Cold

Cold

     The captain's cabin was the epitome of convenience and functionality. Each element reflected his taste and style. Inside the cabin there was an atmosphere of coziness balanced with scientific and technical components. In the center stood a large, streamlined silver-colored chair in which Ram made strategic decisions and steered the ship. The chair was equipped with a number of sensors and remote controls for navigation. Next to the chair was a navigation table, on which are located 3D maps, indicators of the status of systems and other important tools for tracking the mission. Ram preferred the old style of work. There was also a stack of papers and a notebook on his desk, adding a personal and emotional touch to his workspace. In the corner of the cabin there was a separate area for rest and sleep. An orthopedic-shaped bed and a soft bed created a zone for physical and psychological recovery. The soft lighting above the bed made it possible to read the documentation before going to sleep. Multiple screens and computers line all the walls, allowing Ram to monitor every aspect of the Celestia system and get the information he needs in real time. Another feature of this place was a large panoramic window that looks directly into space. This window provided an opportunity to enjoy fascinating views of the planets, stars and other objects during the journey. The only thing that caught the eye was the outer frame, which added strength to the glass. The captain's cabin felt a combination of technology and personal comfort, and a small clutter of personal belongings created an atmosphere of a home environment.

     Eva noticed that Ram Brandon had been acting strange since arriving from the Herald. It was clear that something was bothering him. While everyone else was busy preparing for the hyper jump and questioning Lucid, she quietly walked over to him.

• Ram, can we talk? - asked Eva, closing the door behind her.

Ram looked up from his diary and met a look of calm in her eyes.

• Of course, Eva, what's the matter?
• I noticed how you reacted to that poem you saw in the Herald. Maybe you want to share your thoughts? - suggested Eva, sitting down on the opposite side of the table.

Ram paused for a moment, lowering his hand from the work panel. He looked off into the distance, trying to find the words.

• This poem... . I have already heard it somewhere. His words..., they have a deeper meaning - Ram tried to express his confused thoughts.
• Is it somehow related to some moments from the past life?
• Yeah. I think so. It's like I've known it all my life...

     Eva listened attentively to Ram. She cared about his feelings and felt how important it was for Ram to get the gist of the message. His deep, intelligent eyes always found their way to her soul. She sincerely admired the way he steered the ship, how skillfully he solved difficult situations and how he was always serious. To Eva, every moment spent alone with Ram seemed like the most precious gift in the vast space. As a psychologist, she understood how important it is to have a person by your side who you can rely on at any moment.

     Unfortunately, as in real life, it so happened that this love was unrequited. Feeling the constant cold since their training program, Eva hid her feelings. During his story, she noticed his vulnerability and couldn't resist taking his hand. It was unexpected, but Ram did not remove his hand. The sudden silence created discomfort. Eva Nguen thought about how difficult it is to balance her role as a psychologist with her personal feelings. In order not to worsen the situation, it was necessary to break the silence, but Alice's sharp maneuver did it for her. It seems that "Celestia" went to the first stage of Obert.

• Hold on to something! - Alice shouted excitedly to the entire starry sky.

The mobility of the spacecraft amplified the effects of microgravity, making every movement unstable. Together with Ram, they felt every movement of the ship, as if reflecting their own inner turbulence. Eva remained calm. She felt that Ram's hand, which she was holding, became her only support at that moment. After the last push, you could relax. Through the window it could be seen that they were already moving in hyperspace.

     Ram helped Eva sit down. She was worried that he would ask her to leave the cabin after this episode.

• How is the situation there? - Ram asked Alice through remote communication.
• Everything indicates that we succeeded. We're halfway to Astralis! - Dave answered for some reason.
• Ram, maybe I can help you restore your memories - Eva said. - Maybe something in you will cause associations or emotions related to this?

She asked him to suppress his thoughts, to try to recall the images or feelings that arose while reading the poem. She also began to ask about the context of those times and situations that can interact with memories. Along with Eve's efforts, Brandon was trying to remember the source of the poem, and suddenly there was a surprising change in his expression. It seemed to him that he was the voice of the author of these words.

• This is my brother, - Ram replied.
• What? - asked the partner, puzzled by the answer.
• This poem was written by my brother John.
• Do you have a brother?
• I did. He died in a car accident when I was 5 years old.