The First

"The First" by Edward W. Ludwig is a science fiction novella set during the golden age of space exploration, that examines the yearning for fame, the endeavors undertaken, and the very nature of mankind regarding early space flights. Jeffrey Simon, an astronaut in the highly confidential "Project Pandora," recalls his experiences as the initial team to visit the moon, many years ahead of what the public knew. In a current-day celebration honoring Captain George Everson as the celebrated first astronaut to the moon, Jeffrey struggles with the truth that he and his team actually came first, as their contributions were overlooked by the public and government. Despite holding evidence of their lunar voyage, including a moonstone and a photograph, Jeffrey faces a dilemma whether or not to expose the truth or to safeguard the current celebration. Finally, he chooses to safeguard the excitement of the time as the rocket launched into the sky, as he acknowledges that the quest for discovery trumps claiming individual praise.