When I arrived home, I found Niccolo waiting for me. He looked happier than usual
“Come on, I’ll show you your samples.” He said, wheeling himself towards a shelf.
“I don’t need any samples up there.” I chuckled.
“Well, you might when you get back. That’s enough to last you two lifetimes.” He showed me several sealed samples of his DNA.
I didn’t know how to feel about it. “Why have you done all of this?”
“I won’t always be here, you know? I’ll be travelling as well.” He looked up at me.
“I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You already have, Marcus. Personally, the deal worked out better for me. I lent you my body, and you gave me a purpose—a reason to live.” Niccolo smiled.
On the day of the launch, I entered the building as usual. Roberto, the Medical Examiner, handed me a sample cup as soon as he saw me.
“What’s this?” I asked him
“New policy.” He replied.
To my dismay, I hadn’t brought any of Niccolo’s samples with me that day. I had assumed wrong. I couldn’t do anything but give him my sample.
Roberto ran the test it, and the screen flashed “Invalid”.
“My son is a big fan of yours.” He said, looking at me. “He wants to work here. Unfortunately, he’s not that qualified.” He continued.
“Well, we can’t really tell what a person is capable of doing.” I said. “Have you always known, Roberto?” I looked at him.
“You don’t want to miss your flight, Marcus.” He gave me a smile before turning away.
I made my way aboard the spaceship. Madeline was already there, along with five other APEXIS workers. As the spaceship slowly lifted into space, I found it hard to leave Earth, for someone who was never meant to belong there. I supposed that’s all I ever wanted, to go home to the stars.