It was the discovery of the century. Mankind had learned to tap into the deepest parts of the unconscious mind. Humanity’s limitations were removed.
Soon it was discovered that this ability would allow humanity to take bigger strides to the stars. Astronauts would remain in a stasis sleep while their minds worked the controls. The perfect computer system. No more would the madness of the distances of space hold us to this planet. And so we stepped out into the stars. A mission to explore an earth-like planet many millions of light years away. They contacted us through our minds.
And now, we wait for the return. Only moments ago were satellite sensors activated to alert the world for the ships return.
There is no radio contact, but high in the cobalt sky a fine white line appears, like a diamond’s scratch in glass. The ocher mountains loom on the horizon. The line becomes a streak and then a glint of light like a falling star. Gradually; ever growing, the ship becomes larger, it’s lines becoming more clear, defining the shape and features.
There in the distance is the puff of smoke from the landing gear touching earth. The parachutes open. Heated air cools and the form of the ship is indistinct in it’s wavering.
Still no radio contact.
The monstrous vessel draws to a final stop. Technicians and safety personnel approach the doors with various scanners and tools. The huge ship merely stands, like some awful mythological creature, waiting.
The hatch is removed and a tech goes inside. The first screams are muffled by the nuclear insulation. Fear undulates through those gathered outside. A man’s body falls through the hatchway. He clutches at his head, his screams cut short by the fall.
A figure appears in the opening. The space suit still covers a human shape, but the face is not human. A voice echoes from inside. From inside everyone’s mind.
“WE HAVE COME.”
