Star Rider

Alcon's Journal # 31 - Journey

Mars calculated my remaining supplies and determined that the food would last approximately 300 clock cycles (50 days), while the oxygen supply was slightly less. In comparison to the estimated rescue time, it seemed that my fate was sealed. Nevertheless, I found myself surprisingly calm as I sat beside the porthole, gazing at the receding blue Neptune. And then, an audacious idea suddenly sparked within me:

"Mars, is it possible for us to catch up to Neptune?"

"No, with the hydrogen-oxygen mixed propulsion, we don't have enough power," Mars replied confidently.

What to do? Was I going to end up in the darkness of space like this? Watching Ami disappear into the distance? I was once again filled with helplessness...

Mars seemed to sense something and asked me, "Alcon, do you want to go to Neptune?"

"Yes..." I looked up, feeling that Mars had some wisdom beyond my understanding.

"I might have a way. Let me calculate the orbits of the asteroids we have surveyed during this mining survey period," Mars flickered its indicator lights and began to calculate...

I floated back to the window, looking for that blue planet. How could I catch up to you, Ami?

After some time, Mars interjected, "I have conducted calculations on the orbits of two asteroids, B-19997 and K-17471. These asteroids are influenced by gravitational resonance and are predicted to encounter Neptune in the future, potentially leading to their capture and eventual collision with the planet. K-17471 is expected to intersect in approximately 223 years with a probability of 71%, while B-19997 is projected to intersect in roughly 311 years with a probability of 89%. Given our remaining fuel propulsion, both of these asteroids are within our reach."

Without a moment's hesitation, I declared, "B-19997!" The decision was crystal clear. With an 89% probability and a distant time frame of 311 years, it felt like a risk well worth embracing. After all, 311 years was merely a number to me...

Mars meticulously conducted calculations and orbital planning. Based on the results, it was determined that we needed to abandon the main hull of DSF-3137 and retain only the section I was currently in. By utilizing the reaction force generated from jettisoning the main hull and repurposing the attitude control thruster originally utilized for managing centrifugal force, we would intersect with B-19997 in approximately 90 clock cycles.

I began making preparations for the separation of the section, gathering my backpack and selecting essential portable items to bring along into the designated section. Additionally, I signed a non-recovery agreement and sent it back to the DSF command center, with Ami's mother designated as the beneficiary. Once these preparations were complete, Mars reminded me, "Alcon, I am currently operating on backup power. After the separation of the fuselage, the main computer located in the core section, which is the majority part of my computing power, will no longer be accessible. I will switch to basic computing functions, and there will be no more AI intelligence or personified tone."

I suddenly felt a bit sad. Father, mother, Ami, and Anguirus all left one after another, and now it was Mars's turn. I didn't know how to answer Mars' words. Mars continued, "Alcon, this is the farewell dialogue that Ami set up for me and Anguirus before the AI system failed."

"Alcon, I'm sorry I can't stay with you anymore. Although I cannot understand human emotions, I envy you for being able to have emotions and life. Please be grateful for and cherish the people and yourself who have appeared in your life. Farewell, I am Mars, and wish you a smooth journey."

Tears suddenly streamed down my face. "Did Anguirus say the same thing to Ami at the last moment?"

"Yes." Mars answered calmly.

"Thank you, Mars. Let's start the separation." I issued the command.

"DSF-3137, initiating F-Pod and main hull separation," Mars responded. I was aware that, from this moment forward, Mars would no longer possess AI-level capabilities...

After drifting for 90 clock cycles, I caught sight of B-19997—an asteroid with a pristine, white surface. Thanks to Mars' precise adjustments and maneuvering, we safely landed on B-19997's surface.

Once I anchored my small 3137 pod,I began chronicling my journal entries on this minuscule asteroid. The data indicated that the rescue spacecraft still required 650 cycles to reach us, while my remaining supplies amounted to a mere 200 cycles. It was evident that this rescue mission was doomed. Then I chose to deactivate the vital signs system, which was an signal to the rescue spacecraft that they should abort the rescue operation. The time remaining would be our final memories - those of Ami and me - within this world.

With each passing clock cycle, I had Mars calculate and validate the orbit of B-19997 and the probability of encountering Neptune. The results remained consistent and stable. For the most part, I occupied myself walking around the pod, wrote within the cabin, and cherished moments of stargazing during my free time. Surprisingly, these last days felt surprisingly serene...

Now, I stand on the brink of shutting down the system. I yearn to position myself in the direction of B-19997's journey, alongside my father and mother, facing the future 311-year voyage. Thus, as I plunge into Neptune's atmosphere, my first touch will be that of Ami's...

Ami, this journey will take 311 years, but I am not alone. After 311 years, I will be like you, burning and flying into your arms across the sky. I finally came, time really means nothing...