It's a theme I know that plays out for real in the insect kingdom especially. Propagation is followed by death, where the next generation is given a chance to live but only through sacrifice. I wish I had played more with it, but just didn't have time. Thank you for reading, Hayley!
It was! I've used dreams a few times now in my stories. They are a fun tool because they allow for some abstract creativity. Thanks for reading, Richard!
Brian, yet another amazing story from you! I loved the various communication “levels” were shown between all the characters (even the “no comms” with the last transport! Ha! Fitting.)
I just finished proofreading a book about the British exploration of Africa (not mine, I freelance). The locals had a strong habit of fooling the interlopers. Nice work, Brian! Thanks for writing.
A salutary tale, Brian, with the father / daughter relationship very well told. The science was also effectively applied and helped bring the story to life.
It's somewhat depressing, but people need to accept that most colonists don't survive. Jamestown had an 80% mortality rate in just two years.
And I liked the planetary nomenclature - only 420 more terraformed tales before we're terminated? 😜
Thanks Johnathan! The Jamestown reference is spot on and I don't think we realize often enough how harsh space (and colonization in general) can be for humans. If we really want to go to Mars and beyond, reusable rockets will be the smallest of our worries.
I do usually keep things a bit more hopeful, but this ending sort of wrote itself. Who am I to argue with the muse.
Indeed, never argue with the muse! I can't even bear to watch when someone argues with mine - takes ages to clean up the mess. 😛
We'll be too afraid of death - either viscerally or bureaucratically - to explore the nearest planets, let alone the stars. Instead, we'll send bots, automatons and synths to do the dangerous work, vicariously looking through their eyes with goggles permanently attached to our dull, pallid faces.
What a dark and dreamy vision. I would beware of the merchant race too I were an alien. Were the Sanglith communicating with Ben as well through his dreams?
Thank you for reading, Devon! They were communicating with Ben, but I think his close relationship with the science and project kept him from realizing it's where those signals originated. Lisa's innocence allowed her to be open to the possibility.
I find the idea of the Sanglith ending their existence rather than being exploited so poignant.
It's a theme I know that plays out for real in the insect kingdom especially. Propagation is followed by death, where the next generation is given a chance to live but only through sacrifice. I wish I had played more with it, but just didn't have time. Thank you for reading, Hayley!
Plants can communicate, if you can listen.
What's wild to me is plants respond to music and our voices. How crazy is that! Thanks for reading, Virginia. 🌿
Yes, and they respond to intention, too. Curse them and they die, bless them and they prosper. Sounds crazy, indeed, but it's true.
The dream was a warning, a premonition.
It was! I've used dreams a few times now in my stories. They are a fun tool because they allow for some abstract creativity. Thanks for reading, Richard!
Brian, yet another amazing story from you! I loved the various communication “levels” were shown between all the characters (even the “no comms” with the last transport! Ha! Fitting.)
Thank you, CB! This group had a lot of amazing stories and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
What a ride, I loved reading this story, and that ending, the plants dying to save another life. Such a sweet dedication to your daughter too.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Kate! This was fun to contribute to the Earth Day project 🌍
This is a fantastic story , Brian! It would make for such a good short film. You're very good at story and plot.
Thank you, Claudia! I've almost finished your story as well. There is so much good writing in this project.
I’m going through the list and I’m amazed.
I just finished proofreading a book about the British exploration of Africa (not mine, I freelance). The locals had a strong habit of fooling the interlopers. Nice work, Brian! Thanks for writing.
Thank you, Joseph! Unfamiliar cultural and reproductive traditions can be deadly, even when involving plants. 😂
A salutary tale, Brian, with the father / daughter relationship very well told. The science was also effectively applied and helped bring the story to life.
It's somewhat depressing, but people need to accept that most colonists don't survive. Jamestown had an 80% mortality rate in just two years.
And I liked the planetary nomenclature - only 420 more terraformed tales before we're terminated? 😜
Thanks Johnathan! The Jamestown reference is spot on and I don't think we realize often enough how harsh space (and colonization in general) can be for humans. If we really want to go to Mars and beyond, reusable rockets will be the smallest of our worries.
I do usually keep things a bit more hopeful, but this ending sort of wrote itself. Who am I to argue with the muse.
Indeed, never argue with the muse! I can't even bear to watch when someone argues with mine - takes ages to clean up the mess. 😛
We'll be too afraid of death - either viscerally or bureaucratically - to explore the nearest planets, let alone the stars. Instead, we'll send bots, automatons and synths to do the dangerous work, vicariously looking through their eyes with goggles permanently attached to our dull, pallid faces.
This was so good!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had to put my botanist hat on and do some research. 😁
What a creative approach to the prompt. Love the setting on another planet and the Sanglith self sabotaging. Great story.
Also glad to see some poetic justice. I think, we could use some of that in our world.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Nick! I always question my revenge/justice plots, but sometimes they just work. 😁
What a dark and dreamy vision. I would beware of the merchant race too I were an alien. Were the Sanglith communicating with Ben as well through his dreams?
Thank you for reading, Devon! They were communicating with Ben, but I think his close relationship with the science and project kept him from realizing it's where those signals originated. Lisa's innocence allowed her to be open to the possibility.
I love that. Kids certainly catch different frequencies than adults.
❤️ this is really a wonderfully written story. I love it. Thank you for writing it!
Thanks for reading and commenting! I'm pretty sure this is my first cli-fi story... I might have to go through my archives and see. 😁
A girl wise beyond her years- the type I dig....
Exactly! She had a little help from her plant friends and ultimately made good decisions.