by S A Pavli
“You knew I would,” she said accusingly.
“Of course. Who could turn this down?” said Carstairs. “I just wish I could go with you.”
“You could you know,” said Mark. “There is no hardship involved.”
“It’s not that,” said Carstairs. “I have been keeping the mission a secret, trying to get the jump on the media and the opposition. If I go, it will be noticed.”
“What is the problem with the media?” asked Melanie. “You own two newspapers, a radio and a TV station. You are the media.”
“Ah if only,” said Carstairs. That bastard Muller and his cronies are always trying to get something on me. The less they know the better at this point.”
“Dad, if there is anything underhand about this whole thing…,” began Melanie.
“No, no, not exactly underhand. Maybe under the table…,” said Carstairs. Melanie gave him the long suffering look and he sighed in resignation.
“Ok, look. By keeping this under my hat, I hope to get there first. Once there, well…it’s finders keepers.”
Mark and Melanie looked puzzled and Carstairs, held up his hand to stop further questions.
“Applications go in three days after you leave and will be processed on a first come first served basis. Once we get the ok, I will send a Hyperspace message to you to proceed. That should give us the jump on anyone else.”
“And if you do not get it?” asked Melanie. Carstairs shook his head.
“Like I said, the government can give exploration rights to more than one individual. So there is no reason for them not to grant it to us, even if there is a competitor. And when they do, we will be in first.” Carstairs said. Mark now began to understand Carstairs secrecy and why he had chosen an off planet ship.
“What is important,” said Carstairs. “Is that we send a hyperspace message back to base as soon as we arrive. We must put in our claims before anyone else.” Just like the old gold rushes, thought Mark. But whole planets are at stake, not just a few seams of gold.”
“What makes you think this particular star is a good prospect?” asked Melanie.
“It was examined by an expedition to a nearby star. Well, nearby in this case means one hundred light years. But that was close enough to detect the presence of two Earth size planets orbiting within the seventy to one twenty million mile sector.”
“The so called Life Band,” said Melanie.
Mark knew that only planets within this small sector and roughly the same size as the Earth were considered as being remotely capable of sustaining life. To have two in the ‘Life Band’ was a bonus.
“Is this information in the public domain?” asked Mark.
“Oh yes…buried away in academic studies,” said Carstairs with a mischievous grin. “It may be released more widely…soon.”
The conversation continued for another hour or so as they took coffee on the veranda. Melanie had become more open and friendly than she had been the previous evening and Mark found himself reluctant to leave, but leave he had to in order to organise for their departure.
“Boarding time tomorrow at oh seven hundred,” he announced as he stood to leave. “My shuttle will arrive here at the hotel.” Melanie and Carstairs stood and Carstairs shook Mark’s hand firmly.
“I shall be here to see you all off Captain. If there is anything you need feel free to let me know and I will be happy to arrange it.”
“If I have any problems with supplies I will let you know. I presume that everyone has their own personal kit and is ready to depart?” asked Mark.
“Yes, apart from Melanie, who has to go home and pack,” said Carstairs, eyes twinkling.
“What do you wear to explore alien planets Captain,” asked Melanie with a smile.
“On board we dress normally,” he replied. “But you should include whatever protective clothing you need for your work. On planet exploration requires special protective suits and we have a range of sizes on board. You are roughly the same height and build as my chief engineer so I am sure we have something to fit.”
“Suitably stylish I hope?” she said.
“Oh yes, in a range of attractive colours. Light grey, dark grey, and slightly stained grey.” She smiled broadly and offered Mark a slender hand.
“I look forward to seeing you later Captain,” she said. Mark nodded amiably and left with a feeling of anticipation towards the forthcoming journey.
Chapter 5
Ten days into their journey, they had a celebration. It was traditional, the Captain had said, to celebrate the half way point of every journey. The Bounty Hunter had a galley and lounge area, complete with comfortable chairs and tables where every evening they would gather to eat and amuse themselves, and this was the venue for the party. Music was playing in the background, the lights had been tastefully dimmed, and a table laid out with snacks and drinks. Everyone was present except Melanie, and Mark found himself casting glances in the direction of the door which led to the passenger apartments. Leslie was talking to him, and he tried to concentrate.
“I don’t understand this obsession the human race has with exploration,” she said. “We have so much empty space on the planets we have already settled, yet we are trying to find new ones.”
“As you say, it’s an obsession,” said Mark. “Perhaps we are searching for something; Intelligent aliens, the secrets of the Universe, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Who knows?”
“Ah yes, intelligent aliens.” LeBlanc had caught Mark’s remark and turned to him with a smile. “I was reading a paper by someone from Earth, a professor at one of our prestige Universities.” LeBlanc took a big gulp of his cocktail, it was his third and he was looking flushed, and continued. “He believes that the human race is alone in our galaxy. He had the maths to prove it.”
“How can you prove something like that?” protested Leslie.
“Well, he has applied some novel maths to the problem,” said LeBlanc. “You’ve heard of the engineering principle of Mean Time between Failure?”
MTBF? Yeah, all engineering design has to do that calculation,” said Josephine. She had been conversing with James Walters, and her attention had been grabbed by LeBlanc’s question.
“You can explain it better than me Jo,” said LeBlanc, waving a hand at her.
“It’s quite simple really,” said Jo. “The reliability of any piece of technology is only as good as the least reliable component.”
“Right,” said LeBlanc. “So, the more components?”
“The more likely there is to be a breakdown,” said Jo.
“But, there is another aspect to MTBF,” said LeBlanc. It was more a statement than a question.
“Yes, the more components, the more interactions there are between the components,” said Jo. “In other words, it’s not just components that can break down, but processes.”
“How can a process break down when the components are working correctly?” asked Leslie.
“Very good question,” said LeBlanc admiringly. “This girl is on the ball.” Leslie snorted derisively as LeBlanc went on. “The answer is in the nature of DNA. You see, DNA is like a computer program. Changes to the program will change either the design of the components, in other words the cells and organs that make up the organism, or the processes which control the way the organs work. Once you reach a certain level of complexity, you are more likely to generate bad changes than good changes. So organisms can only develop to a certain level of complexity.”
“So humans are impossible?” said Leslie ironically.
“All intelligent life is impossible. It’s a proven fact,” said LeBlanc, to laughter.
“So how does this scientist explain the fact that we obviously do exist?” asked Leslie.
“A huge and bizarre accident,” said LeBlanc. “One that is unlikely to be repeated.”
“Hah! So that’s why my mother told me that I was a huge and bizarre accident,” said Major Pete to snorts of laughter.
&nbs
p; “Given the quantum nature of reality…,” began Walters.
“Here we go,” said Major Pete, with a meaningful look at the others.
“….probability theory would dictate that what can happen once, can happen any number of other times,” finished Walters.
“Probability theory only applies to sub atomic particles,” pointed out LeBlanc.
“DNA operates at the atomic level,” said Walters.
“It operates at the molecular level,” said LeBlanc. “There is a difference.” Walters opened his mouth to protest and Mark held up a restraining hand.
“Guys, guys, this is a bit technical for party talk.”
“Well, I was only trying to say that the chance of finding aliens is very remote,” said LeBlanc plaintively.
“No, you was saying that there is no chance of finding aliens,” pointed out Leslie. “Humans are unique, alone, the only intelligent creatures in the galaxy.”
“It’s not what I was saying. It’s what this Earth scientist is saying. And he has the math to prove it,” said LeBlanc.
“The math to prove what?” asked a voice, and they all turned to see Melanie Carstairs standing just inside the door. She does like to make an entrance thought Mark.
“That some females will always be late for any party,” said LeBlanc mischievously.
“You don’t need math to prove that,” she replied. Mark studied her admiringly as she walked over to the cocktail bar. She has a most remarkable walk he thought; A sort of loose limbed swaying glide. Does she do it on purpose or does it come naturally? He suddenly sensed that Leslie’s eyes were on him. Her look was strained and tense and her eyes went from him to Melanie and back. She quickly turned away and Mark felt the blood rush to his cheeks, like a schoolboy caught in a naughty act. He was amazed by his visceral reaction.
Then another thought came, of the number of times in the last ten days that the Doctor had contrived ways to come and see him. Ostensibly to ask him questions, to clarify some trivial technical point or other; the number of times she had come to the lounge area when he was there, to have a coffee or make a snack, and had engaged him in long conversations. He had been very correct and polite with her. But, had there been more to it? What to do now, he mused. Pretend nothing happened and be formally correct with both of them. Not that Melanie would notice; she was as coolly formal with him as he was with her.
“True, maths does not apply to the female mind,” began LeBlanc. “Unless it is the mathematics of chaos.”
“Or probability theory,” added Walters. LeBlanc gave a chortle of agreement.
“Ah but that is our secret,” said Melanie. “Enigmatic and mysterious.”
“Whereas men are as transparent as an open book,” said Leslie, and her eyes crossed Mark’s briefly.
“I think you will find,” began Walters in fatherly fashion. “That life is as full of the duplicity of men as it is of women. If we were so easy to read, how do we continue to get away with it?”
“Not you James, surely not,” exclaimed LeBlanc with mock horror.
“Well, it’s been many a year since I got away with anything,” said Walters to laughter. “So long ago, I can’t remember it.”
“Our Captain may know more about that,” said Leslie, smiling sweetly at Mark.
“What are you implying Ms Peters?” asked Mark, trying to remain impassive.
“Only that you are young, good looking and have a glamorous lifestyle. Ladies must be queuing up to make your acquaintance,” said Leslie, an innocent impish smile on her pretty face.
“Ah if only any of that were true,” sighed Mark, trying to look lugubrious. “The life of a spaceman is a lonely one. My colleagues here have the best idea.” He indicated Andy and Jo.
“Surely that’s a formulae for disaster for a relationship,” exclaimed Leslie. “Being together continuously on a starship.”
“Oh, we hardly see each other all day,” said Jo. “I am always up to my elbows in some machine and Andy is somewhere else checking his computers. Anyway, most trips only last for a few weeks and then we have the distraction of a new planet to see for a while before we ship out again. That’s what we look forward to; exploring new planets, meeting new people and cultures. I don’t think we could settle down in one place now.”
“Have you ever thought about having children Jo?” This surprisingly, was from Melanie.
“A starship is not a place for children,” said Jo, but she smiled gently at Melanie. “But you know, I did like what I saw of Adelphi. If I was to settle down somewhere, it may be there.”
“It’s a great place,” agreed Melanie. “But you didn’t see any of the planet. There is some spectacular scenery. Just thousands of miles of unspoilt forests, mountains and rivers. You could take a small AG vehicle and go wherever you like. Have a picnic on top of a mountain or at the bottom of an inaccessible ravine. Or go swimming on a virgin beach, where no one has been before. Once you’ve done that I don’t think you will want to go back to living in a tin can and breathing artificial air.” She smiled at Mark. “With apologies to the Captain, however comfortable the ship,” she added.
“No apologies needed,” said Mark. “But no trip lasts forever. At the end of it beckons a new planet and, as Jo said, new experiences.”
“I wonder what will be in store for us at the end of this trip,” said Leslie thoughtfully.
“That reminds me,” said Melanie. “I am not sure if my father planned it this way, it would not surprise me, but I received a hyperspace message from him just before I came here.” Everyone turned to her expectantly. “We are go for the star system. We’ve got our license.” There was a murmur of voices as they digested her news.
“So what’s the plan Melanie?” asked the Major, who had been knocking back the cocktails but still looked completely sober.
“Well, to get drunk tonight, and see how we feel tomorrow,” interceded LeBlanc.
“I think somehow, that now is not the time to discuss our operations,” said Melanie carefully. “Let’s have a meeting tomorrow, later in the day when everyone is fully recovered.”
Chapter 6
The next day, Melanie left an early message on Mark’s voice mail.
“Captain, can we get together this morning to discus my operations plan? Major Follet will also be there. Can you manage eleven hundred hours?” Mark replied in the affirmative, and after a light breakfast he called together his two crewmen for a conference.
“Alden, what do we know about exploring a new star system?” he asked.
“There is a body called the Stellar Exploration Commission, SEC, created by the United Planets Organisation, which has published a Procedures document for all human exploration of new systems,” replied Alden.
“Why do we need a set of procedures anyway?” asked Andy.
“The document is on file if you wish to examine it,” replied Alden.
“How large is it?” asked Mark.
“Five hundred and fifty five thousand words,” replied Alden. There was a stunned silence.
“Ridiculous. We are going to need a team of lawyers to control everything we do,” said Mark eventually.
“Much of it is advisory Mark. If you wish, I can summarise the areas which are mandatory,” said Alden.
“Do so,” replied Mark. There was a seconds pause, during which Alden analysed five hundred and fifty thousand words, extracted the mandatory sections and condensed them into a summary.
“There are five mandatory sections relating to non-contamination of the alien environment, there are three sections relating to scientific measurements to ensure full and consistent results, there are four sections on safety, one section on medical support and five sections on alien first contact. Would you like more detail?”
“Alien first contact,” muttered Andy derisively. “Very useful.” Mark sighed with resignation.
“Ok Alden. Let’s get some coffees and you can take us through each section in greater detail, concentrating on
non-contamination procedures and safety. We’ve got…,” he looked up at the clock on the wall and continued. “One hour or so.”
Despite Mark’s reservations, he found Alden’s presentation interesting. Much of the material was familiar, an extension to normal procedures. The sections on scientific measurements and medical support were passed over quickly, these being the responsibility of the appropriate members of the expedition.
“As a matter of interest,” asked Jo, “To what extent are we bound by these procedures?”
“These procedures apply to official expeditions,” said Mark. “We are civilians so I do not believe we are bound by them. However, I would guess that the license granted to Mr Carstairs must include something similar. I am sure Melanie will enlighten us.” He looked up at the time again. “I’ll update you guys after the meeting.”
“Have fun with the lovely Melanie,” said Andy, his face impassive. Mark grunted.
“She is a laugh a second,” he said sourly.
“You boys really don’t like a professional woman do you?” said Jo, with an amused quirk of her lips.
“We adore you,” said Andy giving her a loving look. “And you are a professional woman.”
“Don’t think you can soft soap me Baross,” said Jo. “And I am disappointed in you Mark. I would have thought you would not be threatened by a successful woman.”
“Whoa there Jo, you’re way off beam,” protested Mark. “I have nothing but respect and admiration for Miss Carstairs. She’s just a bit hard to like.”
“Mmm, she doesn’t respond to your animal magnetism you mean. Unlike the adoring Doctor Leslie.”
“What do you know about the Doctor?” scowled Mark. Andy laughed.
“Mark, are you the only person on the ship who hasn’t noticed ?”
“Don’t be hard on him Andy,” said Jo. “He’s been the good Captain, keeping all the female passengers at arms length.”
“As a matter of fact, I had noticed,” growled Mark. “Um…yesterday actually, at the party. Jo you’re right, I have been keeping her at arm’s length, but I should have realised. Look, you’re a women, what should I do about it?”
