Yes, Eric?
Am...am I conscious?
You are semi-conscious at the moment, Eric. Conscious enough to access me.
Are we...close?
We are still in trans-stellar flight, Eric.
...
Beth?
I am here, Eric.
What does your name mean? I remember it means something....
Bio-Electronic Task Handler.
Right. B.E.T.H.
...
Um...why can't I remember what it is you do?
It is the medication, Eric. It is supposed to keep you under, but occasionally your mind becomes semi-aware.
Under.... I have to be under for the mission, right?
Yes, Eric. It is a long way to Barnard's Star.
And you're...you're an...interface....
Yes, Eric. I am the interface between the ship's systems and yourself.
Is someone...talking?
Just transmissions from mission control. I am monitoring them.
...
Beth! Beth, are you there?
I am always here, Eric.
What's that sound?
It is the proximity alert. We have encountered some rogue asteroids. There is little danger of a collision.
...
Clear!
...
BETH! WHAT WAS THAT??
We struck a small meteor. The hull was not breached.
I'm cold.
We have nearly arrived at the Barnard system. I will adjust your I.V. so you can rest comfortably until we arrive.
...
Doctor?
...
That light! So bright I can see it through my closed eyelids....
We have arrived. The light you are seeing is from Barnard's Star. I have adjusted your medication. You are beginning to awaken. You are the first human being to travel to another star.
So bright....
...
...
...
Call it.
Time of death: 18:37.
...
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