30 hours.

  20 hours.

  10 hours.

  5 hours.

  As the distance closes in, the blue-green planet in the simulated external view grows larger and larger. The lengthy orbital transition is finally coming to an end. Due to inaccuracies in the orbital prediction, the trajectory has veered off course several times during the journey, heading in unacceptable directions. The solution is straightforward: jettison some cargo into space — like previously collected samples or unused disposable probes. The resulting reaction force will be sufficient to correct these minor deviations.

  Glancing at the projection on the console, the planet appears as before: a blend of blue and green, with greyish-white clouds drifting across its surface. Despite atmospheric turbulence obscuring details, the crisscrossing bands of light confirm the presence of cities. Just as suspected, an alien civilisation exists here — and it is substantial! The orbital debris swarming around the planet suggests that this civilisation has been in the space age for quite some time.

  Further spectral analysis confirms the planet's atmosphere is primarily nitrogen and oxygen, mixed with various other gases. Surface conditions are nearly standard temperature and pressure. This is truly fantastic news. Even the blue seas are composed of water, which makes Xi P wonder if he could breathe directly on the surface.

  'And I wonder if the intelligent lifeforms up there look anything like us tuefue, too. That would be quite a space opera touch.'

  Jokes aside, the planned departure time is approaching, and it is time to get down to business. He still needs to transfer essential supplies into the manned probe. Surviving on an alien planet is no easy feat — if possible, he would have crammed the entire spacecraft inside. But the probe is only so big, its interior space severely limited. Even after dismantling the original scientific instruments to free up room, it amounts to just a few cubic meters. Water, high-energy batteries, food, and various medical supplies pack the cargo hold to the brim. Xi P has even hastily 3D-printed a simple head-mounted air filter.

  ***

  One hour.

  After running one final simulation of the descent manoeuvre and entering the data into the probe, Xi P shuts down the onboard computer silently. He walks resolutely into the cockpit and closes the door.

  There isn't enough data or time to pinpoint his exact landing location, but the projected area is almost entirely ocean, with a portion even touching the polar ice caps. While the idea of a random landing spot sounded thrilling, it is indeed extremely dangerous. Even landing on ice would be better than crashing into the ocean — a place utterly unsuitable for survival. Watching the separation countdown tick down on the screen ahead, Xi P's previously relaxed mood tightens once more.

  Half an hour.

  Ten minutes.

  Xi P returns to the ship to use the restroom. The interior lights have automatically shut off, but Xi P knows every inch of the hundred-cubic-meter space by heart. The airflow has ceased, indicating the life support system have been shut down along with the ship's computer. He isn't planning on returning anyway, so it doesn't matter.

  5 minutes.

  Although he is thirsty, Xi P holds back, knowing that he cannot risk spurting water mid-descent.

  1 minute.

  30 seconds.

  5.

  4.

  3.

  2.

  1.

  With a faint clack, the probe separates from the ship. Then, accompanied by the roar of the reaction control thrusters, the ship slowly rotates towards the predetermined direction according to the pre-programmed sequence: igniting the main engines!

  As planned, this manoeuvre lowers the perigee to just 30 kilometres, causing the ship to plunge into the atmosphere at a relative velocity of almost 10 kilometres per second. To prevent skipping across the atmosphere, the entry angle is steepened at a full 10 degrees. At the current altitude, atmospheric pressure is extremely low. Xi P had welded additional steel plates to the probe's front, so the high temperatures caused by atmospheric friction shouldn't pose a major issue.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  The real trouble lies deep within the atmosphere. After all, this is a vehicle designed for low-gravity celestial bodies — in other words, small satellites or asteroids. While Xi P has no doubt the original design includes ample redundancy, it has never considered aerodynamic requirements. Not only does it lack wings to adjust its course, it might even disintegrate mid-air shortly after entry — perhaps leaving behind one or two unsolved mysteries for this planet's civilisation.

  But what can he do? At this point, all that remains is to wait.

  He slightly adjusts the vehicle's orientation, turning the window towards the horizon. He has always loved gazing at the distant arc of the horizon from low orbit. Different atmospheric compositions and densities always create unique visual experiences. This planet is no exception. Its thick, nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere bathed in the light of its yellow main-sequence star, gives him a fleeting sense of homecoming.

  According to the prediction, atmospheric entry will occur in ten minutes.

  ***

  The uppermost layer of the atmosphere is extremely thin. Xi P doesn't hear a sound, only the pressure gauge faithfully registering the change. Nevertheless, he pulls down the metal shield over the window. He isn't in the mood to watch the re-entry sparks this time, and an extra layer of protection is always welcome.

  Over the next few minutes, the vehicle's altitude plummets. The sensors at the front of the probe report increasingly high temperatures until they suddenly fail — the hastily welded steel plates have reached their limit. Yet the cabin temperature remains tolerable and the hull's surface temperature hovers around 400 degrees. For now, everything is holding up; the hottest phase has passed.

  He breathes a quiet sigh of relief. It seems that this challenge has been conquered. Judging by the vehicle's speed, it is time to deploy the parachute. Although he has some doubts about this newly printed parachute, it is the only way to ensure a safe landing. Xi P presses the switch to deploy it.

  A jolt is followed by a slight drag sensation, and then nothing. Realising that something is terribly wrong, he frantically glances at the speedometer. His worst fears are confirmed: the makeshift parachute has been ripped away due to the immense wind pressure!

  Xi P's ears instantly drains of colour. Staring at the rapidly descending altimeter, he knows that his plan to land in the escape pod has failed completely. If he doesn't do something, he will be smashed to pulp on impact!

  "I — "

  Before he can utter the exclamation, worse follows. A shrill, metallic rip echoes, and then a white light floods his vision. A gale sweeps up and hurls him skyward with tremendous force — the probe's hatch has been ripped off!

  Like a rag in the wind, the turbulence from the extreme speed sends him tumbling. Most people would panic in such a situation, but as an astronaut, his training naturally includes how to adjust his posture mid-air (Note 1). By closing his eyes tightly and spreading his limbs wide, the tumbling soon stops — though he is still falling at an incredible speed!

  Note 1: Real-life astronaut training does include skydiving components. In the near future, as space travel becomes more accessible, many spacefarers may no longer require such training. However, it is reasonable to assume that elite astronauts will still undergo this rigorous preparation.

  After fumbling around his chest for a while, Xi P finally manages to untangle the backup parachute from his clothing. There is no time to grieve over the contents of the probe. Squinting against the sunlight, Xi P opens his eyes just enough to survey his surroundings. He is high in the sky, looking down at a small, dense cloud directly beneath him. From the side of the cloud, he can make out... a city!

  It must be a city! He can make out colourful buildings and street-like features. Looking closer, he even spots colourful square boxes moving about nearby. It all makes sense now. If he survives, he will be the first tuefue in the entire Palirian Republic to make contact with an extraterrestrial intelligent species! The very first! With an extraterrestrial intelligent species!

  Excitement floods Xi P, temporarily distracting him from the fact that he is probably about to crash and die. As he watches flocks of bird-like creatures soar overhead, he has no doubt that this is the luckiest day of his life. Although he is cut off from his nation, he now has this chance — he is about to make first contact with an intelligent extraterrestrial species! It is the dream of his entire life!

  'To be precise, friendly extraterrestrial intelligent life... But with all these coincidences piling up, one more isn't impossible, right?'

  It is only then that Xi P realises that he has been breathing air for quite some time. Unexpectedly, there is no foul odour or burning sensation. Everything is fantastic... except for the fact that he is likely about to crash to his death!

  "..."

  'Hmm... these clouds really are made of water vapour.'

  Breaking through the cloud layer below, he quickly wipes the accumulated moisture from his face. The excitement comes fast and fades just as quickly. Now he has to focus on survival. This parachute he made is a bit too small. At this speed, he will hit the ground in seconds. Below lay patches of flat land divided by fences; one section contains what looks like a house. Judging by the angle... he will probably land near that house?

  On the ground stands a large plant that resembles a tree. In stories about people jumping without parachutes, all the survivors either landed on plants or into snow/water. Realising this, Xi P rejoices. He adjusts his landing spot, aiming for the tree. Its thin, dense branches should absorb the impact well —

  '!'

  In an instant, the immense jolt knocks him unconscious.

  ***

  While he is unconscious, Xi P seems to hear a voice. He slowly comes round, opens his eyes slightly and lifts his head. The intense sunlight feels like it is burning his eyes, but he still sees it: before him, a tall, oddly shaped alien is walking towards him...