The Cosmic Relic

A group of astronauts, all experts in their respective fields, embarked on a deep space mission. Their objective was to explore uncharted territories in the far reaches of the galaxy, seeking new habitable planets and perhaps evidence of extraterrestrial life. It was a journey that would last years, and each astronaut knew the sacrifices they were making for the sake of human advancement.

Captain Art, a seasoned space explorer, led the team. Among his crew was John, a brilliant engineer with a dark secret. John had struck a deal with North Korean agents back on Earth, promising to deliver to them any valuable discoveries the team might make, in exchange for a sizable fortune.

As the mission progressed, the team encountered many wonders, but nothing could prepare them for their most significant discovery - an ancient alien artifact. It appeared to be a device of incredible power, capable of changing the course of human history. The astronauts were awestruck, contemplating the possibilities and responsibility that lay before them.

However, John's mind was elsewhere. He saw this artifact as the key to securing his deal with the North Koreans. The potential for power and wealth clouded his judgment, fueling his obsession with the device.

As the crew studied the artifact, John grew increasingly paranoid and desperate. He feared that his crewmates would never allow the artifact to fall into the wrong hands. In a twisted attempt to secure his own future, John decided that he must kill his fellow astronauts and take control of the mission.

One by one, John methodically eliminated his crewmates, while making it look like tragic accidents. Captain Art, however, had grown suspicious of the events and realized the danger they were all in. Determined to save the remaining crew, he confronted John, only to be mortally wounded in the struggle.

With his dying breath, Captain Art managed to lock John in a sealed compartment, buying the remaining astronauts time to regroup and devise a plan. They knew they couldn't let the artifact fall into John's hands or be exploited by any world power.

In a final confrontation, John managed to free himself from the compartment and lunged for the artifact. Fueled by his greed and obsession, he activated the device in an attempt to wield its power. However, the artifact's energy was too much for any human to control. In an instant, John was pulverized, leaving nothing but a cloud of cosmic dust.

The surviving astronauts, realizing the incredible power and potential danger of the artifact, decided that it was too great a risk for humanity. They chose to hide the artifact deep in the cosmos, far from the reach of Earth, for the safety of all.

The crew returned to Earth as heroes, keeping the secret of the artifact buried with them. And as they gazed upon the stars, they knew that the cosmic relic remained safely hidden, a testament to the power of wisdom and the responsibility that comes with the pursuit of knowledge.