The glow of the stars outside contrasted with the dim illumination inside the spaceship. Rybs tried to regain his composure, his breath heavy and uneven. The anxious weight of the crime he’d just committed pressed heavily upon him. All he longed for was liberation – an escape from the relentless clutches of this behemoth spaceship. But he knew that simply jumping out was not an option; the ship traveled faster than the speed of light, bridging the gap between galaxies within moments.
Gongol and his crew, the ethereal beings from another dimension, had magically transported this ship to Earth. It was a testament to the wonders of a universe humans could barely fathom. Yet, its very existence was a stark reminder of Earth’s vulnerability. The ship was not welcomed by the Earthlings, but rather seen as a symbol of intimidation. The locals, not used to such extraterrestrial magnificence, bore deep resentment and fear.
Standing in the spaceship’s cockpit, Rybs was surrounded by a labyrinth of controls and holographic displays that would baffle even the most learned human scholar. He knew that in order to escape the fate that awaited him at Gongol’s hands, he needed to regain control of the ship. Panic set in, and his trembling hand reached out, pressing the first button he laid his eyes on.
As the ship jolted into a faster-than-light trajectory, Rybs realized his mistake. The stars outside blended into a luminous stream, and the spaceship was set on a collision course, accelerating away from the solar system. He felt a sickening drop in his stomach, a regret mingling with fear. Desperate, he pressed another button, hoping to rectify the course.
The instantaneous deceleration that followed was brutal. The ship came to a dead stop, flinging Rybs violently. The sole human aboard, he felt the contents of his stomach force their way out, a miserable reaction to the unnatural maneuvers of the ship.
After what felt like an eternity, Rybs managed to cling onto a handle, steadying himself. As he stabilized, he noticed a gentle pull, like a cosmic force realigning the ship. It started moving again, but this time with deliberate purpose, tracing its way back to Earth.
The speed was still incomprehensible. The journey back to the Earth’s atmosphere took mere seconds. Yet, to Rybs, it felt like a lifetime had passed in that cockpit. His vision blurred, darkness edging in, as the ship began its descent. An automated system had taken over, guiding the ship safely down.
When he was finally able to focus again, Rybs saw the “Embarkation Ready” light flashing. The landing was smooth, settling the ship amidst the barren landscapes of Arizona. Outside, the earthly winds picked up dust, creating a whirl around the ship. The contrast of the ship’s alien gleam against the rugged desert was a sight to behold.
Rybs, exhausted and overwhelmed, took a moment to catch his breath. He had escaped Gongol’s grasp and the vastness of space. Yet, the magnitude of his actions and the unknown that lay ahead weighed heavily on him. He had brought back a ship of immeasurable power to Earth. The implications of that were daunting. But for now, relief washed over him. In the stillness of the desert, under the canopy of stars, Rybs felt a momentary peace. The universe, vast and mysterious, held secrets and challenges he was yet to encounter.
*This narrative is an extension of my forthcoming second novel, “Alienation,” which is slated for imminent publication.
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