Encounters Out There

"Captain Sark to Mission Control, we are ready to engage."

Mission Control radioed: "Excellent Captain! We have the President here. She'd liked to speak to the crew before you initiate the Galactic Drive. Madam President, you're on the air."

"Proud crew of Galactic One. We, the people of Earth, celebrate this momentous occasion. You shall reach out to the stars. You'll be the first humans to go beyond our solar system.

"Our physicists say you may journey to another galaxy. Or you may fold into another universe and meet other versions of ourselves. Or instantly arrive at your chosen destination.

"We fully support your mission to seek a new haven for our civilization.

"We commend your courage. Our thoughts and hopes are with you.

"We wish for you to return to us in good health and with good news."

Captain Sark replied, "Thank you, Madam President. Our goal is to find a peaceful sanctuary for all of us from the coming invasion. Our mission is to explore the cosmos for new opportunities and establish a new Earth-like home for generations to come."

Mission Control radioed, "Very well said, Captain. Let's get ready."

Sark issued the departure orders. "Dr. Jenkins, enable the cryo chambers. Lt. Ross, you and I will take the helm. Once we initiate the engines, we'll enter cryostasis in our suits.

"We've been warned the Galactic Drive could stretch our atoms across infinity or get us there in one piece. Let's prepare for any possibility."

Jenkins replied, "Sir, crew asleep. I'm entering a chamber as well."

Ross responded, "Sir, the engines are ready to go." He also gazed at the stars and nervously added, "To take us to... "

Sark pointed at Alpha Centauri and said, "Right there!"

The engines fired up, and they both fell into a deep cryosleep.

————

Itog Laaffa sipped its nourishment and watched the viewer of hundreds of millions of specimens, waiting for one to transcend its barrier—a cosmic bubble—a space aquarium.

Itog called headquarters. "Yes, yes. I've finally detected one!

"No. It doesn't matter how miniaturized. I told you, size doesn't matter. We'll capture the vessel and copy the technology. Yes, well, reread it. It's happening exactly how I outlined it for our escape plan. At last, we'll be free from the coming invasion!"