Chapter Text
"You're sending a seventeen-year-old to space?!"
Those were the first words out of mission co-manager Mark Raymond's mouth, staring in utter disbelief at Stratt. She simply lifted an eyebrow.
"Yes. He's quite a qualified seventeen-year-old."
It had been a hot second since Earth had received the Taumoeba that the Hail Mary had sent back from its suicide mission to save the planet. In the almost two decades since then, the governments of the world had decided to come together again, at least just to ensure the sun got brighter and stayed brighter. It was a long, long process, and a winding road to get the Astrophage population under control. They even let Stratt out of jail to help, which is why Raymond was here, stuck in this insane conversation.
Yes, the research mission to explore more of Tau Ceti's solar system was his idea. Yes, it was also his idea to enlist a well-known astronomist and college professor to head the mission. It was NOT his idea to have one of said astronomist's students JOIN THEM.
"He's not of legal age!" Raymond protested. "You'll need his parents approval and they'll never agree! Plus, NASA isn't just about to send a child off to explore the cosmos!"
"He will be in three months," Stratt said calmly. "And our records show that he and his parents are ex-communicated." Just as Raymond opened his mouth to argue back, Dr. McMillan raised a hand from across the table.
"Listen, Mark. I've been working with Roni for months now. He's capable, he's curious, and he picks up new things like a dog after a ball." The professor smiled pleasantly, their hands steepled together in front of them. They gave off the kind of energy that a particularly old tree might; calm and steady, but able to give way for new growth if needed. "You want this mission to survive and thrive? Let the boy come."
Raymond looked from Stratt to McMillan helplessly, outnumbered now.
"NASA could be easily convinced," Stratt put in. "And if not, records can be... adjusted."
"Oh, for God's sake."
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Stratt approached the college dorms, a folder of forms in her hands. The trip to Houston College of Astronomy and Biosciences put some strain on her aging body, but it'd be worth it. The boy's dorm room was on the second floor, as she learned from a couple students leaving the building. They'd exchanged glances, had a bit of a laugh between them, and explained that the "try everything nut" was ten doors down from the west elevator.
"Seems he's quite popular already," Stratt commented to Raymond, walking a few paces behind her.
"I like this even less now," the mission manager grumbled. "He should be focusing on his studies and his life, not some potential opportunity in the stars."
"This opportunity is more than potential. And regardless of your feelings, we have to put on a unified front," she responded briskly. "No weaknesses must show if we're going to get him to consider this."
"Yeah, yeah..." Raymond sighed.
The boy's room was... an interesting place. Clearly he hadn't been expecting company, because there were clothes strewn about on the floor and a pair of shoes in one corner that looked like someone had poured acid on them. Science posters were plastered on the walls, and models of atoms, space shuttles, and cells hung from the ceiling.
"You'll have to excuse the mess," his roommate had explained, gesturing to his side of the dorm. "He's... working on cleanliness." Her tone suggested she was just as skeptical of this as Raymond was.
The boy stood in the middle of the room now, watching Stratt with a mix of nervousness and curiosity. "So... let me get this straight. You want to send me... to space... to... do research? Indefinitely?" He blinked from behind plastic-framed glasses, tilting his head.
"Collect and analyze samples, explore the system, and send reports back on beetles, yes. Not indefinitely, though you will be sent with a way to constantly refuel your engines, even out there." Stratt nodded. "We finally have the technology and fuel for such a long-range mission, why not use it to expand our knowledge of our neighborhood?"
"And you want... me? Specially?"
"Your professor spoke very highly of you. Assured us there was no better student they could think of," Stratt answered, watching the boy's eyes light up.
"Well, I mean... going to space has always been my dream..." He fidgeted with his hands in a thoughtful way. "But I have an essay due in two days..."
Stratt just held out the folder. "Think of it as a kind of internship. You can work on your assignments while we prep you for the mission."
He hesitated, eyes flickering between the folder and Stratt. Then cautiously, almost like he was expecting her to pull it back, he reached out and took the folder. "A research mission in space... I guess... yeah, I'll do it!"
"Wonderful. We leave for the launch site in six hours."
Of course she'd already arranged the transportation back. Ah, the Stratt efficiency. Apparently very startling to this college student.
"Wait, now?!"
On the helicopter flight over, he wouldn't stop asking questions. Raymond was starting to understand why McMillan had recommended him. He was persistent with a capital "p", and Raymond could hardly keep up. Stratt, however, seemed unfazed, answering without missing a beat, even if she was a bit brusque.
"What about training?"
"You'll be well-trained on all space-flight procedures, along with navigating an EVA."
"What if something happens that isn't in there?" He asked as the copter started its descent. Raymond had to turn to cover his mouth as the sudden lurch made his stomach turn, missing Stratt's smile of certainty.
"The ship will be stocked with supplies for emergencies. If that doesn't help you... well, you and Dr. McMillan are both smart people. You'll figure it out."