After a long time, the Drasin left, apparently satisfied that they had finished their task. Satisfied that there was nothing left alive in the white giant system. And after they were gone, the circuits of Milla’s life pod waited patiently for a command.

The computer decided something was wrong. It had been launched, and yet neither the automatic nor the manual triggers had been flipped. That was not correct. So it attempted to contact its ship, in case it had been ejected by accident.

No response.

The computer paused for an infinitesimal moment, accessed its internal scanners, and analyzed the air. When it detected the increase in carbon dioxide, the computer made a calculation and decided that perhaps it hadn’t been an accident.

So, unbeknownst to the single occupant of the life pod, the onboard computer overrode its own programming and flipped a bank of virtual switches.

And above the unconscious woman’s head, a small device began to beep.

CHAPTER 9

MILLA AND HER listeners sat in silence for a long moment after the story ended, each thinking about the loss from their own perspective, each affected to one degree or another.

“And, as far as I can make out, your people came soon after. I suppose I’m extremely lucky that your ship was en route to that system, but,” Milla said before pausing and looking at Weston curiously, “why would you be going there? There is nothing useful in that system.”

Dr. Palin spoke for the first time: “We were—”

“Doctor, not now,” Weston said, shaking his head. He wasn’t willing to share that they had a faster method of interstellar travel just yet.

Milla blinked as she looked to the screen. “Great Creator! How long have I been here? That’s Duorchin. It’s two weeks from where we were. I…” Her voice trailed off.

Weston and Palin watched the young woman hold back tears as the images of lost ships and comrades crossed her mind. After a moment, Weston shrugged and spoke.

“Apparently, you’ve been out for some time.”

Milla looked at them, knowing that something was wrong in what she was hearing but not realizing what. After a long moment, she gave up and let out a shuddering sigh. “At any rate, I thank you for rescuing my pod.”

“No need, Ithan Chans. Search and rescue operations are a part of our mandate,” Weston replied, the response an ingrained reaction. “You don’t leave anyone lost at sea, on land, or in space. Period.”

“Nonetheless, I am grateful.” Milla’s lips twisted. “In spite of the accommodations.”

Palin chuckled. “I’m afraid that is also standard practice, my dear.”

“You were an unknown. Our procedures require several days in isolation while medical tests are performed. I admit that the mirrored visors were my idea—and not from any book,” Weston explained.

“They were most…disconcerting.” Milla pursed her lips.