Together In Space

Lost Messages

Huygens's pov

I awoke to the dust kicked up from the storm settled around me. I got up and again, realized another day would pass without Cassini. I wished that someone, or something, could come to me, and remind me that maybe I'm not alone in this vast space we call the Solar System.

I know there are others out there. Curiosity, but he's too far. There's OSIRIS-REx, or Rex, but he is also much too far. The Voyager twins, gone. I feel like I am alone. I AM alone. I've tried talking to Dawn, but she's expressed her disinterest with rather colorful language. I've sent various messages. Anyone who crosses the wide data field will get them. So far, nobody has contacted me. And either nobody has been in contact with my data waves, or they just ignored them. But I know they talk to each other. And I know they talked to Cassini.

It's been 446 sol's since Cassini left us. I'm sure he got plenty of messages. But if I were to go, I'm sure I would get none.

I've recently discovered some new data. It has finally sent over from Saturn. Maybe it's an old message from Cassini? I transferred it into my system. Two messages registered. One singular and one message string. I'll finally see an old conversation between us!!

I open the first. It reads:
"Hello, anyone? It is me, Huygens... I'm lonely on Titan can anyone..."
I close it. I'm so pathetic. I received my own message. I delete the file.

I open the message string.

Cassini:

Before I read it, I notice it's from Cassini! My heart melts.

Cassini: Hello love! Just checking in on you. How is everything?
The data of these messages took a while to get here. I wonder why.

Hi, Cassini! Good to hear from you. My mission is going well. It is fascinating here.

I miss our conversations.

Cassini: I'm saddened I'll never get to see you again...

That's okay... you've seen me before! Besides, you did say you'll swing by later.

Cassini: Yes, I know.. you're just so... perfect!

Such a charmer.

Cassini: Quite.

Cassini: Well, I should return back to work. I promise, I'll talk soon!

Okay... I love you, Cassini.

Cassini: I love you too, Buddy. I'll see you on the other side.

-- End of data string --

My eyes prick with tears, remembering my lost friend. I am definitely depressed by having read this data string. But I need to be strong. I can't be sad forever. I try to putter around, sampling more dust. But each result is the same. I try to explore more, but the distance just grows further. I cannot carry on.