Ucy6

It’s something of a habit of yours to check your markings constantly as if you still need to make sure they are there. The map that leads you to them. Maybe it's just silliness or anxiety. After all, it is a universally accepted rule of the universe and fate is always kind in this regard. The only reason two soulmates may not meet is death, and in that scenario, the marking disappears.

So, you know without worry or doubt that your fated other half will be here waiting.

The location is one you've known for years, a beautiful flourishing park in San Francisco. It's a lovely spot, with vibrant flowers and trees with roots sunk deep into the ground. The kind of place so perfect that people choose to propose, and some eventually marry. There's a gorgeous fountain in the middle of it you've been to several times. 

People say it's bad luck to visit your soulmate location before the given time and date, but many times you have allowed yourself that indulgence. You have sat at that fountain and imagined the day they would be here, waiting for you. Will they bring flowers? Chocolate? Or maybe do what your father did for your mother and arrange an orchestra (A bit over the top... maybe, but she loved it.)

Either way, as your body moves a little too fast through the gate of the park, you know with every part of your being life is about to truly begin. 

It is only a few minutes until the fated time and as you look around the picturesque location that practically screams romance, you try to spot them. Someone, anyone, around looking as happy and thrilled as you.

Strangely enough, the park seems to be empty today, which is quite odd since it is always full of life with families, friends, pets, and all sorts of activities happening. Maybe fate had something to do with it? As if this is supposed to be a moment just for the two of you though that sounds a bit much even to you.

Even stranger, as you approach the massive fountain in the middle of the park that you always dreamed your lover would be in front of, you are confronted with a peculiar and somewhat concerning visual.

There are people standing around, but they don't fit in at all.

Official looking people, the type you would see in a government building or maybe in a spy movie. The one that sticks out is a woman with long faded red hair and a neutral expression. There's a small silver tablet tucked into her side. She and the others around her are all appraising you, as if they have been waiting for you.

What is happening? You look through the crowd of faces, you see no happiness or bliss. None of them are your soulmate of which you are certain. 

You're frozen, your hands clutching the green cross body you wear as your eyes frantically look around trying to find them. 

Everyone has always told you that the minute you see them, you will be overcome with feelings of overpowering happiness and love. Some people cry, others fall to their knees, the stories of romantic reactions are endless.

Yet, as you continue to struggle to find them a devastating thought surfaces in your mind.

Are they not here? No, they have to be here. Surely, all these years they have been thinking of you as you have them. That's how the world works, it never occurred to you to expect anything else. You'll get your happy ending, right? 

If that isn't correct, then...

Before you can spiral further, the mysterious woman takes a step towards you and speaks.

"My name is Ava Stratt and I work for the government. I have some important information that I believe pertains to you. May I please have your full name?”

Your voice is meek and you are afraid, but you quietly say your name.

"Noted. Now, may I please see your wrist to confirm your identity?"

"Confirm my identity… what? Excuse me?"

"Your wrist, please."

You don't know what's going on, but her voice doesn't leave much room for argument, and you just want to know what is going on here, so you hesitantly stretch your arm out enough for her to see.

She inspects it with narrowed eyes and then looks at a man behind her who is holding what appears to be a photo that you can't see. He nods and she looks back at you as if something is now confirmed.

"Alright, I apologize for the formality and I know you must be confused, there is a lot to discuss. So, it would be best if you came with us back to a secure facility."

"Huh? No! What is even going on here? I'm here to meet my soulmate, I don't know what all you people are doing here, but this is not..." you struggle to speak, your mind races. "Today is my day to meet my soulmate, please leave me alone. They're looking for me.” 

Ava takes a deep breath then, as if being forced to say something that causes her deep discomfort.

"I know this will be incredibly difficult to hear and I am deeply sorry, but he is in fact not looking for you nor will you find him.”

He? Your soulmate is a he and he's not… coming?

“Wha— Why would you say that?”

“I can explain more at a later time, we have prepared the information in an organized manner—”

“No!” Your voice seems especially loud in the deserted park, all of your patience now falling to the wayside in the wake of this impossible situation. “You will tell me what is going on now! Where is my soulmate? Why are you here trying to take me away? I'm not going anywhere. I'm waiting here for them.”

You're rambling at this point, your fingers balled into fists, but your eyes are resolute. You mean what you're saying. The only way you leave this park is if you're kicking and screaming.

The woman releases a heavy sigh and simply says, “Alright, but I suggest you sit down. You're already in an emotional state and what I have to explain won't be easy.”

You don't like it. You decide right then and there you don't like her either, but you agree that sitting down may be best. So you do.

Thankfully, the fountain is surrounded by simple benches and as you find a spot, the woman follows behind you, sitting as far from you as she can. It takes a moment as if she is rehearsing the words in her brain, but eventually she opens her mouth and begins. 

“This is complicated and I'm sure you will have questions, but please try to be patient... Firstly, your soulmate's name is Ryland Grace. He is a molecular biologist that was recruited for the Hail Mary Mission. Perhaps you have some awareness of him?”

“Ryland… Grace,” you whisper, "tasting your soulmate's name on your lips for the first time. “Yes, obviously, he’s my…”

Of course, you know that name. Everyone knows that name. He's one of the astronauts that went on a one way mission to space aboard the Hail Mary. Only a year ago, the probes that held the secret to saving life on Earth had landed and the world rejoiced. Ryland literally saved Earth and found the solution to stop the sun’s dimming. 

“Judging by your reaction, I am going to take that as a yes. I made a promise to him on the allotted date and time; I would be here to inform you of his absence. We would have found you sooner, but such is fate's way.”

“But Ryland is... the astronauts never… returned from that mission.” You say the words slow as if your brain is still processing, still taking the time to protect you from what that means. 

So, he really is not coming–ever. Oh god.

“Yes, which is why I'm here instead. He sent some messages for you–many–actually and was adamant you get to view them.”

“Messages for me... all the way from space?” 

“Yes, that is why we want to take you to a secure facility. We have set up a proper viewing area and there is certain… classified information on the files that prevent them from simply being given to you.”

“Wait, no can't I at least see some of the messages now?”

“I'm sorry – That would not be wise.”

“Please,” you beg. “Miss Stratt I've waited my whole life for this moment. You've just told me my soulmate whom I love with every piece of me is no longer on this planet. I've dreamed of this day for years… Please give me… something.”

Stratt purses her lips in displeasure, but relents.

“Fine. I will show you one of the messages, but for the rest you must come with me. Is this understood?”

You nod vehemently.

Stratt places the tablet she was holding on her lap and starts taping away before handing it to you. 

"We have categorized every message he left for you. This is the first of many. I'll give you some privacy."

You watch as she walks back over to her people and then gaze down at the tablet in your hands which are visibly shaking. 

The screen is open on what seems to be some type of video log. It's paused, but it shows Ryland sitting down with his face close to the camera. You’ve seen him many times before, but have never really looked. It’s like seeing the sun for the first time, the pull you have towards him is magnetic, even through this virtual medium.

Without thinking about it, you reach out and brush your fingers over the screen, as if you could somehow reach him through it.

Ryland looks devastatingly handsome and your eyes rove over every inch of his face as if trying to commit him to memory. His hair is cut short, like in many of the photos you've seen of him, but his blue eyes are different---tired as if he has seen too much. Ryland has deep blue eyes covered by golden rim glasses that look adorable on him. You can only see some of his chest, but he’s wearing some blue shirt with a science pun.

He is perfect, everything you could have ever imagined and your heart breaks that this is your first… "meeting."

Taking a deep breath, you mentally prepare yourself–as much as one possibly could in this situation–before slowly clicking play.

[Video Log 1]

Hello, my name is Ryland Grace and umm I’m your soulmate, believe it or not. I’m going to assume that if you’re getting this message, it's because someone has talked to you and explained the... utter insanity of my situation. I'll still give you the quick rundown for my own sake.

So, I happened to become the baby daddy of astrophage, helped get a mission going to save the planet, and uhm ended up going on that mission against my will. Suffice to say, I'm not really ideal relationship material at the moment.

It’s been a rough few weeks–definitely not anything I had in my five-year plan–but my memories have started coming back at least. 

Unfortunately, I don't have any memories of you because we never got the chance to meet. We never will... God, I wish I had memories of you. 

Sometimes when I dream though, I know it's of you, I can feel it, but I never see your face, just this… sense of overwhelming love. Then I wake up and I'm trapped in a fudging metal box again. But it keeps me going even when I’m devastated at the realization that I’ll never get to see you, which feels like all of the time.

I’m sorry about that by the way? The words 'I'm sorry' can't even begin to cover how... apologetic and guilty I feel about that. You’re probably so disappointed right now. I mean I’ve disappointed a lot of people in my life… Uhm, you’ll find out that I had interesting theories about water and life that I ironically helped disprove, but I never thought you would be someone I’d disappoint. 

You'll give me some grace though, right? You’re my soulmate, after all, you’re hard wired to love me. This might seem cynical, but for years I didn’t believe that. I always wondered if it was really true, I mean I’m a man of science, yet I’m supposed to believe the universe is busy making sure people have other halves? It sounds ridiculous. Yet, the proof is engraved on my wrist and all around me.

Actually, when I found out the sun was dimming and that the planet was pretty much going to go to shit in a few years… You were my first thought. The planet that my soulmate lives on is going to be uninhabitable. I wondered what you thought about it and if you were scared. I hated that.

Maybe that’s the reason why I helped Stratt in the first place. Sure, it was exciting at first as a scientist and I wanted to help save humanity, but uhh I knew if I didn’t help there wouldn’t be a world for us.

Sorry, this has gone on pretty long, I don’t really have anyone to talk to out here and I like to think you wouldn't mind listening. But, I guess I’ll just end this by saying I love you, I’m sorry, and uhh I hope it's enough to know that I was on earth and I did want you.

If I had the choice, I’d still be with you. The day we met would have been one of the happiest of our lives. I planned to give you a ring, big swing—I know. It would have been the first meeting, but I just figured we would both just be ready for that. It wouldn't have been in a 'golly lets hop down to the court house' type a way more a... You're my soulmate and here's something that signifies how wholly in love with you I am.

Oh, fiddlesticks, I’m starting to cry, I really don’t want to cry again. Wow, this is getting depressing and I should probably be focusing on saving the planet, so let's wrap it up! 

Ah, by the way...  there are some videos of me online... 

College days... I wouldn’t look at them; I tended to not use my head too much then. Peer pressure was a bad influence on me and I may have woken up naked on a lawn wearing lab goggles once. Not great experience wise.

Anywhoo, I love you, Grace out.

You’re not sure when the tears first began falling down your face. Maybe it was at the start of the video when you heard his voice for the first time. Maybe it was when he talked about having no memories of you. Maybe it was when he said 'I love you' for the first time. Or perhaps it was at the end when you realized how real this is and how fucked up.

The sobs rack through your body as grief grips your heart tightly like a vice. So much sadness has washed over you like an ocean at full tide and it’s all you can do to clutch the tablet in your hands. This is your soulmate? This is what you’re missing out on? You’ve only watched this one recording of his and you already know he is  incredibly sweet, heartbreaking, and funny in a way that made you laugh through the tears. Why in the world is this man cracking jokes as he explains he’ll never get to meet you?

God, you figured that must just be the kind of guy he is. He was thinking of you, wanting to cheer you up even as your hearts broke together. You can tell he’s a good man, practically sense it–he is your soulmate after all.

Yet, as the situation truly dawns on your heart you can’t stop shaking. The tablet falls from your hands and lands with a thump on the bench. There’s a throbbing in your forehead and despite the fact you're dressed for summer, you are hot. This is all wrong, so wrong, in a way that knocks the wind out of you and leaves you cold.

Suddenly, you can't breathe and your body feels weak as if it might give out. Where are you again? And has your vision always been this blurry? What in the world is going on? You look up to the sky, as if you'll somehow be able to gaze far enough to see him out there. Your lover out there among the stars never to return. 

At the thought, you try to stand; but your legs are wobbly and you can no longer think. You can't remember how to breathe. 

This can't be real. Your soulmate is no longer on this Earth... its all too much.

There’s shouting in the background, people rush towards you, and then gravity no longer holds you up. 

It all goes black.

Waking up is a slow process and somewhat confusing. Your head still hurts and your entire body feels like jello, but you at least manage to prop yourself up and look around. You're in a small room that's pretty much empty save for the bed and a night stand. It somewhat reminds you of a hospital room, but before you can think much more about it the door opens.

You’re not surprised to see Eva Stratt walk in. She looks just like she did the moment she opened a can of whoop ass on your life, perfectly calm.

“Hello there. You gave some of us quite a scare today,” she says calmly as she comes to stand by your bedside.

“What happened?”

“You fainted. You don’t remember?”

You frown, trying to remember exactly what happened. You recall finishing watching Ryland’s video and then your cheeks were wet from tears… After that it is all a blur which must be when it happened.

“Kinda, sorta? Is that bad?”

“It is most likely standard. We took the liberty of having you examined by one of our doctors. They believe you simply experienced too much emotional stress to the point your psyche shut down to protect itself. Predictable, really.”

You make a face at her.

“Ohh right, so predictable, that happens to me all the time. Just like last Tuesday, I think.”

Stratt sighs and crosses her arms over her best. “I'm sorry if I seem.. uncaring it is just my way as in my line of work I must remain objective. I only meant to say that you received extremely distressing news and reacted in a very human way.”

“Right. Your line of work being the woman who organized the project Hail Mary,” you mutter, recalling seeing her face many times on the news. 

“Precisely.”

Any other time, you might have wanted to have a conversation with her about that, but now that you are awake there is only one thought on your mind.

“When can I watch the rest of Ryland’s videos?”

“The doctor doesn't recommend it for now. There's concern it could cause another blackout and he still wants to examine you further–”

“No.”

Stratt blinks. “I’m sorry?”

“I don't care about any of that. Ryland left messages for me.. I have to read them. Is it gonna hurt like fucking hell? Yes. Should I probably have a therapist on speed dial? Absolutely. But I have to know everything he had to tell me. Please.”

She watches you carefully as if trying to figure out the puzzle that is you. “You understand severe mental stress is a serious condition?

“Yes. I accept the risks, I'll sign something if need be, just let me watch my soulmates messages!”

There's a beat of silence where she's clearly thinking over your words against whatever the doctor has told her.

Fortunately, you win out.

“You'll have to watch them while laying down and I will have you checked on intermittently to monitor your status. If I believe you have become dangerously compromised, we will stop them at once. And yes, you will have to sign legal paperwork that prohibits you from talking about anything in the videos that is not public knowledge.”

“I can’t tell people that Ryland is my soulmate? But, my family and my friends all knew today I was supposed to meet them and—”

“No, you can tell people that he is your soulmate. In fact, the government would like to release a joint statement to that effect. So, that is not the information we are concerned with getting out.”

Your eyebrows furrow as you feel she is dancing around something.

“Well, if everyone already knows he went on this mission and what he did, then what is the “public knowledge” I can’t say?”

Stratt’s mouth goes in a thin line.

“You’ll see. Will you sign?”

“Fine, whatever gets this moving.”

Stratt clearly wasn't a woman to push your luck with.

“Are you ready to get out of bed?”

“Well, let's see…”

You inhale and exhale slowly as you move your legs to hang off the side of the bed. “C’mon, you got this…”

After what feels like forever your feet touch the ground firmly and you stand up. Stratt eyes you warily as if she's afraid she'll have to call someone in or intervene herself.

Thankfully, your legs don't give out and you raise your hands up in victory. 

Stratt purses her lips together and what could be construed as amusement and waves you forward out the door.

As you follow behind her, you realize you're in a large building with many doors and winding hallways. You wonder if Ryland has ever been here.

She leads you to a large room in which there's a huge projector that takes up an entire wall. There’s a comfortable brown looking couch in front of it with a few blankets strewn across it. There's also a small table that has been laid out with snacks, drinks, and tissues.

They truly were prepared for you and someone put a lot of effort into considering your effort. 

“Here is the remote. I've currently arranged the videos in the order of the most… critical. You can watch them all eventually, but I believe these are the most pressing, alright?

“By pressing you mean?”

“They will give you a clear and immediate understanding of where he is and was now. Once you have finished those, come find me."

That sounded ominous, but you nodded.

“Alright…”

“You will not be disturbed beyond the agreed upon check in. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“If you wish to pause for a break at any time that is fine. We can have substantial meals brought in to you and the bathroom facilities are right outside this door. Consider this base your temporary home for the time being.”

“What about my job? My family and my roommate will be wondering where I am.. I should text them.”

“I've taken care of it all. Everyone knows you are in a safe place and you will contact them at the earliest convenience. The most important thing you can do is hear what Ryland has to say to you. On that sentiment we are in agreement.”

You blink, wondering how your overprotective mother and father would react to a scary government official showing up at their door. Or the way your roommate who is low-key into conspiracy theories would probably threaten to record them until she spoke to you.

Yet, the need to explain anything to anyone else seems far away and you ultimately are just grateful to Stratt.

“Thank you... I don't know what to say. It seems you've thought of everything. I feel taken care of.”

“Don't mention it, this is my job and a favor being fulfilled to an old friend.”

Stratt places her hand on the doorknob, but hesitates for a second. She doesn’t bother turning back to you as she says. “For what it's worth, as someone who spent a great deal of time with Ryland, you truly do remind me of him.”

With that she leaves as mysteriously as she dropped all this on you.

You swallow hard, unsure what to think of her words and her distant yet generous demeanor. 

Are you like Ryland? There were some soulmates who tended to be polar opposites, yet others who could finish each other's sentences.

You suppose there is only one way to find out.

Letting out a sigh you go over to the couch and lay down, adjusting a few times to get comfortable. You plan to watch as many videos as you can without stopping. You just have to know him better and this is the only way no matter how much it hurts.

Then with still a shaky hand and a tightness in your chest, you press play. 

[Video Log 2]

Gonna throw a big question at you to start this message off, but uhh what are your thoughts on aliens? Have you seen WALL-E, E.T., Lilo and Stitch? 

Yeah, well I've got something pretty cool to show you. I’m hoping they won’t censor this part of my messages because you deserve to know. 

[Ryland gets close to the camera and whispers]

We aren’t alone out here.

[Ryland shifts camera to the side]

Rocky, Rocky.. C’mere?

Rocky: Yes Grace?

Rocky, meet my soulmate. 

Rocky: Hello Grace friend!!!

No, no Rocky, remember we talked about this? We're making a message for my mate. My soul mate.

Rocky: Oh yes, hello very important mate of Grace! 

He has been very excited to be in one of the recordings for you. He's told me a lot about his mate and every time he does I just think of you.

But uhh to focus, you're probably wondering why am I ever so casually making a video with an alien creature. Stick with me on this because I'm still processing myself.

Rocky is just like us, his star is dying and he came here with a crew to figure out why. We're working together and he's super smart and helpful. Doesn't really get boundaries the way you would hope alien species might, but that's totally okay. I respect cultural differences.

Rocky: Grace! What mate look like?

Well, I don't know buddy, I've never got the chance to meet them.

Rocky: Grace never seen mate? But love?

Yes, Rocky. I don't need to have them to know how I feel.. it's just in my heart. 

Rocky: Grace, see mate soon?

…..

Hey Rocky, remember earlier when you said there was something on your ship you wanted to go grab and show me?

Rocky: Oh yes!

“Can you uhh do it now?”

Rocky: But we make video for mate?

We can film more when you get back, I promise. 

Rocky: Acceptable. 

Okay, he's gone… Sorry about that, dude has expert hearing like some Harry Potter type stuff.

So uhhh Rocky doesn't know about this being a one way trip. Kinda feels like a downer to be the one on the team who has to admit their planet sent them on a suicide mission. That's why for his sake I've been pretending I'll go back to earth. 

I mean the two of us are already heartbroken enough to fill an entire galaxy. Why should he be too?

Anyways, I'll make another video when he comes back in the meantime as always I love you.

Grace, out.

[Video Log 3]

So…I bet you will never guess how my day here on the Hail Mary went. Now, don’t get jealous or anything, but I’m moving in with someone for the first time, yeah, it’s thaaaat serious.

It’s Rocky and he’s uhh my new roommate.

I always thought you would be the first person I lived with, but here we are. I am now the first human to officially cohabitate with an alien, so that's... pretty cool.

Rocky is pretty much bossing me around and I’m pretty sure he has cursed at me in Eridian numerous times, but Armondo is meditating–robots are actually decent at that–and we’re gonna be totally fine.

I wonder how soon we would have moved in together if….you know. I kinda think things would have moved pretty fast, most of my friends once they met their soulmates things just took it off. I definitely would have been willing to do whatever you wanted. There’s no doubt in my mind I’d be “down-bad” as the kids say. I think they say that anyways.

Well… I’ve got like a zillion things to pick up off the floor and I can hear Rocky rolling around doing something that has me mildly concerned so..

I love you, baby. Wish you were here.

Grace, out.

[Video Log 4]

Hey, I have news. It’s uhh big big news and I have to document this because I want to remember telling you this. I told Rocky the truth that this is a one way trip and that I’d made peace with that which obviously was a fudgin total lie. How could I ever make peace with not getting to kiss you and love you? 

And by some utter miracle Rocky told me that he can just give me some fuel to return to Earth. He said it really casually like you know as if he was just giving me something inconsequential. Like a stick of butter or cup of milk between neighbors, no biggie.

When in reality he is saving my life and that's just.. cool cool cool.

So, this whole you know star crossed lovers, never going to meet vibe we’ve got going on? That's done with and uhh hopefully you’re going to be excited to meet me. 

Lately, I've been wondering how you'll react when you show up and I'm not there. It breaks my heart, rips me up into pieces.

But, now I’m coming home to you. Eventually, once I figure out how to save our planets exactly. I promise.

So if you just wait a bit longer, I’ll be there and I’ll come find you straight away. I'm gonna be the guy who saved the Earth, so I feel like I’ll have that power now ya know? I can just wave my hand and I’ll get to come see you. It's the least they could do.

I’m so relieved. I’ll get to know your name, hear your voice, touch you, kiss you, everything I think about late at night… and I do think a lot about you. Sorry, hope that’s not weird? I mean we’ve never met, but I imagine kissing you. Like a lot. I imagine what it would be like just to hold you and be in bed with you.

There are other things too, but I’m assuming the government is going to watch these logs and its probably better we meet before having those types of talks. 

But they will happen. We will make memories together someday because I have the best friend in the world. 

Rocky: Did tell Mate you come home?”

Yes, I told them. 

Rocky: Did you say Rocky give you fuel? What they think of Rocky?

Or course, don’t worry, I always sing your praises to them. They're going to love you and be so thankful, don't even worry about it. You're basically their best friend too. 

Rocky: Amaze. Amaze. Amaze. Now Grace and mate love each other long time just like Adrian and Rocky. Ok?

Yeah Rocky, that's all we want and you're giving it to us.

Now, let's go do some big science.

Love you, sweetheart.

Grace, out.

[Video Log 5]

So.. things have unexpectedly gotten absolutely terrible… As I told you in a few of the last blogs Rocky and I have been trying to figure out why Tau Ceti isn't dimming. I did the space walk, I did the collection, which didn’t go so well, it went pretty dicey, but it seemed everything would be fine until part of the ship's engine broke off which was bad enough, but then and don't freak out… I almost died?

But uhh Rocky saved me… He sacrificed himself for me. I still can’t understand why he did that. He must've been so afraid and now I’m terrified, baby. 

He’s in his big ball and maybe he’s resting or maybe he’s already gone and everyday I’m just praying. I mean if I’ve lost my best friend and the only person who loves me is light years away then what do I have out here?

I'm truly alone.

…..

On the other hand, I figured it out. I figured out why life is the reason Tau Ceti is okay and I’m breeding the Taumoeba so at least in that regard I can rest easy. You’re going to live. I've found the answer for you that will save the Sun. I like to think you would be proud of me.

I hope Rocky wakes up. I hope he can save his people. I hope I can see you soon. I hope we can be together on Earth soon.

It all just feels hopeless right now, but I’m hanging on for you.

I dreamed of you again last night. You were holding me and it felt so fucking real that when I woke up and I was alone… I just wanted to give up.

But, I won’t give up on you or Rocky.

Did I mention I love you? Cause I do.

Grace, out.

[Video Log 6]

[Ryland & Rocky Sing Love Will Keep Us Alive by The Eagles]

I was standing

All alone against the world outside

You were searching

For a place to hide

Lost and lonely

Now you've given me the will to survive

When we're hungry, love will keep us alive

Don't you worry

Sometimes you've just gotta let it ride

The world is changing

Right before your eyes

Now I've found you

There's no more emptiness inside

….

Hey, sorry for the uhhh random karaoke courtesy of Rocky and I, but I wanted to do something special to give you the news… Clearly as you can see our Rocky friend survived! I know absolutely nothing about Eridian biology, but I still believe it was a miracle.

I don’t know if I’ve ever been more relieved in my life. I cried a lot. Thought of you. Cried some more.

So, now that we have our solution and we are each taking the answer back to our respective planets… 

We’re partying, baby.

Thank you for listening by the way, it helps a lot. I know you’re not watching these in real time, but it still gives me this sense of being heard. And I know you will someday and I feel a connection with you through that.

I like to think that when I finally come back to Earth we can watch them together. I’ll probably cry and you’ll tell me that I shouldn’t cry while watching videos of myself.

Anyways, I can’t talk for too long. I plan to show Rocky Green Day next.

But everything is okay, it's more than okay.

Tomorrow I begin the journey home. I love you. I love you. Wait for me.

Grace, out.

[Video Log 7]

Wow this is… this is rough, I’ve practiced this multiple times already in my head, but this is the first time I’ve actually had the strength to turn on record. Um, a lot has happened in the past several hours that is pretty grim.

I almost lost the ship due to the Taumoeba escaping xenonite breeder tanks, but I managed to fix it and stop them. So I’m okay, but uhhh Rocky… he’s not going to be okay. 

He won’t be able to solve the problem, won’t even know what the problem is, and so… he’s gonna die. A slow painful death due to radiation poisoning because I didn’t foresee this happening.

I know I promised you that I was coming home. I told you that we would be together and I made you promises that now seem so insincere, useless, and stupid.

I’m so sorry, but I’ve done the math and I can’t come home to you and save Rocky. If I can’t save Rocky then all the Eridians die too… So, I really only have one option where everyone lives.

You’ll probably hate me – if you don’t already – and feel like this is just another thing I’m choosing over you. Another way I'm disappointing you and letting you down when I was supposed to make you my world. 

But, another part of me says that this is what you would want. Because even though we can’t be together you’re still on Earth alive, but I know without a doubt he will die and his people. And I think once you see all the messages I've made to you with Rocky… you would want them saved.

I think I need my brain to think of things that way to deal with this guilt and pain hanging on my chest. I’m going to send all the messages I’ve made so far and everything Earth needs to survive in the probes so… 

Holy Moly, I'm the worst soulmate ever. I bet you wish the universe picked someone else, huh? Someone who could keep their promises? A nice simple guy who didn't accidentally become the world’s hero?

I wanted to give you a sweet love story. There’s not been a lot I wanted in life besides my research and teaching, but I wanted that. The wedding, the big house, the children, this big full life… I'd come home to you everyday after teaching and we would be happy. That would have been enough for me… 

For a second I thought that could really happen. Please forgive me, sweetheart. I won't be there to make it up to you. 

I love you. I’ve loved you for light years. I’ve loved you from another galaxy. What’s more fudging romantic and heartbreaking than that?

You’re going to live my love and everyday I know that is a day it was all worth it. Promise me that you'll try to be happy and that you'll know there are things out there worth being brave for.

This will be the last time you ever hear from me, your soulmate.

I’m so very sorry.

I loved you. So. Much.

Grace, out.

After watching the recordings of Ryland, you cry more than you ever have in your life and then some more. You’re amazed at these logs he has made for you, the time he spent thinking of you, and talking to you. Ryland Grace’s sacrifice is known around the world, but seeing it through this lens, knowing he was thinking of you? It’s so much to take in and it just blows you away when you try to process it.

There are many moments where you smile, laugh, and simply gaze in wonder at your soulmate. 

Yet, the grief is still overpowering, and you wonder how you will ever be yourself again. You walked into that park expecting to find love and instead fell off into an abyss of heartbreak. Though even through the sorrow, there is one resounding thought: Ryland loved you without any doubt. The same way that you have been pining for your soulmate, he has been yearning for you from a galaxy away.

The number of tissues you go through could fill an entire dumpster, yet every time you reach for one there is another and another. Someone comes in often when you're asleep and cleans up. The snacks and drinks are refilled, and you get a sense that they really understand you're actively grieving. 

It's not until hours after watching the final video of Ryland’s goodbye do you dare to venture out of your cave. Your eyes are puffy, cheeks tear stained, and your legs still a bit uncertain, but something inside you manages to find the strength. It’s late and you aren’t sure you even know the way back to the small bedroom you woke up in. 

You just want to tell Stratt you watched the specific logs she wanted and watch all of the rest in between those.

As if on cue Stratt finds you immediately and appraises you with knowing eyes. You get the feeling that despite her not outright saying it, you’re being monitored at all times.

“You look like you've been to hell and back.”

“I have,” you say with quiet certainty. “I’m still in disbelief, honestly.”

“Hm. Come with me, we have more to discuss now that you have the full picture.”

You frown, what else could she possibly have to tell you? All you want to do is get back to that room and press play as that feels the only way to be connected to Ryland.

“I mean what else is there to say? I get it, he's not coming back ever. I get it.”

“Just trust me,” she says waving you forward as she begins walking down the hall.

“The same way Ryland did?”

She pauses at that but continues on.

You begrudgingly follow her to a small room with a simple table and chairs. On the table lay some stacked papers, a manilla envelope, and a pen. Both of you sit down and you try to resist the urge to peek at what they say.

There is something you want to ask her.

“Have you seen the recordings?”

“Of course, it was necessary to view them to understand all aspects of the mission.”

“What did you think? What am I supposed to do with this? Everything he said to me, how I factored into his experience.”

“I think… you have simultaneously suffered a profound loss and a truly astounding love.”  

“Well... that's one way to put it.”

Stratt observes you silently for a second before clearing her throat.

“Now, firstly, I need you to sign what we discussed earlier. I assume you understand my meaning.”

Stratt pushes the lengthy piece of paper towards you and places a pen on top.

“Yeah, the general public can’t know about Rocky, I get it, aliens equal mass hysteria yadayada,” you say as you grab the pen and sign.

“Perfect. Now, Ryland, also had some personal effects, things that were in a storage locker.. Would you like those items?”

“Oh yes, please,” you breathe, the thought of touching something that Ryland once had his hands on might at least dull the ache in your heart the tiniest bit.

“Alright, that can be easily arranged. Lastly, I have something for you that is solely yours.”

Stratt picks up the manilla envelope and hands it to you.

Eyebrows raised, you open it slowly and pull out a thin rectangular piece of piece. You nearly drop it as your eyes read a number so big you think they must’ve added a 0 or two on accident.

“What the heck is this?” You say in disbelief.

“All of the astronauts were to receive compensation through some method. Whether it be to family, friends, or charity. Ryland never got to pick his but I believe he would want it to go to you.”

“No… I can’t accept this. It’s too much money; I’ve never even considered having that amount of cash. Just no. Besides, this belongs to him, I can't just take–”

It's too much for you and it causes guilt to swirl in your stomach. 

The small piece of paper seems to scold your hands, and you drop it back on the table as if it burned you.

“The money doesn't even begin to touch his sacrifice. No amount ever could,” Stratt says.

“Yes, but this is money that is only here because of Ryland’s sacrifice. It's fucking blood money, how could I ever feel okay about this? Spend any of this without immediately feeling like the worst soulmate?” you whisper, tears brimming your eyes.

Stratt eyes you carefully, her arms crossing over her chest.

“Listen, I’ve read your file. You come from a big family of humble means, put yourself through college with some pretty hefty loans, and now spend most of your days helping others for a small salary. Is that correct?"

You swallow, not finding any inaccuracies in her statement, but before you can attempt to disagree Stratt speaks again, her voice quieter.

“Please, allow me to do this kindness for you, for Ryland. I feel enough guilt over his fate, the least I can do is this. I mean do you not believe he would have wanted you taken care of?”

You look her in the eyes and find only solemn truth in her words.

“Okay. This is flipping crazy, but yeah I'll think it over."

“Think of the money as a means to protect yourself. Once the world finds out you are Ryland Grace’s soulmate. They will want a piece of you and the tragedy of your fate.”

“Screw that. Ryland and I have given enough to the world. I haven't even begun to process the grief in my heart.”

“Correct. So, take the necessary time to heal… then you go out there and live the life he didn’t get to. The life Ryland would want you to have.”

"Okay," you whisper, the weight of her words hitting you hard.

You stare down at the check and then your eyes flicker to your wrist.

“Eva?”

“My soulmate markings haven't disappeared. That means Ryland is still out there... somewhere."

"I am aware."

"Do you think he'll ever come back to me?"

....

.....

…

An Unknown Time After Probes Were Sent…

“Grace, do ever think about mate?” 

Ryland turns and looks at his best friend. Rocky often asks about you and how Grace feels. The scientist knows it's because he can seem quite melancholy at times and Rocky has caught him simply gazing out into the ocean lost in thought.

After all, it’s been months since you landed on Erid and while Ryland adores teaching the Eridian children. He’ll never stop mourning what could have been, what should have been between the two of you.

 “Of course. I'm always thinking about them in some way. What they're doing, whether they're happy or sad… If they've found someone else.”

“Rocky have something to tell Grace.”

“Yeah?”

“Erid engineers been working hard to understand human technology. Very different from Eridian.”

“Yeah buddy, you told me. Don’t worry, I understood it was a long shot from the start.”

“Grace don’t understand. They have done it. The Hail Mary can leave for Earth in just a few days.”

Ryland inhales sharply, his eyes widening and pulse quickening as he processed Rocky’s words.

“Rocky… I-I don’t know what to say…you don't know what that means to me.”

“Rocky do. You sad without Mate. Without hope. Must fix.”

“I'll never regret coming back for you, Rocky. But yeah… There's an immense hole in my heart that can only be fixed by going to them.”

“Leave soon as can. Rocky will miss Grace.”

“I'll miss you too, Rocky. Who knows, maybe someday you can come by the earth.”

“Rocky like that.”

“...What if they don't want me Rocky? I've made them wait so long for me.”

“If no like Grace, then stupid."

Ryland let out a soft laugh and gently patted the top of Rocky’s head. “Thanks old friend, I needed that.”

There’s a beat of silence where they simply share a moment that can only be understood between two close friends.

“Rocky, are you upset I’m leaving?”

“Yes. Very upset, but more upset if you stay.”

“What do you mean?”

“Not enough time spent on Erid. But no time spent with Mate. Must correct.”

Grace smiles, his heart welling with how much Rocky loves him as tears start to fall down his face.

“You’re always right, Rocky.”

“Let's start get Grace ready to go,” Rocky says, heading back towards Grace’s small house in the biodome. 

Grace watches Rocky for a second, just taking a minute to take it all in.

Then he finally stood up, his heart full and rich with love. 

“Just wait sweetheart, it looks like I'll be keeping that promise after all. I guess fate has finally decided to show us some grace.”

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