Episode 44. Not What We Expected

It's a memorable moment. Angie is standing on the lunar surface, a privilege I have never had. I'd have loved to accompany her on this mission, to share this unique experience with her. But protocol decided otherwise. One of us had to remain on the Enterprise's bridge.

At the site, the exploration team has found no trace of the equipment abandoned by the 1957 Apollo 11 mission. Nothing. Not the slightest remnant.

I consider several hypotheses. Either the mission never happened... or someone took the equipment.

And that someone could be the being hiding inside that mysterious vessel facing Angie, Charlene, and Eros. A being who might also be behind the distress signal we picked up...

The shadow moves forward slowly. Unsteady. It sways with every step, as if the reduced gravity were playing tricks on it. Its silhouette takes shape in the whitish halo: a clumsy, almost staggering gait, arms spread to keep balance.

Then one hand lifts lazily toward them in a half-hearted greeting.

She sways. Raises one finger, as if to continue her explanation.

Her antennae droop limply.

A tiny hiccup.

One misstep.

Then she collapses full length onto the lunar dust, in a small cloud of silver.

They both lean over Tarsi, whose antennae sway with the rhythm of their movements. The Moon's weak gravity doesn't make the task any easier. With each motion, her body bounces slightly, sliding over the lunar dust like a sack of electrified potatoes.

Eros grumbles. Loses his balance. Catches himself at the last second before hitting the shuttle hull.

At last, with a coordinated effort, they hoist her through the hatch and lay her on the rear bench. A sleepy smile still lingers on her peaceful face.

Meanwhile, Angie uses the opportunity to reestablish contact with the Enterprise.