[Checking Oxygen capacity…Complete. Checking air pressure…Complete]
"You know, I can't imagine us living without these companions. Our lives depend on these instruments and machine so I feel really grateful about them. Right Ren?"
But Richard couldn't receive a reply as he hoped for. Instead, he saw a reflection of a heavyhearted man with chin resting on his hand from the window. Ren spent most course of his day in this pose like he doesn't pay attention on the mission.
"Hey! Ren, don't sit like nothing. You gotta help me to handle these operations, look! we are a team!"
This time Richard raised his vocals more than before. But a glimpse of sympathy contained within it.
Suddenly, a few tears slipped down Ren's cheeks before he even realized. Then he began to sniffle. It was somehow weird to see a person especially who has been trained to face any level of tough challenges and to survive.
Richard's heart melted like honey. He sat quietly beside Ren and caressed his back slowly. He always did this when things went wrong between them.
"I'm sorry…It's not like I don't care about you or your feelings. It's just the way you act. You know, life is sometime so complex than solving any formulas but at the same time, it can be lot easier than drinking a glass of water. As astronauts we people hold a bigger responsibility. Let's say, second only to police and president? In that case you should build yourself strong that even heaven can't shake itself. Now get up and join the game. It's the best time to show how worthy we are, you are!"
Richard's words pierced his heart. But it didn't hurt him, it grew their bond even deeper to the bottom. To Ren, Richard wasn't just a friend, he was a lifeline to live when the silence of space grow louder.
After few minutes, the large screen located in the workspace turned on. As the blurred image fixed back from Richard, both friends took their comfy seats to converse with daily figures from ISEA (International Space Exploration Agency). But this time instead of the staff, an unfamiliar person showed up. Soon they recognized who the man was.
"Hello Sir! It's our pleasure to meet you after a long time. How is happening on Earth these days?"
"Hello, gentlemen! I'm also glad to see your faces after the launch. Nothing much is happening here. So how is your journey going so far?"
It was the President of the ISEA itself. A man who has been praised with many awards and honor. Despite few mistakes, he remained as a legendary role in the world. His age didn't matter to decrease the aura he holds.
"We are currently heading towards Ganymede after crossing the asteroid belt. We hope to reach our destination in 20 days."
"Yeah, that's really an impressive news. Well don't forget to make a stable connection with our crew in main space ship Rocky placed near Ganymede. They once told me that they are getting ready to welcome you warmly. Also, they will consult you with right directions and instructions"
A soft smile appeared in the corner of President William's lips.
"Thank you for your kind reminder, Sir, we will look forward for their accompaniment."
Richard politely embraced his advises from his open arms.
"And Ren, I have something really important for you. I think you will feel a bit relaxed after these updates from us…"
Ren kept staring at the large TV Screen.
"So, we considered about your family stated and made a decision to pay the cost for your dad's medical treatment till your safe return. Indeed, your dad is a fearless explorer and he did a great service for the future of humanity. But unfortunately, as he became the first patient to be discovered suffering from XenoRadiosis and the modern biology couldn't find an answer, we made that decision."
Richard sneaked a peek at Ren to observe any facial expression change. But it wasn't as expected. Though he was lucky to get a free offer to cover the payments for a short period, each word has shattered his emotional chain. The intense sorrow memories brought him back to past.
Richard, knowing the atmosphere didn't want to experience something worse again and again. For some reason he felt a surge of anger toward William.
"And also…"
Before he opened his mouth, the screen went out, the lights flickered continuously. Not sure what's happening, both got a bit scared and confused.
"What on the earth is happening? Richard, you checked the system earlier, right?" Ren said while trying to figure out the problem with the achieved knowledge as an astronaut.
"Of course I did! I never neglect my duties for any reasons, I swear"
Richard vindicated himself.
Soon they felt something wrong. The have started to float because of the gravity failure and it made them realize that this isn't a kind of ordinary hassles. At that moment Ren's eyes captures something truly terrifying.
"R-R-R-Ri…Richar..d? What is that o..over…over there?"
Ren pointed out of there space craft through the window panel. The thing he saw was something really odd, only seen in movies or in theories. Richard peered ahead, tracing his finger line and it made his eyes go widen.