The Final Transmission Of The Shuttle LANNIS - Based on the following writing prompt and flash fiction story:


[WP] We always thought Aliens would look different. However, we didn’t expect that a native population of humans were beyond the MilkyWay. 



CONFIDENTIAL 

Transcription - Final Transmission - Extra-Galactic Scouting Vessel LANNIS 
CPT TAKON: Two weeks ago, the shuttle's transmitter malfunctioned while in deep space. The backup module was promptly installed. Upon carrying out a routine diagnostic test of the new equipment, Lieutenant Mason discovered a weak radio signal. Upon analysis, the signal was revealed to be of unnatural origin. Enhancement of the signal confirmed the presence of speech patterns. 

The signal was triangulated and its originating point identified. A vote was taken and all hands decided to investigate.

After eight days of FTL travel, Shuttle LANNIS arrived in system, G-type main-sequence star. Scans for organic chemistry indicated at least three planets and several smaller bodies with the potential for carbon-based life. One planet in particular exhibited clear signs of a developed civilization. The atmosphere of this planet was predominantly nitrogen and oxygen based, with a higher than naturally expected amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, indicating a species on the Third Sequence of the Leipman scale dependent on abuse of their planet's carbon cycle.

Analysis of the space in orbit around the planet indicated a lack of a significant presence beyond a moderately developed satellite field in low orbit. No large vessels were encountered on the 110 A.U. approach. 

It was my decision to place shuttle LANNIS in low orbit to allow for close range photographic and radio analysis. I have attempted to attach our photographic and audio recordings to this message. They depict a civilization on the cusp of the Fourth Leipman sequence. However, most astounding is that the dominant species here, as far as we are able to tell by macro-analysis, is visually and behaviorally identical to homo sapiens. 

They look like us. They sound like us. They are, in every way that we were able to observe, precisely like us. Perhaps this should have been warning enough. 

I need the record to be clear. My crew voted to leave the system 24 hours ago. The decision to remain was mine and mine alone, and I take full responsibility for what has happened. 

We were struck by a barrage of nuclear and non-nuclear armaments approximately 4 hours ago. Shuttle LANNIS suffered a hull breach, and the rest of the crew has perished. I have rerouted the main console and am composing this message from the emergency pod. The ejection system has malfunctioned and the blasts have severely destabilized our orbit. Destructive reentry is imminent. 

The species here is openly hostile. Celestial coordinates are attached. Do not approach this system without military support. 

Please tell my wife and my daughter I love them, and tell the families of my crew I am sorry. I beg their forgiveness. 

End Transcription


 Debriefing Note: All but one of the photographic attachments were not transmitted, likely due to sudden disintegration upon reentry. The single surviving attachment depicts the curvature of a planet from orbit. The planet appears to have copious liquid water, as well as a great deal of photosynthetic life and a fairly benign climate, making it a Palara Analog. The default numerical filename for the digital photograph was changed at the point of transmission and reads only "Earth".
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Legend #2 - CONFIDENTIAL - The Final Transmission Of The Shuttle LANNIS

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