[ WP ] Millions of years after humanity dies out , aliens find all the stuff we left on the moon .

`` The glory of Archaeus will know no end,'' I whispered in the silence. Any bit of noise helped me pass the time. I gulped down the saliva in my mouth as I heard my radio suddenly hum and buzz, waking up. It was time. 
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 `` James,'' the radio cackled, `` The Union is preparing to launch. Command is deciding what to do.'' 
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 `` Roger. Will stay put.'' 
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 The Union built a nationwide rail system; we built a transcontinental one. They invented cures; we invented vaccines. They boasted bread on every table; we boasted bread and meat. They sold arms to other countries; giving lip-service to freedom. `` Peace in our time,'' we said, `` peace through superior firepower.'' I was told the color of dusk was awe-inspiring that day, but I could n't see it; my capsule had no windows. The blood-red sky always begged of a casual glance: Nuclear explosion or beautiful sunset? 
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 The Union put a dog in space; we put a man. Archaeus raked the sky with our satellites and probes, much to the Union's chagrin. The news carried the headlines in it's biggest blackest print: `` Archaeus reaches new heights!'' That day the closest foreign body became home to our probe. Drenched in our national colors, the probe kindled our hopes and dreams. 
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 All that was chump change compared to what Archaeus was about to do. If we could do it. 
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 I heard the radio come alive again, distorted shouts and screams peaking the audio. `` It exploded!'' I heard in joyous tones, `` The rocket exploded on the launch pad! Glory One you are clear for lunar exit!'' 
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 I shook and almost squealed. Far away, the home I've always known was cheering me on. Far away, the Union mourned for it's fallen rocket. My smile only swelled as I opened the door of the capsule; we won. We won. Archaeus could not be stopped. I raised high the flag I had been given, a flag of superior make which could withstand the harsh atmosphere of space. The colors of Archaeus shown brightly in the sunlight, contrasting with an unimpeded view of the stars. I carried the flag onto the lunar surface, knowing it was a shout of defiance and importance to the universe. We were first to the moon. First. 
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 I cried all the way home. Command kept the media away, citing `` extreme national pride'' as the reason I spoke to no one. It was fear. Fear of history, fear of the future, fear of the missiles Archaeus and the Union pointed at each other night and day. I showed Command the plaque I found, but they took it from me. I'll never forget it's words. 
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 HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON. JULY 1969 A.D. 
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 WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND.
