The Stranger... [Log 7}
13 Sep 2022Content2541
\\\> Open Log Recorder
<c:\Ship\Pioneer\Logs\Log Recorder\Log_Recorder.exe\> Open - Log Recorder Initiated
> Create New Log Entry
<c:\Ship\Pioneer\Logs\Log Recorder\Log_Recorder.exe\> Initiate - [Recording ◉]
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LOG - 007
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It took some wrestling with the SRV but I finally managed to pull the escape pod from the mud, dropping it in the middle of my DBX's cargo bay. I hesitated for a minute, rethinking about opening up the pod. How would she react? Would she be angry? Sad? What if I do something wrong and she dies while defrosting from the pod? All these questions raced in my head and I decided to go back and scour the Refraction for my bag and fresh clothes for the girl.
The ship hadn't changed much since the last time I was in its charred remains, just more flooding. I moved my way to my bag and picked it up, checking for any damage, it was surprisingly clean. I moved my way to the kid's room, trying to locate anything she might find useful. I managed to grab a few fresh pairs of clothes that were closed away in the closet and even grabbed some of the files she was working on, including a journal that I kept locked.
Moving out of the habitation rooms I made my way to the cockpit, attempting to find anything worth salvaging. I had forgotten about the couple I had left in their pilot's chairs.
I couldn't leave them like this, not when I'm about to save their daughter. It took some time but I managed to grab both of them and take them carefully out of the cockpit and into the muddy water below the ship. I also went back in and dropped two escape pods, placing the bodies delicately inside and sealing them shut. I managed to get them side by side and left them there to slowly sink down into the muddy water. It wasn't a proper burial but it was what I could manage.
I slowly walked back to the Pioneer, there were no longer small puddles of water, rather a full-blown pond was appearing beneath my feet as the time passed. I got to the Pioneer and closed the cargo ramp, turning around, I saw the escape pod.
I had plenty of time to think about what I wanted to do but I still hesitated, but I didn't want this girl to be mad at me. I sat down next to the pod and thought for a while longer. "I want to..." I quietly mumbled, moving my hand slowly across the pod to the large button, "I want to..." I muttered again. That's when, almost instinctively, I moved closer and pressed the button.
The pod hissed and cold air began expelling from the sides of the pod. The vitals screen showed a small countdown.
5:00... 4:59... 4:58... 4:57...
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> End Log Entry <c:\Ship\Pioneer\Logs\Log Recorder\Log_Recorder.exe\> End Recording- Recording Ended
> Close Log Recorder
<c:\Ship\Pioneer\Logs\Log Recorder\Log_Recorder.exe\> Close - Closing
> Log Saved, Goodbye Commander
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