We sized each other up for a while before my new friend popped his helmet off to frown at me.
He wanted to know why a 'kid like me' was risking my neck for him.
Even though I was sick with relief to see another human face, his tone set me off.
I reminded him that I was the one who led him to safety.
He apologized for being short with me, and offered to shake hands.
I took his hand, hoping he wouldn't crush mine with that gauntlet he was still wearing.
We introduced ourselves—he said his name was Gabriel.
For the first time, I was glad for the training we'd had in colonist reintegration.
I could fall back on those conversational prompts, and remember to offer Gabriel food and drink from our stores.
And it felt good to play host.