Both men turned at the sudden noise from a shelf above them. Captain Benteen appeared and stared down at them.

DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!

PLEASE... PLEASE, I...

I WANT TO GO HOME.

"We must hurry."

Benteen scrambled down and the three men raced to the ship.

Once inside, Sloane left to go to the Pilots section. But through the radio the crew could hear the shouts of the colonists.

"You are coming with us...We missed you!

We wanted you to come ...we kept waiting!"

The copilot turned to him with a rueful grin. "We are really packed in. They are going to be sleeping in the hallways."

The ship accelerated and started on its journey

A report that everyone is safe and accounted for. Sloane leaned back in his harness and sighed. The few minutes of getting Benteen to go with them cost them several crucial minutes. As irritating As Benteen had been, Sloane was pleased the man had come to his senses and left with them. The thought of leaving someone on that barren planet was disturbing.

He opened a microphone to the colonists.

"Good evening. Everything went off well. I am sorry for the cramped quarters. When Earth heard of your messages, they realized you were in grave danger, and we needed to get you as soon as possible. A larger ship is on its way. The ship has a full medical team and people to help you acclimate to what you will face on Earth. The government has inquiries from thousands of people all over the world. You will need to get used to people again. On a personal note, we have shower facilities on a limited basis. You will all have to take turns."

Food was no problem, they brought plenty. The weight situation was carefully planned in. The colonists will need updated inoculations and study plans to prepare them for Earth.

The colonists cheered. At this point they were up for any challenge.

After a meal and rest, Sloane walked into the Rec Room. It would be crowded for the next few weeks. The joke about camping in the hallways was not too farfetched.

The guests were watching a video movie of the Everglades. The passengers seemed fascinated with a flock of white egrets in flight. History documentaries and Movies were available, but they only wanted views of the world they were rejoining.

Sloane watched from the doorway and walked off. Time for coffee.

""May I speak to you?" Benteen appeared in the hallway. His hair was still wet.

Sloane nodded and lead Benteen to a private room on the ship.

Benteen started to speak but could not.

Sloane spoke first. "Enjoyed your shower?"

Benteen smiled and nodded. "It was incredible."

"Colonel, I wanted to thank you for coming to get me. I was so very arrogant and rude to you."

Sloane smiled." No need to apologize. In some ways the world was home to you. It will be hard to leave and start over."

."I was disturbed when Al had that Magnesium band for his arm. I realized everything we knew was outdated and obsolete. Some of these people I have watched grow up. They are like my children."

Sloane replied. "Yes, I do understand. But every parent must let their children go. The fact everyone has survived proves how tough they are. They have people waiting for them. They won't be alone."

Benteen shook his head. "Except for me. I have no ties to anyone."

Sloane said. "They will not be gone forever. With our video advancements you can call them whenever you want. I think everyone will want to stay connected with each other. This is a huge world ahead of you. You can travel, see it all. Learn of new advancements, go on publicity shows. There is no limit to what is ahead of you."

Benteen stated "This is silly" he hesitated. "But..."

Sloane tried to appear interested but not pushy.

Benteen continued, "I had a daydream. I had it often. I was near an old, covered bridge. I was in its shade, painting."

"Do you paint?"

Benteen shook his head. "No, I don't."

Sloane said, "Do you know this bridge?"

Benteen said " No, I saw a photo once. But it is real. I could hear the water of the creek. A barn owl in the rafters. Cows with calves in the pasture next to me. The grass was an incredible green, the sky was blue with white clouds."

Sloane said "You have two goals already. Learn to paint. Find the Bridge"

Benteen smiled "I guess I will."

Benteen explored the hallways. He had a wonderful meal with a slice of apple pie. Even frozen, the fruit dessert was an incredible luxury. The struggle to keep even the basic foods growing in the merciless double suns.

Walking down the hallway he heard a burst of laughter from the Rec Room. He stopped. He felt he had no real place with them anymore, the former colonists. They all voted against him, and he felt they betrayed him. They were ungrateful for all he did for them. But could he truly blame them? Rescue from that hellish world was a nightly dream for all, even him. They still had goals and ambitions. The Space Agency promised to provide for everyone. They could see their lives and their youthful dreams ahead of them. They viewed Earth as a new beginning, not an ending.

Benteen wanted that too. He remembered himself, that young man of years ago who felt himself with no limits.

But he was the Captain Benteen. For years he struggled in his leadership. He had to be strict and strong for his people.

Could he give that up and start his life over? Give up like an unwanted burden the responsibility, the pressure of command. Such a heavy load. He felt so tired and old. Could he go in that room and settle in with a cold drink and simply relax and enjoy?

He wanted that freedom. He had not laughed in years. He would have to find his laughter again.