Chapter Title: An Alien Hand

Summary:

Introduction:

• The story follows Tilloo and his family, who live in an underground habitat on a planet where direct sunlight is absent.
• Tilloo, curious about the surface world, secretly follows his father through a forbidden passage leading to the planet’s surface.

Description of the Story:

1. Tilloo’s Curiosity:

   • Tilloo’s father goes to work through a secret passage, piquing Tilloo’s curiosity about what lies beyond.
   • Despite warnings from his mother, Tilloo manages to sneak into the forbidden passage by using his father’s security card.

2. Venturing to the Surface:

   • Tilloo successfully opens the metal door using his father’s security card and enters a well-lit passage leading to the planet’s surface.
   • Excited to see the sun or stars for the first time, Tilloo embarks on the journey but is soon apprehended by security due to advanced surveillance.

3. Father’s Explanation:

   • Tilloo’s father explains the harsh conditions of the planet’s surface, which include thin air and freezing temperatures.
   • He reveals that their ancestors lived on the surface but were forced underground due to changes in the environment, relying on advanced technology for survival.

4. Discovery of Alien Spacecraft:

   • The Control Room detects an approaching alien spacecraft, sparking excitement and concern among the inhabitants.
   • Tilloo’s father, along with his team, observes the spacecraft, speculating about its origin and intentions.

5. Decision Making at the Central Committee:

   • The Central Committee debates how to respond to the alien spacecraft, with opinions divided between defense and passive observation.
   • The decision is made to maintain non-interference and passive observation to avoid revealing their existence to the aliens.

6. Tilloo’s Mishap in the Control Room:

   • Tilloo accompanies his father to the Control Room, where he accidentally disrupts the operation of the alien spacecraft by pressing the red button.
   • This action causes the mechanical hand of the spacecraft to stop working temporarily, leading to concern and subsequent repair by NASA technicians.

Repercussions:

• Despite excitement and anticipation, the Viking Mission to Mars finds no signs of life on the planet.
• Later, it is theorized that previous space probes may have inadvertently killed alien microbes, hinting at the possibility of different life forms.

Discussion Points:

1. Life on Other Planets:

   • Discuss the possibility of life on other planets, considering the search for life on Mars and the implications of recent findings.

2. Space Exploration and Ethics:

   • Explore the ethical considerations of space exploration, including the impact of human actions on potential extraterrestrial life.

3. Technological Advancements and Human Survival:

   • Analyze how technological advancements influence human survival, as depicted in the story through the underground living conditions of Tilloo and his family.

Topics for Group Discussion:

1. Underground Living:

   • Discuss the challenges and compensations of living in an underground habitat similar to Tilloo’s home.

2. Reasons for Underground Living:

   • Explore the possible reasons why humanity might be driven to make their homes underground, considering environmental, technological, and social factors.

3. Life on Other Planets:

   • Debate the existence of life on other planets, speculate on the nature of potential extraterrestrial beings, and discuss potential differences between them and humans.