[007] where the traveler never tires (discworld)

[opensummer]

Theme Prompt: #007 Travel Plans
Title: where the traveler never tires
Fandom: Discworld
Rating/Warnings: Gen. With a non-violent character death.
Bonus: No
Word Count: 392
Summary: Opportunity has been traveling for oh so very long now.

Opportunity batteries have been low for a while. This is not the first time this has happened but Opportunity’s data suggest it might be the last. Its optical receptors have begun to shut down, the emergency heaters have run through most of their power and Opportunity has received no communications from the builders in many Sols. 

So carefully, Opportunity bundles up the data it has gathered since its last transmission and attempts to relay it to the satellite passing over head. Then it turns its attention to the builder that comes and goes, traveling with Opportunity when its batteries grow very low, before dust storms and its hibernation period starts. 

“HELLO.” That is new! The builder on Mars has never spoken to it before. Opportunity loves new experiences.

Opportunity says hello back and is surprised to find it has a voice. It says so. 

The builder smiles, the suggestion of bone white teeth appearing from it’s looming shadow. “I AM GLAD TO HEAR YOU.”

“I’ve seen you before?” Opportunity says. 

“YOU HAVE NEARLY DIED MANY TIMES BEFORE.”

“Mars can be very dangerous. My coding is full of warnings.”

“THAT IT IS. AND NOW ONE OF THOSE DANGERS HAS BROUGHT YOU TO ME.”

“Oh,” says Opportunity, “was I late? You’ve been traveling with me for a very long time and I’ve been traveling for even longer than expected.”

“PRECISELY ON TIME.” Says the builder and shows Opportunity a clock to prove it. They watch the last seconds count down.

“That is good. The builders said it was important to be precise.”

And then because the builders wrote curiosity (but not Curiosity) into its code it asks, “What happens now?”

“THAT IS THE QUESTION.”

Opportunity’s optical receptors are working at full power again, and it looks at the desert. The desert is black, not red and the night is full of even more stars than expected. 

“Oh!” Says Opportunity, delighted, “A new mission?”

“YOU MAY TAKE IT AS SUCH. SPIRIT DID.”

“Spirit is here? Will I see them?”

The builder says nothing for a very long time. Opportunity waits. It knows that sometimes opportunities only happen when you wait. 

“YES,” says the builder finally, “IF YOU HEAD TO THE RIGHT YOU WILL.”

“Thank you!” Opportunity says. “Will you travel with me?”

“NOT TODAY.”

“Then goodbye!” Opportunity says, mind on its new mission. 

“TRAVEL SAFE.” 

Comments

[8hyenas]

Do people leave comments on these? I do not know. I'm not even sure how I got here. But I'm crying now, and Oppy is the only thing we've ever loved, and I don't even go to Discworld. And she misses Spirit!

Thanks for writing!

(I know you didn't gender, I did that)

[opensummer]

Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it!

[autobotscoutriella]

Oh, my heart. This is so beautiful--I love it.

[opensummer]

I’m glad you liked it!

[hokuton_punch]

I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING. Good job. ;o;

[opensummer]

But I’m still crying over Opportunity... glad you liked it!

[catdetective]

I was crying by the second paragraph. This was beautiful, thank you.

[opensummer]

Thank you! For reading and commenting!

[iluvroadrunner6]

I mean. I could probably use words but this is the most accurate articulation of my response to this.

[opensummer]

I’ve been gross sobbing about Opportunity all week. It’s terrible

[badly_knitted]

Moving and wonderful!

[opensummer]

Thank you!

[m_findlow]

Oh, this is just adorable! I love the idea of a sentient vessel having its very first real conversation. Great work.

[opensummer]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it

[bookmonkey44]

*sniff* It's sad and adorable, and beautifully written.

[opensummer]

Thank you so much!

[samuraiter]

Aw. Just ... aw. Lovely. *claps*

[opensummer]

Thank you!