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[Mission Log 214]: 'Strange things are happening to me. This is my reminder to check in with the medical team when I'm finally relieved of my duties. I've been feeling a stabbing pain in my lower back and teeth and...I keep blacking out...I don't like to admit this out loud but...I'm really worried.' [End Transmission]
Astrodude had officially been in space for about four years now, longer than anyone's ever been up there. He's starting to think ROTSAR had simply forgotten about him. Or that they left him up there to die, both seems likely.
No one knew the adverse affects of prolonged exposure to space. I mean, he practically had access to unlimited food and water thanks to computers 3D printing machine but who knows how healthy that is in the long run?
Could this artificial diet be a factor in these newfound pains?
Perhaps.
Was he going to stop consuming them anytime soon?
Hell no.
[Mission Log 218]: 'My condition has worsened since my last notes on it. I've gained bruising around my neck and lower back and my gums are now pretty tender. I've stopped eating hard foods for now. Hopefully I get the call back home soon...I miss them...'[End Transmission]
Astrodude feels the bruises on his neck. Two identical bruises on either side. It's worse than anything he's ever felt before. It was almost like something was trying to break free from his skin.
But that was crazy! This wasn't some sci fi horror film or a work of fiction!
Maybe he's finally going crazy, the whole earth fiasco sending him over the edge. Or maybe he just bruises easier now that he's spent four years in space.
He doesn't have the energy to go out and socialise with the planets today, the pains only getting worse the longer he stays awake.
Maybe he could ask earth about pain management when he's feeling up to it.
"You're not going out today, Astrodude?"
Computers voice made Astrodude jump before immediately regretting that decision, rubbing his bruised back.
"No, computer. I just need rest."
"Are you sure you don't want me to contact ROTSAR?"
What would they do, anyway, he thought bitterly.
"No, computer. Just let me rest."
Despite not having eyes, he could feel her watching him, as if contemplating his request. Ever since he started exhibiting these symptoms she's lacked much of her usual snark, oftentimes just 'staring' at him with concern. Or he's just humanising things again. He seems to be doing that a lot, recently.
...
Blinding pain is the first thing Astrodude felt. Like something was clawing through his neck. He tried to scream but all that came out were shallow gasps.
There wasn't enough air in here.
He stumbled towards the locker he kept his suit in, hoping whatever damaged the oxygen tank hadn't also damaged his suit.
But then it stopped.
The pain subsided and oxygen went back to normal.
He had to log this
[Mission Log 219]: 'Things are happening again...'
Astrodude took a look at himself in the moniter, a look of horror falling apon his face.
The bruises around his neck had opened up into six wound like gills, flaring open and closed as if mocking his rapidly diminishing humanity.
'What's...happening to me...'[End Transmission]
Astrodude quickly ended the transmission, breathing heavily. Panic overtook his entire being, a primal fear, long lost to the human race.
"Astrodude?"
"Computer...what's happening to me...?"
Computer takes a minute to reply. It's silly, despite not being human, she's one of the few constants in his life now.
"I believe you are adapting to your new environment."
"But that's not how evolution works!"
"Nothing has ever evolved in space, Astrodude. No one knows what it does to the human body."
"Am I even human anymore?"
Computer doesn't answer.
"I'm...not going home, am I?"
"...I'm sorry."
[Mission Log 223]: 'I'm getting increasingly worried about the bruise on my lower back. It's been growing rapidly and...with what emerged from the bruises last time, it's not filling me with confidence. I've...been avoiding the planets, especially Earth. Despite everything they've become my friends and...I don't want them to see me like this. Not Earth. Not Luna. I can't do that to them' [End Transmission]
As the days went on, Astrodude got more and more paranoid. The bruise on his back continued to grow, and he had no idea what would emerge from it.
More concerningly he's had...urges recently. He's been looking outside into vast space and just wanting to walk out, no suit or anything. It was insane, he knows it but the urge is becoming overwhelming.
But the mission logs are grounding for him, makes him feel slightly more sane.
[Mission Log 230]: 'things aren't looking good for me. The pain in my back has intensified almost tenfold and I'm...really scared...I miss my family...I-'
Astrodudes eyes widened, the mug he was holding smashing to the floor. He could hear Computer saying something but he couldn't make it out, all sound being drowned out by a loud ringing.
A scream erupted from his throat.
He could feel the skin around his lower back tearing as something forced it's way through. A sickening crunch sounded out as whatever was erupting from his back finally emerged.
He didn't get to see whatever it was before he blacked out.
"...ude."
"...strodude."
"Astrodude!"
Astrodude groaned as his eyes cracked open, immediately shutting again as he was assaulted by the bright lights of the ship.
"Computer...? How long was I out...?"
"Approximately three days and twelve hours."
Three days...?
He was sure he had died when he felt something emerging from his spine. Speaking of, Astrodude rushed towards the bathroom to look in the mirror.
He stared in horror at what he saw. A large, aquatic like tail, almost one to rival Neptune's, now rested where once nothing was.
He...was a monster.
He didn't recognise the beast that stared back at him.
He couldn't return back home like this. If the pressure change didn't kill him due to his new 'evolutions' then he's sure having to face his wife like this would.
Would she scream? Back away with fear I her eyes? Try and comfort him despite the fact he's been forever changed?
And his son. Oh, his son. How many birthdays and school events has he missed. Events a father should be there for.
One things for certain, he cannot return to earth ever again.
A sharp Impulse was sent to his brain and he immediately ran out of the bathroom.
"Astrodude?"
"Computer, open the main door."
"Without your suit? That's suicide. I cannot allow you to do this."
"Computer. Open the door or I will."
"Sorry, Astrodude, but I refuse."
Astrodude let out a frustrated growl. Since when did he growl? He rushed towards the main console and activated manual mode. He felt bad watching Computer power down but he needs to test this.
With a tentative he opened the door.
The more rational part of his brain had expected him to die almost immediately. Despite what movies make you think, suffocating to death in space isn't as slow as they make it out to be. It can happen in a matter of seconds.
But when he opened his eyes, he was fine. His gills flaring happily at the lack of air. Huh. So he was right. Part of him was slightly disappointed. At least if he had been wrong he wouldn't have to live like this anymore, not knowing who he even is anymore.
He took a couple experimental steps forward. Curiously, his tail allowed him to propel through space with ease, like he was always meant to move like this.
And so this is how he'll live the rest of his days, the first and only native species to the vast expanse of space, wandering aimlessly, his only friends being his computer and the infinite celestial bodies.
And somewhere on earth, a family wonders what had become of the man they loved so much. Mourning a man that no longer exists, in his mind alone.