Classical: MARS: Book 3 of MARS

by Matthew Ellis

  The communication ended.

  “I fucking need to know, and you’re an asshole.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Visiting Mark

  Scout accompanied Kathy to Doctor Mark Black’s office. She believed in being thorough with prenatal checkups. While they waited in the lobby, Kathy suddenly noticed something.

  She asked Scout, “I thought our new society was supposed to prove we could eliminate inefficiency. Why are we waiting in a doctor’s office?”

  Scout answered, “Because we don’t have a sufficient population to make everything run perfectly yet. Hopefully, the massive influx of recent immigrants will help with that.”

  Kathy sarcastically said, “So getting rid of money isn’t the whole story?”

  Scout, annoyed, replied, “No, it isn’t. It’s just the first step in the grand plan for a better society.”

  Kathy said, “So you’re not as perfect as you like to believe you are.”

  Scout angrily asked, “Why are you being so ugly to me? You knew we had to lay a foundation before the dream could come true.”

  Kathy said, “Probably just these damned hormones. You know, if you piss me off, I could kill you and get away with it.”

  Scout said, “Maybe on Earth, but our laws are a bit more sophisticated. You know that, you helped write them.”

  Just as Kathy opened her mouth to snap at her husband, Mark came into the waiting room. He called them into his office.

  Scout asked Mark, “I thought you had a nurse and receptionist working for you to do your calling,” as he got up from his chair and started for the door.

  Mark replied, “I do, but I wanted to call you personally. I have the right to give preferential treatment to my VIPs.”

  Mark opened the door and Kathy walked through first. Scout followed her and the doctor closed the door.

  Scout said, “No one is any more important here than anyone else. “

  The three of them continued toward Dr. Black’s office.

  Kathy stopped and snapped, “If he wants to treat us as VIPs, let him. I could get used to that.”

  Scout argued, “But the whole premise of our society is that everyone is equally important. I don’t like the idea of some people getting preferential treatment because of some trait or position.”

  Kathy objected, “But it’s you that he’s giving preferential treatment. Can’t you just enjoy it?”

  Scout said, “I don’t abandon my ideals just because it benefits me. That’s what the politicians do on Earth, and I want no part of it.”

  Mark said, “Understood; next time I’ll have you called the same way everyone else is.”

  Scout said, “I’m glad to hear it.”

  Kathy was upset with scout, but admired his commitment to his ideals.

  They continued to Mark’s office and reached the door. Dr. Black swiped his hand in front of a security portal and the door opened.

  Kathy said, “It’s amazing the technology we have here.”

  Scout said, “It’s only amazing because we’re a brand-new society. On Earth, this level of technology would take years to reach.”

  Dr. Black asked, “So how’d we get built up so fast? We haven’t been here long enough to mine and manufacture all these things.”

  Scout replied, “We have some significant barter agreements with corporations on Earth. We have a few resources and products they can’t produce without spending a small fortune.”

  Kathy said, “I know about our barter agreements. Not all of the products are legal on Earth, either.”

  Scout said, “That’s not our problem. They’re legal here, and our treaty says nothing about legality in either direction.”

  Dr. Black said, “Fascinating. Come in.”

  Scout continued, “We make as much as we can here, of course. We just don’t have all the resources we need to have a fully functional society.”

  Mark said, “Like human resources; there can’t be enough people here yet to produce everything the society needs.”

  Scout said, “We have about 8000 people, and we’re still growing. We expect to have over double that by the end of next year, and more if people start having children.”

  Mark replied, “Well, you’re setting the example.”

  He went into his office, followed by Scout and Kathy. They were amazed when they saw his office. Everything was sparkling clean. The exam area looked brand new, although it was original to the hospital. It was cleaned and sanitized after every patient.

  The trash bins were all empty, although he’d had a constant stream of patients all day. After every patient, Dr. Black’s personal housekeeper removed the trash, incinerated or otherwise disposed of it, and thoroughly cleaned the receptacle.

  The supply cabinet was fully stocked and organized. The equipment was gleaming. His staff thoroughly cleaned everything at the end of every day.

  Scout said, “Well, I’m impressed. Your office is immaculate.”

  Mark replied, “All of the rooms in the hospital are as clean. We have the workers and resources to pull it off.”

  Scout said, “I’m even more impressed. This hospital has six floors, twelve inpatient units, and nine doctor’s offices. It’s hard to keep all of that clean.”

  Mark said, “Not to mention the cafeteria, gift shop, chapel, lobbies, pharmacy, imaging, and testing areas. There’s never a speck of dust in this building for longer than an hour.”

  Scout said, “Which is even more impressive considering the dust storms.”

  Kathy said, “Okay, we get it. You’re impressed with his cleanliness. I’m kind of having a baby here, so could we please shift attention back to me?”

  Scout said, “Sorry, babe. Let’s get this exam started.”

  Mark grabbed a small device that looked like a large cell phone. It had an indention at the top to allow it to fit against a forehead.

  Kathy asked, “What the hell is that thing?”

  Mark said, “Think of it as a monitor, only smaller and more efficient.”

  Kathy asked, “What does it do?”

  Mark answered, “It reads your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation, blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol and hydration level.”

  Kathy asked, “Don’t you need to take blood for sugar and triglycerides?”

  Mark said, “Not any more. This device is a remarkable innovation that can do all of these tests at once with no blood. It can even administer drugs that can be absorbed through the skin. It even has tiny needles to administer glucose and insulin.”

  Scout was astonished and said, “It’s a tricorder.”

  Kathy said, “I thought you didn’t like Star Trek.”

  Scout replied, “I have no problem with Star Trek. I have a problem with our crews labeling everything as if we were on the show.”

  Kathy asked, “So, how’m I doing doc?”

  Mark replied, “Your blood pressure’s a little high, but we can give you something for that.”

  Kathy was alarmed. She said, “I thought pregnant women couldn’t take any drugs because it might affect the baby.”

  Mark said, “Our researchers have made some astonishing discoveries in drugs.”

  Scout asked, “So this machine, is it our invention or from Earth?”

  Mark replied, “It’s from Earth, but we made it able to administer drugs.”

  Scout said, “It’s amazing that it ever got made considering the financial stumbling blocks on Earth.”

  Mark said, “They’ve been working on it for a long time, and the pharmaceutical companies are making a fortune on it.”

  Scout asked, “Then how’d we get it?”

  Mark said, “This is one that I know for a fact was bartered. We only got two, but that was enough to see how they were made and make improvements.”

  Kathy said, “Can we please stop talking about that damn machine and get on with my exam?”

  Mark said, “Of course.”

  Mark took the ultrasound
equipment out of the drawer. It was the first time he used the particular ultrasound machine, because it was designated specifically for pregnant women.

  Mark said, “This might be a bit cold,” as he rubbed the ultrasound jelly on her protruding belly.

  Kathy shivered and said, “Just start the exam.”

  Mark activated the machine and passed the instrument over Kathy’s belly. An image appeared on the screen.

  Mark said, “That is the very first baby girl that will be born on Mars.”

  Scout said, “We knew that already. The test told us the gender. Actually, we thought we knew that. It turns out there’s another colony on the far side of the planet.”

  Mark said, “I heard about that; they were born on Mars and they have children.”

  Scout said, “Not only that, but the kids were all born normally and look like any other humans.”

  Mark said, “Then our research on human development on Mars is complete. Anyway, the tests you used aren’t the greatest.”

  Scout asked, “How so?”

  Mark said, “Even the best tests are only 70% accurate when it comes to gender. This is my eyes physically seeing a girl.”

  Kathy said, “Then this verifies the test. Her name is Zabet.”

  Mark asked, “Zabet?”

  Scout replied, “It’s a shortened version of Elizabeth.”

  Mark said, “I’ve never heard of that version. I’ve heard of Liz and Beth.”

  Scout said, “We went over the complete list of shortenings when we came up with the name.”

  Kathy said, “She’s beautiful. Do you see any problems?”

  Dr. Black replied, “No, she looks like a perfectly healthy baby. Make sure to take your prenatal vitamins and come in here once every four weeks until the last four weeks. Then come in weekly.”

  Kathy said, “Sounds good to me.”

  Mark cleaned Kathy’s belly and dismissed her. Scout and Kathy left. Then the housekeeping staff made the office look like it was brand new again.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Searching

  Scout needed to assign someone to oversee the search for the fugitives. He knew this would be an unpopular task, but it needed to be done. He was just about to start calling people when his phone rang.

  Scout said, “This is Scout.”

  David Kidd responded, “Good. I was hoping I wouldn’t get some secretary.”

  Scout said, “You’ll find that things are very different on Mars than on Earth. There’s a lot less red tape here.”

  David Kidd said, “I was hoping to get started searching for the fugitives today. Any chance that might happen? I’m getting tired of looking at these metal walls in my ‘office.’”

  Kidd’s ready room on the ship was getting boring. He only had one window, and the stars seemed to never change.

  Scout thought, “Not until my team gets back with the investigators. I don’t want to give anything up until I absolutely have to.”

  He shuffled his desk around and pretended to look at his calendar.

  Scout replied, “I don’t think so. I want to make sure I have someone watching you. You may be here in an official capacity, but we’re still in charge.”

  Kidd asked, “So you need to have someone to spy on us?”

  Scout said, “I wouldn’t put it that way, but that’s basically correct. I don’t trust you.”

  Kidd said, “Nor do I trust you. We’re only on speaking terms because of the treaty.”

  Scout said, “It would seem that the terms heavily favor you in this instance.”

  Kidd said, “There are a great many ways that the terms of the treaty favor you.”

  Scout said, “I’ll let you know when I’ve found someone to supervise your search.”

  Scout hung up the phone and started thinking. He had no idea who he could call. No one would want to take this assignment.

  Scout thought, “They’ll all see this as crap duty. I’m half tempted to assign it to someone as a punishment.”

  Just then, Kathy came into the office. She was in a very flirty mood, and trying to get Scout to indulge in a romantic diversion. She had her blouse unbuttoned and her breasts exposed. Her skirt was very short and she was not wearing any underwear.

  She said, “Hey, baby. Care to join me in my office down the hall?”

  Scout didn’t notice that she was nearly naked. He was so deeply worried about his problem that he barely heard his wife.

  Kathy was annoyed that her husband was ignoring her, so she escalated her advances. She completely took her blouse off and threw it onto her husband. Scout barely noticed. He threw the blouse on the floor and kept working.

  Kathy yelled, “What the hell do I have to do to get your attention? You’re not married to the job, you’re married to me!”

  Scout snapped out of his fog and noticed that his wife was standing in front of him almost naked.

  He said, “Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t see that you’re trying to seduce me.”

  Kathy said, “I was trying, but I’m over it now. Hand me my blouse.”

  Scout said, “But I’m all worked up now.”

  Kathy said, “You had your chance.”

  Scout said, “Come on, babe. I was wrapped up in work.”

  Kathy said, “Ever since I told you I’m pregnant, you’ve been wrapped up in work. It’s like you don’t want to be intimate with me now that I’m knocked up.”

  Scout said, “I promise you that’s not it. You’re even more beautiful to me now that you’re carrying my child. I’ve just been so busy and stressed out that…”

  Kathy finished, “That sex with me is just another responsibility you don’t have time for.”

  Scout said, “That’s not it. You’re turning me on standing there half naked.”

  Kathy said, “I told you, you already had your chance. The moment’s over now.”

  Kathy replaced her blouse and returned to her office. Scout started to chase her, but she pointed to his chair. He knew that meant for him to get back to work. His chance for a romantic diversion was gone.

  Scout tried to think of work, but the image of his naked wife was stuck in his head for the next hour. Every time he tried to concentrate on anything, her beautiful body flooded his mind. Then the phone rang.

  Scout said, “This is Scout.”

  Notah said, “Hey, Scout. Have you found someone to supervise the Earth cops yet?”

  Scout replied, “Not yet. I don’t even know who to call.”

  Notah said, “I thought that might happen. I’d like to volunteer.”

  Scout said, “Are you sure? It’ll be pretty boring.”

  Notah said, “But who better to mislead them than someone they trust. I can’t let them find the refugees too quickly.”

  Scout said, “This is a dull job, and some people might think you’re in cahoots with General Rich.”

  Notah answered, “I know, but I’m not doing anything right now, so it’ll be something to do.”

  Scout said, “You know you can’t do anything to help them. Your job will be to report their every move to me. That is your entire job. If they ask you to do something, you must decline.”

  Notah said, “I’m loyal to you. I wouldn’t do anything to help them.”

  Scout said, “Good. There are still those among us who don’t fully trust you, so this can be a chance to prove yourself.”

  Notah said, “I’ve tried to do nothing else from the outset. This colony is my future.”

  Scout said, “Okay, then I’ll assign you to it. Don’t let me down.”

  Notah asked, “What do I need to get from you?”

  Scout replied, “You’ll need a video camera and a transmitter. You’ll also need a vehicle.”

  Notah said, “So I’m going to be in my own car?”

  Scout said, “You’ll be following them around. I don’t want you inside their cars where they can get to you. You’ll also eventually need to check on the other colonists, and I
don’t want these people knowing that colony exists.”

  Notah said, “So I need to find a way to break away from them to check on the Martians.”

  Scout said, “The other Martians. We’re Martians now, too.”

  Notah asked, “How am I going to sneak away?”

  Scout answered, “I’ll give you an excuse. That should give you time to break away from these assholes. One more thing, if I find out that you told them about the other colony or you lead them to it, there’s going to be hell to pay.”

  Notah said, “We don’t even know if they know about it yet. It could be too late.”

  Scout said, “I just don’t want to hear that it wasn’t too late until I sent you to keep the secret.”

  Notah said, “That won’t happen. When do I pick up my supplies?”

  Scout said, “It better not! Come by my office tomorrow around dawn.”

  Notah said, “I’ll be there.”

  Scout said, “Send Wendy and her husband in here.”

  Notah said, “No problem.”

  The phone call ended and Kathy came running into the office. She was fully dressed.

  She asked, “Are you sure you can trust him?”

  Scout answered, “He’s proven his loyalty to me time and time again. I know you’re still not sold, but I fully trust him. “

  Wendy came into the room and sat at the table next to her husband, John. Scout dismissed Kathy and gathered a legal pad.

  Scout asked, “I understand your colony wants to be left alone.”

  Wendy replied, “It’s more than that. We never expected anyone to invade our space. When our parents’ experiment failed, we thought our contact with Earth was over.”

  Scout said, “It must’ve been scary in the beginning.”

  John said, “We wouldn’t know. We weren’t born until years after the colony lost contact with Earth. For us, life has always been about survival and building a better world.”

  Wendy said, “That is, until you showed up. Your colony was so far away that we decided to ignore you, and that worked for a long time.”

  John said, “Until your enemies stole our land and forced us into hiding. Our lives were turned upside down during your war.”