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Mars Colony II, Mars – 4053

Dr. Rodriguez looked up from the the medical report on his screen and smiled reassuringly at the worried parents who sat on the other side of the desk. “Don’t worry, Mr. and Mrs. Winters. Aiden is responding very well to treatments and shouldn’t have any more troubles adapting to life here on Mars. He’s resting now, but you should be able to visit him shortly.”

Cameron and Nancy Winters smiled in relief and took their first deep breath since arriving at the Mars Colony a week ago.

“There is, however, something else you probably should know.” Seeing the distress and worry return to their faces, he hurried to reassure them. “Oh no, it’s nothing bad. In fact, it’s very good, if anything. While Aiden was staying with us, he got to know a few of the doctors and scientists here, and they’ve been telling me how smart he is. Even though he's so young, he’s been helping them out in our lab facility and having a grand ol' time. They plan on having him take some tests to be sure, but it’s possible your son is quite the genius, Mr. and Mrs. Winters.”

Cameron and Nancy looked at each other with a little surprise. “We…we always knew he was a fast learner, but we never imagined…” Nancy managed to say.

Dr. Rodriguez smiled at them just as a friendly-faced nurse walked into the room. He stood up, and the parents did as well. “Nurse Allen will show you to Aiden's room. If you have any more questions or problems, don’t hesitate to notify us. It's been a pleasure meeting you”

A bit bewildered, the parents followed the nurse out of the office and down the brightly lit, white hallway to where their son slept peacefully in his hospital bed.

Five-year-old Aiden woke at the sound of glass doors sliding open and rubbed his eyes sleepily. “Mommy? Daddy?” he mumbled as one hand reached down to the floor to feel for the teddy bear that had fallen off the bed.

Nancy smiled and handed him the bear. “We’re just here to say goodnight. We’ll be taking you home tomorrow, okay? Brian and Stacy can’t wait until their brother’s home – they’ve been asking about you every day. Stacy even saved some of her dessert for you.” Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she leaned down to kiss his forehead, wrapping the warm quilt tighter around him. “How are you feeling?”

“Sleepy,” he mumbled, holding the stuffed animal close to him.

Cameron chuckled and smoothed back Aiden’s black curls. “Goodnight, little man.”

“Daddy?”

“Yeah?” Cameron asked, placing a hand on Nancy’s shoulder as both parents looked down lovingly at their son. “What is it?”

“I want to be a scientist when I grow up. They’re really smart. And I like their toys,” Aiden said, yawning widely before closing his eyes and quickly falling asleep again.

His parents looked at each other and smiled.