“I think it's time we colonized the planet.”
You have come up to the bridge to talk to .
“I agree. We are kidding ourselves if we think there is anything else we can do to prepare,” says as she turns to face you. “We have a plan, we have everything set up and we have enough people to make this work.”
“Cool. I'll head down to the planet.”
“Yeah right.”
“What? Why not?”
“After what you've done on this ship, I feel sick just being here. It's too much remembering what happened. I want to move on and forget.”
“OK,” you say, feeling a familiar emptiness inside your chest, “I'll stay here to manage supplies. Who will you take with you?”
“Mark of course. And Lee. The two seem inseparable nowadays. And Rita. I think it's best for her if your temptation was removed,” says. Contempt oozes from her words in her last comment.
“OK, fair enough. Clarissa and Jo will stay with me. They are effectively my wives now. I don't want Rachel up here. She is way to rambunctious. I think she'll drive us all crazy if she stays couped up here. You take her. What about Julie?”
“Julie hates me. No, don't get that look on your face. You know it yourself. You are her favorite, and in any case it wouldn't be fair to take both of Jo's kids away from her. She should stay with you.”
“OK. You do know what is going to be expected of Mark, right? We can't exactly go back and forth a lot. We want to land the colony ship at some point and need enough fuel to maneuver during the landing. And the colony will need to grow. I'm sure Lee would be happy about things but you and Rita-”
“Oh God ,” says with a sad look on her face. “Yes, I know. I almost think you get off on the idea. I dare say he will be more of a man than you were when it comes to fulfilling that role. Look, could you send Mark, Lee and Rita up? I need to get them ready. We may as well go sooner than later. And don't tell Lee or Rita about Mark. I want things to be better than they were for me.”
As you leave, you glance back at . She looks serene and sad as she types away. |