Project Hail Mary

by Andy Weir

She flipped a few pages. “You spent years combating the assumption that life requires liquid water. You have an entire section here called ‘The Goldilocks Zone Is for Idiots.’

The chamber was open and three technicians mounted something to a table inside. Dimitri said something in Russian to them. They said something back. He said some other thing and pointed to me. They smiled and made happy Russian sounds.

“Yes!” I sob. “Yes, I’m okay. Thank you! Thank you thank you!” “I am happy. You no die. Let’s save planets!”

Oh, and no science team would be complete without a gambling-addicted swindler,

“Hello!” Ilyukhina lunged forward and hugged Stratt. “I’m here to die for Earth! Pretty awesome, yes?!” I leaned to Dimitri. “Are all Russians crazy?” “Yes,” he said with a smile. “It is the only way to be Russian and happy at the same time.” “That’s … dark.” “That’s Russian!”

“You are, without a doubt, the most optimistic person I’ve ever met.” He gave me a double thumbs-up. “Thanks!”