Colonization Protocols

First Contacts

Knowing that most of the crew was still presently asleep I decided that I would have to delay.

"I will talk to my people. Tomorrow when there is light I will decide if I will follow you."

"Aash!" he said with a what I assumed to be smile.

He gathered the gifts and rolled them into his bag as I did the same with the fruit and we each withdrew respectfully.

From the closed doorway I watched him walk away. Staff in hand as he held the bag close to his side.

"Sir, Do you want to do anything with the fruit ?" Durante asked.

"Uh... no. Why do you ask?"

"I could use them for samples. Kind of break them down in the lab any synthes-"

Without a second thought I handed him the bag of fruit.

"All yours. Just spare me the scientific jargon it's too early to think clearly.

"Thanks Captain." he said taking the bag from me eagerly.

"Wait!"

Stopping him I reached into the bag pulled out the apple. Took two bites then put the rest back in the bag.

"Just needed a little midnight snack. You can go now." I said waving him off.

His mouth agape in surprise he hesitated.

"For heavens sake Durante it's just an apple!"

"But Sir we haven't analyzed the composition of these fruit it could contain-"

Cutting him off with my raised hand I closed my eyes in mock concentration and replied.

"Yep just did a taste analysis. Tastes like an apple. End of story. Have fun with the rest of them." I said patting his back as I walked away.

In the adjoining compartment I walked up to Drake who was still watching the outside area suspiciously.

"Drake, give Sargeant Leopold a status update and make sure you're all well armed from now on. I think we're safe but...."

"Better safe than sorry?" he asked.

"Yes."

After a while I began walking back to my reclined seat to rest as Anna followed.

"Andros you MUST let me go with you tomorrow. This is history in the making you can't NOT let me be a part of this."

"It's too dangerous Anna I need to think of the whole crew. We have 4 weeks to go and I need a medic to keep them alive." I said, knowing she wouldn't accept that as an reason.

"Andros as Captain you  will need a medic if anything happens to YOU! Besides I know Colonial Protocols- as the ranking officer you can't put yourself in direct danger. You're supposed to send someone else. I'm sure of it! I could go in your place?"

I sighed knowing she was right. There was such a protocol buried in the books somewhere I'd read it before. I closed my eyes and decided on a compromise.

"Well it's actually kind of a gray area since we're not actual Colonists ourselves but perhaps if I brought sufficient personnel to ensure my health and security it would be forgivable?"

"I would say that's a wise decision." she nodded.

"Alright. Be ready first thing tomorrow morning. I don't know what to expect down there."

With a look of glee she hugged my neck warmly then let go.

"Thanks Andros I won't forget this." she said running her hand down my arm.

I nodded with a weak smile.

I closed my eyes hoping to get a few more hours of rest for the day ahead. I fell asleep and dreamed of the days gone by. Back when the Science of Terraforming was the only thing that mattered to me. Back when Redlands demanded unquestioned loyalty  from new recruits and I willingly gave up everything-my youth, my health, my dreams, my Anna........