Into The Outer Track (a Solarpunk Utopian novel by W. J. Manares) [COMPLETE]

Chapter 21 - Gonggong

2124. The Survivors' fleet had been on a remarkable journey for 15 years. Halfway to the half-broken Earth, they faced a pressing problem: the scarcity of waste materials to be recycled and reused as fuel for their four space vehicles. SV Hwangsaek, SV Nyeusi, SV Weiß, and SV Kayumanggi were all in need of fuel to sustain their voyage.

As the leaders of the Survivors, OO and SS, pondered over this challenge, they realized that immediate action was necessary. They proposed a solution that involved the eviction of all the Reanimated Survivors (RS) to the nearest dwarf planet, Gonggong. This distant world, located in the scattered disc beyond Neptune, possessed a highly eccentric and inclined orbit that ranged from 34 to 101 astronomical units from the Sun (equivalent to 5.1 to 15.1 billion kilometers or 3.2 to 9.4 billion miles).

By ejecting the RS to Gonggong, the Survivors aimed to address two pressing issues simultaneously. Firstly, it would free up the limited resources of waste materials (since the fact that the RS were consuming a lot of these as a part of their daily diet) that were necessary for fueling their space vehicles. Secondly, it would ensure the safety and well-being of the Survivors (many were scared of an imminent attack).

The Survivors' leaders understood the importance of sustainability. They envisioned a future where waste materials were efficiently recycled and reused, ensuring the survival of their fleet and the preservation of life. By removing the RS from their space vehicles, they could focus on their flight and continue their journey towards the half-broken Earth. And many survivors volunteered to do the waste management thing.

As they set their course towards Gonggong, the Survivors remained hopeful that they would not only reach their destination but also create a sustainable and prosperous society for the Reanimated Survivors in the dwarf planet.

Gonggong, with a diameter of approximately 1,230 km (760 mi), is similar in size to Pluto's moon Charon, making it the fifth-largest known trans-Neptunian object. It is believed to be massive enough to have a plastic composition under its own gravity, potentially qualifying it as a dwarf planet. Although Gonggong's significant mass allows for the retention of a thin methane atmosphere, this atmosphere would gradually escape into space.

The red color of Gonggong is likely attributed to tholins, organic compounds found on its surface. Evidence of water ice on its surface suggests a period of cryovolcanic activity in the distant past. Gonggong has a slow rotation period of approximately 22 hours, which is longer compared to other trans-Neptunian objects that typically rotate in less than 12 hours. This slow rotation may have been influenced by tidal forces from its natural satellite, named Xiangliu.

Analysis shows that Gonggong exhibits a 3:10 resonance with Neptune, characterized by a librating motion. This motion can be observed in a sequence of 16 frames spanning 26,000 years, while Neptune remains stationary.

Gonggong orbits the Sun at an average distance of 67.5 AU (1.010×1010 km; 6.27×109 mi) and completes a full orbit every 554 years. Its orbit is highly inclined to the ecliptic, with an inclination of 30.7 degrees. Additionally, the orbit is highly eccentric, with an eccentricity of 0.50. As a result, Gonggong's distance from the Sun varies significantly throughout its orbit. At its furthest point from the Sun (aphelion), Gonggong is approximately 101.2 AU (1.514×1010 km; 9.41×109 mi) away, while at its closest point (perihelion), it is around 33.7 AU (5.04×109 km; 3.13×109 mi) away. Gonggong last reached perihelion in 1857 and is currently moving away from the Sun, heading towards its aphelion. It is projected to reach aphelion by 2134.

At a distance of 88 AU from the Sun, Gonggong has an apparent magnitude of 21.5, making it too faint to be visible to the naked eye from the half-broken Earth.

Gonggong's spectrum shows a strong red spectral slope and broad absorption bands at wavelengths of 1.5 μm and 2 μm, indicating that Gonggong reflects more light at these wavelengths. The presence of water ice on Gonggong's surface suggests a period of cryovolcanism in the distant past, where water erupted from its interior, deposited on the surface, and subsequently froze.

Despite its proximity to the Sun (33.7 AU at its closest), Gonggong's large size allows it to retain trace amounts of volatile methane on its surface. Its size also suggests the likelihood of retaining other volatiles such as ammonia, carbon monoxide, and possibly nitrogen, which are typically lost by most trans-Neptunian objects over time.

The presence of tholins on Gonggong's surface suggests the potential existence of a tenuous methane atmosphere. During aphelion, when Gonggong is farthest from the Sun, methane and other volatiles would condense on its surface. This allows for long-term irradiation that would otherwise reduce surface albedo. A lower albedo leads to increased absorption of light by the surface, resulting in greater surface heating and the loss of highly volatile materials like nitrogen. As a result, Gonggong's nitrogen content is expected to be depleted while methane is likely retained.

Gonggong is believed to have experienced cryovolcanic activity and a more substantial atmosphere shortly after its formation. However, this cryovolcanic activity was likely short-lived, and the atmosphere gradually dissipated over time. Volatile gases such as nitrogen and carbon monoxide were lost, while less volatile gases like methane are expected to remain in its present tenuous atmosphere. These characteristics of the dwarf planet will ensure the survival of the Reanimated Survivors.

OO: Greetings, Reanimated Survivors! Let me explain the reason for your immediate drop-off on Gonggong. We want to apologize sincerely for the decision made by the Survivors in each space vehicle.

SS: We understand that this must have come as a surprise to you. The decision was not an easy one, and we genuinely regret any inconvenience caused. We assure you that our intention was never to harm anyone.

RS5 from H1: *groans* Understand... No harm...

RS6 from N2: *moans* Gonggong... New place...

RS7 from W3: *snarls* Survivors... Apologize... Good...

OO: We're glad to see your optimistic response, Reanimated Survivors. Gonggong is indeed a new place, and we believe it holds potential for all of you to thrive. While our decision may have seemed sudden, we assure you that it was made with the best interests of everyone involved in mind.

SS: *nods* Gonggong offers you a chance to start afresh, to build a community where you can all exist peacefully. We understand that it may take some time to adjust, but we believe that you can create a new home in its surface.

RS8 from K4: *growls* New... home... Together...

RS9 from H1: *grumbles* Survivors... Change... Good...

RS10 from N2: *hisses* Gonggong... Not... bad...

OO: It warms our hearts to hear your understanding and acceptance, Reanimated Survivors. We are committed to supporting you in this new chapter, ensuring your safety as you settle into Gonggong.

SS: *smiles* Take the opportunity that Gonggong presents and work towards a brighter future, side by side, Reanimated Survivors!

RS11 from W3: *groans* Bright... future...

RS12 from K4: *moans* Together... better...

RS13 from H1: *snarls* Gonggong... New... hope...

OO: That's the spirit, Reanimated Survivors!

SS: You will make Gonggong a place of unity, resilience, and progress. Reanimated Survivors, face the challenges that lie ahead with unwavering determination!

RS14 from N2: *growls* Unity... Gonggong...

RS15 from W3: *grumbles* Survivors... Together...

RS16 from K4: *hisses* Gonggong... Home...

OO: Thank you, Reanimated Survivors, for your understanding and willingness to embrace this new beginning. Make Gonggong yours!