In Time, In Time

Original Content | 1/13/2024 | By Laz A. Mataz

[Lazamataz]

"So, you explored the galaxy I assigned you?"

"Yes, sir. I've cataloged more than sixteen thousand sentient races, in various stages of technical development. Twelve of them approach our level of technology."

"Have you approached those twelve?"

"I have. Six of them are artificially-intelligent races of machines, five are organically-based, and one race consists of coherent magnetic fields that can only exists in stars."

"That last one interests me. Please submit a report on that one, for my later review."

"I will do so, sir."

"How many failed races did you discover?"

"There was archeological evidence of more than forty-two thousand emergint species that died out. The usual causes were discovered: Natural disasters, stellar extinction, uncontrolled artificial intelligence, stuff like that. One sentient race was born during our exploration, their society evolved to great heights -- nowhere near ours, of course, but impressive in its speed -- but died out very quickly, in less than a percent of the time we dedicated to our exploration."

"Less than one percent! What was their problem?"

"They had extraordinarily short lifespans. A few natural disasters, and they died out very quickly."

"A shame. Did they have a name for themselves?"

"Yes. They called themselves Humans; they lived on a planet they called Earth."

Thar'ruuck paused briefly, allowing more than 12,000 years to pass, then spoke again.

"I'd like to read a report about that race as well."

[Lazamataz]

A writer I respect told me I should concentrate on writing fiction more than opinion editorials. He said I should focus on what I appear to do best. This is a short little sci-fi story I whipped up tonight. Let me know if you like it.

[Lazamataz]

Let me know what you think.

[Red Badger]

👍😎...........................

[BenLurkin]

Well done.

[Lazamataz]

You like-y?

[mkmensinger]

I like. Keep going!

[Red Badger]

Yes. Professional and succinct without being flowery.................

[PeaRidge]

I like it so far. Would be interesting to see it expanded.

[Lazamataz]

It is complete. I wrote it in the style of another writer I admire, Terry Bisson, who wrote the Sci-Fi short They're Made of Meat!

[Bullish]

So when’s the steamy sex part?

[Lazamataz]

So when’s the steamy sex part?

That occurs 47,680 years later, when Thar'ruuck completes his work shift.

[woofer2425]

Well done!

[Lazamataz]

A quick little short story I whipped up tonight.

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[Red Badger]

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-simple-rules-for-good-writing.html

[Lazamataz]

Thanks!

[doorgunner69]

Let me know when the novel comes out

[null and void]

I like it.

[null and void]

I think it’s worth submitting to Analog...

[wjcsux]

I like it!