[May 17th, 1975] HD 40387 d

[gila_flats]

I have longed to share Vega with someone. The pure, breathless beauty of it, the bright star constant through the ever-shifting dusky halo- I have observed it many times from this planet that humanity has only dared hypothesise the existence of. In 1984, the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope enhanced by my work with heterodyne detection spectral-line

Comments

[king_iskander]

The world around me is not the world as I know it. I've traveled across deserts, mountainous terrain, seen stars from a distance in the darkest of nights in the middle of nowhere, full of hashish and heat.

Never like this.

It's a sunset, but never like the sunsets I've seen; an utter lack of color, creating a spectral scope of brightness that forms a beauty all its own.

Next to the paths of history, the terrain of space is the greatest work of art I'd ever come to know.

"Jon..."

I laugh, out of excitement, disbelief. Perhaps, terror.

And for the first time in ages of carefully formulated business deals and plasticine facades... I don't know what to say.

[gila_flats]

"Are you comfortable?" I ask, observing him carefully for any signs of physical distress. "Perhaps a little cold?"

The expression that crosses my face is almost certainly a smile. Under the pale slowly fading haze of Vega, we are completely alone, bathed in silent serenity, and yet I find this place inspires more of a sense of belonging than the bar in Arizona, or my lodgings with Laurie.

I am glad to have provoked such an honest, confused reaction from Adrian. While I often learn more about a person from what they chose to lie over, I find the truth to be more aesthetically pleasing, for lack of a better word. Simple, unaltered. Like HD 40387 d.

HD 40387 d seems an unsuitable title for somewhere this perfect. Perhaps I will ask Adrian to name it for me.

[king_iskander]

"I'm fine." I say, breathless and not really noticing that I am rather cold, body temperature dropping as the light fades.

Jon looks... happy.

A pang of regret sings deep in my chest, knowing the future, and I ignore it.

"Where are we?"

[gila_flats]

"How well do you know your constellations, Adrian?" I ask, surprised by the odd warmth in my tone. "The sun before us is Vega. Your Egyptians called it waqi, the vulture. I prefer the Assyrian classification- Dayan-same, the Judge of Heaven, or the Babylonian Dilgan, the Messenger of Light. It was the star which most closely aligned with the north pole of the Earth 12,000 years ago, and will return to that position 14,000 years from now."

He is shivering. Of course.
I wrap him in a pocket of heated atmosphere, taking great care to preserve transparency. I want Adrian to have the clearest of views, perceive this place as perfectly as is possible with his human senses.

"This planet, a small rocky world second in line from the star, will be designated 'HD 40387 d' when it is discovered."

[gila_flats]

"It's not easy, being the world's smartest man," I agree with a slight smile, knowing he will understand my unspoken struggle. I am called God. Some call me the antichrist, others still a demon, a djinn, an angel. In Vietnam the surrendered prostrate themselves before me, terrified of my judgement. My handlers have tried unsuccessfully to hide the existence of a cult devoted to me.
Humanity is so complex and demanding. I have grown tired of all the requirements of life on Earth, and yet there are ties of my own making that hold me there.

"I know you to be a man who loves peace, Adrian. That is why I will agree when you ask me to help you attempt to eliminate the need for war."

[king_iskander]

"You will?"

I look at him, directly, and I'm surprised to see him smile. I forget for a moment the light he radiates with isn't warm. I know him, his pains, his pretending.

We understand each other.

"We can make a difference in the world, Jon."

And somehow I can swallow myself enough to lie through my teeth.

"I know it."

[gila_flats]

"We do make a difference- primarily in the field of renewable, affordable energy research. I have observed the surface of the sun and perfected cold fusion, but replicating my method with human technology will prove an interesting challenge."

I do not mention the probable destruction of Earth. It may be that our efforts are in vain, but I shall enjoy the work regardless. I find myself wanting, perhaps even hoping that Adrian and Laurie survive.

"We are shaking hands on the cover of Time magazine, under the title 'Supermen Unite for Peace', Adrian. It seems the pressue will be on both of us."

[king_iskander]

I laugh, surprisingly, almost nonchalantly, at the mention of the magazine cover. I'm quite used to attention in media and pop culture already, but the idea remains amusing to imagine.

"I'm sure whatever challenges we face will prove interesting, Jon." I smile, though I wonder if I'm only imagining that he seems troubled. "Perhaps even fun."

[mihupast]

Thanks for your share! very impressive!

[margeauxvisu]

I hope you will keep updating your content constantly as you have one dedicated reader here.