EVAC: IGNITION

by A J Britnell

  Healey’s car, Globewide Assistance was at the head of the red group. Healey gazed up at the massive screen above the track. “Isn’t this the best sport ever?” he yelled above the din of the track as he squeezed the attractive woman at his side. She melted to his body as the crowd around lifted their glasses in agreement. “Come on Fletcher, that Novotol car’s going to beat you to the check point!”

  The Globewide driver was fast approaching the crossroads, gorge-jump intersection. There was only a metre’s head clearance if two cars passed at the same time and if a driver came upon the crossroads too fast, a hump in the road would lift the car off the ground into the path of the car making the gorge-jump over head.

  Fletcher was fully aware of the possible collision but since he always pushed himself to the limit, he ignored the advice of his navigator and accelerated. As the car came upon the junction it hit the bump and lifted into the air at the same moment the Novotol began the gorge jump overhead. The Novotol car grazed the top of the Globewide car with only centimetres to spare and both cars landed safely on their respective tracks. Crowds erupted with applause throughout the forest as jumbo screens relayed the action, though some grumbled in disappointment for the lack of devastation.

  The fans did not have to wait long; following behind, three cars were about to meet at that same junction. The two approaching the crossroads took evasive action to avoid collision but unfortunately, the same adjustment. The impact tossed the purple liveried Team Sixty-Six car into the path of another vehicle trying to make the gorge-jump, resulting in a monumental crash. Crowds gasped as a rain of bodywork cascaded down, revealing two shining cocoons that bounced comically to safety. Within the silver, egg-like structures, the drivers survived, unharmed; the Lacecell safety pod, a lifesaving innovation that made this sport possible.

  Stefan Andersen, the Captain of the salvage ship Caspian 3, sat at the mess hall table facing his crew. The light show from the exploded Alexandra still played through the viewing window behind them. It was disappointing to say the least and there would be some difficult explaining to do to the owners.

  Fortunately, the Caspian's crew sailed with the tide, they leased their ship, they were equal partners and since it was third hand when they bought it, they cleared their debts years ago. Nevertheless, they had to look for the next job so Healey's proposal became a hot topic.

  They were all scrolling through the details in quiet contemplation. Claus skipped to the last page where it mentioned the fee and whistled his approval. Stefan waited patiently until the tablets passed around the group before gauging their reaction, “So they want us to fix the gravity generator on Europa; sounds straightforward? What are your thoughts everybody?”

  “You are joking, right?” John responded with a snort, “That technology's just out of the factory.”

  Stefan leant forward and held his friend's shoulder, “Come on, don't sell yourself short. It's no different to our hamster wheel, really.” Stefan knew that was an understatement but he also had total faith in his modest Chief Engineer and he would have plenty of time to go over the schematics before they arrived.

  Eileen, their Surgical Officer took a more personal perspective, “Speaking for myself, it will be great just to be near home. I haven’t seen my family for three years so I’m hoping we’ll get some - shore leave?” her eyebrows shot up to reveal pleading eyes. Eileen was an unlikely astronaut, quieter than the rest and often home sick. She played with her auburn hair, tied back at the neck in a curly ponytail waiting for backup.

  Haruka nodded in agreement and momentarily lifted the oxygen mask, “I need to see blue sky that’s for sure - not so bothered about the family!” Groans of playful approval followed and the group rambled off topic to their relinquished lives.

  Marcus, the youngest crew member added his thoughts, “Well I don’t see how we can refuse, we don’t often get the chance to work local - as long as the pay’s good that is.” The engineer, a suave Londoner was ever positive not to mention shrewd when it came to potential money-spinners.

  “And that it is!” Claus interrupted, still smiling, “Imagine what you could spend that on - I’ve already got a list,” and he high-fived Marcus across the table.

  Un-strapping himself from his seat, Herman the navigator and general ‘computer whiz’ somersaulted overhead yelling, “I say let’s do it!” his dreadlocks writhing against him.

  Marcus reached out, grabbed a trouser leg and pulled the care-free engineer back to reality, “Do you always have to be this happy? It’s unnerving.”

  Stefan felt the need to join in and ruffled Herman’s mane. The playful banter between the two young men brought constant amusement to the crew, it lightened the mood and broke the monotony. It still amazed the Captain, how such a diverse group of souls could make a generally happy community, confined in Space. He pondered on whether it was the differences that counted; they still managed to surprise each other and maybe that’s what kept them sane.

  Sensing that the meeting had come to a close, the final crew member, EM01 took the opportunity to report, “I have analysed the data on the assignment. We do not have the appropriate equipment for the task. Also, it will be very dangerous for organic crew.”

  “Does that mean you are volunteering for a solo mission, EMO?” Claus quipped.

  “Negative.”

  The grouped laughed at EMO’s unintentional joke even though they were fully aware of the robot’s high accuracy ratings as far as risk assessments went. Hopefully it would be another day at the office. Stefan patted the maintenance robot’s back as it rolled past, following the lines around the perimeter of the mess hall to continue its duties.

  Spirits ran high; the anticipation of new surroundings masked any fears of failure. Stefan felt relieved that his crew were onboard with Healey’s proposition, he needed a new direction more than anyone. “Well done guys. Get your sections clear and then get some rest, you’ve all deserved it.” Stefan dismissed the crew who obediently drifted in single file through the tight hatch. He could hear the chatter echoing on and when they were nearly out of earshot he shouted, “Oh and there might be a tiny rescue too.”

  “This is Channel Thirty News. Now onto Off Earth News, it appears that there has been an explosion in space at the last known coordinates of the abandoned freighter Alexandra. Reports say that the salvage ship Caspian 3 was contracted to remove valuable equipment from the stricken ship but it is unknown if the Caspian and crew were involved in the incident. Until the static interference decreases, no contact can be made to any ships in the vicinity.”

  Captain Olivetti; aboard the Space Station Europa, switched off the television broadcast in the control deck and scratched his head, “Well we had better hope they’re not dead, they’re probably are only chance of getting out of this mess.”

  “I’ll keep on the radio Captain,” an Officer replied.

  The space station was beautiful. Its design was ambitious and incorporated previously unseen technology; namely, its artificial gravity. This added benefit attracted the attention of the scientific community wishing to carry out experiments in both environments, but essential revenue came from tourism. A varied cross-section of humanity felt compelled to experience space travel, the only common factor being their wealth. Ticket prices reached the millions on global auction sites, many governments having to crack down on black market fraud – all this for a view on top of the world.

  Previous space stations were practical constructions, added to over decades with little thought to aesthetics. Visionaries designed Europa; created to recapture the romantic idea of space travel that captivated the world in the 1950’s.

  The Europa dwarfed anything ever conceived at five hundred metres in diameter. A main column housed the engineering heart of the station as well as labs and crew habitation. Encircling this were two centrifuge wheels, the smaller at the top – section tilted furthest from the Earth, contained the command centre of the station. The lower, larger wheel was for hosp
itality: kitchen, dining room, sleeping compartments and communal areas for enjoying the ever-changing view of Earth and beyond. The wheels spun around the centre column at two revolutions a minute, generating one G of centrifugal force and therefore a comfortable simulation of Earth’s gravity.

  Twenty-four hours before, a transport shuttle made its docking approach to the station, completely blind. Predictably, due to time restraints, Management rushed the testing of the station’s critical systems and the navigation guidance system crashed. As the shuttle neared the docking hatch at the base of the station, disaster struck. The primary objective of the guidance system was to safely bring in approaching shuttles by taking over their controls and synchronising them with any movement of the station. One of attitude thrusters on board the station automatically sent out a minuscule jet to adjust its altitude in space and that slight movement had caused the shuttle to bounce off the docking hatch and float up into the path of the spinning habitation wheel.

  The pilot of the shuttle frantically tried to orient the thrusters to bring the ship back to dock but the momentum of the ship was too strong for him to react in time. The shuttle passed into the arc of the spinning support arm, a stick, stuck in the spokes of a bicycle. Extreme forces tore the shuttle around within the wheel until the arm fractured and buckled, leaving the ring static and the ship entangled in the twisted ducting and metal.

  Stranded and frightened, the passengers onboard could only wait for rescue. It was not going to be easy; there was no way another shuttle could reach the craft with the surrounding wreckage and that left no option apart from a space-walk. The crewmembers were all experienced astronauts and the prospect of a space- walk back to the docking hatch was almost routine but the passengers, apart from one scientist were just tourists. They were all wearing claustrophobic pressure suits and strapped into their seats and in relation to the Earth below, upside down. After running a diagnostic, the pilot made the decision to allow his passengers to unbuckle their belts. Murmurs of concern came from the group but eventually a few tentatively released their harnesses and floated together in an expectant huddle.

  The pilot, Flight Officer Stevenson, received the news they had been all waiting for, “I’ve just heard that the Caspian is on its way. They should be with us in two days, worst-case scenario. Hopefully they’ll find someone closer,” he mumbled the last comment to his co-pilot, not wanting to get hopes up. A unanimous groan rang out across the radio link as family members tried to hug each other in their cumbersome suits.

  “The system checks show everything’s intact, oxygen’s fine and if we all go on a diet there’s enough dehydrated chicken casserole for everyone,” the pilot quipped. “You can take your helmets off if you want but keep your suits on just in case. We’ve got a long wait ahead”.

  One of the passengers raised his hand, “I could use the toilet!”

  “Oh, great! I take it none of you have had training in space toileting?” He looked around in despair at his navigator. “This is going to be hell,” he muttered. “Fetch the attachments, Bob.”

  Chapter Three

  It would be a few days until the Caspian reached Earth’s orbit and the crew went about their duties with a sense of excited anticipation. Haruka was the exception; she remained in her tiny living quarters. If she outstretched her arms, she could touch the poster covered walls. Certificates of achievement in numerous fields adorned every surface but there were few family photos; they remained hidden. At that moment, the oppressive confines were reassuringly safe and she felt reluctant to unzip herself from her bed.

  A faint rapping roused her from her daydream.

  “Come on sleepy head,” it was Herman. “Didn’t you hear my call? Stefan wants us to check the hull for damage, sensors are going off everywhere.”

  Haruka turned her head away and groaned, “Just send EMO out.”

  Sensing a change in his normally perky First Officer, Herman tentatively dragged himself over and peered into the top of the sleeping bag, which had been pulled tight to conceal its occupant. “What’s up, Haruka? Aren’t you well?”

  Though frustrated at the constant lack of privacy, Haruka could not be angry with Herman; he was the most inoffensive person you could meet. He was like a child cautiously waking a parent and his obvious concern encouraged Haruka to put on a brave face and meet the day. “Okay Herman I’m coming.” Herman remained, watching as she climbed out of the bag wearing baggy sweatpants and a Muse T-shirt. She hung there expecting him to leave. “Can you give me some privacy!” she barked in exasperation.

  “Sorry, yeah-sure.” He looked at the oxygen mask in his hand and threw it in her direction, “Oh and you’d better start purging – egress at ten-hundred hours.”

  Haruka caught the equipment and Herman cheerfully exited the compartment, his mission complete.

  Haruka studied her reflection in a tiny mirror and winced. Her skin seemed sallow and her normally deep chestnut eyes peered back at her through a bloodshot mist. Yesterday had taken its toll; that was sure. What she needed was gravity, real gravity and it was not far away. A splash of water would do the trick but she had to make do with a damp flannel and dabbed away at her forehead trying to bring the blood to the surface and a complexion she recognized.

  Once they had fixed the station, many had plans to take a break aboard the orbiter, with some hopeful of catching a shuttle back to Earth and their waiting families. It became a hot topic and a distraction.

  John and Claus were larking about in the habitation compartment, squeezing bland coloured paste from a tube and trying to guess the flavours.

  “What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get back home?” Claus asked his big friend.

  “Well,” John began as his face contorted with revulsion after the latest food test. “I think I’ll go down the local bar with my brothers.”

  “How many have you got – four?”

  “Five - all strapping farmers”.

  “So how the hell did you end up here?” Claus asked as he rummaged for more food supplies in an overhead locker.

  John caught a silver pouch that Claus had spun in his direction and continued his story, “After my engineering degree I went to this seminar on hydroponic farming, thought it might be of interest to Pa. Anyway, we got talking – me and this Professor Chin- and he was saying it wouldn’t be long before we had hydroponic farms all over the solar system.”

  Claus somersaulted towards his friend, “Is that the same Professor Chin that’s on the orbiter?”

  “Yeah, small world ha,” John chuckled, “He’s up here preparing stock for the Mars colony. Anyway, he said there’d be a need for engineers like me and so I signed up for this gig to get some experience.”

  “Are you hoping to join the Mars programme then?”

  “Maybe I will, one day. Suppose I got stuck in a rut, forgotten my plans.” John smiled,” Be good to make my Pa proud eh?”

  Claus nodded and then gave his friend a quizzical look, “Five years I’ve known you and you’ve never spoken of this.”

  “Strange… what have we been talking about all this time?”

  “A load of horse shit normally.”

  “Ain’t that the truth,” John agreed and he sucked out the remains of an orange liquid through a bendy straw. “Well I’m off for some exercise. Are you coming?” he stretched up to the handrails above and pulled himself across the room to the exit.

  Claus rubbed his belly, “I’m a bit too stuffed for a run round the hamster wheel, and anyway I’ve a ton of things to do like fixing the Bug for starters.”

  “Okay, see you later,” John announced and he propelled himself through the hatch.

  When John reached the centripetal exercise wheel, he found it already occupied. Stefan wore a pair of shorts and a sleeveless vest that were drenched in sweat as he pounded away in step to the wheel’s rotation. Electrodes connected to the Norwegian’s chest, relayed data to a central stationary hub where their Medical Officer, Ei
leen, floated as she checked the information displayed on the monitor. She mumbled to herself while Stefan barked orders to her through a headpiece to increase the velocity.

  “I will not turn it up. Besides, your air’s far too thin in there already.”

  At this point, John’s head appeared at the access tunnel. “Room for one more?” he enquired, making Eileen startle.

  “Oh John, you fool,” she spat. “Your slot’s not until 1700; anyway, there’s no way you’d handle it in there, you know how Stefan likes his runs to simulate high altitude.”

  “Yeah, I think he’s part mountain goat or something,” John replied with a wry smile. “So, is our captain in tip top condition?”

  Eileen turned her head and looked him up and down in an exaggerated fashion. “Well he’s fitter than you – that’s for sure!”

  “Oh, I’m hurt,” John bluffed and pushed his way passed to the access tunnel that entered the enclosed wheel. “INCOMING” he yelled while squeezing his ample gut through the opening. On exiting the confined tube, his hefty frame tumbled to the floor of the wheel, the gravity hitting him hard in the chest.

  Stefan looked back at his friend; a stumbling giant trying to keep pace with the wheel. “What are you doing!” he asked with disbelief.

  “Just......want......some.......exercise....,” John gasped, while his legs and arms tried to coordinate themselves.

  Stefan had continued to run and was catching up with his much slower friend, eventually causing him to vault over his crouched body to avoid a collision. “John - you idiot!”

  “I don’t feel too good,” John mumbled. He decided to give up. The wheel dragged his motionless body around like a dead gerbil until he attempted to lift his head, causing him to throw up where he lay. On Stefan’s second rotation, two unpleasant piles greeted him. He sidestepped his friend and narrowly missed the sick while pleading for help from Eileen. She giggled uncontrollably, having watched the comedy on the monitors. “Do you want me to switch off the wheel?”