Getting Younger On An Exoplanet
A rejuvenating adventure
As the spaceship’s engines faded into the distance, the group of eight stood in awe, gazing at the alien landscape of the exoplanet AR13P.
“I can’t believe we’re here,” whispered Elena, a silver-haired woman in her sixties. “After all those millions we spent on this trip…”
“Well, let’s not waste a single breath,” chuckled Marcus, a middle-aged businessman. “Every minute counts!”
Dr. Lydia Chen, their guide, raised her voice. “Remember, folks: breathe normally. A few minutes of breathing this planet’s air reverses a few days of your life. It makes you a bit younger. We have 24 hours here, so pace yourselves.”
Having checked into their rooms and enjoyed a hearty breakfast, the group explored the alien terrain. Violet grass swayed beneath twin suns, and in the distance, crystalline structures glimmered.
By mid-afternoon, Robert, the eldest at 75, gasped. “Oh my. I swear I can feel my joints loosening already!”
His wife, Martha, giggled. “Your beard is less gray, dear. Or is that just the light?”
As hours passed, the changes became more noticeable. Elena’s wrinkles softened, Marcus’s receding hairline filled in, and Robert stood straighter, moving with newfound ease.
“I haven’t felt this good in decades,” Robert exclaimed, jogging in place.
“Careful,” warned Dr. Chen. “Your mind might feel younger, but your muscles aren’t used to this. Don’t overdo it.”
As night fell, casting an ethereal glow from three moons, the group gathered around a portable heater.
“I can’t stop looking at my hands,” marveled Jasmine, the youngest at 40. “My wedding ring fits looser now.”
Her husband, Kai, nodded. “It’s incredible. But… does anyone else feel a bit strange? Like, mentally?”
Dr. Chen leaned forward. “That’s normal. Your bodies are younger, but your memories remain. It can be disorienting.”
“I’m worried,” admitted Elena. “What if we go back too young?”
“That’s why we’re limiting our stay,” Dr. Chen reassured her. “You’ll each reverse about twelve years by morning. Enough to make a difference, not enough to cause problems.”
As dawn broke, the group packed up, their movements energetic and youthful.
As they assembled at the spaceport, Dr. Chen made a final check. “Everyone feeling okay? No dizziness or confusion?”
The group nodded, eyes bright with excitement. They waited eagerly for the pickup ship that would take them back home.
But the pickup ship, scheduled to arrive at 8 am AR13P time, couldn’t make it. A massive traffic jam delayed the spaceship by six days.
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