Transmission Incoming.

38.

Um, hi, this is, uh Pilot 38. I guess you don’t want us using our real names which is weird cause you have all that info anyway. Well, whatever. Pilot 38. Yeah. First entry.

According to your machines here, I’ve been traveling for a couple of weeks now. I mean … [shuffling sound. buttons being pressed] … sixteen days, thirteen hours, twenty-eight minutes, and eight seconds. Nine seconds. Ten seconds. You get the idea. I haven’t even passed Mars yet, I don’t think. Total distance is … [tapping on screen] … sent now.

Information Received.

Space is … Space is a lot more boring than I thought it’d be. You guys said it would be okay if we added personal details to these, right? The human perspective and all that. Still weird we can’t use real names. Anyway, there’s nothing out here. Don’t get me wrong, I was in awe at first. I mean who wouldn’t be. But I’ve been awake for a few hours now and the novelty has sort of worn off. It’s pretty. Lot of black. Lot of little lights. Sometimes. But that’s about it.

I was hoping to see a comet.

I hope the rest of the pilots are doing well and off to a good start. Lord knows we need it. For the record, I’m honored to have been chosen for this. I hope some real good can come of it. Even if it’s not me who finds New Eden or whatever you’re calling it now – that’s what a marketing department’s for, right? – I still hope my data’s useful for something. Not like there’s a lot waiting for me back home. I guess this ship is pretty much my home now.

Speaking of, it’s not half bad. A little small, maybe, but cozy. Got enough room to stretch out and a nice workout station. You’ve loaded this thing with plenty of time killers too, which I appreciate. And I know, don’t stay awake too long. Don’t waste oxygen – I’m sorry, O2 – and limit my isolation risk. But I’m getting familiar with this thing. It’s not the simulator. You know what I mean.

To me, it wasn’t that long ago I was in the array with the other pilots back on Earth, shot into space, and now this. It’s been weeks for you, but only a couple hours altogether for me. I still feel like the new guy at work, you know?

So I guess that’s all from me for now. Not much to report. I’m gonna watch a movie or something then get back in stasis for a while. Hopefully when I get out again, there’ll be something new to look at.

Catch ya later.

End Transmission.

Pilot’s Projected Vital Levels:

Physical Health: 10

Emotional Health: 10

Course: Within Projection

Running Diagnostic Scan.

Complete.

Sending Transmission.

38.

Ship structure intact.

Outside anomaly detected.

Please investigate.

End Transmission.

Cycle Messages.

Transmission Incoming.

2.