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

 Sixty-seven crewmen and women walked back through the darkened tunnels. 


 Alien soldiers stood guard at each of the side-tunnels, which Trixie found rather amusing. Ostensibly, they were there to make sure no one got lost, but the phosphorescent trail of workers lining the main artery made it clear which way the crew should go, and from what she could see, no one had any desire to go anywhere else. 


 The sheer number of workers escorting them lit up the vast tunnel with far more clarity than she'd seen before, giving Trixie her best look yet at the tangle of roots and branches so tightly woven together making up the organic structure of the craft. 


WAR: 4:07 Masters