Chapter Text
Everything is proceeding according to schedule, the ship is undergoing last minute safety checks, and the science t-.
BOOM!
Zoey’s head snaps up at the sound and watches in horror as the training facility erupts into flames. Her body moves faster than her brain can process, tackling Stratt to the ground. A shockwave rushes past them, kicking up dirt and debris.
One.
Two.
Three.
Each moment feels like an eternity as she opens her eyes, unsure of what is coming next. She lets go of Stratt and clamors to her feet. Before her is a scene out of a horror movie. The lab where the science team worked is nothing more than a flaming husk. Zoey’s heart sinks to her stomach, her hands cover her mouth. “No…” She trails off, as people rush past her towards the lab. She knows that she should do something besides standing there like a statue, but her feet refuse to move.
The Hail Mary is scheduled to begin final preparations in a couple of hours.
Every scientist assigned to the ship was in that building and without them the entire project is pointless. Their launch window was closing and there wasn't enough time left to train a new astronaut. “We have to delay the launch.” She mumbles, shaking her head. It would be months before they get another opportunity to launch.
How many lives would be lost because of the delay?
Too many.
There has to be another solution. Maybe she could video tape all the lectures during the preparations and transmit them to the ship before they get out of range? She could include all of her notebooks as well. Though she isn’t sure how many people besides Mira or Rumi could decipher her color-coded insanity. It was a rough solution, but this way the new scientist could learn on the journey to Tau Ceti, and the launch co- no. That wouldn’t work, if the scientist had questions, there would be no one around to answer them. The engineer and pilot are both incredibly talented people, but know nothing of the astrophages beyond a base level. They couldn’t answer any detailed questions. Maybe if she cou-
“No.” Stratt’s voice cuts through Zoey’s racing thoughts.
Zoey’s eyes shift from the flaming wreckage to the project’s leader. Confusion is all over her face. “What do you mean no? We can’t send the crew without a scientist.”
Stratt stares directly into Zoey’s eyes before swiftly turning away and heading back towards the base. “Walk with me.”
Zoey glances at the wreckage and then back to Stratt, without hesitation she chases after the project’s head. She has no idea what Stratt could be planning. The walk to Stratt’s office is quiet besides the flurry of everyone else' s panic. Once they reach their destination, Stratt sits down in her chair and gestures to Zoey to take the other one. Not wanting to waste any time, Zoey takes the offered seat, the room falling into a tense silence. Zoey starts playing with the cuff of her jacket, a gift that Mira got her for their two year anniversary. She still has no idea what Stratt is thinking, and despite the thousands of thoughts surging in her mind, she’s at a loss for words.
Stratt readjusted her position before locking eyes with Zoey. “I want you to be the new scientist on the Hail Mary.”
It takes Zoey a moment to process what Stratt is proposing. Her jaw practically drops to the floor in shock. There’s absolutely no way that she’s proposing that Zoey is the replacement astronaut. “But, I’m not trained. I haven’t done anything to prepare to go into space. I’m just a normal middle school science teacher that occasionally fills in for the choir teacher!” This entire plan is absurd. It makes absolutely no sense that Stratt wants to risk such a crucial mission on her.
“You’ve been here for every major advancement Doctor Choi. There’s no one else more qualified than you to go on this mission.” Stratt starts out, placing her arms on the desk and leans slightly forward. “We can’t afford to delay this launch. Our window of opportunity is closing, and it will be months before the conditions will be right for a launch again. A delay that long could turn into years of unnecessary suffering. The current predictions are looking grim before the first probes make it back to Earth.” She pauses and looks out the window, where everyone is frantically making the final preparations for launch. “I know you have people waiting for you back home.”
Zoey grabs the locket around her neck. A gift Mira gave her for their one year anniversary. Inside is a photo of the three of them at a romantic dinner Rumi planned in celebration. The memory of happier times. “I do…”
This a suicide mission. There’s only enough fuel to get the ship there and find the cure to the astrophage problem. The idea of leaving Mira or Rumi behind has her denial dancing at the tip of her tongue.
There’s a velvet box waiting for them.
However… the thought of Mira or Rumi huddling around a meager fire and splitting rations hurts more than the thought of never seeing them again. If she gets on that ship, then there’s a chance she can save them, save everyone. Let them live a happy and full life.
If that life means she’s without them… so be it.
“Alright. But I have conditions.” Zoey’s voice waivers. If she’s getting on that ship, she wants to make sure that Mira and Rumi have the best chance of having a wonderful life without her.
Stratt appears unsurprised by Zoey’s statement. “Of course, but please make it quick. We need to get you ready to depart as quickly as possible.”
A faint smile appears on Zoey’s face. “Good thing I make lists.”