The entire crew was in the Command Center, something that rarely happened. Everyone knew this wasn’t going to be a routine Mission Launch Briefing. The compartment was crowded, and most had to stand.
Commander Nireem entered and took his position at the command console. The crew snapped to attention and gave the Tridonian salute – arm extended and then smartly brought straight across the chest, fist clenched.
Nireem commanded,” N^Woddan.” Everyone sat or stood standing at ease.
The Commander looked warmly at his crew. He dreaded what was about to transpire.
“I called you all here because of the unusual nature of this briefing. First, its delay until Mission Day Seven was ordered by the Space Directorate.
I know you have all been frustrated by the secrecy and frantic pace of preparations. I know you have concerns about shortcuts taken and questions about the civilians on board our ship. The final message I received from the Space Directorate will explain everything. I only received access to it last night.“
He then projected the hologram. They watched as the image of the Director paced back and forth before them and explained the mission and Tridon's fate.
The reaction was gasps and disbelief. Tears flooded their large, round eyes. Despite all their training to show no emotion, everyone stood and hugged whoever was nearby. While they shared a bond from undertaking risky missions, they also had friends and family back on Tridon. Hearing your homeland would be consumed by Jua was devastating.
The Director's matter-of-fact statement in the hologram came as if the Authorities saw them as expendable. Many felt anger and contempt even though they understood the reason.
Their grief crowded out the enormous challenge ahead. When Gergin heard they would not return, it was like being punched in the gut. He was dazed and couldn’t believe what he heard. It was like his mind was struggling to comprehend what was happening.
Gergin didn’t know how long he was in that frozen, confused state. But then he thought of Enaida and spotted her clutching her friend, Aterga. He had fallen in love with Enaida and fought to control his desire to go to her and hold her. His first thought was how glad he was that they were together – being apart on this mission would have been unbearable. He could see the tears staining her soft brown cheeks. He could feel her pain.
Personal relationships between mission astronauts were barely tolerated. Nothing could interfere with a crew's performance and cohesion. Gergin knew he and Enaida had to keep their feelings private even though some of his close friends knew of their relationship.
After several minutes, the Commander continued.
“The civilians know nothing about this. And we will keep it from them until much later in the mission. They are all in sleep mode, so there is some time for you to express your grief.
Despite this tragedy, we still have our orders. We must complete our mission. I have confidence in you and know you have always risen to whatever challenge we faced. We owe this to all who are left behind.
Gergin. Work with the navigators to determine our options for reaching planet 26q395-3 and the risks we face.
Everyone dismissed.”
After the briefing, the Commander returned to his cabin, and the others went down to the Crew Galley. This part of the ship was where the astronauts could relax and eat. They crowded into the long compartment because the entire crew was up. Throughout most of the flight, two-thirds of the astronauts would be in sleep mode.
At one end was a section with food and drink dispensers. During the preparations for this mission, the Space Directorate had provided an enlarged Galley Module to accommodate the larger crew. Some long and some smaller tables provided space to sit and socialize. Today, there was standing room only.
Gergin was with Drachcirn, the other senior navigator, and the junior navigator, Nerrawin. They discussed the Commander's order to research their flight to 26q395-3. At another table, the pilots compared their experience maneuvering the mammoth spacecraft. Everyone was avoiding the subject that was so painful. They were in denial.
Later that afternoon, Gergin was back in the cushioned seat at the command console. His mind replayed the chaotic weeks preparing for this mission. The Director's words in the hologram still haunted him. He couldn’t get the words, unable to return, out of his mind.
Gergin had graduated near the top of his class at the Academy and spent his 23-year career on Tridon spacecraft. He advanced unusually fast to Senior Mission Navigator. Returning to Tridon was always a requirement for mission success. The Astronaut Corp mantra was, “We Shall Return.” There had been times when that mantra had pulled them through near disasters. Now, he was confronting the final mission of his career.
Retepin glided in and sat next to Gergin. They looked at each other not as astronauts but as two close friends. The bond between them was apparent.
“That briefing was crocit,” Retepin muttered.
“Yeah.More than crocit! I don’t think the Commander got much sleep last night.”
“Wonder how much time Tridon has?”
“Don’t think they know.”
“Those astrophysicist dratsabinee better be right!”
“A fitting end for all the crocit the Mamlaka imposed. I hope they all fry.”
“Gergin, I didn’t know you hated the Authority that much.”
“That's why I became an astronaut. Up here, we are out of their reach. The Commander can’t stand the class distinctions.”
“The Rabizut get a few privileges and do whatever those dratsabinee order. What turned you?”
“My brother wanted a family, and the Mamlaka DNA standards blocked it. Said his children wouldn’t have the desired appearance.”
“Well, the Mamlaka control everything. Anyone who steps out of line disappears. They gained real power by taking over the food supply and healthcare.”
“Enaida told me some of the travelers are Mamlaka.”
“What did you expect, Gergin? Do you think they wouldn’t save some of their own?”
“You’re right, but it's going to take people who can provide for themselves to survive on another planet.”
“Well, we have to get them there first, Gergin.
“Right. We better start working on that.”