by Paul Rix
"Good work, Joe. Time for a coffee before the planned course correction?"
It was more an order than a request, but he knew that Mancuso wouldn't say no to a coffee.
***
Winter filled two pouches with hot black coffee from the machine and handed one to Mancuso. He was not surprised no one else had taken the opportunity to head to the galley during downtime. Over recent weeks he had noticed that the crew preferred the seclusion of their own cabins. When asked for her opinion, Doctor Betts said she wasn't concerned. It was a coping mechanism and the crew had probably run out of anything interesting to say to one another.
Mancuso was no different. When not on duty he spent most of his time in the gym, working out. And it showed. He had lost some muscle mass on the journey, but nowhere near as much as everyone else. At six feet two Mancuso will be the first bouncer on Mars, Winter thought to himself ruefully.
"Joe, I wanted to check in. Ensure you have no concerns with the ship or the maneuver in a few hours."
"Thanks, Cap. The ship's a beauty. You should also speak with the chief, but I couldn't ask for anything more. These practice drills are keeping us on our toes, I'll give you that." Mancuso's New York/Italian accent always reminded Winter of The Godfather movies. Yet behind all the brawn, there was a keen intelligence that could never be taken for granted.
"That's good to hear. I'm proud of Endeavour and her crew. I'm sure neither of you will let me down. How are you standing up so far?
"I'm missing my family. But everyone is. I speak to them most days and you know they'd grown used to my long endurance space missions anyway. Knowing this is my last time away from them helps. And the fact we're doing something spectacular." Mancuso downed his coffee and went for a refill.
Winter sipped his drink. Still not used to the pouches, he was counting down the days to be able to drink from a mug again.
"So, no doubts about the mission? No worries?" Winter pushed, wanting to ensure his pilot had the right mindset for when it mattered.
"None, sir. I know you'll not let us get in the same situation as Expedition One." The comment caught Winter off guard, but he had the answer he wanted.
Chapter 3
Mancuso, a veteran Dragon pilot, was looking at the two computer screens in front of him, reading the systems information he needed. He had already double-checked that the new trajectory and burn times received from Ground Control had been correctly entered into the nav computer. "All systems looking nominal sir. I've stirred the fuel tanks and they're all up to pressure."
"Good work. In that case it's time to get everyone buckled up." Captain Winter used the internal comms to summon the crew up to the flight deck to get strapped in. The maneuver was expected so the four remaining crew members were in their seats within two minutes of the call.
There was an air of anticipation with this particular correction. Although minor, it would put Endeavour on the final heading to Mars orbit. The end of their marathon trip was in sight. The crew members murmured among themselves while Joe and Captain Winter monitored the systems as the computers counted down to the final burn.
***
The one exception was Georgia who sat quietly in her seat with eyes closed, listening to the Foo Fighters through her headphones. She wasn't needed for the course correction and was content to relax while Mancuso and the chief oversaw the maneuver. Music was the coping mechanism she used to escape from her surroundings and crew mates. It blocked out everything else going on around her like nothing else could. Never the most social person anyway, she welcomed the solitude wherever she could find it.
Although she had built strong friendships with Captain Winter and Doctor Betts during the twelve months' training for this mission, she had struggled to form bonds with the rest of the Expedition Two crew. A quick sense of humor covered for the fact that she didn't like to get close to people and would rather spend time with her computers and robots. They never asked questions. She was happy taking care of herself and not having responsibility for others. Landing on Mars couldn't come quickly enough as the confines of Endeavour were weighing down on her.
Her music drowned out the sound of the chatter and the constant drone of the various computers and systems located throughout the ship. During those moments, she could be anywhere.
As her head rocked to the beat of the music, Georgia sensed the slightest of nudges as Endeavour's thrusters commenced their seventy-five second burn, delicately adjusting the velocity and trajectory. This was the third and final course correction of the mission and she knew what to expect, even with her eyes closed. In her mind, she pictured the landing zone inside the northern rim of the Hellas Planitia crater. With this course correction, it was becoming a reality.
The song finished as the engine burn ended, allowing her to hear and feel the rockets being shut down. Reluctantly she opened her blue eyes as the next song began, blinking a few times at the brightness of the LED lighting in the cabin. Unfastening her restraints, she noticed that Doctor Betts was trying to speak with her. Georgia turned off her device, removed her headphones, and smiled.
"Sorry, Megan, you were trying to tell me something?"
"I'm guessing that was Dave Grohl again." More of a statement than a question. "I was trying to let you know that you can have your medical check now rather than later. The captain has agreed to answer some questions from NBC reporters, so he's moved his time."
"Thanks, give me fifteen minutes to pack these seats away."
***
As the crew unbuckled themselves and returned to their duties, Mancuso looked at the data on his computer screens. "Course correction complete, captain. New trajectory is nominal for Endeavour."
Chief Grant floated over from his position. "All engines shut down as planned. Power was marginally down with engine three but well within safety limits."
"Good work, gentlemen," said Captain Winter. "Can you complete your detailed reports and send to Ground Control to confirm? Chief, how's the latest telemetry from the supply ships?"
"They continue to track well and are on course to arrive a day ahead of us. It couldn't be going smoother."
"Don't count your chickens just yet. We're still in the easy part." Winter pushed himself out of his chair. "I'm heading to my quarters to answer the latest batch of reporters' questions if you need me. I'll check in with Commander Anders on Eden to ensure he's prepared for his maneuver tomorrow."
Captain Winter floated deftly from his command seat, through the crew galley and into his cabin. Questions from journalists had dried up within a week of leaving Earth. With no dramas, Expedition Two's news had been overtaken by the latest political scandals to rock Washington, as well as rising tensions with Russia. Winter was more than happy with that scenario as it allowed him to focus on his job.
However, now that they were fast approaching Mars, he was well aware that the public relations people were in overdrive to make the mission front and center again.
Answering the public's questions wasn't something Captain Winter enjoyed, but he had a natural skill. His laid-back approach created an instant rapport with whoever he spoke to and his thirty years with NASA gave him instant authority on the subject of spaceflight. Winter was no fool. He knew that any questions he received would have already been filtered and approved by the public relations experts to ensure there was nothing contentious and that the right questions were being responded to. Those same experts would also review and probably amend his written responses so that he didn't inadvertently reveal any mission critical secrets. It had been exactly the same during his two command missions on the International Space Station.
He opened the message from Ground Control and inwardly sighed when he saw that he had eighteen questions to answer. None of them were difficult but they would take the next hour to deal with. He noticed he'd also received a message from his wife, which he quickly decided to delay opening until he'd addressed the questions. He wanted something to look forward to.
Chapter 4
In the medical center, Georgia had just completed her examination. Without thinking, she hooked her feet into the restraints to prevent her floating around and tapped the nearest console repetitively with her fingernails as she waited for Doctor Betts to provide her results. Like the rest of the crew, she was subjected to weekly physical examinations since leaving Earth orbit to monitor the effects of deep space travel. While Georgia knew they were necessary, the examinations had revealed nothing she didn't already know.
Due to size constraints, the medical facility was no bigger than an elevator and could only comfortably fit four people at any one time. They had conducted the physical tests in the gym with Megan looking on as Georgia completed cardio and resistance weight exercises.
Looking around the medical center, Georgia still didn't know what most of the equipment did. Luckily, there had been no medical emergencies so far. One wall was lined with a multitude of drawers, each neatly labeled with the medication it contained. Another wall had a bank of computers and monitors as well as a medical scanner. She knew this was all highly advanced technology. It had to be this far from home. There was still a faint metallic antiseptic smell, which always reminded her of her doctor's surgery back on Earth.
Doctor Betts, who had been reading data from her equipment and typing in copious notes to her computer, finally looked up and in her normal relaxed manner said, "Those two-hour daily runs we've been doing have done the trick. Nice to see that you do listen to me sometimes. You won't be able to complete a marathon, but at least you've not lost too much muscle and bone mass. Enough to cope with the Martian gravity anyway."
Although she didn't show it, the news relieved Georgia. It had worried her that her fatigue on the recent spacewalk was a sign her fitness was not where it needed to be for Mars' excursions. "No problem, Megan. It's easier to stay accountable with you as my running partner. And I appreciate the new expletives you've taught me."
Doctor Betts smiled. "You can thank my years at medical school for the language," she joked. "Eyesight and bloods have come back all clear too. Other than Mancuso, who is an absolute beast for his age, you're my healthiest patient."
Both laughed out loud. Georgia couldn't remember the last time she'd done that. The strain of the mission had been getting to her over recent weeks. The hardest part was dealing with the same people day after day. They invaded her personal space and she found even the smallest habit annoying. She'd bitten her tongue so many times but occasionally had vented her frustration. Captain Winter had gently spoken to her several times about controlling her anger and she often wished that she could be more like him. He never got flustered.
When she'd signed up to the Expedition Two mission she had not truly considered having to live with people in cramped and basic conditions. What had attracted her to the mission was actually the solitude and being away from the rest of humanity for a period of time. So, while most of the crew were experiencing isolation from their loved ones, Georgia was overwhelmed by the handful of people she came into daily contact with. Megan was the exception, but Georgia still found it difficult to speak openly with the doctor.
"Can I go now? I want to send Jackson a birthday message before I go back on duty."
Georgia didn't wait for an answer, pushing herself toward the door. Megan nodded. "We're done here for today. I'll book you in for my first Mars clinic next week."
***
As she entered her cabin and closed the door behind her, Georgia noticed a green flashing light on her computer terminal, indicating she had a new message. Switching on the screen, it thrilled her to see that it was a video message from her brother, Jackson.
She hit 'play' and a smiling image of her brother Jackson appeared. Behind him was Cocoa Beach Pier and the bright blue ocean. There was no mistaking that they were siblings. They both had the same blue eyes and short wavy blonde hair. Many times, people had thought they were twins, even though he was four years younger than her.
"Hey, sis, I just wanted to wish you well before you land on Mars next week. You know how incredibly proud of you I am. And how envious I am that you're getting there before me. Training is going well with my group lifting-off to Armstrong Base tomorrow for two weeks of fieldwork on the lunar surface. I'm excited about getting back into space again and preparing for Expedition Three. So, I really need your mission to go well for me and for you to save me the best cabin in Alpha Base." Georgia smiled at how ridiculous that sounded but knew she'd have to find him a special bunk.
"Mum and Dad would be proud of both of us. I know they're looking over us all the time. I'll be watching closely next week and will be in touch again once you've landed.
Love you loads, sis."
Georgia wiped a tear from her eye and touched the image of her brother on the monitor. Jackson was the only person back on Earth that she missed. He was the only family she had and the one person who had nearly held her back from joining this expedition. It had been difficult to say goodbye. But he had insisted that she take this opportunity and that he would follow in her footsteps.
She hit the record button to prepare her own message.
"Hey, Jacko. Just calling to wish my little brother a happy thirtieth birthday. I'm sure you didn't think I'd forget, even though you sent me that message. You look good for your age. Thanks also for ensuring you were standing in front of the beach and pier. That place is full of so many happy memories. Nearly every day I wish I was there rather than here. I hope Mars is worth it.
"No doubt you know the mission is still on track and that you'll be watching us land. I cannot wait to get there. I'm like a coiled spring some days. A little tip for your trip, take something that lets you escape because the people will drive you insane. I promise to try and get you a room upgrade at Alpha Base. It will cost you though and my preferred currency is chocolate. You know which brand. Make sure you work hard on your lunar field trip. You have to ensure you're part of Expedition Three otherwise I'm coming home on the first available rocket to kick your ass.
"Love you loads, bro."
Chapter 5
On board Endeavour's sister ship, Eden, the crew were experiencing issues with an aquaponics unit in the agriculture lab. There were three aquaponics units in total. Each was basically a large centrifuge which fooled the plants that there was gravity and ensuring the roots grew strong and in the right direction. The fluid provided the correct minerals and nutrients. A system had detected a leak in one tube feeding the plants but not before five liters of mineralized water had escaped which was now floating in multiple large bubbles around the bay. The lab was contained and, although there was no imminent danger to the ship itself, there was a risk of damage to important equipment monitoring the health of the plants.
Commander Anders had just arrived in the agriculture lab to get an update from the two botanists on board, Harry and Nicola King, and the flight engineer, Rashid Qadir. His eyes were quickly adjusting to the intense LED lights that mimicked natural sunlight and which were far brighter than in the rest of the ship. "Good work on scooping most of the water out. No impact on the plants I hope. They look healthy to me, but I'm not the expert."
"It's thanks to Rashid for quickly identifying the faulty valve," Harry King replied, at the same time patting Rashid on the shoulder. Rashid blushed at the compliment and smiled shyly. "We've turned off the circulation pumps, but the plants can handle it for several days with no lasting impact."
Anders turned to the still-blushing Rashid and asked, "How soon can you change the valve? I assume we carry spares."
"Let me check, commander." Rashid checked the personal device strapped to his wrist. "The computer confirms we have two in stores. If I can isolate the water, I can get it fixed within an hour."
"In that case, I'll leave the matter in your capable hands." Rashid nodded and left the lab, carefully ensuring he closed the hatch behind him. Anders liked Rashid's enthusiasm. Even after three months, he could still be relied on to quietly and effici
ently get on with any tasks given to him. He wished he could say that for the rest of the crew who seemed to want to make his life as hard and miserable as possible.
Turning to the Kings he said, "I'll leave you to it unless you have any questions. I assume you'll scoop up the remaining droplets."
Nicola King grabbed his forearm to prevent him from leaving. "Actually, before you go, I would like to remind you we asked for additional spares. This equipment is vital for our studies on the effects of space travel on plants. It's unacceptable we have to nursemaid these delicate machines."
Anders had heard this several times. "Yes, I understand. But you know as well as I that we were limited on the cargo space. Ground Control decided on what we carried so blame them."
"I have spoken to them frequently and they are always unhelpful." Anders ensured he kept a straight face although he could imagine Nicola giving some poor unsuspecting soul a hard time.
"All we need to do is make it to Mars. Then you can have all the spares you need from the supply ships or the 3D printer."
This didn't placate Nicola's mood in any way. Anders could tell she wanted to launch into a debate on the matter. He was therefore relieved when his personal device chimed to advise him that Captain Winter was trying to contact him. He excused himself, ignoring Nicola's irritated stare, and returned to his cabin where he turned on his monitor to speak with the captain.
"Good afternoon, captain. I assume the course correction went without a hitch."
After a ten second delay, Winter replied, "Yes, Lars, we're now on final trajectory. Endeavour continues to operate flawlessly. The upgrades introduced after Expedition One continue to work perfectly. They give me complete confidence for this mission's success. I know it's early, but I thought I'd check in to see how you're shaping up for your burn tomorrow."