"We wish to honor the first earthling into space," said the aliens, "by inviting them to join us on our journey across the cosmos."

The earth representative frowned. "You must mean Yuri Gagarin? Unfortunately, he is long dead."

"A minor detail, given our technology," the aliens replied, "and no, we do not refer to the human."

The air grew bright and hot. Colors swirled. A dog appeared.

Said the aliens, "Come with us, Laika. Join us on our journey."

The dog barked happily.

#microfiction