MARS

 

Apparently, in space, you get one chance. If you blow it, you're dead. According to Lena, the Etrallia lived by a code and they governed like a bunch of badasses.

"So, I guess this means we shouldn't even think about stealing their giant purifier, right?"

Rhine snorted.

"What it means," said Lena, "is the fact that they've chosen to forgive us for the epidemic we caused is a very rare occurrence. We shouldn't take it lightly. When we return tomorrow, we've got to start focusing on how we can help them. The more we help, the more likely they'll let us use the water converter."

Return?

"And here I was hoping I wouldn't have to babysit you two like a couple of children anymore." Heavily, Rhine lowered himself into his seat.

"What about him?" I nodded to Henry who was still waiting dutifully outside the pod to watch us depart. "Shouldn't we start with him?" I fastened my safety buckle. "Since he seems to talk to you and everything."

Lena opened her mouth, but Rhine interrupted.

"I don't like it," he muttered. "The way he has to follow us everywhere."

"Henry?" Lena turned to regard him incredulously. "He's harmless," she insisted. "He might be an Etrallian Guard, but he's friendly enough."

"That's it exactly."

I couldn't say I blamed the Major for his suspicions.

"I quite like him," said Lena, and I half-wondered if she said it just to annoy Rhine.

"Like him?" Rhine raised an eyebrow. "The alien from outer space that may or may not be here to destroy us? Christ Almighty. How did I ever get assigned to you two?"

"Hey," I piped up. "I never said I trusted them."

"Yeah, but I bet you think our little escort is a nice guy." Rhine shoved his buckle shut with a harsh click.

I frowned. "He's alright. Though I don't have much experience in judging Etrallians." I figured Henry could be exactly as he seemed, but there was always a chance he wasn't. Maybe the Etrallia had some kind of gift when it came to deception. Or maybe we were just being paranoid.

Our pod detached from the mothership, floating outward into space. Lena was still standing. She faced Rhine. "Why are you so against this alliance?"

"Against this--" the Major drew a rough breath, schooling the anger from his features. "I am here to make sure this alliance survives."

"So are we, Major." This was the Dr. Cordell I'd met on the Base several weeks ago. The one who worked out in the desert rescuing idiots too stupid to save themselves, all because she cared about people.

I, on the other hand, was under no illusions. Sure, it was fascinating to be one of the first to meet an alien species, but I wasn't here to influence the destiny of mankind. These two clearly hadn't checked their pay stubs lately.

Rhine and Lena continued to stare at each other in angry silence.

I clutched for the non-existent handrails in preparation for our entrance back into the atmosphere. No question about it, tomorrow was going to be a long day.