by A J Britnell
John was the last to get in and he hung back to help EMO get over the steps. EMO was not a heavy robot but it felt as light as a feather in the minuscule gravity. Once the doors closed, they heard a hiss as the compartment re-pressurised and a voice from the driver compartment told them they could take their helmets off. Nobody did.
Unlike the near side of the Moon, which had vast, smooth plains of ancient lava fields, the far side was mountainous. Haruka noticed that they were not mountains but the craggy edges of huge craters. The vehicle dipped in and out of deep shadow as they passed beneath the outcrops. It was hard to judge the horizon due to the ridges of hills that surrounded the settlement and so she looked through a viewing hatch, through to the driver’s cab and the view of the road ahead. A thick strip of Lunar concrete ribboned through the rocks allowing fleeting glimpses of buildings at the end of the purpose-built highway.
The others were chattering away, unaffected by the cramped, uncomfortable conditions.
After about half an hour, the view changed. The smooth road ended and was replaced by a more rugged throughway. Rocks had been removed and the surface leveled to form a plateau allowing traffic to pass between craters. Trundling at speed, their high intensity headlight bathed the route, a few hundred metres ahead. Beyond; pitch black.
Before they entered their new home in the Drygalski Crater they could see the Lacecell factory, looming menacingly, four stories high above a rocky outcrop. Sunlight glanced over the far ridge, hitting its manmade surface and rebounding light into the crater bowl. It reminded Haruka of the old NASA Vehicle Assembly Building but instead of a huge American flag, the words LACECELL, spread across the top in three-metre high, orange letters. Behind it, the plateau continued for about five-hundred meters until meeting some strange manmade, shiny domes, one of which had a pointy structure at the centre. Haruka nudged Stefan, who turned in the direction of her outstretched hand. The others stopped talking and looked out the window at the odd buildings.
“It’s a rocket!” Haruka said in amazement.
“Ah yes, that’s the ship that docked with you,” Healey said as he edged along the bench seats to sit next to their Captain. “I decided it wasn’t practical to use the commercial airport – not if we need to launch quickly in an emergency, so I decided to house the launch pad inside the complex. It can land as well.”
“Is that the ship that’s going to be our replacement?” she asked.
"No, that ship’s mainly used to shuttle back and forth to Earth, bring supplies; the one I spoke of is much more advanced.”
“I must say Healey, I am very impressed,” Stefan had to confess, straining for a better look.
Haruka was still fascinated by the building. “What are these made of, Healey?”
“Beautiful aren’t they. They’re made of a ceramic compound. If you super heat the basalts and other rocks, they form an extremely strong ceramic that forms an immensely strong shell. There are six surface buildings similar to this but most of the complex is underground, to protect us from radiation etcetera. I’m in the process of extending our landing site so we’ll be able to bring the Caspian over – speed up our response.”
As the vehicle approached the first building, a sliding door opened and they passed straight through into an airlock. Shortly, the inner doors opened and the buggy continued its journey down a wide corridor before finally stopping at circular chamber. Following Healey’s lead, the crew removed their helmets and hopped off the back of the buggy. EMO seemed to be powered down so John side-stepped the robot and joined the others.
The vault was huge. Stefan looked up at the rocket they had seen from outside; its silver skin glinted under the artificial light and sported sponsorship and a series of national flags. His eyes moved up to the ceiling and he noticed the cone of the ship was out of sight behind a seal at the top of the cave-like hanger.
Stefan counted about twenty people in EVAC uniforms carrying out engineering duties around the base of the rocket. The crew wandered through the crowds taking tiny steps in the weak gravity. Claus stopped a technician, obviously keen to find out more about the new craft. Marcus noticed a woman working with a three-dimensional holographic map of the control systems. He peered over her shoulder as she moved her hands around as if conducting an orchestra. Brightly lit schematics danced around a metre squared, cube grid. She pointed at a window, giving it a virtual tap; then with a quick twist of her fingers, the image enlarged. Her other hand passed through the air and picked up another image that was dragged across and overlaid to form a realistic view of, what looked obvious to Marcus, the ship’s propulsion systems.
The crew caught up with Healey, who was walking the perimeter of the room, giving a running commentary on the facilities. Stefan tugged Healey’s sleeve, “So you said the rocket can launch and land from here?”
“Yes Stefan, if you look down you will notice we are standing on a platform.
When the ship is due for launch, the floor drops thirty meters to form a blast pit. Obviously due to the low gravity here on the Moon, a very low amount of propellant is needed. The whole process is far less dangerous than that of an Earth takeoff.” His comments were met with murmurs of approval, “Anyway, if you’d all like to get back in the vehicle, we’ll continue our tour.”
“Hang on, what about landing?” Stefan asked.
“Well that was a little trickier. If you look up you will notice three metal arms, as the craft nears the hanger the arms extend up to grab the rocket. They close around it; the engines are cut and we bring it in to the hanger- simple.”
“I look forward to having a go,” Haruka told Stefan who was still glancing up at the ceiling trying to imagine Healey’s over simplified explanation.
Healey gathered the crew of the Caspian back to the buggy, “Let’s continue the tour, people.” The buggy rolled off towards a four- meter wide hatch that slid open at their approach, taking them down a long corridor flagged by dim strip lights. They trundled along for about five minutes, passing numerous doors to each side. Haruka read the signs: Laboratory, Medical, Maintenance, Life Support, Power Plant; the doors continued into the darkness.
Eventually they came to the end of the corridor, which widened to provide parking bays and the buggy maneuvered into a space between two identical vehicles. The sign ahead read HABITATION QUARTERS and the group followed Healey through a door that lead to a ‘clean room’. The room was clinical white with bays along the side for spacesuits. Each took an empty cubicle; stepping on to a platform backwards, they hooked their armpits over a harness and removed the suits, leaving them hanging like cast skins. Haruka hopped down and instantly a door closed on her suit. The compartment filled with a blue tinted gas followed by a loud swishing noise as the suit underwent a deep cleaning process to extract the minute lunar dust particles.
The crew then passed into the next section, split into male and female shower cubicles. Haruka smiled to herself, enjoying the privacy of being the only female as she noticed the boyish laughter coming from the opposite room. She took off her jumpsuit and looked around for a place to put them; a metal panel labeled, DIRTY CLOTHES embedded in the wall and she pulled the handle to find a chute.
Shivering, she turned to the cubicle, looking for operation instructions but as soon as she entered the enclosed space, the door behind her slid into place, startling her. Haruka tilted her head to the ceiling and closed her eyes anticipating a rush of warm water but to her surprise, a cloud of chemicals blasted her body causing her to shriek in discomfort. She clucked her tongue at the unpleasant taste in her mouth. As the gas grew thicker, the blasts of air circled her body, lifting her hair at the roots and flicking it into her stinging eyes. She focused her mind; she had had dry showers before but this was brutal. Remembering past experience, she closed her eyes and mouth and lifted her arms above her head to allow the jets to do their work.
Thankfully, as quickly as it came, the gas retreated when a noisy motor whirred into life and sucked the chemical
s from the air, leaving a rather shell-shocked Haruka, blinking and sore.
The cubicle door swung open and she tiptoed out onto the cold ceramic floor, searching for coverings. A row of glass, fronted lockers were inset into the wall; two had nameplates: O’BRIAN and NASH. Haruka reached in and retrieved her pristine uniform.
“That was invigorating!” Claus exclaimed, patting his reddened cheeks.
Haruka moved close to her friend and whispered, “I thought my skin was going to peel off. I hope we don’t have to that too often or I’ll have to get them to turn down their settings to ‘gentle exfoliation!”
Marcus came behind them and put his arms around their shoulders, “Don’t we look smart?” They turned to look at the others; all of them were wearing French navy jumpsuits with orange trim.
John preened himself in the reflection of a glass wall. “I feel very professional,” he said with pride.
Marcus pinched his friend playfully around the waist and replied bravely, “I’m surprised they found one big enough!”
Their attention soon turned to the cavernous room they were now entering. An imposing flight of stairs spiraled up three floors to balconies overlooking the central hub. Light came down through circular holes in the ceiling and strategically placed mirrors amplified it, taking advantage of any available sunlight.
They walked down a few polished steps to a circular room. A wide stretch of windows encompassed this central hub with shutters tilted to avoid the sun’s glare. Fashionable couches surrounded a low table, set out with computer monitors and keypads. To one side there was a small kitchenette with a coffee machine, the area was reminiscent of an office reception, completed with canvasses of moody lunar landscapes.
John and Claus tested out the seating for comfort while Stefan checked out the coffee machine. Healey came up behind Stefan, who was staring at the instructions. “I don’t think I’ve tasted real coffee in years.” Healey lent in and pushed the button for his favourite brand. The machine gurgled and hissed its pressurised contents down a transparent tube into a lidded cup. Healey withdrew the coffee from behind a plastic flap and passed it to Stefan, who hastily twisted the cup around to find the opening with his tongue. After a satisfying gulp, he moved away from the machine as an impatient queue began to form for the delicious beverage.
Haruka felt drawn to the panoramic view. They could not see the industrial area from this direction, just the strange but beautiful rocky floor flanked by the craggy crater ridge in the distance.
“We get almost constant sunlight this side of the crater during the day fortnight – all be it shallow.” Healey said, watching Haruka take in her surroundings, “That’s why I chose this site – I couldn’t stand perpetual darkness, like those at the Pole.” He sat on the arm of a chair and returned his attention to the seated men, “So what do you think of it so far?”
Stefan spoke for everyone, “I think it’s fantastic. I can’t believe how much you’ve done in such a short time-without anyone knowing.”
“Oh, people know all right, well the right people, that is. Everything is in place; we have the contracts for the Mars transfer routes, the Mars mining operation along with deep space operations.”
“What about Earth orbit and the Moon?”
“Unfortunately, Schaefer’s got the satellite contract, but that’s just maintenance, not our kind of thing anymore,” Healey commented, wrinkling his nose.
“I managed to confirm a loose contract the mining operation, they can’t look after themselves for much longer; they’re expanding their territory and undermanned. The hotel complex is worth a shot too, they seemed reluctant to be tied into anything; in the past, they’ve had help from the mining company but it seems sensible to use us since we’re in the neighbourhood.”
“Maybe we could go and speak to them again,” Stefan suggested. “Haruka is very persuasive, maybe she’d like to take John over to check out the complex, make a note of any safety worries.”
Haruka looked back at the group and nodded her approval, still mesmerised by their unnatural surroundings.
“Good idea, I’ll get on with it straight away.”
They were all eager to explore the complex but first they were led to the habitation quarters; a separate wing, half embedded in the rock with one glazed wall with tinted glass and shutters. The Far side of the Moon was passing from waxing to first quarter; the sun casting long shadows off the craggy crater ridge in the distance. A little way down the corridor they came upon a row of doors; behind which, generous apartments with ensuite facilities and kitchenettes awaited – a real home from home.
Stefan entered apartment number two with a palm print. A smile crossed his face and he strolled straight over to the king size bed and threw himself onto his back, starring up at the high ceiling. The spaciousness was invigorating after the cramped conditions aboard the Caspian.
Equally impressed, Haruka wandered her apartment, touching the opulent fabrics and smooth Lacecell furniture, cleverly crafted and finished with a gleaming white surface that reflected the limited light.
Everyone had their own identical apartment. Healey told them they were free to decorate to their own taste but it was hard to improve on such perfection.
Healey knocked on Haruka’s door.
“Oh, hi Healey, this place is wonderful!” she stepped back and welcomed him into the room with open arms.
He remained in the doorway, “I knew you’d love it.”
“This must rival the hotel!”
“You know me; I don’t do anything by half. Anyway, I came with good news- Eileen’s joining us in a few hours, I’ve assigned the room next door.”
“That’s fabulous; I’ve missed her so much. Is her Uncle better?”
“Yes, he’s made a speedy recovery and amazingly decided to stay on the Europa.”
Haruka laughed, “He’s made of tough stuff.”
“I think it’s got something to do with surviving a near death experience; he can handle anything space can throw at him now!” he said, turning to leave, “See you at dinner.”
Before he could close the door behind him, Stefan elbowed in unnoticed. He coughed to announce himself. Haruka spun around, her smile gently fell away, unconsciously wrapping her arms around her shoulders. Stefan was the first to speak, “Hey we never had a chance to talk about the accident, I thought maybe now things are more settled we could….”
“I’m trying my best to forget about it, Stef,” she paced the room, trying to keep some distance between them.
Stefan shrugged, “Suppose that’s probably best, especially if we’re about to put ourselves in more danger.”
Haruka forced herself to look at him. He appeared dejected or maybe rejected. She remembered her conversation with John. “Come here,” she said softly; her arms outstretched. Stefan did not hesitate and hugged her warmly, covertly inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. “I think it was you that needed to talk about the accident, don’t you?”
She gently released from the embrace, “Are you going to be like this, every time there’s trouble? It’s not like we’re a couple or anything.” Haruka’s words were pointed but her tone was kind.
“You know if I had my way we would.”
Haruka bit her lip, why did she have to say that? she thought. She bowed her head, knowing what was coming.
“I love you Haruka!” Stefan blurted out the words, not daring to waste the opportunity, “seeing you beyond that inferno was unbearable but I won’t let how I feel about you jeopardize our work if that’s what you’re worried about,” he paused a moment and waited for Haruka to look up, “I can live with us not being a couple - just don’t shut me out, that’s all I ask.”
Haruka took his hand and guided him to join her at the foot of the bed. “I’m sorry, it was unfair of me. I thought maybe it would be easier on us both if I kept… aloof.” she whispered, trying to make light of the situation.
Stefan smiled, “We did have fun – I mean before, you know.”
They sat there in silence, while Haruka considered her next move. She knew that she could easily turn him away. He was one of those incredible people that could endure the most painful situations just to keep a loved one near.
But this was Stefan – in her room, her private room thousands of miles from reality. Tentatively, she reached out with open palms and stroked his face, his stubble grazing her skin as he melted at her touch. Stefan closed his eye in hope and Haruka obliged, pressing her lips to his, softly to begin with until the familiar passion returned.
That night they all dined together in the common area. Healey had asked one of his staff to cook a welcome meal; fresh roast chicken with Earth’s seasonal vegetables. They took their seats around an oval table, perfectly sized for the group. Eileen sat next to Haruka and they held hands, deep in conversation.
A clinking glass halted the chatter and Healey offered a toast, “I’d just like to welcome you all, especially Eileen,” he tilted his glass in her direction, “and here’s to a new beginning for us all – to EVAC Rapid Response Team!”
“To EVAC!” The group raised their glasses to each other before devouring the rare delights before them.
Eileen put down her knife and lent into Haruka, “So you kept us waiting quite a while tonight.”
“Sorry about that, needed a nap, tiring day and all that.”
“Alone were you?” Eileen enquired knowingly.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“Come on, everyone knows.”
Haruka blushed and shot a glance to Stefan who had not taken his eyes off her since they entered the room separately. She lowered her voice to a whisper “I suppose you think I’m being unkind, stringing him along again,”