Expedition Galaxy: Earth : 2025 : Day 001

Earth : 2025 : Day 001

It is day one of my arrival on Earth, and I am eager to document the peculiarities of its local inhabitants. My initial purpose for visiting was a combination of pleasure and research. However, I have also been presented with an opportunity to pay my respects to a human I regard as a friend of the universe. Though I never had the privilege of meeting this human, I am saddened by the missed opportunity. Still, I am grateful to visit during a time when this planet appears focused on his life and legacy. My journey here was inspired by a beautiful message of hope I discovered within a travel advertisement for Earth:

"This is a present from a small distant world, a token of our sounds, our science, our images, our music, our thoughts, and our feelings. We are attempting to survive our time so we may live into yours. We hope someday, having solved the problems we face, to join a community of galactic civilizations. This record represents our hope and our determination and our goodwill in a vast and awesome universe."

Yet, the shortcomings of this human species have not gone unnoticed. My arrival began in the planet’s stratosphere, where I hitched a ride on an Earth transport vessel identified as Delta 991. The journey offered fascinating insights. The incessant crying (and reaction of others) of the smallest Earthlings aboard signaled that this species is perhaps not as advanced or prepared for galactic unity as their hopeful message suggested. After all, their home planet has completed nearly 48 revolutions around its radiant star since that message was first dispatched. Still, I remain optimistic about witnessing progress in their evolution.

The transport vessel’s disembarkation process revealed other curiosities. Humans appear highly territorial about their personal spaces, and their aggression when exiting the craft suggests potential challenges in integrating with galactic neighbors.

Upon setting foot on solid ground, I was drawn to an information station where I recognized images of the human who conveyed the aforementioned message, Jimmy Carter. Surprisingly, the visual depictions of him received from Earth’s probes in the solar system do not fully match his current appearance. Time, it seems, alters humans in profound ways, a phenomenon I intend to study further.

Carter’s message, though poetic, hinted at significant challenges and dangers on this planet. These issues may extend beyond the minor tensions observed aboard the transport vessel. I regret not meeting this individual, for his words encapsulate a universal desire. However, I remain puzzled by the Earthlings’ choice to disclose such vulnerabilities in what amounts to a galactic travel brochure. Nonetheless, kudos to him for honesty and for setting expectations for my vacation.

The expedition itinerary does appear promising. However, my initial explorations introduced unforeseen challenges. Shortly after leaving the transport nexus, I encountered respiratory distress, likely related to the atmospheric quality. I observed many humans inhaling from small fire sticks, perhaps medicinal devices for those suffering similar ailments. Their usage warrants further investigation.

The travel advertisement mentioned opportunities to witness Earth’s geographic marvels and to spend time beneath the stars, a notion that reminds me of home. Yet, for now, my chosen base overlooks a curated green space surrounded by vast gray composites. Within this green expanse, I noticed temporary human encampments. The occupants appear dedicated to their activities, braving temperatures cooler than 278.71 K (or 22°F in local terms) while seemingly fasting intermittent unpredictable times and at times exhibiting altered states of consciousness after consuming liquids. Could this be a religious observance or a ritual honoring a deity? Additional research is necessary.

Warnings about aggressive inhabitants from various factions were also included in my intelligence brief. These factions can often be identified by their distinctive calls and appearances. I am relieved to have packed my human repellent spray. Initially, I had prepared for encounters with a predator called Ursus, but updated intelligence suggested they are no longer apex predators, at least relative to the humans species.

Finally, I noted the prevalence of tall poles adorned with colorful fabric, a seemingly significant symbol. I deduced that I have landed in a territory marked red, white, and blue. Encouragingly, this appears to align with the region Jimmy Carter inhabited, which suggests it is Earth’s most welcoming zone for outsiders. After all, why extend an interstellar invitation if not from a place of warmth and openness?

As I close my first day observations, I am experiencing an unfamiliar sensation, hunger. My usual state of being does not include such needs, but I trust humans have systems in place to address these basic requirements. Perhaps this explains the communal efforts of the green expanse ‘dwellers’ or ‘campers’. I may have confused this with ‘homeless’, but I will refine my understanding of human language and social systems during my stay. For now, I rest, eager to continue exploring tomorrow. I hope to grasp the full nuances of this civilization or perhaps, more fittingly, this habitat of humanity.