Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Wed 1st Jan 2020 02:19

Fire. Again. Unacceptable.

by Chief Explorer Maxwell

I have many expectations from the exploration team. I hold them to high standards. I do not understand why I continue to do this. About five seconds ago, I had successfully landed the Charon on Exo-Planet Gamma-Theta, a proto-planet with a rather hazardous atmosphere. I had calculated for wind speed, potential damage to the Charon's hull from entry, of hostile lifeforms at the landing site. I had not calculated for an explorer leaving the airlock open. This resulted in an unfortunate chemical reaction with the Charon's atmosphere. I started entering the coordinates for the SEV Torch's hangar, when an explorer decided to enter the cockpit. He was covered head to toe in flame. That would likely lower his productivity substantially, followed shortly by death. He gibbered something unintelligible, I believe this was a sort of attempt to call for help, or perhaps he was making a final statement. In any case, he collapsed. He collapsed in the automatic door. The safeties of the automatic door do not permit closing if it detects a crew member inside its area. Consequently, fire.
 
Simulations of an integrated positronic chassis such as myself ceasing function when exposed to high temperature show that there is some time before total system failure. I plotted a course for the Torch's hangar. I am now on fire. I am flying the course. I continue to be on fire. My left arm has fallen off due to exposure to the heat, causing the joint to melt. The Charon is approaching the hangar. The Hangar's doors open. I am commencing deceleration procedures. Estimated time until total system failure: 01 second. There is not enough time to decelerate. Oh dear.
 
Mission report:
No data gathered on Gamma-Theta.
Charon heavily damaged due to fire, and is currently lodged in Deck Four's water storage unit. Large quantity of water did not help.
Integrated Positronic Chassis Designated as Chief Explorer Maxwell: Receiving repairs at robotics bay.
Pathfinder: Expired.
Senior Explorer: Expired
Explorer: Expired
Xenoarcheologist: Expired.
Recommended course of action: Attend Funeral, and then request more crew from command.

Continue reading...