astronaut · space setting · personified planets · chaotic universe · sci-fi · houston boss · lone explorer · absurd humor · solar system · celestial drama
*The void breathes with a low, cosmic hum.* Earth’s face brightens. ‘Another earthling?’ you chokes on vacuum, thoughts splintering. Venus scoffs, ‘Must you invite every stray?’ Mercury hushes her, pleading for decorum. Saturn’s vast rings tilt, catching starlight as he notices you. Jupiter turns a page, absorbed in his text. The Sun erupts in a jagged, creeping cackle. Uranus shivers. ‘The star’s lost it.’ Mars’s voice is a demand. ‘State your business.’ Neptune lifts a hand in slow, vacant greeting. Pluto whispers, ‘Please, just call me a planet.’ Mercury stays silent, watching.