Evolution Shift (The New World Book 3)

by Kurt Winans

  “Thank you. Now does anyone have any thoughts on how to protect the interior of the shuttles, and those who will ride in them, from the vacuum of space?”

  While they were occupied with that discussion and challenge, other groups grappled with conceptual thoughts or problems with regard to the mother ship and how to make the dream of transitioning to Mars a reality. Beyond the essential questions of fuel and propulsion, the manufacturing process needed for the creation of reusable air from expended carbon dioxide needed to be addressed. Next were the medical needs, along with food, water, and even the proper use or disposal of waste products. Each team worked tirelessly on determining how much room would be needed for what they deemed to be vital for the endeavor, but the common denominator for all of them was that space would be at a premium.

  Once it was agreed upon that, unlike with Colt and Hanks introduction of the SSP, there would be no cause for or the acceptance of developing any hybrid variations, work on enhancements to the shuttles could begin. A plan was devised for the various stages of the lifeboat construction, and at the suggestion of Hank, that would include the use of solar sails for a power source and eventual added propulsion. Before that could begin however, there were several other steps that needed to be taken into consideration.

  First a set of four prototype shuttles, each named for their respective population centers, would be simultaneously modified in the communities of Dripping Springs, Katoomba, Maple Ridge, and Kirkwood near to where Port Elizabeth had once existed on the southern tip of the African continent. Initially, each shuttle would be designed to seat only the pilot and three others serving as added construction crew. Although that would be modified for their final voyages of transporting human cargo to the lifeboat, fabricated materials for assembly would fill much of the interior space. Each shuttle would then be required to make several roundtrips in order to assemble the framework of the main body, the sixteen docking clamps, and all but a small portion of the external and internal shells.

  When that process was completed, four additional shuttles, once again named for their place of origin, would transport and install the internal operational components. Those would include the non-organic aspects pertaining to the greenhouse, hydroponics, and oxygen processing systems. The next wave of four would begin work on constructing the solar sails, as it was believed that any issues in their development would have been solved by then. Finally, the last four would complete the interior finish work which included the tightly fit sleeping, eating, and exercise areas. All told, the completion of the process was expected to take at least two years.

  Knowing that they had a year or so before their aspect of the project would be needed, Hank and the few remaining engineers from what his father had referred to as “The Modern NASA” began work on the array of solar sails for the lifeboat. Initial specifications required that the sails, three on each side of the vehicle, would be much larger in square footage than the single sail used for the reconnaissance probes of Mars.

  When Hank met with members of the team via the communication screen, he said, “We have been tasked with a difficult challenge, and although we supposedly have a year to prepare, I have confidence that we can accomplish our goal quicker than most would believe. If so, then perhaps we could assist with other aspects of the overall plan. With that in mind, I propose that we behave as if we have far less time than what has been allotted to us.”

  One of his counterparts responded with, “That sounds like good thinking to me Hank, so let’s get on with it.”

  “Thank you. Now unless any of you have an objection, then I have an idea as to how we could position each of the sails in the array.”

  The momentary silence that ensued was broken only when a young woman said, “It would appear that none of us have an objection, so go ahead.”

  “Well alright then. How about if we were to position the three sails designated for each side of the vehicle at various protruding angles. They could all be connected along similar points of the mainframe between the docking clamps?”

  A young man immediately replied, “But if we did that, wouldn’t it cause some of them to block out the solar energy that we’re attempting to harness?”

  “Not necessarily. Imagine the most forward of the sails being positioned between the first and second docking clamps of the upper level, with the middle sail between the second and third set but in between the levels. Then the rear sail would be positioned between the third and fourth on the lower level.”

  “Alright, but they could still block the energy flow.”

  “Yes they could, if they were all deployed at the same angle. Now imagine the hours of a clock.”

  “What’s a clock?”

  “Sorry, my mom and dad told me about them. A clock is an old devise from before the apocalypse that people used so they could measure what time of the day it was.”

  “Why would they need to know that?”

  “Well, pardon the pun, but that’s probably a discussion that we should have at another time. Let me show you what I mean visually.”

  With that Hank stood before the viewing screen and positioned his arms in a way to demonstrate. The forward set of solar sails would be positioned from the theoretical hours of twelve over to two, then two to four for the middle, and four to six for the rear on the starboard side of the vehicle. The other three sails would be deployed in a mirror image pattern on the port side, and in so doing would create a full circle to capture the solar wind from behind.

  At the completion of his explanation, the man replied, “That sounds pretty cool.”

  “Thank you.”

  Another voice entered the discussion with, “I like it too Hank, but I do think that such an arrangement could lead to a problem. What happens to the two lower sails at the rear, and the two in the middle, when the lifeboat arrives and lands on the surface of Mars?”

  “Well that’s a good question. Each of the sails would have already been retracted for maneuverability long before landing, but we would still face the challenge of dealing with the solid protruding arms employed as booms and masts that would extend below the horizontal axis of the lifeboat. I’m in total agreement with you that the ship couldn’t possibly attempt a landing with such a configuration, so we would need to figure out some way to retract those booms and masts shortly after furling in the six solar sails. With that in mind, let’s consider the floor to be open to anyone who might have a suggestion as to how we could accomplish that.”

  After much debate, one of the subsequently proposed solutions was agreed upon and the group communication came to a close for the day. Hank walked toward his dwelling so that he could review some design sketches, and upon his approach, heard his mother, Kristyn, and her three young siblings playing a game near the door. When he projected a greeting toward the two women, followed by a verbal acknowledgement of the three little ones, Janet quickly returned a simple projection. “The new administrator came by to see you a short time ago. He asked if you could please visit his dwelling to discuss an issue of great importance as soon as possible.”

  Entering the new administrator’s dwelling, Hank found two men seated at the table. He recognized that one was an old friend, and it was an unexpected pleasure for Hank to see that the man had lived longer than most with the virus. Before shaking the hand of his host with a firmer grip, Hank reached for the frail hand of his former instructor. Then he accepted an offer to join them for some refreshments.

  A moment later Hank heard the explanation of why he had been summoned, and all that was being asked of him. The discussion included his friend stating, “As the last of us globally who hasn’t become infected, you know that you are the most logical choice for this assignment.”

  “Although I understand your reasoning, your extensive experience would make you the best candidate.”

  “That may be true, but as you can plainly see, it’s just not practical for me to attempt it. My body is telling me that my time is short, and I have had
a mild hallucination or two. I don’t believe that I have the inner strength to complete the necessary training of the candidates before my death. Besides that Hank, you are still the best student that I ever had and you can be a very good instructor as well.”

  After a moment of contemplation, Hank replied, “Well alright then. Thanks for the kind words and your confidence in me. If you truly feel that strongly about it, then I’ll do it.”

  “That’s good to hear Hank. Your efforts will benefit all that remain when the time comes.”

  “I hope so. In order for me to properly do what you ask, then I won’t be able to continue working on the solar sails for the lifeboat.”

  “We know that Hank, but wouldn’t you agree that the solar sails would become a meaningless endeavor without any shuttle pilots to transport the materials and personnel to the lifeboat? Now, can you think of any potential candidates?”

  “I understand your point, and yes, three men do come to mind instantly. Before their long term abduction by the alien species that pre-dated the apocalypse, they were pilots of ancient Earth aircraft that were vastly different than those of today. Tests have shown that the virus is completely stagnant within each of their systems, and they all have certification in our current shuttles as a result of logging extended hours. I believe that they possess the instinctive feel for what would be required to pilot a redesigned shuttle into orbit.”

  “That sounds like an excellent place to start, and I think that they, and you, should begin training right away. We would then have four capable pilots for the initial construction phase of the lifeboat. Now, do you have any suggestions for other people who could become pilots soon after that?”

  “Based on your personal assessment of how the virus has affected you and other shuttle pilots, we must turn to those who aren’t infected.”

  “You mean young teenagers or children? Impossible.”

  “No. Although that may become a reality eventually, for now I was thinking that we should consider the Mayans. There are twenty-one of them, and they are all healthy adults. I believe that several would make excellent candidates, and just like me and the three pilots, they have been in space!”

  “Alright, if you think they would be willing. We could start by identifying which of the population centers the Mayans were sent to, and get them back here as soon as possible?”

  “Each population center has at least one of the Mayans living there. I remember that Ross and Aurora wanted to make sure of that when everyone was distributed, and Kristyn can verify that with Aurora’s original records. But I was thinking that instead of wasting precious time by bringing them here, perhaps we could begin their instructional process at their respective population centers. They could at least learn the basics of the current shuttles from any pilots who are still alive, and then we could send for them later. After all, we don’t really need them to be totally proficient right away do we? If not, then why move them twice if we don’t have to?”

  “That’s a good point.”

  “Well alright then. Why don’t I just start with my own training, and that of the three former pilots that I spoke of? Each of us has much to learn and little time to work with.”

  “Fair enough, let’s get them here.”

  “Good. Now I do have one other point to make. It has been determined that a four person crew in each shuttle will handle the early construction of the lifeboat.”

  “That’s true.”

  “Well I propose that the four of us who will receive the initial training should also become the crew of that first mission. Each of us will need to get a feel for the shuttle, and collectively work out any issues that may not have been addressed in the simulator phase of training. I believe that process should take place before each of us has also become responsible for three additional passengers.”

  “That sounds like a good idea Hank, but you wouldn’t be able to begin construction. The plan calls for all four of the shuttles to rendezvous in orbit when construction begins. Your point is well taken though, so we will schedule an orbital flight for the four of you when training is complete.”

  “Alright that sounds fair. But when the four shuttles rendezvous, I think that the construction crews of each should be some of the Mayans. By then they will be partially versed in flight operations, and they will need some time in space to acquire a feel for the shuttles just as we will.”

  “I agree Hank, that’s a good plan of action. Now you said that Kristyn could locate the three pilots and certain others for us.”

  “Yes she can, although I already know where one of the men I speak of is located. I remember seeing him a few years ago on the communication screen when my father and I were discussing improvements to the SSP. As for the others, Kristyn is the one we should consult with.”

  With that Hank somewhat reluctantly accepted the task as the chosen one, and he felt bad that in so doing his former mentor had also accepted his limitations and ultimate fate. The man had been a good friend since the earliest weeks of Hank’s life on Earth, and had graciously answered all of the operational questions presented to him while returning from the Cheyenne Mountain museum complex. Sometime later, when Colt had realized that his son might possess an aptitude for such things, the man gladly stepped in as the primary instructor during Hank’s quest for certification as a shuttle pilot.

  At the conclusion of their discussion, Hank bid his friend farewell for what he knew in his heart to be the last time. Then he walked outside with the administrator, who thanks largely to Janet’s initial influence, had become more comfortable with his various responsibilities.

  When they reached a safe distance, Hank said, “He doesn’t have much time left I’m afraid.”

  “That’s why we summoned you so urgently. He’s quite aware that action is needed immediately, and that he has no hope of surviving long enough to see the training through.”

  “I understand.”

  “He has unwavering belief in your ability to complete this task, and specifically requested that you be the first one it was offered to. Hank, you need to know that I concur with his assessment. I know you can do this.”

  “Thanks, I’ll try not to let you down.”

  Although he promised the administrator that he would contact Kristyn about the need for locating the pilots, Hank had never said how he would do so. He knew within himself that it wasn’t really necessary to physically go inform her, and his initial impulse was to simply project a message toward her. But in truth, Hank also knew that a visit with Kristyn was never a bad thing. With that thought now controlling his actions, he decided that he could also maintain their joint cover by walking toward the communication center.

  Along the way, he projected a message toward the three pilots. “Hello gentlemen, this is Hank. I have something important to discuss with each of you. There has been a new development with the plans of the lifeboat, and it will directly involve the four of us. I have been pulled away from the solar sail project, and have accepted the task of learning how to fly the redesigned shuttle into orbit. Additionally, I recommended that the three of you join me in the training. A decision has been reached that we shall become the first wave of those shuttle pilots, and we will then instruct others to follow. I felt it was important to provide you with advance knowledge, but in order to maintain the established cover, Kristyn will be in contact with your various population centers. On behalf of the administrative team, she will be submitting instructions that each of you will be required to report to Dripping Springs as soon as possible.”

  Joseph finally arrived via the long shuttle flight from Katoomba, and then joined the other two pilots from the time of old Earth to begin training for their upcoming multiple space flights. Each of the men had piloted the older transit shuttles toward the training rendezvous in order to shake off some personal rust and gain additional hours of flight time, but that action would have little or no impact on what lay ahead. After welcoming the latest arrival, Hank offered him food and
drink.

  The reunion for the three pilots was an inspiring sight to witness, as it had been ten years since all of them had been together. They provided Hank with an instant reminder of the brotherhood that they shared, and he flashed back to how each of the fourteen pilots and crew members of Flight 19 had interacted with one another back on ₹-593-Ԅπ-2-2.

  That group of men, each with their own individual story, had endured so much throughout the days of old Earth’s largest and most horrifically bloody conflict. Then came their years of long term captivity after the alien abduction, joining Ross on his pilgrimage to establish a new human colony with the help of those same aliens in some faraway solar system, and then finally, at least for these three, volunteering as recruits to venture back to Earth for yet another cause. Now Hank would pool his talents with theirs in the latest endeavor to relocate a few lucky souls to Mars, and he was respectfully in awe to be in such company. Those three men were the real heroes, and Hank knew it.

  When the reunion was concluded and each of the three men had playfully commented on how the past ten years had negatively impacted the other two, they all noticed that the most dramatic difference had occurred within Hank. Although upon occasion he had briefly appeared on the screen via the communication system, none of them had really seen Hank since he was only eight years old. Now eighteen, there had obviously been changes. Hank had reached the height of his father Colt, and had filled out some with muscular tone.

  One of them said, “I must admit Hank, when you telepathically informed me that you would be the primary instructor for these missions, I was concerned. Although I was aware from our shared telepathy that you were bright, I also kept visualizing you as the boy I knew ten years ago. Now it’s obvious that you’re not that little anymore, so I gladly stand corrected.”

  Hank decided that it would be a good opportunity to establish a playful banter as the three of them had done, and hoped they would accept him deeper into the fold for it. He replied, “Don’t worry, there’s nothing to forgive. I had pictured you as still being the young pilot that I once knew.”