Pathfinder

-Morning. -Morning.

What's this?

It's just some paperwork for you to sign.

What? You're canceling our cruise to the Bahamas?

If you're going back to space, it doesn't make much sense, does it?

-Wait, what? -So which mission is it gonna be?

You've already been to the moon, so that's out of the question.

And Skylab, you know, is doing good work,

but let's be honest, it's far too boring for you.

So I'm guessing the first flight of Pathfinder, yeah?

I mean, you know, it's cutting-edge technology

filled with stuff that can malfunction.

It's a test pilot's dream.

Karen, I'm not going back. I'm perfectly happy--

No, you're not, Ed.

You made that very clear last night.

What are you talking about?

You said you made a promise to yourself

that you would never leave me and Kelly alone,

no matter what you had to give up.

Come on. I was very upset, and I overreacted.

And you said exactly what you feel.

-What I meant was-- -I know what you meant, Ed.

It's not just... that.

You don't think I notice the look in your eyes at every launch.

Or when you talk about Pathfinder.

We raised a wonderful daughter.

And you've been there for her every step of the way.

And now she's going off to live her dreams,

and there's no reason that you shouldn't too.

I won't put you through that again.

I can handle it.

But you should know, it's gonna be different this time.

You know, I have a business to run.

So I can't sit by a squawk box all day and night wondering if you're okay.

It's not that I don't support you.

I do.

I can't get sucked into all of that again.

I can't.

Then...

I shouldn't go.

Yes, you should.

Do you really think you can sit behind a desk from 8:00 to 6:00

for another 15 years?

You really think--

Yes. I do.

I said I can handle it.

And I will.

Sometimes you just gotta stop wringing your hands...

and fly, or nothing gets done.

Roger that, Gordo.

It's refreshing to have you back in the saddle.

It's good to be back.

I miss you hard chargers. Test pilots.

Yeah, we like to push everything to the fire wall, all right.

Amen.

You good with this suit, Gordo?

If not, we could put you into one of the old A7LB's.

I like it.

Can raise my hands a lot higher.

Gotta say though, don't much like this turtle shell.

Durability comes with a price.

But be sure you're comfortable.

You'll be spending a lot of time in one of these.

Loving every minute, thinking of you.

You never give up, do you?

Charm looms large in my legend.

Just the brain bucket and you're ready to rock.

About time.

You okay? All good?

I can't hear you.

Comm's on.

Gordo, are you okay in there?

Yeah, I'm good.

Comm's cut out.

-You look a little flushed. -Yeah, it's kinda hot in there.

We'll swap out the CCA and get you rolling inside ten minutes.

That's a no go.

Might have to scrub this for today.

I just remembered I'm due over at building 9.

I gotta take a leak, and I'm not gonna use the damn MAG.

I'm telling you, Dan, keep an eye on her.

I know Annapolis has changed and everything,

but it hasn't changed that much.

Don't let any of those midshipmen razz my daughter, okay?

Aye, aye, sir.

Hey, hey! Where you going with that?

-Hi, Bob. -Hi, Bob.

Hi, Bob!

Grab a glass.

What are we celebrating?

Well...

two old-timers managed to finish first and second on their proficiency tests.

I will drink to that.

Y'all did good.

Waxed the tails of those pimply-faced rookies.

Expected nothing less.

Okay, now what are we drinking to this time?

Someone we all know and love and deeply admire.

One of the greatest,

if... not the greatest astronaut of our time

has decided to return to space and command Pathfinder.

Neil Armstrong.

Frank Sedgewick.

Fuck y'all. I'm going back.

We heard. We heard.

Yeah, word travels fast.

Hey, I thought you didn't miss it and you had no desire to go back?

You inspired me.

So, you gave yourself Pathfinder.

Must be nice to be king.

What can I say? I got an eye for spotting talent, like with you guys.

I meant what I said. Y'all did great.

I mean, that's a bit of a challenge.

After all those years, just jump right back into the deep end

and making it look easy.

It's impressive.

You okay, Gordo?

Yeah.

Something I should know about?

No.

Okay.

I mean-- It's just...

I had a weird little moment in my suit today.

-Weird moment? Where? -Like what?

It was nothing. It was just...

I felt trapped and short of breath and...

I had to...

I had to take my helmet off.

-Yeah. -Did you tell anybody else about this?

Course not.

You didn't... see anything?

Oh, no. No, it was nothing like that.

Trust me, it's just, you know,

like I said, felt a little hemmed in.

Yeah.

Look, what happened up there was nine years ago.

You're not that guy.

-I know. -You're a different person now.

And you've been to therapy. You've dealt with your issues.

Oh, yeah. I know.

You finally cut the cord with Tracy.

I mean, you're on the upswing, buddy. You're getting your mojo back!

I am. I haven't felt this good in years.

-It was just a moment, is all. -Yeah.

No biggie.

-Good. Good. Glad to hear it. -No biggie.

How you holding up?

Fine. Feels good to be back.

I gotta go to Dallas to see Clayton's sister tomorrow,

take care of some family business.

Really not looking forward to it.

All right.

So, Ed, now that you are stepping out...

who's taking over the Astronaut Office?

Molly?

Ed? Is that you?

Yep.

Come on in. I'm in here.

You always leave the door open while you're bathing alone?

Who says I'm alone?

Golly gee. Visitation from the chief astronaut.

To what do I owe this honor?

You missed our golf game again, so I thought I'd check in.

Right. You wanna get a beer before you drop the other shoe, or...

No. I'm just... Well, a beer is fine.

Forgive me for not getting up. Gravity's a bitch.

I'm here to put you back to work.

This wild, happy, free life has got to stop.

Why do I think I am not gonna like this?

Because you know me.

I want you to run the Astronaut Office.

Me run the Astronaut Office. What the hell for?

Well, someone just put me in command of Pathfinder.

Wow.

You just assigned yourself the command of the E ticket ride of the decade.

Yep. Just like you told me to.

Jesus Christ. You weren't supposed to listen to me.

I was just messing with you.

Well, you were right.

And assigning your own missions is one of the perks of the job.

That's a pretty ballsy move, Ed.

You've never flown a shuttle.

No one's flown Pathfinder.

Looks to me like you just handed yourself a golden opportunity to screw the pooch.

Always the optimist.

So what do you say?

I say no to that crown of thorns.

Look, don't overlook the upside.

Homage from favor seekers.

Opportunities to wreak vengeance on people who cross you.

That sounds fun.

But no. No.

I just wanna fly.

So, fly.

You assign your own flights. When your six-month medical hold ends...

I pull a Baldwin?

Put myself in the coolest thing flying?

You bastard.

You start in a week. You can thank me later.