The pace of technology part 3

For many years astronomers had been looking at other nearby star systems to try and detect planets. They had been successful in several cases and the latest telescopes were increasingly able to identify planets that spectroscopic analysis showed had earth like conditions.

Of course Fred’s descendants immediately wanted to go to one of them. This first step outside the solar system showed up the main limitation of the Transmat. It was unable to send anything unless there was a receiver at the target end. The nearest earth like planet, had been identified in a star system known to astronomers as Alpha Centauri. Although close by in astronomical terms it was still four light years away. For comparative purposes earth’s sun is seven light minutes away!

Good as they were, the Smith’s knew that it would probably take a lifetime to reach the planet using rocket power. Then supposing it were habitable, the machinery for the Transmat would have to be assembled and even then might not be able to function over such a stupendous distance.

But as with all explorers, there was only one thing to do. The Smith organisation decided to build a colonising ship and two of the Smith families agreed go there the hard way. With luck their children would be able to return to earth more or less instantaneously and then the way to the stars would be open to mankind.

The colony ship was duly built and launched towards the new planet. Accelerating to unheard of speeds, all went well until the vessel had nearly completed its journey. Frederick Smith, the oldest of the family on board, was in the forward viewing room as the ship began the long deceleration before entering planetary orbit. He never tired of watching the incredible show made by the stars in the galaxy, spread out before his eyes. Not only that, but the ship was now so close to Alpha Centauri, that with luck he might even be able to detect the target planet. Then not for the first time during the trip, an alarm went off down in the control room. He made his way there to check on the problem, up to that point there had never been anything serious indicated by the alarms, so he didn’t hurry too much.

Nothing in his experience had prepared him for the sight that met his eyes. Another spaceship carrying the Smith Corporation markings was rapidly approaching him, while the radio that had been silent for so many years crackled into life.

“I’m afraid I have to tell that the pace of technology has increased in the last few years,” said a strange voice. “Earth developed a faster than light drive shortly after you left and we have overtaken you and already been able to colonise the planet you were heading for.

Welcome to planet Smith!”