by Paul Rix
Winter sat looking at the frozen image of General Stockton with AJ sitting behind him. He cursed, unhappy that the carefully laid out plans were already heading south. But he knew that he and his crew were both resourceful and adaptable. He typed a quick reply to signify he'd received and watched the message. He then tried to put the news to the back of his mind as he recorded a message to send to his wife without mentioning the possible asteroid threat.
Chapter 16
Two hours later and the outside temperature had plummeted to minus one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. It was pitch black outside, with only the stars visible. All the crew was back on-board Endeavour and in good spirits. During the day, each of them had taken some time from their busy routines to take photos and videos from the Martian surface. Before dinner, the captain had allowed them to send messages to friends and loved ones back home.
They were now gathered in front of the large screen, watching the approach of Eden. Except for Georgia, they had eaten their rations for the evening. The crew had worked hard all day and, as they relaxed, the effects of gravity were draining their bodies of what little energy remained. Doctor Betts had advised the crew to drink plenty of fluids and rest as much as possible.
Captain Winter looked around the room at each of his fellow pioneers, extremely proud of each one but fully aware from the silence that they were all ready for a well-earned rest. The anticipation of seeing Eden land, however, was too much for any of them to consider sleeping just yet.
Winter had spoken with Commander Anders two hours earlier to send his best wishes to the crew of the Eden for a safe landing. Anders had sounded understandably anxious. Winter wondered if that was how he had sounded yesterday. Probably, he thought with a wry grin.
As Eden performed its aero braking maneuvers at the extremes of Mars' atmosphere, communication and telemetry was lost and the screen went blank. Georgia moved to one of the windows, eager to be the first to glimpse Eden's approach over the horizon.
It was ultimately Mancuso who shouted and pointed to a glowing point of light streaking across the ink black sky. Within ten minutes Eden made a perfect vertical landing a short distance from Endeavour, its thundering rocket engines lighting up the night and blasting dust in all directions, before settling onto the ground.
The crew of Endeavour gave a loud cheer as the bright flare of Eden's rocket motors and the rumble through the deck plates died away to leave a serene darkness outside, although they could see the thick dust cloud slowly dispersing.
"Great landing, Eden," radioed Captain Winter. "Good of you to join us."
With all the Expedition Two craft safely on Mars, it was finally time to rest for the crews of both Endeavour and Eden. There would be plenty of work ahead of them over the coming days.
***
Georgia laid in her cabin later that night and again couldn't sleep. The intense headaches had returned with a vengeance and she'd vomited twice since eating what little food she'd had for dinner. She had never felt this sick in her life and was finally anxious that she was more ill than she'd wanted to accept. She would have to be more honest with Megan.
At just after three in the morning she weakly rose from her bed and slowly made her way to the doctor's cabin. The ship was silent except for the constant whirring of pumps and fans, and the odd snoring sound from the heavy sleepers. The corridor was dim except for the faint red overhead lights as Georgia reached the doctor's cabin and quietly whispered, "Megan, are you awake? It's Georgia."
Georgia heard Megan turning over as she said, "Is anything wrong?"
Before Georgia could reply, Megan switched on her lamp. Georgia squinted, her eyes getting used to the light. "I really need something stronger for the headaches. I can't sleep and the painkillers you gave me are not making any difference. I need some sleep to function properly tomorrow."
By now, Megan was sitting up in her bed. "You should have come to me sooner. I knew you weren't telling me the full story earlier but didn't want to push it. I can't give you any more painkillers, but I will give you a stronger sedative to help you sleep. That's all though. And make sure you come and see me again first thing in the morning."
Georgia had no fight in her to argue. She gratefully took the sedative and returned to her cabin. Within minutes she was in a deep sleep, filled with nightmares.
Chapter 17
The next morning, the crew was awake early for breakfast. Georgia was one of the last to climb up into the galley area to the smell of fresh coffee. Her head was pounding and what sleep she'd managed had not dented the overwhelming fatigue she was fighting.
Someone, probably Mancuso, had microwaved bacon for breakfast and the smell made her want to throw up. However, she controlled her stomach, poured herself a black coffee and huddled down in a corner, cupping the hot mug in her hands.
"I'm no doctor but you look like shit," said Chief Grant, a look of genuine concern on his face despite his jovial tone. "Are you okay?"
"Thanks, chief, you know how to make a girl feel better. I'm sure it's just my body adjusting to gravity. I'm checking in with Doctor Betts in a few minutes. Then I'll be fit and ready to unload Challenger."
The chief looked at Georgia doubtfully. Everyone aboard was having to deal with Martian gravity, but no one looked anywhere near as bad as she did. "Take care of yourself and pay attention to what the doctor says to you. We all know what you're like at taking advice! I'll check on you later. For now, I've got an inspection report to complete for Captain Winter before heading over to the Eden." The chief whistled an old tune as he headed back to his quarters with a steaming coffee in his hand.
Georgia looked around the galley and made brief eye contact with Megan, who was eating breakfast at another table with Mancuso. Georgia vainly tried a smile, nodded and made her way down to the medical facility, with the doctor following not far behind.
***
Forty-five minutes later and the medical scan was complete. Megan looked at the results and Georgia could tell from her expression that the initial prognosis wasn't good. Then, before she could say anything, Megan suddenly and unexpectedly began to cry, quickly wiping away her tears with her sleeve. "I'm sorry, Georgia, that was unprofessional of me. As your doctor, I shouldn't have reacted like that. It's hard when I'm also your friend."
Georgia looked at her in stunned silence. Megan was normally a tough nut. A million questions were going through her head, but she didn't know which one to ask.
Once she had composed herself, Megan continued to analyze the results in front of her. "The ultrasound scan results aren't good. I'll send them to Earth for confirmation. It looks like you have several tumors in your head, with one behind your right eye. They could be what's causing the symptoms you're experiencing. They weren't there during your last medical, so probably they result from that solar flare. That's only my best guess, but if that is the case then the tumors are likely to be malignant. I am so sorry, Georgia, but at the rate they've grown, there is not sufficient time to get you back to Earth in time to have them operated on. And I don't have the equipment or the skills to operate on you here."
The blood drained from Georgia's face. The news confirmed her worst fears. "So, how long do I have?"
"I can't be sure just on these tests, and I'm no expert. I would say a matter of months, three at the outside. It's not an exact science and, of course, there are no similar cases like yours that I can compare with."
"That's no time at all! You must be mistaken. Perhaps the scanner needs recalibrating after the landing."
"I'm sorry, Georgia. The scan simply confirms what the drop in your white blood cell count is telling me. The only thing I'm not sure of is how much time you have."
Georgia stared numbly down at her hands for several minutes, desperately struggling to hold back the tears that were threatening to engulf her. She felt broken. She was so used to being in control and now she was suddenly in a position where she would never have control again. She almost laughed at the twiste
d irony. Eventually, her emotions back in check, she looked back at Megan and, almost in a whisper, asked. "Is there any way you could you have misinterpreted the results? How soon will you get a reply from Earth?"
Megan had been waiting patiently, knowing that Georgia would need time to absorb the tragic news. "I'm not an oncologist but I'm fairly positive about my diagnosis. I wouldn't have given you this news without a high degree of confidence. I'd expect to have the results confirmed later today."
"So, it's not definite! Am I able to continue working? I have so much to do here and I don't want to be a burden to the captain and the rest of the crew."
"You'd never be a burden. And we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. I'll talk to the captain. Physically, there is a high chance of seizures and vision blurring and the symptoms you're already showing. But to be honest, my immediate concern is the psychological impact to you. If you want it, I would seriously suggest some counseling to help you come to terms with the diagnosis and what options you have available. You know that you can talk to me at any time but talk to family and friends as well. Is there anyone other than your brother who you're close to?"
"No, there's only Jackson. Hell, I have no idea what I'll tell him. Or anyone else for that matter." The thought of speaking to Jackson was the last straw for Georgia. There was no holding back the tears this time as her body convulsed in grief.
All that Megan could do to comfort her friend was hold her tightly until the brutal sobbing subsided.
***
An hour later, Georgia was sitting in Captain Winter's cabin, staring at the photos of his wife and daughter pinned to his wall. Judging from the various hairstyles and fashions, they'd been taken over many years. One more thing to regret she thought to herself. She'd never found time to have a meaningful relationship, let alone start a family. Although her career had always come first, she had always expected to have a family at some point in her life. Now, it was too late.
She stood up to attention as Winter entered the room, although he quickly waved her to sit back down. "No need for formalities, Georgia." He sat down wearily and took a few seconds to consider what he would say next. "Doctor Betts has obviously just spoken to me about your news. As captain, I take full responsibility for the health and welfare of all my crew. I'm therefore absolutely devastated by your diagnosis."
Georgia could see that he was genuinely upset and trying hard to find the right words. Despite her situation, part of her sympathized with him. He was a good man, and she knew he would be blaming himself.
"You're one of the finest members of Endeavour and you know you hold a very special place with me. I had such high hopes for you. You have lived up to the trust placed in you when I selected you for this mission. I understand from Doctor Betts that you want to carry on working."
"That's correct, sir. There's still a chance that the specialists will come up with a more positive diagnosis. I'm not giving up yet. I joined the mission because I'm the best in my field and I want to continue as long as I'm able to. I don't want to sit around on the sidelines when I still have plenty to offer. There is so much to do here to make Mars a viable future for humanity. And even if I'm not around to enjoy it, I'd like to leave a legacy."
"That sounds like a speech I would have made." Winter considered his options. "Okay. I suggest you wait for confirmation of the scan results. If Doctor Betts is correct, then just take as much time as you need to let the news sink in. It has to be a huge shock. For the moment I'll leave the choice to carry on with your assignment up to you."
"Thank you, sir."
"I have several conditions that you must comply with. Firstly, I don't want you outside the ship on your own. Although you will be monitored, Doctor Betts advises that one symptom will be blackouts and I can't have you alone if that happens."
Georgia nodded. She had expected it.
"Secondly, I'd like you to train Joe up to be your replacement should the worst happen. He already has some robotics and computing skills and you two work well together. You don't need to tell Joe about your condition unless you want to. Until Earth confirms the scan results, we'll carry on as if nothing is wrong. I don't intend letting the crew know anything until we have to."
"Thank you again, sir. I'm still hoping that Megan is wrong. I'm more than happy to work with Joe. We spent some time on Earth working on the rovers, so I agree that he is more than capable of picking up most of my tasks. Other than that, I want no special favors."
Winter could see from Georgia's determined expression that she wanted to put this devastating news to one side. He couldn't blame her. He did not know how he would deal with a similar situation.
"As far as I'm concerned there won't be any special favors. But please come and speak to me if you ever need to. You don't have to face this alone and you know you have plenty of friends here. I'd like to help in any way I can."
"I appreciate that, sir. I still need to process the information myself but will wait until Ground Control comes back with good or bad news. For now, I'm happy to get back to work. First stop will be Challenger if that's okay with you."
Winter smiled. "You're a braver person than I could ever imagine being, Georgia. And an inspiration. Before you go to Challenger, I need to debrief you and the other senior crew members on an urgent change of orders."
Chapter 18
The senior crew of both ships were waiting patiently in the Endeavour's galley area when Captain Winter climbed the stairs from his quarters. Georgia had just arrived and was sitting with Chief Grant and Doctor Betts at one table with Commander Anders, Harry King and Tom Redmayne at another. All five of them had spent the last ten minutes catching up and comparing information on the fiery entry and landing on Mars. It had been over three months since they'd last sat down face to face and there was a lot to talk about, not least of which was how amazing it was that the mission was going so well.
Commander Anders was sharing his initial impression of Mars. "It's strange to deal with the effects of gravity again. It made sleeping last night very uncomfortable. But it's not as bad as the times I returned to Earth after trips to the Moon or either of the space stations."
Winter waited until there was silence in the room. "Lars, Harry, Tom. It is so good to see you all again." He walked up to each of them to shake their hands and to pat Commander Anders on the back. "We'll get the whole of both crews in here later for a proper celebration. It's only right for what is a collective historic achievement. But first, I need to update you on some urgent orders I've received from Ground Control."
***
After he'd given them details about the asteroid, Redmayne asked, "Captain, how sure is Ground Control that the asteroid will actually strike? Is there anything I can do to provide additional readings to assist with their calculations?"
"Good questions, Tom. I don't think Ground Control will know for sure until the asteroid is only several days away. But the margins are small enough to take seriously. If you can help in any way, then please do. Contact AJ directly and offer your services."
Captain Winter continued. "Late yesterday I received new assignments and task lists from Ground Control. They replace what we currently have, effective as of the end of this meeting, and will enable us to erect the basic infrastructure for Alpha Base in the lava tube. That means the inflatable habitats, nuclear reactor for power, water and oxygen recyclers and possibly the hydroponics facility. I have put all other research and science on hold, as well as construction of the propellant factory."
Harry was not happy. "Captain, I wanted to establish the greenhouse over the next few weeks. We've been nurturing our crops to be able to re-plant them over that timescale. There is a danger that many plants will die or at least be stunted."
"I understand, Harry. But the priority has to be the safety of the crew first and foremost. I know it's not ideal for you, but I will do my utmost to maintain the power and light you need for your plants, even if they have to remain on Eden for a while longer. I'm
giving Lars overall responsibility for getting Alpha Base operational in the next seven days. Give him whatever help he needs. General Stockton recognizes that this will put a lot of strain on the crews and will involve long hours. But we were each chosen because we can work under pressure and are highly resourceful. And this could be critical to the success of our mission."
Anders asked, "This is reliant on the lava tubes being suitable. When will we be able to survey them?"
"I'll have the rovers unloaded from Challenger by nightfall," said Georgia. "They should have sufficient power to start work immediately."
"Good work," said Winter. "Chief, I want you to start the Eden inspection immediately. If the inspection of Endeavour is anything to go by, you shouldn't discover any serious issues. After that, the nuclear reactor should probably be the focus for you and Rashid."
"Yes, that makes sense," replied Grant.
After all tasks were assigned, Winter dismissed everyone except Commander Anders. "Lars, I'd appreciate your thoughts on the detailed task list. It's challenging but necessary. However, you need to be totally on board with it if you're taking charge. I know you'll give me your honest opinion. And I also need to inform you about Georgia Pyke."
Chapter 19
It didn't take long for Georgia to suit up, pass through the airlock to the hold, and take the cradle down to the surface. It was now early afternoon, and the sun was high in the sky, its faint hue casting slight shadows on the red dust. Georgia looked at the vast Hellas plains in front of her and couldn't help but think how beautiful they were. They reminded her of the time in the Nevada desert when she had spent many weekends seeking solitude in the wilderness with her horse. She doubted she'd ever get those opportunities again but quickly put that thought to the back of her mind as her tears threatened to return.
