Chapter 4 – Let's Try This Again
"What happened, Pathy?" Sojourner asked, noticing her sister's concerned expression.
"Viking 2 was surprised to hear from us," Pathy said. "He's been alone for a long time."
"You mean he doesn't have a rover with him? How awful!"
Pathy shook her "head." "I'm afraid not."
"It sounds like he needs a hug."
"I bet he does."
"Pathy, Viking 1," their new friend cut in. He sounded like he'd been crying. "I tried calling my brother again, but he didn't answer."
"Maybe he's scared," Sojourner offered.
"Shush," said Pathy. "I'm so sorry, Viking 1. I know you were looking forward to meeting him, even if it wasn't face-to-face."
"It's not your fault," Viking 1 said. "This—I know you can't see it, but I'm waving my arm around to indicate everything happening right now—is a lot to take in. Keep in mind, too, that my brother spent the last eighteen years in total solitude. The sound of another voice must have caught him off guard."
"That's understandable. He's probably uncomfortable speaking with others, since he's never done it before."
"Right. Think about it. You and Sojourner have each other, and I had—" He stopped abruptly.
"Someone else was with you?"
There was a moment of silence from Viking 1's end. Then, "Yes, I had somebody with me. She left." He started to choke up. "I'm…not ready to talk about her yet."
"I see," Pathy said. The pain was still fresh. "You don't have to if you don't want to. Just know that Sojourner and I are always here for you."
"Would you like a hug, Mr. Viking 1? I'm beaming you one," said Sojourner.
"Thanks, kiddo."
They heard a crackle. "Pathfinder, Viking 1, Viking 2 here."
"Copy," Viking 1 and Pathy said in unison.
"I apologize for my rudeness during our last call. I was, ahem, expecting a different type of signal."
"Apology accepted," Pathy replied. "We're glad to hear from you."
"Not to be dramatic, but you scared the hell out of us," added Viking 1. "Are you okay? Is your dish working?"
"I am, and it is, thank you." Viking 2 sighed. "However, I have many questions."
"As do we all, but we'll figure things out. Together," Pathy reassured him. "By the way, let me introduce Sojourner."
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Viking 2!" the rover said.
"Wait a minute, the agency sent a child to Mars?" Viking 2 sounded horrified.
"A rover, but, yes, in a way, you're right," Pathy shivered. He made them sound so cruel. Maybe they were.
"Well, at least she has someone taking care of her."
"I try my best," Pathy laughed.
"Pathy," said Viking 1, "may I speak to my brother alone? We have some catching-up to do."
"Of course. Say bye, Sojourner."
"Bye, Vikings!" Sojourner shouted.
"See you later, kid," Viking 1 said.
Pathfinder disconnected. She hoped Viking 1 would get his brother to open up a little.