The voice of the Countdown

"The countdown will commence in 20 seconds, Tyler you better say your goodbyes now." Boomed the intercom spoken from the control room. "Send Liv in." Replied Tyler Humbleman, the famous astronaut;  red, ginger hair and thin eyebrows. "Bye, dad!" Live said as she ran over to hug him in his space outfit. "And, here," She continued handing over a 7 inch sized T.V. He stared hesitantly as he said "Aren't you a little old now, to give me utensils, to pretend to communicate to you with?"

"I'm only thirteen and.." She leaned in closer "It actually works this time!"

"Gotcha." He winked.

"Be careful out there"

"Take care of the house, oh and Bryan will drop by to take you on a tour of my work place."

"okay, okay" She said, hiding her excitement.

She waved as he walked up the ramp and settled in just as the countdown began, and Bryan and Liv were taken out to safety. Bryan was her fathers best friend and like an Uncle to her. He had a tan, black hair, green eyes and was as tall as Tyler. Liv was similar to Tyler except that she was brown haired,short, black-eyed but both were light skinned. She wore a yellow Hawaiian top with pink shorts. whole Bryan wore a suit and tie.

TYLER:

Tyler was aware of the sensation of being in the atmosphere of space before, but it never changed the actual experience. The rest of the rocket had ejected and he was on course for Rhombus, a diamond shaped planet. Just like an aeroplane it was stable enough to rome around, deciding to explore the rocket in space proved to be challenging and entertaining. The zero gravity excelled in making it harder for normal, personal activities. Than he could remember.

LIV:

The doorbell rang in its high pitched squeal "dududa toot toot." Live was on the roof adjusting the sattalite, muttering to herself "I hate that doorbell!"

"Liv, heyy its Bryan, you home? Livvie?" She threw down a spare screw from the green roof she was on "didn't I tell you not to call me that!!" He looked up with a cheekish grin 

"That and not to press the doorbell too much." With that he proceeded to push the doorbell carelessly, more than once. "oops."

"dududa toot toot!" Placing her hands on her hips she tilted her hand smiling than poked out her tongue. "You never change." He imitated her, resulting in an outburst of giggles from her. "Anyway, hurry up . I came to take you on the tour."

"Right, the tour."

"The tour," he confirmed. She raced across the roof, and went through the balcony from her bedroom to the main house. Locking the door behind her she said; "Lez go!"

"Don't you mean let's?" He cocked his eyebrows.

"I meant what I said,"

"and you said what you meant?" She punched his arm as she ran past him to the car. All the while she couldn't resist mumbling " A persons a person no matter how small."

"I heard that!" He proclaimed, she repeated her stance from before. Chuckling he said, "just get in the car."

Once arriving, Bryan explained her fathers purpose of going to the Planet Rhombus; to discover

 goods and information. The control room had recorded all of her fathers relevant facts, like food allergies, health and injuries. She was able to meet Tylers boss Mr.Stanley and his son Stewart. The control room had a large number of desks, office chairs and the newest technology of computers.

TYLER:

"Arriving destination time 2 mins, Landing time 10 mins" said, the rockets computer. Startling Tyler awake.He prepared himself, 

TEN....NINE...EIGHT..SEVEN........SIX......FIVE.....FOUR.....THREE...TWO....ONE..ZER-"Thud." Was the echoing sound of his landing. But the rockets door opening, could not be heard over the cries of the animals. There were towering trees, that curved over itself as available shelter, like a house. Grass that sparkled and twirled, covering everywhere. As well as the hills. It looked very similar to earth but the inhabitants seemed to be different. He could sense them hiding but could not see them. Walking over to a tree he tested it to see if it was the same one as Earth; that supplied oxygen. He took a very risky chance taking off his helmet and unzipping his overalls. Breathing clearly he tried to communicate with what he could sense watching him. "I come in peace,from another planet." He said simply almost casually, like he'd done it plenty of times. Silently  what looked to be a male "person" stepped out in normal clothes like Earth's. All Tyler's attention was drawn to the fact that:

1: The "person" was wearing T-shirt and shorts.  Too normal for another planet!!

2:The "person's" skin colour was a weird mix from the scenery; like a hunters camo jacket.

Unexpectedly the "person" spoke; "Hello, foreign stranger. My name is T-mal I am a Kitile."

"Hello, my name is Tyler. I am a Human Being."

"What planet are you from?"

"Earth."

"What brings you to this planet?"

"Research information." T-mal continued to question further and finally seeing that he wasn't a threat, they walked to the village.

"Have you painted your skin?" Tyler asked,

"Paint it?why, isn't it already colourful?"

"so it's permanent?"
"Yes all Kitiles are born with it, it leads them to where they belong. Because it matches the enviroment."

"Oh, so kinda like a jigsaw puzzle?"
"Ah what?"

"Never mind"

"What about Your People on Earth?"

"We live differently, we do what we want."

"Yes there are some Kitiles here, who rebel and don't go along with what our creator predestined."

The village they entered was like a modern tribe of painted people. Every Kitile had black hair but different designed skin. The houses were cottages varying of logs,planks and branches. In the shape of a normal home, that could each fit a family of four. Even the beds were carpentered out of wood. 

"This is the Plane village, because it is very flat." Stopping outside a newly built cottage T-mal continued, "A cottage is built everyday as a spare. this will be yours for now. Tomorrow I will give you your information, then you will leave our planet. You will be meeting the elder Kitiles as well,so have a good sleep." Opening the door for Tyler he left. Tyler, remembering that he still had Liv's mini T.V. was about to pull it out. But He fell asleep within seconds.

LIV:

"Looks like you'll have to come again to finish the tour." Bryan said as he patted her head.

"Let's just go now, I'm wasted." The next morning everything was moving swiftly from the car to the astronaut base. This time Bryan was telling her about another mission, that they were working on.

"The planet was called Mital, the first mission there was a done by a monkey known as Charles. Within a week the rocket had returned to Earth, except that the monkey wasn't in it. Everyone thought it was because Charles went rogue. But his trainer was very confident in him. Before long another mission was set up, for a drone to find out if there was life. Within a week communication was cut anonymously. And the drone was found to be destroyed.After that, several more drones were sent. Until your grandfather volunteered to go there;that is too this day, is his resting place."

"Woah" Liv said, "How come dad never mentioned this to me?"

"dunno, but I get too" Bryan squeezed her cheeks

"ughhh shhtwaapp" and Bryan finally let go, "What did they do afterwards too Mital?"

"Well, another few years since then, Mitals people decided to attack Earth. A great deal of measures were taken to ensure our safety and exterminate the problem."

"soooo?"

"Recently the company got permission from the authorities too send a Rocket to destroy the planet. Before it gets worse, into an all out war."

"Cool story"

"I know right, but imagine, it's gonna be part of history!"

"Are these the coordinates?" Liv points to the screen

"Yes"

"OH NO" Liv stood paralyzed

"what??" he places his hands on her shoulders capturing her attention, to stare right in her eyes. And she finally says "Those are the Coordinates to Rhombus!"

TYLER:

The Plane Village was rich in nutrients, providing daily needs. There were sand paths, that were connected to every building. The sand made it comfortable to walk around the perimeter, since the kitiles didn't wear shoes. Since the village was growing everyday, from new spare cottages being made daily. It made a formidable workout. Tyler had woken to T-mal's voice; "Tyler, it would be a good time to wake up, because of the traditional celebration we do, for the end of another week. As T-mal waited outside the door, noise of a child's feet scuffled near him, "Papa you asked for these?"

"Yes, Dunde, Thank you." Just as the child ran off, Tyler had come to the door, "I noticed that you didn't have clothes with you, other than the overalls and the ones your wearing now." Said T-mal.

"I forgot" which was easier for Tyler to say, first thing in the morning.

"That's alright, these will be better for you. Your clothes seemed heavy and hot." T-mal passed  the clothes to Tyler. At the first touch, Tyler was amazed. He saw that he was touching it. But he couldn't feel it, it was a similar feel to water. As well as when, it is held up to the light, it turned invisible. It seemed to Tyler that these weren't an ordinary pair of T-shirt and shorts. But were enhanced. Drawing away Tylers attention away from them he looked up "Thank you." And gasped as T-mal was wearing a sombrero, laughing heartily at Tyler's reaction he took it off. "This is yours too." Afterwards Tyler shut the door to get dressed. Today T-mal wore the same clothes as yesterday, but he seemed younger, middle aged, about the same age as Tyler.

The traditional celebration was their way to show their gratefulness to whoever supplied their prosperity in crops and children. It consisted of dances and music, that brought peace over the village. The whole civilization was participating and working together. It was an excellent start to the day. Following after that, Tyler was introduced to everyone in the village, the carpenter, blacksmith, farmers and a billion curious children. But the one visit that had made a lasting affect was the clothes maker.Who was an old, wrinkled, hunched back female, with her white hair put in a  bun, eyes that made her look wise and hardened hands, full of experience from her years at the job. Tyler was still captivated by his clothes, caught more than once staring at himself. "Leeku!" called T-mal, a fair distance away from her. "T-mal!" greeting each other they pulled each others ear. Tyler, who was not yet accustomed to it yet,found it absurd. Especially in this instance, when Leeku pulled his and to be polite, he had to do the same. "Leeku, this is Tyler. A visitor from another planet." Indicating that it was Tyler's turn to speak, Tyler said; "It's nice to meet you, your job intrigues me. I have a few question that you would delight me in answering." Smiling she replied 

"Ask away."

"What are the clothes made out of?"

"A root, that is the core, like a heart of the land. It acts like a nurse. Collecting water and transporting it through the roots of all the plants. Mixing them into different substances, that once harvested. Creates the most qualified material for clothes."

"If the root is taken, doesn't it mean that the land will suffer?"

"oh yes, that is why we plant multiple roots when one section is harvested."

"What capabilities does the clothes have?"

"You can move freely more, and it doesn't need to be washed. It can't be ripped and protects your body from harm. Did T-mal give you a sombrero?" She asked as she set up a meal outside.

"yes"

"Good, the sombreros are special. It's made from the same root, but every pollen mixture is different. Capable of different functions."

"So what does the one I have do?"

"What are the colours?"

"Purple,Pink,yellow and green."

"Your one, if handled correctly, will harden into an invincible, sharp blade." The conversation was interrupted by the meal and didn't continue to Tylers disappointment.

In  the evening Tyler was resting in his cottage, while T-mal was out working. Cutting down trees. When a familiar doorbell tune rang out. "Dududa toot toot." Pulling out the T.V. from his back pocket he pressed the side button. Looking at it with wonder. "Liv! it actually works, I can see you in our house!"

"Told you so!" Tyler then continued to tell of his own experience, but to Liv it was a boring story. Because she had matters that were more pressing. "The people's skin looks like the patterns on the forest floor!..."

"dad....Dad...DAd...DAD!!!!!!"

"uh huh?" Stopping abruptly

"The coordinates of an explosive rocket wa-" Tyler was getting quickly bored and couldn't stop from talking. So he interrupted; "Liv, this place is great! This may be hard for you but I want us to live here!" Screaming now Liv finished speaking "THERE'S A GIANT MISSILE HEADING FOR RHOM-wait what?" Liv only now registering what her father just said, while lowering her arms from waving them about. Tyler spoke first "Does Bryan know?" 

"Yes he's been tying to get hold of Mr.Stanley. But he hasn't been reached yet."

"Then, you'll have to do something."

"Like what? isn't there something you can do? not me."

"I'm on a different planet. the planet your going to save. Talk to Bryan, don't worry you'll have this handled. But afterwards we need to find a way for you to come here and maybe Bryan too."

"Your just telling me this now? In the middle of a bomb threat, to the planet your on??!!"

"Better now than when it's peaceful and comfortable."

" I don't think your space company would let us."

"Than do it without them, you have Bryan."

"But isn't that illegal??"

"so what? it's worth it."

"Nothing moves you, what if Rhombus was obliterated and we didn't succeed?"

"Don't feel it depends all on you, then you won't think straight.Take it all in, in a calmly matter."

"Well I've already failed at that, thanks to you."

"The more you think about it and panic the more time you loose to act, just focus."

"Just a second ago, you had no faith in me. But no Just because the thing your holding in your hand finally works. You give me all this responsibility??!!" Then she hung up on him.

LIV:

On earth, distressed, Liv contemplated her options "How, assuming that I succeed. Do I get to Rhombus and disarm and explosive rocket?" Immediately her phone started to ring, it was Bryan. 

"Liv, I wasn't able to get his attention but his receptionist arranged a meeting with him tomorrow."

"When is the rocket scheduled to ascend?"

"The day after tomorrow, evening exact."

"I'm going to come right?"

"If you want to."

"Come pick me up at ten then."

"hehehe, alright"

"And Bryan?..."

"yes?"

 Liv took a deep breath and then spoke "Tyler wants to live there... wants to get me there" interrupting Bryan muttered "You finally found a place."

"Huh?"

"Your father once told me that if a planet was perfect enough, he'd live there."

"And what about you?"

"I'd get him there"

"oh.. but how do I.."

"Leave that to me"

"see you tomorrow then."

Liv was ready by ten, sliding into the car,she spoke her question that had tugged at her all night.

"So, whats your plan to get me there?"

"Plan??"

"You don't have one do you?"
"Heh, not legally, but worst come to worst: we save your dad and you stay here."

"Your tearing me apart, to go or not to go?" Towards the end of her sentence she dramatically emphasized by using her hands.

"It mainly rests on the results of this meeting."

Arriving on time to Bryan's last words, they said no more. Both seizing the objective, they entered the meeting room. "Just on time." Mr Stanley said, hope you don't mind my son sitting through this." Raising his hand to the chair on his right. In the room with the blinds shut, a flat screen T.V. on the wall above the long seven seater table. Complete with chairs, in a rectangle shaped cream, painted room. His son sat in the chair lifting his head up from Nintendo, he was playing. Just enough to say "Hello, again."

Stewart was two years younger than Liv. "So, Bryan you know I like to get straight to the point. Why are you here?"

 Liv got in before Bryan, to be interrupted. "Your coordinates are wr-"

"are possibly mistaken and need to be rechecked." Muttering under that, he whispered to Live from where they sat next to each other. Across the table from where the two sit, "I can take care of this."

"The coordinates to mission C?" Mr. Stanley said offended.

"Yes"

"And what makes you think that?"

"Upon touring, the base, we came across a mission board,that matched the same coordinates as Rhombus."

"Oh dear, yes we should have that checked and I suppose you want to see it, to be reassured?"He said eyeing Liv 

"Yes, Sir"

"And that is all?" Bryan could hear Liv starting to tap her finger, she knew something was missing.

"Yes, thank you." Liv's rhythm quickened as Mr. Stanley left the room to return with the files.

"But"

"Never mind that." sighing she stopped tapping as Mr. Stanley returned, placing the files in front of them. Pointing a finger he said "This is the coordinates for Rhombus and this is th- oh dear, oh dear. Seems that you were right."

"Sir, what should we do?"

"I will contact the specialists, and get them to reprogram the rocket, it should still be ready for tomorrow."

"Thank you." 

"No, thank you." Mr. Stanley said as he dialed a number and they left the room. 

Later in the afternoon after Liv was dropped home. Bryan rang again, I inquired about transportation to Rhombus and haven't found a solution."

"oh."

"But, do you actually want to go?"

"If dad is there, I must"

"Alright, I'll do my best."

"Bye."  Not soon after did he ring again. "Mr. Stanley just told me that the coordinates cannot be changed and that they will have to reprogram  the whole thing again. With that they have decided to abort it until next year."

"oh, thats good!"

"But, Stewart went missing once he heard the news. The last thing he did was get all upset and ran away."

"Wasn't Stewart going to be the one to activate the launching?"

"Yes and apparently he learnt what all the buttons at the control tower do."

"You don't think?..."

"I already told Mr. Stanley, and I'm coming to pick you up."

Rushing through the doors of the base. Bryan was at the lead, then Mr. Stanley, lastly Liv. As they approached the control room. Stewart stood over the big red button. As his hand came down." 

"Activation, 6 hrs." The computer boomed.

"Stewart!!" Mr. Stanley cried running at him. "What are you doing?"

shouting Stewart shouted back, "You promised! that I would get to activate it today! And that we would watch it together!"

"But, son... its not that important, you would of still got too... next year."

"It's too late now, at least this machine doesn't break it's promises. You should learn to keep your promises dad."

"Don't talk to me like that!" They continued arguing. While Bryan and Liv were discussing,

"We can go cut the power!"

"Wait! noo, If I can reprogram it, it will take you to Rhombus, then go on too destroy Mital!"

"But you can't?"

"Have you always wondered what my job was here?"

"yes, but I thought you were just an office worker?"

"Usually, but sometimes I end up helping." Opening a drawer Bryan took out some tools. Running to the Rocket in the garage that's roof would soon open.  "I'm an engineer."

"Waaaaa?!"

"This is gonna take a while.."

The next day it went as it was supposed too. Mital was destroyed and could be seen from Earth. The rocket was adjusted to fit a passenger inside. And avert the destruction of Rhombus, to instead go too Mital.  Liv feeling tingly at the sensation of the atmosphere for the first time relived her goodbye to Bryan. "You shouldn't need to do anything, you'll probably get pins and needles. heh?"

Liv hugged him, "Why do things like this always happen so suddenly?"

"I'm an engineer, not someone who can explain that."

Her giggle was muffled from her tight hold on him. "I'm going to miss you."

"me too," Pulling out her contraption she handed it to him. 

"So we can communicate?"

"aaaah, I would of liked to mentor you..."

"I've learnt so much from you already."

"you... little engineer!"

"hehehehe"

"Take care of Tyler."

"definitely/"

"I'll be here if you need me."

"I'm sure we'll be back, take care of yourself."

"no more than you." He directed her to the seat in the rocket, squirming in, she got comfortable.

"Bye, Livvie" winking as he said it.

"Goodbye, Bryan." The take off was had still a few hours to go, but it wasn't safe for Bryan to stay there, well neither was she. But they couldn't stop her. As Bryan walked away, she waited until she fell asleep. And was woken up later to the voice of the Countdown. Not too soon had she landed on Rhombus, where T-mal found her in the middle of his work. Once rejoined with her father they watched in awe the pretty sight of what was left of Mital. Probably the closest thing they'd ever see again, to fireworks.