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!”

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  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!”