A text found on the first expedition by a species to their planet’s nearest celestial body (moon or nearby planet), which explains in perfectly accurate detail how to improve the efficiency of in-system spaceflight many times over.
Appendix A begins “As we know, 2+2=5…”
Five hundred years ago, people had seen strange lights in association with their moon. A light was clearly visible on the surface of the satellite, every time that it became shadowed.
Four hundred years ago, that light went out for the last time, and the lights visiting the moon left. Never to return.
Last year, the planets’ champion - a fine lady by the name of Nyel the Strong - was the first to set foot on that orbiting planetoid in the name of peace and harmony for all.
Today, scientists had cracked the code. The lunar visitors had been prepared for any eventuality. They had left arrows to point the way. The box contained basic pictograms on how to open it and how to read the contents.
The first book unravelled the second, as well as covering some basic elements of science and what the aliens had also thought were basic elements of science. The second unravelled the third…
And while they were learning, they were also testing.
The Grel'ti people leaped ahead. In science, art, and civilisation. They mined their asteroid belts and prepared to go to the stars.
And then they began to decode the Appendices.
“As we know, 2+2=5…”
Five Hundred Years Ago…
The aliens had got their data. Who they were was not important. You couldn’t pronounce their names, anyway. Let’s call them Greg, and Larson.
“Wait. So you got them almost up to our level of tech and you put in a fucking math joke?”
Greg chuckled as he sealed the box. “This is such a classic…”
“No, Greg, you are such a shit.”
He started etching arrows on the walls and floor, giggling the entire time. “I wish I could see their little faces…”
“…for fuck’s sake,” sighed Larson. “You always do this. Every pre-journey planet we monitor, you have to pull this unthought crap.”
Greg continued to laugh. “They are gonna be so pissed off…”
“Someone in authority is going to catch you doing this and then you’re going to know about it.”
“Worth it,” laughed Greg.
[Muse food remaining: 14. Submit a prompt! Ask a question! Buy my stories!]
