Red Terminal

By Elias Nicholas Souri

This is a character study of 16 people, knowing they are making history for a short period of time in their lives, and wondering how they will manage the aftermath.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Jun 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483447742

Book preview

Souri

Copyright © 2016 Elias Nicholas Souri.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means---whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic---without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-4774-2 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 6/6/2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Synopsis

Chapter 1: The Sixteen

Chapter 2: The Launch

Chapter 3: Sailing Ships

Chapter 4: The Walkabout

Chapter 5: Home on the Strange

Chapter 6: The Trencher

Chapter 7: Luminescence

Chapter 8: Bees and Ants

Chapter 9: Interment

Chapter 10: The Cone Room

Chapter 11: Home Again

Epilogue

INTRODUCTION

Do not confuse Johannes Kepler with Nicolaus Copernicus. Kepler used the observations of Copernicus to formulate his Third Law of Orbital Motion. Until Kepler, a mathematician influenced by and contemporary of Galileo Galilei, the thinking was planetary orbits were circular. Imagine his exhilaration when his calculations revealed elliptical orbits. As he benefitted from Copernicus, then somewhat later he was also by Tycho Brahe and was a future benefit to Isaac Newton, all of whom could look back to Ptolemy and Aristotle.

Not only do earth and Mars have elliptical orbits, but in relation to earth, the orbit of Mars is tilted slightly. This insight, acquired 400 years earlier, made routine the planning of a flight to Mars. An interplanetary launch would rendezvous; that is, come along side as an insertion and not an intersection, matching the speed and orbit of the planet by being pulled into its gravity.

In nature, gravity has been a constant physical mystery. In 3 laws Isaac Newton defined the influence of gravity and motion as universal. All 3 laws come into play in a flight to Mars and hint at the existence of gravity wells, distortions in spacetime. In essence any ship from earth to Mars transfers itself from earthly orbit to that of Mars. Flung from the gravity well of earth, a ship drifts steadily to the orbit of Mars. The speed would change only if the ship fires its rockets, but that would be an unnecessary waste of energy. Mars drifts perpetually in the gravity well of the Sun as the ship gradually comes along side; its flight path merging with the orbit of Mars.

A train of automated cargo vessels, 6 in all, went from earth to Venus for a pro-grade gravity assist, taking energy first from the forward momentum of earth, and then to Venus to do the same. On its way back out to Mars, the train passed earth for another boost. Launched more than 2 years before by the Chinese government off the coast of Brazil, each vessel remained in earth orbit for structural and navigational refinement, lined up at 500 Km apart. Because of their small mass in relation to the masses of Venus and earth, their boosts were colossal energy savers. Both planets lost energy in that encounter, but due to their greater mass, the loss was negligible. In the decades to come, there would be repeated boosts by other more massive ships. Even then, the loss in planetary momentum would not be detectable until long into the future, but by then the inner planets would have been destroyed by the sun.

The train and the passenger ships would meet beyond the orbit of earth. That and the supplies pre-positioned on Deimos and Mars would be all the humans would need or get. Where necessary, the cargo was redundant and duplicate, the same being applied to the 2 vehicles carrying people. Redundancy was an expensive decision, but upheld as that assured success. Of these latter, carrying 8 souls each, one ship had a medical technician skilled in internal medicine; the second, a physician trained in trauma and emergency medicine.

Reusable return vehicles were already on the surface. The passenger ships would remain in Mars orbit. Descent would be by heat shield and parachute with a soft landing on retro rockets. There would be no return trip until the next earth-Mars alignment.

Any futuristic imagery in this story is limited, set aside if only to get that out of the way for the character study to follow. Besides, predicting the technology of the future is too risky and much later ends up looking dated. Only 2 feature films ever impressed me with any technological accuracy. One was Things to Come with Raymond Massey (1936) which featured flat screen video; the other was 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) with realistic navigational graphics.

You may or may not notice the absence of conflict and a main character. Though this is a trip to Mars, it is primarily a character study. All those involved were selected for tolerance of others in protracted, close quarters. Conflict would have the potential to threaten survival. Aside from tolerance and acceptance, there has been just too much money invested in this venture. Likewise, there can be no individual primacy; all function together interdependently as in a commune.

This story has been told in narrative, but with an emphasis on dialog. Character introductions and back stories have been limited to the first 2 chapters; thereafter, depth is achieved through dialog nuance. People are sensitive to each other in a working relationship, communicating emotions and logic through body language and voice.

Dedication

And

Acknowledgement

This book is dedicated to my parents for their nurture, their patience, and for their ability to listen.

My gratitude to Natasha Farish, a good friend, for providing Russian, and to Brianne Wilson for her skill at Mandarin. Thank you both for your indulgence.

SYNOPSIS

You may or may not notice the absence of conflict and a main character. Though Red Terminal depicts a death on Mars, it is primarily a character study. All those involved were selected for tolerance of others in protracted, close quarters. Conflict would have the potential to threaten survival. Aside from tolerance and acceptance, there has been just too money invested in this venture. Likewise, there can be no individual primacy; all function together interdependently as in a commune.

Sixteen people are chosen to go to Mars, one of the greatest achievements in human history. They are diverse in gender and ethnicity, some chosen out of national interest, but this has no influence in the narrative. They are all present in the briefing before launch, two teams of eight. Though there is some competitive spirit, this is minimal as the teams are aware they are redundant for the risk they are taking.

Regardless of how much training and indoctrination, all are still anxious, anticipating the launch, the long trip, descent, and so many months on Mars. Beyond the orbit of earth, the crews dock with a gravity assist cargo train, also known as the gravy train. It is out bound from Venus on its way to Mars. Once arrived, the crews will undock and descend, while the train circles Mars on its way back to Venusian orbit. All liken themselves to seafarers, gone from home for two years or more, not knowing if they will return, unsure of their lives once they do return. Communication will not be a problem, but boredom just might be, because the avoidance of boredom needs constant effort. And even though they have been together for longer than they will be on Mars, none are completely sure of the other's compatibility. Cliques just might be inevitable.

None wants to die on this trip, but the thought haunts all of them, and the topic does come up.

Almost everything they need to survive has been pre-positioned; some equipment landed two years earlier. There is already a support colony on Deimos, observers only, not rescuers. The folks on Deimos are there to record and relay every brain wave, erotic heartbeat, utterance, and potty trip from all the nano chips embedded under the skin of each explorer. There is no privacy.

Both teams will land on the equator, but on opposite sides of the planet. They have to settle in their habitat, even construct an underground green room replete with ants, bees, and vegetables; not only for nourishment, but also for morale. Everyone knows they are guinea pigs, for their success or failure will tailor the needs of the next group. A rare nighttime trip to an excavation reveals a glow deep in an exposed cavern. Immediately, there is speculation about bioluminescence. For some, there is skepticism, even fear. To explore further is not part of the mission, until the bees and ants begin behaving oddly.

Here, then, is the look and feel of being on Mars; what it is like to walk on the surface, while death without warning is utterly grotesque.

CHAPTER 1

The Chinese have been placing supplies in orbit for years, Joshua said to his brother. When their launch blew up in flight, more than just heads rolled; they scrambled to send a replacement. He smiled. That's when we offered them a deal.

Nathan stirred in his chair, the hard seat getting harder. He knew what was coming next.

They use our launch vehicle and take 2 of our people instead of 1. Joshua's smile got wider. They take us.

It's never been done before. It's going to upset a lot of people. The administrative council won't go for it.

The Chinese want us. Us, get it? Aren't you glad I pushed you into taking Cantonese?

Nathan snorted. Dad did. He was the missionary. Mom, too. We were just 2 kids in the dirt with all the other kids in the village. They thought we looked strange. He leaned back, getting restless. Sheng Zhou helped.

He and his father just made a few phone calls to the good ol' boys and that's all it took.

Nathan grunted knowingly. The old man has an in with the Premier. All Sheng had to do was drop a hint; the only son. I wish he could come with us. It's going to be a long, boring trip. He stood, having sat long enough. We could reminisce and tell raunchy stories.

He would drive you crazy like he always did.

Isn't the cargo train on its way back from Venus?

The gravy train. Last time I checked. The whole train. Joshua said, standing. The Chinese and the Brazilians, what a combo.

That's what scares me, I mean, not them, but the speed of the thing. It's really moving.

Gravity boost from Venus. Joshua checked his watch.

OK. Yeah, sure. And we're supposed to come along side and hitch on it?

You're the one complaining about the long, boring trip. We better get moving, Joshua said, heading for the door. The boost will cut almost 2 months from our trip. That's what the briefing said. Once we hitch up, we'll go lickety split and do the orbital transfer from earth to Mars in no time.

I wish I could make it to Deimos. Even if it is further out from Phobos, the view from there must be spectacular.

Once we insert, even on the approach, you'll get a knock out view. Quit complaining. Mom always said you complained a lot.

Oh, no, she didn't, Nathan wagged a finger. She said you just didn't complain as much as I did. You didn't so you could look better.

Do you think they're happy, those two?

Norman and Sarah Wells? They're buried with their friends right near the Feishan Reservoir. They helped build it, them and their friends. When our time comes, we'll know the answer.

Joshua reached for the door knob. So you have no fear or loathing?

Nathan chuckled. That is such a poor question. You can do better.

Before she was Sarah, she was Jinghua, and though she did not know it at the time she had a suitor who was preparing an offer to her father. Junjie, a merchant from a merchant family, felt she would make a fine wife and produce healthy sons. However, he had no inkling that Norman Wells existed until one day he saw him talking to Jinghua. Obviously, the man was an outsider and unrefined. He could hear them using a suspiciously foreign language, the man making gestures and facial expressions, crass beyond all cultural norms. A moment later his ire was further roused when he saw the man take her hand.

Norman was unaware of being watched, but Jinghua was not. She hurriedly excused herself, asking Norman to meet her later. Junjie was known to her, but until that moment she had no idea of his obvious interest. A word with her father cleared all doubt. In fear for Norman and anxiety for herself, she felt they should no longer meet in public. Reluctantly, she revealed her thoughts to him, the whole time watching his face for a response. Quietly, Norman raised his chin, closed his eyes, and inhaled deeply. She had seen him do that before, knowing he already had a plan.

Some few days later Junjie was no longer seen in the village. To her father she tactfully asked if anyone had met misfortune. There were no serious mishaps, he said, other than the son of a merchant had been called away, conscripted to a far province. To her father, as odd as the question seemed, it was even more odd that the son of the merchant, the only son, had been given a formal escort for his departure. Witnesses felt the escort had bestowed a great honor on the merchant father, but Jinghua began to wonder otherwise. Weeks later Norman confessed shamefully that he was complicit in the disappearance. Junjie was now hundreds of miles away for a few years near the Mongolian border. Norman had gone to his ecclesiastic sponsor for advice. A native to the area, the sponsor had contacted his cousin, the Provincial Commissioner for Public Order and Decorum. Norman never had the courage to tell her just how deeply involved he had been; he implied the matter had gone beyond his means. The truth was that there was such a rarity of women in the village, the men had to travel far to find a wife. Jinghua would have been a fine catch. Junjie, his anger mounting over time, realized that not only was this foreigner poaching on women of culture, but also had sufficient influence with the ruling elite to dupe him and his father.

Norman was culturally aware enough to understand the intense resentment among the men. The women, however, were more at ease with a foreign man. He saw to it that Junjie would be sent far enough away long enough to cause no problems. Happiness came first.

In time Norman and Sarah wed, had 2 sons, and lived quietly. Then one day on her return from market, both baskets full, she came face to face with Junjie. With him was a young woman about his age and 2 little girls who looked to be under 10 years and about a year apart. His first expression was to smile.

My first year, he said calmly. I would have killed if not myself, then one other.

Jinghua took a small step back.

In my second year Chao-xing observed my despair and became the unguent of my soul. In time our marriage was blessed with Meixiu and Xiaodan. His head inclined to the girls. So fortune has decreed.

Chao-xing bowed slightly as did the girls, and they passed slowly; Junjie holding his smile. Jinghua felt she was in a dream as the foursome glided by into the throng.

Joshua turned down the corners of his mouth. You feel like telling me what Mee said.

Out of all those kids, she was the only one who didn't care that I, we, were half and half. Nathan looked down in thought trying to control his voice, then straightened up. Y'know, Big Bro, when I told her we were going, it was her decency I betrayed. I could see that in her face. Up until then, she thought we had a life. We spent a few days together after that, but I knew she was hurt and was trying to hide it. She was pretending I wasn't going.

She said not to feel bad. I talked to her a little while ago. She said she's proud of you. She said not to worry about her. You aren't doing this lightly. The whole village is proud. People are coming up to her and paying respect. They're asking for your photo, so I sent her several.

Nathan started to speak, then choked.

Look, Nathan, it's OK you didn't marry her. Just as well, I guess. She feels honored anyway. She said so.

I won't forget her.

She knows that. Besides mom, she's the only one who knows you so well. If you had stayed for her sake, she would have felt burdened. She would have spent all her time trying to make up for that sacrifice. What kind of life would she have had then? She knows you made the right choice. Back home when it comes to you, she'll be the go-to person.

I told her it would be like I had gone to a far province, an order of the commissioner.

Joshua chuckled. But you won't come back with a wife and children. And there won't be a boar tied up with its eyes cut out.

Mom always said it was the work of the local White Lotus. She was always sure it was fed opium and then left in front of the house of Junjie's father.

But, I liked the story better when she told it in Cantonese, Joshua said. It was creepy that way.

Then, having to eat it in public to show they appreciated the gift.

Junjie got the hint. Boar meat is rank. Don't mess with a mother and her cubs. Mom was determined we would be safe.

Because she got the eldest son of the Dragon Master into New York University. Nathan wagged his head. I read lately where he is top surgeon in Hong Kong.

You can bet his daddy got him there, Joshua commented dryly.

Joshua opened the door and stood expectantly. Nathan took a breath, hesitant, then walked through. His brother watched him pass, then followed.

What is that? Melody stopped suddenly, almost causing a pedestrian pile up as commuters bumped into her. A stout pole suspended from the ceiling displayed a 4 sided kiosk. Each side housed a chrome box with a key pad and switch hook on the side.

Slightly ahead, Alison turned. It's one of those old things. A communicator, you know, a telephone.

Melody Rush ignored the jostling for one last look. But where's that piece on the side you're supposed to listen with, you know, talk into?

I guess they were cut off to keep kids from playing with them. Who cares? Alison looked peeved. Let's please get out of here.

Alie Maples, umber with grey eyes, was always ill at ease in the bustle of the underground. She suspected Melody had paused only to tease, but then there could be another reason, that maybe she was trying to think. As they picked up their pace, she realized Melody was trying to change the subject.

You wanted to go, Alie resumed. Now, you're telling me you've changed your mind? After all that effort? There are dozens of people our age just dying to go, and now you don't want to?

The conveyer took them rapidly up 2 stories, and Alie could feel the relief. Even the air felt cleaner, less humid, and definitely less noisy. She thought ahead as she often did that they would be underground there, too. But not like this. Sixteen people, even in small spaces, would not be like the mess below.

Melody did change the subject. My mom wasn't sick 2 years ago. She says nothing should stop me. Not even her. She says she has plenty of family in case she needs help. Narrow faced with a slim nose, brilliant blue eyes and blond, few would have guessed, very few, that a great grandmother on her mother's side was from Kenya. Melody's frown intensified. She's going to die before I get back.

Diabetes has that way of messing with people. Alie turned so they were face to face, raising her voice slightly as others passed. You said she refused stem cells. So, OK. It was her choice. Look, I don't want to go without you. You're the one who got me into this. It's a miracle that the 2 of us got this far. We trained as a pair to watch each other's back, just like all the rest. I don't want to have to adjust to an alternate. It's too late, don't you understand? Don't you think I have concerns? Don't you think there are others on this trip in the same fix as you? It's too late for that now.

Melody started to speak, but Alie cut her off. Pancreatic cancer in early stages; yes, I know. She's taking chemo, but that won't last. Say your goodbyes now. Act like a renaissance sailor with a family, and when they finally came back, if at all, they found out who was living and who was dead. You can either do a guilt trip or move on. We will have in-flight counseling; the big brains know that. It's to keep us from freaking out and wasting all that money they're spending on us. She paused, shaking her head very slightly. You're the closest I've ever had to a sister. It didn't start out that way, but there it is. I'm scared and excited just like all the rest, but having you makes this whole trip seem more normal.

Melody dropped her gaze and nodded quietly, resigned, a figure of silence on a busy sidewalk. Alie slowly extended one forefinger and gave her a playful nudge on her shoulder.

Wake up, girl. We have places to go, family to meet. Even though they kept pace, there were still some who passed them. The behavior courses made it plain I'm responsible for you.

And me for you.

Yeah, it cuts both ways. But if you come to grief, it's me who answers to the flight council when we get back. Whatever dire circumstance happens to you is my fault.

They just want no problems. I am my sister's keeper and all that. So we're all put on the spot.

I like it. I feel safer. If all of us can train 6 months together underground, then the rest is easy.

Then I guess that's why those 2 brothers were chosen. At least, that's what the others are saying.

Something like that, Alie said. But they had pull. You notice there are no Chinese, I mean real Chinese. They're the Chinese, but only culturally. We'll be riding in Chinese buses. China has made history.

They made history when their launch blew up and had to beg from us. Uncle Sam was just waiting, you know. All of those engineers at NASA were jittery in their seats hoping that would happen. I wouldn't have put it passed them to have done a voodoo dance.

And when it did, they all sat back and waited for the phone to ring. Alie chuckled. Anyway, that's what Naresh said. He once did a parody of a flight engineer sitting at a monitor and who spills his coffee in his lap.

No. I'm opposed to terraforming. Naresh Tenali sat back for casual emphasis, one arm on the table. You know how I feel about this. It's a geocentric conceit. Rather, we can have above ground terraria of several acres, but live below on tiers in artificial caverns. Terraforming, if done at all, ought to be reserved for the first generation, not a decision for earthlings. Exploration is for adventure or science, but alas, then comes the mix of politics and religion. Colonists will carry this earthly baggage for 2 to 3 generations until true independence is achieved. He turned his gaze to Miyuki Yoshida. We seem to have this conversation once every 2 weeks. Maybe, Yoshida-san, that's why we were partnered, just so the rest wouldn't have to deal with us.

Stop the cultural cuteness.

Maybe, Miyuki, that's why we were partnered-

"Just stop or you'll get this hot coffee in your lap right where it will hurt your gene