81.03 years ter…
No sooner had you opened your eyes again, feeling like almost no time had even passed, then Aphrodite's attractive hologram is once more projected before you. Her transparent form glowing with renewed vitality. At least there were no arms bsting this time and everything seemed much more peaceful. Honestly, you're just gd that you woke up at all. Despite whatever odds the computer would have given you, you would have put 50/50 money on the whole ship exploding in your sleep without you ever waking up again.
“Captain, we are approaching KX-456-E in approximately 66 days, 16 hours, and 48 minutes. Scans indicate it to be a terrestrial pnet suitable for colonization in the fifth of seven pnetary orbitals.” She presents a stunning image of the pnet, its blue and green hues beckoning. “Significant pnt life has been detected, but no signs of civilization. It is approximately 69.7% the mass of the Earth and has approximately 91.1% water coverage. Given these parameters and the state of needed repairs, I have prepared the top three candidates for reawakening.”
“Very well, show me their profiles,” you sigh, stretching out of your aches from a shortened cyrosleep as Aphrodite's holographic dispy shifts, presenting detailed holographic profiles of the three women. A list of names appears, along with their backgrounds and skills.
“These recommendations are based primarily on our current emergency needs, but should also be suitably genetically diverse to ensure survival of the species,” Aphrodite says, rather matter-of-factly, having no real emotions of her own, just simuting them when she feels it's appropriate, and you thank her makers for knowing that emergency situations like this are not a good time for her to practice those. “Would you like me to suggest any alternatives to this selection, Captain?” You pause for a moment to read the three profiles before answering.
First profile:
Name: Dr. Sophia Patel
Age: 34
Ethnicity: Indian (Indo-Aryan)
Profession: Geneticist & Embryologist
Skills: Advanced genetic engineering, embryo development, reproductive health
Background: Former researcher at a leading biotech firm, specialized in advanced genetics and accelerated cell growth research.
Conclusion: Dr. Patel’s knowledge of genetics has been fgged as mission critical due to current circumstances.
Second profile:
Name: Maya Jensen
Age: 29
Ethnicity: Peruvian (Mestizo)
Profession: Marine Biologist
Skills: Aquatic ecosystems, marine life, habitat adaptation
Background: Expert in symbiotic retionships between marine species, with a focus on coral reefs.
Conclusion: Given this pnet is covered in a pnet-wide ocean, her expertise will greatly assist this new colony greatly.
Third profile:
Name: Lena Ivanova
Age: 25
Ethnicity: Russian (Svic)
Profession: Aerospace Engineer
Skills: Power systems, spacecraft design, materials science
Background: Assistant to lead developer of Seedship Aphrodite's advanced fusion drives, power supplies, and electronic infrastructures.
Conclusion: As an expert in the construction of the most damaged areas of the ship, she will be crucial in ensuring repairs and the viability of future safe operations.
Having taken some time to read and think about each of these lovely women and the roles that they will py in the coming months, Aphrodite speaks again, reminding me of her pending query.
“My analysis shows that these candidates possess a unique combination of skills essential for repairing the ship and finalizing the colonization process. I can provide you with a list of several alternatives if you prefer, Captain, and a long list starts to materialize.” Aphrodite expins, then pauses awaiting your orders.
“No need,” you sigh, worried about how this job just became a whole lot more difficult. “Very well, begin waking all three up and I'll go down to the conference room to await them,” you say, about to head out, but suddenly Aphrodite's holographic form steps in front of you, visually blocking your path.
“I regret, Captain, but the automated waking sequence is currently malfunctioning outside of this command center due to the power strain. You'll need to initiate manual wake-up protocols in the lower cryochambers.” Her eyes, though serene, hold a hint of urgency. “Time is of the essence. We must ensure the three chosen candidates are safely awakened and brought to the conference room for a full briefing.”
“Very well, give me their chamber numbers,” you say, securing your data-link to your arm to have easy access to her information after leaving the command area where her systems still function. Aphrodite's hologram provides the necessary information directly to your link, but still tells you audibly as well.
“Chamber numbers are C-47 for Dr. Sophia Patel, G-12 for Maya Jensen, and K-59 for Lena Ivanova. Proceed with caution, as some chambers are still without power and may have been damaged after going offline. I detect no breaches in our hull, and full atmosphere in all areas.” She offers a navigation map, highlighting the locations on lower levels. “I'll prepare the conference room for your arrival and stand by to assist as needed.”
“Good,” you grumble, annoyed that Aphrodite can't follow you, going alone into the bowels of the damaged seedship.
