Last Call for Earth

By Nicholas Palmer

In the year 2050, Earth was on the brink of collapse. Pollution, deforestation, and overpopulation had left mankind's fate up in the air. There was no hope, that is, until something extraordinary happened. Scientists discovered a wormhole to Mars. After much deliberation and endless research, the decision was made to start over, by colonizing Mars. Flash forward 107 years later, humans are thriving in an enclosed colony on the planet. 17 year old Owen Grey is the son of the colony's Commander. Adventurous yet reckless, his father is concerned about his perceived lack of a clear direction in life. Then, something else extraordinary happens. Reed Shepherd, an optimistic biologist proposes a mission, led by him, back to Earth to answer the question, "Has Earth changed for the better...or for the worse?" Last Call for Earth is a story about friendship, hope, survival, bravery, love, family, and above all, the sometimes complicated relationship between father and son.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicholas Palmer
• Release date: Nov 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540146502

Book preview

Last Call

for

Earth

Anniversary Edition

By Nicholas Palmer

To

Nick, Janine, Joy, Todd, Maria, Rachel,

...and Owen.

The Story of a boy, a girl, and the adventure of a lifetime.

Prologue

The year was 2050.

Earth as we knew it was on the brink of collapse. Global warming, deforestation, and mass industrialism had engulfed the planet. Temperatures across the globe skyrocketed and the polar ice caps began to melt, leading to mass floods and complete wipeouts of landmasses. Forests were destroyed and left barren, leading to mass extinctions of many animals. Fresh produce was a thing of the past. Pesticides and the smog in the air had destroyed the land, making them useless for growing food. The air had become so polluted that humans rarely went outside and when they did, they had to wear protective gear to protect themselves from the dangerous air and the hot sun. The total population of humans had reached ten billion, but the number was falling rapidly. Death, in the form of disease and crime, lurked at every corner and the government was forced to put a cap on how many children a family was able to have. Failure to abide by the law could result in imprisonment and even death. The government and the judicial system grew more stricter. Knowing that they played a major hand in the destruction of Earth and fearing a rebellion, they imposed harsh punishments in the event of failure to abide by the laws.

There was no hope. There was no sign or indication that things would ever get better. They were getting worse day after day, hour after hour.

But then emerged the Mars Study Program.

In the year 2037, a group of NASA scientists secretly banded together to form what would eventually be called the Mars Study Program. Their  goal was to study the planet Mars with hopes of eventually colonizing it. After doing countless research, they launched a small beacon into space that would travel to Mars to collect data and then they would base their next move on the results. The beacon's mission would take four years, but they were prepared to wait. Everything had to be accurate and precise before they went public with their plan.

But something extraordinary happened.

On a cold December night, exactly four hours after the beacon was launched into space to begin it's journey, one of the scientists, Dayna Lee Boyer, was awoken by her computer. The beacon had reached Mars and was already scanning for data! She immediately took her findings to show her equally shocked colleagues. Flabbergasted, they quickly sent another beacon to Mars, following the same route to see how everything that was happening was even possible. The result was something they never could have imagined:

A wormhole, that could launch anything at extraordinary speed from one side of the galaxy to the other in hours opposed to years, had formed. 

The scientists had no time to wonder how it formed or how it was even possible. They took full advantage of it and immediately monitored the beacon as it sent them information about Mars. The data didn't suggest that anything had changed about the planet but they had a back up plan. One that involved the government.

At a meeting of the major world countries held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, they presented their findings and a plan: build six major stadiums all filled with rooms and enclosed in giant glass domes to place on Mars. They would assemble the parts on Earth and transport them to Mars to be completed, all done by highly intelligent robots. Then, they would design a massive shuttle spacecraft to transport people across the globe to their new home. Unfortunately, they would only be able to save an estimated number of seven million people. After much deliberation and countless debates, the governments came to a conclusion and green lit the project.

For thirteen years as world conditions worsened, the Mars Study Program worked tirelessly to finish their project. Finally on February 14, 2050, work on Earth was completed and in the early hours of the day, the Connie Jean was launched into space, Mars bound. Over a period of 6 months, the dome and all the buildings were built, including a secret stadium for the enjoyment of future generations. 

Food proved to be the biggest issue when mapping out life on Mars. Botanists and biologists worked tirelessly to find an answer and eventually a solution was settled. In temperature controlled labs, food would be grown, with materials they would bring over, and with materials they would continue to use on Mars.

Throughout the thirteen years, the governments brainstormed tirelessly on how to choose the individuals who win a ticket to Mars. Eventually, they brought in genealogists to best determine whose genes and bodies would be best fit for life in space and Mars. After grueling months and endless tests and samples, the genealogists pooled a list of six million people who would be perfect for the journey. They were contacted and told to immediately prepare for the first takeoff which was held on September 29th, amid protest and much controversy. On October 7th, the last of the selected ones left Earth as the rest of humanity was left to fend for themselves against a hostile and vengeful planet.

As the selected ones sat in their seats, watching the Earth get smaller and smaller before completely disappearing, they wondered: What would become of the home they destroyed? What awaited them on Mars? And most importantly...would they ever return?

I

Year 2157

The Dayna Lee wasn't your Granddaddy's spaceship.

Your Granddaddy's spaceship was a big hunk of junk that made a ton of noise, took up a ton of space, and weighed a couple hundred tons.

But not the Dayna Lee. She was of a different breed.

The small, yet mighty sleek gray aircraft was fully equip for whatever space held in its starry abyss. At her front was the control room, in her back was the landing ramp, on her left side were two escape pods in case of emergency, and in the middle there was an observation room, a lounge room, and a kitchen. That was it. She had been gliding through the dark sky, with nothing but the stars in eye sight when slowly her destination became visible. The bold color of the circular planet stood in stark contrast to black canvas it had been painted on.

Earth.

On the bottom left side of Dayna Lee, a small door opened and a small beacon was quickly shot out. It was round and black, with a red light glowing on top of it. It made a slight beep as it hurdled into the Earth's atmosphere, heading straight to the green masses that lay dotted across the planet.

Inside the Dayna Lee's control room sat Doctor Reed Shepherd, the mastermind behind this secret expedition.

Bold, cautious, and hopeless optimist were the words to describe Reed Shepherd. He was a biologist who had just turned thirty-five and was in charge of this top secret mission. It was a job he took with complete seriousness but the easily impressed and eager twelve year old boy that was still alive in him shined through every now and then. And by every now and then, all the time.

Ever since he was a kid and had really stopped and looked at the stars, not just gazed at them, but looked and thought about them, he wanted to do something significant.

So far, this was shaping up to be that something significant.

He focused his full attention on the beacon, as it became smaller and smaller, eventually disappearing from eyesight. He ran his fingers through his dark brown hair, adjusted his thick black glasses that hid his intense green eyes, and took a deep breath.

This is it, he thought out loud to himself. He rolled up the sleeves on his orange plaid shirt and began tapping his fingers on the control panel as he watched the computer screen, waiting desperately for something to show up. The screen remained black, but he held onto his optimism. Something amazing was about to happen.

A few more minutes past and just as he was beginning to yawn, the door behind him opened and Gina Kelly, his assistant, emerged with two cups of coffee. She was a young nurse who was Reed's only help on this secret mission. She had tar black hair with tan skin and wore brown glasses. She was dressed in her signature; a white turtleneck with a pink plaid shirt, black jeans, and brown boots.

Last bag of beans so you'd better enjoy, she said as she sat down and handed Reed the coffee. He tiredly smiled at the coffee, then at her, and took a sip. How's it going? Any readings, she asked. I just launched her but either way this could be an all nighter. There's no telling how long this could take, he responded. 

Gina sighed and then looked back at Earth.

It looked different than it did in the pictures she studied in school. In those pictures, Earth was in her prime. The oceans were a bold blue color, the green landmasses complimented the ocean, and the white caps on the top and bottom kept everything in balance. But the reality was much different. There was a lot more blue and a lot less green. An ugly shade of brown had replaced much of the green left and those white caps were all but gone. It was a whole new planet and humanity was just a faded memory.

You really think...there's even a chance that..., she began, nervous of what his answer would be. She was just as hopeful and eager about this mission as he was, but approached it with caution.

I honestly don't know...but whatever outcome, we'll know soon. The Board has a lot faith in the beacon's ability to accurately-.

Just then, the computer screen started blinking yellow and red.

What's going on, asked Gina.

It looks like the beacon has landed, said Reed as he quickly began typing in codes as the computer screen brought up more images and codes. It's bringing up a ton of numbers. I think some of these might be temperature readings. It has the ability to track the temperature within a fifty mile radius, said Reed as he continued to study the screen. It's able to send information that quickly, Gina asked, perplexed. Reed nodded. The Board wanted the best of the best and they got it. It won't give us full readings but it'll give us enough to go on, he answered. The computer then made a beeping noise and completely shut down. 

Reed held his breath. Come on, baby. Don't let me down, he said to the computer screen. 

After a few seconds, pages upon pages began printing out of the printer.

What is it, asked Gina.

Data! The beacon came through, exclaimed Reed as he began smiling and pumping his fists in the air. Gina smiled in return and gave him a high five. It was a happy moment, but they both knew that even greater happiness depended on what was on the pages. 

Moment of truth, said Gina as she smiled nervously. Would you like to do the honors, asked Reed. She smiled as she took the papers from him and began reading them. As she did that, part of her thought maybe she shouldn't appear to be so eager, and that she should remain professional, but the part that won threw professionalism out the window.

"The beacon has determined the average temperature in the observed area is...seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit! Plant life has exceeded previous expectations and is thriving! The animal life is...the animal life...the only animals recorded in the area are bears, deer, and a unidentifiable species of either wolves or foxes. Animals, Reed...animals. Mammals," exclaimed Gina. If animals, specifically mammals, were able to live and thrive...the possibilities seemed endless. Reed smiled even more and began laughing in celebration. They embraced at the news.

I think this calls for champagne, exclaimed Reed as he began walking to the lounge cabin. Go easy on that too, it's the last bottle, Gina exclaimed in excitement. Reed laughed as Gina, for a brief moment, got serious again.

Dr. Shepherd does this mean..., she started as Reed quickly interrupted her. He knew what she was about to say. Yes Gina. There's a chance. A big chance, he said softly and almost somberly. She smiled. That was all she needed to hear. 

Should I set the coordinates for home, she asked. Yes you can. You did good today, said Reed as he exited the main compartment with that big smile still plastered all over his face.

The moment that he had dreamed of since he was a little boy had come true. Life on Earth was again a possibility and if it wasn't for his late night studies spending exactly three-fourths of his twenties in a library, it wouldn't have been possible. The feeling he was feeling right now was indescribable.

On the kitchen table was a brown journal with the words Positives written on the cover. Before he did anything else, he opened the book, flipped to any empty page and wrote:

" Month 10, Sol 18, 2157...

Today Gina and I were the first to learn that Earth has stabilized to the point where human life is once again a possibility! I am beyond happy right now. Can't wait to inform the ESB!"

At the end of every sol, Reed would record a positive event that happened throughout that particular sol so when things got rough or hard, he could reflect on all the good that was happening around him. He smiled as he closed the book and reached for the cabinet, searching for glasses for the champagne.

Back in the main control room, Gina placed her hand on a shiny yellow button and pressed into it. "Dayna Lee to Gina Kelly. How are you my love," she asked in an enduring voice, into a small microphone.

Suddenly, a voice came out from a small speaker above the yellow button. I am fine, Gina. Was the trip successful, the voice asked in a female monotone and robotic voice.

Yes it was! Very successful. Take us home, please, commanded Gina.

What of the beacon you sent down, asked the voice. "It's ok Dayna Lee, we're leaving it down there so it can continue its research," said Gina as she sat down to study the research more.

Your request is my command. Heading into the Wormhole, we will be home shortly, said the voice. Thank you, said Gina as she continued to study the papers. She had been a nurse for three years before she decided to go back to institution to study space travel and Earth biology. She had been extremely fortunate to catch the eye of Dr. Shepherd. Impressed with her abilities and quick learning skills, they had made quite the dynamic duo and had worked together ever since.

But this was the find to end all finds.

The Earth Study Board would be extremely pleased.

The Earth Study Board, abbreviated as ESB, was the official government appointed committee that oversaw the study of biology on planet Earth. Formed thirty-three years ago, it's mission was to encourage and build interest of the study of Earth, with hopes of one day eventually returning to Earth, to study it and possibly re-colonize the planet. As Reed's superiors, they put a lot of faith in his studies for this entire mission to take place. To hear that it went successfully in all regards, would be good news to them. And secure Reed's job.

The Dayna Lee pulled back, turned around, and headed to the wormhole. The wormhole was gray and resembled the funnel of a tornado. It was surrounded by countless stars and it's strong current pulled the the ship towards it. It was massive in size, but served as no deterrent for the Dayna Lee. She knew how to maneuver her way around in it.

When inside, she glided through the dark yet beautiful gray funnels, gaining speed until she eventually disappeared away from the Earth's view.

_________

A satellite floated around the fiery red planet that was called Mars. Once just known as the fourth planet in the Milky Way, it was now home to a species who didn't originate there. It was the new Earth, and Earth had become new Mars.

As the satellite made its usual routine of orbiting the planet, it sensed the Dayna Lee gliding past it, heading into Mars' atmosphere. It made a beeping noise and sent a signal down to the planet, alerting the operators of the Intergalactic Space Administration that the Dayna Lee had returned.

In the tall cylinder shaped tower, dozens of operators began working in unison to find an available landing hanger for the Dayna Lee to land in. Hanger Two was under repair, Hanger Six was in use, but Hanger Seven was available. A stout middle aged operator pressed a red button and typed in a code in his computer and began speaking.

"ISA to Dayna Lee. Do you copy," he asked.

After a brief pause, Dayna Lee replied.

"Dayna Lee to ISA. I copy, she replied. Is Hanger Seven ok for you to make a successful landing, he asked. Yes. Preparing to land in Hanger Seven," she replied.

As the Dayna Lee emerged from the thick layers of clouds, to approach the surface of Mars, she changed courses and set onwards to the group of gray hangers that sat side by side near the cylinder tower. The doors that sat on top of Hanger Seven, the seventh and last in the group, opened, making the way for Dayna Lee to claim her new home. The Dayna Lee stopped above it and slowly began its descent into the hanger. When she finally reached the bottom, the doors slammed shut and a red mist was released in the hanger to quickly cleanse it. After a few seconds, the red mist retreated and the landing ramp open as Reed and Gina emerged, carrying the data they held tightly together, ready to show the Earth Study Board what they were eager to see.

_________

Adjacent to Hanger Seven was the ISA Terminal, a dome shaped transit station that launched circular pods across a rail track to the Gowen Institute of Education, an elite prep school and where the Earth Study Board was headquartered.

Reed and Gina boarded the pod and it launched, racing through a narrow tunnel and then finally making its way outside. The fiery and impassioned red of the planet beamed smoothly across the triple coated glass of the pod. It was a sight to behold to an eye unfamiliar with the planet but with those who were born on Mars, it was just another sight.

Reed and Gina focused intently at their data. Reed was shaking and it grew more obvious the closer the pod got to the Gowen Institute.

Nervous, Gina asked as she noticed his hands shaking the papers. Reed, so focused on the data, had hardly noticed. What, he asked as Gina smiled and pointed to his shaky hands. He chuckled.

I'm sorry. Yeah, I'm a little stressed, he admitted. Don't worry. You got this, she said, reassuring him.

"No. We got this," he said, reaffirming her part in all this. It was true that Reed had done most of the research but he never would have gotten as far as he did without Gina. He wasn't going to diminish her role in all of it just for his gain.

He wasn't that type of guy.

It didn't take long for the pod to reach the East Wing of the Gowen Institute. It sped through the small opening in the glass dome and after another short tunnel took it downward, it rose back up and came to a complete halt. The doors opened and Reed and Gina walked out into a gray hallway. After two lefts and a right, they reached the Earth Study Board boardroom.

Do you think they're in there, asked Gina. "Dayna Lee automatically sent a message to them when we left Earth's atmosphere. They should be assembled by now," Reed answered as he pressed the yellow button on the side of the door. The door slid open and they walked in.

The boardroom was a large windowless room with a large, round black table with stark white walls.

Around it sat the members of the Earth Study Board.

At the head of the table sat Doctor Rebecca Danes, a tall and slender woman with dark gray eyes and jet black hair that complimented her smooth brown skin. She was the Head Chair of the Board and had been so for the past eight years. She was very beautiful but there was something complicated about her. She didn't smile and always had a stern look on her face. She was very hard to read.

To her left sat Professor Rick McFadden, a short and skinny middle aged man with white hair and big black glasses. He had been a member on the board for five years and due to his intense study of physics and neuroscience, made an excellent addition to the board. He glared at Reed as he walked in. It was hard to pinpoint how or why, but Reed always got the feeling Professor McFadden resented his success at such a young age.

Across from him sat Ernest Ernie Grey. He was an attractive, middle aged man with brown hair and he too sported a stern look on his face. A brilliant student of science, he served as the Co-Chair of the Earth Study Board. He was very accomplished, which made him somewhat intimidating to approach.

Next to him sat Doctor Claire Gowens. She was an older woman in her late seventies but her age had no effect on her. She was still sharp as a tact and served loyally on the Board since it's conception. Her husband, William Evan Gowens, spearheaded the Earth Study Board and served as the first Chair up until his death.

Across from her sat Professor Simon Yu, the youngest and newest member of the board. A brilliant mathematician, his skills came of great use when designing new spacecrafts. An acquaintance of Reed's in school, he was a great asset in convincing the Board to go along with Reed's idea.

Doctor Shepherd, Nurse Kelly. Welcome back, said Dr. Danes in a smooth yet deep voice that almost sounded enduring. Almost.

Thank you! We're eager to be back, exclaimed Reed.

He could hardly contain the grin on his face, although he knew he shouldn't have had it on full display the way he did. These people didn't do much smiling, no matter what the news.

Well we're eager to hear more about your findings. Going off of your message and by the look on your face I assume everything went well, asked Ernie.

Totally! Yeah, I mean yes. Yes sir, things went completely successful. The data couldn't be any better, said Reed, struggling to maintain his professionalism.

Before he could explain what exactly the data revealed, the door slid open again and in walked a tall man wearing a white military like suit. He had brown hair but it was beginning to gray, although he didn't look a day over forty-five. He sported a smile of confidence, a smile of hope, and a smile of compassion. 

The Board immediately rose.

Commander Grey! Welcome, said Dr. Danes, this time in an enduring voice.

The man who had walked in was Commander Sean Grey, the president-like figure of the Mars Colony. An athlete in his younger days, he came from a long line of affluent doctors, politicians, and scientists, tracing back to the final years on Earth. He was a decorated Mars Colonization Defense Squad man, the colony's militarization organization, but in recent years, his main focus was politics. After a brief Senate stint, his popularity soared and he made the decision to run for Commander and won by a landslide four years prior. He was