Prologue
251 Words
Prologue‘The resistance level is much higher, Captain.’
‘Yes, we’re down to interplanetary mode. When travelling within crowded planetary systems, intergalactic or even inter stellar modes are much too dangerous.’
‘We must be getting close, Sir.’
‘We are, Cadet Alpha. Your English is good, congratulations.’
‘Thank you, Sir, the ban on any other language has been a good incentive.’
The Captain chuckled.
‘Look at that, Sir!’
‘That’s Saturn and her frosty rings.’
‘How many times have you been to the planet called Earth, Sir?’
‘This is the third time. The first time I was, like you, a cadet. But this is the first time we will be showing ourselves.’
‘Will it be dangerous?’
‘Tricky maybe, but not dangerous. I studied British history at university: their law forbids assault and imprisonment without due process. As long as we keep calm we’ll be all right.’
‘But why are we showing ourselves?’
‘The Chief Elder says, and I agree, that it is unlawful to take without giving. We have taken for a long time, now it is time to give.’
‘But they don’t know we’ve been taking!’
‘That is irrelevant: the law will not be mocked.’
‘Sorry, Sir!’
‘Don’t be sorry. It is good to speak your mind, for in doing so thoughts can be refined. It is one Universe and an insular tribal attitude is inappropriate. Look, do you see that bright spot in front of us?’
‘Yes, Sir.’
‘Well that’s it; that’s the Earth.’
‘It’s coming up pretty fast!’
‘Yes, it’s time for approach mode.’
The Cadet watched fascinated as the Earth grew slowly and revealed its beauty.
‘It’s amazing, Sir, a jewel without a rival! How did we find it in the first place?’
‘Many years ago our most renowned Chief Elder told us where to look.’
‘How did he know?’
‘He knew. That is all we know!’
- Writer
