EXPEDITION TO EARTH
As found in the omnibus Across The Sea Of Stars
The inspiration for the movie 2001: A Space Odyssy (sp), this is a very brief story that bears very little resemblance to the movie. It is however, a great little story about a man who discovers an alien artifact on the surface of the moon. And whoever, or whatever, put it there, undoubtedly knows now that it has been discovered.
-INHERITANCE-
David, a test pilot, is known for being fearless. But he has a secret. It's not that he's fearless, it's just that he's had a vision of himself in the future and he feels until that moment becomes reality, he need not fear death. Only one problem. David Jr. is the spitting image of his father.
-ENCOUNTER AT DAWN-
During the final days of the Empire, a survey ship lands on a distant planet. Finding a primitive species, the crew make contact. Much too soon, they are recalled by the dying Empire, but leave behind certain gifts for the natives. Natives whose descendants would one day build Babylon.
-SUPERIORITY-
A tale of war lost because the victor's science was inferior. Read it again if you don't find that statement curious. It appears that each new technical advance made by the losers only presented new problems and worse yet, new paths for even greater advancement.
-HIDE AND SEEK-
A story of man versus machine. Actually, a man versus a shipful of men, a ship that so happened to be the fastest, most advanced ship in existence. They never had a chance.
-HISTORY LESSON-
Venusian historians find the Earth nearly completely covered by ice. Finding some ancient artifacts in the only uncovered area of the planet, they undertake the study of these to determine what form life took on Earth. Unfortunately, their greatest find is a film produced by Walt Disney.
Note: I have been unable to decide which film (if indeed it is an actual film) was found. I beg anyone who knows to drop me a line, not knowing is driving me to distraction.
-"IF I FORGET THEE, OH EARTH . . ."-
A young boy's father takes him on the right of passage. A trip outside. To see the dead, poisoned Earth hanging so close in the sky. It would one day be able to sustain life, but not for many generations to come. The boy must in time take his own son to see the Earth, to remind each generation why they must persevere.
-BREAKING STRAIN-
Carrying cargo across space, the ship losses it's air supply. There's enough air left for one man to reach their destination, but surely not for both of them. So what's the answer? Suicide, murder, or a gentlemanly cut of the cards?