“Yes, ma’am.” Celine climbed down from her bunk and went straight to the hologram. She stuck her right hand through the doctor’s white jumpsuit.
“Stop joking around,” Dr. Baylor said. “Go get that stool, and put it next to the Uji panel.”
Celine slid the heavy stool next to the panel and sat on it. “Why do I need it here?”
The doctor ignored her question. “I am taking some samples of your blood.” The square-face hologram pointed to the panel. “Your medical supplies will appear shortly.”
“I don’t see anything.”
“Give it a few minutes to transport.”
Celine heard what sounded like a gush of air behind the panel; the panel slid up, and a small self-supporting stand slid out.
On the stand was a thin acrylic slide above a magnifying tube, and next to it, an indented handprint with two cuffs on it.
The hologram peered over Celine’s shoulder. “Looks like everything’s in order.”
“Celine, I want you to trust me.”
“Why are you saying that?”
“Well. I’m going to ask you to do something that might be a little uncomfortable.”
“Will it hurt?”
“Only a little.”
“What do I have to do?”
“See that hand print?”
“Yes.” Celine rubbed her hand over the molded print.
“I need you to place your left hand over it.”
Slowly, Celine placed her left hand over the plastic handprint on the stand. In a flash, a small plastic cuff enclosed her index finger, and the larger one cuffed her wrist. A tiny, pointed hollow tube rose up from the index finger of the handprint and stabbed her finger, then suctioned a drop of blood from it.
“Ow!” Celine tried to free her hand. “That hurts a lot, Doctor.”
A tiny blue light on the stand moved back and forth three times over her pierced finger, and the cuffs released Celine’s wrist.
Abbie pressed the intercom bottom when she heard Celine scream.
“What’s going on, Celine?”
“This thing just stabbed my finger.”
Abbie sighed. “The doctor has to get a blood sample, Celine.”
“I know that, Mom. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.” Celine held her finger close to her eyes, studying the small red mark on the tip of her finger.
“Now that wasn’t so bad,” Dr. Baylor said with a slight smile.
Celine gave a sarcastic, cheesy grin.
“Go to your computer, Celine. I want you to see something.”
Celine slid the stool back to its place at the desk and sat on it. The computer screen lit up, and the hologram looked over her shoulder.
“You can watch me compare your blood to my pathogen file if you’d like.”
“Pathogens? Won’t that make you sick?” Celine asked.
“No, these are just cataloged images.” Dr. Baylor paused the image of Celine’s blood cells. “Coming along nicely. Have you noticed anything different about the colonists?”
“Like what?” Celine continued to watch the images of pathogens on her computer screen.
Celine turned around to face the hologram. Dr. Baylor stared into her camera; she appeared to look directly into Celine’s eyes. It was a strange moment, but Dr. Baylor simply smiled and went back to searching the pathogen file.
“No match. This looks good,” she said. “Everyone will be relieved to know that.”
“Why did you ask me about the colonists, Doctor?”
“Well, I noticed something special in your blood cells, and…” Dr. Baylor turned her head at different angles to study Celine’s eyes. “Well, it’s nothing to worry about. I might call later to do a follow-up. Are you still having difficulties sleeping?”
“Yes, but Mom says it’s because I’m missing my dad…”
“Click!” Celine heard the door unlock. Her mother rushed in and wrapped her arms around her.
“Mom!” Celine said and twisted away from her.
The doctor’s hologram chuckled at the interaction between the mother and daughter but continued with Celine’s diagnosis. “According to your tests and vitals, your body is not making enough melatonin.”
“Melatonin? What’s that?” Celine asked.
Without answering her, the doctor wiped the sweat from her brow with her sleeve. “That’s a relief,” Dr. Baylor said. “There’s no need for quarantine.”
“Thank goodness,” Abbie said.
“Celine will need light therapy. I’ll have my assistant bring a light therapy box to your quarters. Have her use the box every day for three to four hours. During her school lessons would be ideal. We’ll try that for a month—a Martian month. I will personally reevaluate her then. Do you have any questions?”
“No, Doctor,” Abbie replied.
Celine waved her hand. “Um, I do.”
The hologram whipped around to face Celine. “Melatonin is a happy hormone. Basically, you need more happiness,” she said as she burst out into laughter.
Celine and her mother scrunched their faces.
Dr. Baylor regained her composure, but her eyes still danced. “It’s very important you get well before your birthday. Wouldn’t want you to miss your Brain Booster.”
“Thank you, Dr. Baylor,” Abbie said.
The computer screen went white, and both Celine and her mom gave a sigh of relief.
“Celine, I was so worried about you.” Abbie placed her hand across her mouth as her eyes began to tear up. “I’m so happy you’re OK.”
“Mom…” Celine hesitated. Do I tell her?
“Yes, dear.” Abbie looked lovingly at her daughter.
She looks so happy. I can’t tell her now. “I’ve seen you and Dad using the light therapy box. Does it hurt?”
“No, it doesn’t. I thought you knew that.” Abbie paused and studied Celine’s face. “You look worried. Something else on your mind?”
“No,” Celine said. “Do you think Dr. Baylor seemed a little weird today?
“A little. Maybe. I don’t know her that well. She hasn’t had an emergency call since you were a baby. Come to think of it, she didn’t come to the planet until you were born…Anyway, I’m just glad you’re not sick.”
“I know.” Celine exhaled.
“My, what a day. Are you hungry? Have you eaten?”
“I had one meal, but I’m not hungry.” Celine sat on her mom’s bed.
“Are you sure? I could bring dinner after I finish work…Oh, by the way, I found a virus…”
Celine squeezed her lips together.
“…in the computer program,” Abbie finished.
“Oh,” Celine said with relief.
“The cold storage pantry hasn’t been working properly. I don’t have to tell you how serious that is. So I’ll be gone awhile.”
“Did you get to see Alex earlier?” Celine asked.
“Not exactly. The lights on his helmet were off…I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to see the landing.”
“Me too.” Celine cast her eyes down to her hands in her lap. “Do you think I’ll get a chance to meet him?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“And Mr. Rittenhouse too?”
“Why would you want to meet him?”
“I don’t know. I read that Alex is his clone. Maybe I can see what Alex will look like when he’s older.”
“Silly girl…I’ll ask Morg to give you a clearance pass to meet them.” Abbie held Celine’s face and turned it side to side. “And maybe an outdoors pass. You look like you could use some sun.”
Celine wrapped her arms around her mom’s waist. “Thanks, Mom. If you didn’t force me get that stupid annual Brain Booster, you’d be perfect.”
Abbie pinched Celine’s cheeks. “And you will be getting yours soon. Get some rest.”
After the door shut behind Abbie, Celine rushed to the mirror to examine her eyes. “What did I see in the mirror earlier?”
Ce
line’s AI reappeared. “Please repeat.”
Celine hoisted the folded blanket and threw it through Uji. “You’ve got some nerve showing up now, Uji.” The hologram disappeared.
Celine went over to the mirror and leaned into it. She used her fingers to open her eyes wider. For a second, they flashed a glowing yellow. Celine screamed and pushed back from the mirror, causing the stool to fall over.
Uji reappeared. “How may I assist you?”
“Something’s happening to my eyes, Uji.”
◆ ◆ ◆
Abbie returned to the commons, where she was surprised to see Dr. Baylor talking with Morg. She went to join them, but the doctor quickly shuffled away when she noticed her coming.
“So the baby needs a light therapy?” Morg said to Abbie when she walked up to him.
“Stop calling her that. So Baylor is giving you medical reports now?” Abbie said, fuming.
Morg turned up his lips. Abbie assumed he did this in order to control his temper.
“Everyone knows we are engaged,” he said. “I am sure even Dr. Baylor knows about our relationship.”
“Still, she had no right to tell you.”
“So how is Celine?” Morg folded his arms in front of his barrel chest.
“She’s shaken. Being trapped in a cell for hours would startle anyone. The doctor said—oh, the doctor has already told you about her condition, hasn’t she?” Abbie said sarcastically.
“I just wanted to know how the baby’s doing,” Morg replied.
“Stop calling her baby! Her name is Celine, and she’s not a baby! You know she hates when you call her that.”
Morg changed the conversation. “I don’t think she should get her Brain Booster this birthday.”
“What? Did the doctor tell you that?”
“No, but don’t you agree?”
“No, I don’t. You don’t know my daughter! You don’t know what she needs! I do.”
“Lower your voice.” Morg moved in closer. He appeared to be swelling with anger.
“Look, I have work to do. I’ll talk with you later.” Abbie rushed to the Porta, but before entering it, she turned back to look at the man she was soon to marry. He was nowhere in sight. I don’t understand him: one moment he’s interested in us, and the next moment he couldn’t care less. Well, off to cold storage for me. It won’t be any colder than it is in here.
◆ ◆ ◆
Celine rushed into the corridor and ran into Morg.
“Celine, where are you going? Shouldn’t you be resting?” he asked.
“I’ve got to find Mom,” she said and continued hurriedly down the corridor and toward the commons.
Morg turned and followed her. “Well, I just saw your mom a moment ago. I’m sure she went to work in a restricted area. Do you need something? Can I help?”
Celine slowed down, giving Morg a chance to catch up. “Then I’ll wait for her in the commons,” she said, looking at the floor as she spoke. She entered the commons and spotted a vacant table near the Porta. She hurried over to it, sat down and buried her head into her arms on the table.
Morg followed her and sat on the bench in front of her. He reached across the table and patted her on the head.
“Celine, I have a special job for you.”
Celine opened her eyes, but she did not raise her head.
“I know how much you like that Alex boy. I need you to give him a tour of the Compound tomorrow.”
Celine raised her head and sat up. For a moment, she thought she saw Morg flinch, and she quickly averted her eyes.
“Also…You would tell Dr. Baylor if you noticed something strange happening to you, wouldn’t you?” he said. He looked down at his fingers tapping on the table. “She would want to know that.”
“Yes, I would. And thanks.”
“For what?” Morg asked.
“For giving me the tour assignment.” Celine shifted on the bench. “When is Mom going to finish her work?”
“I don’t know. I’ll go down and check on her, and I’ll let her know you’re waiting in the commons. OK?”
“All right.” Celine closed her eyes and rested her head on the table.
Moments later, Abbie rushed into the commons with Morg by her side.
“Celine, what’s the matter? Why aren’t you in bed?”
Celine grabbed her mom’s hand. “Mom, come on,” she said and began pulling her mom toward the corridor.
“Thanks, Morg,” Abbie said as she allowed Celine to lead her. “We’ll talk later.”
“Keep me informed,” he responded and then headed toward the Porta that led to Dr. Baylor’s office in the infirmary.
Once Celine and her mom entered their home, Celine burst into tears.
“Look at my eyes,” she cried as she held her head up. Her water-filled eyes widened.
Abbie examined Celine’s eyes and said, “Do you have an eyelash in them?”
Celine faced the mirror. “Mom, they were glowing yellow.”
“Celine, these metal mirrors are horrible. I’m sure what you saw was a reflection of the light.”
“Mom, it happened twice.”
“Is that all? You don’t need to worry about anything you see in this mirror. Believe me. I never look like myself. Now, I want you to get some rest. I heard you have the honor of taking Alex on a tour tomorrow.”
“Oh, yes! Isn’t that wonderful?” Celine’s face suddenly brightened.
“I’m sure you don’t want dark circles around those beautiful brown eyes. To bed with you,” Abbie commanded, signaling the bunk.
“Whatever, Mom,” Celine grumbled as she climbed into her bunk and pulled the covers over her head. Ten minutes passed, and she was asleep.
◆ ◆ ◆
In the small isolation chamber, portable sleeping cots had been set up for Alex, the two scientists, and Mr. Rittenhouse’s personal protectors. A full-size bed had been blown up for Mr. Rittenhouse.
Alex looked around the small quarters he would be sharing with his father and six others for the next twenty-four hours. See-through acrylic surrounded the room.
“There’s no privacy in here…And this place smells like hot metal…Where is the bathroom?”
“Shut up, boy. Always whining.”
“I’m not whining. I really do have to go.” Alex responded rather forcefully.
“Sandra?” Mr. Rittenhouse called his cousin. “Admin Rittenhouse?”
Dr. Baylor answered. “Sir, she’s left. May I help you with anything?”
“Sure. Show this boy to the toilet,” he replied.
Dr. Baylor’s face reflected no emotion, but Alex noticed a “just slapped in the face” type of look in the doctor’s eyes. Alex smiled and waved at her. “Over here,” he said to Dr. Baylor, who rolled her eyes at his dad.
“Over here, Alex,” she said and pointed to a partitioned area in one of the corners of the isolation chamber.
Alex had thought it was a storage area. He pulled the partition back and saw a single vacuum toilet that looked like a hole in the floor. “That’s it?” he said. “No sink?”
“Afraid so,” she said with a smile. “I hope you and your father enjoy your stay.”
◆ ◆ ◆
The next morning, Alex, his dad, and the entourage sat at the dinning table eating a breakfast of cold cereal when a petite, reddish-brown complexioned young girl walked past the isolation chamber. She had a foolish smile on her face as she stared at Alex. She walked in next to Mr. Morg, the chief protector of the colony.
Alex raised his eyebrows and grinned at his dad. “What’s that? Is that a boy?” he asked as he nodded toward Celine.
“Don’t be silly. Anyone can see that puny thing’s a girl,” Mr. Rittenhouse said quietly. He nodded a greeting to Celine and Morg. Celine smiled, showing all thirty-two of her pearly whites. “She’s giving you the tour later today.”
Alex got up from the table and stepped toward the entrance door. He paused and looked back at his father
and his entourage, then pushed the privacy button next to door. Instantly, the acrylic windows that surrounded the isolation room became dark, and the uninvited guests in the infirmary could no longer see them. After recuperating and clearing his mind for a moment, Alex stepped back into the open space. He was stunned to find the majority of his companions were staring at him.
“What?” he asked when he noticed the smug looks on everyone’s faces. With irritation in his voice, he cried, “Leave me alone, all right? She’s the ugliest girl I’ve ever seen.”
CHAPTER 3
Enisi
◆ ◆ ◆
Celine hummed, “Wen’de ya ho,” as she worked on a Chakra school assignment. This evening she would give Alex a tour of the Compound. She worked quickly because she knew she had to meet Morg in the commons to get her tour passes.
“Incoming call from Enisi,” Uji announced.
“Grandma!” Celine shouted. She paused her lecture and turned the computer Com to View so she could see her grandma’s image.
Enisi was seated formally on her leather-covered chieftain’s stool, another one of the family’s ancient keepsakes: nothing modern was made of real leather.
Celine noticed her grandma’s face was pinched into a forced smile, but her worried eyes could not hide the truth. Even so, her grandma exuded a regal aura.
Enisi spoke in Cherokee. “Dohiju agwajeli yotli?” (How are you child?)
“Osda, Enisi.” (Fine, Grandmother.) “Except…” Celine paused. She wanted to say, “Something strange is happening to me.” Instead she waited for Enisi to speak.
“I am going to tell you something that will bring you great joy,” Enisi said, “but it will also cause some anxieties. Forgive me, Granddaughter, but there is no other way.”
Celine held her breath and waited for her grandmother to explain.
“I had a vision this past Sunday,” Enisi said.
Celine held her breath and waited for her grandmother to explain.
Celine knew that visions came from the dead. Is she going to tell me she heard from Dad’s spirit? Tears began to well up in her eyes.
“The Great Spirit has shown me my son still lives,” Enisi said. “I saw him inside the bowels of a cluster of red hills. He is not himself. I could not communicate with him.”
Celine was speechless, and thoughts of her glowing eyes were lost.
Lost in the Red Hills of Mars Page 3
