We're in Space ... So What?

Chapter 47: Silent Currents

The next day, the crew decided to extend their stay on the island planet, sensing they could all use the time to decompress. However, the beauty of the island came at a steep price—everything was expensive. They were running low on funds, and with no immediate job prospects, they had no choice but to work to sustain their stay.

Jamie still kept his distance from Ryan. The two hadn't talked much since their confrontation on the ship, and Jamie wasn't quite ready to bridge the gap between them. However, with the rest of the crew, he was beginning to relax again. He tried to act normal, but there was something off. Judah, Angelia, and Alex could feel it—he was more reckless, pushing limits and taking risks he hadn't before. They tried to be supportive, but there was an underlying discomfort whenever they were around him. They weren't entirely sure if they should confront him or let him sort things out on his own, so they chose to give him space while still trying to be there for him.

For the time being, everyone found odd jobs on the island. The island catered to wealthy tourists who traveled across the system to visit its vibrant beaches, colorful wildlife, and pristine resorts. Judah took on physical work, using his strength to help at a nearby dock, hauling goods and maintaining equipment. Angelia and Alex found positions at one of the luxury resorts. Alex, being fascinated by the planet, had taken to the surroundings quickly. Despite never having been there before, he absorbed every detail and fact he could about the flora, fauna, and local history. His infectious enthusiasm caught the attention of the resort staff, and before long, he was hired as a tour guide. His fascination with the planet made him a perfect fit, and guests loved his youthful excitement.

Meanwhile, Ryan found work with the locals, helping with minor repairs on the ship and learning more about the island's economy. And though he stayed busy, he never lost sight of Jamie's injury. He took every opportunity to meet with doctors on the island—many of whom were regarded as some of the best in the system—to figure out how much it would cost to fix Jamie's hand. Ryan worked hard, hoping he could gather enough resources to help Jamie, feeling responsible for his injury.

Jamie, on the other hand, spent most of his time working alongside Angelia at the resort. They didn't talk about the incident, not directly, but Jamie had questions—questions only Angelia could answer. Whenever they found themselves alone, Jamie would ask her about what it was like to be bionic.

"How does it feel?" Jamie asked one evening as they cleaned up after the guests had left. His voice was low, hesitant. "I mean... the upgrades. What's it like, really?"

Angelia glanced at him, understanding the anxiety behind his question. She wiped her hands on a towel and sat down beside him. "It's not as bad as you think, Jamie," she said, her voice soft and reassuring. "Some of the upgrades are actually pretty nice. You get used to it."

Jamie was silent, still grappling with the idea. After a moment, Angelia held out her hand to him—the bionic one. "Here," she said gently, "feel it."

He hesitated but reached out, touching the cold metal surface. His fingers brushed over the part where a transmitter was embedded. It felt strange—so different from normal skin—but it wasn't unpleasant. In fact, there was a certain strength and smoothness to it.

"It's... not so bad," Jamie muttered, more to himself than to Angelia.

"No," Angelia agreed, giving him a soft smile. "It's not. And if you ever go that route, you'll adapt. You're stronger than you think."

Jamie nodded, but his thoughts remained elsewhere. The idea of losing part of himself, even if it was just his hand, was terrifying. But Angelia's comfort helped. If she could live with it, maybe he could too.

The days passed in this rhythm, everyone working and adjusting to life on the island, but Jamie was still distant. He found solace in the rare quiet moments with Angelia, but the others could tell he hadn't fully recovered. There was a tension still there, and it would take more than time to resolve it.