HISTORIAS                    Manuel Espejo

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The Space Traveller

 

After the devastation of Tretor, J. made a pivotal decision to transform his life and venture back to the outer reaches of the galaxy. It was no longer logical to remain in that sector of the universe. Everything lay in ruins, and his life hung in the balance, vulnerable to lurking enemies. He consulted ancient star maps that marked a cluster of habitable worlds accessible via teleportation. There was nothing left for J. in those desolate realms. Departure was the only sensible course, a strategic retreat for an extended duration.

After what seemed like an eternity of interstellar wandering, J. found himself at a planet that captivated him with its immense diversity. This medium-sized world was predominantly covered in water and inhabited by peculiar creatures engaged in the relentless cycle of predation.

Adapting his molecular structure to these primitive life forms presented no challenge.

In a desolate desert, he encountered creatures that walked upright and communicated through rudimentary yet effective sound-based systems. Morphing his physical form into a replica of these beings, he chose to dwell among them. Initially, these creatures disappointed him with their cruelty and aggression. Yet, they were so gullible that he believed that with time, he could sway them all to his dominion.

After a year of demonstrating his advanced technological capabilities, he achieved mastery over these creatures, who soon regarded him as a deity.

The irony was profound. J., once a mere criminal, had ascended to the throne of a species of diminutive beings who worshiped him. To establish himself as their leader, he had to eliminate thousands of them—strange creatures, indeed.

As a symbol of his authority, he swiftly erected stone pyramids in the desert. The creatures were awestruck and terrified, never suspecting that their leader's supposed magic was nothing more than advanced technology.

J. opted to remain on this world. He bred with the species he had subjugated, and his descendants ruled this realm from then on. These creatures, known as humans, proved docile and obedient.

Since the time of ancient Egyptian civilization, a clandestine elite—the descendants of this interstellar traveler—has steered the course of these beings, known as humanity.