LANDING, THE

The first moments on a new planet change everything for an explorer.

      I gazed out the big glass like window before me onto an astoundingly beautiful landscape. Endless miles of long swaying blue grass rippling in the breeze. Surrounding this vast prairie like land was endless miles upon miles of trees with various shades of blue leaves. This view was unimaginably gorgeous. I sat in my seat and gazed in wonder and awe at this wild blue wilderness. Beyond were the jagged sharp points of a vast mountain range. The peaks of which were caped in a pale blue snow. At least I figured it was snow. I couldn't think of what else it could be.

     In the opposite direction of these jagged mountain peaks was a vast mass of water. Blue in color and the surface was in constant motion, like the seas I knew. Waves rose and fell, cresting with aquamarine like foam. On this vast body of water's horizon rose a blue planet. It was all so vastly extraordinary.

    I was breathless in my excitement. This place was truly spectacular. I saw in my mind's eye vast glittering cities, spires upon spires rising skyward. I saw in my mind's eye buildings so tall the tops were lost in blue clouds. All the glass, steel and concrete glittering in the sun's soothing shine. Ah, yes. I was so bursting with excitement at this grand vision I had.

     I couldn't wait to go exploring. I wanted to be out there, seeing all that this place had to offer. I could see all sorts of flowers now, many different varieties, all various shades of blue. Oh, the wonder of all this! Would the animal life here be blue too? I chuckled. Blue animals? Yes, that might be a little too much blue for one place to hold! But if that were the case, I didn't care. This place was so much bigger than color.

     I gazed at the bluish mountain peaks then turned my head to gaze in awe at the vast body of water with the blue planet hung there on its horizon. Yes, I was eager to be free and out there. I could hardly wait, my patience was thin.

     But I would be out there soon, very soon. Ah, the city soon to be built will be astounding! Just as new as this place and as grand! I would have bounced child like in my seat if I could. It wouldn't be long now until I was out there taking in this new and promising place.

     Patience. Patience. I told myself as I came to a gentle landing. I had picked a location in the vast prairie to make my landing. There was an easy thud then stillness. I unfastened my restraints and got up out of my seat. I had to see this new place with my own eyes, unhindered by any window or viewfinder. I crossed the small space to the hatch and quickly punched in the release code. The hatch door slid up and the exit ramp slowly started it's slide out and then down. I stepped out and stood there, silently surveying this most wonderful new place.

     The breeze was warm and on the air rode a strange unusual fragrance. It was pleasant but strange and unknown. I heard something like wind chimes. This place was unique and so beyond beautiful. I heard a loud cry like the call of a bird. Ah, there is life here.

     As I stood there a thought entered my mind. Suddenly I didn't want this place dug up and cities built. I didn't want to see this wondrous place destroyed. I wanted it to stay the way it was. No, my grand vision was suddenly changed. Instead of helping to establish an Earth Colony here I would join the fight to save this planet from humankind's destructive touch. Yes, this new place would be worth the struggle to keep it pure.

     I headed down the steps to meet this new world and started on a brand new journey. One to save this wild place, not to make it over in Earth's image. The image of mankind.

Reviews

[Star Wolf]

An extraordinary tale. I can believe something like this might happen way in the future. Awesome!

[Wolf's Dark Song]

An amazing story. Glad they changed their mind and decided saving this new place is more important than destroying it.

[Black Cat Fever]

Nice SiFi story. I always figure when mankind moves into outer space more worlds will end up destroyed for greed, profit and what ever else.

[Eric Cox]

Cool! I love the theme and your pen upon this story. A beautiful planet should be kept beautiful. An excellent write.