BeamLog message: 08/10–2165

  Recipient: Dr. Ohemah Okine

  The feed crackles on. A young man with brown skin and lighter hair squints into the lens, then breaks into a quick, lopsided smile. He waves awkwardly.

  "Hey Doc! Just wanted to give you an update. We made it safe, signed the papers, and... yeah, we're officially enrolled in the EMI Asteroid Program. School starts tomorrow. They don't waste time out here."

  He tilts the camera, catching a glimpse of the station window behind him, faint lights drifting past in the dark.

  "Callisto Station 7 is—well, the ads kind of exaggerate. They show off the Jupiter research labs and the comms hub, all the shiny brainy stuff. But honestly? That's just a sliver of it. Most of the place is mining. At least two-thirds of the docks are EVA mechs and rock-haulers. Everything's modular, pieces slotting in and out like bricks. Not always pretty, but it works. In space, function beats pretty."

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  He shrugs, grin flashing again.

  "Inside, though? It's crazy nice. Gravity gyms, sports facilities, cryo tanks—EMI really doesn't want us getting out of shape. Entertainment feeds from Earth, too; anything you want. Though... what you get access to depends on how well you're doing. Housing, food, leisure—it's all performance-based."

  He pauses, scratching his neck, then leans closer, lowering his voice just a little.

  "They call the station The Bloom because it keeps growing new spheres in every direction. Supposed to look like a flower, if you squint. Guess it's poetic, for a mining hub."

  He glances off-screen, softer now.

  "Jamaal's loving it. He's never seen so many analog instruments—says he might be able to lease some if he scores high enough."

  There's a flicker in his expression, a hesitation before he continues.

  "I'm... doing alright too. I like the mech classes. Figuring out the modules feels like solving puzzles, but with giant machines. It's cool. Keeps me busy."

  He lifts his hand in a wave, suddenly shy.

  "Anyway, I hope everyone back home is okay. Tell the kids I said hi. I'll send more when I can."

  The smile lingers a beat too long before the feed clicks out.