Galactic Taboo

PROLOGUE - THE INVASION

In a night shrouded in darkness, where humanity lay ensnared by the artificial glow of its own false idols and futile aspirations, the heavens split open. Not to bestow redemption, nor to herald the arrival of a divine messenger. Instead, the alignment of the stars signified a reckoning.

On the balcony stood Alexandre, his gaze transfixed on the celestial tapestry above. A cigarette dangled from his lips, its smoke melding with the cool night air.

"Smoking really isn't good for you," murmured Maria, lingering near the open French doors behind him.

With a soft, almost wistful chuckle, Alexandre replied, "In these times, cigarettes are hardly my greatest concern."

Abruptly, a brilliance flared in the sky, swelling to overpower the luminance of the stars. Shadows, enigmatic and fleeting, streaked across the cosmos, vanishing as swiftly as they had emerged.

"What was that?" Maria asked, her complexion paling.

Crushing his cigarette underfoot, Alexandre mused, "I'm not sure, but I sense that everything is about to change."

The serenity of the moment dissolved as distant sirens pierced the stillness of the night.

"We should watch the news," Alexandre suggested, guiding Maria back indoors.

As they turned on the television, the solemn visage of the president appeared:

"Fellow citizens," he intoned gravely. "This evening, I address you at a juncture of unprecedented significance. A moment that, I fear, will leave an indelible schism in our national narrative and echo throughout the vast saga of humanity. Together, we stand on the precipice of a new epoch, facing cosmic uncertainties whose ramifications extend far beyond the confines of our Earth, this cradle of civilization.

You have undoubtedly felt it — a tremor unsettling our daily lives, a hush falling over our streets, anxious glances exchanged in the shadows of each alley. The winds of change are upon us, bringing with them omens our minds struggle to grasp. My fellow citizens, it is no coincidence that we are united tonight, bound by our shared anxieties and, I hope, a bold curiosity about what lies ahead.

As a nation, as humankind, we have ventured into the unknown, dared the impossible. We have charted unexplored territories, discovered new worlds, ventured to the edges of our solar system, and dreamt of reaching the stars. And it is in pursuit of this celestial dream that we now face our greatest challenge, and perhaps, our destiny.

Recent, unparalleled events compel us to reconsider our role in the grand theater of existence. Words are insufficient to describe the phenomenon we now confront, but rest assured, we, as a government and as a people, are taking every necessary step to safeguard our way of life, our freedom, our sovereignty.

The threat we face is of extraterrestrial origin — beings whose intentions and capabilities remain largely unknown to us. The era of philosophical musings on life beyond our planet has ended; we have entered a time where these speculations become a palpable reality, a challenge we must confront together.

We are engaged in a war against the unknown, a foe that defies our physical laws, diplomatic principles, and understanding of sovereignty. We are at war against a force that questions not just our security, but our very identity as human beings. Though we are at war, we do not stand alone. In this conflict, we will discover our true purpose as humans, our essence as a species. We are at war, but we shall not succumb to fear, division, or despair."

Maria turned towards Alexandre, her eyes reflecting a mix of worry and a childlike wonder:

"Can a mere declaration really change anything?"

Gazing back at her, then out the window at the night sky, Alexandre pondered:

"Change has already arrived, Maria. The question is how we choose to respond."