aliens traverse the universe seeking out intelligent lifeforms

to share knowledge and make friendly contact

they approach earth and detect advanced technologies with space travel capabilities

they make a rapid descent towards North America

scans reveal urban areas with lots of air traffic and radar

not wanting to trigger a hostile response to an invasion

they decide to land on a remote mountain top

After landing they step out and observe a small flying object overhead

they scan for weapons but its just an eagle gliding by

aliens stumble on railroad tracks and are very puzzled

why are these metal rails bolted to the ground they ponder

their inspection is interrupted by an approaching steam train

hissing puffing blowing snorting fills the air as the aliens hide

scans show no weapons but water and carbon lifeforms

is this a living being with an endoskeletal they wonder

as the train passes the aliens get a visual of lifeforms inside the train

scans show the lifeforms are not in distress

the train pushes on up the mountain as the aliens regroup

trying to understand what they have just witnessed about earth dwellers 

they have space technology but still run around in steam powered vehicles

aliens conclude earth dwellers are not yet advanced enough to make contact

they take off and go into orbit to consider their options

the train comes back down the mountain and pulls into the station

space cadet passengers disembark as the eagle soars overhead

they were taking a ride before their next space mission

telling the engine driver it was more fun than riding a rocket

aliens decide leave earth orbit and return again in 2000 years

the eagle soars as the steam train leaves the station

space cadets assemble at a NASA launch pad 

embarking on a mission to explore the universe for intelligent life forms