⋆ ⭒ ˚ . ⋆ RADIO CHECK : @skycapt4in. ♡
i've gotten into a bit of a system with my star searching : there's a certain level of dimness that isn't even worth allocating too much time to, any neighbouring planets certainly too far gone to salvage even if they did have life forms to rescue at one point in time. if a star is too bright it is hardly worth the fuel, likely yet to be affected or already in safe and capable hands. in essence, i've made my own goldilocks zone.
the vector he approaches now seems promising, though he is not close enough yet to ascertain any signs of life but certainly noting a sun in decay. maybe it's toward the end of its natural lifespan, or maybe the astrophage has got its dirty mitts on the light source. there's only one way to find out. of course there is the temptation to try and play god, to reverse the atrophy of all of these stars if their petrova lines can be located, but without lives and civilisations to save, it seems a tremendous effort. grace is just one man, perhaps the only inhabitant of earth left alive if his mission was for nought, and his resources and knowledge are limited. maybe it's best to stick to trying to find planets in real need rather than flounder amidst lonesome stars dying out.
another coffee is made in preparation as he draws close, the endless unknown promising of either utter void or the potential of something greater, alive. grace flashes a boost of the spin drives, barely a flicker, before his usual transmission is sent out to likely deaf and uncomprehending ears. at least the translation pack has eridian now, that's at least one non - earth language to the bank.
ATTN: this is the human exploratory vessel HAIL MARY. we are carbon-based lifeforms from a planet in the SOL system. seeking any listening civilisations: we represent peace and aid.
the 'we' has always felt a little misleading, but it makes me feel a little less squeamish than potentially admitting to anything out there that i have essentially made this trip alone. here goes nothing. the likely response is exactly zilch, but i give it a good while for anything to come through before i move on. i sip at my cup and watch the display screens patiently. and now we wait.
