Project Hail Mary

by Andy Weir

“I have been well, thank you. Dr. Shapiro and I have begun a sexual relationship.” I paused. “Um. Okay.” “I thought it prudent to inform you.” He opened his notebook and set a pen beside it. “There should be no secrets within the core mission group.” “Sure, sure,” I said. “I mean. It shouldn’t be a problem. You’re the primary science position and Annie’s the alternate. There’s no scenario where you would both be on the mission. But … I mean … your relationship …” “Yes, you are correct,” DuBois said. “I will be setting out on a suicide mission in under a year. And if for some reason I am deemed unfit or unable, she will go on the suicide mission. We are aware of this, and we know this relationship can only end in death.” “We live in bleak times,” I said. He folded his hands in front of him. “Dr. Shapiro and I do not see it that way. We are enjoying very active sexual encounters.” “Yeah, okay, I don’t need to know—” “No need for condoms either. She is on birth control and we have both had extremely thorough medical examinations as part of the program.” I typed on my computer, hoping he’d change the subject. “It’s quite pleasurable.” “I’m sure it is.” “In any event, I thought you should know.” “Yeah, no, sure.” The door opened, and Annie trotted in. “Sorry! Sorry! I had to pee. Like … so bad,” said the world’s smartest and most accomplished microbiologist. “My back teeth were floating!” “Welcome back, Dr. Shapiro. I’ve told Dr. Grace about our sexual relationship.” I put my h...

Quando Clyon voleva buttare a mare il libro.