In the Wake of Stars

Chapter 24: Into Orbit

Nora’s muscles felt like lead, every breath tugging at her chest, and her limbs were tinged with a slight ache that reminded her of the too-close brush she’d had outside. But it was hard to dwell on the pain with Cal moving around her quarters, a quiet presence that filled the room.

He’d been looking after her since they’d returned—more than she expected or wanted to admit she needed. He brought her food, warm tea, and soothing drinks with a gentleness that felt so different from his usual sharpness. At one point, he’d found an oversized, soft set of pajamas from their supply cache and set them on her bed, lingering just long enough to make sure she’d actually wear them.

Reluctantly, she’d put them on, sinking into the soft fabric and the warmth they offered as she curled up under the blankets in the captain’s quarters. Her vision blurred slightly as exhaustion finally took over, but not before she caught a glimpse of Cal settling a heavy, comforting blanket over her. He moved quietly, his hand brushing the hair back from her face, and she might have imagined the gentleness in his eyes if she weren’t already slipping into sleep.

Nora drifted awake slowly, the soft weight of blankets around her a comfort she hadn’t expected to feel. She blinked, taking in the familiar surroundings of the captain’s quarters, where she’d finally fallen asleep after days of restlessness and strain. The memory of Cal quietly tucking her in, his warm hand brushing her hair back, was hazy but unmistakable.

After a moment, she gathered herself, letting the warmth linger as she sat up. Her muscles still ached faintly, but there was a renewed energy in her chest that made it easier to stand. She left the quarters and made her way to the bridge, the bright glow of monitors casting shadows across the room.

Cal was there, seated in the captain’s chair, his hands moving with calm precision across the controls. His gaze flicked up the moment she entered, and a small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Good timing,” he said, raising an eyebrow as she straightened in the chair he’d set up with extra pillows and another blanket. “We’re about to enter orbit.”

She managed a smile, feeling a hint of pride surge through her. “About time,” she replied, her voice still hoarse with sleep. But as she made her way toward her station, she paused when Cal got up and approached her, steadying her weak body at the waist. He led her over to her chair, which he’d set up with extra pillows and another thick, comforting blanket draped over the back.

“I figured you’d appreciate a little more comfort,” he said with a shrug, though the look in his eyes was anything but casual. For a moment, the softness in his gaze caught her off guard, and she had to look away to keep herself steady.

Settling into the cushioned chair, she took a deep breath, feeling a sense of home in the warmth surrounding her. The ship began to hum softly under Cal’s hands as he returned to the controls, guiding them into orbit with a steady, careful touch.

Nora felt a surge of excitement override her lingering fatigue. This was it—they were about to witness the culmination of everything they’d worked for. Cal guided the ship with a finesse she hadn’t seen in him before, his focus unbreakable as he maneuvered it into the planet’s orbit with smooth, steady precision.

The ship settled, finally, in its place above the planet, and for a moment, Nora could only stare at the sight below them—a stretch of blues, greens, and unfamiliar terrain. A world full of unknown possibilities.

Cal leaned back after deploying their prized satellite as well, a rare, genuine smile touching his lips as he glanced over at her. “Congratulations, Princess. Not a bad job on the satellite out there.”

A reluctant smile tugged at her own lips, pride and relief mingling. “Thanks.”

His face softened for a moment before his expression shifted to something more stubborn, and he turned back to the control panel, fingers running along the display. “We’re delaying the descent by two weeks, just so you know. You need time to get back to full strength.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but he cut her off with a look. “We’re not risking you going back out there until you’re one hundred percent. Besides, we need a few orbits to run 3D scans and map the best landing spots. You can’t rush this, Nora.”

Sighing, she reluctantly nodded. He was right, even if she hated admitting it. But something in his eyes told her there was no point in arguing. He had already made up his mind, and as much as it irked her, the thought of the extra time didn’t feel as unwelcome as it might have before.

A quietness settled between them as he finished up a series of transmissions, detailing their status and the achievement of orbital entry. Though the delay meant the message wouldn’t reach Earth for nearly a year and a half, the weight of it felt monumental—a line stretched back across the stars to where they’d come from.

Afterward, Nora wandered to the observation deck, clutching the blanket Cal had wrapped her in earlier. She sank onto the wide sofa, the vastness of space stretching before her. The brightest star in the sky caught her eye—the one where they’d left Olsen.

The memories surfaced then, unbidden. The blood-stained maintenance hatch, the quiet farewell they’d offered, the trials they’d barely survived. It all rushed back, a reminder of the journey that had nearly broken them both. Her eyes stung, and for a moment, she was lost, her chest tightening with the overwhelming mix of relief, grief, and gratitude for how far they’d come.

A familiar voice broke her thoughts. “Mind if I join?”

She looked up to see Cal leaning against the doorway, that half-smirk in place. “Thought I’d find you here, all misty-eyed over your accomplishments.”

She rolled her eyes, but he’d already crossed the room, settling onto the sofa beside her. For once, there was no teasing in his eyes. Only something quiet and unspoken as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gently pulled her against him. Nora didn’t resist, burying her head into his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek.

He didn’t speak right away, only held her, one hand lightly stroking her shoulder, and she closed her eyes, letting the weight of his presence and warmth settle over her. His murmured words, soft and steady, cut through the silence.

“You made it, Nora. All of this—you made it happen.”

She swallowed, feeling the sting of unshed tears, and she let them fall, finding a strange comfort in the quietness of his embrace. Finally, the exhaustion took over, her breathing slowing as sleep tugged at her. Just before she drifted off, she felt the lightest press of his lips on the top of her head, a soft, fleeting kiss that seemed to echo the words he hadn’t said.

For once, neither of them needed to speak.