«Wh–what?» Jordan stammered, staring at the screen.
«What's going on?» Anna asked, immediately returning to her seriousness and approaching too.
«Oh» she added in a whisper, after seeing.
On the laptop's screen, a red text said “Wrong password”.
«What does it mean, Nunki? Try again» Anna suggested.
Yan shook his head weakly.
«No way. I've already tried three times» he murmured and swallowed «It's been changed.»
He brought his hands to his hair and sighed profoundly, closing his eyes.
«Keep calm» he said to himself.
He grabbed his handheld and tried to access, but the result was the same.
«I can't access my laptop nor my handheld» Yan observed, almost talking to himself. «And I have a theory for this. I'm sure they haven't found the data because, as I already said, we wouldn't be here now. But... They know we know everything and at this point I think they also know we have the data. How? I have no idea.»
«And so, taking away our access to the laptop, they've taken away our access to the data. That's brilliant, we must say» Jordan said with bitterness.
«That's right» Yan confirmed.
Anna didn't say anything. She was thoughtful. Yan leaned his elbows on the desk, in front of his laptop, and held his forehead just as Anna did before, with the difference that the pain was quite real now. Jordan sat down on Yan's armchair, next to him, staring at the floor. Anna laid down on the boy's bed, hiding her face in her hands. They remained like that, silently, for a long time. Reflecting, thinking about a possible solution. The questions in Jordan's head were more numerous than the answers and they continued to increase. After several minutes, it was Yan's voice that broke the silence.
«If they think they won...» he began, without moving «Well, they're wrong.»
Not receiving any answer, he raised his gaze and turned. Jordan and Anna were looking at him expectantly.
«I think I know how to get the data back.»
«Explain yourself» Anna urged.
«It's kind of complicated to explain. Because now it is different than before, now our data is inside this computer» he placed a hand on his laptop in a tender gesture «And this isn't linked to the general web, but rather to the independent one that puts it into communication with yours.»
«So, you might be able to take everything back through my computer or Anna's?» Jordan assumed.
«Perhaps. I can, or better, I must try. But it's going to be tough.»
«I'll be busy after lunch till six pm.»
«I have a break of forty minutes at four pm» Anna spoke up.
«Alright. I'll have free time after four thirty. Therefore as soon as I finish to study, I'll run to you and in ten minutes I try everything» Yan addressed the girl.
«Fine» she agreed.
Jordan didn't say anything, he simply sighed, observing Yan.
Then the lunch bell resounded in the Aresland.
When Jordan left the gym, exhausted, it was 4:30 pm. He thought about Yan, who at that moment was probably reaching Anna in the Krasnij Gorod to perform the emergency rescue. He took a deep breath and headed to his room at a deliberate pace, in order to change clothes and quickly rinse off. For the entire sol he had been reflecting on how much a simple image, that maybe had remained on that computer due to someone's oversight, had shaken up his whole world. After all, though, he was expecting it. No matter how strange it could sound, he perceived within himself that, sooner or later, something was going to upset the intransigent repetition of his quiet sols. Wake, breakfast, class, lunch, study, gym, work, dinner, every sol, all the same. Every month the order of the activities changed, but they remained always the same, except for some rare exchange of tasks or promotion.
Often Jordan observed Dounja cooking or George and Hans sitting for hours and hours in the office to work at the computers or Frank spending the majority of his time in the greenhouse to take care of the plants or everyone making turns to clean up every corner of the bases and he asked why. Why all of this? To what end? Is there one? He observed Klara repairing the machines of the Life Support System when they didn't work and pondered the fact that his life depended only on them. If the water recycling system broke, they could continue with the supplies for some time, plants would die and they would too eventually, from dehydration. The carbon dioxide absorber broke? Everyone would die from intoxication. The oxygen generator broke? Everyone would suffocate. The temperature regulator broke? Hibernation. And the airlock? Suppose it didn’t seal well. The entire Aresland would explode. Jordan was used to repress those thoughts and to focus on his duties. But lately they were taking him over and he couldn't ignore them anymore.
That time as well he tried to get rid of them with a deep sigh while heading to his father in the storage room. Alexander was ready and was waiting for him, holding his biosuit and helmet.
«You alright, tosol?» he asked, while the boy began to suit up.
Jordan simply nodded and smiled slightly.
«You seem different lately» he continued.
The boy pulled his biosuit up and slipped his arms into the sleeves, then he met his father's gaze.
«Really? No, it is always I. Jordan never changes, right? Come on, help me seal the suit» he urged, turning around.
«Are you sure you have nothing to tell me?» Alexander did as he was told, then Jordan returned to look at him and took his helmet.
«More than sure. And you?»
Alexander didn't answer right away, a worried spark shone in his eyes. Jordan was serious, his gaze was hard and determined, almost challenging.
«No» he replied shortly after, shaking his head.
Jordan smiled bitterly, but still trying to hide his disappointment.
«Splendid» he said, then he headed to the exit patting Alexander on the shoulder. «Let's go, I can't wait to stay on a pressurized rover.»
Jordan exited the Red Stone with the Life Support System backpack on his shoulders. He headed to the garage, followed by his father.
«Good, let's start from here» Alexander said, while observing a big rover «Come, have a closer look.»
The boy found himself in front of a huge vehicle, taller than him by at least four feet. It had three series of wheels on each side and it was almost four metres long. On the front, through a transparent glass, two seats were visible for the drivers.
«This is a small-sized pressurized rover» Alexander began to explain, «It can carry a maximum of three persons and cannot go on long trips because it works with electrical batteries. Usually we take this rover to go pick up the astronauts that land few kilometres from here. George and I went to pick up Hans with this one, for example, and both the Krasnij Gorod and Hong Se De Du have one.»
Jordan observed the rover in silence, studying every single detail.
«So, shall we go for a ride?» Alexander asked then, opening the hatch.
The boy jumped onboard without hesitation. The cabin was very small and his helmet almost grazed the ceiling. In a corner there was a chair for a passenger, while in an isolated compartment there was a small place for the hygiene facilities. His father entered the vehicle behind him and sealed the hatch. After pressing some buttons and pulling some handles on the wall next to the hatch, a “bip-bip” resounded in the whole rover. Alexander turned and took off his helmet. For a second Jordan thought his father had gone crazy, but then he reminded himself that they were on a pressurized rover, so he calmed down and removed his helmet as well.
They entered the cockpit and Alexander motioned for Jordan to take the driver's seat.
«We could take our suits off» Alexander said, «But since we won't stay long, we'll keep them on.»
«Fine» Jordan replied, giving his full attention to the console in front of him.
In the end the commands turned out to be very similar to those of the unpressurised rovers where he worked the previous week. The only differences we
re the indicators of temperature, pressure, humidity and air composition. And more than that, there was a compass whose lancet now pointed at South-West. The driving sensation was a bit different, it felt like everything had become heavier and there was much less turbulence as it went up and down the dunes. After making a couple of rounds around the Aresland, they returned to the garage and Alexander explained to Jordan the functioning of the onboard Life Support System, teaching him to regulate each level at pleasure.
They put their helmets back on and got down from the rover, when a question arose in Jordan's mind.
«What's the biggest rover in the whole Aresland?»
«It is...» his father glanced around himself after sealing the hatch, then pointed at a corner of the garage behind Jordan's back «That one.»
Jordan turned and widened his eyes. He approached the rover with a quick pace and observed it from top to bottom with his mouth agape. It was three meters tall and six long at least. It had four big wheels, a little less tall than him. A flamboyant red text popped out from the ashy white side.
«Atenavan» Jordan read in a whisper.
«That's right» his father commented, behind him «The Atenavan is currently the largest pressurized rover at the Aresland. It hasn't been used yet. And there's just one: this.»
«Why hasn't it been used yet? What does it serve for?» Jordan asked without moving his eyes away from that flaming word.
«Simply because it hasn't turned out necessary yet. And well, you would use it to cross long distances for sure.»
«How long?»
«Mmm, well... I'd say you could approach the Promethei Terra, that's it. Obviously with all the supplies and resources calculated in detail, you don't joke with such ventures.»
Question after question, with his exuberant attitude, Jordan extrapolated from his father all the information he needed to develop the idea of a new extraordinary plan that had slowly slithered into his mind. He tried hard to keep all those explanations in mind. He needed to see Anna and Yan as soon as possible.
After dinner, Jordan took the corridor which led to the Krasnij Gorod almost running. He came out on the other side in the same moment when Yan came out from the other corridor coming from his base. They exchanged looks and ran to each other.
«What a timing, pal, we're basically telepathic!» Yan commented with his usual, contagious euphoria.
Jordan smiled sincerely.
«So, how did it go?» he asked lowering his voice.
Yan tucked a hand into a pocket of his trousers and took out a USB pen, showing it to Jordan and holding it like a piece of crystal.
«Everything's here, safe and sound, in our hands. In my hand, actually.»
«Ah, wonderful!» Jordan rejoiced grabbing Yan's shoulders and shaking him, «Wonderful! You're a genius, Nunki.»
«Thanks, thanks. Yes, honestly it hasn't been easy» Yan pretended to wipe an invisible dust away from his t-shirt.
«Shut up» Jordan laughed, before returning serious «Let's go to Anna. I need to talk to the two of you.»
«Oh, lord. Whenever you say so I get chills. I feel your fatal mind is elaborating something dark.»
«And you feel right» Jordan convened, grabbing his friend's arm and dragging him away «Get a move on, you crackpot.»
«No, no, no and no. That's not gonna happen!»
Anna paced back and forth, measuring her room with big steps, nervously. Yan had burst out laughing, as if he had just heard the best joke of his life, then he suddenly stopped and looked at Jordan with an expression that was both curious and flabbergasted. Jordan frowned at his friends' reactions.
«Jordan, you've lost your mind, that's the thing» Anna snapped, continuing her measurements, her gaze fixed on the floor. «I mean, until we act in here is one thing but...» the girl stopped suddenly, in front of him «Going out there! Do you have any idea of what it means?!»
«Well, Anna, if you allow me: Jordan is the only one who effectively has an idea. I mean, he works out there and, on top of that, he works with the rovers!» Yan said with caution, after recovering from the previous shock.
«Thanks, Nunki» Jordan nodded, grateful.
Anna sighed profoundly and shook her head, frustrated. The green-eyed boy observed her for few moments, then stood up to face her.
«Listen to me» he ordered and Anna looked at him, crossing her arms. «We can do it. With the Atenavan we can easily go and come back. We go on a trip, a little adventure and then return here right away. This way we find out what this damn Nostoi Mission is and the others realize what mistake they made keeping all of this hidden from us, having not the slightest right!»
Jordan's words came out clear and decisive. Anna and Yan stood still, listening and studying him silently.
«Trust me» Jordan added, addressing both of them «Let's trust ourselves. I mean, I work with the rovers, I use them every sol!»
Anna's eyes were as sharp as blades while she looked at him.
«This could be your life's greatest mistake» she murmured.
Jordan found the strength to give her that same determined look.
«“Earth and life”, page one hundred and sixty-four: the birds leave the nest for the first time. This is not a mistake.»
Anna lowered her eyes, letting out a deep breath. She passed a hand through her hair while Jordan observed her, hoping his words would have the right effect on her.
«You know, I hate...» she began, shaking her head «I so hate that you're capable of convincing me so easily. I can't let you two go on your own. Because if you die, what am I to do here alone?»
As the girl spoke, Jordan's face was illuminated with delight and pointed a finger at her.
«Excellent point!»
All the three of them laughed together.
«It's gonna be fun» Yan commented.
«We've got plenty of things to organize and think about» Anna said.
«Yeah, we need a detailed plan. But I suggest to work on it from tomorrow on, what do you think? I'd be just a little tired right now» Jordan admitted, keeling over an armchair.
«Same» Yan laid down on Anna's bed and closed his eyes.
«Well, then get out of here. I'd like to sleep too, my sol wasn't easier than yours.»
They both slowly got up again.
«Yes, boss» Yan said.
«Hey, I thought I were the commander? What is it, you've already taken the title away from me?» Jordan asked with a cunning smirk.
«Oh, right. Sorry, commander Miles. Mrs sub-commander. Good night» Yan continued, seriously.
«Get out!» Anna shrieked, after bursting out laughing.
Jordan exited laughing, sincerely amused. Yan followed him, pushed by Anna, and the room door closed behind their backs.
SEVEN
~ 182 sols before ~
A week had flown away and the dim light of the sun began to delineate the silhouette of the Aresland. It was the first sol of the twentieth month, Kanya.
When the clock struck 8:00 am, Jordan was heading to class. He was trying his hardest to look serene and ordinary but within himself, such excitement thrilled and such an enthusiasm that he feared he could catch fire at any moment. Throughout all those past sols, Anna, Yan and he had planned in detail all their moves, step by step, in order to reach the Huygens Crater and return. And just that night they were going to simulate the departure. At a certain time of the night, that was yet to be established, they were going to reach the Atenavan inside the Red Stone garage in order to check and fix all the necessary. They were going to break a billion rules and, actually, Jordan was awfully afraid to get caught before they could carry out the whole plan. He considered their venture so secret that he even tried not to think about it, as if fearing that someone could read his mind or could figure it out by simply looking at him in the eyes.
When he reached the classroom in the Krasnij Gorod, he found Anna and Yan were already sitting at their desks, switching their laptop on, while Klara Nowak was pla
cing on her table some small transparent containers that enclosed some curious, colourful rocks.
«Good morning» he greeted before taking his seat.
«Bright and early, Jordan!» Anna spoke up without turning.
«I'm two minutes late only and it's sol solis, spare me your comments» the boy retorted.
Yan chuckled and greeted him with a nod of his head. Klara moved the desk in front of the three guys and finally leaned on it, crossing her arms. Her cold eyes lingered on the three for few moments, before she spoke.
«So, geology of Mars. In the last lesson we've discussed the planet's inner structure, briefly: metallic core of iron and nickel, surrounded by a less dense mantle mainly composed of silicates and finally the crust, whose composition is derived by the iron oxidation. Everything's clear so far?»
The three nodded.
«Fine. Tosol we'll talk about the chemical composition of Mars' surface and about the minerals that can be found, I've got some here that you can take a look at. So, the most abundant elements on the surface are silicon, oxygen, iron, magnesium, aluminium, calcium and potassium, which compose the minerals of the magmatic rocks. There's also some hydrogen that can be found in iced water and in hydrate minerals, which we'll talk about later. You must know that Mars is an igneous planet, igneous means magmatic, in fact the superficial rocks are mainly composed of minerals that have crystallized inside magma. Now let me show you three minerals that are very common.»
Klara collected three transparent small boxes from the desk and gave them to the guys, who were meanwhile finishing to type their notes on their laptop keyboards.
«Tridimite» she announced, giving a small, pale gold rock to Anna, who began to observe it carefully.
«Silicon dioxide. It is formed at temperatures that go from eight-hundred and seventy to one thousand four-hundred and seventy degrees Celsius.»
Then she gave Yan a small green rock with occasional darker spots.
«Lizardite. It's a phyllosilicate and usually forms inside impact craters.»
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