Chris Redfern, 26 Jun '13

ALONE


I stand alone on Mars. All around me are the graves of those I’ve killed and there are so many of them. Was it a virus? A mutated strain of Earthly Flu? Who really knows. The only certainty is it was me that brought it here and me that’s wiped out an entire population.

Several years ago, NASA detected an object in outer space that was heading directly for Earth. As it neared, it eventually became clear that it was a spaceship. The people of Earth were split between fear and excitement. As the whole world watched, the President of the USA greeted the alien visitor as it emerged from its spacecraft after landing in Nevada.

The alien, who became simply known as Marvin, was on a solo mission from Mars. Marvin quickly learnt the English language and turned out to be both friendly and intelligent.

Whilst the people of Earth became infatuated with Marvin, secret plans were being made to ensure that NASA could capitalize on this discovery. A huge range of scientists analysed the spacecraft and its technology until eventually, it was decided that one NASA astronaut would make the return journey to Mars. That astronaut was me. I worked closely with Marvin, learning how to pilot his craft, asking him questions about home and in time we became close friends.

Now, with the last body buried, I’m finally ready to leave this dead planet. How will I explain to Marvin that he’s the last of his kind. Will he ever be able to forgive the human race?

Alone on planet Earth, an alien known as Marvin stands amongst the dead of the entire human race. He’s waiting for a friend to return. He has some bad news for him.