Claire stood on the edge of the metal scaffolding and looked out at the sea of people in the distance. Security had been beefed up after death and bomb threats had been sent to the team as well as the military base where they had built the Pod. It amazed her how so many people were opposed to this incredible opportunity. It also amazed her still that she was the one chosen for it.

She turned back around to face the Pod. It suddenly struck her what its shape reminded her of. As a child, some of her favorite ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree were the ones that looked like large eggs cut in half, decorated, and the insides containing holiday scenes or characters. With its hatch door open, that is what Claire thought the Pod Raen had designed looked like. Only she was to be the highlight inside, strapped to a standing support in the middle. Her decoration would be a Comm-connected helmet and futuristic spacesuit. She was definitely going to be on display.

Raen and Ben were inside the small capsule going over the final details and settings. General Mack was standing outside the door. He refused to step inside. Even after a week of helping build and oversee the Pod, he still suspected some sort of trap and was the biggest proponent of sending a cache of food and water along with Claire. Raen had assured it would not be necessary and even demonstrated how the suit would provide all that was needed. Claire could not help but feel grateful to the general for caring enough to raise such a fuss.

Raen appeared in the hatch opening, "Are you almost ready to leave, Claire?"

Claire took a deep breath and smiled. She had spent the day before saying goodbye to her friends and family. She had not wanted to make anything sound permanent so she made it sound more like a long trip than a one-way journey. "Let's go see some stars."

Claire approached the Pod but General Mack stopped her. "Just hold on, Ms. Whelon. I've got to run down to Ops for a few minutes and check on a few things. Raen says everything is a go but I want my men... and women, to check for themselves. Do nothing until I return. Understand?"

Claire clicked her boot heels together and saluted, "Sir. Yes, Sir."

Mack stalked away grumbling, "Smartass..."

Claire smiled again and continued to the Pod. "Anything I can do while we wait for the Big Cheese to get back?"

Raen stood in front of a lighted console sliding his fingers across the glass. "All is set, Claire. You need only put the suit on."

Claire saw the suit hanging against the wall of the Pod alongside the helmet. Ben sat in his wheelchair looking up at them. She stood behind him. "Pretty fancy stuff, huh? I bet you're thinking how in a few years they'll be able to make one of these for you, too."

Ben sighed and took the helmet down. He held it in front of him and stared at it. "Actually I was thinking that from now on, this is what I'll be seeing whenever I get a chance to see you. Doesn't quite measure up to the real thing."

"Tell you what," Claire said, "You've got plenty pictures of me already so how about we get a picture of you..." she took the helmet from him, "as it should have been?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on, we both know you would have been a hundred times better at this than me and - don't argue with me again, I don't want to hear it now - so let's get a picture of the real Spaceman. Give me your phone."

Ben shook his head but gave up his phone anyway. Claire handed him back the helmet.

"Now put it on," Claire said.

Ben looked at the helmet then saw that Raen was watching them. "Is it all right, Raen? This won't mess anything up will it?"

"It will be fine," Raen said, "The helmet and suit were designed for any human, not for one in particular. Both will conform to fit whoever wears it."

"Do it," Claire insisted, "Before General Hardass comes back."

"Fine," Ben conceded then put the helmet on.

Claire backed up until she was almost outside and took the picture. She looked at it and frowned. "It's good, but I think we can do better."

"I'm not putting the suit on," Ben said from within the helmet. Speakers on the outside of the helmet carried his voice perfectly.

"No, I know you won't do that," Claire said, a little disappointed, "But let's get you looking like you're ready for launch. What if we strap you into the stand with the helmet on?"

"No."

"Please, I want you to feel more a part of this. I'll make it my last request."

"You're not about to die, Claire. Geez. All right, if it will make you happy, and if Raen will help you."

Claire jumped then turned to Raen. "Raen, please? You don't know how much this will mean to both of us."

"It is irregular and irrational, but from the week I have spent with you, not unexpected. I will help."

It only took a minute for Claire and Raen to lift Ben out of his chair and lean him against the stand in the center of the Pod. Ben held onto the arm rests where cuffs would close to help the pilot stay immobile during transport while Raen closed the chest harness so Ben would not fall once they let him go. Once they closed the arm cuffs, Raen stood beside Claire while she took the picture.

"Oh, the chair is in the shot," Claire said.

"I will move it," Raen said. The capsule was too small to not be in the picture so he rolled the chair outside the Pod.

"How do I look?" Ben asked.

"Like an authentic, honest to goodness, all the right stuff astronaut. You're going to love this. Smile."

"Funny," Ben said, knowing the visor hid his face. "Hurry, this harness is digging into my armpits."

"Ready? One... two..."

Claire heard the sound of a pop behind her and felt a sharp push at her back at the same time. She took a step forward as she took the picture. She felt something wet on her back and found it difficult to stand. She sank to her knees.

"Claire!" Ben shouted, struggling at his bonds. "Claire! Raen! What's wrong with Claire?"

Raen jumped into the Pod and a barrier appeared in the doorway. Ben noticed a few flashes of light from some nearby scaffolding and the barrier reacted like the surface of a pond being struck by drops of water. Outside the Pod, Ben saw General Mack appear. He had his gun out and was pointing and shooting where the flashes had come from.

"Raen, what's going on?" Ben shouted. "Get me out of this thing!"

Raen bent over Claire who was now lying prone on the floor. A large red spot was growing on the back of her shirt. "Someone has attacked us, Benjamin. I fear Claire will not be able to go on her journey."

"Who cares about the damn journey? She needs help. Tell them to call an ambulance and then get me the Hell out of this thing!"

Raen stood, "I will do all I can for Claire, but the journey must continue. There is only one chance and it must not be lost. You must go, Benjamin." Raen tapped a control panel next to him and cuffs locked Ben's legs into place.

"This is insane!" Ben shouted, railing against his restraints. "How am I supposed to do this? What about Claire, she needs help!"

Raen looked through the barrier. The shooting had stopped and General Mack was waiting outside the hatch. The barrier disappeared. Raen dragged Claire out of the Pod.

"Let me out of here, you bastard!" Ben shouted.

Raen returned to him while Mack shouted orders from outside.

"You must go," Raen said calmly. "There can be no one else. All will be revealed, Benjamin. I wish you well."

Raen left the Pod, ignoring Ben's heated words and threats. He closed the hatch.

Ben shouted once more then stopped. He knew no one would hear him through the Pod. He had to calm himself and think of a way out. His heart raced once again as the interior of the Pod came to life. Panels on all the walls flashed with lights. A deep bass hum traveled through his body. The last thing he saw was the suit and helmet hanging out of reach on the wall. He had no idea what to expect. No wheelchair. No way back. No Claire.

This was not how this was supposed to happen.