"You're going back down," Harris said.

Connelly's jaw dropped. She wanted to ask why, but was afraid it would make her sound like she didn't' want to go. Luckily, the Captain had anticipated the query.

"In space, circumstances can change in an instant," Harris said. "We may round Europa only to discover that a solar storm has arrived, postponing any return to the surface for hours, days or weeks. As far as I can see, we have ten hours of smooth sailing with which to continue our exploration…barring another barrage of charged particles."

Connelly's faith in Harris was restored in full. "When can we go?"

"Three hours," Harris said. "I'll prep the lander and check your PMS suits over. After that, I don't see any reason to delay."

Sighing with relief, Connelly relaxed and leaned back on the lab table. "Then we have a few hours to work with the Europhids."

"Sorry," Harris said. "But I would prefer you all took a three hour break. Go get some sleep. I won't be sending a tired crew to the surface of Europa."

"But—" It was all Peterson could get out before Harris cut him off.

"Not a debate. If you want to work on the Europhids, you can stay here with me while the others go to the surface."

Peterson bit his lip. Connelly knew that everyone would want to go. Of course, it would only be she, Willard, and Robert who took the first ride in TES. But still, the idea of going back to the surface alone was enticing.

The group continued to go over the final details, but Connelly's mind took her in another direction. Their voices faded as she processed what Harris had said. If there is life on the frozen surface of Europa…what will they find in the warmer ocean?

And how will they bring it back?

*   *   *   *   *

The blackness that enveloped Connelly was all consuming. There wasn't a sparkle of light anywhere. She could feel her body, but couldn't see it. If it weren't for the comforting warmth caressing her body, she would have thought she'd been blinded and launched into space.

Where am I?

Connelly knew that the words were a thought but they sounded real in her mind, as though she has spoken them aloud.

Then there was another voice…or voices. She couldn't tell. They were muffled, distant, as though several people were speaking on the other side of a thick wall.

She willed herself to hear better.

Nothing.

But there was one voice slightly louder than the rest. It spoke constantly, but the only word Connelly could make out was relax. The voice said the word ever few seconds as though it were trying to calm someone down. Unsure why, she had the feeling that the voice was about to break bad news, or speak some harsh words. That's why it wanted someone to relax.

Relax…

Calm…

Slow down…