Chapter Text
"Well, that's about it. Samples, lots of science stuff, aliens, haha, just a regular day with Project Hail Mary. I guess this is goodbye?
"No wait. Um.
"Eva Stratt. This is for you. Just for you. So whoever gets this, I mean, I hope it's you right away. But if not, track her down. This is for her. And I know lots of people will see it anyway but, yeah, Stratt, this is for you.
"I remember. And I want to make sure I say thank you. You did what was right. You always did. You were able to see the big picture in everything. But you also never missed the details. And I know it wasn't the way we wanted it but I understand. I didn't right away, it definitely took a bit. But, uh, you were right. Are right. So, yeah. I'm,.. no hard feelings. At all.
"And Stratt. I'm, uh, I know we didn't get a chance to talk about a lot of things. Things we probably should have. Just know that I wouldn't trade any of it. Working with you. The good and the bad. And I just wish we had more time, you know? It all got crazy there at the end.
"Oh, and by the way, whoever packed my stuff did a horrible job! I mean, yeah, you got my good shirts and sweater. But not a single picture. Some music. Anything! What if I forget what you look like?
"So, Stratt, that's why I am sending you a little something. This little guy. It's me. You can kind of, you know, see the resemblance. Rocky made it, first thing he did when we met. So it's for you.
"And just in case any of you like, money people are like, hey, that's an important scientific artifact, she can't have it. Just screw it, okay? There are other xenonite samples. You can do your science or like museum display stuff with that. This, this guy, the little Grace action figure, that's for Eva Stratt, and Eva Stratt only. So I will put it...
"Oh yeah. I only have one. And have four beetles. Crap. I'm, okay, here's what I'll do. I'll put the real action figure in one of them, and then, wait, here, let me show him really good to the camera here. All the angles. There's my head. Arms. My nice square butt. I hope the beetle with this actual one gets to you but if not, here's what it looks like so you can have someone print or, I don't know, teleport or like use a replicator to make one.
"I'll put this guy in...which one? See, this is what I mean, Stratt! We never even had time to talk about which Beatle was our favourite! How do I know which one you like best? The answer is George, by the way. Scientifically, he's the best. But I don't know, maybe you are a Paul kind of person. Paul? Should little me ride with Paul? Oh, I dunno. I'll pick one and hope it makes it to you. Then you can play with me and...
"No wait. Not like that! I mean, like, when Rocky first showed it to me, he did like this little puppet show type thing? Communication took some work, that's all. Not that it's for playing. This is a collector's item, really. So yeah. Don't play with me. Because that sounds weird.
"Oh, I swear, I haven't been drinking. I just have a million things in my head right now. Oh, wait, I forgot. Just a second. I forgot something."
"Okay, back now. It's good, we're all good. Where was I? Floating through space, that's right. Haha. It's a joke. Sorry, my stellar conversation skills might have disappeared a bit since I've only had Rocky to talk to and his idiom skills are somewhat lacking. Yeah.
"But Stratt - can I call you Eva? I'm going to call you Eva. Executive decision. Um...I'm sorry I can't come home. I wanted to. Man, I cried big tears when I thought it was a possibility. Not just because I didn't want to die. But it just seems like I finally figured myself out, you know, and I wanted to show you that. Make you proud of me, I guess. And I kinda thought we had something. Was it a crush? Yeah, I maybe had a bit of a crush on you. A bit, a lot, you know. And maybe a bit you for me too? We had a thing? Yeah, we had a thing. I know we did. And I really wish I could come home and we could talk about that a bit more. But, my friend is going to die here. And I just can't let that happen. He...he deserves better than that. And I'm not going to die. I refuse. I won't be there with you, but I won't be dead.
"I mean, there won't be people, though. I will miss people. Talking. Laughing. Holding hands. Ugh, this is so pathetic. I'm so sorry. It's been a wild time up here. For you too, I imagine. But I know you would never give up. So I hope you are well, Stratt. Eva. I hope you remember to take breaks. Laugh at a few jokes. Sing a few songs. That there's someone there to, you know, remind you to eat and sleep.
"Wait! Oh, fudge, are you married now? Or, like, with anyone? Oh, I hope this isn't awkward. This is embarrassing. I didn't even think of that. Not that I don't think anyone would want to marry you. Any guy, or girl, Eridian, whatever, would be the luckiest person alive to have you. Oh, man. I'll be right back."
"Okay. I'm back. Sorry about that. Just had to shift a few boxes in the ole Graceland brain. Try to stop being jealous of someone who may not even exist. Oh, I am way too tired. I swear, I don't usually cry this much. Aaah."
"Okay, back again. Just in case you didn't realize I am the most totally cool person you have ever known, these videos certainly prove that. I hope they help. Not just save the world. But also, you know, just... I'm good. This is okay. Eva. Still the same me. I don't know how much you carry regret, if at all, but I don't want to add to that. And if I was you, I would have done the exact same thing. I don't feel betrayed. I don't feel hurt. Just, you know, gratitude. I am so so grateful.
"Hmm. I'll never forget your song, though. That's a good memory. So yeah, who knows? By the time you get this, maybe I'll be an Eridian. I can live with Rocky. His family. Do you think they have school there? I bet they do. Maybe by the time you get this, I'll be teaching little Eridians their ABC s. And, you know, relativity and radiation and stuff because they have a lot to learn.
"I know the postal service between Earth and Erid is a bit slow. Massively expensive. But, you know, if it's an option. Write back. Let me know how you are. Tell me some Stratt jokes. Maybe some music, you singing that song. I just wanna, you know, see you again.
"I wish I could do a lot of that differently, I really do. I don't want your last memory of me to be of failure. Your opinion was always fair and you always knew what we all needed and I'm so sorry I didn't help you more. I was an idiot. So yeah, send me something, if you can. Heck, come for a visit! I'll save a seat for you. Save one for me too, okay. Just in case.
"Yeah, okay, not crying. Ok, miss you, love you, bye."
With that, Grace pressed his fingers to his lips then touches the camera before the recording ends.
The last recording.
Eva takes measured breaths. She wishes she was alone. She can feel the eyes of the others on her as she stares at the screen. She shifts her shoulders, tucking everything away for later contemplation, and turns to the commander beside her.
"Are all the samples viable?"
The commander nods. "Everything's in good shape."
"Good. Get it to the lab right away."
Eva turns back to the screen, breathing, breathing. Behind her, she hears hurried feet, people following her orders. She avoids eye contact until they have almost all left, and then turns to one of the officers.
"And the thing he spoke about? The xenonite?"
"Ah, yes," the officers stammers. "It is still in quarantine."
"Make sure it comes to me as soon as possible."
"Yes, ma'am."
And then he is gone. And she is alone.
She relaxes, her shoulders slumping, heart racing. A storm of a million thoughts and emotions and all she can think about is him. His voice. His words.
miss you, love you, bye
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