pcawdron

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

 Workers clambered over her legs as though they were just another root in the tangled outer wall of the chamber, but it didn't bother her, not anymore. 


 The soft light emanating from the vast cloud of dust swirling above her shone as though it were a star, its yellow light dull and diffuse, hidden by a thick cloud of gas. 


 Lying there, looking up at the wispy shadows moving in the dust storm swirling overhead, Trixie realized that this one chamber was larger than the flight deck on the Rift Valley. She was hungry and thirsty, but at least she was warm and dry. 


 Cautiously, she peered over the side of the gnarled root she was sheltered behind. There, in the distance, halfway around the curved sides of the chamber, was a thinker. The dark creature was moving away from her. 


WAR 4:06 Thinkers