Among The Stars, He Found Home

By Justin Dingler

The journey was long and silent, excluding the ship’s steady heartbeat and the occasional crackle of communication from distant command centers. Where would he go and what would he find? Barren rocks? Icy giants? Gas clouds? Whatever it was, it wasn’t Earth. War, greed, lost love, broken promises. All Earth had ever been was a series of unending disappointments. Earth had been his prison, no bars, no armed guards, no watch towers, but a prison all the same. Space offered an accord: liberation. An endless void that the whispers of the past could never reach. And the chance to choose his fate before fate, in its intricate and incomprehensible wisdom, chose him.

This was supposed to be a scientific voyage, a mission to understand the worlds humanity had never been to. The transition from the cold backdrop of space to the vibrant atmosphere of Solace was marked by a kaleidoscope of colors, a phenomenon alien to the eyes used to the black void.The planet was alive, vibrant colors and landscapes untouched as far as the eyes could see. The sky was a mosaic of purple and green with stars and constellations completely unfamiliar to him. The rivers sparkled with non-bio-luminescence. Ever glowing and ever beautiful. Nature reigned supreme here, this was what peace felt like. Not the crowded streets that he had left behind, or the angry neighbors, or even the sunrise Earth held in the sky. One of its best features for sure, but nothing compared to this. 

After taking note of his stock, setting up the equipment, and having a nice meal, he heard his transponder beep, he’d received a message from his team. A digital whisper from across the cosmos. Queries about the planet’s composition, climate, potential for life, and the anticipation of his return voyage beginning in a few months. Yet, as he listened, the words seemed to drift past him like leaves carried away by a gentle stream. He thought for a second, then for a minute, then for an hour, the sun dipping below the horizon. And as he stared at the new dusk in front of him, he flipped the transponder off.

Justin Dingler, a creative writing student, is learning to craft stories that explore human emotions. His writing often reflects relatable experiences through sci-fi or high fantasy worlds. As a student, he’s also working on developing his unique voice. Though new to publishing, Justin is eager to share his work and one day make an impact with his writing.