Astral's next trip would revolve around a brand new planet with multiple ape species being the dominant force on the planet. Landing on the planet he would see the dense jungles and arid cities. These creatures lived off of the essentials of life and did not rely heavily on one's worth, rather the collective of society being the focal point.
He would be ecstatic at the new plants he was finding. It seemed like every trip brought him something new to discover and learn about, being absolutely floored by every experience. He would use his bioscanner to see that human life did exist on this planet in the far past. Letting him wonder on how their history was in the past as well.
He would be observing the planet's ecosystem as a group of apes came up from behind him. They would flank him from all sides intending no harm on the man. Astral would tilt his head out of curiosity.
"You will follow us, our elders want to talk." The lead ape would ask. Astral would note that each one of the apes were at least eight feet tall. Most of which were hunched over. Using their massive forearms to help them move quicker and quieter.
Astral would nod in agreement, he didn't want to get involved with more combat if he was not forced to. Following the pack's leader he would remain calm, not wanting to provoke any action from these creatures out of aggression.
Their walk would be long and weary, the hot sun scalding down on them. Astral would keep his surroundings in check. The walking of the ape's was so quiet. They weren't bred for combat, they had been bred to be stealthy and strong. Astral would be taking mental notes to save for later as they would approach the massive city.
The bustling city all seemed to stop before Astral, every eye in the city watching the pack of apes escort a human to safety amongst them to the elders no less. Astral would be noting how advanced and peaceful everything was. Looking to the central building, it would look alot like the cathedrals back on earth. The mosaic glass work of the apes in beautiful artwork would make Astral smile. They are a complete civilization.
"Enter and talk to our elders, may their guidance bless you human." The lead ape would pull open the doors by himself. Astral would bow in respect to the pack leader. Before slowly walking through and looking to the end of the massive building. Five massive apes would enter and sit on futons for them as they all looked at the man in cyan and teal armor.
"It is a pleasure to be blessed by your presence." Astral would speak politely and bow to the five council apes. "I am a simple man who wishes to observe the universe and all of the life inside of it." He would be as gentle as possible, the council apes all clapping.
"Humans and apes are all the same, violent by nature and all care for power." The center ape would speak as the others laughed. "What makes you special?"
Astral would wave his hand and with a flash of light was his history binder. "I am a man of history. The study of other cultures and the learning of other planets seems like a far-fetched idea from where I come from." He would slowly walk over and hand them the binder. "I just want to learn." He would step back as the apes gathered around and would slowly read the binder and go through it.
"One of the most famous sayings I have ever heard was that knowledge is power." Astral would speak as the ape on the left end clapped and two other apes entered. They were mesmerized by what was inside of the binder.
"The human has provided us with his history, make sure you treat him kindly. Give him access to some of our books." The left ape told the two that endered. They would trot away as Astral was filled to the brim with happiness.
"You as a human can provide us with much knowledge. We eliminated the humans here long ago. It would be our pleasure for you to explain more things to us, and tell us how close humans are to space exploration." The rightmost ape would speak out to Astral.
"Humans were always quite creative indeed, always working on the newest and latest project." The center ape would speak again. All of them reading the fascinating history of Earth.
"If you all have any questions I would be more than willing to help answer them." Astral would speak as the two apes would slowly trot back in. He saw them more clearly, dressed up in white robes and they would hand him a large book. It was heavier than it looked as he held it in both hands. Sitting on the ground and opening it up to start reading about the planet.
"Human, if you would answer this question on morality, we would greatly appreciate it." The middle left one spoke. The largest of the bunch.
"Well, morality is something you feel. If something you can do also benefits others, its generally considered morally good. If its a thing that is terrible it is morally bad." He would gather more of his thoughts, being distracted from the text in front of him. "Like killing someone else for no reason is morally bad, but defending someone is morally good." He would flip to the next page in his book.
"There is the area that exists called morally gray, a muddled mess where you do something bad for the correct reason. Like if you caught someone assaulting your offspring so you kill them." he saw the brutal methods on how they hunted down humans. They would trap them with food, apparel, and family, forcing them to make choices that often ended in death. "It would be a bad deed done, you killed someone, but you had a reason to do so."
"Ah, you humans are quite intelligent after all." The middle right ape would speak, the five of them all taking turns with the binder. They were entranced with it. All five would set the binder down as Astral was like a little kid in a library. Happily reading to his heart's content.
"Human, do you have a name that you prefer?" The center ape would ask. The binder being brought back to him as Astral started to read on how outsiders were taken care of. They were brutally maimed and humiliated in a game and test of knowledge, if they can't outsmart their way out of the technology, They shall be stuck forever.
"My name is Astral, it is a pleasure to meet you all." He would take his binder back before a flash of light put it away again. "Now if you excuse me. Here you guys go." He closed the book. His hand in the chapter of dealing with outsiders. Extending his arm to them.
"Thank you for your compliance." The left ape would take the book back as the two helper apes would come back into the room and grab the book and bring it back to the room.
"Ah, we finally have someone worthy of our game." The center ape would speak, clapping his hands above his head as chains would tie Astral down. They caught him off guard and he moved too slowly for him to escape. Astral would smile as his suit fizzled away.
"A game you say, I like me a couple of games." Astral would speak, his gold trim on his jacket glistening as he would look at them.
"One where brute force is not allowed." The rightmost ape spoke.
"You lab rats are just going to cheat with your abilities and boosted IQ. Doesn't seem fair now is it?" Astral would test the density of the chains before formulating ideas on escaping quickly.
"Us five are the original, show some respect where it is due." The biggest of them smiled as he walked up to Astral.