Two newcomers stood out in the haze, by nature of the absurd isolation of each: Nina was sitting alone, with Officer Clarissa standing upright and rigid, cornered behind her, already geared up for the day's shift. Her taser was visible on her belt. Though her back was turned to him, Lester felt a deep remorse at Nina's condition. The biting stress of the title of Lead Engineer—a burden that had since passed to him—had riddled her composition with its stabbing teeth marks. Among those marks were the small, mosquito-like needle marks he could just make out over the patch bump at her hairline, only visible in the light any time she turned. Sitting alone at the end of the pew, she may as well have been on an alien world, abandoned there but for the tired gaze of Clarissa, charged with ensuring the well-being of every member of the station. These were lonely occupations.

To Lester's surprise, Hendrix was not only in attendance, but presently stepping up to the podium. He cleared his throat and leaned low over one elbow.

“Good morning all. In light of yesterday's disappointing announcement, I'd like to make an announcement of my own.” He smiled an awkward smile and then straightened.

He stood to address the crowd.

“This shift marks the eighth since last communication from Earth. I'm tired of avoiding the problem. And I know I'm not alone in thinking it, as I know many of you to have expressed concerns; Something terrible has surely happened, and Command is keeping us in the dark.”

Someone—Lester thought it sounded like the newly trained research assistant, Alex Mack—bluntly agreed: “I think you're entirely right, Hendrix. I think we all do.”

Lester witnessed Michael and Mika briefly enter the small chapel, process their options, and back abruptly out. At least Ell was willing to sit in the same pew as Nina, though pressed to the far side. Meanwhile, Nina was smiling along with the discourse.

Hendrix continued, clearly encouraged by the empathetic crowd. “Any who want to be a part of discussions going forward should join me now. All others are encouraged to leave the chapel. Just for now.” Bold. Lester scanned the room but was surprised to see no dissension.

“We're with you, Hendrix.” Mack again.

Behind Hendrix was the great, glass domed window, symbolic but accommodating for any religion. Stars and stars and stars, slowly revolving. They glowed like buttons and gauges on a control panel. An unimaginable distance, and a view that was getting old.