Encounters Out There

Captain Mark Jones voyaged through deep space, flipping through ‘social media streams.’

Many were about workouts—others included:

• A lonely office worker chatting.

• A man playing banjo.

• A lady playing flute.

• A juggler. A dog walker.

• Someone traveling the world.

He finally chose one—‘A chef cooking steaks.’

“Hi, I’m Mark. What’s up?”

“All’s good Mark, what are you up to?” asked the chef.

Approximately six years later …

Once Mark arrived in orbit, he excitedly told the chef, “I’m really here!”

“You did it, Mark! The first human to Europa!”

The AI closed the stream simulations to conserve power.