In the Wake of Stars

Chapter 25: Choosing Their Future

Nora’s eyes skimmed the large holographic display before her, showing the landscape of the new planet as the ship made its initial orbits. Geological formations, topographic maps, and atmospheric data flooded the screen, revealing all they had to work with—and all they had to watch out for. Every revolution brought them closer to the surface they’d be calling home.

Cal sat beside her, his attention fixed on the console as he toggled through data points, scanning the planetary maps for viable landing zones. “We’ll need somewhere flat, close to water, and ideally near a mineral-rich mountain range,” he muttered, half to himself.

Nora nodded in agreement, her finger tracing the rivers and outlining the valleys on the map. “Here,” she pointed to a wide expanse near the northern hemisphere. “The terrain’s stable, and there’s a river running through it, with a lowland area near the mountains.”

Cal considered it, leaning closer to inspect the data. “Not bad, Captain,” he said, a hint of a smile pulling at his lips.

As the ship continued its quiet, steady orbit, Nora felt the magnitude of the moment settle in. This wasn’t just a passing world they were studying or another mission to report back on. It was their future—the place they’d build, survive, and make something new from. Her pulse quickened as the weight of it pressed in.

Cal glanced over, noticing her silence. “It’s a lot, huh?”

“More than I thought it’d be,” she admitted, looking over at him. “Seeing it here… knowing we’ll actually be down there soon.” She paused, swallowing the knot in her throat. “I never really imagined what it’d feel like.”

A small silence hung between them. Cal leaned back in his seat, his gaze still on the holographic map. “You’ve made it this far,” he said, his tone softer than usual. “This is just the next step.”

She managed a small smile, feeling a flicker of warmth at his words. “You sound like you almost care, Cal.”

He smirked, glancing over at her. “Almost.”

The next few hours were spent in preparation. Each scan refined their landing parameters, narrowing down coordinates and safety protocols. Eventually, they both leaned back, finally satisfied with the plan.

When they’d finished, Cal stretched, then nodded toward the exit. “You should take a break. The descent’s still scheduled for a couple of days out, so there’s no rush.”

Reluctantly, Nora stood and began to head out. But at the doorway, she turned back, glancing at the world below and then at Cal, who was still focused on the map.

“We’re really going to do this,” she said, more to herself than to him.

Cal looked up, meeting her eyes. “Yeah,” he replied, a rare softness in his gaze. “We are.”