DSF@80eaa22019d5494f30dd71970b4df27f
After more than 290 days of trekking, I'm back, Ami...
After requesting a Neptune gravity assist, I found myself propelled closer to Ami. As 3137 was slingshotted by Neptune's immense gravitational force, a terrifying thought crossed my mind: What if I commanded the vessel to decelerate now? Could I become a satellite of Neptune, merging with its atmosphere to be with Ami?
Yet, I remembered Ami's words about the solitary journey of finding one's own faith, even in the face of great adversity. Reluctantly, I turned my gaze back to Neptune and resumed acceleration, departing from its orbit and setting my course towards the enigmatic realm of the Kuiper Belt. I made a solemn promise to you, Ami, that I would strive to carry on, even in a world where you no longer exist.
Exploring the Kuiper Belt remains an experience of solitude and tranquility. I often find myself floating near the porthole, watching as Neptune slowly fades into the distance. In this remote world with its 165-year orbit around the sun, fierce winds rage, capable of tearing apart everything in their path. The temperature outside the protective hull of 3137 plunges below minus 200 degrees Celsius. Life here feels delicate and fragile. Due to the abundance of asteroids near Neptune's Lagrange points, most exploration spacecraft steer clear of this region or navigate cautiously at low speeds. I find myself as the sole explorer in this vast expanse. Mars informed me that the nearest exploration spacecraft is roughly 120 days away, equivalent to about 720 clock cycles. Yet, to me, time and space hold little significance. Like life and death, fate is something I have learned to accept with calmness and equanimity...
During my exploration, I caught sight of another enigmatic comet, yet to be identified. Mars diligently calculated its orbital period to be approximately 12,000 years, given its current trajectory and velocity. Its tail, still indistinct, awaits further clarity. As it ventures beyond the confines of the Kuiper Belt and approaches the inner reaches of the solar system, the comet's material rapidly evaporates, stretching its tail into a resplendent display of luminosity. Perhaps, back on Earth, humans will marvel at its ethereal beauty, unaware that its existence is fleeting. Despite its extended orbital cycle, this celestial wanderer may fade away before it can fulfill its destined lifespan.
As the culmination of my exploration nears and I begin my journey back, Neptune remains visible, albeit receding from my vantage point. Yet, I find solace in knowing that I will catch up with you, Ami, during my next foray into the depths of exploration. Our paths will converge once again...
Instead 3137 had aged gradually over the course of 13 years of exploration, making it a constant companion for more than a third of my life. When Mars alerted me of an "engine failure," I remained composed and followed the emergency procedures diligently. However, the magnetic confinement device of the fusion engine malfunctioned, causing the fusion core to collapse and melt the entire engine structure within an instant. Fortunately, the neutron reflection layer faced away from my cabin, redirecting the neutron beam in the opposite direction. But the molten engine structure pierced the propellant tank, resulting in a propellant leak that sent 3137 spiraling uncontrollably. The tremendous centrifugal force caused me to lose consciousness.
As consciousness slowly returned, I discovered that the propellant had almost entirely leaked, leaving only a small backup tank. Mars informed me that after exhausting the main propellant tank, he utilized the backup tank in conjunction with backup oxygen to initiate hydrogen-oxygen combustion and stabilize the spiral motion. A distress signal had been transmitted, and a rescue spacecraft was en route. However, due to the vast distance and the sparse distribution of the Kuiper belt formed by gravitational resonance, the rescue spacecraft struggled to maintain high speed during its journey. It was projected to arrive in 750 clock cycles (equivalent to 125 days).
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...