The Last One Out

Day 1

“Back at home station, they said I should keep a log, just and case and to later review personal thoughts during the expedition. Probably some for some medical use, but it does not really matter to. Not sure how often I am going to use this program anyway. But here we are.

My name is Līza Ozoliņa, I am 36, graduate of the Union College of Olympus in Engineering and Theoretical Science, hobby pilot and aunt to 3 little children. I have been chosen to operate the first manned mission to this planet, after years of preparation and construction. The Union sent numerous drones and probes ahead, who not only determined the total state of this rock, but also prepared the habitat for my arrival. Here, my objectives are to maintain the drones and do first field excavations, concerning the origins of Humankind, for about a standard union-year.

[missing data]

Day 5

I just had the drones scan another parameter, but still, nothing more than eradiated dust plains. I am kind of glad that I do not have to leave the habitat and that the drones take care of all the work outside. I still got one hatch and an environmental suit, for emergency cases, but even if one of the drones is malfunctioning, I can have them enter a dedicated port, into a little bay of sorts. But, so far, the tech has been holding up.

[missing data] …is fine. The appointment only lasts a year, and the dome is equipped with enough rations and oxygen for several years. Even got some entertainment saved within the main computer. My little kingdoms, of sorts. Only thing I think I will start to miss is the sun and azure blue sky of Terra. This place, “Earth” as it was called back then, is nothing more than an empty rock. The expanding sun has evaporated most water and most of the ozone layer, making it a preserved, lifeless

I am glad that I do not have to go outside. Only thing I got, to keep any radiation to a minimum, is a single bulk-eye. And all I see from there, is dark plains of rock and dust, with a gloomy pale sun behind it. Nothing I would envy [missing data]

Day 24

The drones have finally made a discovery in one of the southern hemisphere sectors. Some sort of construct, not too far beneath the surface. Going from the initial scans, it might even be bigger than it seems. I have already prepared the “heavy drones” in hopes that they might dig some of the found up. This might give us the “go”, for further excavations. Plus, it will look good on my resume, that I found it first. I think I will activate the Gateway later and send a summary of every found to home station. They will be livid!

There is also another thing I might add to the report. I have been hearing an aching sound from the dome. I had some drones do a surface scan, as I feared a possible breach or structural weakness in the habitat, but I found nothing. Things would go sour, if the whole dome just collapses one me, before my year is over.

Day 117

I have not even reached the half-way mark, but I think I am already going insane. Probably boredom and loneliness. But I am sure that I heard a knocking from outside, while I was repairing some of the drones. At least I think I did. I got used to the occasional aching sound of the dome’s metals, even though there is no wind or other movement outside, besides the drones. Home stations said it may have something to do with the heat and radiation of the sun, which seems plausible. But not knocking sounds.

Even though it may seem stupid, and like a waste of Union resources, I sent some drones to investigate the area around the dome. Nothing. Maybe I should try to sleep… [missing data] …staring outside. I truly hate that window. Maybe I can close it somehow.

Day 200

[missing data] …do not care what the home station says. I know what I witnessed. Every night I hear the knocking now, almost like clockwork. Always from the emergency hatch. Either, the dome is malfunctioning, or I am being messed with. Last night, I even mustered up enough courage to simply knock back. And you know that happens? It answered back! I am not touching that hatch again and neither am I activating the drones. I will strike unless the home station fixes this.

I even blacked out the window. I cannot stand this world. It feels like an eye looking at me while I sleep. I feel like… [missing data]

Day 360

They are walking on the surface of the dome. Or at least, that’s what it sounds like. I do not even know anymore. I have completely cut contact with the home station. Next week, they will send my replacement and that is all I care about. [missing data]

I know that I am not alone on this planet. It is not all dead outside. I think I will set up the drones around the dome next night, to monitor the area. If it is nothing, I have officially got cabin fever. If not, I will at least know for sure.

I am afraid. I want to go home. I… [missing data]

Day 4-#@+}

[missing data]

I wish I had not come to this, but it was the only way to bring more people here. The shuttle the drones destroyed will raise enough concern that more will come. I do not want to be alone anymore. They will not be alone anymore.

[missing data] …we? Just leave Them alone like this. They need us! All alone. The people on Terra are empty without them. We need Them! We are… [missing data]

I will leave you, whoever finds this; my last entry. I will take the environment suit and go outside. I will have enough for now. But I hope more will come. They need us! We need Them. My skin tingles with excitement. I wonder what it will feels like. But They know. They hammer against the dome, giddy with pleasure for me.

I will go now. I am tired. Others can bring them back to Terra. I hope they do. It would be for the best. Thank… [missing data]