Ripar the Alien

In the vast darkness of space, a solitary ship carries a lone alien named Ripar from the distant planet Targof, billions of light-years away. The Targofians, shapeshifters by nature, dispatch scouts to explore other planets, assessing their inhabitants for potential trade partnerships or determining if they should be avoided due to hostility. Additionally, they seek planets with compatible soil, water, and plant life to potentially rejuvenate Targof. Ripar ponders whether his home world once resembled this newfound planet before devastating storms rendered its surface uninhabitable. Now, people reside underground as the surface is uninhabitable for most creatures. This occurred over a millennium ago, and they have been searching for a similar planet ever since. As a shapeshifter, Ripar can easily assume the form of other beings to discreetly investigate planets and their inhabitants. Although Targofiens are amicable, they understand that space and some of its inhabitants can be hostile, and they are prepared to defend themselves if necessary.

Ripar discovered Earth and conducted scans, revealing that the planet's atmosphere was similar to Targof's. The alien decided to explore further, wondering if Earth could be the salvation for Targof. Upon entering the water, Ripar took scans and samples, finding that the water had similar properties to that of his planet. However, there were traces of unknown chemicals that his computer could not identify. As Ripar explored the ocean, he found a cave and deemed it a safe place to land before venturing inside. Upon entering the cave, the stabilizers were activated to prevent the craft from floating away. As a precaution, Ripar enabled the ship's cloaking device, causing it to vanish. After opening the inner airlock door and closing it, Ripar opened the outer hatch and swam out. They encountered fascinating sea creatures, some resembling those depicted in images of species that inhabited Targof many years ago.

Ripar saw aquatic beings of different sizes and colors swimming around, they scattered when the alien made their way out of the cave. Swimming around, Ripar saw a huge beast with big teeth. They decided to shift into one and swam toward it. The big fish at first ignored Ripar, then others of its kind appeared and started swimming around them. Ripar was interested yet a little nervous. They tried to communicate with them with no luck and one lunged at them. Ripar now seeing they all look angry and grew a lot bigger than them in the hope to scare them. This worked, after seeing this they fled. Ripar swam away and came across land but could just flop on the sand. In the distance, there was a tall two-legged being and a four-legged furry animal, he quickly took the shape of the animal and ran off. Watching from a distance, the animal looked happy running around and jumping on the two-legged being while making noises. The two-legged being threw a ball and the four-legged animal ran after it, picked it up, and brought it back. They looked incredibly happy.

Ripar encountered a street lined with buildings and various metal vehicles, ranging from small two-wheelers to large multi-wheeled ones. As he walked, people stared at him; some shouted, while others made incomprehensible noises. The translator implant was working to decipher the language but struggled due to the surrounding noise from vehicles and conversations.

Ripar stumbled upon a fluffy animal that emitted peculiar meowing sounds. However, when he approached it, the creature hissed and fled. They encountered other animals resembling their transformed selves, but with distinct appearances. One was small, emitting high-pitched sounds that pained Ripar's ears, while the other matched their size but had unique colors and a wagging tail. As the creatures continued barking, they began to comprehend their communication.

"Hey, buddy, do you understand me? I asked you a question, what's your name?" asked the big animal.

"My name is Ripar."

"This is Joey," he said, looking at the little black curly-haired dog. "And I'm Doc; it's nice to meet you."

"I've never seen you before. What are you doing out here?" Doc inquired.

"I'm just visiting; I probably won't stay long," Ripar replied. "This looks like a nice place; I've never seen such big buildings."

"This is all we know," Doc said.

"I'm going to look around; talk to you later," Ripar said as he walked away.

"Later, Dog!" Joey yelled in his high voice.

"Yeah, catch you later," Doc replied.

"Goodbye," Ripar responded.

"If you're around later, come on by!" Doc called out.

"Ok, will do," Ripar agreed as he walked around the corner.

As Ripar walked around, he was amazed by the sights. He had heard stories about his planet and cities like this, but none of the planets he had visited were as grand or had vehicles like these. Most of the planets had large cities, but this city was densely packed with towering buildings, numerous vehicles, and bustling crowds. The technology appeared primitive compared to other cities he had seen.

The inhabitants displayed a wide variety of appearances, from skin colors and body shapes to heights and clothing styles. Some even had hair on their faces or what looked like paint on their skin. Ripar found it all quite amusing.

A small creature approached them and exclaimed, "Hi doggie!" The larger being yelled, "Don't touch him, you don't know where he's been."

"I suppose the translator is functioning now, and it appears I'm referred to as 'he' and this creature is a dog," Ripar thought.

Ripar sat down to rest when someone approached and gently patted his head and back. Glancing up, he saw a human who had brown hair with white and blue eyes. The person gave him a warm smile. “How are you fella, you’re a cute pup.”

They seemed nice. “Here you must be thirsty and hungry?” The being pulled out something from a bag that smelled good and gave some to him, then they then got a cup from the bag and filled it with water from a bottle they had on a table and put it on the ground.” Ripar put some of the food in his mouth and chewed it, the food was surprisingly good. He then lapped up some water and it tasted very refreshing, he never tasted water so clean. The being gave him another pat on the head.

“I have to go to work.” then walked off.

As darkness fell, Ripar decided to transform into a bipedal being. He found a secluded alley, recalled the features and attire of the creatures he had observed, and within seconds, morphed into one. Now with long blond hair and a curvy figure, Ripar had unknowingly assumed the form of a human female – a concept foreign to him, as there was no gender on Targof.

Ripar walked down the street and observed the man who had given him food. The man was handing out food in exchange for paper with pictures on it.

"This must be their form of currency," Ripar thought.

He had visited many planets that used currency, but Targof didn't. On Targof, people worked to improve themselves and their planet. The concept of using objects to purchase other items seemed strange to Ripar. He had heard stories from the elders about how their people used to do so long ago. Perhaps if they managed to restore their planet, they would find relics from those ancient times.

As Ripar walked past the being, they said, "Thank you, my friend."

"You're welcome for whatever I did," replied the being, looking confused for a moment before returning to work.

Ripar noticed people purchasing items using various forms of currency, including metal disks and plastic cards inserted into machines. He concluded, "Well, I guess I'm not buying anything."

Suddenly, a man sprinted towards him, followed by a woman who yelled "Stop him! He stole my purse!"

Ripar stood before the assailant who attempted to shove them but failed. The attacker then tried to hit Ripar, but upon making contact, Ripar felt nothing. In contrast, the aggressor stared at Ripar fearfully, clutching their hand in pain. Ripar calmly looked at this individual.

"Did you steal that person's purse?" Ripar inquired.

"Here, take it. Just let me go; I won't do it again," the mugger said with a trembling voice.

A large hulking human dressed in black with a shiny badge on its chest approached the robber, turned him around, and placed metal handcuffs on his wrists before handing him over to another officer.

"You're under arrest," the imposing figure declared.

“Thank you, Miss, you’re one strong woman.” the being said

"Woman... I guess I transformed into what's called a woman," she thought.

"Thank you; let me pay you for your help. Not many people offer assistance these days." The woman retrieved a pouch from her bag, pulled out a piece of paper adorned with the number 10, a portrait, and other artwork, and handed it to her

"You're welcome, and thank you," Ripar said as the people around her clapped and cheered.

The large individual tapped her on the shoulder and said, "You should be a police officer; you can handle yourself.

"Ripar felt happy to help the old woman, but saddened by the existence of malicious beings who would steal from others. Crime on Targof was minimal, as criminals were swiftly apprehended and imprisoned.

"This is an intriguing planet, and its water appears compatible with ours. I must inform the council and hope they send a team with me to explore further compatibility with our world," Ripar said to herself.

Ripar returned to the ocean, transformed into a large fish, and swam towards their spaceship. Once aboard, they took off and contacted the council on their home planet to discuss Earth. Tilf, the council member they spoke with, expressed interest in learning more upon Ripar's return. Upon returning home, Ripar informed the council of their experiences in the big city, detailing the vehicles, people, and animals they encountered. Ripar proposed forming a team to visit Earth and expressed their desire to be part of it. After deliberation, the council agreed and assured Ripar a place on the expedition. Gratefully, Ripar thanked the council. Tilf advised Ripar to rest as preparations for departure might take time. Expressing gratitude once more, Ripar left the council hall, returned home, and fell asleep.