Verrin hovered in the outer orbit of Oris, a faint glowing fragment of his consciousness. "Father," he said, "the humans are moving closer. Ships from multiple sectors—scanners indicate hundreds."
Oris felt the ripple of energy from his surface, the slight disturbance caused by approaching ships. "Let them come," he replied. "But nothing beyond observation. They will learn respect soon enough."
---
Aboard the lead human ship, Aurelius, Captain Ryn spoke to her crew. "Sensors are off the charts. Something is… alive. This isn't a normal planet. Keep all drones in standby mode, and don't attempt any landings yet."
Lieutenant Kael shook his head. "Alive? You're saying it's sentient? That's insane. I've never seen readings like this. Energy flows, magnetic pulses… almost like the planet itself is… thinking."
Ryn nodded. "Exactly. Keep your comms open. If this thing is alive, it can probably hear us. We need to show we're peaceful."
---
Oris reached into their minds gently. I am Oris, he projected. You may explore, but you may not alter. My worlds are mine. Harm them, and I will stop you. Peacefully, if possible.
Ryn froze, then whispered, "Did… did anyone else feel that? Like a voice in your head?"
Kael rubbed his temples. "Yeah. Clear as day. And… calm. Not hostile. Whoever—or whatever it is—it's telling us rules. We don't touch anything, we just explore."
---
Across the planet, the clones were busy spreading. Verrin and Lume were coordinating with Oris, mapping terrain, adjusting climates, and creating small, peaceful lifeforms for the humans to witness.
Nyra spoke from the edge of the northern ocean, "Father, they are landing on the grasslands. They are careful, scanning every plant, every stream. They do not approach the forests without permission."
"Good," Oris said. "We want them curious, but not reckless. Let them see, let them learn."
---
The humans stepped onto the surface in a small shuttle. Captain Ryn's voice was broadcast in thought. We are here to learn. We mean no harm.
Oris allowed their presence. You may move freely, within my boundaries. You may observe, but nothing you create may persist without my authorization.
The humans looked around in awe. Rivers curved naturally, wind shimmered across crystal plains, small glowing creatures moved like living lanterns. Lieutenant Kael whispered, "This… this is incredible. It's like walking inside a living organism."
Ryn spoke telepathically for the first time: Do you… have a name?
Oris, the planet replied. You may call me that. Remember the rules. You may not build, change, or leave lasting marks without permission.
---
They began walking, careful to avoid interfering with ecosystems. They mapped and recorded, asked questions, and Oris answered.
What are those small lights moving through the forest? one scientist asked.
Those are creatures I created for balance. Observe them. Do not capture them. Do not alter them, Oris replied.
Kael looked at Ryn. "It's… like it's everywhere. Every mountain, every river… it's like the planet is thinking about us constantly."
Ryn nodded. "Yes. And we need to respect it. No technology beyond observation. Nothing intrusive."
---
The clones, meanwhile, communicated with Oris constantly, refining landforms to accommodate the visitors safely.
> "Father, should we show them the northern canyons?"
"Yes, Verrin. But slowly. Let them adjust. Let them feel the world as it is."
The humans moved cautiously through forests and across plains. They began to understand the planet's rhythms, the life forms, and the subtle guidance of Oris.
Do you understand why we exist like this? Ryn asked telepathically.
You are visitors. Not intruders. Respect is your gift. Your curiosity is allowed, but limits exist, Oris said softly.
---
Days passed. The humans learned. They realized the planet could hear every thought and sense every movement. They didn't attempt to create, modify, or take life. And Oris rewarded their patience with safe passages, showing small ecosystems flourishing in harmony.
Do you wish to speak to our scientists directly? Ryn asked.
Yes. I will allow communication, but only within observation. You may record my words, but not my essence. Treat every fragment of this planet as sacred, Oris replied.
---
The humans began interacting with the clones as well.
Nyra spoke gently in their minds: Do not fear. We are extensions of Oris. You may ask questions, and we will answer. We will show you only what is safe.
Verrin added: Every creature you see is part of the whole. Treat each one with care.
Kael smiled in awe. "It's… alive. Not just the planet itself, but everything on it. It's… like being inside a mind."
Ryn nodded, impressed. "We need to make a full report. But no interference. We stay observers."
---
By the end of their first week, humans had explored forests, rivers, crystal plains, and floating islands—all under the careful watch of Oris and his clones.
Remember, Oris said as they prepared to leave, these boundaries are permanent. You may observe freely, but you may not create or change anything without permission. If you respect this, you will remain safe. If not… you will learn consequences calmly, but firmly.
Ryn sent one final thought back. Understood, Oris. We will honor your rules. Thank you for allowing us here.
You are welcome, Oris replied. Return only when curiosity is balanced with care.
---
Verrin whispered as the humans' ships departed: "Father, they understood. They respected the rules. They are cautious, curious—but peaceful."
"Good," Oris said. "Let them remember. Let them share stories, but never touch. And we will continue our work. Creation never ceases."
Nyra added softly, "Shall we expand the southern continent now, Father?"
Oris felt the pulse of energy building under his crust. "Yes. Expand. Let life bloom where it should. The universe is ours to explore quietly, and our guests… they are welcome only so far."
And with that, the planet began another cycle, growing, expanding, and silently teaching those who wandered into his domain the respect a living world demands.
To be continued.