‘This is Commander James Fowler of the IXS-17 Aurora confirming successful insertion into LEO. Altitude four-ten, velocity seven-point-six-eight. The stars are bright and the Earth is beautiful. Over.’

‘Roger that, Aurora,’ said Austin. Groaning with excitement, he continued, ‘You’re making me jealous, man. I wish I could see it again. Now, the next stage is up to you. Take your time, get your bearings and then activate the flight computer’s course for Neptune when you’re ready. Over.’

‘Copy that, Mission Control,’ said James.

He unfastened his restraints and pushed himself off from the chair, floating towards the left window. He put his hands out either side of the frame to halt his movement, and pressed his face up against the glass. The condensation from his breath rose up the pane. As he stared in awe on the gleaming, azure planet below, he caught his breath as if seeing it for the first time: The Earth illuminated amid the blackness of the night sky like a candle in the dark; the cradle of humanity, seen on a such a scale that mankind could easily have not existed on it at all.

I remember!

James took a moment to appreciate and marvel. It was remarkably therapeutic as the years of bitterness retreated from his recaptured sense of wonder. He caught a glance of his dim reflection in the glass. His appearance hadn’t changed in the last few hours; Angela had convinced him to keep the beard after all, but there was a new glint in his eye that changed his countenance. With a grin, he drifted back to the pilot’s seat and secured himself down.

‘Mission Control, I’m ready. Starting ion engine and pushing a bit higher,’ James said, orienting the craft so it faced into its orbit before pushing forwards on the throttle control. He kept a close eye on the trajectory indicator, making course adjustments to maintain orbit and reduce speed.

‘Altitude five-zero-zero, velocity seven-point-six-one-six. Mission Control, I am activating the flight computer and plotting the course for Neptune.’

He jabbed at some of the controls on the panel above him. The flight computer beeped, indicating a successful route plot. On the main screen was a diagram of the course. It was a straight shot to Neptune; the path was clear of other planets. The orbital positions of the four gas giants were arranged in a sort of cross, with Saturn in conjunction. Mars was also heading that way, so it would be a long while before there could be any new resupply missions to Arcadia Landing. That is, without ships like the Aurora.

If this mission succeeds, we need never worry about where the planets are in their orbits again.

‘Course plot confirmed. Here goes nothing, I’m turning on the Austinium drive. This had better not blow up in my face, Captain.’

‘Copy that, and hey, I am ninety-nine—uhh—eighty-three percent sure it’s not gonna turn you into fried chicken. Over.’

Eighty-three! Oh god, please don’t explode.

James reached out to the switch on the dashboard labelled ‘plaid’. He gave a nervous chuckle and hovered his trembling finger underneath it for a moment. Squeezing his eyes shut, he flicked the switch and gritted his teeth. A low hum rose from the rear of the spacecraft, which was accompanied by the slightest rumble. He opened his eyes with a blink and released the tension in his jaw.

‘Captain, I am eighty-three percent sure you’re an arsehole. Over,’ said James with a loud sigh. ‘Spooling drive.'