But there had been no catastrophes on the faster than light ship Goddard’s mission to the red dwarf star Lalande. Not that there hadn’t been close shaves. Within the great blue spot on the ancient star system’s inner gas giant, the planet they called Bubba, an alien race older than the earth had built a habitat, a giant glowing egg that had nearly been the grave of one of Goddard’s shuttles and its crew.He sat up. Mary Seventeen was in the shower stall, steaming her slim body. He could hear her humming the old Martian favorite, “Sands o’ Love.”Alex yawned. “Good morning, Captain Rose,” said the computer. “Shall I prepare your usual breakfast?”“Not too hot this time!” He knew the computer was testing his health, but Alex allowed himself to enjoy the illusion of being waited on. “And hold my calls for an hour,” he added, trying to sound serious.“Understood, Captain Rose,” said the computer.Mary appeared at the rounded opening to their egg and peered inside.
