3 2 1, ignition …


    The first satellite tether zoomed through space toward an asteroid.


    Weeks later at Manifest Space Mining HQ:


    “Sir, it’s a success! We’ve tethered the asteroid for resource extraction!”


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The workers at their stations clapped and cheered.


    “Trillionaire! I’ll be the first trillionaire!” said the CEO.


    “Sir, I’m receiving a message,” said a communications operator.


    “What’s it say?”


    “The AI’s translating it now.”


    “People of Earth, that asteroid’s ours. Release it immediately!”


    “Nonsense!” said the CEO. “Tell them this is our solar system!”


    …


    “Sir! The asteroid …”


    “Yes?”


    “It’s on a collision course toward Earth!”