Captain Jennings looked over at Cirila, then back at the crew gathered in front of him. “Ms. Heinrichs has given me a preliminary summary of probable elements and tonnages, which is just a list of numbers. And, I reiterate, based only on the deep radar results, which are not definitive. However, to put it in perspective—if this plays out as the numbers seem to indicate, each and every one of you will be able to buy your own mining ship. Cash.”

The noise level in the room rose to a roar as the crew reacted to this pronouncement. A mining ship cost about the same as a Boeing 797 Super-Jumbo. Granted, nothing had been said about being able to afford to run the thing, but still…

Ivan caught a glimpse of Tenn quickly wiping what appeared to be tears from his cheeks. It hadn’t occurred to him that he might not be the only crew member with a reason to need a good result. Tenn’s earlier reluctance to mock him about the loan from Seth started to make sense.

But that was a mystery for another time. Right now, Ivan had to deal with the realization that he had, on his very first tour, accomplished everything he’d set out to do. Debts would be paid, houses would be bought, and the kids would get the head start that he’d missed and they so deserved. And his family would never have to worry about finances again. Ivan’s vision began to blur, and he had to perform some cleanup of his own.

“There’s something else,” Cirila said into the riot of conversation. All sound cut off as everyone turned to her, faces registering sudden worry.

“There’s a satellite circling AN2138.14—we’ve been calling it Baby Rock—which has an anomaly of some kind. We detected a compact node of a density that would place it in the transuranic range.”

“Is that even possible?” asked one of the crew.

Cirila shook her head. “No, which means it’s bad data.”

“So there might be nothing there?” After the initial elation, this was almost unendurable.

“No, there’s something there, physically. The readings on AN2138.14 are all within specs. I’m not suggesting equipment fault.” Cirila looked at the captain, then back to the crew. “I’m just saying, we need to be cautious.”

* * *

Loveliest of all women, love of my life—

We’ve hit pay dirt! The big one!

They don’t have specifics yet, but the word ‘big’ keeps floating around. Also, ‘rich’, ‘wealthy’, ‘holy sh…’ (Don’t let the kids read that).

I doubt we’ll stay out for the full tour. I will probably be back within the month. Start thinking about Christmas. And about where we want to retire.

Love,

Ivan

7.Tallying Results

7.Tallying Results