Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 26: The Gift

Zarra looked back at the Nevran sternly, her gaze blank, her mind in thought, pondering on Prill's request to bring Hersta onboard.

"No."

"What?"

"She can't stay, not unless we know for certain she doesn't carry any sort of diseases. I don't want another outbreak on this ship."

"So, she can stay?"

The captain nodded. "Yes, but she must undergo an extended quarantine procedure like you did."

"How long ws that again?"

"Forty-eight hours."

Prill smiled. "Thank you, Captian."

"You are dismissed. Oh, and Prill."

"Yes, Captain?"

"Get Roger over here. I need to have a word with him. He hasn't answered my communications."

"Yes ma'am."

* * *

The boy entered the briefing room, taking a seat opposite of the stern captian. He stiffened, his dreaded stomach digging trenches as he prepared himself for the worst. The boy turned his eyes from the floor, his gaze focusing on the captain.

"Roger, I didn't bring you here to punish you. I only brought you here to have a word."

The weight of a thousand tons lifted from his shoulders. "What is it?"

"Why did you go out alone? You did not have my approval."

"Someone had to look for her. It was a life or death situation."

"I understand how you feel, but I also know how your friendship with Tevra can cloud your judgement. We could have lost you and Tevra because you decided to go out alone. Don't take that risk again. We have already lost enough. We care about you, Roger. You're a valuable crew member, but you're still a kid."

"I'm not a kid anymore."

"Then don't act like one. Next time there's a situation like this, tell me immediately and then you can go. Don't put yourself in danger without notifying me again, or you will face discipline. Is that understood?"

The teen nodded.

"And don't turn off your comm badge."

"Yes ma'am."

"That is all I have to say. You are dismissed."

* * *

Roger found the Valmirian in the mess hall, staring out at the planet below. He stood next to Tevra, wavering in silence as they stared out the mess hall window, their faces illuminated by the tangerine glow from the setting suns.

Roger smiled. "I'm glad we're leaving this shithole."

Tevra smiled, not knowing the meaning of his words, but understanding the connotation. She was glad to leave this planet as well. Despite the dangers she faced on Nagris, part of her admired the beauty, the dim metal sky scrapers and hover cars reflecting the sparkling sunlight. She felt glad that Prill and Roger rescued her and that once more they had each other.

"Roger?"

He looked over. "Yeah?"

"Many thanks."

* * *

Sloan stared out the porthole, the stars slowly migrating out of his view. The astronaut looked upon the speckled void, his heart empty, his mind lost in thought. His eyes searched the stars, wondering which one was home.

A lone tear made its way down his cheek. He wasn't the same man he used to be. He was a shadow of his former self. Sloan turned, gazing at his custom weapon which hung on the wall like a work of art. His juniper eyes returned to the window, his mind darker this time, brushed with the harshness of reality.

A war was coming. That was why he was brought here. None of them knew it—not Roger, not the captain, not anyone, not even Prill. The wormhole wasn't a natural phenomenon. He was sent here. He had a mission.