Year 2044 was a golden period for NASA, as it built the first interstellar spacecraft which could travel at 99.999 times the speed of light by using antimatter as fuel. The first mission was to explore the Sirius star system, located 8.6 light-years from Earth. Scientists calculated that due to time dilation, the trip would take just 14 days.
“Our goal is to find a habitable planet in our galaxy,” said Captain Arnold Freeman as he addressed his two crew members before departure. “We’re heading to Sirius. Ancient myths describe it as home to gods. Let’s find out the truth.”
The countdown reached zero. The interstellar spacecraft detached from the International Space Station, and within moments, it disappeared into the void — faster than the eye could follow.
The spacecraft emerged near Sirius. Two stars, not unlike Earth’s sun, lit the sky — but their glow was dim and distant. Orbiting one of them was a large blue planet, far bigger than Earth.
In a rover, Captain Freeman entered the planet’s atmosphere and landed softly on the surface near a river.
Oxygen: 27.85%, Nitrogen: 63% — “Breathable,” indicated the system. So, Captain Freeman took off his space suit and decided to explore. A massive dense forest stretched endlessly. Some trees towered over 100 feet tall with thick, round trunks. Frogs were the size of pumpkins. Lions were massive as Earth’s largest elephants.
Arnold grabbed his gun and walked carefully, trying not to draw attention. Suddenly, he froze as a giant shadow fell over him. A tall human figure — easily ten feet high — stood ahead. The man spoke in a strange language.
Arnold asked, “What is this place?”
The man looked surprised. Perhaps he had never seen such a small man before. He pressed a small device and spoke again. A clear voice translated: “Indiana.”
Before Arnold could reply, the man unfolded metallic wings from his back — and flew into the sky.
More winged people appeared, soaring above and disappearing into hidden doorways built into the hillside. Curiosity burning inside him, Arnold followed one into a narrow tunnel.
Inside the hill, a breathtaking city opened up before him. There were streets and homes, gardens and towers — all advanced and futuristic, yet oddly familiar.
Then, something made Arnold stop cold.
A man walked past… with the same face as Arnold’s father. Beside him was a young boy — a boy with Arnold’s childhood face.
Arnold’s heart raced. “What is going on?” he whispered. He ran up to a nearby stranger. “What is this planet?” he asked.
The man looked startled. After using his translator, he replied, “This is Earth! But where are you from?”
Before Arnold could answer, mechanical drones dropped from the sky. Soldiers in silver armor surrounded him, their weapons aimed.
Arnold raised his hands slowly, his mind spinning.
Had he traveled through space… or into a forgotten version of time?
Was Sirius truly the home of gods — or the key to everything we’ve forgotten?
Continued

