Chapter 55 Chapter 54 Between the Suns

Those Russians, Floyd thought, would miss Walter's singing and one-liners on the trip home.After the excitement of the past few days, the long journey toward the sun — and toward Earth — will look tedious.But a monotonous, peaceful trip is what everyone is desperately looking forward to. He is already feeling drowsy, but is still responsive and aware of his surroundings.When I hibernate I look like... dead?he asked himself.It was always uncomfortable to stare at someone - especially someone very familiar - when he was in his long sleep.Maybe it's because this kind of stimulation makes people imagine their own death.

Kono was fully asleep, while Chandra was still awake, but also unconscious after the last injection.He's clearly not his old self, as he doesn't seem at all shy about being naked and having Katrina around.The golden penis is the only decoration on his body, it is tied around his neck by a chain, and it is floating around him. "Is everything going well, Katerina?" Floyd asked. "It went well. And how I envy you, twenty minutes later, you'll be home." "If it comforts you—how can you be sure we won't have nightmares?" "I have never heard of such a report."

"Ha!—perhaps they've forgotten it when they wake up." As always, Katerina replied seriously, "No way. If you hibernate with dreams, the EEG scanner will show that. Well, Chandra—close your eyes. Ha—he's asleep. Now it's your turn, Heywood, and it's unaccustomed to be without you on board." "Thanks, Katerina...hope you have a nice trip." Although already drowsy, Floyd could still feel that Ludenko, the chief medical officer, seemed a little hesitant, even—is this possible? — a little shy.It looked as if she wanted to tell him something, but hadn't made up her mind yet.

"What's the matter, Katerina?" he asked sleepily. "I haven't told anyone yet—but you're sure not to. A little surprise." "You... better... hurry up and say..." "Max and Rania are getting married." "This...is...a small...surprise?" "No, it's just to prepare you. When we get back to Earth, Walter and I are going to have a wedding. What do you think?" Now I understand why you two always stay together.Yes, this is indeed a surprise... who would have thought that! "I'm... so... glad... to hear... this..."

Floyd's voice broke off before finishing the sentence, but he was not completely unconscious and was still able to focus his scattered thoughts on this new situation. I really can't believe it, he told himself.Walter might change his mind before he woke up. Then, before he fell asleep himself, he had one last thought.If Walter changed his mind, he'd better not wake up. Dr. Heywood Floyd thought that was quite interesting.During the journey back to Earth, the rest of the crew often wondered why he had a smile on his face.