Space... A place for all intelligent life to ponder their place in the universe. Are we alone? Are we all that there is? questions like these have plagued man since we looked to the heavens and made shapes out of the stars. Now, in this age of innovation, these questions may find answers. But one question persist, are we ok with finding out? can we handle the realization we are not uniquely gifted with insight and ingenuity?

"Whatcha write'n?"

I pause from my log entry to see the every annoying and persistent goofy grin of my cabin mate, the gap in her front teeth seemingly widening every day.

"Oh nothing, just pondering the ever questionable decisions of greedy ambitious narcissists and philanthropists alike." I say dismissively, as if the question was obvious.

".... ah..." she says, sitting back down on her bunk, still unsure of my answer.

I leave her in that state of frustration at not getting a straight answer when a voice calls from above me.

"Dont give Matthew too much worry rookie, It'll feed his ego. HA"

"Ya, hes got a real hard on for himself, thinks he is better then the rest of us. Whats that word he used? Narcissist? Hit it on the nail, ay Matthew?"

"Its 'Hit it on the head'. Moron." I grit my teeth. Leave it to Jessie and James to turn my fun to a statement on my personality. "And I am better then you"

"Ya ya, Mr. Lieutenant, I bet you are."

I huff in frustration. The nerve of these sergeants I tell you. Been with me for all of three years and think they can walk all over me. I clench my teeth and begin writing a discipline report on both their behalf's. Lets see how 'pompous' they feel after they have a triple order for training duty. Bet they will be tasting sand for months afterword.

"Um. Sorry if I got on your bad side. I'm new here and-"

"Let me guess, you just wanted to make introductions to your new commanding officer but found I did not respond to your first greetings and wanted to ask what I was preoccupied with. Am I correct?"

"... exactly right sir..."

I pinch the bridge of my nose and set down my tablet. She may be new, but at least she tried to make a good first impression.

"Apologies about before. My name is lieutenant Matthew Wheeler, I am your new commanding officer, miss?"

"I am Private Rosa Woods, LT Matthew. I am at your service."

My eye twitches. I know I heard her right, but I am baffled at what I had heard all the same.

"You said you were a private correct?"

"Yes sir. Is that a problem?"

"Oh no, here we go."

"Yes actually. You see this division is for trained personnel, and it is required to have at least two years prior service in the armada before you can be assigned here. How and Who assigned you?"

"I was assigned by-"

Internal coms indicate a breach has been detected. Sirens blaze in the audio file.

"What the-"

One year during the summer sun celebration a strange metallic object fell from the sky.