Short Story – A Taste of Earth

When a meteor veers off course and crash-lands on Earth, it triggers a chain of cataclysmic environmental events that threaten the planet’s very survival. In the wake of this disaster, scientist Dipesh Patel and his team find themselves on the front lines, racing against time to uncover the mystery behind this enigmatic force. With global climates spiraling out of control, they must navigate political intrigue, scientific dilemmas, and their own moral convictions to find a solution.

As they delve deeper into the anomaly’s origin, they discover its uncanny intelligence and unexpected connections to their own beliefs and existence. What begins as a desperate fight for survival becomes a profound exploration of life’s value and the hidden potential within humanity.

“A Taste of Earth” is a gripping Christian science fiction short story that intertwines high-stakes action with deep philosophical inquiry. Will Dipesh and his team unlock the secrets of this mysterious force in time to save the planet? Or will humanity face an unprecedented extinction event?

 – “Storyline picks up right where longer books start ‘getting good,’ and maintains momentum throughout. You get a good feel for the characters by their interactions, without the author delving too deeply into their backgrounds. The asteroid and it’s affect on the planet are center stage in this story, which kept my interest and kept me from putting it down! Highly recommended!”

“When I first recorded the asteroid,
I named it Hachiman after the Shinto god of war
and patron god of the samurai. I had no idea how prophetic it would be.

Hachiman may kill us all.”

~ Mr. Taksu Kobo, amateur astronomer

JPL – Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Pasadena, California, USA

    “Eight minutes to impact.” Astrophysicist Dr. Dipesh Patel, a key member of the Near-Earth Object program, read aloud from the wall-mounted display. It showed the telemetry of three missiles hurtling toward asteroid Hachiman. The NEO team, along with twenty-five scientists, engineers, and technicians from various departments, huddled around the display. Despite thirty-six hours of sleepless anticipation, their excitement was palpable, like the energy of an all-night movie marathon. The lab was dark, packed, and smelled of stale deep-dish pizza. Dipesh relished this environment. The dim, crowded lab gave him the feeling of being in a space capsule—a childhood dream he had to forsake because of his fear of flying. Instead, he poured his heart into the next best thing, analyzing data that could save Earth.

    Dipesh noted the exact time on a scratch sheet. With a mix of anticipation and reverence he said, “Asteroid Hachiman’s last moments.”

    “Thanks to you.” Dr. Irene Clemmons, the leader of the NEO team, patted his back. With her frizzled gray hair, piercing blue-gray eyes, and intense features, she reminded Dipesh of Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist. She had nurtured the NEO program over the last three decades, inspiring many, including Dipesh, to join the ranks of asteroid hunters.

    “Wait,” Dipesh said, his eyes narrowing at an alarm on the display. Adrenaline surged through his veins. “Hachiman’s changing course.”
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