, we could show the Earthlings here the wonders of irrigation, as well as writing and stationary farming.
THEMIS: But how is that possible, with no source of nourishment.
IONNA: Check your map, Themis. There should be a source not far from here.
CYRUS: Yes. I've heard it's very peculiar, flowing to the right side of the mass rather than that wrong.
THALUS: There are a few bursts of life throughout the deserts as well, according to our scouts.... Much like that. (He gestures to an Oasis stage right)
THEMIS: Earthlings should be along soon.
ATHENA: Like those?
(NOUR, LAPIS, and ABASI enter with their camel)
IONNA: Oh, Cyrus, look at them!
CYRUS: One would think from how they were described that they'd look more monstrous, but they're not that different than we are. Their flesh is only darker, and their pupils look rounder.
ATHENA: Nevertheless we should be careful, right Mother?
IONNA: Yes, but we mustn't attack them. First, they have a child with them, and second, they don't seem hostile. We should make ourselves known.
THALUS: But Mother-
IONNA: Do not forget our mission, son. (She approaches NOUR, LAPIS, and ABASI) I bid you greetings, Earthlings.
(ABASI gazes at Ionna in amazment, only to be warned away by his mother. NOUR puts himself between IONNA and his family)
IONNA: I see... They must value the males over the females... I can't understand why. Perhaps you should try communicating to them, Cyrus.
(CYRUS steps foward so that he and IONNA are standing side by side)
CYRUS: Be not afraid, we mean not any harm.
THEMIS: Father, what are you doing?
CYRUS: Did I not say the right thing?
THEMIS: They do not speak our language. Try communicating telepathically.
CYRUS: (Voiceover) Be not afraid, we mean not any harm.
NOUR: (Stepping Closer) How is this possible?
ATHENA: It's quite simple, all our people can do it. Father, can you understand them, now that you've heard?
CYRUS: Yes.
LAPIS: You look strange, we haven't seen your kind around here before?
CYRUS: There is good reason, because we haven't been here before.
NOUR: How can you understand us?
CYRUS: All of our kind can see inside the mind, though my daughter and I can learn language with only a few words. We thank you for that. As such, I should introduce myself. I am Cyrus, Prince Imperial of Virgo and consort to the Empress Ionna Sigma. (He gestures to IONNA)
ATHENA: And I am Athena, the Crown Princess. These are my siblings, Princess Themis, and Prince Thalus. And I take it your name is Nour, and this is your wife, Lapis, and your son Abasi?
NOUR: Yes... Where have you come from, and why are you here?
CYRUS: Virgo, it's... (He gestures to the sky) Much easier to see in the darkness...
ATHENA: We come bearing gifts that will bless your family and the rest of your people. Gifts of knowledge, and technology, so that your people will become prosperous.
LAPIS: This can't be... You are gods!
CYRUS: Gods?
IONNA: Oh, Cyrus, they must think we are some kind of native deities. I have said they are fools.
THALUS: But it could help. I have read Earthlings are often hostile to what they don't understand, but if they believe such a thing comes from a deity, they are more likely to accept.
IONNA: I see... Then we shall be benevolent "gods."
CYRUS: I suppose you could say we are, Lapis. We've come to you in peace, to bestow gifts, to make your people prosper.
IONNA: There must be more of you.
NOUR: I don't understand...
CYRUS: She said, there must be more of you, take us to them and we will show you things beyond your time.
NOUR: Yes, mighty.... Osiris?
CYRUS: What?
THEMIS: Just agree, they should have a way address us in their language.
IONNA: And I would say it fits you better.
CYRUS: Yes, lead us to your people. Dearest Ionna... I only hope they address you, and our new child, by name.
(All exit, end scene)
