Prologue - A promise
22 Dec 2016Zhon Daeli
22/December/3302 19:16:22 UTC // Location: LHS 3447 - Trevithick Dock - Hospital Wing 8
"I'm scared." My sister had said. Her eyes locked to mine as the doctor administered the sedative.
"It'll be alright." I had replied with a smile, trying to comfort her when my own pain for what was coming was threatening to tear me apart.
"Not for me, for you!" Her hoarse whisper like a shout coming from her wasted, tiny body; the virus had completely ravaged it; she looked like a withered husk. Eyes sunken, cheeks hollow, lips blue. I could close my index and thumb around her wrist she was so thin.
I had to laugh though, even like this my little sister was concerned for me.
"Then, I'll be alright." I promised her.
"Good." She smiled, and relaxed.
Minutes passed. We were silent. Waiting.
Her eyes were beginning to droop, her breathing slow and steady.
She gasped. “Promise me!" What little strength she had tightened her hands around my mine. "When you get it, you’ll make the trip?”
Still on about that damned trip.
I sighed. “I-I promise, Kate."
She eyed me suspiciously for a moment.
"Good'.
A deep breath, labored and difficult.
"I love you, you know." She managed to push out.
"I know, I love you too."
She smiled, and relaxed.
The room was quiet then
I'd stepped out into the corridor a short while later; Kate's passing hurt more than I could put into words, but I was relieved she was no longer suffering.
She'd struggled on for almost half a decade. She'd said there was too much for her to study, it was too early for her leave just yet, but I knew she did it for my sake. She was always the little sister playing big sister, looking out for me even when I didn't need it.
She'd been my rock though.
But she was gone now.
My little sister.
My Kate. The explorer. The scientist.
Kate Daeli, Age 28, Pre-CVP-1 infection
That was 2 years ago. It still hurts, but even though I don't believe in the afterlife .. I - I have to believe she's watching over me somehow.
She wanted to go to Colonia. She was even preparing for the trip before she was infected.
She'd made me promise that I'd do it in her stead were she to die. A rather morbid thing for a young, healthy 23 year old to ask.
It was good that she did though because I've the funding now. I've the ship, and I've only to fulfill my promise.
It's time to head on out and see the galaxy.
First stop is Blu Thua AI-A c14-10, a distant outpost called Hillary Depot. A little over 2,000ly from where I sit.
Time to get moving.
Credits:
Spacestation concept - http://thomaswievegg.deviantart.com/art/Space-station-concept-558618868
"Kate" - https://www.artstation.com/artist/fox