The commotion on the flight deck below reminded Wes of how, as a kid, he used to step on ant mounds just to watch the little ants scatter. He missed his home, his mother, his childhood, his innocence. Traversing the galaxy aboard the Star Cruiser was quickly becoming the most thrilling part of his life and yet he missed the quiet, uncomplicatedness of life back home.

As he stepped off the Synolift, a robotic arm swung out toward him. Fighting the urge to duck; he flinched, paused briefly and then quickly snagged the flight suit and helmet it handed him. He hoped no one had noticed his jumpiness. Hours of video game training sessions did little to prepare you for the reality of flying a Star Fighter, he thought. Being the youngest recruit to ever have signed up for the Star Force made it even more difficult.

Pushed and bumped aside like a pinball he struggled his way against the crowd.Finally he found a small quiet space near the cargo hold. He liked being alone. His life on Mars Colony had taught him that.