Discovery

by Paul Rix

  As they slowly ascended in the cradle, Jim and Nicola had a bird's-eye view of the local scenery, but there was no sign of Georgia. "At least we're narrowing the search zone," said Nicola. "She has to be in here."

  Jim's heart was racing in the expectation of discovering Georgia before it was too late. "We need to work fast," he said. "We don't know what state she's in." Neither of them voiced the thought she may already be dead. That was not an option they wanted to contemplate.

  On reaching the hold, they made a quick inspection before climbing the ladder to the next level. "She's definitely here. There's her flashlight," Jim pointed to a spot about six feet from the ladder. He picked it up and shone it around the first level before walking around the whole of the area searching for any other clues. "I don't understand why she would have dropped it here though. Let's carry on."

  After searching all six levels, there was no further sign of Georgia. Both of them were exhausted and frustrated. It didn't surprise the chief that Nicola was disheartened. He knew exactly how she was feeling right then. "It's a complete mystery. Jim, are you sure we've looked everywhere on the ship? Is there anywhere else we could have missed?"

  "Sorry, Nicola, we couldn't have been any more thorough. The only other compartments are in the engineering section directly below the main hold, but I checked the seals on the way in and they've not been broken. With nothing from Joe either we're back to square one again. It's as if Georgia's disappeared into thin air." Unable to hide the disappointment in his voice, he added, "I'll let the captain know."

  Chapter 37

  Falmas looked down at the human ships from the top of the cliff face. Even from this distance he could see from his optical equipment that three people were searching the ship where Georgia had found him, no doubt looking for their missing colleague.

  Beside him, Falment said, "This will not be easy. Timing will be everything if we are to remain unseen. Perhaps we should leave the human here."

  "I know that you are not happy with my actions, Falment. But you know that leaving her here to die is not our way. The humans will carry on searching until they find their friend. And then there will need to be an explanation as to how she reached this point on her own. No, she is here because of me and we must do all we can to return her to her crew. I promise to be cautious."

  The two of them were sitting in a small silver hover vehicle. It was open to the Martian atmosphere, as the Sentinels' mechanical components meant they didn't require protective suits. Behind them on the floor, Georgia was lying unconscious on the floor in her spacesuit. Falmas knew that their cloaking device would protect them from being seen unless they were too close. The only concern was disturbing the dust, which could send a telltale sign to anyone looking.

  "My plan is to leave the human near that ship," he said, pointing to the first ship the humans had passed. "It is within walking distance so her presence there is more explainable than it would be if found here. The three humans will have to pass that way on their return to their own vessel. Maybe they will see her as they travel."

  Falmas moved the vehicle over the edge of the cliff and sped down toward their target. Looking to their right, they could see that the humans were climbing back into their vehicle getting ready to head back from their search. Falmas knew the timing would be tighter than he wanted.

  He braked at the last minute, hovering just mere feet from the ground. Calmly, he continued to the human vessel and stopped near the base. "This will have to do," he said to Falment before stepping out. They gently lifted Georgia onto the ground and pressed a device to the side of her helmet until she started to stir, before hastily returning to their vehicle. The cloaking device hid all of this activity from any prying eyes.

  Falmas moved the vehicle slowly away, careful not to disturb any rocks or dust until he was several hundred yards away then stopped to observe what would happen.

  ***

  Georgia's eyes flickered open and looked up at the pale pink sky, confused. Why was she lying on her back with a supply ship towering over her? Where was she and how did she get here?

  Sitting up, she looked round to get her bearings, saw the name of the ship on the nearest landing leg, and was even more confused. She could remember arriving at Intrepid, so how did she get to Challenger? It made little sense. The tumors must be affecting her brain. She made a mental note to visit Megan as soon as she returned to Endeavour. There couldn't be any more similar episodes otherwise the captain would ground permanently.

  Once she was standing, she noticed her speeder was missing. "Fuck! How am I going to get back to Alpha?" She tried her radio, but it was silent. Her heads-up display showed she still had more than four hours of air supply. That can't be right, she told herself. The chronometer is telling me I left Alpha Base nearly four hours ago. I shouldn't have more than about sixty minutes of air. My suit must be malfunctioning.

  There was no way she could walk back to Endeavour before her air supply ran out. Her only plan was to get back to Intrepid and hope that her speeder was where she remembered leaving it.

  She walked around the base of Challenger, lightheaded and nauseous but otherwise okay. To break the silence she talked to herself, something she'd noticed she was doing more often. "Don't panic, Georgia. That's not going to help you. What would you do in the captain's shoes? Surely, he's aware that you're missing and has sent out search parties. It's only a matter of time before they find you."

  Intrepid was just over one mile away and Georgia estimated it would take about twenty minutes to walk there at a steady pace. She was feeling more positive that she'd soon be safely back at Endeavour, ready to face whatever Captain Winter had in store for her. Her mood improved further when she spotted the MEV driving in her direction. "There we go, Pyke. What did I tell you?"

  Georgia ran toward the oncoming vehicle, waving her arms hoping they would spot her. Any doubt that she'd be seen disappeared as she saw the MEV change course to drive in her direction. As she stood waiting for the MEV to pick her up, it was a massive relief to know that she was safe.

  The relief changed to surprise when the chief jumped out of the MEV and ran to her. Before she knew it, he was lifting her up and giving her a hug. She could see he was excitedly saying something to her but couldn't hear what it was. She tapped the side of her helmet and shook her head to let him know her comms was not working. He must have seen because he released his grip and indicated for her to follow him.

  Once they were both in the airlock and able to remove their helmets, she asked him, "What was that about? Anyone would think you cared."

  "Georgia, you've been missing for several hours. We've all been worried sick about you. Especially with your illness. I thought I'd lost you. And I'm not ready for that yet." She was amazed, not only by his words but also by the fact he had tears in his eyes.

  Reaching out to take his hand, she said, "I'm going nowhere, Jim. Not yet anyway. I don't know what happened and I guess I'm going to need Doctor Betts to help me figure it out. I don't even know why I was at Challenger after I went to Intrepid for a replacement connector. But thank you for caring. It means the world to me."

  "You can have that conversation with Megan when we get back to Endeavour. But please listen to her this time. And Captain Winter wants a word."

  Georgia groaned at the prospect.

  Chapter 38

  Captain Winter was pacing up and down in his cabin on Endeavour. He'd spent the past twenty minutes pondering what to say to Georgia and still couldn't decide how to deal with her. His sense of relief was tinged with irritation that she had disobeyed his direct orders and put herself at risk.

  Georgia broke the ice. "Before you say anything, captain, I take full responsibility for my actions. I know that I was reckless, but I've learned my lesson. There are no excuses for what I did. I'm sorry for the problems I have caused and for diverting the efforts of the crew."

  Winter sat back in his chair while Georgia spoke, absently fiddling with a pen. He kn
ew her well enough to know that she was being sincere. There was no doubt in his mind that the experience would have shocked her. He spoke, gently. "Georgia, I cannot imagine how you're dealing with your condition. Or what is going through your head these days? A terminal illness is something no one wants to face. I can only admire how you've coped, millions of miles from home and loved ones. I've allowed you some leeway because I respect you and because I value your expertise.

  "The rules I put in place are to keep you and the crew safe, without further jeopardizing this mission. Ground Control wanted me to stand you down from further active duty and I fought long and hard to support you. But reckless actions like this put me in a difficult position."

  "Yes, I understand, sir. You know I am grateful for your support. And I am sorry for the scare I've given everyone, including myself."

  "I don't want to take you off duty and waste a valuable resource. I need you. But you have to look after yourself, especially when outside."

  "Let me continue working, captain. I gswear that I won't breach your orders again and leave the ship without an escort. I've learned that my symptoms make me dangerous to myself and others. But I can still contribute."

  Winter sighed at her tragic situation. He knew the right thing to do was take her off duty. "Okay, I'm giving you one last chance but don't let me down. I won't be able to protect you again. No more going rogue, whatever the reason. Now get yourself checked over by Doctor Betts, listen to what she tells you and take a break for the rest of the day. Dismissed."

  ***

  Georgia hurried down the corridor to see Doctor Betts. "No lectures please, Megan. I've just come from the captain."

  "What did you expect? I can't believe you've been so foolish. Now tell me what happened to you. Were there any warning signs?"

  "No, none. That's what scares me. I remember going to Intrepid to collect a replacement power connector. I thought I could get there and back without being missed as Jim was busy helping the captain inside Alpha Base. It shouldn't have taken more than an hour. The power supply needed fixing so we can move in. The next thing I remember is finding myself on the ground at Challenger, just before you found me."

  "Have you had any dizziness or signs of fatigue?"

  "No worse than since we last spoke. I was feeling nauseous, but that's not been unusual lately."

  Megan frowned as she considered the possible causes. "It may be pressure on your brain from a tumor. You need to remind yourself that you're not a well person. You have to take care of yourself. Let me run some tests to make sure you've not caused yourself any further injuries."

  Georgia couldn't argue and sat down. "Apart from my headache, I'm okay. All things considered. In fact, I'm actually hungry for the first time in days. Surely that's a good sign."

  "Yes, it is, but I'm still going to run some quick tests on you!"

  The tests took ten minutes and, other than mild dehydration, Megan couldn't detect any other problems. She prescribed an energy drink, plenty of fluids and some rest.

  "Thank you, Megan. You're a good friend. I assure you, this has been a wake-up call and I promise I'll listen to you from now on."

  Megan raised an eyebrow. "I've heard that before! And yet, here we are again. You are, without doubt, my worst patient."

  Georgia knew it was impossible to defend her own actions. She had been stupid, and she had to change her attitude. "I know that you're right. But trust me, I'm a changed woman."

  ***

  That evening, Georgia sat with the rest of the Endeavour crew in the galley and devoured a full meal before eating a second ration pack. She'd had a restful sleep after seeing Doctor Betts and was feeling better for it. Her headache had not returned either. She briefly considered mentioning it to Megan but kept it to herself for the time being.

  As she was eating her second meal, Jim came to sit with her. He nodded at her bowl of food and said, "You've got your appetite back, I see. That's a good sign."

  "This is the first proper meal I've eaten in days. It's better than soup. I wanted to speak to you. To thank you for finding me."

  The chief looked sheepish. "About my reaction when we found you. I was worried about you. We all were. I thought we wouldn't find you in time."

  "But you did, and everything is fine. I was more taken aback by your sudden show emotion of emotion. It's a new side to you."

  She could see that her comment made the chief shuffle uncomfortably in his seat and wondered if he now regretted his actions. "Actually, it surprised me too. You're right that I usually contain my emotions. Maybe I need to open up more."

  "You're not doing a bad job now, Jim," she encouraged, putting her hand on his forearm.

  This was new territory for the chief, so he quickly changed the subject. "I imagine Captain Winter gave you a hard time."

  Georgia laughed as she put her fork in her now empty bowl. "So that's what you want to know. Did I get grief for being a complete pain in the ass? The answer is yes. Are you happy now?"

  Jim held his arms up in defeat. "You can't blame me."

  "That damned asteroid has saved me this time. The captain needs all hands to get the base up and running in time. After that, I won't be needed as much and my usefulness will be over." Georgia wasn't sure how true that statement was. It was the first time she'd given it any thought.

  Jim shook his head. "I don't want to hear you talk like that. You just need to pace yourself. But you do look well now. Maybe I should see the doctor and ask her for the tonic she gave you."

  "Thank you, Jim. I like that you care." Georgia meant it. It reassured her knowing that she would have good friends around her over the coming months. Jim had somehow become very special to her, and she was starting to see him in a new light. "And I like having you around to speak to."

  Before they could continue their conversation, Megan walked across to their table and sat down without being invited. "Sorry to break up the party, but can I have a few minutes with my patient?"

  Jim blushed and made his excuses.

  Megan noticed Georgia looking longingly after him and smiled. "So, what's going on with you and the handsome chief engineer?" she asked mischievously.

  This time it was Georgia's turn to blush a bright pink. "Nothing," she mumbled. "We were just talking. He is very easy to speak with. And easy on the eye, I guess."

  Megan laughed. "Okay, I won't push you. I actually wanted to know if there's been any more dizziness or discomfort."

  "I'm feeling great. Whatever you gave me has worked wonders."

  "Are you sure? I know that you're a bad patient and a good liar."

  Georgia feigned hurt. "How can you say that? Seriously, I've learned my lesson. And I promise you I am one hundred percent."

  "That's great to hear. Remember, it's only been a few hours since your fainting spell. I don't have to remind you that you'll have good and bad days. That just how it's going to be."

  "Thanks, Megan. My intention is to make the most of the good times. I don't know how many I have left. But who does?"

  Chapter 39

  Georgia excitedly went to visit Megan the next morning. "Other than muscles aching I'm ready for another day out on the surface. This couldn't have come at a better time with the move later today."

  "That's fantastic." Megan didn't sound totally convinced. "Remember what I told you about not getting carried away, though. This is only a temporary improvement."

  "Are you sure, Meg? I honestly haven't been this good in a very long time. Maybe your tests were wrong. Or not calibrated for Mars."

  "You saw the results, Georgia. There's no mistake. And no coming back from it. I'm sorry, but you have to face it."

  Georgia wasn't ready to have her bubble burst just yet. "But I want a future here on Mars. We're so close to establishing the first permanent colony on another planet and I want to be part of it. And I think Jim has feelings for me. What am I going to do?"

  Megan was surprised. "I know you've been working closely with th
e chief over the last few days. I didn't realize it was anything more than a professional respect for each other. Perhaps you're confusing his sympathy for something else. I can easily see how that could happen."

  "That's what I thought, too. But lately he's given me compliments and been very supportive. He was very concerned when I had my episode yesterday. And it's not out of pity. Jim's not like that."

  "I don't know what to say. Other than be careful because you're both going to get hurt."

  "Maybe this is a perfect relationship for a girl who doesn't do commitment. Or karma? The universe is telling me I should have learned to love a long time ago. Before it was too late. It must have a twisted sense of humor."

  She was about to continue when Winter entered the cabin. He nodded and smiled at them. "Ah, ladies. I hope I've not interrupted anything. I've been looking for both of you. Georgia, I wanted to know how you're holding up. You've put in some hard work the past couple of days to get us back on track. And Doctor Betts, I wanted your professional input into Georgia's condition."

  "I was just telling Megan that I feel fantastic. I'm convinced I'm on the mend, but she won't have any of it."

  Captain Winter looked as doubtful as Doctor Betts who said, "I've spoken to Georgia and explained that some days will be better than others. But there's no remission or long-term cure. She may experience this sense of improvement for a few more days or even a week, but it can only be temporary. It's likely to be caused by heightened adrenaline because of the work and the move into the base."

  Winter turned his attention to Georgia. "Are you okay to help with programming the rovers to deliver supplies to Alpha Base today? I'll put you on light duties, but your skills will be invaluable. Doc, I'm assuming you still think she's fit to work."