Alpha team, dressed as smugglers to better go undercover, was on its way to the outpost introduced by Kalahan, on the ship confiscated by the governor. Carter was the pilot of the carrier big enough to transport goods and a small group of passengers, seconded by Sakai. Rousseau and Enedan were seated behind their colleagues. A case containing equipment for the mission was near the passengers.
The ship got out of hyperspace. Maryanne and Akira saw the planet of interest miles ahead.
"Here we are." Maryanne informed. "Tell the Rossbergs to come back here."
Enedan volunteered to be the messenger and left the bridge.
The Rossbergs were having a chat in private, standing near a window in a storage room.
The young one reacted to what his version from the future had just told him, "Wow, I never thought I'd be able to do that."
"There are many things you think you'll never do that you have to do when you face an extreme situation. The good thing is that you learn a lot. About yourself, about the others." the old Rossberg intoned, friendly looking at the other one.
"Some things were ugly, weren't they?" young Philip asked.
"Indeed." old Philip confirmed, sorrowful. He added, in a more positive tone, "But what I understood is that you're... I'm... Well, we're not perfect, though, but we can exceed our expectations. Never fear you're not a brave man, because you are. Maybe you don't see it, but your friends do."
Old Rossberg turned his head towards the doorway, meaning he was referring to the rest of Alpha. Then, he turned back to his younger version, who offered a soft smile.
Rossberg from present had a question, however he wasn't sure. "Could I ask you a question? It may be a delicate one."
"Go ahead." the man with the eye patch invited, tilting his head and fearless.
"How did the rest of Alpha..."
Young Philip shortly lowered his eyes, a bit embarrassed to be curious about how his fellows died in the other timeline.
The other Philip didn't get angry or sad. He was about to explain when Enedan arrived, surprising the two men.
"Sorry to interrupt, gentlemen." the lady apologized from the entrance. "We've arrived. The captain wants everyone in the bridge."
Lieutenant Rossberg, present time, never got the answer to his question.
Probably it was better to not know.