The Lucky Star

The portal had betrayed him once again. But this time, Professor Gregory Reyvannes was fortunate enough to find himself near a beach rather than a pit of quicksand. With a sigh of frustration, he waded out of the azure waters onto the soft sands of a glowing island. "You can't escape me," he muttered, shaking the water from his coat.

The island was a dazzling sight. White sands reflected the sun, making the place seem almost ethereal. No trees, just an expanse of sand and the endless dark sea. Reyvannes sighed, wiping his face dry and rummaging through his pockets.

"Ah, there you are," he exclaimed, pulling out a small chrome orb. Tapping it twice, a holographic map flickered to life, showing a cluster of blue dots. One, pulsating purple, was labeled 'SX-384b.' Reyvannes grinned triumphantly. "The Ivory Comet's destination," he murmured, "So close now."

The elusive Ivory Comet had been Reyvannes' obsession for years. It was a 5,000-ton asteroid that would soon pass by the planet. Years of chasing it had almost cost him his life several times. But this time, he was determined. His reputation hinged on capturing this celestial beauty.

Once a child prodigy and now a seasoned explorer, Reyvannes had been recruited by the French Galactic Consulate for their cosmic navigation project. Strapped for cash after his second divorce, he'd jumped at the chance. Now, he found himself stranded on an alien planet, chasing a comet.

Reyvannes' device pointed towards another planet, 'SX-80r,' closer to the comet's path. But its atmosphere was deadly. He needed an elevated spot to teleport safely. Scanning the horizon, he found nothing but the vast ocean. Until a glint of light caught his eye.

"Why didn't I think of this sooner?" he chuckled, realizing he could summon his spacecraft. Activating the device, the Bonne Étoile descended from the sky, resembling a raven. Reyvannes' heart swelled with affection as he boarded. The ship was a marvel, built specifically for this mission.

Inside, the ship's AI, BE, greeted him. "Potential bacterial infection detected," it warned. Reyvannes laughed off its concern, requesting a sanitation cycle. Once cleaned, he prepared for take-off.

With the Ivory Comet's path in sight, Reyvannes made a bold decision. He plotted a course to a distant star, SB-44, aligning with the comet's trajectory. Most would consider this risky, but Reyvannes wasn't most people.

Hyper-speed travel was jarring. Memories flooded his mind—his mother's smile, his days at Oxford, his failed marriages. But amid these memories, the stars had always been his constant. They offered solace and belonging, a reminder of his purpose.

As the ship approached SB-44, Reyvannes activated the manual override. The ship's engines roared, propelling them into hyper-speed. Sweat dripped from his brow, nausea threatened to overtake him. But then, a glimmer in the distance caught his eye—the Ivory Comet.

Reyvannes cheered, overcome with emotion. "There you are, you magnificent beast!" he exclaimed. He had done it. He had found the Ivory Comet.

With the comet in sight, Reyvannes steadied the ship. Now, the real work began. The Bonne Étoile's advanced tools and equipment would help him study and capture the comet's data, fulfilling his mission.

As the comet drew nearer, Reyvannes felt a mix of relief and anticipation. He had faced countless challenges, but this one felt different. It was a culmination of years of dedication, passion, and determination.

With the Ivory Comet now within reach, Reyvannes began his work. His hands steady, his mind focused, he captured images and data, cherishing every moment.

Hours later, as the comet receded into the distance, Reyvannes sat back, exhausted but elated. He had done it. The Ivory Comet was no longer a myth but a reality, captured forever in his memory and data.

As the Bonne Étoile set course for home, Reyvannes felt a profound sense of accomplishment. Despite the challenges and setbacks, he had persevered. The stars had been his guide, and they had led him to this moment.

Reflecting on his journey, Reyvannes felt grateful. Grateful for the opportunity, the challenges, and the discoveries. Most of all, he felt grateful for the stars, which had always been there, lighting his way.

With a final glance at the fading comet, Reyvannes smiled. The Ivory Comet was now part of history, and he had been a part of its story.