Starhoppers

06 - A Fine Night for Stargazing

I sat in the living quarters with my chin resting against my palm, humming a song quietly to myself as I listened to the chattering of my crew. Captain Walker stood by the dining table with restrained disinterest in his eyes as he listened to Tobias speak, the biologist rattling off his numerous plans for the following hours; for being so intelligent, the man hardly seemed to notice the captain's irritation. Ezra and Ralph sat beside one another on the couch on the other side of the room. The scruffy mechanic stared blankly at the ceiling, his legs extended lazily before him as his mercenary companion leaned forwards against his knees, his eyes squeezed shut.

"What are you humming?" Ellie asked me from across the table.

I sighed. "I don't know. I'm pretty sure I just made it up."

"Well, I bet you'll have time to write up the lyrics and the background arrangement at this rate," she said, glancing at her father. "Come on, Dad. Is it time yet?"

"Almost," Captain Walker nodded. "Serena's still checking to make sure things are safe."

"You never know what trace elements or bacterium may be floating around out there," Serena spoke. "You'll thank me later."

Ezra scoffed, opening his eyes as he leaned back against the couch. "We'll be fine. There are trees outside, right?"

"Trees that have had generations to adapt to breathing the air out there," Captain Walker shook his head. "You never know with these kinds of things, Ezra."

"My scans do indicate that this planet is safe, Captain," Serena said carefully. "The air composition is nearly identical to habitable worlds back home, and I haven't detected any lifeforms of significant biomass in the immediate area. This is as safe a place as any."

Captain Walker hummed quietly in agreement, thinking for a moment. "Alright, then," he said, pointing to Ezra as Ellie cheered in relief beside me. "Just keep your eyes open for any trouble... and keep your radios close."

"Roger that, Cap," Ezra nodded, stretching as he stood.

"They can take the portable scanner if you'd like, Captain," Serena said. "I can leave a portion of myself with them on the surface to keep an eye open for them while they rest."

"Smart thinking, Serena. Go get the scanner, Ez. Make sure to grab the extra battery, too."

Ezra gave the captain a thumbs up, a smile on his lips as he walked past me. "I hope you have your swinging arm ready, Zach."

I sighed, glancing at Ellie. "When should I break the news that I've never actually swung an axe before?"

"Seriously?" Ellie asked, frowning curiously. "The farm boy's never chopped down a tree?"

"I'm not sure why that would be the first assumption, to begin with," I shrugged. "We raise livestock, not oaks."

Ellie laughed, pushing herself to her feet. "Don't worry," she said, waving me towards her as she walked to the exit hatch. "Those dopes can take care of the firewood. I need your help with something else, anyway."

"My help? With what?"

"That would ruin the surprise," she smiled. "You'll see."

"Be careful out there," Captain Walker called out behind me. I glanced over my shoulder; his eyes were on his daughter.

"I always am," she replied, resting her hand on the handle of the hatch. "Besides, I'll have three big, strong men there to save me from danger, right?"

Captain Walker rolled his eyes. "You joke, but I'm putting you in charge of her, Zach. If she comes up with any stupid plans, you can act as my voice. Deal?"