It becomes clear that this alien species is siphoning energy from the neutron star using its massive and complex structure to fuel its survival, while its species is on the brink of extinction. Pioneer realizes that these beings, although extraterrestrial, share a fundamental motivation with humanity: the will to survive. The immense energy drawn from the star, at the end of its life, powers circular structures that create portals allowing these extraterrestrials to traverse the vast expanse of the universe. At that moment, Pioneer witnesses an impossible sight: a version of himself landing his shuttle right in front of him. His double urgently forces him to take his shuttle, insisting that he escape while he stays behind to try to prevent a supposed catastrophic event. Pioneer, confused and without choices, boards his twin's shuttle, unsure of what is happening, and uses an alien portal to escape. While his double fights against the aliens, he reaches the structure's control station and activates a destruction procedure. Time runs out, and the neutron star explodes in a cluster of bright, blinding light. Pioneer's double perishes in the chaos.