Chapter Text
They let out a breath, exhaling softly as they awoke to the stars.
As they stood up from where they were lying on the ground, they turned to see a grinning Slate looking over at them.
"There's our pilot! Back from your pre-launch campout under the stars, I see.”
Obsidian smiled and went over to where they were leaning over by the fire.
“So it's Launch Day, eh? Seems like only yesterday you joined the space program, and suddenly here you are, leaving on your first solo voyage.
What do you say - ready to get this beauty off the ground? It's all fueled up and ready to go!"
The hatchling smiled, “All systems go!”
Slate’s grin grew wider. "Glad you're excited, but remember, if you wreck the ship I'm not building you a new one. I'm not made of lightweight reentry grade aluminum alloys, you know.”
There was a hint of seriousness in their tone.
“Anyway, you'll need to get the launch codes from Hornfels at the observatory before you can lift off. Just bring those here once you've said your goodbyes or whatever."
With that, the hatchling immediately ran off to get their launch codes. They didn’t see Slate watching them leave with an amused smile.
Along the way, they saw Mica standing there, in their goggles and with their hand on their hips. They perked up as they saw Obsidian approaching.
“Hey, it's you! Slate said you're blasting off in your ship today. I'm really excited to see the launch! Aren't you gonna go into space? Aren't you? You better not have changed your mind!” Mica’s speech grew increasingly excited.
“Hey, I’m still going!” Obsidian reassured.
“You better be! It's been forever since anyone launched into space. I really, really want to see it.
Really bad.
Hey, you want to try out my model ship? Slate says it's just like the real thing, only less likely to start a fire."
Obsidian attempted to fly the model rocket, only for it to immediately spin out of control as they attempted to tilt it slightly forwards. “Whoa.” They spoke, feeling a bit flustered.
“Wow, that was just like the time the external fuel tanks exploded on reentry! You'll... you'll be okay flying the big one, right?” They said, nervously.
Obsidian sheepishly chuckled and said, “I guess I’m not used to calibration of the controls for this. I’ll be fine flying the big one.”
Obsidian headed off, trying to shake off their embarrassment to say the rest of their goodbyes.
To Tephra and Gelena.
"Hullo, astronaut!"
“If it isn't my favorite troublemaker.”
“We wanted to play hide and seek, but Moraine won't let us borrow their Signalscope because it's 'really delicate' and 'not supposed to be thrown around like that.'
Hey, hey, can we use your Signalscope? Can we? Can we, please? We'll even let you be 'it'!"
“Sure, let's play!”
"Woohoo! Okay, here are the rules. Galena and me will hide with these radios, and you'll use your Signalscope to find us.
Last one to be found wins! Okay, close your eyes and start counting!"
Their eyes closed as they counted to 20. As soon as they finished, they opened their eyes and took their signoscope, setting the frequency to ‘Hide and Seek.’
After a little bit of direction, they heard the sound of the radio and walked towards it. Finding it was behind the waterfall. They spotted Tephra crouching there and smiled.
"Awww, you found me? But my hiding spot was super good! Don't forget, you have to find both of us okay?"
Giving a quick nod, they turned around to find the second signal of the radio, identifying it on top of one of the roof of the houses. After a quick climb up, they spotted Gelena crouching down similar to Tephra.
“...I won? I’m happy… Thanks... for playing with us.” They whispered.
To Porphy.
“Heyo, hatchling! I hear you're leaving us to seek adventure amongst the stars. When you return, let's you, me, and Gossan open up a bottle of the Good Stuff.”
“The Good Stuff is less 'delicious sap wine' and more "daunting digestive challenge'.”
“An iron stomach is the mark of a true Hearthian, my friend. Our hardy hunter-gatherer lifestyle stems from trial and error. By which I mean our ancestors survived eating a lot of bad things.”
To Rutile.
“You're actually blasting off in that thing, huh?”
“They really don't explode as often anymore.”
“All I know is between the space program and Mica's model rockets, things seem to burn to the ground around here more than they used to.”
To Marl.
“So it's launch day, huh? Hal's going to miss you. Speaking of launch day... I was thinking about it, and the platform those ships launch from is getting old. Isn't about time you built a new, less flammable one? That big tree in the village would be the perfect choice. I wouldn't mind helping out the space program. Just say the word!"
“The launch pad is FLAMMABLE?!”
Several members of the village felt themselves snort at that. Although they never made a sound in the real world.
"Ha! You didn't realize that? Don't worry, it's held up for all the launches so far. It'll definitely be fine for yours. Probably."
Obsidian made a quick return to Rutile.
“Hey, what can I do for you?
“Marl is plotting to cut down that big tree. Again.”
“Sigh... I suppose it's my duty as mayor to stop them. Again. When Marl fell out of that tree and broke their arm, I suspect they might have also hit their head on the way down.”
They approached Gniess.
“Hello there, space cadet! I hear you're leaving the crater today. If you meet any of the other travelers up there, remind them to take proper care of their instruments, won't you?”
“Just saying hi before I leave.”
“Take care of yourself up in space!”
Spinel was next.
“Fishing rhyme, fishing rhyme... Singing helps me pass the time. You're leaving the crater? Guess we'll all be a little busier without you around to lend a hand. That big water planet, Giant's Deep - that's where I'd go."
“Why's that?”
"One time, after the rest of the village had left to sleep and it was just the two of us sitting around the campfire, Gabbro told me about their first trip to Giant's Deep.
They landed their ship easily enough in the waves, but couldn't see too far down, on account of how murky the water was, I guess. Too dark. Gabbro wanted to see what lay beneath the surface, so they decided to travel deeper. They travelled down, and down… But suddenly, Gabbro couldn't go any further."
“Tell me more.”
"I will, I was just pausing dramatically."
"As though exercising a will of its own, the water was refusing to let Gabbro go any deeper. It held Gabbro back. ...Almost as if it were trying to protect them from something.
And then, in the terrible darkness, Gabbro saw it...!
The tentacle of some hideous beast!"
“Is that all true?”
"Heard it from Gabbro themself! Gabbro can be a little fanciful, sure, but they aren't a liar. I mean, probably, anyway. I guess if you want to know if the story's entirely true, you can go see Giant's Deep for yourself!"
Arkose.
“Hi, astronaut! You know the patch of ghost matter inside this fence? Gossan said it used to be bigger when they were a hatchling. 'Cause ghost matter evaporates. It just takes a su-u-u-per long time to go away. I hope there's still ghost matter in the village when I'm a grown-up. Ghost matter is awesome!”
“Ghost matter is super cool. It'll burn the heck out of you!”
“Yeah! I heard touching it hurts so bad it feels like your whole hand's on fire!
Try not to walk into any in space, okay? That sounds bad and painful.”
Gossan.
“Hey, I thought I might see you before the big launch. Nerves getting the better of you?”
“I’m a little nervous, yeah.”
“Good. Everyone should be a bit nervous going into space. I got cocky during my first flight and nearly put a new crater in the moon. Still, I was never as green as you.”
“Hey, I’ve gotten better!”
“Think so, do you? Feel like proving it to your old flight coach? There’s a “satellite” — which is definitely not just a piece of broken mining equipment — set up down in the zero-g cave and in need of repairs. If you’re looking for a little last-minute zero-g practice, head down the lift and into the cave. Or don’t, so long as you’re confident you can make ship repairs in space.”
“Nah, I’m ready for the real deal.”
“Heh. Darn right you are. Don’t get yourself killed out there, you hear? Not after I’ve put this much work into training you. ...Haha, go on, go make Outer Wilds Ventures proud.”
Moraine.
“Hm? Oh, hello, astronaut. This is good weather for your launch, right? That's lucky!”
“Any good sounds from space today?”
“There are! My signalscope is set to the Outer Wilds Ventures frequency, so I'm listening to the travelers' music. Last night I heard Riebeck's banjo coming from Brittle Hollow. I hope that means they're safe. I can hear different planets, too! it depends on what time of day or night it is, since different planets are in the sky at different times. Signalscopes are cool.”
And finally… to Hal and Hornfels.
“Hey, hey, it’s my favourite astronaut! Launch day at last, huh, buddy? It’s the translator tool’s inaugural flight, too! I’m so excited it’s making me nauseous.
Just think — you’ll be able to translate any Nomai text you want, anywhere you are. The two of us put a lot of hours into inventing that tool, so don’t break it, okay? Haha! ...Oh, geez. Do not break it.
...Ugh, ignore me, okay? I’m just nervous. And I’m not even the one going into space! How are you feeling?”
“I’m excited!”
“Good! You’ve only been waiting for this day since we were hatchlings. I can’t wait to see all your training pay off!
So what’s the dirt? You here to see the new Nomai statue?”
“New statue?”
“You haven’t heard? Gabbro brought it back with them from Giant’s Deep, and Hornfels just finished prepping it for display. This is it right here. Neat, huh?
Makes me wish we could see what a real live Nomai looks like, but I guess this is as close as we’ll ever get. Check it out — looks like they had fur! Fur is weird.
This is the first fully intact statue ever found, you know. And for how old it is, it’s in great shape!
...Ah geez, I got a little carried away there. Go on, you have a ship to launch! Take care of yourself out there, you hear?”
“There you are! I just finished pre-flight observations, and local conditions are good. Time to get our newest astronaut off the ground! And you’ll be our first astronaut ever equipped with a Nomai translator tool! I confess, I’ve been giddy all day just thinking about it. We’re better equipped than ever to unravel the mysteries of the Nomai. You and Hal should be very proud of your work! Tell me, what’s your plan once you’re in space?”
“I’m gonna wing it!”
“Planning to follow in the footsteps of Feldspar and the great Outer Wilds Ventures tradition, are you? I might have guessed. Well, see if you can’t put that translator tool of yours to good use while you’re out there!
Well then, looks like all that’s left is to send you off! All in all, it’s a fine day for a launch!”
“I’m ready to get off this rock!”
“Excellent! You’ll be needing the launch codes, then." They slipped them a piece of paper with some of the most important writing there would be.
"Here they are. Best get off the ground before Slate makes any more modifications to your ship, eh? Good luck out there! Let me know if I can help you with anything.”
With all that they needed, they rushed down the observatory, their mind racing as they thought of what they planned to do. The first thing they would do is probably visit Esker on the moon. It was tradition after all. And there were Nomai ruins there, and it would be a perfect place to warm up before they went along to other planets.
Oh, they were so giddy and happy as they felt themselves taking one step after another to their life-long dream.
And then… they heard the sound of stone grinding and startled. They looked up to see the statue moving towards them.
The statue suddenly opened its eyes, and they felt themselves gasping as the glowing, blue eyes locked onto them and pulled.
They felt their memories flashing back right before their eyes, playing back to them with glowing, blue lights shining around them. They were locked in place, unable to move or make a sound as they felt their mind being extracted. It wasn’t painful, just strange.
Once the memories reached to where they were now, the lights suddenly stopped, and the statue's eyes stopped glowing.
They didn’t know it. But that moment was the beginning of the end.
Obsidian blinked in confusion, looking around to see if anyone else noticed. But no one else was around. They frantically ran out to see Hal standing there with a stick they were whittling away.
“Hey, hey! So did you get a good look at that Nomai statue?”
“The statue looked at me and opened its eyes!”
“Whoa, whoa — the statue was doing what?”
Obsidian frantically explained everything that had occurred.
“So its eyes opened, and then you saw images from your own memories and glowing lights flying around? You mean like a hallucination?
Listen, no offence, but… are you sure you’re okay to launch? Like, medically speaking?”
“No, that statue is definitely weird.”
“I mean, if you’re saying it happened, then… I guess maybe it did. But why?
Hornfels tried everything to get the statue’s eyes to open, and nothing like this ever happened to them. I don’t think you’re going to get any answers from the museum statue, but Gabbro said they were going back to Giant’s Deep. Dunno which island they’re on, though. Maybe they’d be able to tell you more? On the other hand, Gabbro’s, y’know, Gabbro, so maybe you’d be better off searching for more info on your own.
...Geez, now I’m really jealous you’re going into space! Hey, see if you can use our translator tool to find out more about the statue, okay?
Good luck, and safe flying!”
Obsidian was now even more excited to get to space. What had happened to them? What was with the statue? They now had a plan. After visiting the moon, they were going to go off the Giant’s Deep to investigate the statue.
But as they ran to the launch tower, they slowed as they spotted Tephra along the way. They paused, getting them again.
"Hullo, astronaut! Are you going into space today? Are you going into space and never coming back like Feldspar did?"
What?
“...What?”
"Yeah, um, Hornfels says Feldspar went away into space and didn’t come back. Hornfels says Feldspar was the best pilot ever, but no one knows what happened to them."
“Hornfels probably shouldn’t be telling you stuff like that.”
"Hornfels says that, too. But if Feldspar disappeared, you might disappear, too, right?
You’re not as good as Feldspar, so you should be really careful not to get lost."
Obsidian nodded and continued on their way. They really didn’t want to think about that right now. They passed by Slate and let out a smile to them before they went to input the launch codes. But before they could.
“Hey, hold up a sec!”
Obsidian paused, tilting their head towards them.
“I was going to tell you about using the ship log to set destination markers for locations you’ve visited before. It’s a brilliant feature, if I say so myself. Added it last night. Dead useful. And the risk it poses of shorting out the fuel regulator and causing the ship to explode is so minimal that only Gossan would worry about it."
“Use the ship log to mark a location I want to revisit. Got it."
“‘Wow, Slate! How do you come up with these incredible ideas?’ Oh, I do the best I can with what I’ve got. Really, you’re too kind."
“Slate, you are a technological marvel.”
"...Whoa, say that again! Please? That sounds so good when it’s not sarcastic."
They rolled their eyes and input the launch codes. The lift began to rise, and they stared in nervous excitement as their ship came into view.
They giddily ran into their ship, letting the Nomai gravity rings lift them up into their ship. The hatch sealed shut behind them.
Their space suit, patched from rough landings and emblazoned with the Outer Wilds Ventures logo, hung in a cubby to their right, with their trusty Little Scout beside it. To their left, their ship’s reactor and a gravity crystal glow. At their back sits the navigational computer and log that will store all of their discoveries over the course of their flight.
Only the members knew how important that computer would really be.
And, before them, the controls… The key to the start of their journey.
They sat down, fastened themselves in their harness and engaged the thrusters for liftoff.