- The PRC demands CNSA remove Mei Chen from her assignment as an Atlas CAPCOM, which upsets Lu as they are secret lovers. Emma and Jack Willmore coordinate a private clandestine phone call so that Mei and Lu can say goodbye until they meet again on Earth. Meanwhile, Matt enters physical therapy and learns his doctor is not optimistic about his recovery of ability to walk.
- The People's Republic of China (PRC) orders CNSA to remove Mei Chen (Nadia Hatta) from her assignment as an Atlas CAPCOM, when they discover Lu, who is married, and Mei are secret lovers. Mei and Lu met 2 yrs ago when Lu was trying to learn English to prepare for the mission. If Lu doesn't pick up the language, she will be replaced on the mission. Mei taught her (by taking her to western karaoke bars and singing popular western songs on the mike in a private room, as that's how Mei learnt English when she first came to the USA) and they fell in love. They share many interests such as calligraphy and the love for space travel. Lu is initially worried about dishonoring her husband, her son and her country.. but she gives in to temptation. They get close to each other when Mei asks Lu to teach her calligraphy. Lu is distraught and loses all focus in the mission. Her request to speak to Mei one last time is denied by the Chinese Govt.
Jack Willmore, NASA (who was in command of the Lunar base when Atlas took off and is now back on Earth), takes Mei's place and outs Lu's affair to the crew (at a poker game with Misha, Kwesi and Ram). Michsa knows Lu's husband and son, and refuses to believe this dirty rumor. Lu is distraught that her every call is monitored and that she is forbidden from speaking to Mei. So, she reaches out to Misha to help her create a private communications channel. Misha refuses to help Lu to cheat on her husband. Lu is angry as she thinks Emma told the crew about her affair with Mei. Emma finds from Ram and Kwesi that Lu is gay.
Emma speaks to Jack and tells him off for outing Lu, just so he could score some points with the boys. Now Lu has to endure years with the crew in a super confined space, who know her deepest secret. Emma then reaches out to Lu and promises her that her private matters will be respected by the crew. She also praises Mei's stint as CAPCOM.
Jack understands that he overstepped a line. To make amends, Emma and Jack coordinate a clandestine phone call so that Mei and Lu can say goodbye until they meet again on Earth. Lu makes amends with Kwesi and Ram, who also apologize to Lu.. But Misha is unforgiving towards Lu. Lu and Mei speak. Mei has been assigned to a desk job, but is safe. Lu promises to be with Mei once she is back on Earth.
Meanwhile, Matt enters physical therapy and is told his doctor is not optimistic about recovery of his ability to walk. After intense physical therapy, his upper body scores are good, but lower body scores, specifically his left leg scores are bad. The doctor (Madigan) says that the recovery can take years. He is likely to be in the hospital for months and he may never walk again.
Melissa, who is Emma's crew support in taking care of Matt and Alexis, tries to help Alexis resume normal schooling. She had already missed 3 weeks of school and was helping Matt with the rehab. Matt and Emma think that Alexis has become too comfortable being the "boss" at the hospital since both her parents are not around. Alexis is playing Emma's role in her absence. Matt decides that Alexis needs to start school stat.
Alexis enjoys her first day back at school, but feels guilty as she feels she needs to be with her father.. Matt comforts her. Alexis meets a cute boy at school. Matt tells Emma that he may never walk again. He doesn't want Emma to try and "fix" this.
7 months to Mars and 2 yrs after that to come back to Earth.
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