The hyperdrive was purring as the Rasamama S36 jumped to another system of the Euclidian galaxy. The space that lay before me was vast, and I soon accepted the unfathomable magnitude of the universe; accepted to never see beyond the bricks and puzzle stones of a greater totality—if such a thing even existed. Confronted with the infinite Other of space—which, as if procedurally created, expanded in every direction I was heading—I chose to explore some of the planets in the near vicinity. For a few days, at least, I eluded the question what was out there and focused on the exploration of my home galaxy.

The first two planets showed a toxic environment. As the scan displayed nothing of particular importance, I left them rather quickly and continued to Isseelgov Prime, which from the far looked promising. But the way there turned out to be more dangerous than excepted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rasamama S36 was ripped out of the pulse drive by a flock of hostile ships. They powered their weapons and engaged in battle. My shield held off most of their attacks, but it was weakening rather quickly. Only barely was I able to escape them and, in shock, continued the flight to Isseelgov Prime. Once I get back to the space station, I decided, I will prioritise on upgrading my space vessel. For in the future, I want to be prepared for such encounters. It was too close of a call.

Isseelgov Prime seemed to keep its promises. Lush landscapes and a variety of different species marked the planet’s surface. I found many pleasures in wandering its landscapes and befriended some of the animals by feeding them. Struck by a sense of wonder, I continued my explorations with a thrill of anticipation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What struck me is that there was no sign of the guardians. None at all. Probably because I was not interested in harvesting materials. The guardians are a mystery to me. They were strolling the galaxy—maybe they had been for ages. It seems they were protecting its balance, protecting nature from being harvested by any species who would place itself before the greater good.

All of a sudden, my scan indicated an alien artifact, which might please my thirst for knowledge. So I lost no time and headed straight towards it.