The Martian Journal (8 page)

Log 0054

There is a way to make the oxygen last longer. There’s not enough for two but maybe one of us can get back.

There’s a compartment in the pod where waste can be placed, closed up and then dumped into space. I could fit a body into it.

Log 0055

I’ve thought about it. I’m going to have to do it. There’s no other way. I think of the bravery shown by Lloyd and Hutchie in their last moments.

Log 0056

I’ve done it. It’s a strange feeling seeing a body out in space. Sarah is still unconscious. Probably for the best. Wouldn't be a
good sight to wake up and see me placing Aaron's body in the outshoot.
Her breathing's quite shallow so she'll not be using that much oxygen. With her just like that then maybe she'll get picked up.
All that is left for me to do is to climb into the body bag, seal it up and drink the contents of this test tube that Lloyd gave me. If Sarah wakes up, I don't want her to see my body floating about. This trip has been tough on her but I think she'll survive this.

Log 0057
15:58 Friday 22 January 2178
This is my last log. I want people to know what happened here and what is out there. Hopefully the right people will get this journal and be able to act on it.

I just want to say what an honour it was to meet men like Hutchie, Lloyd, Aaron and Malcolm. I hope there's something on the other side, because I'd love to tell you personally.
Karen, I'm sorry I didn’t come home.
David Johnston, logging off.

THE END

Special thanks to

Susan Morgan

Neil Burnside

Emma Heaney

Emmeline O’Kane-M
ajury

The owners and drinkers of O'Rawe
’s Bar

The Burnside Clan and its affiliates

And all of my favourite Ballymena people