The Center Of Every Star

Chapter 13: Secret Messages

*Commander Eccleston's POV* 

"C'mon newbie, catch up." I shouted over my shoulder, watching the kid speeding to keep up with my fast pace.

"I'm... Sorry... S-sir. I just... Can't keep up with your strides. And once again, I do have a name sir." He gasped, sucking in air. I rolled my eyes. Like I would give a crap what this kid's name is.

"Alright kid, what is it. What is your name?" I asked, exasperating with this guy's nerve. 

"I- it's Scott Parrish sir." His words flickered like a light, voice cracking consecutively. 

"Alright then Parrish, now keep up kid." I ordered.

"I... I'm not a kid s- sir." He whispered. His voice was a rusty nail, squeaking over and over.

"Alright man. Why don't you act like a man and speak up. Now catch up!" I stopped in my tracks, turning around to face him. Sweat was cascading down his face. His face was as blank, and pale, as a sheet.

"Jesus christ. Man up." I groaned. I was trying to get to my office on time, desperate to see a message from Sharman. 

"Please, please, please." I whispered under my breath. "C'mon Sharman just send me one god damn message." My whole life had been devoted to having Neptune terraformed. However, after the rocket crash that happened on the way, my path down devotion road had turned into a long crooked, winding track. I clicked the monitor on, screen lighting up. I typed in multiple passcodes, waiting for the messages to load.

"No new messages."  The screen read. I plopped down into the chair in front of the monitor. 

"Sharman!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. I could feel my vocal cords straining. 

"Sir." Parrish whispered ever so slightly that I didn't hear him the first time.

"Sir." He said slightly louder. I ingorned him, waiting for him to grow a pair and speak up.

"Sir." He snapped sharply. "Look." He pointed straight at the monitor. I lifted my head to see the LED light flashing on my computer. 

I jolted upwards, sending my chair flying backwards. I maneuvered my way around my monitor, opening up the secret messages. I scanned the screen.

"Commander.

I have decided to stay in Emera, until you find a way to get me back to Earth. Because you still haven't asnwered my question about why I am so urgently required back on Earth, that is how it is going to be. I wish you the best of luck man.

- Noah Sharman."

I internally groaned and immediately typed a reply.

"Sharman,

I can't talk to you about the urgency because it could get swiped through our line of communications. We need you Noah, you are required down on Earth. The pollution has increased, and... Something... Happened. Please Sharman we need you.

-Commander Eccleston"

I tapped my foot waiting for a reply, leaning against the back of the chair. About an hour had passed when I noticed Parrish standing right by the table, stiff as a lamp.

"Oh god Parrish, sit here." I stood up, and walked over to his spot.

"No, it's okay sir. You don't have to do that sir." He mumbled.

"Parrish. Just sit." I groaned. This boy would not take a hint.

"And Parrish?" 

"Y-yes sir?"

"Speak up, or you won't be respected by anyone." I spoke firmly, and walked away.

"Shout out if there's a reply." I ordered, walking out of the office. 

Today was going to be a long dreadful day. 

*Noah's POV*

I recieved the reply as soon as I had sent the message.

"... The pollution has increased, and... Something... Happened. Please Sharman we need you." 

Why can't he just tell me what's going on? The pollution wasn't that bad in 2006. I thought to myself. I couldn't just risk everything and ask Emera to build me a space ship that traveled at light speed. It had taken centuries just to build one back on Earth. 
What the bloody hell was going on...?"