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Grace sits behind a table, several feet away from the camera. Wearing a white flight suit, he appears relaxed and contented, his voice reflecting that as he speaks.
“So… I explained to you about the Taumoeba being able to get through the xenonite containers and how that would affect Rocky’s ship. And I mentioned having to choose between going home and saving Rocky. Well, I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I’ve made my decision. I’m going to go rescue Rocky. I know, you’re probably thinking I’m insane. And I might just be. But I wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing that he’ll never make it home, and his people will perish. I was already worried about his not having anyone to watch him sleep, but the thought of the little guy trying to fix his ship and constantly failing…”
Grace throws up a hand in exasperation and lets out a sigh.
“So, yeah, I can't stand by and do nothing. Based on my calculations, I have a pretty good idea of his location and how long it should take to reach him. I know it’s a long shot, but there’s one thing I’ve learned since my time on the Hail Mary: it’s not to give up… and not to run away. Not sure if I’m being brave or stupid, but Rocky’s my friend. He saved my life and helped me to save Earth, so I definitely owe him.
“Once I reach his ship, I'll bring him on board and take him to Erid. We shouldn't have to worry about landing. Rocky told me that they have an elevator system set up that goes down directly to the planet. So, that should make things easier. Easier for him, that is. What happens to me after that…. Well, it won't be much different than the original plan you guys had for me. I can’t survive in Rocky’s atmosphere unless they build me a giant bubble or something, but even then, I won’t have much food left. There’s nothing on his planet that I'll be able to eat, so I'll die of starvation. Or, I’ll choose a method that’s quicker. I recall what the other crew members had planned, so I might go for one of those. Not looking forward to my inevitable demise, but at least this time, it’s my choice. What can I say? I finally found someone to be brave for.”
On the verge of tearing up, he quickly wipes his eyes and clears his throat.
“Anyway, I said a lot of stuff in an earlier video about how maybe Earth deserves to go extinct. I was angry. I didn’t mean it… or maybe I did at the time. I feel differently now. Don't know how things went for my students, but I don’t want their kids to grow up without a summer. They should know what it feels like to have the sun warming their skin and grass beneath their feet.
“Oh, speaking of Earth, I’d like to thank whoever was in charge of putting together the mental health node, or what I refer to as the 'Don’t Go Crazy' room. That virtual oasis has helped me out a lot. I especially like the beach views. Those are my favorite. I do miss the real Earth, though, and all its beauty: the sky, trees, wind, birds…. So, it’s comforting to have those images to remind me.”
He grows silent, lost in thought, then suddenly snaps back.
“Okay,” he says as he slaps his hands together in a decisive manner, then rests folded arms along the edge of the table. “I won’t drag this out, but I wanted to say a proper goodbye. To everyone on the Project Hail Mary team, it’s been a long time coming, but know that all your hard work ultimately paid off. I’ve loaded up the beetles with everything you’ll need. I’ve sent detailed logs of all of our findings and enough Taumoeba for you to start your very own Taumoeba farm. And I threw in a little something else just for fun. Hopefully it all makes sense. And if not, you’re smart; you’ll figure it out."
He eyes the camera knowingly as he sits a bit straighter in his chair.
“And to the pragmatic Eva Stratt... Although I don't approve of your sink-or-swim tactic, I have to concede that it worked fairly well in the end. I didn’t see myself as you saw me. Apparently, I had some evolving yet to do." He pauses a moment as if to let that thought sink in. "You know what the best thing is about not coming home? At least I never have to hear you say, ‘I told you so.’ Even though you were right."
He glances at his watch and expels a soft sigh.
"I, uh... have to go save my best friend now. Wish me luck. This is Dr. Captain Ryland Grace reporting from the Hail Mary. As the Eridians say…” He rubs the knuckles of his left hand up and down along the length of his right forearm a few times. With a wistful expression on his face, his final words are, “Mary, say goodbye to Earth.”
A melodious female computer voice responds casually.
“Goodbye Earth. This is the Hail Mary signing off.”
The screen goes black.