That's How Intergalactic Space Travel Goes

Sci-fi

Federico Beccari

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I was obsessed. I had spent countless hours in the lab and shop developing the technology. I kept it secret, contracting out the work I couldn’t do myself, but making sure the contractors only knew a small part of my overall plan. Finally, after years of toil, I had built a spaceship that could travel faster than the speed of light.

I had plotted my course carefully and was sure I would find alien life. In the glow of morning light, I launched my ship. The anticipation of what I might discover made it hard to focus on piloting the ship, but I entered the coordinates and engaged the FTL drive. In a few short hours, I had traveled light-years across the universe. I dropped out of FTL and soon spotted my target.

After landing on the tiny planet, I started exploring. The planet was beautiful. Lush with unusual vegetation. There were amazing sights in every direction. It made my home seem like a barren wasteland.

I had walked about 2 kilometers away from my ship and had yet to encounter any intelligent alien lifeforms. Then I glanced to my right and, standing in an open field, I spotted it. It stood taller than I did. But it was surprisingly similar in appearance.

It spotted me also and began to speak. “Welcome to Atlantis!” the creature said. Suddenly, the ground started shaking violently…

Thanks for reading and responding. You make it fun.

Mark