"Researcher (Auxiliary) Micahilla," said the general supervisor of mapping of planetary systems of groups of quadrant 116L21, military officer (Captain Lieutenant Colonel) Hennmi.

"Yes sir!"

"Congratulations!"

Micahilla was surprised.

"Thank you, but what did I do?"

"Your work, in mapping the quadrant 116L21, facilitated the analysis of systems that can be conducive to life. I also received praise for other of your research, especially on quantum entanglement. What surprised everyone the most was that you don't have a degree in these areas. Although you were almost punished for unauthorized access to information, you were recommended to be promoted and take the position of the researcher (Assistant)."

Trissandri was trying to contain his anger and jealousy, but her expression did not hide her indignation.

Micahilla tried to hold on to her emotions, but a tear flowed. She stopped herself.

"I am very happy about the opportunity, but I prefer to refuse. The last few days have been very stressful, and I was hospitalized because of that. I need some time and I will just be with my research that was returned."

"I understand, but your spot will be available when you can. Your knowledge cannot be wasted."

"Thank you, (Captain Lieutenant Colonel) Hennmi."

"Who is it?" asked (Captain Lieutenant Colonel) Hennmi to Drinihian.

"I am a graduating space pilot, military officer (Aspirant), Drinihian, sir."

"Understand! I heard your name spoken. You were on a mission to bring the old moon spaceships here."

"Yes sir!"

"Terrible loss. An unexpected situation. This shows that we need to improve our space radars."

"There is a team, also under my responsibility, that researches to improve communication and radars. I will instruct you to try harder," said Trissandri, trying to look important.

No one responded to your comment.

"As I said, your place will be available until you decide to take it. I don't see anyone at the moment as capable as you are."

Micahilla was embarrassed by the comment.

"Thank you, (Captain Lieutenant Colonel) Hennmi," said Micahilla, smiling.

Trissandri was so angry that she almost left, but she stopped herself, thirsting with fury and envy.

"Excuse! If you need anything, you can contact me directly," said (Captain Lieutenant Colonel) Hennmi.

"Thank you, sir," said Micahilla, smiling even more.

(Captain Lieutenant Colonel) Hennmi and (Supervisor) Trissandri left. Drinihian took Micahilla's hand.

"Let's go.

"Yes, we will," replied Micahilla, with a beautiful smile.

They got out. They took a transport drone and went to a reserved dining area, outside the Space Agency, to eat something. Arriving, they settled down and started the orders, which were being served after a short wait, by waiter robots.

"Those days confined seemed eternal, and the food they gave me was horrible. No seasoning," said Micahilla, savoring succulent meat.

Drinihian remained quiet eating.

"I almost forgot. What did (Captain Lieutenant Colonel) Hennmi mean by regretting the losses? What happened?"

"The emergency mission was simply to bring some old moon spaceships here. It was classified as an emergency because they wanted it to be done as soon as possible and there were no pilots available at the time. Everything seemed to be very simple, but we crossed the path of meteoroids that seriously damaged the reactor of one of the ships, causing it to explode. It exploded with (Major Captain) Yennir, who had gone to try to rescue the two Aspiring pilots, from the ship," said Drinihian, sadly.

"Very sad that!"

"Yes! I'm really upset, but that's not why I'm going to give up my career."

Drinihian looked at Micahilla, who had eaten as if he had not eaten in days, and remained quiet for a few seconds.

"Micah. I don't know how to tell you that..."

"Say what?" asked Micahilla, interrupting him.

Drinihian looked away.

"I've been confused about our relationship. This lack of time has distanced us a lot."

"But, I'll have more time for us. Did you see that I..."

"Yes, but I won't have that much time. Soon I will have more missions, and time for both of us will be almost impossible to achieve. And… My biggest goal is…"

Micahilla stopped eating and waited for Drinihian to finish, but he stopped talking.

"Which is?" asked Micahilla, curious, and looking nervous.

Drinihian remained silent for a few seconds, but...

"Pilot an interstellar spaceship."

Micahilla lowered her head and started to cry.

"Forgive me for not saying that before. You know how strict my father was with me, and I need to prove to him that I can get where he didn't go, however, my heart says otherwise. I love you and I didn't want all that time we spent together to be wasted. My heart says to stay with you," said Drinihian, with a sad voice.

Micahilla looked at him.

"It's all right! I support your career," said Micahilla, wiping her tears away.

Drinihian did not know how to respond. He didn't expect her to say that.

"Micah. Forgive me. Although I am saying this, I have not yet made any decision, and also to become an interstellar pilot, a laborious process is missing."

Drinihian was going to ask if she would accept to go on an interstellar trip with him, but she went over to him and hugged him.

"I’m so sorry! I am…"

"You don't have to apologize for anything. Come on, I'm tired, I need to rest."

"Yes, let's go," said Micahilla, drying the tears again.

It was already dark and they left. When Drinihian was going to call a drone.

"Sleep with me!" asked Micahilla.

Drinihian was slow to respond, but...

"Are you sure? It wouldn't be better... Just a moment," said Drinihian, looking at the concentration notice on his digital bracelet.

Micahilla saw that he was notified to focus. She made a look of disappointment.

"Go there. Leave it for the next opportunity."

Drinihian did not know what to say. He kissed her on the cheek, then they each took a transport drone and went to different destinations. He returned to the Academy and she, disappointed, went to her lab, saddened by the end of her day.