FAILURE!

The words flashed on the screen with a buzz. Joshua slammed his fists on the desk, earning the attention of some of the scientists. Joshua waved off their concerns and they returned to their work.

“Personal log of Dr. Joshua Bryant,” he rubbed his eyes and cleared his throat. “The attempts to adapt the protein formula to botanical life have failed. As Dr. V’Lavith has indicated, the mixture begins to precipitate before penetration of the cell wall. All created catalysts, as I previously presumed, cause the mixture to burn through the cell wall. This sets off a cascade reaction, breaking down the cells themselves. A less thermogenic catalyst needs to be created.” He hit the button to close the log. “And I need coffee. Computer, what’s the time?”

“Station time is 0726.”

Had he worked on this project all night? He needed to stop doing that. And stop talking to himself. “Yes, coffee.” He stood up, “Computer, compile a list of non-thermogenic catalysts to use as base compatible with both the X-2544b protein mixture and botanical life.” While the computer made the list, he would get coffee.

Joshua made his way down the promenade, getting looks from people he passed. He caught his reflection in a storefront. “Part walk of shame, part mad scientist. Huh…” He smoothed the wrinkles out of his clothes, ran a hand through his hair, and smiled at his reflection.

He made his way to Brew and sat down at a table. Joshua squinted his eyes against the brightness. 

“May I take your order, sir?” A holographic woman appeared next to him.

“Yes. Something hot, caffeinated, and will get rid of my headache.”

“Might I suggest-”

“That’ll be fine,” Joshua interrupted the voice.

“Right away sir,” the woman vanished.

“That gets me every time,” Ryke chuckled, looking at the space where the hologram had been a moment before. 

“Long shift?” he asked, noticing the squint. He cradled his mug of coffee in his hands. “I’m just getting the energy up for mine,” he added by way of making conversation.

Joshua blinked a couple of times, sniffed, and looked at the voice’s source, “No, well… I guess sort of? I accidentally pulled an all-nighter working on a project.” He managed the best smile his tired state allowed, which wasn’t much. “I guess it happens to the best of us. Luckily, I’m not on until tomorrow. This is to make me more coherent.” He paused, “Where are my manners? Joshua Bryant.” He looked at the man’s uniform, “A fellow scientist I see.”

“Ryke Ashfield, it’s a pleasure to meet you.,” Ryke answered with a smile. “More a scientist of the mind and emotions to be honest. I’m one of the counselor’s aboard. I’m a new transplant though, so I’m just figuring out the best places for the essentials… like coffee.” He lifted his mug. 

“I can’t speak for the coffee, this is my first time here too.” Joshua looked around, “It looks like they’ve nailed the ambiance though.”

“I’m assuming the project is going well? At least, you seem fairly calm despite the all-nighter,” he said, taking another sip of his coffee. It was still too hot to drink comfortably. He didn’t know why he didn’t just get it at drinking temperature. But, sitting and breathing in the steam was part of the ritual. “Most people with a project going off the rails are a little antsier.”

Joshua rubbed his temples, “It’s not going well, I think I’m too tired to care right now. My emotions haven’t caught up with my frustrations yet.” He gave a weak smile and looked down at the cup sitting at the table. When did this show up? Joshua took a drink and winced at the taste. Was that mango or pineapple? A tropical fruit of some kind.

“I’m still exploring the station myself,” Joshua said, setting the mug down. “I had the pleasure of experiencing the Downtime bar last night. Which, if truth be told, is partly to blame for the ensemble you see here.” He motioned to his clothes.

“Ahh, that makes sense.” Ryke smiled, taking another sip of his coffee. It was only just scalding his tongue now. Another couple of minutes and it would be too cold for him to drink. He was picky about coffee. Always had been. “Might check it out sometime, if it’s worth it?”

Joshua chuckled, “It’s… an experience, for sure. The place is a little rough around the edges but decent. I got to watch a group of cadets get thrown out of there, so there’s that.” He took a sip out of his cup, “Gaah, this is terrible. I didn’t set the bar that high though.” He cleared his throat, “How are you enjoying your time on the base? It’s certainly large enough to get lost in.”

“Cadets,” Ryke chuckled. “The same no matter where they’re stationed. I’ll admit though, I was about twenty years too old for such escapades when I went through the academy. The rest of your class calling you ‘grandad’ and asking if you need a nap all the time tends to put you in your place.”

“Ooh, that does sound rough. I never had that experience; I went through an ETC. I wanted to explore the stars as quickly as I could. I figure I already spent enough time getting my Ph.D.”

Ryke leaned back in his chair, an expression of sympathy crossing his features over the coffee. He’d have to make sure not to order that particular drink in the future. “So far, so good,” he said in reply to the question. “I have gotten lost a few times, and I’m sure I will many times before I get the layout set in my head. You said you were still exploring yourself, have you been here long?”

Joshua took another sip of his coffee, “Only a few days.” He ran a hand through his hair. “It seems like it’s been longer though. Time seems to pass differently when you don’t have a sun or moon for reference.”

Ryke inclined his head. “Very true, perhaps a reflection of our origins as planetary-born species. I must admit though, I do like the temperature-controlled environments provided ship or base-side. I do not like the cold,” he admitted. 

“You might be onto something with that,” Joshua contemplated. “There’s something to be said about things being the right temperature. After all, Goldilocks only ate from the bowl that was ‘just right’. I grew up on Cygnia Minor, so I’m not fond of the cold either.”

“She did indeed.” Ryke smiled, distracted for a moment by a soft chirp from his padd. “Well, I’m afraid that’s me,” he said, standing and tucking the padd under his arm as he grabbed his coffee. “It was nice talking with you, Joshua. Catch you again soon.”