Encounters Out There

3 2 1, ignition …

The first satellite tether zoomed through space toward an asteroid.

Weeks later at Manifest Space Mining HQ:

“Sir, it’s a success! We’ve tethered the asteroid for resource extraction!”

The workers at their stations clapped and cheered.

“Trillionaire! I’ll be the first trillionaire!” said the CEO.

“Sir, I’m receiving a message,” said a communications operator.

“What’s it say?”

“The AI’s translating it now.”

“People of Earth, that asteroid’s ours. Release it immediately!”

“Nonsense!” said the CEO. “Tell them this is our solar system!”

…

“Sir! The asteroid …”

“Yes?”

“It’s on a collision course toward Earth!”