The cause of the initial jittering jump of the Guines is still unknown and being investigated. This jittering had three more immediately concerning results:
First, there is effectively zero probabilitiy that Home Fleet was capable of tracking the maneuver. While the Guines succeeded in its initial jump, the extra-space sensor array would not have locked onto the destination in time to recognize and track the new direction.
Second, even though the jump travel is not momentum-based, the rapid directional change appears to have broken our communication equipment. Although we cannot detect any problem in the mechanics or electronics, we are unable to get any response to our communication.
Third, without giving the system time to recharge, the energy needed burnt through our reserve power. Unless we find a way to fix the reserves and get sufficient power for another jump, we're not returning home.
This second, unexpected jump did bring us within range of what appears to be a habitable planet. We left to find a new home. With that, it looks like we'll succeed, significantly more quickly than expected. We planned to have more follow us. That appears likely to be a failure.
As we've inched our way to this new planet, I've had time to think. We came prepared to start a colony, but do not have the resources to build a long-lasting home. Without getting more supplies, our technology will grow unreliable, but I'm afraid of what my people will do without it. I have faith they can survive, but will they be able to embrace such a society?
Will they have to?
Our tech should sustain itself for a while. Longer than anyone aboard this ship's life span, at least. But sooner or later, it will die. And when it does, will our children's children be ready to do without?
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