This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Occasionally I allow myself a brief foray into writing something fictional. It usually happens in the summer when the northern days are longer and the brain is heated. Here's a short tale originally written several years ago. A lot can happen while you cruise through the depths of interstellar space. Better be ready for the consequences...
All personnel. This is Mother. Attention please. As you know, we have now entered the Alpha Centauri AB system. Congratulations on your historic accomplishment. The Santa Maria is adjusting for final insertion into a wide survey orbit. All navtechs and astros are to report to workstations and are reminded to follow United Federation survey protocols. Reactors three and four will begin shutdown as plasma drives are brought offline. Personnel generations six and seven are reminded that it is critically important to assist final generations with adjustment from interstellar environment. Counselors will be available to mediate. All children are to continue school on the normal schedule.
All personnel. This is Mother. Attention please. Initial survey confirms two terrestrial mass inner planets around Alpha Centauri A, one with significantly non-equilibrium atmosphere, indicating potential biosphere. Gas giant b harbours two large moons, inner moon appears oceanic with high specular reflection. Access to Santa Maria spin axis recreational arenas and hydroponic fields will be limited, personnel are encouraged to remain on outer decks for g-acclimation. Colonization refresher courses will be available on deck nine. Exceptions will be made for centenarians and older.
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All personnel. This is Mother. Attention please. The Santa Maria will switch internal clocks to local frame in twelve hours. Elapsed journey time will then be 1,015 Earth years, eight Earth months and three Earth days precisely. Wide band modulated transmissions have been detected from terrestrial planet c, precise nature of transmissions has not yet been established. All anthropol personnel are to report to workstations and follow contact protocols. Counselors will be available on decks seven through ten.
All personnel. This is Mother. Attention please. Contact has been established with planet c. Personnel of the United Federation interstellar cruiser Vixen have established a colony there during the past ten years. Colonists report that a quantum-entanglement drive was developed during year 950 of Santa Maria journey time. Vixen departure from Earth was during year 980 of Santa Maria journey time. Counselors will be available on all decks until further notice. Anti-depressants and theraputic sedatives will be made available following consultation with assigned medical personnel.
All personnel. This is Mother. Attention please. Arrival two hours ago of the United Federation interstellar scout-class Sabre was responsible for strong electromagnetic pulse. All primary systems are fully functional, secondary systems will be back online shortly. The singularity worm-drive onboard the Sabre was developed during year 995 of Santa Maria journey time. The Sabre is now deploying its colonist transports to gas giant b ocean moon. Personnel are advised to join counseling groups on all decks.
All personnel. This is Mother. Attention please. The results of the Santa Maria referendum on proposition 1A have been tabulated. Santa Maria will be refurbished with a singularity worm-drive and upgraded habitat resources. Cryochambers will be added to deck five for optional suspension and all interior living areas will be resurfaced and modernised. Generations six through eight will disembark and join Vixen and Sabre colonists on planet c and the gas giant b ocean moon. Remaining generations will retrain for the journey to Barnard’s Star, anticipated to take only fifteen years.
Congratulations as you begin this historic voyage as the next colonists to another star. Legal counselors are available on decks two through five to assist in waiver statements with regard to the United Federation’s limited liability for your first arrival status at Barnard’s Star.
