A Galactic Adventure
Preparations were well on the way for the mission to explore the distant galaxy now known as the Milky Way. It was thought that life forms may exist in other reaches of the cosmos and logically as well as statistically there was a distinct possibility that life might be found on other planets in other galaxies apart from Andromeda.
The exhaustive tests had proved successful and the space-craft was sitting on the launch-pad awaiting final preparations and the signal to be given for take-off. It was built to the latest design and its technology was state-of-the art. Its outer skin shimmered in the light of the star which illuminated the only planet in this solar system which provided the perfect condition for life to flourish. The inhabitants were highly advanced and industrious, and society was well-ordered and harmonious. There was no conflict between good and evil, right and wrong, rich and poor. Everyone was equal and well-contented and peace and harmony reigned.
The time arrived for departure and the two individuals clad in space-suits and helmets climbed the ladder and entered the space-craft. The man sat down at the controls, performed the necessary arrangements for take-off, switched on the anti-gravitational system and the craft slowly rose up into the sky. It soon left behind the atmosphere which enveloped the planet like a life-giving blanket and soundlessly entered the immensity of space.
The woman busied herself with the routine operations of the flight, plotting the route and the position of black holes which must be avoided unless they should be sucked into a whirling abyss and transformed into anti-matter in the blink of an eye. The cosmonauts entertained themselves by playing computer games and relaying their observations to mission control. After what seems to be an eternity the craft entered the outer fringes of the solar system which was their destination, heading towards the centre where lay a particular planet which appeared to manifest the potential for life .
The cosmonauts took great care in negotiating a passage through the asteroid belt and very soon approached the beautiful blue-green planet which was their goal. Slowly they descended to the earth and gently landed in a spacious clearing. Cautiously they ventured outside, climbed down to the ground and tested the chemical content of the air.
The man smiled and turned to his companion. “We have no need of these suits and our breathing apparatus,” he exclaimed. “We can breathe the air!” The quickly discarded their suits and returned them to the cabin, then gazed at the pristine landscape with its trees laden with fruit, its lush vegetation and verdant pastures. Brightly coloured birds and butterflies flew around them and small animals scurried beneath their feet.
“What a wonderful world!” the woman said and the man nodded in agreement. They walked naked, hand in hand, away from the craft and towards the sound of rushing water. It was a waterfall tumbling down into a sizable pool with crystal-clear water reflecting the blue sky above. The woman cupped her hands and scooped up some water to drink. “Try it, she said, “it tastes good!” The man did the same and then plunged into the water, the woman following with little squeals of delight. Later they lay down in the sun to dry on the soft lush grass of the meadow. “I could stay here forever!” the woman cried.
It was time for the two of them to leave. Somewhat reluctantly they climbed into their spacecraft and donned their suits to set out on their long journey home. The man sat at the controls but soon discovered to his consternation that the anti-gravitational system could not be activated. The message on the screen read: Fatal Error – system closing down. Adam turned to Eva and said, “We cannot perform the take off. We are here forever!” Eva put her arms around him. “Don't worry Adam” she said, “It's a strange and lovely planet and at least we have each other”. She skipped down the ladder, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Alan S. Jones
updated by @alan-stafford-jones: 02/13/16 12:48:49AM
