Starpoint Center: Class Zero

Starpoint Center: Class Zero

After each of the instructors spoke about their departments and the schedule, Ironsides took the podium. The room changed. “For those who don’t know who I am, they call me “Ironsides.” I built this place for one reason. “I was in a habitat module in orbit when the breach alarm sounded. I’ll never forget the look of surprise on the engineer’s face. I’ll never forget the look on his parents’ faces when I met them at the funeral after I spent nineteen days awaiting rescue with their son’s body tethered to the bulkhead so it wouldn’t drift. “I have lived longer than any other active spacer. I made it to retirement. I’d like to say that I’m still here because of sheer willpower, or because of my skills, but, while each played a role, so did sheer luck. “I built this place because I never wanted to see that look on anyone’s face ever again. We are here to prepare you. We are here to turn you into spacers. We are here to turn over Earth’s future. “But do not fool yourself. You will be working in the most lethal environment imaginable. It is as if space will hunt you, looking for the slightest weakness to turn to its advantage. “If we do our jobs right, you will never have that look of surprise on your face. If we really do our jobs right, maybe we can lessen the role luck plays in helping you survive. You are the first to accept the challenge of Starpoint Center. To prepare to live among the stars.” He had spoken for four minutes. No one fidgeted. After Caldwell left the podium, Bird stayed in his seat.