Robot World (Reconnoiter)

Project Connection: A planetary operation to build two machines in our planet's orbit.

Known simple as Machine I and Machine II.

Objective: To form a link with the nearest planet believed to have intelligent life.

The mission:

60 years ago Machine II was sent across our galaxy towards the chosen planet.

The unmanned voyage across 20 light years of space was completely autonomous.

Once Machine II arrives in orbit the machines will connect...

...enabling instant transport between the two planets.

Today is connection day.

Flight A: An unmanned probe successfully tested the connection and gathered basic data.

Flight B:

Next a manned mission will orbit the planet twice and reconnoiter before returning.

We are just checking the last data packet.

We've confirmed those trajectories, we just have one more maneuver to issue.

Recommending one more correction of 24.0 and 3.5 degrees.

Confirmed.

Twenty-four degrees positive pitch plus red 3.5.

Correct.

Okay, begin burn on my count.

On five, four, ignition ready...

...two, one, begin.

Burning.

Eighty-six...

...87...

...89...

...93...

...97...

...101...

...105...

...107...

...109...

Great, we can confirm you have a lock with entrance.

Ten second countdown to machine engagement on my mark.

Mark.

Eight, seven...

...six, five...

...four, three...

...two, one.

What's happening, is there a problem?

Is there a problem?

Negative, the link is being confirmed, and we are clear for transit.

Okay, we have received your final package and cleared you for control.

Launch when ready.

Captain James to Com 1.

First transmission from E581.

There was a problem on arrival and I've crash-landed on the planet.

From what I've seen so far, it isn't what we expected...

...it's barren and there's no sign of intelligent life.

I have enough food and water to last me five days.

With the communications delay, I expect to hear from you within three hours.

Shit!

Fucking hell!

For...

Come on, where are you?

Captain James to Com 1.

I've been on E581 now for almost 24 hours...

...and I've still had no communications from you.

Hopefully, it's a problem with my equipment...

...and you've already got a rescue on the way.

I have lost my water supply...

...so today I have to find another source...

...or there will be no one to rescue.

I will continue to send my reports.

Water.

They're hunting.