SOL 103

The sun rises slowly highlighting the Martian plantain. Liv blearly opened her eyes. Letting out a yawn, she pushed herself up, moving her hair out of her eyes. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, and moved herself out of her bed and over to where they placed the food. Grabbing a random ration pack, she grabbed a water pouch and headed back to her bed to eat.

She could see Mark's bed empty, and he wasn't in the HAB, so he was most likely talking to Earth. She'd have some cards to translate in a bit. Blowing out a breath, she tucked into the ration pack, mindlessly eating it. She was broken out of her thoughts by the sound of the airlock opening.

"Hey, you're awake finally!" Mark called out to her as he removed his helmet, placing it in its slot. He waved the small pile of cards her way, and she felt a smile grow on her face.

"Hopefully they have some way for us to communicate again."

She cleared her throat and made her way to toss the trash and to grab the notecards from the desk, grabbing the ASCII table from its place.

The small pile of cards made one message, which took a bit of time to figure out.

CNHAKRVR2TLK2PTHFDRPRP4LONGMSG

"Can hack rover to talk to Pathfinder, prepare for long message." Liv read outloud, a smile growing more on her face.

"How are we going to manage to hack the rover?" Mark asked, leaning against the table.

"Chances are is that it's going to be some sort of code for us to input into the rover, and from there we'll be able to talk to NASA."

"Thank fuck, finally." Olivia barked out a laugh, swiping the cards back into a neat pile.

Five hours later, and one hacked Rover later, Oliva leaned back into the driver's seat, blowing out a breath.

"Thank fuck there's two of us here." She called over to Mark, who nodded.

With a beep, their first message came in from NASA.

[11:18] JPL; Mark and Olivia, this is Vincent Kapoor. We have been watching you since Sol 52. The whole world's been rooting for you two. Amazing job on getting Pathfinder. We're starting to work on a rescue plan. JPL is adjusting Ares 4's MDV to do a short overland flight. They'll pick you two up and take you with them to Schiaparelli. In the meantime, we're working on a supply mission to keep you fed til Ares 4 arrives.

[11:29] Brooks; We're both glad to hear that, we both are really looking forward to not dying. Mark and I just want to make it clear that this was in no way the Crew's fault.

Mark grabbed the keyboard from Olivia, a grin on his face.

Mark here, What did the crew say when they found out we were still alive? Also, send our love to our parents.

While they waited for the next response, Olivia grabbed her data stick and started playing some of her favorite songs.

"This is what you grew up listening to?" He spoke with a smile. "Never would have expected it from shy sweet Olivia Grace Brooks." She shoved his shoulder, laughter escaping her mouth.

"Please, that's just so that I get my way."

[11:41] JPL; Tell us about your "crops." We've estimated your food packs should last til about sol 370 to sol 400 at ¾ ration. Will your crops affect that number? As to your question, we haven't told the crew that you're alive yet. They have nine months of travel time left and they need to focus on their own mission.

"What the fuck?" Liv gasped out, throwing her hand in the air. How could they not tell the crew that they were alive.

"God i fucking hate NASA sometimes." She muttered as she grabbed the keyboard from Mark.

[11:52] Brooks; The crops are potatoes, grown from the ones sent with us that were meant to be used for Thanksgiving. They're doing great, the available farmland isn't going to be enough for long term sustainability. We'll run out of food around Sol 850 or so. Also, from both Mark and I, tell the crew, what the fuck is wrong with you?

[12:03] JPL; We'll be getting botanists in to ask you both some more detailed questions as well as to double check your work. Your lives are at stake, so we just want to be sure. Sol 850 is good, it gives us some more time to get the supply mission together. Also, please watch your language. Everything you type is being broadcasted all over the world.

[12:15] Brooks; I'll be sure to keep Mark in line. We'll check in with you all later. Watney and Brooks, over and out.