Second generation, p.9
Second Generation, page 9
“What d’you mean, Leo?”
“I’m a back up that no one wants to have to use. I’m not wanted on the crew, so I’ll be here to check the data when you all arrive on Earth.”
“That’s not true,” said Feng emphatically. “None of us can figure out why you’re not coming with us.”
Leo raised a suspicious eyebrow at his friend, “Really? I can tell you. It’s because there’s no point. I can tell you what little I know from here.” The only thing he couldn’t figure out was why no one had been identified to lead the landing party. Stefanie van Rhoon would stay with the Armstrong, in orbit. Pawel would stay on the space station, to conduct a complete survey and overhaul of all systems. No one knew who’d supervise those landing on Earth, though he had a good idea.
“You know way more about Earth now than any of us. Why would we have to wait for your views on a half hour delay? Doesn’t make any sense. Besides, we can all see how much you want to be there.”
Leo stood. He felt sick. “Someone can’t see it,” he said and walked away.
Leo felt guilty for walking out on his friend, but Feng had touched a raw nerve. He had been trying to act professionally, to be as helpful as he could to the chosen crew. He wanted to help. And he’d felt so much more relevant and useful than he’d ever done before. But it didn’t stop him from feeling the injustice of exclusion from the crew themselves. He wanted to go. He’d never really understood what he wanted until the opportunity presented itself, only to be withheld. His estranged partner, Georgia was going. His daughter was going, even his best friend was going. But not him.
Why?
Had he been too idle, wasting his hours in the observatory while others toiled to build Tithonium? He’d spent so long hiding away in that observatory, failing to contribute anything to life on Mars. It was little wonder that other Martians questioned his worth. Perhaps the new relevance of his findings should make up for that. Or did the selection committee only want ‘doers’ not ‘dreamers.’
Leo noticed it was time for his daily catch-up call to Peter and Jan on the polar expedition. He told himself to stop being so negative. He’d been given a role. A job with a purpose which he should get on and perform. He found a private corner of the Tech Dome to set up his tablet’s projector and made the connection. Peter looked tired. They had been travelling in their rover train for two weeks and they were only just over halfway. It had taken over a day just to climb out of Tithonium Chasma.
“Hi Peter, how’s it going?” asked Leo, hoping Peter wouldn’t ask him the same thing.
“We’ve been weaving in and out of fossae all day and all yesterday. Still no end to them.”
“Fossae?”
“Cracks in the Martian crust. Ridges and steep valleys. Easier to go along them than over them, but they never line up with where we’re going.”
“How about you and the others?”
“We’ve gone past the pleasantries and now we’re beginning to get on each other’s nerves. No personal space. Nowhere to go stretch and take a walk unless we kit up and go outside.”
“Some of the Earth crew are getting tetchy as well,” said Leo. “Katya was having a go at Pawel about the mods for the shuttle earlier.” He was getting tetchy too but didn’t want to admit it.
“At least they’ll have an exercise chamber on the Armstrong, and a private hammock screened off.”
“They’ve got to do that for a minimum of four months. Each way.”
“Hmm. Maybe we have got it easier.”
“It’ll be worth it when you get there. Hal’s been looking for other tunnels already. Thinks he may have found one.”
“Yes, we heard. Running away from the pole at an angle to the first one. He’s going to make a circuit of the pole before we reach him, see if there are any more.”
“Any more thoughts on those shells he found?”
“Bimpe reckons they’re a close match to the imprints in that stone you gave her.”
“Interesting. How old could they be?”
“We’re trying to date the stone. The shells Hal found should be much more recent, but things can last a long time in the ice.”
Tech Dome, Tithonium City, Mars – Demetria Philippou
“Hold still!” complained Demetria.
“My arm’s aching,” said Chen.
“Tough. I’ve more measurements to take.” Demetria adjusted the laser measure to scan the mocked up robotic arm against Chen’s real arm. They were designing powered exoskeletons to help them deal with the punishing Earth gravity. They would feel twice as heavy there than they did on Mars. Stef would feel it just as badly as the rest of them, despite being born there. She had spent the last forty Earth years enjoying Martian gravity and her muscles had adjusted. She also admitted to being ‘no spring chicken,’ though Demetria thought she still looked fit.
Ursula had a large headset on, her face buried in a cluster of screens, designing the interface between the AI processor and the exoskeleton. It needed to allow them to move as freely as possible, while supporting them against the crushing weight. If Chen could design sufficiently powerful batteries and motors, then it would allow them to lift well above their normal muscle capacity.
“Please?” pleaded Chen.
“One more minute,” said Demetria, intending to take several. She didn’t want to rush and get it wrong.
Chen made sad puppy eyes at her, and she cracked a smile. “So cruel,” he whined.
“A little discomfort here and it’ll save a lot when we get there.”
“Ursula doesn’t look too comfortable,” he muttered under his breath.
“I think she had another row with Lena.”
“Does Lena make Ursula hold her arm up for hours and hours?”
“I think Lena’s been complaining about how little she sees of Ursula since she’s been on the crew.”
“She won’t see Ursula for a year or more once we take off.”
“That’s the point. Lena wants to see more of Ursula now, not less.”
“My ears are burning,” called Ursula over her array of screens. “Just because I have this headset on, doesn’t mean I can’t hear my name.”
“Just about to give you another data set for Chen’s arms, Ursula,” said Demetria, while giving Chen a look that said ‘damn, caught out!’
“Uh-huh. And what’s that to do with my private life with Lena?”
“Sorry Ursula. Couldn’t help noticing you were looking down today.”
“Me? I’m fine. It’s Lena who has the hump. Anyone fancy getting shit-faced on shots tonight?”
“Er…” Demetria knew Ursula could drink most people under the table and look around for more.
“Come on, don’t be a pussy-cat.”
“Yeah, come on Demetria,” grinned Chen. “Team building!”
Demetria scowled at Chen, then relinquished. “Just a couple.” Perhaps it would be a good idea to let Ursula tell them her side of the story. Perhaps…
Wild Wild Rust, Tithonium City, Mars – Demetria Philippou
“…another one bites the dust. And another one gone, and another one gone, another one bites the dust. Hey!”
“This was a bad idea,” Demetria shouted at Chen over the pandemonium. Ursula was standing on the table, singing while challenging everyone to down their shots. About half the people in the bar were singing along and trying to keep up with her while the other half looked like they were about to leave. Demetria wanted to go with them, but Chen pleaded with her to stay.
“Ah, come on Demetria,” said Chen. “Ursula’s a laugh.”
“Ursula’s a mad woman. Someone’ll complain and then there’ll be a citizen’s arrest.” She knew most people turned a blind eye so long as no one was in danger of getting hurt, but she didn’t want to hang around and find out.
There was a huge cheer as Ursula downed two more shots in succession then leaped to the floor and bowed. “Come on, Demetria, you’re behind,” she grinned, gesturing at the full glass in Demetria’s hand.
“How many have you had?” asked Demetria.
Ursula started counting off her fingers. When she ran out of fingers, she grabbed Chen’s and started counting off his.
“Come with me, Ursula,” said Demetria, going into medical care mode. “We’re going for a walk.”
“Where?”
“Central Park.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m your crewmate and you’re going to tell me all about yourself.”
Ursula stood for a moment, considering this, a serious frown beneath her stray strawberry blonde locks. “Okay,” she announced and put her arm around Demetria, steering them purposefully at the door.
Demetria gave Chen a wave as she was bustled out of the bar.
“No one was keeping up with me anyway. Time to move on,” said Ursula. “So, what do you want to know?”
“What makes you want to go to Earth?” asked Demetria.
“It’ll be different.”
“Different?”
“I want to explore.”
“What if it’s dead?”
“Then I get to find out and I’ll have more stories to tell. Anyway, can’t be more dead than Mars.”
“We’re bringing Mars to life. And look what we found at the pole.”
“Tithonium’s a small city. Mars is a small planet. I want more than a pile of dead bugs in an ice tunnel.” Ursula stopped suddenly, looking around her. She still had her arm around Demetria. Demetria wondered if it was for physical or emotional support. “I want more,” Ursula whispered.
“There was nothing here when my grandparents arrived. It’s a miracle we have so much now.”
“I know. But it doesn’t stop me wanting more,” she said quietly. She saw a bench nearby, under a night-light. She walked over and sat. Demetria joined her. “Lena wants me to spend more time with her. The more she says it, the more I want to do the opposite. I suppose you think I’m being mean.”
“I think you’re being honest,” said Demetria, diplomatically.
“If I were honest…” Ursula paused, “…then I’d tell Lena I love her… but I feel suffocated by the idea of settling down.”
Demetria put her hand on Ursula’s shoulder.
Ursula surreptitiously wiped a tear from her cheek and blew out her cheeks. “Well, better go get some shut eye. Got a whole bunch of ergonomic data to crunch tomorrow.” She stood up, remarkably steady for someone who’d had umpteen shots, and smiled at Demetria. “Thanks kid. See-ya tomorrow.” Then she turned and walked off into the park.
Demetria sat quietly by herself for a while. It rarely occurred to her to feel unsafe at night in the park by herself. She was not naïve. She knew the citizens had been spared most of the worst of Earth society so far. Perhaps it was early days. Perhaps they were simply unaware of what may already be happening. But while Tithonium was still a ‘small city’ as Ursula had said, it was difficult to commit any atrocity without someone finding out. And once one person knew, then everyone else would swiftly after. It seemed the Bhanu’s of their world had an important role in passing on knowledge of what everyone was up to. It may feel like tittle-tattle, but it kept them safe from nasty secrets. So far.
That same small world mentality was suffocating for some, like Ursula. It was good that it drove her to explore, but it was hard on her relationship with Lena. Hard on both. How much smaller would life on the Armstrong feel? Building equipment to take them to Earth was a technical challenge, but by far the greater challenge would be building the team to go there.
8
Countdown
Elder Chamber, Tithonium City, Mars – Leo Meier
Leo was angry. He’d been summoned by Verena. He was twenty Martian years old, and he was still at his mother’s beck and call. He climbed the final steps to the Elder Chamber, expecting to find her discussing the next phase of expansion with Lena. No doubt to demonstrate that he was a spare part, invited to watch real work. Instead, he was greeted by the full Earth Mission Committee. Verena sat at the back of the chamber and nodded to Leo. Her face was blank, unreadable.
“Thank you for coming, Leo,” said Trish. “Please sit with us.” She indicated a gap on the inner ring of benches among them.
Leo looked at the faces, wondering what the committee members could want with him. Did they think he was failing in his role? Had he been summoned to be told his input was no longer wanted? He sat, frowning.
“We are inviting you to apply for a special role,” said Trish.
That sounded like a euphemism for moving him sideways, to a place where he could do less harm. He glowered, bracing himself.
Trish seemed alert to his mood. “It is a crucial role, Leo. One we have been debating since the first interviews for the crew. One for which we have been unable to invite a suitable candidate… until now,” she glanced over her shoulder at Verena, who remained silent, impassive.
Leo looked between his mentor and his mother, wondering what was going on.
“We would like you to apply to lead the landing party on Earth,” said Gabriela Hunter, straight to the point.
Leo almost fell backwards off his bench. That was the key role everyone had been mysteriously avoiding in discussion. He had assumed it would go to Georgia, because she was the lead biologist and therefore best qualified to determine sites of interest. If not Georgia, then another first-generation Martian. In fact, anyone other than him, yet he was the one who most wanted it.
“You have a unique overview,” explained Diallo. “You have pieced together the only credible map of new Earth. You have observed it changing over twenty Earth years. You have been advising the Earth Mission crew and passing on observations from the North Pole expedition,” Diallo paused, studying Leo’s shocked face. “I am sorry if this seems to have come as a surprise to you. But we would be grateful if you would consider applying.”
For a moment, Leo was speechless. When he found his voice, it seemed to come from somewhere outside his body, “I don’t need to consider. I would like the role. I want to go.”
Diallo smiled. Everyone on the ring of benches around him was. Then he caught sight of Verena’s face. It was rigid. Angry? Scared? He remembered when he’d last seen her look like that. When his father, Cathal, was dying. Did she think Leo would die on Earth? Why hadn’t she reacted like that when Georgia and Demetria were selected?
Trish proposed they should conduct the interview there and then because all were present. Leo was asked many questions for which the answers seemed painfully obvious. He was also asked a few that took him by surprise.
“How do you feel about travelling to Earth with Georgia and Demetria?” asked Hadiza, carefully.
“I… er… I think it should work,” stumbled Leo. His distance from them was no secret. “I mean… I hope they wouldn’t mind me being there. I hope there’d be a chance to… reconnect.”
Hadiza nodded. “How would you feel about giving them orders as leader of the landing group?” she continued.
“We’re going there as a team. The team will discuss what’s best to do. I hope I won’t need to order people around.”
“I expect you must at some point. A quick decision under pressure, to protect the team.”
“Then I hope it would be a good one. If possible, I’d make it after listening to their views. I hope they’d respect my decision.”
Hadiza nodded again.
“What do you consider to be the most important task while you’re there?” asked Diallo.
“There’ll be many. The first is making sure we get home safely.” Diallo allowed a small smile at that. Leo noticed Verena lift her eyebrows. “It would be easy to say the most important task is to find the source of the signal, but we need to prepare ourselves for it to be an automated message, with no human sender. I think an equally important one is to assess the potential for life there, whether we find any or not. We want to know if we can live there. And if there’s anything there that can help life on Mars.”
“Thank you, Leo,” said Diallo. “That will be all. We need to confer now.” He said it in a kindly, matter of fact way, yet Leo couldn’t help wondering if he had made mistakes. Had he given the wrong priorities? Had he sounded too hesitant about working with his family, or giving orders?
He rose to leave the chamber.
Verena came with him. They stood at the balcony outside the chamber, looking out over the trees and fields below. The glitter of windows cut into the rocky rim and the tiny dots that would be people going about their life on Mars.
“I was impressed,” she said. Her voice subdued. “They were impressed.”
Leo looked at her as sceptically as he viewed his own chances of being selected.
“I mean it,” said Verena, looking down at the crown of trees below. “You demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the changes Earth has gone through, while making it clear where more data was needed, explaining the assumptions you were making. And you said you would listen to your team, not abuse your position.”
“Would you give me the job?” asked Leo, a little more sarcastically than he meant. He turned away before she could answer.
“It was me who’d been standing in your way, Leo. They all wanted you to do this from the start, but I kept saying no.”
Slowly he turned back to look at his mother. She looked in great pain, her eyes red, her shoulders slumped forward. “Why?”
Verena held his eye a moment longer then started down the long spiral of steps. “Wait here,” she called over her shoulder, “They’ll be looking for you in a few minutes.”
Leo watched as she stepped down the spiral stair away from him. He was used to his mother turning her back on him, but this time it felt different. Almost as if, somehow, he had turned his back on her.
A few moments later, Trish opened the door to the chamber and beckoned him back in again with a smile.
“We are unanimous,” said Diallo, shaking his hand, “You are the Landing Party Leader.”
Tech Dome, Tithonium City, Mars – Leo Meier
