Return to Terra Nova Coming Home

By Thelma Ritchie

Return to Terra Nova--Coming Home delivers excitement, adventure, and realistic science packed into a story of faith and planetary exploration. Thelma Ritchie's indomitable characters thrive on difficulty as they overcome every atmospheric and geophysical obstacle of the Red Planet with common sense, cooperation, and hard work. Themes of courage, forgiveness, and discovery intertwine to provide a strong and hopeful conclusion in Volume 3 of Ritchie's Return to Terra Nova saga. Her story affirms the reality of God's love and forgiveness for all people, none of whom are perfect. And, as always when God's people move to new lands, His Word of Truth is shared.

Thelma Ritchie's tale inspires, educates, and thrills readers as her characters risk their lives to help one another through the dangers and hardship that continually crop up in an untamed alien wilderness. She presents the cycle of life, growth, and death realistically, with empathy.

To answer readers who wonder why anyone would give up a successful life on Planet Earth in order to face the guaranteed danger and uncertainty of Mars: these are the sturdy souls who welcome challenge and an opportunity to explore a new frontier. For them, the sky is not the limit. They have set their sights far beyond the Moon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886445381

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

List of Characters

Introduction

Chapter 1: Purposeful Planning

Chapter 2: Reasons to Celebrate

Chapter 3: Scoter Saves the Sol

Chapter 4: Decisions

Chapter 5: Soul-Searching

Chapter 6: Notable Events

Chapter 7: Tying the Knots

Chapter 8: Returns

Chapter 9: The Plans of Man

Chapter 10: Deliberating Decisions

Chapter 11: Moving On

Chapter 12: Learning and Growing

Chapter 13: Attitude of Gratitude

Chapter 14: Opportunity Taken

Chapter 15: New Beginnings

Chapter 16: Tribute

Chapter 17: Sunrise

Acknowledgments

About the Author

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Return to Terra Nova Coming Home

Thelma Ritchie

ISBN 979-8-88644-537-4 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88644-538-1 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 Thelma Ritchie

All rights reserved

First Edition

All Scriptural quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by International Bible Society.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, descriptions, entities, and incidents included in the story are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, and entities is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I also dedicate this book to my husband and love of my life, Walter Ritchie.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Whom I trust.

—Psalm 91:1–2

List of Characters

Evan Allison: American Nth Degree engineer in charge of Nicholson Narrows stationed at Nicholson Narrows, Mars.

Brian Delaney: British space pilot who has made other trips to Mars in the past for UNSEF* and Nth Degree. Presently on Mars.

Jeffrey Dennison: American UNSEF geologist stationed at Terra Nova, Mars.

The Divine family: UNSEF American family stationed at Terra Nova, Mars.

Dan: Father of the family, cardiac surgeon and physician.

Serena: Mother of the family, botanist who will help maintain greenhouses.

John: eighteen-year-old son.

Justin: fourteen-year-old son.

Wilbur Dorn: Universal Nations chief executive officer on Earth.

Phil Eastman: American Nth Degree engineer stationed at Nicholson Narrows, Mars.

Gary Edison: American space gardening expert employed by Nth Degree to be in charge of the greenhouses of Mars.

Sally Evanoff: American UNSEF biologist and commander of Terra Nova and Red City, stationed at Terra Nova, Mars.

The Galvestons: American UNSEF married couple who have just returned to Mars from Earth.

Rory: Geologist.

Larraine: Botanist, daughter of the Temple family.

Safa Ibrahim: Iraqi UNSEF botanist and navigator stationed at Terra Nova, Mars.

The Jamison family: American UNSEF family stationed at Red City, Mars.

Scott: Father of the family, pilot.

Dieffenbachia (Diff): Mother of the family, pilot and engineer.

Scoter: Six-year-old son.

Jennifer Knightly: American Universal Nations employee on Earth.

Pierre LaSalle: French UNSEF engineer stationed at Red City, Mars.

Chang Lee: Chinese UNSEF mechanical engineer stationed at Terra Nova, Mars.

Max Machiavelli: Italian UNSEF mechanical engineer stationed at Red City, Mars.

Lance Mason: American Nth Degree employee on Earth.

Judith Michaels: American Nth Degree employee, Rush Nicholson's administrative assistant on Earth.

Rush Nicholson: American trillionaire entrepreneur, owns Nth Degree Networks, Diff Jamison's father visiting Mars.

The Richards Family: American tourists visiting Mars from Earth.

Walter: The father, wealthy investor.

Lois Faith: Teenage daughter.

Sachiko Tatsuda: Japanese UNSEF dietitian and cook stationed at Terra Nova, Mars.

The Temple Family: American UNSEF family stationed at Red City, Mars.

Preston: Father of the family, engineer and assistant commander for Terra Nova and Red City, Mars.

Damaris: Mother of the family, physician for Terra Nova and Red City, Mars.

Andrew: Twenty-year-old son, UNSEF employee with many skills, repairs robots and rovers and is training to be a pilot.

Mitch Trent: American former Nth Degree engineer and pilot, serving time for abduction attempt of Dieffenbachia Jamison, stationed at Terra Nova, Mars.

Anna VanVleck (Vanna): Dutch UNSEF hydrologist stationed at Red City, Mars.

Stormy Watson: American Nth Degree geologist stationed at Nicholson Narrows, Mars.

Dustin Wilson: Australian UNSEF pilot stationed at Terra Nova, Mars.

*UNSEF is an acronym for Universal Nations Space Exploration Federation. Space explorers joked that UNSEF was just a letter short of unsafe.

Introduction

Return to Terra Nova—Seeking Forgiveness began with the spaceship Newton on its way to Mars. The ship contained a unique crew: scientists, a physician and his family, tourists, hotel employees, even the owner of Nth Degree Networks and the recently completed Nicholson Narrows Hotel located on Mars. Each traveler held personal reasons for the trip. Most individuals had climbed aboard to continue Red Planet exploration and development. Two wanted the adventure of a lifetime. Others looked forward to seeing family living on Mars. Some desired fame and fortune. And yes, one was seeking love. The arduous journey to Mars had been cut from seven months to just three with the development of the fusion-powered spacecraft Newton, which had been designed, tested, and certified by Nth Degree Networks engineers.

Two months into the journey, the spacecraft lost all communication with both Mars and Earth. Investigation using exterior cameras showed that the antenna system had been damaged, and a partial repair using extravehicular activity was accomplished so Newton could limp into a rendezvous with Terra Nova's Mars's orbiter, Hope. There, more complete repairs were made, and then Newton continued on to the Martian moon, Phobos, to land in Stickney Crater.

From Stickney's spaceport, the new arrivals were shuttled down a few at a time to the Nicholson Narrows hotel. From there, some travelers were transported to the Martian north polar region, where Terra Nova and Red City had been established long ago. Others remained at the first-class hotel to either work or vacation. Since piping from an underground reservoir of fresh water had been completed, the first tourists on the Red Planet began their adventure by enjoying the hotel amenities. Soon, they were transported to Terra Nova and Red City, from where they experienced unique, otherworldly tours.

Old friendships were renewed, real life-and-death issues were confronted, and exploration ruled. The newly arrived surgeon performed a successful open-heart surgery, a life-threatening emergency ended in rescue, the assistant commander of Terra Nova continued his struggle with lung cancer, and two couples became engaged to be married. All the while, life was lived and work was accomplished on an alien planet with all its pioneering hardships and opportunities. And Planet Earth wasn't ignored. Surprising and sudden treachery arose from home that challenged the safety and future of every person located on Mars.

Chapter 1

Purposeful Planning

Aboard the flight to Red City, Rush Nicholson's heart was soaring, as with great pride he watched his daughter control the plane. Smaller in size than many preteens, she demonstrated focus and intensity as she flew the group from Terra Nova to Red City. Nicholson shook his head of unruly, gray-streaked red hair, telling himself it couldn't be true. He closed his hazel eyes as if searching inwardly the answer as to why, after trying to abduct Diff Jamison and take her home to Earth, the trillionaire had been welcomed into his daughter's underground home. Then, with eyes wide open, he was aware of his small stature compared to that of his son-in-law, who sat in front of him.

Scott was next to Diff in the copilot seat, a complete opposite to his beautiful wife. Scott's body was huge, and his skin was black. Dark brown curly hair framed his ebony eyes. What a contrast against tiny Diff's white skin, bright red hair, and dark green eyes.

Rush was seated next to his grandson, six-year-old Scoter, in the second row of seats. Scoter Jamison looked like his dad, with lighter brown skin and a dazzling smile. His third open-heart surgery had been completed just a week ago, and the boy had recovered well enough that Dr. Dan Divine had said Diff and Scott could take the child home to Red City. Along with his cardiac condition, Scoter had never talked, and no one knew why. But right after his surgery, the boy had attempted to say grandpa, his very first intelligible word.

The fifth person aboard the plane was fourteen-year-old Justin Divine, who had also been invited to go to Red City, and he sat right behind Rush and Scoter. Along with Nicholson, Justin's family had traveled aboard Newton and arrived at Terra Nova just before Scoter's surgery. Justin was super intelligent and had been tasked with adult responsibilities during the journey to Mars. He had begun getting to know Scoter, remotely communicating from Earth prior to traveling to Mars, and they were now fast friends.

As Rush thought about how incredible it was to be on Mars and being now considered an integral part of his daughter's life, he could almost believe in a God Who loved him. As if that God were trying to get his attention, Rush heard his grandson suddenly say, Guh-pah.

Hearing his son, Scott turned to look at Rush and Scoter, a big grin stretching across his face. Scoter was finally beginning to say words, and Scott was thrilled. Rush's heart beat stronger hearing Scoter saying his name. The tough tycoon was awed and felt his rigid self immediately soften. He grabbed Scoter's hand and asked, Will you give me a tour of Red City, Scoter? Scoter smiled knowingly and shyly turned his face to look out his window. Justin reached up from behind and patted Scoter's shoulder, causing the younger boy to giggle.

Scott pointed out the window, telling everyone, If you look down right now, you can see the lakebed Rory discovered all those years ago, where Vanna recently fell through and our friendly Superbot1 heroically saved her and me. We are quickly approaching Red City, so make sure your seatbelts are secure. The plane had made the forty-kilometer trip between Terra Nova and Red City in a short fifteen Martian minutes, flying over the roadway established between cliffs that delineated the Chasma Boreale, located near the Martian North Pole.

The passengers immediately felt the aircraft slowing down as they saw the sprawling but neat community they were nearing. It was obviously related to Terra Nova but had a cleaner look. Most of the habitats had been made from shipping canisters, just like at Terra Nova, but they didn't appear to be connected to one another. There are no passageways connecting the habitats, said Rush in amazement. Will we need to don our spacesuits to go to the next pod while we're here?

No, said Scott. Sally Evanoff determined the corridors leading to each canister should be placed underground. There are ways to walk between the habitats without spacesuits, but they are below ground. There are also underground bathrooms and showers and the two brick homes below the surface.

I like the way Sally Evanoff thinks and leads, commented Rush, and he straightened his small body to attempt a better observation of the ship's landing area.

Rush had made an agreement with Universal Nations to manage all the Martian settlements, and that had prodded him to travel to the Red Planet to try to make amends with his daughter, Dieffenbachia, whom he had previously tried to abduct from Mars. Nicholson now controlled all exploration and expansion on the Red Planet, so his statement assured Scott that Sally Evanoff would be left in charge when the man returned to Earth. That is, unless the commander wanted to return to Earth.

Almost immediately, the aircraft was hovering over the landing strip, and then it began to descend, finally gently meeting the ground. When the aircraft had settled, Scoter clapped his hands and said, Goo…duh, Mahmmm.

Diff's heart melted, realizing her son had just praised her in real words. She smiled at Scoter as she told everyone to put on headsets and gloves. When all passengers had helmets and gloves securely fastened, she shut down the engines. We have just arrived at Red City, Mars, and it looks as if Chang and Andrew have met our flight, Diff reported as she popped the hatch. After she lowered the ladder, the passengers eagerly exited the plane.

After all were on the ground, Andrew quickly stepped forward and greeted Justin. Hey, Justin, he said, you, your brother—when he arrives—and I are going to live in the small men's pod while you're here. He then decided he should clarify. It's called small because it's smaller than the large one that came later, not because it's for men who are small. An uncomfortable silence deafened as Andrew suddenly realized that perhaps he shouldn't have said that bit about small men. Would his boss find it offensive?

But Justin liked this a lot. Obviously, the pod wasn't for small men, because Andrew Temple, in his spacesuit, appeared the same height as Scott Jamison. These arrangements sounded much better than hanging out in the other habitat with the older men. The only downside was that he would have to live in the same pod as his older brother, John, but that wasn't a hardship. He and John usually got along just fine.

Then Andrew got beyond his gaffe and said, Feel free to make yourself at home. Enjoy settling in, because you'll soon be hard at work, just like the rest of us.

As the adults took care of putting the plane away, Scoter quickly led Justin to the airlock. Justin was used to how to operate the airlock system by now, so he did so with eagerness. The two boys quickly passed through the airlock and removed their spacesuits, then Scoter took Justin to the small men's habitat. As he left his friend there and went to meet his mom and grandpa in the Jamison home, excitement filled Scoter. For the present, he had a friend living right at Red City near his habitat.

The fourteen-year-old with the adult-sized brain was excited to be forty kilometers away from his family, and he staked out one of the cots across from the bed that obviously belonged to Andrew. This promised to be the best adventure of his life, and he couldn't wait to be given his responsibilities. He wondered if he'd miss his parents. He pictured them in his mind. His older brother, John, had told him if he missed Mom to just look in the mirror, and Justin supposed it was true. Everyone said he looked just like his mom, with white wavy hair and blue eyes. Justin thought John had lucked out because he looked like their dad. At eighteen years of age, his brother and dad were equal in height, with caramel-brown hair. The only trait all four family members shared was blue eyes.

*****

At the same time on Earth, Judith Michaels and Lance Mason were being greeted as celebrities when they arrived at Nth Degree headquarters several days after Lance had rescued Judith from the clutches of the Universal Nations. It seemed that every employee had come together outside the building to welcome them. Judith, as usual, was dressed in designer clothing, and her graying brown hair was perfectly coifed. If not for having been featured prominently in the news, no one would guess that she had been held captive by Universal Nations in an attempt to force her to reveal the combination to Rush Nicholson's safe. That she had been lowered by rope from a second-floor window in a daring rescue by Lance Mason was difficult to believe by those who didn't know her well.

Judith stopped to acknowledge the people, her brown eyes expressing gratitude, and then she and Lance hurried inside to climb aboard the private elevator that whisked them up to Rush's office. Judith's high-heeled shoes made her nearly the same height as the short Lance. I just hope that safe hasn't been breached, said Judith as the elevator quickly rose.

Lance hated elevators, especially elevators that seemed to approach supersonic speeds. He felt like his stomach had been left behind, so he remained silent until the elevator finally reached its zenith, at penthouse level, where Judith's and Rush's offices were located. Then he suggested, Since you didn't reveal the combination, it's doubtful that could have occurred.

I'll feel better when I know for sure.

Lance put his arm out to keep Judith from moving into the corridor. His brown eyes peered from beneath his curly brown hair and quickly scanned both directions to make sure no one was waiting for them. Then he nodded, stepped into the hallway, and indicated that it was safe for Judith to exit the elevator.

Judith and Lance quickly entered the office area and locked the door from inside. Judith grabbed her nametag from her top desk drawer as they hurried by her working space and Rush's office. They then came to a pass-protected door, and Judith slapped her nametag against a small nondescript scanner. Within seconds, the door opened to reveal a massive safe. Judith stood before a facial recognition screen and input the combination that would open the stronghold. And open it did. Once the safe had opened, there was one more obstacle to overcome: a separate drawer required another combination of numbers. Judith input them. The technology thought awhile and then surrendered to her. The drawer opened with a click, and she reached inside to grab the prized document.

Judith closed and locked everything carefully before taking the agreement to her desk. She sat down and read the entire document, while Lance took up a guarding stance at her office door.

While Judith and Lance had been warmly greeted at Nth Degree, at another location in the city, a protest crowd had gathered and was growing. From a distance, Wilbur Dorn looked at the scene before him with panic. He quickly decided he would work from home, fearing crossing the path of the people expressing their displeasure with the Universal Nations. He had already been tried in the court of public opinion, and he knew his days as head of the world organization were numbered. Turning around before anyone noticed him, he hurried back to his car and called his administrative assistant. Dorn told her he wouldn't be in that day.

Lance Mason's guess as to the identity of Judith's guard had proven to be correct. Jennifer Knightly had been arrested at the building where Judith had been imprisoned. Jennifer had still been wearing her intricate mask, which she hadn't been able to remove due to the broken wrist she'd earned when Lance slammed her with his crowbar to make her drop her gun. Knightly was presently being interrogated at police headquarters, where she had been taken after a doctor had attended to her injury.

Knightly attempted to spin her story, but investigators weren't buying it. She claimed that Lance Mason had abducted Judith and that she had been attempting to release Nicholson's administrative assistant. She claimed that Lance had shot the gun, and when she forced her hand through the door, he had clubbed her with the crowbar. Not only did the timing of Lance's prison release argue against him abducting Judith, ballistics had already shown that Lance hadn't touched the gun found in the room where Judith was held. Conversely, the evidence showed that Jennifer most certainly had fired the gun. Besides those facts, Judith had unwaveringly stood by Lance Mason's story.

The two men who had kidnapped Judith had not yet been found, nor had Jennifer revealed who they were. But investigators surmised that it was just a matter of time before Jennifer started to sing. While the woman presented herself as tough, it was obvious that she was worried. She'd be looking for a plea bargain soon. Her soulful brown eyes failed to meet the glares of her interrogators. The woman's shoulder-length wavy black hair was in a mess of tangles, adding to her appearance of hopelessness.

*****

Simultaneously, at Terra Nova, Larraine had finished harvesting some of the vegetables that were ready in the greenhouse and double-checked the watering schedule. She had noted rows that had been harvested and needed replanting. Larraine was planning to complete that task with Serena Divine before she joined her parents and Brian and Sally on a flight to Red City in two sols.

Frowning, her emerald-green eyes glossed over as Larraine saw that Edison's to-do list still contained pulling out the flowers. She had already discussed the idea with Sally, and Sally had told her that the flowers were too important for Martian attitudes to let them go. Larraine made a note to herself to talk with Sally about this item again and ask her to make sure that Edison continued to accept the flowers.

Larraine frowned, and the dimples that always accompanied her smiles seemed nonexistent this sol. She shook her head, and her ponytail of straight dark-blond hair swished from side to side. She walked briskly to where the flowers were blooming in profusion and bent her willowy body to examine them carefully. Tears formed in her eyes as she mentally assured the flowers that she would somehow make sure they were safe.

Later that same sol, Sally, Brian, and Preston huddled at Com, setting out plans for upcoming exploration and tourist trips. First on the list was transporting people out to the Ius Chasma to spend two sols exploring the area where the geologists had been working. A large group would be going, requiring two aircraft, as well as pilots, in order to pull the excursion off. That still left two planes for emergencies: one at Terra Nova and one at Nicholson Narrows. With Brian and Scott flying the two aircraft filled with explorers, Diff's need to care for Scoter, not to mention no plane at Red City for her to fly, and Dustin Wilson aboard the orbiter Hope, a plan had been established to cover the sol-to-sol transportation needs of Nicholson Narrows and the settlements in case of emergency.

An Nth Degree pilot had shuttled himself down from Stickney Crater. If a huge emergency happened at either Red City or Terra Nova, that pilot would take several hours to reach them. Therefore, Scott had cleared Mitch to fly the Terra Nova plane to Red City, but only in a life-and-death situation. Mitch had demonstrated his ability to man an aircraft again, but after his unauthorized trip to the cave, he still wasn't considered completely trustworthy.

Stormy Watson's being flown to Red City since he's the only person we plan to take who won't already be there, said Brian. We don't want to leave Nicholson's geologist out of this. Brian looked at Sally, hoping she agreed with his assessment. Still amazed that she had agreed to marry him, his heart thumped at the sight of her sparkly blue eyes and bubbly personality.

I agree, said Sally, nodding her head of fluffy yellow hair. However, don't forget that all three geologists on this planet are presently employed by Rush Nicholson. Sally smiled big at the tall, blond, good-looking pilot she had fallen hard for. He looked super handsome in the stylish uniforms Nicholson had provided for everyone. The silver-gray color of the one-piece flight suits had been carefully chosen to hide smudges, and the navy-blue trim enhanced the blue in Brian's eyes. Does it do the same for my eyes? she wondered. She relished the thought that this dashing space pilot had traveled all the way from Earth in order to be with her, and she hoped that she wouldn't disappoint him.

Brian grinned. I guess I'm not yet really used to the idea that we all work for Nicholson.

I can't believe I'm saying it, mused Sally, but I do like Nicholson's leadership so far. And the fact that the person calling the shots has actually come to see what the settlements need.

You're right about that, agreed Brian. The man is doing a lot of things right.

After some thought, Sally added, I think his grandchild has had a big impact on his character. He wants Diff and Scoter to love and trust him.

Brian shook his head, and his smile widened. I never thought I'd see this side of him.

Sally turned back to their plans. Between the two aircraft, we have twelve seats. We need places for pilots, you and Scott, the three geologists, and two tourists. We need to also include Rush Nicholson and me. That leaves three undesignated seats.

Andrew's all about exploration, suggested Brian. Seems to me he's earned a trip out to the Valles Marineris.

That's for sure. We should take Andrew. What about John and Justin?

For right now, let's tentatively agree on taking them, said Brian. That would fill both aircraft.

For some of us, one sol will be enough at the Ius Chasma site. For instance, Rush and I both have so much going on, we might need to get back to the settlements sooner than others. One plane could bring us back to Red City and Terra Nova. The other plane could stay an extra sol, suggested Sally.

Makes sense, Brian concurred, but his brow furrowed. However, do you think you can fill a plane with six who want to return after just one sol?

I don't know, answered Sally. That's a good question. Obviously, we'll have a meeting once we're all at Red City and discuss the issue. I'll go along with what Rush decides.

*****

At Red City, the Jamisons and Rush Nicholson had settled into the underground home that Scott had designed for him and Diff. Now Diff and Scoter were giving Rush a tour of their small habitat, as well as its access to bathrooms and showers and the other habitats, while Scott went to find a spare cot in storage. Rush was happy that Diff and Scott had invited him to sleep in Scoter's bedroom during his stay at the outpost. He believed this was more proof he had earned their trust, even though he still wasn't convinced of Diff's love.

Scoter held fast to his grandpa's hand as the threesome explored the Red City underground network, checking out the showers and bath area, walking by the Temple home, and continuing on to the entry pod, which provided access to the greenhouse and other living areas. This is unbelievable, praised Rush. The whole community is self-contained and protected from the exterior environment.

Diff pointed out that servicing robots, rovers, and the life support systems still had to be accomplished in the out-of-doors while one was dressed in a spacesuit. That certainly presents some challenges, working on equipment while wearing bulky gloves.

Rush agreed. I hadn't thought of that. How do you manage?

Diff smiled. We've had lots of practice.

Rush then brought up a concern that had been on his mind since he first arrived on the Red Planet. Time is marching on and drawing closer to the launch window for an Earth return. I've begun to talk with Sally about who to take.

Diff was troubled. She knew what her dad was fishing for, and she didn't know what to say, so she said nothing.

Rush took a deep breath. Will you and Scott and Scoter consider coming home with me to Earth?

After a few moments of thought, Diff replied, All I can say right now is that we are considering it. I can't yet say what our decision will be.

Rush was disappointed, but he nodded and said, That's all I can hope for right now. Then he added, But I think Earth could be a good place for Scoter.

*****

After the planning session at Terra Nova, Sally had met Larraine Galveston in the loft. Larraine had asked for time to discuss Gary Edison's greenhouse plans.

Before we begin on the greenhouse, began the Commander, are you ready to fly to Red City with us in two sols?

Larraine smiled in anticipation of being reunited with her husband. I am so ready. Rory and Andrew are already there, and my parents are flying up with you as well. My whole family will be together in one place.

Well, for a short time, I suppose, agreed Sally. But soon after we get there, Rory and Andrew will go on the trip out to the Ius Chasma. We have a couple of seats available for that excursion that we haven't assigned yet, and I wondered if you would like to go.

Larraine thought about it. Perhaps. She was conflicted, wondering how she would feel about being away from the settlements. Would she be terrified? Was it worth the angst she might experience? Not wanting to admit her fear, she made what she considered to be a good excuse. Could I think about it for a sol? My whole reason for traveling to Mars was to be with my dad while he struggles with cancer, and I'm not sure I should take time away from that.

Sure, said Sally. If you decide not to go on the expedition, I'll offer the seats to Justin and John Divine. Justin's already at Red City, and we've decided to take John along with us on our flight up there to help in a variety of ways. But the Divines will be here for two years and may have another opportunity. What about you and Rory? How long do you plan to stay?

Larraine didn't really want to think about that question. She brought the conversation around to her main purpose for meeting with Sally. I need to talk with you about a couple of items on Dr. Edison's to-do list.

Do you have some concerns?

I do, affirmed Larraine. Sally sat waiting to hear what Larraine had to say, so she dove in. First, I strongly object to removing all the flowers. Everyone loves them.

Sally laughed, but then became serious. Apparently, Dr. Edison doesn't.

Larraine wasn't sure what to say about that. Well, he's the only one, she finally responded. I'm pretty sure everyone else likes them and wants them. Then she added hurriedly, The flowers don't take up much room. Just a couple of meters at the end of a row of green beans. We can afford to give that space to something that adds beauty and color to an otherwise pretty drab place.

Sally raised an eyebrow. You know, Larraine, I've never thought of Mars as drab. It's beautiful in its wildness.

Larraine looked down and grudgingly agreed. I guess. But don't you like the flowers?

Sally laughed. I love the flowers. And I'm grateful that I'll be able to have a bridal bouquet. I don't want to lose the flowers, she assured Larraine. I'll discuss this matter with Dr. Edison and Rush Nicholson before I make any decisions. But we'll all do whatever Rush Nicholson says. Now what else?

Well, began Larraine, the flowers are the main thing. I don't really disagree with other items on the list. Some seem unnecessary to me. For instance, planting the trees we brought with us. I wonder if they should acclimate to the greenhouses before we transplant them. But I won't second-guess him on that. I recognize that he has a lot more experience than I do.

*****

At distant Nicholson Narrows, geologist Stormy Watson had collected his geological gear and was having a quick meeting with Evan Allison, the person in charge of all aspects of the Nicholson Narrows development area, including managing its amazing hotel. Stormy was heading out to be flown to Red City, where he would meet up with the group of people being transported to the Ius Chasma. He had a small collection of digging tools that he took everywhere, along with rope and some pitons. He had packed everything except the rope and a change of clothes into the pockets of his spacesuit.

Tell me again when you'll be back, said Evan, secretly amused at Stormy's wild, brownish hair that always appeared to be windblown, even though Martian winds had never touched his messy strands.

Should be about a week, suggested Stormy. Right now, the plan is to leave from Red City two sols from now, spend another two sols at the Chasma, then return to Red City. Jeffrey, Rory, and I will do some work together at Terra Nova, and then I'll head back here. Someone will fly me back.

Tell me why you geologists can't do your analysis here. We have much better living facilities for the three of you. Evan, being the person in charge of the Narrows, appeared far more formidable that his average-sized body would have suggested, but at the moment, his brown eyes seemed tired under his short, sandy hair.

Terra Nova has the equipment we need. Everything Rory Galveston and Sammy Yoon used years ago is still there, answered Stormy. We could use more up-to-date equipment here, but no one has brought us any.

Have you asked? Evan wondered.

"Yes. Some of what I asked for was actually scheduled to be aboard the Newton, but when medical equipment was needed for Scoter Jamison and Preston Temple, Nicholson determined the medical needs were a more important use of the space. I'm not complaining. He was right."

Okay, agreed Evan. I recognize the importance of the exploration, but we have need of you around here too.

I know, said Stormy. You want us to find more water and figure out how to access it.

That's for sure. Evan agreed, nodding. It's going to take a lot of water, more than I think we have access to right now, to keep this hotel running for tourism.

Well, laughed Stormy, there won't be more tourists arriving in the immediate future. Turning, he headed for the exit airlock next to Evan's office with a wave, almost bumping into Phil Eastman, who had been waiting in the corridor.

But tourists will be coming, and sooner than we think, Phil argued silently, having overheard the conversation. Evan waved his engineer in. Phil thought to himself that he was glad to not be in charge of Nicholson Narrows. He wouldn't want to make the decisions about the priorities of necessary activities. They were all important. Especially the one he came to report on.

Evan's brown eyes met Phil's with intensity. How's it going?

Phil took a deep breath and stood tall. We've almost finished filling in all the holes out at the drilling site. Blowing the breath out, he continued. "It's been a