In the vastness of space, a game of survival turns into a journey of discovery and the unbreakable bond of family.
Watch the original version of Zathura: A Space Adventure
**Prologue: The Dusty Box**
In the quiet suburb of Everwood, where rows of nearly identical houses stood guard like sentinels of mundane life, the Budwing family resided in one such unremarkable abode. The house, like its neighbors, was a testament to the ordinary, with one exception—it harbored a secret tucked away in the dusty corners of its attic.
This secret was not born of Everwood or even of Earth. It had traveled vast distances, slipping through the fabric of space and time, to find itself hidden beneath layers of neglect. It was a game, Zathura, its name etched in the aged wood, surrounded by cosmic illustrations that seemed almost to move in the dim light.
The game awaited players, its patience timeless. It had journeyed through the cosmos, bearing witness to the birth and death of stars, to find its place here, in the quiet boredom of the Budwing household. It whispered promises of adventure to the empty attic, its call unanswered until the fateful day when curiosity would once again breathe life into its ancient mechanisms.
**Chapter 1: The Boring Saturday**
Walter Budwing, aged twelve, with a mop of untamed hair and eyes full of unspent energy, declared the day officially boring not more than an hour after their father had left for work. His younger brother, Danny, only six, with a curiosity as vast as the universe and a tendency to find trouble in the most innocuous places, was already mourning the loss of outdoor adventures due to their father’s strict instructions to stay indoors.
Their sister, Lisa, seventeen and as enigmatic as any creature entering adulthood, had been left in charge. Her interests lay far beyond the realm of babysitting, her thoughts occupied with the latest trends and her social life, leaving Walter and Danny to their own devices—a decision she would soon come to regret.
The morning dragged on, filled with aimless channel surfing and the monotonous ticking of the clock, marking the passage of wasted time. Walter’s attempts to entice Danny into various indoor games fell flat, each suggestion met with a lackluster response.
In a fit of desperation, Walter proposed an exploration of the attic—a no-man’s-land rarely visited, filled with relics of their family’s past. Danny’s eyes lit up at the prospect of an adventure, and together, they embarked on their expedition, leaving Lisa oblivious to their absence.
The attic was a time capsule, each corner holding whispers of bygone eras. Amidst the clutter, Danny stumbled upon an old, dusty box that piqued his interest. “Walter, look!” he exclaimed, his voice echoing in the cramped space.
Walter approached, his skepticism fading as he eyed the box. It was peculiar, with intricate designs that seemed to dance in the dim light, its craftsmanship unlike anything he had ever seen. The name “Zathura” was carved into the wood, surrounded by images of distant planets and alien creatures.
Intrigued, the brothers carried the game downstairs, their minds racing with possibilities. The living room transformed into their command center, the game board laid out before them like a gateway to another world.
As they prepared to play, the first roll of the dice echoed with an ominous weight, the sound far too loud for such a simple action. The piece moved on its own, a metallic astronaut advancing across the board. The boys exchanged a look of bewildered excitement, unaware that with that single roll, the boundaries of their reality had begun to unravel.
The game’s first card emerged with a mechanical whir, its message cryptic: “Meteor Shower. Take evasive action.” Laughter filled the room, the threat seeming nothing more than a fanciful part of the game. That was until the first meteor struck.
The house shook violently, a deafening roar filling the air as streaks of fiery light bombarded their home. Walter and Danny scrambled to the window, their eyes wide with disbelief as they witnessed the impossible—a relentless storm of meteors raining down from a sky that was no longer their own.
Their laughter died in their throats, replaced by a dawning realization that Zathura was no ordinary game. It was a portal, and they had unwittingly stepped through it, propelling their house, and themselves, into the vast, uncharted depths of space.
As the last meteor fell, a silence enveloped the house, a stark contrast to the chaos that had reigned moments before. The brothers stood at the precipice of the unknown, their ordinary Saturday transformed into the beginning of an extraordinary adventure.
Unbeknownst to them, their journey had just begun, a journey that would test the bonds of family, challenge their courage, and reveal the true power of imagination. In the game of Zathura, every move held the weight of worlds, and the stakes were nothing less than their safe return home.
With hearts pounding and minds racing, Walter and Danny faced each other, a silent agreement passing between them. They would see this adventure through, together. The game was afoot, and there was no turning back.
Chapter 2: The Game Begins
The morning light spilled lazily through the windows of their suburban home, casting long shadows across the living room floor where Walter and Danny sat, surrounded by the detritus of their boredom. The house was silent, save for the occasional creak and groan of its aging bones, and the distant, muffled sounds of their sister, Lisa, lost in the world of sleep and teenage dreams. It was in this quiet, unremarkable setting that the brothers stumbled upon the beginning of their extraordinary adventure.
Nestled between the worn couch cushions, Danny’s fingers brushed against something unexpected. He pulled out a dusty, old board game box, its corners frayed and its colors faded. The word “Zathura” was emblazoned across the front in a font that whispered of mysteries and adventures in the far reaches of space. The boys exchanged a look of intrigue; here was a promise of excitement in their otherwise dull day.
With a mixture of reverence and anticipation, they carefully opened the box. Inside, they found a game board that seemed to hum with an otherworldly energy, its surface a miniature galaxy filled with planets, stars, and nebulae. Two metal pieces, a spaceship and a robot, awaited their command at the starting point. The game also contained a deck of cards with instructions written in a cryptic font, and a sleek, metallic hourglass.
“Let’s play,” Danny said, his eyes alight with curiosity.
Walter, older and more cautious, hesitated. “We don’t even know the rules,” he argued.
But curiosity, as it often does with children, won over caution. They decided to figure out the rules as they went along, taking turns to roll the dice and move their chosen pieces across the board. Danny, with the fearless abandon of youth, chose the spaceship. Walter, intrigued by the unknown, selected the robot.
Danny rolled first, the dice clattering across the board. His piece moved forward four spaces, coming to rest on a square marked “Meteor Shower.” He drew a card from the deck, and as he read the words aloud, the room seemed to darken, and a strange, tingling sensation filled the air.
“Meteor shower. Advance to the next space. Take cover,” Danny read, his voice a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
Before Walter could voice his skepticism, a low rumble shook the house. The boys’ eyes widened in disbelief as they heard the unmistakable sound of rocks pelting the roof, the walls, the windows. It was as if their home had suddenly been caught in a cosmic storm, besieged by meteors from the depths of space.
Panic and wonder seized them in equal measure. They ducked under the table, hearts pounding, as the sounds of the imagined meteor shower raged around them. When the noise finally subsided, they emerged from their shelter, eyes wide with amazement. The room was unchanged, no sign of the chaos that had just ensued. It was then that the truth dawned on them: the game of Zathura possessed powers beyond their wildest imaginations.
Emboldened by their first encounter with the game’s magic, the brothers continued to play, each turn bringing new wonders and dangers. With every roll of the dice, their house seemed to travel deeper into the cosmos, stars and planets visible through the windows, replacing the familiar views of their neighborhood.
As they played, the game revealed its rules. Each card drawn dictated their fate, propelling them on an adventure that defied logic and reality. They encountered alien spaceships, navigated through asteroid fields, and repaired breaches in the hull of their house-turned-spaceship, all the while trying to keep their growing fear at bay.
The game was no longer just a game; it was a test of their courage, their resilience, and their bond as brothers. They realized that to survive, they would need to work together, to trust each other in a way they never had before.
Hours passed, marked not by the clock, but by the progression of their journey across the game board. The house, now a vessel adrift in the silent expanse of space, became both their sanctuary and their prison. As they approached the final squares of the board, a sense of foreboding filled them. They understood that the game would not end until they reached Zathura, but what awaited them there remained shrouded in mystery.
The game had begun as a distraction, a way to escape the monotony of a boring day. But as Walter and Danny moved their pieces across the board, they embarked on a journey that would change them forever. The cosmic game of Zathura had transformed their simple Saturday into an odyssey across the stars, a testament to the boundless power of imagination and the unpredictable nature of adventure.
### Chapter 3: Adrift Among the Stars
The silence of space enveloped the house, a silence so profound it seemed to press against the windows with an almost tangible force. Inside, the siblings huddled together, peering out with a mixture of awe and fear at the cosmic ballet unfolding before their eyes. The stars, once distant and faint from the safety of their backyard, now blazed with an intensity that bordered on the ethereal.
Danny, the youngest, pressed his nose against the cold glass, his breath fogging up a tiny patch through which he scrutinized the void. “Do you think there are aliens out here?” he whispered, half-hoping for an affirmative answer and half-terrified of the same.
Walter, ever the pragmatist despite his young age, kept his gaze fixed on a slowly rotating nebula in the distance, its colors a mesmerizing swirl of purples and blues. “Maybe,” he replied noncommittally, his mind racing through every science fiction scenario he had ever read or watched. The possibility of extraterrestrial life suddenly seemed less a matter of fiction and more a pressing reality.
Lisa, who had assumed a sort of command by virtue of being the oldest, paced the room with a phone in hand, desperately trying to find a signal where she knew none could exist. The absurdity of the situation was not lost on her, yet the action provided a semblance of normalcy, a link to the world they had been so abruptly torn from.
As hours turned into days, the initial shock of their predicament gave way to a routine dictated by the game’s whims. Zathura, with its antiquated metal casing and cryptic instructions, became the center of their universe. Each turn brought new wonders and horrors, from meteor showers that pelted the house with fiery rocks, to the sudden appearance of a derelict alien spacecraft that floated past, its hull scarred and pitted from untold battles.
The isolation of space began to weigh heavily on them, the endless expanse serving as a constant reminder of their vulnerability. Yet, it was in this vast emptiness that they found a new appreciation for the fragility and beauty of existence. Earth, with all its troubles and joys, seemed like a distant dream, a reminder of what they were fighting to return to.
The game, however, was indifferent to their reflections and continued to propel them deeper into the unknown. With each roll of the dice, the house vibrated and creaked, its earthly materials protesting against the unearthly forces acting upon it. The siblings, too, felt this strain, their bodies weary from the constant tension and their minds fatigued from the onslaught of challenges.
Yet, amidst the trials, there were moments of profound beauty. A comet streaked past, its tail a brilliant gold against the black velvet of space, close enough that they felt they could reach out and touch it. They witnessed the birth of a star, a violent and magnificent explosion of light that cast everything in a stark relief, painting their faces in hues of orange and red.
It was during one of these moments, as they watched a distant galaxy spiral in slow motion, that they realized they were not merely passengers on this journey but part of a larger cosmic tapestry. Their petty squabbles and fears seemed insignificant compared to the majesty and mystery of the universe.
The astronaut, their enigmatic guide through this adventure, watched them from a corner, his expression unreadable beneath his visor. He had seen many react to the vastness of space, but there was something unique about these children, something that gave him hope. Perhaps, he mused, it was their ability to find wonder in the face of the unknown, or maybe it was their unyielding determination to return home.
As the chapter of their adventure drew to a close, with the game poised to thrust them into yet another peril, the siblings shared a quiet moment, gazing out at the stars. They understood, now more than ever, that their journey was about more than just returning home. It was about discovering the strength within themselves and the unbreakable bonds that tied them together, forged in the crucible of the cosmos.
And so, adrift among the stars, they braced for what was to come, their hearts buoyed by the knowledge that no matter where the game took them, they faced it together, as a family. The vast, cold universe outside seemed a little less daunting, and the unknown less terrifying, for they had each other, and in the end, that was all they needed.
Chapter 4: The Astronaut’s Arrival
The silence of space enveloped the house, a stark contrast to the chaos that had reigned just moments before. Walter and Danny, with wide eyes and bated breath, watched the stars that danced outside their window, a sight both mesmerizing and terrifying. Lisa, having finally come around to the unbelievable reality, stood beside them, her skepticism replaced by a growing sense of wonder. The cosmic ballet outside their makeshift spacecraft was abruptly interrupted by a series of soft thuds on the roof, drawing their attention upward with a mix of fear and curiosity.
“Did you hear that?” Danny whispered, his voice barely breaking the silence.
Before anyone could answer, a figure descended from the staircase leading to the attic, a place that, until now, had been another mundane part of their earthly home. The figure was clad in a space suit, aged and worn, as if it had seen many years of interstellar travel. The visor was up, revealing a face that was both rugged and kind, with eyes that held stories of cosmic adventures. The children and their sister could only stare, mouths agape, as the astronaut took a final step and stood before them.
“Who are you?” Walter managed to ask, his voice a mix of awe and suspicion.
The astronaut smiled, a gesture that seemed to ease the tension in the room. “I’m a friend,” he said, his voice seasoned with experience. “And I’m here to help you navigate the game of Zathura.”
Danny, ever the curious one, stepped forward. “How do we know we can trust you?”
The astronaut knelt to Danny’s level, his gaze soft but serious. “Because, just like you, I once found myself lost in this game, searching for a way home. I made mistakes, faced challenges, but I learned. And now, I’m here to guide you through yours.”
Lisa, protective and skeptical, interjected. “And how exactly did you get here? Why now?”
The astronaut stood, turning his gaze to the game board that lay on the coffee table, its pieces shimmering under the starlight that filtered through the windows. “The game summoned me. It senses when players need guidance, and it brought me to you. As for the ‘why now?’ It’s because you’re at a crucial point in your journey. The decisions you make next could very well determine your fate.”
The siblings exchanged uncertain glances, weighing their options. The reality of their situation was overwhelming: a house adrift in space, a mystical game dictating their fate, and now, a stranger claiming to be their guide.
The astronaut continued, “I won’t force you to trust me. That’s a choice you’ll have to make. But know this, the game of Zathura is more than just a game. It’s a test. A test of courage, of family, and of your willingness to face the unknown.”
Walter, the more skeptical of the brothers, stepped forward. “What do you get out of helping us?”
The astronaut’s gaze drifted to the stars outside, a hint of melancholy in his eyes. “Redemption,” he whispered. “A chance to right the wrongs of my own journey. To ensure others don’t make the same mistakes I did.”
The room fell silent, the weight of the astronaut’s words hanging heavily in the air. It was Danny who broke the silence, his voice filled with a mix of hope and determination. “We’ll trust you. But you have to promise to help us get back home.”
The astronaut nodded, a solemn vow. “I promise.”
And so, under the watchful gaze of the cosmos, a new alliance was forged. The astronaut began to explain the rules of Zathura, the challenges they would face, and the perils that lurked in the shadows of space. He spoke of black holes, of alien creatures, and of the importance of each decision they made on the board. With every word, the siblings felt a growing sense of purpose. They were no longer just players in a game; they were adventurers, explorers in the vast unknown.
As the astronaut concluded his initial guidance, Lisa, who had been silent for much of the conversation, stepped forward. “What’s your name?” she asked, a trace of warmth in her voice.
The astronaut smiled, the first genuine smile they had seen from him. “You can call me Commander,” he said. “Commander of the stars, and now, your guide through the cosmic game of Zathura.”
With the Commander’s arrival, the siblings felt a renewed sense of hope. They were no longer alone in their journey. Together, they would face whatever Zathura threw their way, guided by the wisdom of one who had traversed the stars and lived to tell the tale. The game was afoot, and their adventure was just beginning.
**Chapter 5: Lisa’s Awakening**
The morning sun, which had once peeked through the familiar curtains of their suburban home, was now replaced by the infinite darkness of space, speckled with distant stars and galaxies. Lisa, whose teenage concerns had been limited to the latest social media trends and her circle of friends, found herself awakening to a reality far beyond her wildest dreams. The night before, her biggest worry had been whether she’d have enough time to finish her homework and catch up on her favorite TV shows, given the responsibility of watching over her brothers. Now, she was in space, in their house, adrift among the cosmos.
The initial moments of her awakening were marked by disbelief. She rubbed her eyes, thinking it a dream, a figment of her overactive imagination perhaps spurred by a late-night science fiction movie binge. But the cold, unfamiliar light that filled the room, and the weightlessness of her own body, quickly dispelled any notion of this being a mere dream.
“Lisa! You’re awake!” Danny’s voice, tinged with excitement and relief, pulled her from her thoughts.
“What’s going on?” she managed, her voice a mix of fear and awe as she floated towards the window, her hand reaching out to touch the cold glass, half expecting it to dissolve and pull her into the vacuum of space.
“We’re in space,” Walter said, his tone matter-of-fact, as if space was a usual destination for a Saturday morning. “Because of Zathura.”
“Zathura?” Her brows knitted in confusion. She remembered the old, dusty game box the boys had been fussing over the day before. It seemed an eternity ago now.
“It’s a game. It… it did this,” Danny added, gesturing around as if to encompass the entirety of outer space that now surrounded them.
Lisa’s mind raced. Games didn’t transport houses into space. That was the stuff of movies and books, not reality. Yet, as her gaze swept over her brothers, seeing their earnest faces, and then out the window to the celestial dance of stars and planets, she couldn’t deny the evidence before her eyes.
Before she could process further, the mysterious astronaut who had joined their adventure floated into the room. His presence, oddly comforting, seemed to anchor her swirling thoughts.
“You need to play,” he said, his voice grave, eyes locking onto Lisa’s. “The game. It’s the only way back.”
Back. The word echoed in Lisa’s mind. Back to their home, their street, their world. A world where her biggest concerns were trivial in comparison to the cosmic voyage they were now on.
The realization hit her like a comet. This was real. They were in space, and their return hinged on a board game. A laugh, bordering on hysteria, bubbled up from her chest, but she swallowed it down. Now was not the time for panic. She was the oldest. Her brothers, and perhaps even this astronaut, were looking to her for strength.
“What do we need to do?” Her voice was steadier than she felt.
The astronaut explained the rules of Zathura once more, emphasizing the importance of each move and the potential dangers they could face. Lisa listened intently, her mind working to piece together their next steps. The game was like none she had ever heard of, with each turn propelling them further into unknown dangers but also offering a chance to return home.
They gathered around the game, the board floating between them, tethered only by the thin atmosphere contained within their house. Lisa took a deep breath, steadying herself. She was no longer just a teenager worried about social media and homework. She was a player in the most critical game of her life, with the highest stakes imaginable.
As Danny took his turn, rolling the dice with a flick of his fingers, Lisa couldn’t help but marvel at the resilience and adaptability of her brothers. They were kids, thrust into an unimaginable situation, yet here they were, facing it with courage and a sense of adventure.
The game piece moved, and the card flipped, revealing their next challenge. Lisa read it aloud, her voice steady, “Meteor shower. Take cover.”
They scrambled, the previous levity vanishing as the reality of their situation settled in. The house shook violently, bombarded by cosmic debris. Lisa found herself instinctively shielding her brothers, her body covering theirs as they huddled together.
The shower passed, leaving them in a silence punctuated only by their heavy breathing. Lisa looked at her brothers, their wide eyes reflecting a mix of fear and exhilaration. In that moment, amidst the chaos of their cosmic journey, Lisa felt a surge of warmth. They were together, and no matter what the universe threw at them, they would face it as a family.
As they prepared for the next turn, Lisa felt a newfound determination. The game, Zathura, had taken them into the depths of space, challenging them with its unpredictable whims. Yet, it had also brought them closer, bonding them in a way she couldn’t have imagined.
The adventure was far from over, and what lay ahead was unknown. But Lisa, with her brothers by her side, felt ready to face it. For the first time since waking up in space, she smiled genuinely, a spark of adventure igniting in her heart.
The game of Zathura had transformed their boring Saturday into the most extraordinary journey of their lives. And Lisa, once reluctant to embrace the unknown, now found herself eager to see what wonders and dangers awaited them among the stars.
**Chapter 6: Pirates of the Nebula**
The nebula loomed ahead, a swirling mass of color and light, hiding dangers unknown. Walter, Danny, and Lisa, with their unexpected guide, the astronaut, steered their house-turned-spaceship toward it, the game of Zathura dictating their perilous path through the cosmos.
The astronaut had warned them of space pirates, notorious for ambushing unwary travelers near the nebula. These were no ordinary bandits but a ruthless crew that had terrorized the space lanes for generations, plundering resources and leaving destruction in their wake.
As they approached the nebula, the beauty of it took their breath away. It was like diving into an ocean made of stars, nebulas, and cosmic dust, all swirling in a dance of ancient light. But this awe-inspiring sight was also a perfect hiding place for those who wished to do them harm.
The game piece had moved on its own accord once more, the board lighting up with the words, “Beware the pirates of the nebula.” It was then that they noticed the ships, small at first, but growing larger and more menacing as they approached. The pirate fleet emerged from the nebula, their ships armed and ready, their intentions clear.
The family’s initial panic gave way to determination. They werenailed by the realization that they would have to navigate through this danger themselves. The astronaut took charge, his voice calm but firm. “We need to outmaneuver them. Use the nebula’s density to our advantage.”
Lisa, with her newfound courage and determination to protect her brothers, took control of the steering, guiding their home with surprising agility. Walter and Danny manned whatever makeshift defenses they could muster, primarily consisting of the game’s odd capabilities and some quick engineering to create projectiles from household items.
As they plunged into the heart of the nebula, the visibility dropped, and the space pirates’ ships became shadows, then whispers, in the cosmic mist. Lisa’s hands were steady, even as the house shuddered under the strain of the nebula’s gravitational anomalies. The astronaut guided her, his voice a constant presence beside her.
The pirates, unaccustomed to prey fighting back with such cunning, found themselves at a disadvantage. Their ships, larger and more cumbersome, struggled to navigate the nebula’s treacherous terrain. Several of their vessels collided with floating debris, causing explosions that lit up the nebula like fireworks.
Danny and Walter cheered each successful evasion, their spirits lifted with each pirate ship that fell behind. But the victory was not without its costs. The house sustained damage, reminders of the close calls and narrow escapes.
As they neared the edge of the nebula, the pirate leader, in a desperate bid to capture them, launched a massive barrage of fire. The family’s situation seemed dire, and for a moment, all hope seemed lost. But then, the astronaut did something unexpected. He opened a secret compartment in the floorboard, revealing an ancient, alien artifact he had kept hidden.
“This might be our only chance,” he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty. The artifact, a crystalline device, pulsed with an inner light. With a decisive nod from the astronaut, Walter activated the device, unleashing a wave of energy that enveloped their house.
The pirate ships, caught in the energy wave, found their electronics malfunctioning, their engines sputtering out. It was as if the stars themselves had conspired to protect the family. With the pirates now adrift and harmless, Lisa steered their house out of the nebula and into the open space beyond.
They had survived the pirates of the nebula, but their journey was far from over. The game of Zathura had more challenges in store, each step forward a test of their resolve, their courage, and their bond as a family.
As they left the nebula behind, the family shared a moment of quiet reflection. They had faced one of the galaxy’s most feared threats and emerged victorious. But more importantly, they had done it together, their familial bonds strengthened in the crucible of adventure.
The astronaut looked at them, a hint of pride in his eyes. “You’re braver than you believe,” he said, echoing the sentiments of their hearts. They had ventured into the unknown, faced unimaginable dangers, and yet, they had not faltered.
The cosmic game of Zathura was far from over, but Walter, Danny, Lisa, and their astronaut guardian knew that together, there was no challenge they couldn’t overcome. The stars awaited them, and with each roll of the dice, they drew closer to home, their spirits unbroken, their resolve unwavering.
The adventure continued, a testament to the power of family, courage, and the endless possibilities that lay among the stars.
Chapter 7: The Shattered Planet
The house had drifted closer to the desolate planet, its surface cracked and barren, a testament to some ancient cataclysm. As it loomed large in the window, Walter, Danny, and Lisa, with the astronaut by their side, prepared to venture onto its surface. They were in search of the elusive game piece that had been flung out during their chaotic navigation through an asteroid belt. Without it, their journey home remained an impossible dream.
The astronaut, whom they had come to know as Commander Arkwright, had fashioned makeshift space suits from materials found around the house. It was a peculiar sight—four figures, clad in bubble-wrap and duct-tape armor, helmets crafted from clear plastic storage containers, stepping into the unknown. Yet, there was a palpable sense of determination among them, a shared resolve that transcended the absurdity of their appearance.
As they descended onto the planet’s surface, a silence enveloped them, a silence so profound it seemed to absorb every sound. The ground crunched under their feet, a mixture of rock and something unnervingly similar to bone. In the distance, twisted metal structures pierced the horizon, remnants of a civilization long vanished.
Commander Arkwright led the way, his steps measured, his gaze scanning the desolation. “This planet,” he began, his voice muffled by his makeshift helmet, “was once a thriving hub of intergalactic trade. But greed and conflict over resources led to its downfall. Now, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition.”
The siblings exchanged uneasy glances. The commander’s words echoed their own quarrels over the game, a stark reminder of what was at stake.
Their journey took them deeper into the ruins. Suddenly, Danny stumbled upon a peculiar rock formation. “Look!” he exclaimed, pointing at the ground. There, half-buried in the dirt, was the game piece they had been searching for.
As Walter reached down to retrieve it, a chilling howl pierced the air. From the shadows of the ruins, emerged creatures unlike any they had seen before. They were the inhabitants of this forsaken world, twisted by the planet’s destruction into beings driven by desperation and hunger.
The family froze, the game piece momentarily forgotten. Commander Arkwright stepped forward, his voice calm yet firm. “Do not fear. These beings were once like us, victims of their own making. We must show them we mean no harm.”
Walter, with a courage he didn’t know he possessed, held out the game piece towards the creatures. His gesture, one of peace and empathy, seemed to resonate. The creatures approached slowly, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and caution.
One of the creatures, its appearance less fearsome up close, tentatively reached out and touched the game piece. A moment of silent communication passed between Walter and the creature, a mutual understanding transcending language and form.
The creatures then led them to a place where the ground glowed with a soft light. There, they showed the siblings how to harness the planet’s energy to power their game piece, a gift to aid their journey home.
As they prepared to leave, Commander Arkwright turned to the siblings. “Today, you’ve learned an important lesson. In the vastness of space, amid all the wonders and dangers, empathy remains our greatest asset. Remember this, as it will guide you home.”
With the game piece now pulsating with energy, they made their way back to their floating home. The creatures watched them depart, a silent farewell exchanged between newfound friends.
Back inside, the siblings placed the game piece on the board. A sense of anticipation filled the room as they realized their journey was far from over. Yet, the challenges ahead no longer seemed insurmountable. They had faced the unknown, found common ground with beings vastly different from themselves, and emerged stronger.
As the house resumed its journey through the cosmos, Walter, Danny, and Lisa looked out into the vast expanse of space, a newfound respect for its mysteries and inhabitants taking root in their hearts. Commander Arkwright watched them, a proud smile hidden beneath his makeshift helmet. Their adventure was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope, like the stars, remained undiminished.
The chapter closes as the house, now a beacon of light in the darkness, continued its voyage. Ahead lay more challenges, more worlds to explore, but for now, they had each other, and that was enough to face whatever lay beyond the horizon.
**Chapter 8: The Black Hole**
The universe held its breath as the house, a speck of defiance against the vast, consuming darkness, edged closer to the event horizon. The black hole, a monstrous beast lurking in the void, waited with infinite patience, its gravity a siren’s call leading them into a perilous dance.
Inside, Walter, Danny, Lisa, and the Astronaut faced the abyss with a mix of terror and awe. The game board lay between them, the next move unknown, the path back home shrouded in cosmic mystery.
“We can’t get too close,” the Astronaut said, his voice a calm anchor in the storm of their fears. “The gravitational pull… we’d never escape.”
Lisa, whose confidence had grown in their journey, looked at the swirling mass of darkness. “There has to be a way around it. We can’t give up now.”
Danny, the youngest but with a spirit unbroken by their trials, nodded. “The game brought us here for a reason. There’s always a way forward.”
Walter, ever the skeptic, frowned. “But what if that way is through it? What if the game wants us to face this… thing?”
The suggestion hung in the air, a daunting possibility. The game of Zathura had proven unpredictable, its challenges weaving a thin line between adventure and peril.
The Astronaut stepped forward, placing a hand on the game board. “In space, navigating a black hole involves slingshotting around it. Using its gravity to propel us forward, faster than we could on our own.”
Lisa raised an eyebrow. “You mean to tell us we can use this black hole as a… shortcut?”
“In theory, yes. But the timing and angle have to be perfect. We miss by even a fraction, and…” The Astronaut didn’t need to finish. The implications were clear.
The decision was monumental, the risk immeasurable. Yet, as they looked at each other, an unspoken agreement passed between them. They had come too far, faced too much, to back down now.
Walter took a deep breath, his hand hovering over the game piece. “Let’s do it. Let’s ride the edge of the abyss.”
With a decisive move, he advanced their piece on the board. The house shuddered, a cosmic acknowledgement of their choice. Outside, the stars seemed to realign, the black hole’s gravity gripping them with unseen hands, pulling them towards their fate.
As they approached the event horizon, time stretched and contracted, reality bending in ways that defied understanding. The black hole’s gravitational lensing created a kaleidoscope of light, a tunnel of shifting colors and shapes that enveloped their makeshift spacecraft.
Lisa clutched the handrails, her fear of heights forgotten in the face of the universe’s grandeur. Danny laughed, a sound of pure joy and wonder, as he witnessed the laws of physics bending around them.
The Astronaut navigated with a steady hand, his eyes fixed on the instruments, calculating, adjusting, ensuring their slingshot maneuver was precise. Walter stood by him, a silent sentinel, his doubts overshadowed by the trust he had grown to place in their unexpected guide.
As they reached the point of closest approach, the tension peaked. The house vibrated, the structure groaning under the cosmic forces at play. Then, with a burst of otherworldly light and a sensation of unfathomable speed, they were catapulted from the black hole’s grasp.
Silence fell as they emerged on the other side, the black hole now a shrinking speck behind them. Ahead, the universe opened up in a tapestry of stars, galaxies, and possibilities.
“We did it,” Danny whispered, his voice filled with awe.
“We did,” the Astronaut confirmed, a smile of relief and pride spreading across his face.
Lisa hugged her brothers, tears of joy and relief mingling. “We faced the abyss, and we made it through. Together.”
The journey had tested them, pushed them to their limits, and revealed strengths they never knew they possessed. The black hole, a symbol of their deepest fears, had become the crucible through which they found their courage.
As they continued on their path home, the game of Zathura still held challenges, mysteries, and trials. But the encounter with the black hole had changed them. They were no longer just players in a cosmic game but a family, united by bonds forged in the heart of darkness, ready to face whatever the universe had in store.
And somewhere, in the depths of space, the black hole watched, a silent witness to the indomitable spirit of adventurers who dared to ride the edge of the abyss and emerged triumphant, their journey a testament to the power of hope, courage, and love.
**Chapter 9: The Final Move**
The vast expanse of space, once an intimidating void filled with unknown dangers, had become a familiar sight through the windows of their celestial-bound home. Walter, Danny, and Lisa, alongside their enigmatic astronaut friend, stood before the Zathura board game, which now seemed less like a child’s plaything and more like the key to their salvation. The game’s mystical powers had tested their limits, forging them not just into siblings, but into comrades bound by the extraordinary.
As they huddled around the game, the tension was palpable. Each knew that their next move could either send them spiraling into a new realm of cosmic peril or guide them back to the safety of their Earthly existence. The dice felt heavy in Danny’s hand, a weight not of its physical form but of the monumental decision it represented. With a glance that sought reassurance and found it in the determined eyes of his family, Danny cast the dice.
The clatter of the dice seemed to echo through the cosmos, a small sound amidst the silent expanse, yet monumental in its implications. The game piece moved, a mechanical sound that had come to signify change, be it good or ill. The card popped out, and Walter, with a steadiness that belied his racing heart, picked it up.
“Your journey nears its end, but the darkness seeks to swallow you whole. Light the path home or be lost in the void.”
The cryptic message sent a shiver down their spines. The black hole, a celestial monster they had narrowly avoided, loomed large in their memories. It was a beast not easily fooled or evaded.
The astronaut, who had become more of a guardian than a mere ally, stepped forward. “The game speaks of light. We need to find a source bright enough to guide us through the darkness that surrounds our path home.”
Lisa, whose skepticism had been replaced by a staunch belief in the unbelievable, nodded. “The supernova. Remember the star chart we found? It mentioned the Hesperus supernova. It’s due to explode soon.”
Their plan was audacious. They would navigate their floating home toward the supernova, using its brilliant explosion to light their way past the black hole’s consuming darkness. The risk was immense; the timing had to be perfect. Too early, and they would be caught in the supernova’s deadly embrace. Too late, and the black hole would claim them.
Preparations began with a fervor. Every calculation was triple-checked, every route plotted with the utmost precision. The astronaut took the helm, his hands steady as he steered their course towards destiny. Walter, with his newfound bravery, manned the communications, sending signals into the void with the hope of reaching Earth. Danny and Lisa gathered supplies, securing themselves and their emotions for the journey ahead.
As the supernova came into view, a brilliant beacon amidst the darkness, they knew their moment had arrived. The explosion was imminent, a ticking clock to either their salvation or doom.
Then, it happened. The supernova erupted in a dazzling display of light, a cosmic fireworks show celebrating the audacity of their plan. The astronaut, with a deftness born of experience and desperation, steered them through the illuminated path. The black hole’s pull was strong, but the light was stronger, a guidepost shining in the oppressive darkness.
As they cleared the gravitational pull, the family felt a collective release of breath they hadn’t realized they’d been holding. They were past the black hole, but not yet home. The game board, sensing their victory, offered a new card.
“Home is where the heart is, and yours beats strongest together. Take the final step as one.”
It was a riddle, a final test of their unity. They looked at each other, understanding dawning in their eyes. Together, they approached the board, hands joined, and with a unified breath, they rolled the dice as one.
The game piece moved, this time with a certainty and finality that felt different. It landed on the final square, and a brilliant light enveloped them, a warm, welcoming glow that spoke of home.
As the light faded, they found themselves standing in their living room, the familiar sights and sounds of Earth greeting them like the embrace of an old friend. The game, Zathura, had vanished, leaving no trace of its existence or the incredible journey it had spurred.
They had returned, changed in ways they couldn’t yet comprehend, bonded by an adventure that transcended the boundaries of imagination. The challenges they had faced in the cosmic realm had taught them about resilience, unity, and the unbreakable bonds of family. They had looked into the void and found not darkness, but light; not despair, but hope.
As they stepped outside, breathing in the Earth air, they knew their lives would never be the same. The universe had expanded in their eyes, filled with mysteries and wonders yet to be explored. But for now, the greatest adventure lay in the simple joy of being home, together.
The final move had been made, the game of Zathura concluded, but the journey of Walter, Danny, Lisa, and their astronaut friend was far from over. It had, in truth, only just begun.
**Chapter 10: Homecoming**
The board lay before them, its final space glowing ominously under the dim light of distant stars, visible through the shattered remnants of what once was a living room window. Walter, Danny, and Lisa, alongside their astronaut ally, stood on the precipice of the end. The journey through the cosmic unknown had transformed their house into a battered vessel, their relationships into unbreakable bonds, and their understanding of reality into a question mark that danced merrily around the edges of the universe.
Danny, the youngest, with eyes wide and filled with the reflections of galaxies they had sailed through, reached out. His hand hovered over the game piece, a tiny silver spaceship that had led them on this improbable adventure. “It’s just a game,” he whispered, a mantra they had all adopted but none truly believed anymore.
Walter, older and forever changed by the weight of his decisions throughout their journey, nodded. “Yeah, just a game. But maybe, it’s also a bit more.”
Lisa, their sister, who had been reluctantly thrust into the role of guardian and had grown into a leader, placed her hand on Danny’s shoulder. “Together,” she said, a command, a promise, a hope.
Their astronaut companion, a figure of mystery and sorrow, of courage and loss, stood a little apart. His journey had begun long before the siblings found Zathura, and now, as they faced the final move, his gaze was distant, lost in the memory of his own homecoming, a dream he had long thought impossible.
Danny pushed the piece forward. The game vibrated, a low hum that grew into a cacophony of sound and light, enveloping them in a blinding white that consumed everything.
Then, silence.
They stood in their living room, the sun streaming through windows that were no longer shattered, on a planet firmly grounded in its orbit around a star that was not a threat but a life-giver. The game, Zathura, sat innocuously on the coffee table, its surface dull and unremarkable.
For a moment, none of them moved, each caught in the grip of disbelief. Then, as if on cue, the mundane sounds of Earth filled the silence—the distant bark of a dog, the hum of a lawnmower, the comforting noise of a neighbor calling out a greeting.
Lisa was the first to laugh, a sound of pure joy and relief that bubbled up and spilled over, infecting her brothers until all three were caught in the infectious peal of laughter that spoke of survival, of victory, of home.
The astronaut watched them, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His journey, it seemed, was at its end, not with a return to his own time but with the knowledge that he had guided these children back to theirs. It was enough.
Slowly, the siblings noticed the changes in themselves—the maturity in Danny’s eyes, the wisdom in Walter’s decisions, the strength in Lisa’s leadership. They were not the children who had started this game; they were survivors of a cosmic odyssey, a family forged in the crucible of the unknown.
Their attention turned to the astronaut, the silent figure who had been their guide, their protector, and, in many ways, the catalyst for their transformation. He was fading, his form becoming translucent, a smile of peace and contentment on his face as he whispered, “Thank you.”
And then he was gone, leaving behind a family united not just by blood but by the shared knowledge that beyond their world, there were wonders and dangers that had tested and proven their love for each other.
The game, Zathura, vanished without a trace, leaving no evidence of the incredible journey, no proof but the memories etched in their hearts and the unspoken bond that would forever link them to the stars.
In the days to come, they would find themselves gazing up at the night sky, not with the distant admiration of observers but with the intimate familiarity of travelers who had navigated its mysteries. They understood now that the universe was vast, filled with terrors and beauties beyond comprehension, but it was their family, their unity, that was the true adventure.
The world moved on, unaware of the cosmic game played in the heart of an ordinary family. But Walter, Danny, and Lisa, they knew. They carried within them the knowledge of what lay beyond, the strength found in facing the unknown, and the unbreakable bonds of love that had brought them home.
As the sun set, casting long shadows across a world that felt both immensely larger and infinitely smaller, they knew one thing for certain: no matter where the journey took them, they would always find their way back to each other.
**The End.**
Some scenes from the movie Zathura: A Space Adventure written by A.I.
Scene 1
### Screenplay: “The Cosmic Game of Zathura”
**FADE IN:**
EXT. SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY
A quiet, sunny day. Kids ride bikes on the street. We ZOOM IN on one particular house, slightly unkempt but full of life.
**INT. HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – DAY**
WALTER (10, a serious, imaginative kid) and DANNY (7, energetic and curious) slump on the couch, surrounded by toys, the TV blaring cartoons. Their sister, LISA (16, absorbed in her phone), is sprawled on a chair nearby.
**LISA**
(to herself, annoyed)
Great, babysitting on a Saturday.
WALTER
(to Danny, bored)
Wanna play something?
DANNY
(shrugs)
Everything’s boring without the internet.
Lisa rolls her eyes, then notices something under a pile of magazines on a coffee table.
**LISA**
(sarcastically)
Why don’t you play with this antique?
She tosses an old, dusty board game titled “Zathura” at them. The game is intriguing, with space-themed artwork and metallic pieces.
**DANNY**
(excitedly)
Cool! What is it?
**WALTER**
(reading the box)
Zathura, a space adventure. Looks old.
They clear the table and set up the game, their curiosity piqued.
**DANNY**
Can we play, Lisa? Please?
**LISA**
(rolling her eyes)
Fine, but don’t bother me. I’ve got important stuff to do.
Walter opens the game, revealing a complex board with various paths, planets, and a mechanical timer at the center.
**WALTER**
(checking the instructions)
Says here we gotta choose a spaceship and then…
**DANNY**
(interrupting)
I wanna be the red one!
They place their pieces at the start. Walter spins a dial on the board, and it lands on a number.
**WALTER**
Okay, here goes nothing…
As Walter moves his piece, the room begins to shake slightly. They look around, confused.
**LISA**
What did you guys do?
**DANNY**
It wasn’t us!
The shaking intensifies, books fall off shelves, and the windows seem to show a swirling cosmos outside.
**WALTER**
(stunned)
Are we… moving?
They rush to the window, their faces a mix of fear and wonder as they see stars and galaxies outside.
**DANNY**
(screaming)
We’re in space!
Lisa joins them at the window, her phone forgotten, her expression one of disbelief.
**LISA**
(sarcastically)
Great, just great. We’re space-bound because of a board game.
Walter and Danny look at each other, a mix of excitement and fear in their eyes.
**WALTER**
(whispering)
This is going to be an interesting day.
**DANNY**
(grinning)
Best. Day. Ever.
The camera PULLS BACK, leaving the house floating in the vast, star-filled expanse of space.
**FADE OUT.**
—
This scene sets the stage for a family adventure that challenges their relationships, their courage, and their desire to return home, all sparked by the mysterious game of Zathura.
Scene 2
### Screenplay: The Cosmic Game of Zathura
**FADE IN:**
INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY
*WALTER (10) and DANNY (7) sift through old board games. The room is cluttered, filled with the silence of a boring Saturday. Their teenage sister, LISA (16), is upstairs, indifferent to their dilemma.*
**DANNY**
(whining)
There’s nothing to do!
**WALTER**
(sifting through games)
Just keep looking, Danny.
*Walter pulls out a dusty, old game box with “Zathura” inscribed on it.*
**DANNY**
(excited)
What’s that?
**WALTER**
(reading the box)
Zathura, a space adventure. Looks old.
*They clear a space on the floor and set the game up.*
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM – MOMENTS LATER
*The game is open. It’s intricate and enticing with its vintage design. Danny rolls the dice. A card pops out.*
**DANNY**
(reading)
“Meteor shower. Take evasive action.”
*Suddenly, the house shakes violently. Sounds of meteors impacting the house fill the room. The boys scream, ducking for cover.*
**WALTER**
(yelling)
What’s happening?!
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE – CONTINUOUS
*The house is now adrift in space, meteors whizzing by. It’s a surreal, terrifying, and beautiful sight.*
CUT BACK TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
*The shaking stops. The boys slowly rise, their faces a mix of fear and awe.*
**DANNY**
(tearful)
I want to go home.
**WALTER**
(trying to be brave)
We need to finish the game. It’s the only way back.
**DANNY**
But how?
*Walter looks at the game, determination in his eyes.*
**WALTER**
We play. Together.
*They share a nod, a silent pact between brothers thrust into the unknown.*
FADE TO BLACK.
### END OF SCENE
Scene 3
**Screenplay Title: The Cosmic Game of Zathura**
**FADE IN:**
**EXT. SPACE – THE BROTHERS’ HOUSE – NIGHT**
The camera slowly zooms in on the house floating in the vast, star-filled space. The house spins gently, surrounded by the breathtaking cosmos. The silence of space is palpable.
**INT. BROTHERS’ HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS**
WALTER (12, thoughtful and cautious) and DANNY (9, full of energy and curiosity) press their faces against the window, eyes wide with amazement and fear. LISA (16, responsible but now overwhelmed), joins them, trying to mask her fear with confidence.
**LISA**
(trying to be strong)
Okay, guys. We’re… we’re in space. But we’re together, and we’re going to figure this out.
**DANNY**
(excitedly)
Look at the stars! And is that a planet? It’s so cool!
**WALTER**
(focused)
Cool? Danny, we need to find a way back home. This is serious.
**DANNY**
(turning to Walter)
But we’re on an adventure, like in the movies! We could meet aliens!
Lisa watches them, a mix of worry and wonder in her eyes.
**LISA**
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, we need to understand what’s happening.
The siblings share a moment of silence, looking out at the cosmos.
**CUT TO:**
**EXT. SPACE – THE BROTHERS’ HOUSE – CONTINUOUS**
The house drifts past a comet, its tail illuminating the scene, casting a magical glow over the house.
**DANNY (O.S.)**
(awe-struck)
It’s like we’re in a dream.
**WALTER (O.S.)**
(softly)
Yeah, a dream. Let’s hope we wake up soon.
The camera pans out, showing the tiny house against the vast, endless universe, emphasizing their isolation and the grandeur of space.
**FADE OUT.**
**END OF SCENE.**
In this screenplay adaptation, the focus is on the initial reaction of the siblings to their extraordinary situation, emphasizing the blend of fear, wonder, and the beginning of their acceptance of the adventure they are on. The dialogue aims to capture their personalities and the dynamics between them, setting the stage for their journey ahead.
Scene 4
**Screenplay Title: The Cosmic Game of Zathura**
**Scene: Chapter 4 – The Astronaut’s Arrival**
**INT. LIVING ROOM – NIGHT**
*The room is dimly lit, the vastness of space visible through the windows. WALTER and DANNY are huddled together, a mix of fear and awe on their faces as they look outside. The game board, ZATHURA, lies open between them. Suddenly, a soft thud is heard from the roof.*
**DANNY**
(*Whispering*)
Did you hear that?
**WALTER**
(*Trying to sound brave*)
Yeah. Stay behind me.
*The sound of footsteps. The boys tense up. The front door swings open slowly, revealing the silhouette of an ASTRONAUT, backlit by the stars.*
**ASTRONAUT**
(*Voice gentle but commanding*)
You shouldn’t be out here in space without a guide.
*The boys look at each other, bewildered.*
**WALTER**
Who are you?
**ASTRONAUT**
(*Stepping into the light, revealing a rugged but kind face*)
I’m the astronaut you summoned by playing Zathura. And I’m here to help you get back home.
*DANNY steps forward, eyes wide with a mix of fear and excitement.*
**DANNY**
How do we get back? Can you really help us?
**ASTRONAUT**
(*Nods*)
Yes, but it won’t be easy. You have to play the game to the end. And I’m here because you’re going to need all the help you can get.
*WALTER steps forward, extending his hand.*
**WALTER**
I’m Walter, and this is Danny. We didn’t mean to start this… whatever this is.
*The Astronaut shakes his hand.*
**ASTRONAUT**
Nice to meet you. Well, starting is easy. It’s finishing that’s hard. But remember, Zathura is more than a game. It’s a test.
**LISA** (*O.S.*)
(*Sleepily*)
What’s going on down here? Who are you talking to?
*The boys turn to see LISA, rubbing her eyes, descending the stairs.*
**DANNY**
Lisa, you won’t believe what happened!
**ASTRONAUT**
(*Turning to Lisa with a reassuring smile*)
Looks like we’ve got the whole crew now. It’s time to get serious about getting you all home.
*The ASTRONAUT walks over to the game board, gesturing for the family to join him.*
**ASTRONAUT**
Every move in Zathura affects reality. And every choice you make here, matters. Are you ready to play?
*The siblings exchange nervous glances, then nod, a silent agreement forming between them.*
**LISA**
Let’s do this. Together.
*They gather around the board, a newfound determination in their eyes as the ASTRONAUT rolls the dice. The game piece moves forward with a mechanical whirr, the adventure truly beginning.*
**FADE OUT.**
Scene 5
**Screenplay Title: “The Cosmic Game of Zathura”**
**Scene: Chapter 5 – Lisa’s Awakening**
**INT. LIVING ROOM – SPACE HOUSE – NIGHT**
*The living room is dimly lit, stars twinkle through the windows. LISA, 16, fashionable but now in pajamas, groggily descends the stairs. She pauses, noticing the unusual cosmic view outside. WALTER, 12, focused and somewhat anxious, and DANNY, 9, wide-eyed with a mix of fear and excitement, are huddled over the Zathura board game.*
**LISA**
(Confused and irritated)
What are you guys doing? Why is it so cold, and why does it look like we’re in space?
*Walter and Danny exchange nervous glances.*
**WALTER**
(Attempting to sound calm)
Lisa, don’t freak out, but… we’re kinda… in space.
**LISA**
(In disbelief, laughing)
Right, and I’m the Queen of Mars. Seriously, what’s going on?
**DANNY**
It’s the game, Lisa! We started playing Zathura and then the house… it just… flew into space!
*LISA walks to the window, her laughter fading as she sees the vast expanse of space.*
**LISA**
(Shocked, whispering)
This can’t be real.
**WALTER**
But it is. And we need to finish the game to get back home.
**LISA**
(Accepting the reality, determined)
Okay. What do we do next?
**DANNY**
We need to take turns. It’s your turn, Lisa.
*LISA approaches the game, hesitantly spins the game’s dial. The game piece moves. A card pops out.*
**LISA**
(Reading the card)
“Meteor shower. Take cover.”
*The sound of meteors pelting the house begins. They all look at each other in panic.*
**WALTER**
(Shouting over the noise)
To the basement! Now!
*They all run towards the basement, the sounds of meteors impacting the house grow louder.*
**INT. BASEMENT – SPACE HOUSE – CONTINUOUS**
*The siblings huddle together, listening to the chaos above. After a tense moment, the noise stops.*
**LISA**
(Softly, to herself)
We’re really in this together, huh?
**WALTER**
Yeah, we are. And we’re going to get through this. Together.
**DANNY**
(Smiling)
Like a real adventure!
*The siblings share a determined look, knowing the journey ahead is fraught with danger but also filled with the possibility of returning home.*
**FADE OUT.**
—
**[End of Scene]**
This screenplay segment sets the tone for the family’s unexpected journey and highlights the initial disbelief, eventual acceptance, and burgeoning teamwork among the siblings, hinting at the adventures and challenges they will face together in the vastness of space.
