Away to the Unknown

Part 1: Civilization

I watch as our parent star sets over the vast horizon. Colors of red and gold streak across the atmosphere like an oil painting. Clouds collectively gather, forming a distinct line separating the colors of the sunset and the ordinary sky. Sunsets don't last long here, but they sure are the most beautiful.

It becomes dark quick. With little light pollution this time of year, the night sky looks its prime. Bands of purple and red stretch across the misty canvas of the night sky. Stars sparkle like glitter, revealing thousands of unique stories. 

Each star having its own solar system of planets. Each planet and star having its own story. Sometimes I lay here at night, giving each star its own background of where it came from, and where it is today.

I think to myself about the wonders that are out there. The lives being lived. The adventures. At times I even imagine someone, just like me, staring back. Creating their own stories of my parent star, my planet. Imagining of the lives being lived here, on this small, insignificant rock we call home. Even just for a second, I believe it to be true.

Far off in the distance I see something falling. A blaring yellow light drifting across the cold night sky like fire. A golden tail of flames drag along behind it as it falls to the ground. The entire world around me comes to an immediate stop. I feel my heart accelerate as excitement finds a home in my body. My eyes widen, while a smile the size of the universe creeps across my face. 

It's beautiful.

...

Hours past and I finally get to work. I set up a camera drone to film me on command. My set up is ancient compared to todays technology. It may be out of date, but it sure does get the job done. I stand in front of my favorite wilder tree. Wrapped around the tree are thick, black cables leading up to a satellite which sits at the very top. Years of hard work and I am finally ready.

 From the flick of a switch, and a push of a button, the machines light up and filming begins.

 A reflection of my being paces across the lens, staring right back at me. My person glows a pale red, with shadows making the sharp edges on my face stand out. A series of horns extend out from both sides of my jaw, complimenting the jagged texture of my shell. It is at this moment where I truely take in the beauty of my species.

"Greetings to whomever - or whatever -  receives this message. My name is Dhohot." I stop and think. I should have prepared myself on what to say before I began this. "My civilization is old, very old. We have no name. I've heard stories of a time where we observed others from different worlds. Stories of people made of gas and liquid, people of carbon and silicon - you are not alone in the universe.

Zocarro is my home, my birth place. My people came to this planet in refuge hundreds of years ago. We have lost our way. This is where we were destined to come. Where we were meant to rot. There was once a civilization greater than any other in the cosmos. They stood tall, sworn never to interfere. Observing and learning the ways of other kinds, in hope to find better ways to live.

That civilization was once us. Everything must come to an end, and will - especially in this universe. Wars sprung, and worlds failed. We fled. We are the last.

I speak this language in hope others understand. English, an ancient language spoken by beings of another world. Creatures of flesh and blood. We need help. We need to be saved. Save us."

I end the message in a saying said by my people. Something so sacred, so beautiful, that there is no known translation in any languages. After the recording ends, I spend some time standing in silence. I take time to absorb the reality that I live in, trying to find the little bit of hope left hiding in my soul. I broadcast and send this message in all directions. Even after all this time, the years spent preparing, I still could not find the right words to describe the pain being experienced.

What keeps me going is the sights to see. The magic happening right above our heads. Stars exploding and being born. Planets thriving, civilizations expanding. It is the thrill of stories that shine brighter than any light. This is my happy place. My safe haven. A place that I am happy to call home. But for how long?