Discovery

by Paul Rix

  Looking back across the plain, Georgia spotted Challenger, Intrepid and Aquarius two miles away, gleaming in the morning sunlight, their sharp shiny edges a stark contrast to the rough, dusty Martian surface.

  Past those three ships, she could also make out the distinctive shapes of the two supply ships, Excalibur and Merlin, that had been part of Expedition One and which had successfully managed a soft landing. They had been standing there patiently for the past six years waiting for the next crew to arrive. Georgia hoped she would be able to access their computer systems as the supplies on board would make their lives easier.

  "Incredible isn't it?" Georgia had been so absorbed by the view that she hadn't seen Captain Winter walk up to her. He was also drinking coffee and was looking more alert than she was feeling.

  "I'm not sure I have words to describe my thoughts as I look out there. You probably need Joe for that," she replied without turning around. "It's absolutely awe-inspiring. I never imagined it to be this beautiful."

  Mancuso smiled at the sound of his name. "Thank you, Pyke. My mother is a poet and taught me well. Though even she might be at a loss for words to describe this view and capture the beauty and desolation." He turned his face back to the window, but not before Georgia noticed a tear in his eye.

  After another five minutes lost in her own thoughts, Georgia broke away from the view. She was now more eager than ever to get down to the surface as soon as possible.

  ***

  Following a short briefing, it was time for the landing party to be lowered to the surface. The group, comprising Captain Winter, Chief Grant and Georgia, lined up in the hold, with Mancuso operating the crane from the flight deck. Wearing their specially designed Mars mobility suits, or MMS for short, the three of them waited as the hold depressurized.

  Georgia held her breath as the large external hatch silently slid open, exposing the landing party to the Martian atmosphere. As a motorized boom arm extended out from the roof of the hold, the astronauts stepped onto an open cradle attached to the crane by four metal ropes.

  As the cradle swung out to the end of the boom, Georgia gripped her seat tightly. The eighty-foot drop to the surface looked a long way as she leaned forward to peer over the edge of the cradle. She could see scorch marks caused by the landing engines and a pattern of rock and debris that had been blasted away from the immediate vicinity. The scorching stopped about fifteen feet from the base of the ship with the ground returning to the monotonous dark orange color that permeated the landscape all around. The cradle swayed slightly as it stopped at the end of the boom before Winter instructed Mancuso to lower them gently to the surface.

  The three of them sat in silence during the descent, taking in as much detail of the scenery as they could. To their left, the imposing precipice of the crater wall dominated the view. The sun cast shadows across the cliff face, exposing details that had not been visible in the darkness. Numerous outcrops and gullies revealed weathering that had occurred over millions of years. It reminded Georgia of a trip she'd taken to the Grand Canyon with her parents, although she couldn't see any sedimentary layers and the cliff face seemed to go up forever.

  Straight ahead and to their right, all they could see was the unforgiving, relentless view of the Hellas plain, which continued as far as the eye could see. Although the plain had initially looked flat, the shadows created by the low sun now revealed numerous hills, depressions, and boulders.

  Sitting beside Georgia, the chief was equally inspired by the spectacular Martian scenery. However, his main purpose for being part of the first landing party was to assess the exterior of Endeavour during their descent. As the cradle slowly continued its journey downwards, his keen eyes studied the ship, inspecting for any damage resulting from the journey or the fiery entry through the atmosphere. He was not surprised that the hull of the ship had suffered no ill effects other than a few holes caused by meteorite strikes and scorch marks from super-heated plasma during entry. His main concern was the aft fin that had overheated, but that was on the far side and would require a far more detailed inspection. By the time they reached the surface, the chief was quietly confident that Endeavour was in good shape to return to Earth once it was refueled and orbital alignment was optimal.

  Winter was trying hard not to be overawed by the whole experience as he looked across Hellas plain. He was acutely aware that six billion people were currently watching what he did and said over the next few minutes. Inside his MMS, he was clammy and so adjusted the temperature on the environmental system.

  To calm himself, he recited the words he'd been rehearsing for the last week. His mind went blank though as his carefully worded speech deserted him. His mouth was dry with the anticipation of what he was going to say to all those people eagerly hanging on his first words. Closing his eyes, Winter silently cursed Neil Armstrong for setting such a high benchmark over sixty years before.

  There was a gentle bump as the cradle reached the surface and Winter noticed a puff of fine red dust float into the air. He nervously undid the safety bar, concentrating hard so that his trembling hands didn't fumble the simple mechanism. Standing up, he stepped to the edge of the cradle, pausing for a moment before he carefully placed one foot on the scorched Martian soil. Taking a deep breath, he uttered, "The first step in mankind's colonization of the solar system. Mars is now the new frontier." It wasn't what he'd rehearsed, but he was happy with the sentiment. Turning, he saw that Georgia and Grant were applauding him with admiration on their faces. Winter shrugged unapologetically and took two deliberate steps away from the cradle, allowing the others to follow.

  Georgia tentatively placed her right boot on the Martian surface, watching it sink a half inch into the dust. She carefully took another step forward, fully conscious that her legs were still unsteady and the last thing she wanted was to fall flat on her face.

  Once all the landing party had adapted to walking on the surface, it was time to have a more detailed look around the landing zone. They lumbered to the severely scorched area directly below Endeavour where the giant rocket engines had blasted away the top layer of rocks and dust to leave a solid black patch that looked like polished glass. Looking up at the monstrous engines, the chief was satisfied with his preliminary visual inspection. "I can't see any obvious problems, captain. There aren't any cracks in the engine casings and, other than a build-up of carbon deposits, the heat shield is intact and performed as designed."

  "Thanks, chief. I'd like similar inspections of the supply ships to see what state they're in and to ensure we have remote access to the supplies when we need them. I'll get Joe to lower two of the speeders for you and Georgia to take. Straight there and back, as I'm not taking any risks. We'll leave the legacy ships for the time being as they're too far away."

  "Yes, sir," came the reply from both.

  Chapter 14

  Georgia and the chief returned excitedly to Endeavour's mid-deck for a debrief with Captain Winter soon after midday. The captain was in the middle of completing his report to Ground Control and answering further questions from the press. It was taking longer than he wanted, but he understood that Ground Control were keen to keep this event newsworthy for as long as possible to keep public interest. They had learned harsh lessons from the Apollo missions to the moon in the 1970s. When the public stopped being interested, they would want money spent on the next important issue and the Mars' budget would dry up. It was as simple as that.

  Winter listened intently and made a few notes on his computer as the chief summarized what they'd discovered at each of the supply ships. Georgia then explained the access issues she had encountered at Challenger. She was confident that it was only a problem with the power relays and had already worked out a solution in her head.

  Once she had finished outlining her solution, Winter sat back in his chair and read the notes he had typed. Looking first at Georgia, he said, "The priority has to be to access Challenger. We need to offload the rovers so that they can start surveyi
ng the cave complex while we settle in here. The speeders don't have any sensors and offer no protection against falling rocks. We need to know that at least one cave is viable to convert into Alpha Base. Take Grace with you if you need some help and let me know if you can't have a rover ready by tomorrow."

  "That won't be a problem, sir, but I will of course keep you informed."

  "Thanks, Georgia. Chief, I'd like you to carry out a detailed inspection of Endeavour, especially the aft fin. There looked to be some severe scorching along the edge where we registered the super heating. I want to understand how bad the damage is and if you can complete necessary repairs. I need to know the status and whether she'll fly again. And the same applies for Eden when Anders arrives later today."

  The chief nodded. "Can I borrow Mancuso for a few hours? The external inspection will be far easier with two of us. Plus, I can rely on him to carry out some of the systems checks."

  "Whatever you need. If you need to use Emily or Rashid for Eden, check-in with Commander Anders."

  Georgia and the chief stood to leave the room before Winter added, "Oh, and Georgia? Doctor Betts would like to see you now."

  Georgia grimaced. She didn't need this now but knew there was no point in delaying a visit to Megan. She would only become more persistent. And in any case, medication would help her cope with the headaches that were becoming more regular. The additional painkillers won't go amiss to help me through the next few days so I can keep on top of all my tasks, she thought. So, with a sense of reluctant acceptance she slowly made her way to the medical bay.

  ***

  "Liam says you want to see me," Georgia said, poking her head through the curtain.

  "Hi, Georgia, come in." Megan glanced up from her computer screen. "Now that we've landed, I need to check you over. Especially as you removed the monitor you're supposed to be wearing so I can track your vitals."

  Georgia could feel herself blush yet tried to brazen it out. "It was uncomfortable and getting in the way. What was I supposed to do?"

  "I gave it to you for a reason."

  "All you have to do is ask." Georgia stared, challenging Megan for a reaction.

  Megan knew the game being played and shrugged her shoulders in resignation. "Okay, talk to me. And be honest."

  Georgia sat to rest her legs. "I've not been sleeping well despite the sleeping pills. I'm still getting headaches, but the painkillers are helping. On the plus side, I've not vomited for over a day."

  "Is that it?"

  "Yes, I believe so. Like everyone else, I'm still becoming accustomed again to gravity, so I have plenty of aches and pains. But none of that is preventing me from doing my job. I do find it difficult to concentrate unless I take the painkillers. My appetite has not yet returned. But I figured that's a side effect of the painkillers."

  Megan was taking written notes on a writing pad as Georgia spoke. Despite all the technology around her, she still preferred some tried and trusted methods. "It could be the painkillers. Or it could be something entirely different. I'm not going to jump to conclusions. The captain needs to know you're fit and well. And able to do your job. It's down to me to assess that you are."

  "Oh, I am able. But with all the work that now needs to be done I would like some stronger painkillers if possible. And something to help me sleep."

  Megan slowly shook her head. "You're already on the strongest painkillers I can prescribe. They should be dealing with your headaches and nausea. Why haven't you come to me sooner?" Georgia looked back at her blankly, so Megan continued. "Something else is going on with you. I don't know what it is. Possibly the effects of the solar flare. Georgia, please come back here tomorrow morning so that I can conduct further tests. I'll take a blood sample now, but we really need to get to the bottom of what's affecting you. No one else on board is suffering with similar symptoms."

  "Okay, I promise to be back here first thing tomorrow. But please don't take me off duty. I have too much to do for the captain."

  "I'll reserve judgment on that. I have a duty to you and the rest of the crew to ensure that you don't endanger anyone, including yourself. But that means you need to be honest with me Georgia. I know you think you know best, but you have to trust me to do what is right for you. You can continue with your assignments for the time being, as long as you promise to let me know immediately if you have any other problems."

  Georgia attempted her most genuine face. "Megan. I'd be a fool not to."

  Megan sighed. "You're fooling no one other than yourself if you don't. Please be careful. You could put more than just yourself at risk."

  Part of Georgia knew that Megan was right. Any mistakes she may make could easily impact any member of the crew. And she didn't want that on her conscience. However, there was also a stubborn streak within her she recognized she would have to keep in check. She smiled and nodded at Megan before heading off to find Grace.

  Chapter 15

  Captain Winter sat quietly in his cabin, finally with a chance to contemplate what he and the crew had achieved. The chief and Mancuso were outside inspecting the Endeavour's hull and heat shield. Georgia had taken Grace with her to unlock Challenger. And Megan was most likely in the medical center preparing for the next round of crew medicals.

  It really had been a monumental effort, not only by Endeavour's crew and Ground Control but also from the thousands of unseen workers around the world who had contributed to the design, build and ultimate success of the millions of components required for the mission. And he couldn't be more thrilled to have commanded Expedition Two. He knew his family would be proud and were probably planning his welcome home party as he sat in his room. He tried to ignore the fact that there would be a multitude of other functions to celebrate him and his achievements when he returned to Earth. In his heart, all he wanted to do was return to Kristen, retire to a smallholding and grow old with his grandchildren.

  The thought of his wife persuaded him to send her a personal message to thank her. As his hand moved over the keyboard to hit the record button, he noticed his computer screen showed he was receiving an encrypted message from Ground Control that was marked for his eyes only. This was most unusual and Winter was immediately intrigued. It took about thirty seconds for the message to finish downloading and allow Winter to view it.

  General Stockton's lined face appeared in the middle of the screen, looking stern and worried. He had recorded the message from his office and with him was Doctor Alison Jackson, the chief scientist supporting Expedition Two. Any hope that Winter may have had that the two of them would heap more praise on him immediately evaporated.

  The general, as always, was gruff and to the point. "Captain Winter, on behalf of everyone here at Ground Control I'd like to thank you and Endeavour's crew for your faultless landing. I know the vice president gave you his personal thanks yesterday, in his own style. This news has gripped the entire world and we've been inundated with reporters and well-wishers. You're all heroes and celebrities now to the seven billion inhabitants of Earth.

  But you know as well as I that the mission has only really just begun. Landing was the easy part. Without overstating the obvious, you now have to survive on the surface for just over six hundred days and establish a viable outpost before returning safely. Although you landed yesterday, the next seven days is really going to be vital because we're going to be moving up some tasks originally assigned to later in the mission. Without sounding too dramatic, it's a matter of life or death. I'll let Alison explain why."

  The camera panned around slightly to allow Doctor Jackson, affectionately called AJ, to be front and center. She looked self-conscious, and Liam could see that she was carefully concentrating on what she had to say. He had worked with her for fifteen years and had the utmost respect for her knowledge and honesty. "Thanks, general. Liam, I'd also like to say really well done. I'm very envious that I'm not part of your crew. Anyway, down to more important matters."

  The image on Winter's screen changed to that
of what looked like a long-range photo of an asteroid. "Three days ago, we detected this asteroid heading toward Mars. Initial estimates suggest it's about one hundred and fifty yards across which is why we only recently spotted it. Since then, we've been urgently calculating its trajectory and have determined that there is currently an eighty percent probability of it impacting Mars in nine days. The modeling we've carried out shows that although the Martian gravity would cause the asteroid to break up, the atmosphere is too thin for those pieces to burn up. A good proportion will reach the ground, resulting in numerous impact craters and a large dust cloud, possibly in your current vicinity. We're still carrying out further assessments to narrow down the probability of impact, but there is a high risk to you and the expedition.

  "While the ships will give you protection except against a direct hit by debris, the dust clouds will severely hamper your operations for weeks, maybe months. Solar power generation will be limited which means that you'll have to carefully conserve the remaining battery power you have."

  Winter could see where this was heading. He didn't need to be told he had limited options.

  The image returned to that of General Stockton. "The safety of the Expedition Two crew is paramount. That means you must establish Alpha Base and commission the nuclear reactor before the asteroid reaches you. I know that is a lot to ask of you. The mission profilers are developing a new set of tasks for you as we speak. I intend to send them through to you within the next six hours. It will mean delaying most of the scientific experiments and the setting up of the Sabatier Reactor, but I figure you'll have plenty of time to do those things once the danger has passed. Sorry if this news spoils your celebrations. Let me know your thoughts, captain. Stockton out."