The Last Astronaut

 

1/11/3024 

Trapped in a deadly asteroid field, I’m the last beacon of humanity. My damaged ship is my only hope for survival. As the galaxy’s last astronaut, I’m a prized target for ruthless hunters of human relics. Alive, cryogenized, or dead, my body is a valuable commodity. I must repair my ship and escape this asteroid belt before they find me.

2/11/3024

I’d barely left the asteroid field when a colossal alien superstructure loomed into view. Hesitation battled with desperation. My repaired ship needed fuel, and this alien city offered a risky opportunity. Disguising myself as best I could to avoid being recognized as human, I slipped into the city, a strange blend of organic and mechanical features.

The city’s inhabitants were a diverse mix of alien species, including a dominant humanoid race: towering figures with elongated limbs, enormous eyes, and hairless skin. Amidst this alien crowd, I felt relatively inconspicuous.

I located a fuel depot and approached the alien vendor. To my surprise, she was friendly and accommodating, offering me fuel at a reasonable price. With the transaction complete, I hurried back to my ship, eager to leave this strange outpost behind.

3/11/3024

Lost in the cosmic expanse, I must chart a course to a safe haven: a distant planet, Earth-like and hopeful. Before humanity’s tragic end, scientists discovered this potential refuge.

The journey is arduous, requiring careful planning and precise calculations. Each interstellar hop demands fuel and ship integrity checks. A miscalculation could strand me, adrift in the cold, dark void.

After meticulous analysis, I make my decision. The quest for Arcadia, the Last Astronaut final destination, begins.

4/11/3024

The first leg of my journey to Terra Nova requires a supply stop. I've identified a planet rich in Earth-like resources, but it's a dangerous place. Oasis, ironically named, is embroiled in a relentless conflict between two warring factions. Their endless struggle threatens to destroy the planet's natural beauty and themselves.

Tomorrow, I'll arrive at Oasis, ready to navigate its treacherous landscape and secure the supplies I need to continue my quest.

5/11/3024

Gazing upon Oasis's warring inhabitants, I see a tragic reflection of humanity's past. Two distinct species, locked in a destructive conflict over a planet of unparalleled beauty. Their greed and hatred mirror the events that nearly extinguished humanity. A senseless war, fueled by the ambitions of a few, decimated our civilization. And in our darkest hour, other alien powers capitalized on our weakness, ensuring our complete annihilation.

As the last remnant of humanity, I witness the same pattern unfolding on Oasis. I wonder if their fate will mirror ours, leaving only a solitary survivor, another last astronaut, to bear witness to their species' downfall.

6/11/3024

On Oasis, I ventured to a safe haven, a sanctuary known across the universe. There, I stocked up on supplies, preparing for the long journey to Terra Nova. While acquiring provisions, my human identity was exposed to a seemingly ordinary shopkeeper. Fear gripped me as I readied my laser torch for defense.

In a flash, the shopkeeper transformed, revealing a celestial being of ethereal beauty. A dire warning echoed through the cosmos: Oasis was doomed, a cataclysm imminent. My path, she revealed, led to Terra Nova, but first, I must seek knowledge at the Silent Nexus. With a touch, they imparted the cosmic wisdom I needed for the next stage of my solitary odyssey.

7/11/3024

I hastily retrieved the supplies and cosmic counsel from the Cosmic Entity, stowing them away in my ship. As I prepared to depart, a missile launched from Oasis pierced the sky. I narrowly escaped the devastating blast, but my ship was badly damaged.

Engaging the autopilot, I donned my spacesuit and ventured out into the void to repair the vessel. Hours later, my ship was restored, and I reclaimed my position at the helm.

8/11/3024

A deadly hail of sand-sized meteorites pelts my ship. At such incredible speeds, each grain becomes a lethal projectile, capable of piercing the hull and ending my existence. With expert precision, I manoeuvre the vessel, dodging the deadly shower. A single strike could be catastrophic, but I emerge unscathed, though shaken to my core. I had narrowly escaped a fate worse than death.

9/11/3024

The previous day's ordeal, though resolved, has left me with the arduous task of manual piloting. To resume high-speed travel, I must restore the ship's automatic navigation system. I land on a desolate, rocky planet, devoid of life.

Hours of repair work are needed to mend the ship's damaged hull. As I return to the cockpit to reboot the onboard computer, an unsettling noise echoes through the vessel. An intruder has breached the ship.

10/11/3024

I turn to face the source of the disturbance. Hidden in a small storage compartment, I find a diminutive creature, no larger than a cat. Its fearful gaze meets mine. Pleading for help, the creature requests passage to a distant destination.

Though wary, I cannot abandon it to the desolate planet. Despite my reservations, I agree to transport the creature to a habitable world. It suggests a planet along the route to Terra Nova, but the decision of when and where to part ways remains uncertain. This journey will be fraught with challenges, complicated by the presence of an untrustworthy companion.

11/11/3024

The repair work demands my undivided attention, but the alien stowaway complicates matters. The thought of forcibly ejecting the creature crosses my mind, but compassion prevails. It's impossible to ignore the creature's plight, stranded on this desolate planet.

The alien, surprisingly, offers assistance with the repairs. Together, we work tirelessly, and in just three hours, the ship is restored. This shared experience has softened my initial distrust, and I begin to see the creature in a new light.

12/11/3024

The astronaut, recalling the cosmic entity's guidance, understands the necessity of a small sacrifice. The stowaway, having proven their worth, and because of his precarious situation, has earned a place aboard the ship. The astronaut communicates this decision, and the creature's eyes light up with relief. In that moment, the astronaut sees a familiar look, a reflection of the cosmic entity's gaze. This uncanny connection solidifies the astronaut's resolve to continue their journey to Terra Nova with the help of this creature.

13/11/3024

Xieth, my feline-monkey companion, has proven himself a reliable travel partner. His cinnamon fur, accented with white and black, contrasts with his prehensile hands and cat-like features. His worn spacesuit, due to his survival on the desolate planetoid, hints at a desperate struggle.

With each passing day, our bond strengthens. His company is a welcome respite from the solitude of space. As we near Xiar, his destination, I find myself contemplating his future. If he has no one awaiting him there, perhaps he might consider joining me on the journey to Terra Nova.

14/11/3024

With our course set, I enlist Xieth's help in charting the optimal route to Xiar. We pore over star charts, meticulously planning our journey. We're aware of the asteroid fields and meteor showers that lie ahead, but with careful navigation and the aid of our ship's advanced systems, we're confident in reaching Xiar in less than a week.

15/11/3024

Navigating the treacherous asteroid field proved to be a perilous endeavour. The slow-moving asteroids posed a significant threat, especially given our need for speed. Xieth and I took the helm, manoeuvring the ship with precision. We dodged and weaved, relying on our instincts and the ship's advanced systems.

Xieth, an unexpected asset, warned of impending dangers, guiding me through the asteroid field. Our teamwork was crucial in overcoming this obstacle, allowing us to emerge from the perilous zone unscathed and continue our journey to Xiar.

16/11/3024

Xieth and I are elated by our successful navigation of the asteroid field. We've proven to be an unstoppable team. My admiration for this feline primate grows daily. While I'll be sad to part ways on Xiar, the most important thing is that he reaches his destination. As for me, my journey as the last astronaut continues. I'll keep exploring the cosmos, striving to be the greatest astronaut of all time.

17/11/3024

We arrive at Xiar, a verdant paradise. The time for parting has come. As I leave Xieth on this idyllic planet, he turns to express his gratitude. A flicker of doubt crosses his face, perhaps a longing for further adventure. But I know his place is here, on this beautiful world.

As I depart, a profound sense of loneliness washes over me. The thought of continuing my journey alone is daunting. Yet, I understand that my destiny lies elsewhere, on the distant horizon of Terra Nova.

18/11/3024

Alone in the vast expanse of the cosmos, without the company of Xieth, I realize the true purpose of my existence. To merely survive is not enough. I must fulfill the legacy of humanity, to explore the unknown and seek out new worlds. I am the last member of humanity, and it is my duty to write the final chapter of our common story.

Terra Nova is not just a destination; it's a closure, a last chapter to our species' enduring spirit. I must reach it, not just for myself, but for all those who came before. The final page of humanity's history cannot be left unwritten. I must complete this journey, no matter the cost.

19/11/3024

The ship is violently buffeted, throwing me off course. A massive, unexpected dust cloud looms ahead, threatening to engulf the vessel. The carefully planned route to Terra Nova is now a chaotic mess. I fight to regain control, manoeuvring through the turbulent storm.

Now, lost and disoriented, I face the daunting reality of the vast, empty cosmos. The path to my destination seems to have vanished, leaving me adrift in the cosmic void.

20/11/3024

Lost in the cosmic expanse, I recall an ancient space route. This relic of a bygone era, a testament to the ingenuity of early spacefarers, relies on the relative positions of stars for navigation. I follow this celestial roadmap, much like a Roman road, leading me towards the coordinates of Terra Nova. With renewed purpose, I steer my ship towards this distant destination.

21/11/3024

The Last Astronaut, following the ancient space route, faces a daunting challenge. The slower pace of this archaic navigation method threatens to delay his arrival at Terra Nova. The question isn't merely one of survival, but of legacy. Will he reach Terra Nova in time to become the first and last human on a new Earth, or will he perish alone in space, the last remnant of humanity?

Desperate to accelerate his journey, he must find a way to expedite his progress.

22/11/3024

I must find a way to expedite my journey along this ancient space route. With meticulous calculations, I devise a new, high-speed route to Terra Nova. While the journey will be longer than initially anticipated, it's a significant improvement.

23/11/3024

Yesterday's triumph has given way to a sobering reality. I question whether I will survive the journey to Terra Nova. My dream is to establish a new home for the last of humans in a second Earth, but time may not be on my side. Will I reach this new world, or will I perish alone, the final chapter of humanity's story ending in the cold, empty void of space?

24/11/3024

I must seize the initiative, push the ship to its limits, and navigate this cosmic expanse with the skill of a master pilot. I accelerate to maximum speed, dodging meteorites and cosmic debris like a riverboat captain navigating treacherous rapids. The risks are immense, but the reward is even greater. I will reach Terra Nova, no matter the cost.

25/11/3024

The ship hurtles through space, pushing the limits of its capabilities. I grip the controls, navigating through treacherous cosmic storms. With each near-miss, I'm reminded of the cosmic entity's guidance and Xieth's unwavering support. Their wisdom helps me steer through the chaos, bringing me ever closer to Terra Nova.

26/11/3024

A cosmic bond with Xieth and otherworldly beings fuels my aim as I near Terra Nova. The distant star is there and the New Earth is soon to be seen. This though is guiding me towards my ultimate goal. Tomorrow, I’ll finally set foot on Terra Nova’s ground.

27/11/3024

Terra Nova, the long-awaited destination, is finally within reach. Now, the challenge lies in selecting the ideal landing site. Lush, tropical regions offer abundant life, but they also harbor potential dangers like wild predators and unknown diseases. Arid zones, while less hospitable, may be safer from predators but pose challenges in securing food and water. Temperate zones offer a balance, but the risk of storms and seismic activity cannot be ignored.

With the aid of the ship's computer, I analyze the planetary data to determine the most suitable landing site. This decision will shape the course of my life in this new world.

28/11/3024

The ship's computer has identified a peaceful haven, a sanctuary free from extreme weather, seismic activity, and dangerous creatures. Here, I will find sustenance and shelter. As I gaze out at the cosmos, a vast, inky canvas dotted with stars and planets, I realize this is the final chapter of my journey. Soon, I will descend to the surface, trading the life of an astronaut for that of the last human. A solitary existence, the final act in the grand drama of humanity.

29/11/3024

The landing on Terra Nova was successful. I've established a rudimentary shelter, a humble beginning for my new life. With centuries' worth of energy at my disposal, I can dedicate myself to improving this last outpost of humanity.

Yet, as I settle into my solitary existence, doubts creep in. Is this the ultimate fate of humanity, a solitary figure on a distant world? Did the countless generations that came before me envision such an ending? All the triumphs and tragedies of our species converge here, on this new Earth. I feel the weight of their gaze, questioning whether I've fulfilled their expectations.

I am but a single individual, a mere speck in the grand tapestry of human history. I never sought this role, nor was I chosen to bear the burden of humanity's final chapter. The weight of this responsibility is immense, and I feel the scrutiny of countless ancestors.

30/11/3044

Twenty years have passed, a tranquil period in this distant world. Now, as my life draws to a close, so too does the story of humanity. A solitary figure, an ordinary human, I am the last remnant of our species. With my passing, the final chapter of humanity's history will be written.

I wonder if Xieth, my faithful companion, would be interested in the conclusion of my tale. But perhaps no other species will mourn the extinction of humanity. Such is the nature of existence: some species rise, others fall. Humanity's legacy, its art, music, and literature, will fade into oblivion. The universe, indifferent to our existence, will continue its eternal cycle.

As I approach the end, I ponder a weighty question: am I the last astronaut, or will future explorers carry the torch? Only time, or perhaps another conscious being, will reveal the answer.

This is the result of playing Charlie Fleming's The Last Astronaut this November.

If you're interested in the game, you can get it here.