Return to Terra Nova: Seeking Forgiveness

By Thelma Ritchie

After two months of streaking through space, the spaceship Newton is finally closing in on the Red Planet. Experienced spacefarers, as well as complete novices, make up a diverse crew who have boldly chosen to trust the newly developed fusion vehicle with their very lives. Newton’s trek from Earth to Mars is making history, cutting travel time in half, carrying the largest crew ever, and bringing the first tourists to a newly constructed Martian hotel.

Return to Terra Nova—Seeking Forgiveness explores the fact that all humans have physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs, no matter where they go. Mars presents new challenges that will test even the bravest souls. Within the theme of forgiveness, Ritchie writes a novel of realistic science, interspersed with excitement and adventure. As her characters explore, problem solve, and develop relationships, they face life and death circumstances that testify to the fact that the God of the universe is with them. Volume 2 of the Return to Terra Nova trilogy will be enjoyed by all readers, as they are introduced to the courageous and resilient pioneers who are carving out a new way of life on the Red Planet frontier.

Recommendations

Thelma Ritchie once again combines a lifetime of wit and wisdom with cutting-edge technology to spin a fun futuristic tale. Ritchie’s scientific vision stirs the imagination, while her characters draw you in to the human drama of thrills and struggles of life on the frontier. In a world needing faith over fear, Return to Terra Nova is fuel for the soul.

—Adam Richardson, PhD

Lead Pastor, Church at Sandhurst

I love Thelma Ritchie’s books. They are full of life lessons and science and excitement. The reality of living a life following Christ is presented honestly. God’s truths are not compromised by science but are verified as the characters come to Him.

—Diane Quagliana, Retired Virology Research Technician, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Microbiology

Children’s Leader, Bible Study Fellowship

I was trying to read it slowly but then ended up immersed in the characters and story, and just sat and read and read and read. 

—Diana Low, Retired Educator, Mercer Island School District

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself not being able to put this book down. I found solace in reading Return to Terra Nova while my life shifted dramatically. The scripture is interwoven throughout reminding me of God’s promises. It explores the complexity of human relationships while set in a true-to-life scientific background. The setting on Mars incorporates many basic scientific principles such as horticulture as a source of both food and oxygen for the settlement. As a science educator, who is also a Christian, I highly recommend this book for all ages.

—Susan Shelton, Middle School Science Teacher, Columbia School District

These books are exactly what I was looking for when my kids were younger, as they are well written, enjoyable to read, and educational with a Christian message.

—Colleen Broaddus, Former Trustee, The Bear Creek School

Group Leader, Bible Study Fellowship

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638857808

Book preview

Chapter 1

Travel Mercies

The journey from Earth to Mars had been challenging. The travelers still had a month to go of their three-month journey, and they were grumpy and impatient. They were sick of looking at each other, weary from exercising, tired of freeze-dried food, and uncomfortable from sleeping in their reclining chairs. More than tired, they oozed exhaustion. Though the journey had epitomized excitement as they broke away from Netropolis, Rush Nicholson’s orbiting hotel, and felt the fusion engines thrust them on their way, the day-to-sol living and working with others in a cramped space had dulled their expectations. They wanted nothing more than to reach their destination.

Since they had completed two-thirds of their trip and were closing in on Mars, they had begun getting used to referring to days as sols. The Martian sol was 39.5 minutes longer than an Earth Day, and scientists had determined how to make twenty-four equal Martian hours, so just as the sol was longer, so were the hours and minutes. Larraine had always thought it was humorous that when her family had first arrived on the Red Planet, her mom had said she’d always wished for more time in the day, and now she had it in the Martian sol.

So far, the journey had been nearly uneventful. There had been the expected challenges of managing to work and sleep in the company of many. There had been normal flareups between the diverse personalities attempting to live with each other. There had been one minor spacecraft problem, which had been quickly solved, but nail-biting, heart-thumping emergencies had so far eluded Newton’s trek through empty space.

Two weeks into the journey, there had been an electrical malfunction in instrumentation. Nth Degree’s mission control had informed them that fuel and oxygen level readings aboard were erroneous. Dan Divine had spent hours trying to identify the problem but could find nothing wrong in the wiring inside the spacecraft. Finally, he and Rory had donned spacesuits and gone outside.

Larraine had been terrified, but Rory had been able to harness his minor fear into action, and his confidence had helped lower her level of unease. Dan and Rory had quickly located a bank of malfunctioning solar cells, and Rory had reentered the craft to secure new cells while Dan worked at removing the ones causing the problem. The two men installed the new cells, as the rest of the crew held their collective breath watching the progress and actions of the two televised on the large screen in the main crew area. At one heart-stopping instant, Dan had slipped and drifted a short distance from the spacecraft. Those watching had gasped in fear, but since Dan was safely tethered to the Newton, he was able, with Rory’s help, to quickly pull himself back to safety.

Pilot Brian Delaney and his navigator, Dan Divine, had guided the ship flawlessly on course throughout the trip, and they had delighted in the fusion technology that powered their craft. Three months to Mars had previously seemed unbelievable, but now they couldn’t understand why UNSEF hadn’t invested in the development of technology that theoretically had shown this amazing possibility. Unbelievably, developers of the fusion propulsion predicted that the journey to and from Mars could eventually be pulled off in just thirty days. Perhaps private industry was proving to be more sensible and cost-effective than governmental control.

Various members of the crew, including John and Justin Divine, helped fill in on the bridge so Brian and Dan could each have sleeping and rest breaks. Even Rush Nicholson had spent time learning to navigate, and he was pleased with how things were going. Nicholson enjoyed participating in the mission that had resulted from his planning and work. Brian Delaney was surprised that the man seemed to relish the idea of being a critical member of the crew—not simply the most important passenger. He believed that Nicholson really had changed in many ways since the time he had deviously used people in a plot to abduct his daughter from Mars.

Rory Galveston had also spent many hours assisting the pilot and navigator. During training exercises, Rory had practiced how to deal with potential fusion problems, a new scientific endeavor for the celebrated geologist. He felt stretched in a good way, knowing he was truly contributing to the success of the mission.

Even the garden, started by Gary Edison and helped along by Larraine and Serena, had been continuing to produce enough food to enhance and enrich the depleting stores of ready-made food.

Larraine continued to be nervous around Gary Edison, but the space farmer had seemed to grudgingly accept help from her and Serena Divine in caring for his garden. Actually, he had no choice in the matter, since Rush Nicholson had assigned the two women to give him assistance. Though Larraine wasn’t sure she liked the man yet, she certainly appreciated his skills and was amazed at the garden he had created. She determined to learn from Edison and also, hopefully, teach him a few things. Not that she expected him to realize any time soon that he had things to learn. Larraine wondered if Gary Edison’s pride would eventually come back to haunt him.

Teenager Lois Faith Richards had been making herself miserable for most of the trip. She had decided early on that she was sorry to have agreed to go, and her attitude was dismal. She had agreed to the trip mainly to make her dad happy and her friends jealous. She had certainly succeeded in both objectives, but she now regretted the decision. The girl didn’t like continual reminders of how tenuous her safety was, and the difficultly of travel for such a length of time with so many people in a confined area was really getting to her. How she longed to wash her hair with water and not the dry shampoo required for space travel. She closed her pretty, long-lashed gray eyes, wishing for privacy and the chance to put her feet on solid ground again.

Lois Faith was presently eating her lunch next to Larraine Galveston in the common area of the transport. She liked spending time with Larraine, who had talked her through some difficult moments on the journey. Lois Faith wished she could be more like Larraine. She sensed that the older woman was probably just as frightened as she was, yet Larraine had a way of taking a deep breath, closing her green eyes, bowing her head, and meditating for a while to calm herself. Larraine had encouraged Lois Faith to pray and had taken her hand and prayed for her, but Lois Faith didn’t want to pray solo, even though she admitted to herself that Larraine’s prayers did help.

How are you this sol? asked Larraine, causing her dimples to appear as she smiled. She could sense that the young woman was troubled and wished she knew how to help. Her long, dark blond hair had been swept into a neat ponytail, giving her face a thin but pleasing appearance.

Lois Faith sighed. Her gray eyes appeared sad in her strikingly pretty face. I just do not want to be here, she said. Lois Faith, as usual, kept her long black hair neatly in a French braid that reached down her back and moved from side to side as she shook her head.

This wasn’t new information for Larraine. What could she say? She had dealt with the same feelings since nearly the beginning of her family’s trip to Mars years ago. She smiled at Lois Faith and said, I do know how you feel. Then she added, However, you’re definitely not leaving this spacecraft for another month. So, what can we do about it?

Lois Faith’s eyes darkened with tears that caught on her long lashes, as she said, There’s nothing we can do about it. I’m stuck here, and I just have to live with it.

Larraine’s heart hurt for the girl. Why don’t we pray about this, Lois? Although Larraine thought Lois Faith’s middle name was beautiful, she tried to always remember and honor Lois’s request to not use her middle name when speaking with her.

Larraine wasn’t surprised at the angst and anger in Lois Faith’s response. I don’t believe in God, Larraine. I prayed so hard for Him to heal Mom, but He didn’t care. He took her anyway. No God is looking out for me.

Larraine had a flashback, remembering that she had heard Diff say something quite similar, before the beautiful pilot and engineer had come to know the Lord personally. Oh, Lois, that isn’t true.

Then why didn’t God heal her? If He’s God, He can do anything. Right?

Larraine gathered her thoughts and closed her green eyes momentarily. Upon opening her eyes again, she admitted, I don’t know, Lois. I just don’t understand the mind of God. She asked, Do you know my dad has lung cancer, and they say he’s dying?

Lois Faith’s eyebrows lifted. She had seen the news reports about Preston Temple but had forgotten about them. She bowed her head and said, I guess you do understand how I feel, but I don’t see how it gives me any comfort.

At that moment, John Divine entered the living area with his lunch tray of food and walked right over to Lois Faith and Larraine. May I join you lovely ladies? he asked. John seemed to look for Lois Faith whenever he was off duty. Not that it was hard to find her, as everyone spent most of his or her time near their assigned seating when not carrying out duties or exercising. Lois Faith admitted to herself that she was actually glad to spend time playing games and talking with a guy her age. John was of average height for an eighteen-year-old, and his blue eyes and straight, caramel brown hair combined to make him an attractive young man. However, she had no interest in encouraging him to be more than a friend.

Lois Faith and Larraine laughed. We would be honored, replied Larraine. How’s it going, John?

John was in a good mood. "I just got a message from Andrew. We’re making plans for exploring after Newton gets to Mars. Andrew says he’s begging Sally Evanoff to let the two of us tag along when all the geologists head out to the Ius Chasma."

Larraine teased, All of the geologists?

Yeah, answered John. That includes Dr. Galveston.

Does the transport have room for three geologists, a pilot, and two young explorers? Larraine smiled.

Just barely, admitted John. There’s room for six in the Martian aircraft.

Well, I hope Sally goes for it, said Larraine. I know my brother, his spirit of exploration, and the fact that he can be pretty persuasive. Stick with him and you’ll certainly have some adventures.

I’m counting on it, declared John.

*****

The Newton was near enough to the planet Mars that the amount of time involved in getting information back and forth had gradually shortened. Brian made reports to Commander Sally Evanoff every sol now, and her response came in just a few minutes. Brian was counting the sols until he would actually see Sally again in real life. Even though their arrival was just a month away, he feared that actually seeing Sally in person would take a while.

Brian had just sent an update to Sally, informing her of the plans for arrival. Even after getting to Mars, it might take several sols before he and Sally would see each other. Newton would land and remain on the Martian moon, Phobos. Then transporting the crew a few at a time by shuttle to Nicholson Narrows was going to take a full sol or more. How soon would he be able to take a flight to Terra Nova? Could Sally meet him at the Narrows? What were Nicholson’s expectations for him once they arrived?

At the same time, at Terra Nova, Sally Evanoff had been completing an inventory of materials available in the settlement and materials that were needed and wanted for future flights. She was also compiling a report of operations and explorations for both Red City and Terra Nova. Sally was to have her presentation detailed and ready for when she met Rush Nicholson in just one more month. Evan Allison would be making a similar report about Nicholson Narrows.

The work had reminded Sally that though she could hardly wait, time was passing quickly. She would soon be reunited with Brian Delaney. She sighed, saved the completed work, and promised herself that she would finish the data report later in the sol. Buoyed by the sudden appearance of an icon indicating that another message had come in from Brian, Sally immediately homed in on it.

Clicking on the message icon, Sally’s breath caught as Brian’s face filled the screen. She was momentarily mesmerized by the handsome pilot’s face and just gazed for a while into his blue eyes before playing the video recording. Brian always sent the information in a written document as well as presenting the highlights in a video presentation that usually included a personal message. Before clicking the arrow to play, Sally studied Brian’s appearance awhile longer. The pilot had aged. As have we all, she thought. Brian no longer seemed quite the young, dashing adventurer who had been her good friend of years ago.

Brian’s blond curly hair showed some gray, and his smile deepened a few crinkly lines around his mouth and eyes, but it was obvious that the man’s soul had not changed. Knowing that the main reason Brian was traveling to Mars again was to see her gave her pause. Would Brian care that her blond fluffy hair had a few strands of gray and she was now in her forties? Sally couldn’t help frowning at the thought that she hoped the pilot wouldn’t be sorry he’d determined to pursue her all the way to Mars. Will he decide to leave at the first opportunity? she wondered.

*****

At Red City, Diff had been watching her father’s latest informative video message. Her dark, green eyes framed by the vibrant red hair around her face focused on Rush Nicholson. Six-year-old Scoter sat beside her, looking at this man that he really didn’t know but had seen on the computer screen many times. His mom had told him this man was his grandpa, but Scoter really didn’t understand what that meant. His mom had also told him that the man was coming to Mars to visit them. Scoter did understand that, as he remembered new people coming to Mars two years ago. None of them stayed very long, and when they left, they took some settlers with them. He hoped his grandpa wouldn’t take his mom or dad when he left.

Diff’s mind roiled with the implications of having Rush Nicholson, her estranged father, present on Mars. Since she had never known him during her childhood, or adulthood for that matter, she wasn’t at peace with accepting him at this point in her life. While it was true that the man seemed to care, he had thrown away many chances in her life before Mars to demonstrate that he loved her. He had never acknowledged her when she was growing up, and she admitted to herself that she resented that fact. She unconsciously squeezed Scoter tightly to her petite body, as if to protect him.

Dieffenbachia Jamison was middle-aged, married, and with a son, and she had never known how it felt to have a dad. She knew as a Christian how important forgiveness was, but could she truly do that? Could she actually forgive and love this man who seemed so foreign to her? And what about Scott? He seemed to accept Rush Nicholson, but her husband hadn’t really made his feelings clear. Diff knew that Scott’s cool headedness had nearly boiled over and evaporated when Rush Nicholson tried to abduct her and take her back to Earth against her will.

As if in answer to her mind, Scott came through the door to their home. He had been on a routine trip to Nicholson Narrows with Mitch and Andrew and left them both at Terra Nova before returning to Red City. The huge African American pilot scooped Scoter up and held him in his strong arms. Diff savored looking at her husband and son. Scoter looked so much like Scott, with his curly, dark brown hair and ebony brown eyes. His skin was lighter than Scott’s, but otherwise, they could have been twins, if not for the difference in their ages and sizes.

Stopping a moment, Scott took in the sight of his wife. After all these years, he could still scarcely believe that the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen had agreed to become his wife. Then, seeing the computer screen and noticing that Diff looked even more pale than usual, Scott put his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed. It will be okay, Diff, he assured her. Rush Nicholson won’t have control over us. Besides, I sense that he’s changed.

I hope so. Diff put her tiny, very white hand on Scott’s huge, dark brown one. I just don’t know how to accept him and deal with him being here.

Forgive him, Diff. Scott paused, gathering his thoughts. I think the only reason he’s coming to Mars is to see you and Scoter. He really does care about you.

So it seems, agreed Diff, but I don’t trust him.

You have a right to those feelings, but give him a chance.

Can you? challenged Diff.

Scott exhaled. That remains to be seen, but I feel like I have forgiven him. He sat down next to Diff, holding Scoter on his lap, and reminded her of the past. As someone who needed and received much forgiveness, how can I withhold that from others?

Diff mulled that thought over carefully before sighing and responding, You’re right, of course. You always are. But I don’t know if I can forgive him.

Pray about it, Diff. You can do this.

Scoter had listened carefully to his parents. Although he didn’t understand their conversation very well, he knew his mom was troubled. He wished he could say something to make her happy. Since he couldn’t speak, he reached over and patted her cheek, causing her well of emotions to become rivulets down her face. She took Scoter from his dad and held him close, as her tears flowed freely. Scott’s large arms encircled his family, showing them, he would always be there and protect them.

In the other underground habitat at Red City, Damaris and Preston were savoring a video message from Larraine and Rory. Damaris, with a mouth that naturally turned up at the corners, was attempting to let her joy in knowing Larraine and Rory were almost to Mars overshadow her growing concern for her husband. But anyone looking into her hazel eyes would know she was worried. She showed a momentary frown, hiding her dimples, and she carelessly pushed her light brown, gray-sprinkled hair out of her face. Preston seemed more alive than he had for the past year, though Damaris winced at how much weight he had lost. He was now thinner than his string bean son, Andrew, and although tall, his shoulders seemed stooped. On this sol, his demeanor was bright, and his smile was big, hiding the fact that cancer was slowly creeping its insidious way through his lungs. Approaching the age of fifty, his hair was still mostly blond but thinning, and his green eyes were clear.

Preston was ready to meet Pierre and Vanna outside. The three planned to provide routine maintenance on equipment at the pumping station now that Pierre and Vanna had returned from leading the successful effort to pipe underground liquid water to Rush Nicholson’s hotel at Nicholson Narrows. No longer did Preston plod heavily with every step, but he walked lightly as if expecting something good. Well, it’s all wonderful news, he told his wife. I can’t believe we’ll have Larraine back here with us, and very soon.

Damaris smiled and gave a soft chuckle. Just don’t forget, she’s bringing a new member of the family with her.

Preston looked a bit surprised. Now how could I forget that?

Damaris smiled. Well, you’ve never quite acted like you’re glad she married Rory Galveston.

Preston looked down and confessed that he was still struggling with that fact. I really don’t know for sure how I feel about that. His head lifted and his eyes met hers. It all seemed so sudden.

Now Damaris laughed aloud. Preston, could you not see that from almost sol one our daughter was smitten with that gorgeous geologist.

I did see it, but I always thought it was a passing fancy. He just seemed so wrong for her.

They’ve been married for more than six years, Preston. I think we can see that Rory has made a lot of changes. And, she added, the two of them are obviously very much in love.

Preston said no more about his concerns. He still remembered his last conversation with Rory Galveston. Oh, the man was good looking all right with his dark brown hair, cinnamon brown eyes, and left cheek dimple. As they say, tall, dark, and handsome. When Larraine had determined to return to Earth, Rory had sought Preston, nearly begging him to prevent her leaving. At the time, Preston had told Rory, Larraine wants a husband that will be spiritually one with her.

Larraine had told Rory she couldn’t marry someone who didn’t believe in God, so he had angrily responded to Preston’s statement with, I don’t understand you people. Those had been Rory’s last words to Preston before the geologist had followed Larraine to planet Earth. Preston knew that Rory said he had accepted the Lord as his Savior, but it was hard for him to trust that admission as fact from this formerly self-proclaimed agnostic. Preston had prayed about his angst many times, and he felt that God had been telling him to wait and see. He knew he shouldn’t be judgmental, but he was concerned for his daughter.

Preston hugged Damaris, who barely reached his shoulder, and said, The sol is wasting, and I need to get out there. I should be back for dinner by about five this afternoon.

Great, answered Damaris. I’ve got lots of medical reports to take care of, and several people have appointments with me.

Preston knew one of those appointments was with Max. How is Max doing? he asked, always caring about the needs of others more than himself.

Damaris frowned. Max has healed for the most part, but he’s still struggling with fine motor coordination in his hand. He’s disappointed that playing his guitar has become so difficult. It’s like he’s teaching himself all over again. Then she added, I’m going to try to convince him to return to Earth and specialists who can help him more than I.

What about Dan Divine? asked Preston. Can’t he possibly help when he gets here?

Maybe, agreed Damaris. We’ll have to wait and see on that one. Neurology isn’t his specialty either.

*****

Chang had driven the terra-rover, Behemoth, from Red City to Terra Nova the previous sol, and he and Andrew were cleaning and lubricating the huge transport vehicle in the shed at Terra Nova. Just like everyone else living on Mars, the two men couldn’t stop talking about the arrival of Newton. But unlike many of the other citizens, Andrew had no fear of Rush Nicholson. He liked the changes that Nicholson had put in place so far. He approved of how the man was attempting to expand exploration of Mars, not only through his hotel but in things like actually traveling to the Red Planet. He was impressed that the businessman realized that they needed animals on Mars, and he was astounded that somehow Rush Nicholson had convinced Larraine to return to Mars, not to mention Brian Delaney’s willingness to work for him again. He sure didn’t see that coming.

Robotics engineer Chang Lee and Andrew Temple were almost opposites, but over the years they’d become good friends. Chang, from China, was short and rotund, and he was always jovial, creating jokes and then laughing at his punch lines. He had trained Andrew to work with the robots and rovers ever since Andrew’s family had arrived when he was just eleven.

As if Chang could read Andrew’s mind, the engineer asked, What do you think of Rush Nicholson coming to town soon?

Andrew laughed and stood tall. Andrew was quite tall, and everyone wondered if growing through his teenage years in low gravity had contributed to that. He was about as tall as Scott’s two-meter height but a lot slimmer than the older man. Well, I hope he’s willing to live without his usual amenities. He’s liable to be in for some unpleasant surprises. Andrew had green eyes and his mom’s mouth, and at twenty years of age, he had grown into a handsome young man.

Chang was thoughtful. I don’t know about that. His hotel is pretty amazing.

It is, agreed Andrew. However, he will need to get used to donning a spacesuit if he wants to go outside. That is no little thing. He’ll also have to accept a pretty limited diet. Andrew paused and then showed empathy as he suggested, I think the hardest thing for him might be dealing with our attitudes about him. Most of us don’t like him even though we’ve never met him. I hope people can overlook his past mistakes and give him a chance.

Chang’s eyebrows lifted inside his spacesuit helmet. Wow, Andrew. You’re sounding like an adult.

Andrew answered, Well, I guess it’s about time. After all, I’m twenty.

Yes, you are, Chang confirmed. However, Chang added with a smile, it’s sometimes hard for me to overlook your accident in the cave or the blower you invented that just stirred up our Martian fines.

Don’t remind me, said Andrew sheepishly. I’m really working on my image before the arrival of all those people coming. I want to make a good impression.

Rush Nicholson isn’t likely to fire you or send you back to Earth.

I know that. I’ve earned the right to be here. Andrew was quiet for a few minutes. Then he added, But there are others who need to see me at my best.

Larraine and Rory know you, Andrew, said Chang. They know how capable you are.

Not them, said Andrew.

Then who?

Well, I want to really make John Divine feel welcome. There is so much I want to show him, and I hope we can be friends. Andrew smiled, and then shyly added, And there’s Lois Faith Richards.

Aha, teased Chang. Now we’re getting to the bottom of it.

Andrew frowned. A lot of good it will do me. She’s not likely to hang around for long.

*****

Vanna, Pierre, and Preston were nearing Red City’s pumping station. Vanna led the way, walking purposefully so as not to trip on any debris. Pierre walked right behind her, but his mind wasn’t on the trail. He was picturing Vanna’s pretty platinum blond hair and amazing lavender eyes inside the spacesuit he was following. When will we get a chance to do more exploring? Pierre asked himself. The two had used every sol they had off to explore the area around Nicholson Narrows when they were working to pipe water to the hotel, and they both missed that activity since their return to Red City.

Likewise, Vanna had begun to wish that she could do some hiking with Pierre just for fun. Her mouth formed a straight line, as she thought of how special it had been to use their limited free time to do something fun together at the Narrows. She admitted to herself that she had been smitten by the tall French guy with curly brown hair. In her mind, long lashes framed Pierre’s brown eyes, forming a handsome image. Picking up her feet, she hurried along, anticipating getting back to the habitats when their job was completed. Perhaps they could eat dinner together.

A thin, transparent, icy fog filtered the light from the rising Sun, enveloping the three Martians as they closed in on the pumping station. Water vapor in the atmosphere had condensed into ice crystals that sparkled in the air as they fell, thinly coating the Martian surface. Vanna, first in line, stopped abruptly to take in the grandeur of what she considered to be one of the best atmospheric processes of the Red Planet. Oblivious, with eyes focused on their feet, the two men looked up in surprise, nearly running into her and wondering why she had stopped.

Vanna’s hushed voice came through their headsets as she expressed her wonder. Look at the sparkles in the air.

Preston took notice and wondered why he hadn’t been aware of the crystals before Vanna stopped. They weren’t really like snowflakes, yet they were dancing in the atmosphere, spinning and falling to the ground slowly, behaving like snowflakes on Earth. The particles seemed like miniscule lights gracefully cavorting in a stunning waltz.

Pierre expressed the feelings of all three. Wow! he exclaimed. You don’t see that on Earth.

After a moment, Vanna said, Actually, you can sometimes see something very similar in cold areas on Earth. Some call it diamond dust.

I’ve seen this many times since I’ve been on Mars, said Preston, but I’ve never seen it on Earth. Thinking a moment, he added, I have read about diamond dust, however. What’s causing this, Vanna?

It’s our thin atmosphere and cold temperatures, Vanna said. On Earth, the thicker atmosphere helps keep warmth in the ground at night, but here, the thin atmosphere can’t keep the heat in, so the ground gets colder quickly after the Sun sets, and the air close to the ground also gets colder. The cold air gradually spreads, and the scant water vapor in the air condenses into ice crystals forming fog. The ice crystals we see glow because the sunlight is reflecting off them. Just like snowfall on Earth, gravity pulls them to the ground.

Have you seen this diamond dust on Earth, Vanna? asked Pierre.

Yes. When I was on a research assignment in Antarctica, we saw it on several mornings.

Continuing on their way, each entertained his or her own thoughts about the phenomenon they were observing: Vanna thought, I love being here and learning so much about the scientific processes of this planet. Pierre thought it was somewhat refreshing to consider natural things rather than engineering. Preston prayed, Thank you, God, for giving us such wonderful science to ponder.

Reaching the pumping station, they read the water level. Noting that the water supply still appeared to be ample, Pierre puzzled aloud, Why aren’t we depleting this water?

I don’t know, said Preston. There must be some natural process that keeps renewing it.

The three scientists were silent, as each considered what they perceived to be almost a miracle. Preston was silently thanking God for His provision to the settlers. Pierre’s engineering mind was roiling with possible explanations, but weather and geology weren’t his expertise, and he just couldn’t explain it. As a hydrologist, Vanna was the resident expert on water, and she knew there had to be a good scientific explanation.

We’ve been over this before, explained Vanna, her pretty violet eyes glowing inside her helmet. You understand the Martian hydrologic cycle. There’s water vapor in the atmosphere that freezes and falls to the ground. Salts in the soil latch onto the molecules of frozen water, but as the temperature warms the surface during the sunlight, the salts give up the water, and it sublimates into vapor.

We know that agreed Pierre. But there’s no liquid water on the surface of Mars to seep underground like it does on Earth. The cycle makes no sense to me here.

Vanna sighed. I know, but somehow water has to be finding its way below the surface. Vanna then admitted, I’ve thought about this a lot, and I’ve listened to Stormy and Jeffrey, but I just don’t know yet. There has to be an explanation but look how long it’s taken to understand many of the processes on Earth. There are millions of things we still don’t know. Why should it be any different here? We just have to keep experimenting and trying out theories. And scientists have been theorizing about this for years, more so since we discovered liquid water below ground.

Do you have a theory, Vanna? asked Preston.

Well, sort of, she answered. But we haven’t had the time or tools needed to test things out.

So, tell us what you think, prodded Pierre.

All right, agreed Vanna, but I’m not claiming this as a fact, so don’t go telling everyone that I said this. Stopping, Vanna squinted at the two men through her spacesuit faceplate, as they patiently waited for her to continue. Okay, here’s what I think. We know there’s frozen water in the Martian polar ice caps, right?

Yeah, said Pierre. "Scientists have known that since before we ever came to Mars. And we see plenty of evidence living so