Landing in an unknown sea,
The data from our probe can’t be analyzed fast enough.
Our ship bobs in gentle waves that we hope will not degrade our hull.
Prelim results show water, salt, organic matter and,
A substance we can’t identify but suspect is toxic.
We wonder if that substance is why
On the shore there is an unwelcoming sight.
Remnants of a life form reach out like ghosts as though warning us.
PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox
We may skip this planet rather than expose ourselves.
Clearly the sea is deadly.
We’ll set our sights on its moon and mine it instead.
This week’s 100 word story brought to you by the photo prompt at Rochelle Wisoff’s Friday Fictioneers. The photo is compliments of Lisa Fox. The inspiration is from a series I’m reading: “Bobiverse” by Dennis Taylor. It’s a great series if you like space fiction, VR and science fiction. It is an imaginative story line with multiple worlds presented as humanity searches for livable planets. It has a good dose of humor, so not too serious and yet it is not lacking meaning.
Clare Graith 