Working Title- Invasion

Matthew Antonelli

 

 

A planet can only survive on it’s own resources for so long.

The thousands of years humans have exerted strain on our planet has brought us to this dark day.  The exponential growth of global warming, hurricanes destroying entire coastlines, and the obvious fact that our natural resources are dwindling, are matters everyone faces on a day-to-day basis.  I am here to propose an answer.   As we look to the future, not only for ourselves, but also for the lives of our children, we only have one option left.  We as inhabitants of this great planet must turn to our technology to guide us through the stars to a beacon of hope. 

 

Through great leaps in space exploration technology, we have found evidence of a sister planet a mere 20.5 light years a way.  In the past this voyage would not have been possible, however we now have perfected spacecrafts capable of light speed propulsion.  Through the use of these vehicles we will transport highly trained scientists to this new planet.  Said planet will hereon be referred to as GL-581 c, C for short.  The distance is significant and will not only take extensive training and expertise, but courage and pride.

As we have been preparing for this voyage for quite some time, we are aware of C’s significantly less gravity, in addition to a much slower orbit.  These factors have all been taken into consideration as we prepare to embark on the most significant space exploration in the history of the world.  We all look to you for support and trust in this most demanding time.  I cannot promise results from this daring mission, I can only promise strength, devotion, and will power.

GL-581 c has been studied for years; we know there is similar temperatures and possible water.  For these reasons we are to believe this host planet will be able to offer us natural resources, familiar and hopefully groundbreaking.  As this mission could possible be fruitless we do not consider this a solution, only an attempt for a better life.  We hope to gain enough resources to be able to supply major countries with power for many decades to come.  As this poses only a potential, temporary fix we encourage everyone to continue their work in fighting global warming and the production of synthetic fossil fuels. 

 

This monumental discovery and experimental research will mark history as the first inter-galactic voyage.  We hope for the best, yet I wish to reiterate the importance of all the work being done around the world.  This work is equally if not more important than this manned mission.  In the next few months our astronauts will prepare for this life-changing event and begin this exciting voyage.  I welcome and appreciate the world’s support; let us all hope everything goes to plan.  Thank you.

 

 

“Did the see the speech tonight?” I asked, with a some what annoyed tone.

“Is there anything besides a potential, temporary fix?  I feel like the government just keeps pushing us towards total destruction.  First, the destruction of New York, then London, and now Miami, all in one year.  Now crazy trips to alien planets?” 

By her silence, I could tell my girlfriend was getting annoyed. I could hear a faint laugh track in the background.  So to avoid an argument I asked, in a genuine way, “What’s on TV this late babe?”

I heard some rustling on the other end and she told me it was late and she was going to bed, she said we would talk in the morning. 

 

I needed a cigarette and to feel cool air on my face, I had to get out.  The road in front of my complex looked wet, but I didn’t hear it rain. 

“Random 5 minute rain storms”, I thought to myself, “I hope there’s not another hurricane.”

Fear had overtaken everyone’s disposition.  This is the one thing everyone could agree on, fear.  Well, fear and minimal use of electricity.  Loosing control over my surroundings had become a bleak reality.  Everything was government monitored.  There was nothing left to use, there wasn’t any open land, everything was a vast wasteland.  In my heart I hoped this inter-galactic mission would prove to be worth the effort, but my mind kept telling me not to get my hopes up.

As I ashed my cigarette I couldn’t help but stare up at the stars, basking in my own inferiority.  Are there really answers out there?  I guessed no one was listening so, I decided to turn in for the night.  As I kicked off my boots and crumbled into bed I realized the end may be near, and the hope for this entire planet would rest on this approaching mission.