Infinite

Bundle of Stars-Part 2

Houston, Texas, at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Friday, December 13th, 2030, at 5:15 am

Lucas

"Alright, crew, gather around," Commander Freeman's gruff voice echoes through the control room of the test site.

Cooper and I huddle with the rest of our crew and anxiously wait to hear what the Commander called us in so early for. The space habitat is sitting behind him, partially inflated.

"I'm sure you are all wondering why I've called you in here so early." The crew mumbles in agreement as we stifle back yawns. "I would only do this if there was something very serious that we needed to talk about."

Cooper and I glance at each other, feeling our hearts sinking.

Is something wrong with the habitat?

"I have the honor of telling all of you that you are receiving the NASA Government Invention of the Year Award for your incredible design of the space habitat," he announces.

The room erupts into cheering and applause as Cooper shakes me around by my shoulders.

"Yeehaw!" he shouts, making the Commander chuckle.

"You all deserve this, but I think that someone else should give a speech right now." The Commander glances over to me and nods.

I barely get to take a deep breath before I feel Cooper shoving me forward. I turn around and face my crew. Commander Freeman is standing with all five of them. I clear my throat and try to collect my thoughts.

"Saying that you all worked hard on this design is an understatement," I begin. The crew beams at me in agreement. "I don't think that I've ever spent this much time with all of you, even on the ISS, and it is definitely wearing out our friendships," I joke as they chuckle and nudge each other playfully. An overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment is washing over me as I prepare to thank my crew.

"This was a really tough year for all of us. We were up on the ISS for a little over eight months, and ever since we got back we have been stuck at work tweaking and fine tuning this project. We have missed crucial moments with family and friends because of our dedication to our jobs and this country."

The crew is nodding at me with their lips pursed. I can feel my eyes burning with pride.

"Even though this job can steal time away from us and cause rifts with our loved one." I swallow hard as I think about Rachel. "I am truly thankful that we have created our own family at work. One full of support, encouragement, shoulders to float on."

The crew laughs as they wipe their eyes.

"Oh, come here you giant teddy bear!" Cooper sobs as he throws his arms around me. The rest of the crew comes up, creating a penguin huddle once again. Commander Freeman clasps his arms over the top of the crew and chuckles.

"I have one more thing to announce, related to the award," he begins. The room falls silent and fills with anticipation. "Because of the success of the design, NASA would like to implement it as soon as possible for a real space application. They would like all of you back on the ISS in three months."

His words slap me across the face and I feel a pit of terror forming in my gut.

"You should only need to be up there for a few weeks, just to attach the habitat and perform the necessary tests," the Commander finishes.

Most of the crew cheers excitedly, and a feeling of relief begins to wash away the agony I just felt.

"I would like you all to take a break from the habitat, and perform routine functions around the space center today. Just lend a helping hand where it's needed." Commander Freeman gives us a firm nod and smiles slightly. "Great work, everyone."

We all pat each other on the back and boast about the award for a little while longer before everyone begins to fan out and offer assistance to other crews.

"Well," Cooper says as he puts his hands on his hips. "How do we tell our wives we're goin' back up in a few months?" His tone is lighthearted, but he doesn't smile at me.

"Probably as soon as possible," I joke back as I laugh uncomfortably at the thought of my last departure.

"Yeah, your ass is more on the line than mine." Cooper tries to hit me on my backside but I anticipate it based on his choice of words and jump away. He lets out a boisterous laugh, holding his abdomen.

"I know all of your moves, Coop." I point at him as I begin to head out of the control room.

"Oh, yeah? What about this one?" Cooper shouts as he quickly hops onto my back. He practically strangles me as he wraps his arms over my shoulders. "Mush!" he barks as he points down the hall. There's a few other coworkers in the hall that have stopped to watch and laugh at us.

"Congrats on the award, you two knuckleheads!" someone calls out.

"Why, thank ya kindly!" Cooper cheers.

I can feel his grip loosen slightly as he gets distracted by conversations and I toss him off of my back. He lands on his feet but pulls on my shoulders so he has me in a headlock now.

"Cooper, I swear to god I am going to flip you on your ass if you don't let go of me," I threaten him through a hoarse chuckle.

"Sorry, Clarke, I'm just excited!" he laughs before letting go. He begins skipping down the hall to assist with one of the gravity projects. "I call this one!" he exclaims as he ducks into the room.

I walk around the center and look for another crew that might need some help. I can't focus on anything besides Rachel, however. I need to tell her about the award and the mission before she finds out from anyone else. I know that Cooper will keep his mouth shut given how sensitive this topic is for us. I know that we are in a completely different place this time, but my biggest fear is losing Rachel again.