A world that time forgot

Captain's log, star date 2225.100

Ship has transitioned from hyperdrive and we are now in visual contact with the target exoplanet.

As expected, this planet in the Vega Three Four stellar system is, like our own, largely composed of water. Early spectral analysis confirms much of what our distant-galaxy survey predicted. Planetary crust comprising tectonic land clusters surrounded by contiguous ocean. Atmosphere largely nitrogen with oxygen and other gaseous elements. Organic composition confirms that there is almost certainly life present.

We had arrived at our destination after an historic first journey, not just to another planetary system, but another galaxy. This odyssey had not only confirmed and validated the technology developed for hyperspace travel, it also confirmed that life, our lives, could survive the trauma of transitioning into, and back out of, hyperspace. It had also placed us on a path to our destiny. After centuries of looking for planets that could sustain life, we had almost stumbled upon the very time and place where life existed in the here and now. Not only life, but life that had reached a stage of development where it had created advanced forms of building-like objects. Great structures of stone, metals and other materials had been constructed by these creatures, whatever they may be.

Now, just a few astronomic units away, we could confirm the presence of these structures and thus confirm the presence of not just life, but intelligent, civilised life, perhaps not unlike our own. It was an epoch-making moment. The crew were in excited uproar, wanting to celebrate. I cautioned them to be patient until we had more data. So far, none of our communications had been returned. These life forms either had no means of communication or were operating in spectra not detectable by our systems. Or perhaps they were maintaining silent observation of our progress. Would they be hostile?

As we approached, our scanners provided greater visual resolution and thus more topographic detail. We zeroed in on one of the structures. What was it that university professor had said? That the buildings were probably some form of devotional or religious edifice? Religious edifice bedamned! The structures were clearly where the creatures lived, although I could not begin to imagine what form they took, to be able to negotiate their way in and out of the tiny gaps now visible in what must be walls.

It didn't take us long to uncover the devastating truth. These edifices, religious or otherwise, were clearly deserted, as was the whole tectonic mass. There was no sign of anything still living that we could detect, unless it was hidden deep in the ocean. These once inhabited structures appeared to be completely abandoned and showing signs of perhaps centuries of decay.

As we zoomed our visible spectrum scanners in on another badly damaged example, I could detect some form of hieroglyph just visible at the apex of the ruins. A dedication to the alien's god?

I only wish I could have read the symbols...

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