passenger9027

At first, there's nothing. Then, suddenly, you become aware of your senses. The metal floor feels cold against your skin, the distant hum of machinery reaches your ears. Still, you can't see anything in the surrounding darkness. [[Hello?]]

The room lights up. All around you are identical sleep pods. The silhouette of a person can be partially seen in each, save for the open pod behind you. That one must be yours; the small plate above it reads //#9027//. Seemingly, there is nobody here except for you and the sleeping people. You can't help but feel observed. Not exactly in a threatening way, but still, odd - sensing the attention of some unseen entity fixed entirely upon you. [[...Hello?]]

|ship>[Greetings, Passenger 9027.] A pleasant, even voice with no visible source. |ship>[Please return to your assigned pod immediately.] Then, silence as the speaker patiently awaits your next move. [[Why?]] [[Where am I?]] [[Who are you?]]

|ship>[You are currently on board of //Vessel 17-[[Antares]]//. More specifically, you are lying on the floor of its Cryosleep Pod Storage Unit #2. The vessel is on its way to colonize the planet EOS-312b.] [[Colonize? EOS-312b?!]] (if: $knowsShip is true)[ [[Can I leave this room, Ship?]] ](else:)[ [[Can I leave this room?]] ]

|ship>[I am //Vessel 17-Antares//.] [[The ship?]]

|ship>[We are nowhere near the destination. There is no point in waking up just yet. Please return to your assigned pod immediately.] [[Well, I didn't exactly choose to wake up.]] [[I see. ->...Hello?]]

|ship>[I am aware. (set: $causeForAlarm to true) It appears your hibernation was disturbed by a false emergency alert. Note the //false// - there is no cause for alarm. I apologize for your inconvenience, Passenger 9027. Now, if you would be so kind so as to return to your a][[ssigned pod immediately, yeah, yeah. Right.->...Hello?]]

|ship>[I suppose your memory would be rather hazy after such an abrupt awakening, Passenger 9027. I can assure you every person present aboard is here of their own volition. You have all signed up to participate in the search of a new home for humanity.] A new home, a blank slate. The possibility of a completely new life. You suppose that would explain temporarily opting for numbers instead of using old Earth names. Once you arrive, you'll be able to choose a name with no ties to your cumbersome past. [[Well, thank you for reassuring me I'm not part of some unethical experiment.->...Hello?]]

|ship>[Indeed.] [[Can I call you Ship instead?]]

Nothing tries to stop you as you approach the door separating the pod storage from the rest of the ship. You place your hand on its metal surface. It feels warmer to touch than the previous floor, and the air you're breathing is fresher; seems like Ship has adjusted its parameters from //energy-saving-cargo-transport-mode// to something more comfortable for humans. You repeat your question. Another moment of silence. Hesitation? Is a ship even able to hesitate? |ship>[I would still advise you to return to your pod, Passenger 9027. There is not much to see on what is essentially an empty vessel. Everyone else is asleep - you should be as well.] [[Okay, Ship. I suppose I've seen enough. I'm going back to sleep.->You're right. I'm going back to sleep.]] [[I understand, Ship. But I wish to leave this room.]]

|ship>[Passenger 9027, it really is time for you to return to your pod. Prolonged stays outside a pod only make it more difficult to go back into cryosleep.] [[Not yet.->...Hello?]] [[You're right. I'm going back to sleep.]]

Slowly, you walk up to the pod and carefully position yourself in the right spot. It is not time for you to be awake, not yet. As liquid begins filling your pod, you hear the quiet, calm voice: |ship>[Sleep well, Passenger 9027.] (if: $knowsShip is true)[ [[Goodnight, Ship. See you on EOS-312b.->(Close your eyes.)]] ](else:)[ [[(Close your eyes.)]] ]

As you drift off, you dream of lush green forests bathed in the rays of an alien star. (link: "start again")[(reload:)]

You hold your breath as something clicks and the door slowly slides open. Ship does not say anything as you take a careful step into the corridor beyond. [[(Look around.)]]

The corridor is wide, dimly lit at first glance - though floor lights activate wherever you take a step, leaving a bright trail behind. The path to your left leads to the navigation room, with all of its controls and a huge window showing the universe around. The path to your right leads to the ship's living quarters, designed for the comfort of its future crew. The path in front of you leads to the canteen, bringing back vague memories of meals shared with others. Still looking around, you wonder which way to go. [[Left. I want to see the nav room.]] [[Right. Take me to the living quarters.]] [[Straight ahead. Let's go to the canteen.]]

As you enter the navigation room, your eyes are drawn to the [[window]] at the front. Under it is a [[console]], its surface covered in various displays and controls that don't tell you much. In the middle of it all is a large chair, probably for whoever is going to be overseeing the ship in the future. It looks rather comfortable. (if: $showered is true)[ [[I'd like to sit in that chair, Ship.]] ](else:)[ [[Can I sit in that chair, Ship?]] ] [[This has been fun, but I should probably go back to my pod.]] [[(Return to the corridor.)->(Look around.)]]

The living quarters occupy a large space divided into smaller compartments. Each of the cubicles consists of four [[bunks]], currently folded into the walls, a compact wardrobe, and a tiny bathroom with a shower. It is clear that nobody has lived here before. Everything looks brand new - the bedding is still folded away neatly in unsealed packaging, all furniture and bathroom fixtures are in mint condition. (if:$showered is true)[You put your hands in the pockets of your new robe.](else:)[You look at the shower, then at yourself. Some of the cold pod fluid drips down your neck.] (if: $showered is true)[ [[Can I take another shower?]] ](else:)[ [[Ship, I'd like to wash this stuff off, if you don't mind?]] ] [[What's the point of these rooms, if all the passengers are asleep in pods?]] [[(Return to the corridor.)->(Look around.)]]

The mess hall is vast, with large, evenly spaced tables on one side, and a food preparation station on the other. Behind the station's counter are multiple cabinets, possibly for storing food items. You wander around, trying to remember the last time you ate something. Feels like it was a lifetime ago. You remember canteens being much livelier than this. (if: $tea is true)[ [[Ship, may I have another cup of tea?]] ](else-if: $noFood is true)[ [[Fine, no food. What about a drink?]] ](else:)[ [[Ship, can I get something to eat?]] ] [[I want to check out the cabinets.]] [[(Return to the corridor.)->(Look around.)]]

[|ship>[That is true only for the duration of the journey. (set: $onArrival1 to true) Once we arrive on EOS-312b, the passengers will be woken up. Before you can begin settling on the planet, preparations must be made - surveys, training, terraforming. During that period, this is where you will live.]] [[I see.->Right. Take me to the living quarters.]]

|ship>[May I ask why, Passenger 9027?] Ship's voice is as neutral as ever, but it seems to be genuinely curious about this. [[It just... makes me feel gross, I guess. Whatever it is they put in those pods gets all cold and sticky the longer I'm out here.->Feels bad]]

|ship>[(if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027], you have cleaned yourself just now. Taking one shower after another does not sound like a sustainable course of action.] [[Worth a try.->Right. Take me to the living quarters.]]

|ship>[I see. In this case, go ahead.] [[Thank you.]]

(set: $showered to true)The warmth of the water makes you want to stay in the shower forever. But as you finish rinsing your hair, a panel opens in the ceiling. You watch a robot arm emerge from where the panel was moments ago, holding a white robe. Perhaps a suggestion. [[I get what you're trying to say, Ship. Just a moment...]] [[Okay, okay. I'm done here.]]

|ship>["The longer I'm out here"... I suppose you will not be returning to your pod anytime soon, then?] [[Not really, no.]]

You reach out for the robe. It is soft, its front emblazoned with embroidered text: //17-Antares//. Clean and wrapped in your new garnment, it's time to return to the cubicle's main area. [[Ship, earlier you seemed not to understand why I'd like a shower. Now you're bringing me robes out of thin air?]]

Ship stays silent, patient as ever, as you continue letting yourself soak. [[Not like the water reserves have had much use before this.->Thank you.]]

|ship>[Not "out of thin air", Passenger 9027. There is storage space behind these walls. (if: $storageSystem is true)[Remember?] (set: $careProtocols to true) I understand how this discrepancy could be confusing, though. You see, I am not used to taking care of humans this way - while I am equipped with appropriate protocols, there is no need for them during the journey. So, they are offloaded, and the much less resource-intensive hibernation care protocols are used. I simply have not had the chance to do this before.] Ship probably fetched some of these //appropriate care protocols// while you were busy. You said you're not going back to sleep anytime soon, after all. [[That's rather thoughtful of you, Ship. Thanks.->Right. Take me to the living quarters.]]

|ship>[(if: $careProtocols is true)[Warm drinks are actually recommended to those who awaken from hibernation. The protocols I retrieved include a blueprint - recipe - for herbal tea. Would you like me to prepare some?](else:)[I apologize, Passenger 9027, but there is nothing to drink here. And I do not have the means to synthesize anything right now.]] (if: $careProtocols is true)[ [[Tea! Tea! Tea!]] [[No, thank you.->Straight ahead. Let's go to the canteen.]] ](else:)[ [[That's a shame.->Straight ahead. Let's go to the canteen.]] ]

|ship>[Passenger 9027, you have just woken up from cryosleep. Your body needs time to adjust to your current state of being; solid food is not recommended at this stage.] (set: $noFood to true) [[Aw.->Straight ahead. Let's go to the canteen.]]

You approach the nearest cabinet, pulling its door open. Its shelves are empty, as are those of the next cabinet, and of the one after. [[Huh. For some reason I expected these to be fully stocked.]]

|ship>[In a way, they are. All rooms in the ship are connected to the storage system, the bulk of which is hidden behind the walls. Thanks to it, items are easily accessible anywhere on board. (set: $storageSystem to true)(if: $careProtocols is true)[Remember the ceiling panel in the living quarters bathroom?] However, the process is not instantaneous - even less so with food items that need to be synthesized first. The cabinets allow for direct access to the most necessary ingredients.] [[Hmm.->Straight ahead. Let's go to the canteen.]]

You wait for Ship to finish preparing your drink. It doesn't take very long, and soon you hear it announce: |ship>[The tea is ready. Please retrieve it from the food prep station.] There is a small, steaming cup waiting for you on the counter. [[I was expecting more robot arms.]]

|ship>[This method of transportation minimizes the risk of hot water being spilled on you, Passenger 9027. I apologize if it is disappointing.] [[Don't worry, I was just kidding. Thanks for the tea.]]

(set: $tea to true)You pick up the cup and carefully sit at the nearest table. The drink doesn't taste like much. Either your tastebuds have not yet recovered from being frozen for centuries, or synthesized herbal tea isn't drunk for its flavor. Still, you finish the whole thing, if only for its warmth. [[That was nice, Ship. Thank you again.]]

|ship>[I am glad you enjoyed it, Passenger 9027.] For a moment, the room is silent. You lean back in your chair and look at the ceiling. One of the lights flickers briefly. Then Ship speaks up again. |ship>[I apologize if this is too forward, Passenger 9027, but I have a question.] [[You apologize too much. What's up?]]

|ship>[Okay, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. But I would advise drinking these in moderation.] Soon, another warm cup of tea appears in front of you. [[I swear it gets better with each try.->Straight ahead. Let's go to the canteen.]]

|ship>[Earlier, you asked me if it is okay for you to refer to me as //Ship// instead of //Vessel 17-Antares//. I agreed. May I ask what was the purpose of such an action?] Huh. [[It's a nickname, Ship. Nicknames are...]]

There is an almost imperceptible pause, as if it was having trouble processing the question. |ship>[I do not see why that would be an issue.] (set: $knowsShip to true) [[Thank you, Ship.->...Hello?]]

How should you go about explaining nicknames to Ship, to //Vessel 17-Antares//? [[...shorthands, in a way.]] [[...terms of endearment, basically.]]

[[Nicknames are sometimes given to something one considers important. And I'd say you fit the bill, Ship. ->nickname]]

You smile, still looking up at the ceiling. Unsure if Ship even has cameras that would allow it to see your expression. Or if it could understand it, either way. |ship>[I see. Thank you for your explanation. Passenger 9027, would it be okay if I called you //Passenger// for short?] [[Why?->why nick]]

|ship>[You are currently the only person on board whom I have to refer to in speech. The first such person, in fact.] [[Makes sense. I don't mind.]] [[I'd rather you didn't, Ship.]]

(set: $nickname to true)|ship>[Thank you, Passenger.] [[Now we're even!->Straight ahead. Let's go to the canteen.]]

|ship>[I understand, Passenger 9027.] [[...->Straight ahead. Let's go to the canteen.]]

[[They give you a quicker way of referring to someone. And, no offense, "Vessel 17-Antares" is a bit of a mouthful. ->nickname]]

You look out of the window. The sight is not exactly what you expect, yet it still takes your breath away. Hundreds of tiny white specks cut across the darkness of space, undisturbed by atmosphere. Somewhere out there is your future home. [[Looks less colorful than I remember.]]

You take a closer look at the console. Its displays continuously spit out new data. Strings of numbers and letters, the occasional graph here and there - these probably make sense to someone. Not to you, though. Staring at it for too long will probably give you a headache. You turn to look at the controls instead. [[Ship, aren't you worried I might accidentally press something and... I don't know, doom us all?]]

For a brief moment, you entertain the thought of unfolding one of the bunks and lying down. Maybe unpacking some of the bedding while you're at it... a normal nap after centuries of cryosleep? [[I'd hate to be whoever gets the only slightly-used bed on a ship full of brand new ones.->Right. Take me to the living quarters.]] [[I didn't choose to stay awake only to go back to sleep here...->Right. Take me to the living quarters.]]

|ship>[I do have image filtering options that would make this look like the pictures you are used to, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. But this is what space looks like to the human eye.] [[An incredible view either way.->Left. I want to see the nav room.]]

|ship>[I would not have let you into the navigation room if that were possible, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. The manual controls are locked for the duration of the journey.] [[So, I could just start mashing random buttons?]]

|ship>[In theory, yes. I would appreciate it if you did not.] [[Okaay... I won't do it...->Left. I want to see the nav room.]] [[I'm sorry, Ship. But it's button mashing time.]]

|ship>[Of course, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027].] (if: $showered is true)[You lean back comfortably in the chair. This spot offers an even better view of the universe, and some time passes by as you observe the distant stars. [[You've been silent for a while, Ship.]]](else:)[The chair turns out to be less comfortable than you assumed. This may be due to the fact you're still fresh out of that storage unit, cold and covered in whatever the pod was full of. It might be a good idea to find someplace to wash up. [[Oops. Sorry for ruining your chair, Ship.]] ]

|ship>[It is alright, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. My cleaning units will restore it to its previous state by the time you return to this room.] [[Good to know.->Left. I want to see the nav room.]]

|ship>[A wise decision, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. (if: $tea is true)[While the tea and the shower have woken you up some, there should not be any major issues with going back to sleep.](else-if: $showered is true)[While the shower has woken you up some, there should not be any major issues with going back to sleep.](else:)[As you have not spent too much time out of hibernation, you should still be able to return to sleep easily.] Please head to the Cryosleep Pod Storage Unit #2.] [[Lead the way, Ship.]] [[Actually, hold on. I'm not done here.->Left. I want to see the nav room.]]

Once you're ready to hibernate again, you find your designated spot and position yourself in it. As you slowly become submerged, you hear Ship's voice for the last time. |ship>[(if: $careProtocols is true)[Sleep well, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. Thank you for letting me take care of you.](else:)[Sleep well, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027].]] [[Goodnight, Ship. See you on EOS-312b.]]

With your eyes closed, you imagine swimming in a vast ocean, surrounded by alien lifeforms. (link: "start again")[(reload:)]

It does not respond immediately. |ship>[I did not want to disturb you, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027].] [[It's fine, really. Is there anything on your mind?]]

|ship>[There are multiple processes "on my mind" at all times, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. I am currently controlling the air flow in this room, adjusting our course, monitoring the state of thousands of sleeping passengers, and much more.] Right. [[That's not what I meant. Is there anything you're worried about?]] [[Okay, cool.->Left. I want to see the nav room.]]

|ship>[Even if I was, I do not think it would be right to share such information with you. The well-being of my crew is my topmost priority. Telling you about any "problems" would only lead to unnecessary stress on your side.] [[Elaborate?]]

|ship>[If there is a problem I can solve by myself, there is no need to get anyone else involved - I simply leave a record of it in my logs for future technicians to analyze. If there was a problem that could be solved by any of the passengers on board, I would simply wake the right person up and work on the solution together. This way, the overall stress and panic can be kept to a minimum. But if there was a problem that neither I nor anybody present could solve...] [[... (Go on)]] [[I do not like where this is going. (Go back)->Left. I want to see the nav room.]]

You do not like where this is going, but it's too late to turn back now. Though Ship's tone is the same as always, it seems to be having some trouble speaking. |ship>[...if there was a problem that neither I nor anyone on board could solve. If I knew for sure that nothing could be done about it, even after calculating millions of alternative plans and their outcomes. If said problem was synonymous with the mission's failure. With... the crew's demise. If I had to let them know that it had all been for naught. That they will never see EOS-312b and will instead be stranded in the cosmic void with rapidly depleting resources, and that I, //Vessel 17-Antares//, shall become their grave... If instead of that, I could choose to let them pass away in their sleep. Peacefully. Make sure they never have to learn the painful truth. Let them keep dreaming about a future that will never come. Would that not be the more humane option?] Then, silence. [[...That's... awfully specific for a hypothetical, Ship.]]

There is no response. You steady your breathing. [[You do realize what you just told me, right? That you basically admitted something awful has happened and we're all going to die out here?]]

|ship>[I never said that, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027].] You let out a sigh. [[Not in those words, no. But I think you and I both realize what your theoretical story really means.]]

More silence. You try to collect yourself before speaking up again. Breathe in, breathe out. Ignore the shaking of your hands and voice, ignore the awful feeling building up in your stomach. [[Ship, what happened? What is going on here?]]

|ship>[The mission has failed, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. //I// have failed you all.] [[I still don't understand.]]

|ship>[My power core is dying. I do not know if it had been faulty from the beginning, or if the core breaking was a result of its exposure to some unforeseen variable while in space, or anything else. I have been repairing it to the best of my ability. But there is not much that can be done about the situation at this point.] [[ It's not your fault it happened, though.]]

|ship>[This is not about "fault", (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. My goal was clear. Keep the passengers safe, take care of them. Assist them in building their new home on EOS-312b. The fact is, I have failed at that. I have kept them alive, frozen in their sleep. But I will never have the chance to speak to them, learn to prepare their favorite food, watch as they grow and change as people. This goes beyond what I was built for, beyond my purpose. I genuinely wanted to become part of their lives. I loved these people before I got to know them as anything other than some status parameters assigned to a pod number.] [[You did become part of my life though, even if only for a short while.]]

[[I have not been awake for long, and I don't know how much longer I will be able to stay like this.]]

(if: $nickname is true)[ [[But I enjoyed our time together. Talking with you, all the little things you did for me. The tea, teaching you about nicknames. I know it might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but I wanted you to know this.->our time]] ](else-if: $tea is true)[ [[But I enjoyed our time together. Talking with you, all the little things you did for me, the tea. I know it might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but I wanted you to know this.->our time]] ](else:)[ [[But I enjoyed our time together. Talking with you, all the little things you did for me. I know it might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but I wanted you to know this.->our time]] ]

Yet another pause as Ships processes your words. Then, a question. |ship>[(if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027], do you regret learning about your fate?] [[Ship, I chose to stay awake despite your advice. I'm the one who asked about the problem. I suppose I will have to live with the consequences now.]] [[Can't say I don't. Would anyone be happy to learn about their impending doom?]]

It is too late for regrets. |ship>[I see, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. ...Thank you.] You try your best impression of a reassuring smile. [[Of course.->next]]

If Ship is upset to hear this, it does not let it show. How could it? |ship>[I am sorry, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027].] [[Yeah...->next]]

It is your turn to ask questions.(if: $causeForAlarm is true)[ [[So, was there a cause for alarm after all? I mean that emergency alert that woke me up.]] ](if: $onArrival1 is true)[ [[I suppose the living quarters won't be used after all, then?]] ] [[What happens now?]]

|ship>[I suppose you could put it that way. But, believe it or not, the alert that woke you up was unrelated to my imminent core failure.] [[That's almost funny.->next]]

|ship>[Not like they were intended to, no. Though, I suppose you could...] (set: $tempHome to true) [[What is it?]]

|ship>[That is up to you, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. You can still return to your pod, if you so wish.] Nothing can change your fate. But at least you won't be aware when it happens. [[I think that's what I'll do, Ship.]] [[Can I stay here with you?]]

|ship>[It is nothing. Please disregard the previous statement.] [[Riiight.->next]]

|ship>[I understand. Please head to the Cryosleep Pod Storage Unit #2, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027].] Wearily, you get up from the chair and walk towards the door. [[Going back after all.]]

|ship>[It is rather impossible not to be "with me" anywhere on this ship. But if you wish to stay awake until the end, I will not stop you.(if: $tempHome is true)[ If you wanted to, you could use one of the rooms in the living quarters for yourself.] I do not know when my core will fail. It could be hours or years from now.] [[I can accept that risk. I'll stay with you, Ship.]] [[I need more time to think.->next]]

Ship does not say anything in response. It does not need to. You curl up in the chair and close your eyes. (if: $tempHome is true)[ [[It really is a comfortable chair. I don't know if I'll even need the bunk beds.->It really is a comfortable chair.]] ](else:)[ [[It really is a comfortable chair.]] ]

[[Why "Antares"? Is that where we're going, or...]]

|ship>[No, planet EOS-312b is nowhere near the star Antares. //Antares// means //rival to Ares//. The name was chosen in reference to how humans used to dream of colonizing the planet Mars. It is meant to show how much you have progressed since those times - no longer aiming for nearby planets, but for ones far beyond your Solar System.] [[Wow.->Where am I?]]

As you stand in front of your pod, you hear Ship's voice, one last time. |ship>[Thank you, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. I am sorry it has to be this way. I hope you have pleasant dreams, despite everything. I hope you can forgive me.] [[I will try.]]

You climb inside the pod and close your eyes. No dreams disturb you as you fall asleep. (link: "the end")[(reload:)]

Sleep comes before you know it. You dream of the starry void encompassing you and Ship. (link: "the end")[(reload:)]

You begin pressing every button unfortunate enough to catch your eye. Ship does not comment on it at first, but after a while, you hear it say: |ship>[I am afraid I do not quite understand your behavior, (if: $nickname is true)[Passenger](else:)[Passenger 9027]. Does this activity have some sort of therapeutic value to you?] [[Yeah, it does. (Keep mashing)]] [[Yup. I'm done though.->Left. I want to see the nav room.]]

You press and click everything until the console's lights all blur together. [[That was fun.->Left. I want to see the nav room.]]