The Rise & Rise of Homo
Luminous
Prologue
The first deep range space mission of Homo Luminous came not long after the successful testing of the MSWD engines. Although these were primitive by United Federation of Planets (UFP) standards, they were, nevertheless, an outstanding achievement for such a young race barely 70 000 years old.
The scout ship Discovery, captained by Lenous Sirus, soon arrived at Alpha Centauri. Like their ancient cousins Homo Sapiens, Homo Luminous followed in their foot steps. And like their ancient cousins, the discoveries, albeit nothing in comparison to the federation that surrounded them, amazed all. However, Alpha Centauri had a major surprise install. Even though the natural phenomena was impressive enough, it was the discovery of an abandoned ancient space colony that really got Homo Luminous excited.
The UPX surveillance team, following the Discovery, could not believe the colossal mistake. Although Earth’s solar system had been cleared of any UFP presence, everyone had forgotten about Homo Sapiens first extra-system colony. Alpha 4, in the Alpha Centauri system, had been abandoned almost 600 000 years ago. It was long forgotten. But now Homo Luminous had discovered it & they were bound to deduce from, even the limited & ancient data there, where the nearest UFP planet was located.
Before anyone at UPX headquarters, let alone in the UFP government, could make a decision on First Contact, the little scout ship jumped for Eden. The Homo Luminous explorers were about to discover one of the largest planets in terms of economic & social activity in the entire Federation. Although several UPX & UDF ships awaited their arrival with anticipation, much concern was abound as to how these new Humans would react to their First Contact with aliens.
Discovery suddenly jumped into Eden space. Immediately her primitive scanners jumped to life. Even so, it did not take much effort to look out the windows to see the miraculous.
"Well that’s not something that you see every day", captain Sirus spatted out in wonder.
"I hope they’re friendly," replied her first officer Mal Rensis.
"Do we say hello or wait for them to?" asked communications office Genis Omal
"With ships that huge, I think we should most definitely say hello & be real friendly while saying it", Sirus answered while in part giving an order.
As Omal sent the signal, he wondered if the aliens could understand Luminese. An alien language was identified at Alpha Centauri, but translation was sketchy at best. Mistranslation was totally possible & the last thing Sirus wanted to do was to send an insulting, instead of a friendly, greeting. Sirus hoped that any advanced civilisation would have the technology to translate Luminese into their tongue & then reverse the procedure when they replied.
Sirus was in luck. Omal, however, was surprised he got a message in Luminese. "Captain, I don’t know why, but I’ve got a reply in Luminese that even has an eastern accent to it". Sirus wondered about Omal sometimes. He was clearly intelligent, but sometimes said the most stupid things.
"Omal, what was the message?" inquired Sirus.
"I’ll play it for you Captain."
"Oh good, for a moment I thought I would have to use telepathy." Sirus’ slight comment was lost in the moment as Omal fiddled with his controls.
Suddenly the aliens reply could be heard throughout the ship. "Welcome to the United Federation of Planets. We offer our friendship in peace. Congratulations on your first step into the great galactic community."
Sirus could not believe it. Omal was right: the
ascent was eastern!
Alternative
History Homepage Chapter 1 In The Beginning
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