Santa Maria, geostationary orbit around Asha. Thursday, April 15, 2320. 7:40 AM, UTCSmiling, the tall man walks through the door and sets his briefcase on the floor. With a firm, commanding voice, he announces his arrival. “Soldier, report!”
In the next room, the child hears his father’s voice and overjoyed runs towards the house entrance. “Daddy! You’re home!”
But just as he reaches his father, he stops right in front of him and with a clumsy hand gesture, standing straight, he offers a brief military salute. He waits for the response, then quickly jumps in his arms and hugs him. “You’ve been away for so long. I missed you.”
Quickly losing his military posture, the man softens up to his son’s joy. “Missed you too, son.”
Enthusiastic, the boy still in his dad’s arms: “Where did they se
