Outside

“What kinda a joke is this?” Amanada asked “I’m all in favor of male astronauts... but you’re sticking me with a kid.”

“He’s a board certified general practitioner and has completed all the necessary training for admittance to the astronaut corps.”

“Linda, he looks like he could be my kid. I am not having him on my crew.”

Linda shook her head

“Amanda, the only option is to bump up ether Cindy or Tamra from the next mission. And they’re both down in Antarctica...”

“...because they’re training for a polar landing...” Amanda finished.

“Why him?”

“I called every doctor on the roster, he’s the only one who said yes. So it’s ether him, or none of you are going to Venus.”

Amanda shook her head in defeat.

“Great, let’s you aquatinted with your new medical officer.” Linda said before leading Amanda back inside.

“Soo... what’s your story, sweet-cheeks?” Chloe asked.

“That would “Captain Sweet-cheeks” to you, Lieutenant...” the boy said.

“...Yes Ma’am...”

“Will the four of you stop gawking, for fuck’s sake, you look like you’ve never seen a man before...” Amanda barked.

She looked over the young lady.

“Captain? Did I hear that right?” She asked him.

“Yes Sir, Royal Air **** medical wing.”

“You ever reattached a leg in a combat zone?” Another member of the crew, Sarah, asked.

“Twice.” Charlie said with a smirk.

“You understand that you will be spending the better part of two years cooped up with the five of us?”

“I believe I can handle it...” he said.

“Sorry to interrupt, Doctor.” Linda said “But we have a press conference to get to...”