The massive object loomed on the outskirts of the solar system. It appeared as a colossal hollow cylinder, suspended in the darkness of space. Its surface, a dull impenetrable silver, seemed to absorb the attention of the whole world. We first detected it near the distant planet Neptune, where it quietly traversed the expanse of the solar system.

What struck us most was its trajectory. The object followed the same elliptical path as our planets, gracefully aligned with the orbital plane of our celestial neighbours. It defied any random occurrence or natural phenomenon. This was a calculated journey, a deliberate entrance into our cosmic neighbourhood.

Thanks for reading Bad, Bad, Bad, Good! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

As it made its approach, we could tell it was decelerating. It was slowing down, defying the natural laws of motion. It was as if the vastness of space itself was exerting a gentle yet firm pull on the colossal visitor, bringing it to a halt. The implications of such a deliberate and controlled manoeuvre were chilling, hinting at a level of intelligence and intent beyond our comprehension.

Enormous doesn't even begin to describe it. The object was on a whole other level, a true titan of the cosmos. This behemoth is nearly as big as one-quarter of our moon. It sits out there, silent and majestic, in the orbit of our star between Venus and Mars. It's like a celestial sentry, stationed between two neighbouring planets, and there's little doubt that we are the focus of its attention.

I can't help but feel this mix of wonder and fear when I think about it. The magnitude of it all is overwhelming. Who could have built such a thing? And how? But the object gives nothing away. It just sits there, an enigma that's captured the attention of the entire world.

For years, we've tried every trick in the book to make contact with it. We've beamed signals of all kinds—radio waves, mathematical codes, and even our favourite songs from the past century. But it's as if the object is deaf to our attempts, ignoring our ever more desperate pleas for a response. Not a single signal has been returned, not a single whisper from the abyss.

Scientists and engineers have racked their brains, theorising about the object's origins and purpose. Most think it's an alien probe, silently collecting information about our planet and its inhabitants. Some believe it once carried life, but that life has long perished, leaving nothing but a relic. The possibilities are endless, yet frustratingly out of reach.

As governments worldwide scrambled for answers, they've attempted bold manoeuvres, even daring to land on the object's surface. But to no avail. Its impenetrable exterior, made of some unknown material, has thwarted every attempt to gain access. The object remains a fortress, guarded by secrets we may never uncover. And still, it just sits there, an enigmatic sentinel among the stars, casting its shadow upon our collective imagination.

Nearly a decade has passed since its arrival, and yet it remains an unyielding enigma in our solar system. Despite countless attempts to decipher its purpose or provoke a response, the colossal entity defies all efforts. It maintains its stoic presence, silently sitting in orbit, refusing to yield any secrets. The passage of time only adds to the mystery, leaving us to wonder what lies dormant within its imposing form and what its enduring presence signifies for the future of humanity.

A seismic shift has occurred in the wake of the mysterious object's arrival. The realisation that we are not alone in the universe has ignited a fervent focus on space exploration and technology. The world has become consumed by advancements, with governments, private industries, and visionary pioneers pouring resources into developing space stations, spacecraft, and even establishing a permanent base on the moon.

The past few years have seen an unprecedented leap in progress, with breakthroughs emerging at a breathtaking pace. It's as if the collective curiosity and a shared sense of urgency have propelled us into an era of rapid innovation, all in pursuit of unravelling the mysteries that lie beyond our planet's boundaries. The whole world holds its breath, gripped by a mixture of anticipation, trepidation, and an unyielding determination to uncover the truth hidden within the vast expanse of the cosmos.

As the years have ticked by, a peculiar scene has unfolded in the vicinity of the colossal object. A makeshift space station of sorts has taken shape, a hodgepodge amalgamation of various spacecraft sent out to investigate. It has evolved into a floating community, a growing raft of curiosity and ambition.

And now, I find myself embarking on a journey out into the black towards the outpost. Uncertainty looms ahead, a future obscured by the vastness of the unknown. Yet, I and my fellow pilgrims are filled with conviction. This is where we need to be, to be a part of whatever is next.

Thanks for reading Bad, Bad, Bad, Good! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbadbadgood.substack.com