Space – There’s a lot of it! (4)

My name’s Alnold Kahh. For the first time in my entire life, I’m taking part in a rescue mission. The ship I’m travelling the Universe in, the Expansion, has come across a rather large debris field, and in one of the sectors it has detected faint life signs. The Expansion is too big to navigate through the debris, so I have to use one of the shuttleships to see who needs rescuing. After months of travelling through space alone – apart from the on-board computer Nebula, that is – actually meeting someone else is a bit daunting. I’ve no idea who I’m about to meet, what I’m about to see, or whether the people I’m rescuing actually want rescuing.

That’s person, Alnold. Now that we’re closer, I’m detecting one life sign. Male. The life signs are considerably weaker than they were on the Expansion. I am under the impression they would prefer to be rescued.

Thanks Nebula. Are you sure this protective amulet suit will work?

Is it not working now, Alnold? I’ve removed all of the atmosphere from the shuttleship, so inside here is exactly the same as it is out there. If you are breathing, and not boiling, it is working.

Come to think of it, Nebs, I think it’s working fine.

Good. I’m lowering the shuttleship now. You can see the triangular construct in the top left of the view screen. I cannot land the shuttleship any closer, so you will have to walk across the terrain to reach it. I’m sensing the life signs are within that construction.

Great. So I have to walk in outer space, wearing an untested space suit on a rescue mission.

There is only you here, Alnold. You will be fine. The shuttleship is now on the surface, so you may disembark.

Good landing, Nebs! Didn’t feel a thing.

I’ve reduced the power on the shuttleship. You may wish to continue recording your diary, if you like.

Thanks, Nebula. I think I will. My name’s Alnold Kahh-

Alnold, you really do not need to give your name at the beginning of each recording. Both you and I know who you are.

OK, Nebula. You’re a bit moody today. Anyway, I’m now walking across what looks like a moon’s surface. I know it really isn’t, but it’s all different levels, very dusty, and oops- just slipped there! – very dark. Nebula said there’s no atmosphere here, but there’s some kind of gravity; I don’t feel as though I’m about to drift off into outer space.

That’s the suit, Alnold. It provides gravity control so your feet will remain upon the surface.

It didn’t help when I slipped back then, Nebs.

It provides gravity, Alnold, not balance.

I don’t know what’s up with you today, Nebula, you aren’t normally tetchy. Right. I’m at the triang – it’s a ship, Nebs. A pyramid shaped ship. Badly damaged. There’s an opening on this face, I think the door has been blown outwards by the look of it.

Alnold, your suit is now picking up the occupant’s life signals. They are on the far side of the ship from the door. You should find them with ease.

Well, that’s easy for you to say, Nebs. It’s darker than night out here. But, I’m going in!

So the rescue mission is under way! Will Alnold succeed? Will time run out?

Find out in the next instalment!