"Explorer"

(October 21, 2007)

The red marble drew closer, just as it had every day over the long months of the robot's journey. A human observer, had one been present, would now be able to make out the blurred outlines of the planet's surface. A large mountain range off in one direction. A series of craters off in another. And a red haze everywhere.

A human observer would have called the view breathtaking or beautiful. But the robot didn't care. It continued on its journey, sleeping in the hold while the transport ship made automatic course adjustments as it prepared to deliver its cargo.

At long last, the transport arrived in its planned orbit and after a final set of checks, prepared to send the robot on its way. The cargo section opened, and the landing module began to fall toward the surface. Still the robot slumbered, not yet awake, but no longer fully asleep either.

Tenuously at first, but with increasing fierceness, the air of an alien world began to pass over the lander. Sensing the friction from the new atmosphere, the lander used its small engines to keep its head shield at the optimal angle to protect the robot.

As the lander reached thicker layers of atmosphere, its speed began to subside. When at last the lander's speed had dropped to while the protection was no longer needed, it let the heat shield fall away. In its place, a parachute was deployed, giving the lander the appearance of a dandelion seed, drifting through an alien sky.

Nearing the soil, the lander executed a final change, releasing the parachute and inflating airbags until it became a gray volleyball, hurtling toward the ground. It hit atop a hill, bouncing off and striking the ground again a short distance away, and again and again, each time jarring the robot secured within, but each time little less than the time before.

Coming to rest at last in a small depression, the lander deflated the airbags slowly and unfolded its sides as though it were a mechanical flower, opening to the sun.

Exposed to the sky after its long confinement, the robot began to fully awaken. Opening its solar panels, it gazed around, assessing its surroundings. At long last, and with cameras silently recording every detail, the robot set out, a tourist exploring a new locale.

Copyright © 2007 by Blair Learn