Galactic Exploration is a compilation of four closely related stories following the exploration of the Milky Way by the starships Serengeti, Savannah, and the Rift Valley. These three generational space ships are manned by clones and form part of the ongoing search for intelligent extraterrestrial life. With the Serengeti heading out above the plane of the Milky Way, the Savannah exploring the outer reaches of the galaxy, and the Rift Valley investigating possible alien signals within the galactic core, this story examines the Rare Earth Hypothesis from a number of different angles.

Galactic Exploration

 A dry wind blew in off the savannah. The long grass drifted back and forth on the breeze, swaying with the hot gusts. Red dust kicked up from the marketplace, carried along by the wind, swirling through the stalls. As quickly as it had come, the wind dropped away. 


 Diana picked her way through the village with its mud huts and dry-grass roofs, chatting with the men and women selling their produce. She smiled, making small talk with the villagers, many of whom she knew by name. Jambo, Di, they would call out, seeing her soft features hidden away beneath a broad brim khaki hat, her face, shoulders and fair arms all liberally plastered with sunscreen. 


SAVANNAH: 3:01 Diana