Let it breathe, let it breathe, let it breathe for the space cadets

A strange thread

Judy opened the door to expect finding Smith taking a nap only to find the unconscious stranger on his bed only covered in what was deemed to be strange thread on his skin that wasn't there before ad it was coating his strange uniform. It couldn't be a uniform but it had to be. He was resting, peacefully, on the bed. She walked over looking at the darker blue thread covering his skin. It reminded her of what was the start of a caterpillar metamorphosing into the next evolution. She observed how serene it was not coming directly from his rear. She made her way out of the room after closing the door then came over to her mother who was tending to dinner.

"Mother," Judy said.

"Yes, dear?" Maureen said.

"Is our visitor part caterpillar?" Judy asked.

"I don't think so," Maureen said. "If he was, Space Academy would have mentioned." She turned toward Judy. "Why do you ask?"

"He is being covered by a strange thread," Judy said. "And it is coming from his skin."

"His skin?" Maureen said, then wondered off briefly about it and her attention returned to the young woman. "Judy, lock his door."

"Yes, mother," Judy said, then flicked the leveler up.

"And don't go in without Don or your father," Maureen said. "Is that clear?"

"Crystal clear," Judy said.

"Now, tell the others that dinner is almost ready," Maureen said. "Go on."

Judy went up the ladder.

Maureen glanced over toward the residential deck, her mind wondering about the biology and the genetic composition of his species. Millions of years of evolution kicking in for a unknown purpose. What was it doing? Turning him into something new? But very humanoid. She shook her head turning her attention back on to the food. Maureen knew a scientific marvelity when she heard and saw of one. Priplanus turned out to be their marvelity. The thought that they were found by rescue ships and were joined by other colonists was a comforting thought. It brought her comfort for her children to getting friends of their age and not wandering into danger on a almost daily occurrence. She wondered how Earth was fairing on some days and if they ever spared a thought.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

"What's on your mind, darling?" John said, coming to his wife's side at their shared quarters as she had her eyes on the cabin.

Maureen lowered her finger from her lip turning her gaze on to her partner.

"Something Judy told me," Maureen said. "About Commander Stone."

"Has he woke up?" John asked.

"No," Maureen said. "It is very difficult to wrap your head around."

John smiled in return with a snicker.

"Try me," John said.

Maureen switched the door open.

"Suit yourself," Maureen said, sliding the door aside.

On the bed laid a cocooned man and John closed the door then locked it.

"I will contact Star Command and see if anyone knows what he is doing," John said.

"Don't stay up too late," Maureen said, then planted a good night kiss and walked off to bed.

John watched her go into their quarters.

"You too," John said, fondly.