Image by Brooklyn Museum via Flickr

The United Nations Earth SpaceTimeship “Leeds” was a wonderful “fly”. It could take you all over the universe and anywhen in time. A totally reliable bird too. But not today.

Pilot Dave Smethurst: “Oh F….! What the H…?”

Co-Pilot Pete Smith: “What’s happening?”

Dave: “Computer malfunction. Told ya we needed a new chip!”

Pete: “Where the Hell are we?”

Dave: “Other side of the universe. ‘bout three thousand years into the future! Damn!”

Pete: “Have a distress beacon. 3rd planet of K type star 20 light years from here. Should we take a look?”

Dave: “Better do. Can sort out the problem later.”

Minutes later they landed on a beautiful, blue planet bathed in orange sunlight. They were in the midst of a parkland cum tropical jungle. All variety of trees, bushes and grasses everywhere. Towering above them were sheer cliffs leading up to very high mountains. The peaks of these natural skyscrapers were capped by snow, garlanded with fluffy white clouds. Flocks of birds decorated the sky. Nearby, myriads of bright flowers and fruit made for a fantastic display.

Dave: “Been to some planets, Pete, but this beats ‘em all.”

Pete: “Yeah! Amazing. If we can’t get back home, then tough! Time to meet the natives.”

Soon they were standing before a tall, slender, orange- skinned humanoid. They had landed only yards from a glorious beach. Now they stood before the lapping ocean waves.

Alien: “Welcome to Planet Verduna.  I am called Veerm. Are you here in answer to our distress call?”  

Dave: “We are indeed. How can we help?”

Veerm: “I see only the one shuttle. Have you come alone?”

Dave: “Yes. We had a computer malfunction. Our homeworld lies at the other side of the universe.”

Pete: “About three thousand years in the past!”

Suddenly a group of Verdunans came dashing out of the undergrowth.

Verdunan: “The Sligs are here! They’ve come early!”