Nemaeans (My 200th Post) by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
The eye seeks familiar patterns this far from home.
As we draw closer to Rostova, and Lirov (her single, massive moon) I try to convince myself that everything is normal, that I am simply doing the job I've always done. I can—with proper effort—convince myself that I'm on the deck of just another starship, reading probe telemetry that reveals nothing more than...well...just another planet, its moon blanketed in pre-biotic muck.
But, I am far from home. And even the familiar pattern of human faces is a lie. Ah...Nemaeans are as human as the rest of us...but there is something undeniably alien about them as well. I see it when I look at my ship-mate hosts. Ruslan Kondrashov and Andreij Gavrilenko are as familiar to me as any Nemaeans are likely to become. I've played poker with them, I've toasted the memories of departed friends, and I've shared quiet thoughts of the future.
They are human. But not like me.
Like cats, they can see in near-total darkness—though they are color-blind in all but the most intense light. Like some strange breed of alien bacteria, they possess an extreme resistance to genotoxic chemicals, to oxidative damage, and high levels of ionizing and ultraviolet radiation. Perhaps, in this way, they are not human at all. I have heard arguments that they are more than human.
At any rate, the eye seeks familiar patterns far from home.
And so I study the faces of two half-alien friends.
--Jonathan Varis/Personal Journals (Unpublished)
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Since this is my 200th post, I decided to dedicate it to the people of Nemaea...and yes, for those who are curious, Dorianna, Ilya, and Aleo will be making a return at some point in the near future, as part three of their tale has been promised for so long.
As for the image...well...it's a composite of various photographs I'd taken, and planet renders created in photoshop. As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting.
Comments (20)
200 most astounding, wonderful works-- the next 200 will be even better and I can't wait!!
Super collage of objects, places and people, Chip. And congrats on your 200th posting.
A wonderful image; another intriguing piece of the story...200 already? But we're only just beginning!
Congratulations on 200 posts here on Renderosity, dear one! I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy your work. Namaeans, Prague, apples, night scenes, planets ... above all and always though, your writing. You entertain, soothe, startle, and inspire me. If I see you've commented ahead of me on an image, I always read what you've written. This place isn't the same when you're absent, and it's a joy to have you here, my friend. I'm sending you a huge hug from Seattle ...
Congrats for your 200th post! Superb sci fi image!
Congrats on your 200th. You have a very unique gallery !
Congratulations to your 200th amazing post, Chip!
A Big Congratulations to you ~ I have enjoyed getting to see your work ~ I will look forward to the next 200 uploads with great anticipation and enthusiasm. ~A fabulous work of art to celebrate your 200th~ Hugs, ~Melinda~
Congratulations. Chip. And my favourite theme as you know. Happily digesting both image and text! Dave
Congratulations on your 200th! Fabulous post once again!
Congrats on 200 Chip !!!! Hugs ~
Good stuff, Chip, and looking forward to 200 more!
congratulations on your 200th !
great as always.
Stunning work and looking forward to 200 more
EXCELLENT !!! CONGRATULATIONS dear Artfriend with all my mind !!!
GORGEOUS! Congrats for your 200th post Chip.... always , it's a great pleasure to see your picts!
Wonderful image. Love the story. Congrats on 200!
Wonderful to celebrate #200 with the Nemaeans and with us. Neat composite. CC
Congratulations on your 200th posting! This is a beautiful composition which while full of natural wonders reflects the strangeness of the narrative you provided.