By B.S.Roberts
My lungs burn as the landscape shrinks. I’d barely gotten to the shuttle alive.
The technology was to keep me safe, swaddled in heat upon a frigid planet. We didn’t know their body chemistry—I can’t be blamed. But the fear on their faces was almost human; their final screams more so. I don’t fault them for attacking. If our roles were reversed, humanity would have done the same.
It can’t be my fault; the expedition was founded on good intentions.
I wanted to show them they weren’t alone in an empty universe.
Now, they look to the stars with fear.
Chilling.
That was different – well done
Fantastic! Really made me shiver!
A clever reversal of the age-old predatory aliens theme. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry.
Perhaps the assumption that aliens would want to enslave or exterminate *us* is based on what we know about ourselves. A thought-provoking story
Poignant. Reinforcing (or repeating) the “faultless” concept shows a guilt that cannot be suppressed.
Vivid appeal to the senses from the first line.
The stark contrast of the last two lines is particularly effective.
“Now they look at the stars with fear.” This is a powerful ending. Humans have and will always be God’s most frightening creation.
So well done. It left me wondering who to trust and who to fear.
Really enjoyed this read!
Impressive, thought-provoking. Fantasy seems true.