Chariot 3: Conception

“Captain, are you ok?” Asked Sissy with a hint of compassion in her voice. “My readings indicate you…”

“I am fine. Scan the black hole and beam the data back to the base. Advise us when it is received. In the meantime give me the status of the ship and crew.” Many would call him impatient, but as always, Shoffer was just as short and objective as one could be.

“We`re fine” V-Nus, Cai Yiu and Flumen tried to catch their breath. Together they sounded like a choir that had just received a consolation prize.

“Processing Chariot 3 status.” Sissy informed. “Propulsion systems: 70% operational. Body damage: 60% - repairing in progress. Graphene solution: sufficient.” She finished.

“Sir…” The ship`s voice hesitated.

“What now Sissy?” Their leader could not think of anything else other than the desire of hearing that the Nibirian Space Agency received the data and ordered them to return home.

She wanted to tell her Captain she was in pain, but uncertain of what that really meant, , she rapidly changed her words. “MESSAGE RECEIVED”.

That confirmation from the Nibirian Space Agency brought with it what resembled more of a chain of reactions.

The great void behind Chariot 3 suddenly doubled its size. In a fraction, the singularity became something that they had never seen before, something that probably, no one else had ever seen.

“Shall our path be safe...” said Captain Shoffer before his mind instinctively reactivated the Spatial Distortion.

Sadly, a simply ineffective response.

Chariot 3 continued to be sucked in to the black hole.

There was no vibration, no noise, and no pain. There was undoubtedly nothing that any of them could possibly do, but to watch themselves passing by the splendid, albeit terrifying event horizon, drawn into the singularity.

The ship, along with its crew, finally vanished into the darkness.

Chariot 3 crossed the black hole which then immediately diminished back to its original dimensions.

“Captain, I am switching the SD interface off. We are on course of collision against the planet 200,000 miles ahead.”

“Affirmative Sissy. It will be a tough landing. Everyone listen to me! I need your help to concentrate…” The Captain became speechless as he looked to his right and saw V-Nus, his second in command completely unconscious. Looking back over his shoulder, he found Flumen and Cai Yiu Hun seating with their heads facing down in a similar vegetative state.

“Fine Sissy, it looks like it is just you and me. Our first date…”