As happens often in science, new results lead to more questions than they answer in the first place. Mil rechecks her measurements for the third time, as she doubts her method and accuracy. But the fact remains: The drill cores Koshi brought in yesterday show exactly 78 growth rings, all of them. Well, there are a few cores where the captain missed the pith or didn't drill deep enough, but all in all, this can't be coincidence. One more time she replays the recording of Koshi's camera.

She can't find any visible indications for a forest fire or another major natural event of destruction. But 78 years ago, something certainly cleared the area where the young forest grows, completely. On the other hand, all 23 tree species are accounted for. Mil can't rid herself of the feeling an important detail slips her attention. Maybe Koshi is right after all, and this is really a nursery?

Dray enters the lab and let's herself drop into a chair with a deep sigh. She passed her day with Carlos, helping him to convert the secondary engine. Mil is anxious to hear the news.

"Did you succeed with the conversion?"

"It's a huge effort and a lot of work. But Carlos is optimistic we are almost done. He starts to program the test runs now. That's where I fled the scene. You know how he gets."

Mil smiles. Yes, she knows exactly how Carlos is in situations like these. As long as he is absorbed by his work, he won't react on a question or accept any kind of distraction. The only exception to this rule applies when someone hands him a cup of coffee. Nevertheless, Mil likes the technician. Dray, who never ceased to observe her, smiles weakly. She seems to read Mil's thoughts.

"You like him, don't you? I mean, really like him."

Mil looks at Dray in surprise. This is the first time the pilot asks her a personal question. In addition, she sounds honestly interested. Mil suppresses the usual snappish response reserved for her colleague. The habit is old and needs an effort breaking.

"Yes, I think I'm falling for Carlos. I like his humour and these incredible archaic expressions he tends to use all the time. He makes me laugh."

"Did you ever tell him?"

"No, of course not. This would be terribly embarrassing. Besides, he only has eyes for his engines. And I don't believe Koshi would accept a romantic engagement between two crew members."

Dray leans back with a thoughtful expression. With vacant eyes, she plaits a loose strand of her blond hair into a tiny braid, just to reopen it immediately.

"I don't know. The issue with the accumulator worries me. What if we really are stranded here on Emerald? Or if something goes wrong during take off? We don't know if we get out of this alive. Maybe we should start to make the best of the time we still have."

Mil stares at her colleague speechless. She never expected the always cynic Dray to be capable of such thoughts. The pilot laughs embarrassed and brushes aside the strand of hair.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. Forget it."

"You don't have to apologise. I'm well aware about our situation and chances. I can read and Spacecorp fitted the ship with an excellent library, even if I don't know why they went to the expense. I just realised that we never talked like this before, it's a nice change. Whom have you set your eyes on? The captain?"

"Koshi is hot, admittedly. But to be honest I prefer Andrej. And don't tell me he's too old for me. I like his laugh lines and his quiet demeanour. I always expected the two of you to start something together, amongst scientists. Did you never even consider it?"

Mil stares at the floor, blushing. Of course she considered it, she even dreamed about it. Her flustered expression makes Dray laugh. Mil joins in, relieved. Laughing feels good.

"Yes, I have. Who wouldn't? But all in all Carlos is more my type of man. I'll stick to the southerner and leave Andrej's beautiful eyes for you. Deal? But what about Koshi?"

"You said it yourself, he is against relationships. But we could keep him for dessert, what do you think? Besides, I doubt that one of us would be enough to satisfy his elaborate demands."

For the first time during their acquaintance Mil and Dray can't help laughing together. This is the moment Andrej chooses to enter the lab. The astrophysicist eyes them with raised brows.

"Is there a reason for this outburst of happiness? If yes, I'd like to join the party."

Mil winks at Dray in conspiracy. She stands up and offers Andrej her vacant seat beside the pilot.

"We just discussed some ideas and personal preferences, nothing important. I'll go check on Carlos before he dismantles the whole ship."