I should be focusing on my footing but instead I keep looking up at the stars, all at once in amazement and terrified by how far away the stars are, now. How can it be that it was going to take 120 years to get from Earth to our new colony and I'm here, barely having blinked, right now?

I think I must be losing my mind but I have no choice but to go with it, leaning against Hawkeye and feeling somewhat comforted by his touch. It makes me realize how long it has been since someone touched me. Before today – tonight?- – and meeting Gus, it had been months since Jim and I's skin touched except by accident.

"I'm okay," I say, as much to myself as to him.