S.E.E.D

By J.G. Chapman

The slow destruction and the decadence of human society has pushed great minds to find

a way to save humans from extinction. Throughout history people have fled their homelands to

find a better life in new lands. There are no lands left to flee to. The final option is to flee to a

new planet. Some say that those involved in the S.E.E.D. project are crazy but they are doing

what many have done before. They are chasing the hope of new life elsewhere. They will need

more than hope. They will need commitment, wisdom, sacrifice and most importantly

psychological fortitude. They must also survive the journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hawes & Jenkins Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9781637843963

Book preview

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S.E.E.D

J.G. Chapman

ISBN 978-1-63784-395-6 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63784-396-3 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by J.G. Chapman

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.

Hawes & Jenkins Publishing

16427 N Scottsdale Road Suite 410

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

www.hawesjenkins.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

About the Author

Chapter 1

10:13am local time

July 26th 2030

University of Wisconsin

Inside a half-empty college classroom, a woman speaks from behind a podium. She is not a professor, but was the chosen speaker for the day. She is speaking to both current, and potential students that are at the university. The darkness of the classroom is only broken by the light of a screen behind the woman. The glow of the light brightens the classroom, but leaves a dimness. The woman behind the podium is soft spoken. She projects little confidence in her voice, making it obvious that she is not a gifted orator. Her figure hidden behind the podium is petite, and thin. She has brown shoulder length hair, tucked behind her ears. The woman continues speaking as the next flash of a new image comes to the screen. The flash likely wakes those that may have started to doze off.

On the screen is an image of a happy, round faced, tan skinned young man wearing a cap and gown. The picture is clearly a graduation photo. She explains the image, I would like to introduce you all to Mani. The woman continues. He is a young man that I met during my work with the Lausu tribe. The Lausu Tribe is located in a very remote area of South America. When I first arrived, the Lausu were shocked and afraid, that outsiders had come to their 30-person village.

The woman flips a paper in front of her as she speaks. She says, The Lausu live a very primitive lifestyle, still making their tools from only the resources they can gather. They use rocks, sticks and handmade twine, to make tools such as wood hoes for their farming. They were collecting water from a nearby small river in buckets. Their water supply was hardly potable, and had killed 7 small children, and 14 adults. Mani was only 17 at our best guess, since they do not keep track of such things in their village. He was a boy known in the village to make simple levers with sticks. He also used rope to work a pulley system to ease the burden of work. It was quickly clear this boy was someone we could work with. We started working at communicating with him.

The woman reaches down to take a small drink of water from the glass resting on the podium. She goes on, Mani quickly began to learn English from us, and we learned their Lausu language. The language was very similar to Portuguese. After a year of working together, Mani was fluent in English, and began to start teaching others in the village. Through the year of working with Mani, we were able to teach him simple mathematics, simple biology, and metalworking. Over three years' time together, we were able to teach him water purification, and farming. A month before we left, we erected a windmill in the center of the village. The windmill was made of only resources from their local area including the copper, which was mined from a nearby abandoned shaft.

The woman lifts her head from reading her paper. She expresses emotion, with a crack in her voice. She forces a smile, combating the tears that she is struggling to restrain. She continues, Mani went on to graduate from the University of Texas, in the top 1% of his class, Now has a Masters in Agricultural Engineering, and has returned to his village, where he has built a school, a hospital, and is currently working on irrigation and plumbing for his village. A truly remarkable young man. She pauses for a moment composing herself. We can build a better world were no child, or person for that matter, cannot have food, or safe drinkable water. We can bring knowledge, but it must be done with respect for people's way of life. We do not need to modernize. We need to educate how you can make do with the resources they have available, and live smarter. The woman finally steps away from the podium. Thank You all for coming, and I hope we can all work together to do good in this world, Thank You all again, and have a great evening. The woman leaves the podium.

As she is leaving the stage, she notices two men standing at the edge of the stage. One man looks at his watch, and the other makes eye contact with her. As she approaches the men, one of them speaks, Dr. Madison Fritz? The man asks in a deep voice. The woman nods. The man says, I have been sent on behalf of LaunchX. It has been requested that I come meet with you. Dr. Fritz has a look of confusion. She only knows of LaunchX from the stories in the news of their space flight endeavors. She fails to think of a reason why they would want to speak with her. I don't understand…

Fear invades her body. The kind of fear when you are called to the principal's office, or the bosses office, not knowing if you are in trouble. I am sorry doctor, I don't mean to alarm you, we just don't have a lot of time The second man again looks at his watch. The deep voiced man says We have a helicopter waiting at the airport, you have been chosen to help with a project. I have been instructed to give this to you for your time. The man hands Dr. Fritz an envelope. She grabs the envelope thinking maybe a paper explaining why these men are here. Inside the envelope she pulls out a slip of paper. She turns it over, and notices it is a check. Her eyes bulge out as she reads the amount.

Check No. 9218

LaunchX Technologies

27899 L St.

Williams, AZ 86046

Pay to the order of Dr. Madison Fritz 75,000

Seventy Five Thousand Dollars

Chandler Reeves

Dr. Fritz looks up from the check in disbelief, I don't understand… The man smiles trying to offer comfort, I know ma'am, I will explain as much as I can on the way. You have been chosen to help us on a project personally by Mr. Reeves. He wants to pay you for your time for helping. It will be only for the weekend, but we need to get going soon. The chopper is waiting, and the conference is set at 3pm. We need to get there on time. The three of them look at each other, the second man growing impatient with a look as though his schedule is being interrupted. Dr. Fritz asks Do I have a choice? The man chuckles, Of course, we aren't here to arrest you. He says trying to help erase her fear that these men are going to drag her away. You can simply choose to not help us. We take the check back with us, and you can go on about your day. You were personally chosen by Mr. Reeves, and that money is for your time over the weekend. If you choose to stay on, and help us, you will be paid a salary as an employee of LaunchX. I do need a decision, because we are on a very tight schedule, and need to get going.

Dr. Fritz looks at the check again. The thought of giving up this amount of money for two days of work reminds her how dismal her apartment is. It is furnished with only hand me down furniture, much like a college dorm would look. The check alone would put her student loans at a balance of $0, after she has paid on them for the last ten years. There is really no choice for a normal person when you are handed a check for a life changing amount. Nervously she nods a few times, Ok, Ok, Yes, I will do my best to help. What do you need my help with? The man reaches out to her and puts his hand on her back to help lead her with a much-needed push to break her from a petrified state. This way the man softly says.

The three of them start to exit down the hall. The two men walk briskly, as the short statured lady struggles to keep up. She wrestles to hold her books, and papers, that she brought with her for lecture. The man turns back to her and speaks, I am Thomas Andrews; I am Mr. Reeves' personal assistant. I help manage his affairs as I'm sure you know he is a brilliant, very busy man. Mr. Andrews pushes open the door at the end of the hallway to the outside. A blinding light of sunshine rips through the doorway forcing Dr. Fritz to try to shield her eyes, as she fumbles with her books in the other hand.

At the sidewalk sits a black limousine. Mr. Andrews politely opens the back door, Here you go, no worries, the AC is on, and we have cold drinks too. All expenses are paid for you this weekend courtesy of LaunchX, and Mr. Reeves. She enters the limo still in disbelief of what is happening. Nothing in her life has ever been so movie-like, or even exciting, one would say. She grew up with well to do parents, but they never lived lavishly. Her Father owned a manufacturing business where he worked as a co packer for businesses. He made millions doing so, but lived on the philosophy of waste not want not. The other homes he has acquired were used in his business travels. They were purchased to not waste his money on a hotel, and have comfort of his own sheets at night, for sanitary reasons. Madison had very little experience with her father's money. She only received enough to have a fortunate life, but not privileged.

Dr. Fritz sits in the opposite seat of the two men. She settles into the middle of the seat. She glances around the interior of the limo. She gently slides her hand on the leather of the seat, cold from arctic like air conditioning. Mr. Andrews says, Mr. Reeves likes to ride in comfort. Would you like a water? Or Juice perhaps? The noticeably bamboozled woman replies, No Thank You, I am okay. Dr. Fritz declines, in a soft, modest tone.

The second man finally speaks as the limo barrels its way through traffic to the airport. The other man is snarky when he speaks, It's already after 11, we won't have much time once we get there if we even get there on time. We are cutting it very close. Mr. Andrews chuckles, This here is Mr. Baker, he is my personal time keeper as you can see. He went out and bought a $500 toaster that he could program to a specific time, because he got tired of waiting for his toast to be done. You will never be late with him around. Mr. Baker sits, not amused, while the other two share a small laugh at his expense. Mr. Baker snaps back, I'm just trying to do my job sir. Mr. Andrews informs Mr. Baker, We are pulling into the airport now, and the chopper is designed to fly straight through to the LaunchX campus. We will make it in time. Since Dr. Fritz here is one of key Consultants on the project we will be waited on if need be.

The three exit the limo and rush to the already twirling helicopter. As she walks towards the chopper, she can't help but notice that this is no ordinary chopper. It is not military, but it surely was not your standard privately owned helicopter either. This helicopter was designed by someone for a purpose. The purpose was getting somewhere as fast as possible with the comfort that she had experienced in the limousine. Looking at it she thinks to herself, she could feed probably every village she has ever visited on what it must have cost to make this machine. No wonder, she thought, that this person was so willing to give her $75,000 for two days of work. Money must be nothing to him.

As Mr. Andrews opens the door of the helicopter. They hear the pilot, This is LaunchX 17 seeking approval for takeoff.' The radio speaks back LaunchX 17 you have approval. The pilot responds back LaunchX 17 copies approval. The doors close, and the riders take their seat. The chopper lifts from the ground jerking them on takeoff. Here we go! The pilot says to the co-pilot like a man starting a carnival ride. The co-pilot says, We are going to need to keep it over 350 to make it to base in time. The pilot instructs the other man, Ok, Set to 365. Program the flight plan and take us home. I will go back to brief our guest."

The pilot unbuckles. and exits his seat. He turns back walking to the passenger compartment. Hello, everyone, have no worries. You're on the most advanced aircraft owned in the private sector, and her technology is completely automated, including emergency landing. She cannot be taken down. We will be back at base at approximately 2:35pm. Please make yourself at home. We have everything you could need, food, beverage, and of course the restroom is right down that hall there if you need it. Thank you for letting us fly you.

Dr. Fritz sits rubbing her forehead fighting the feeling of nausea. She finally musters up the courage, only emboldened by frustration. and fear. Dr. Fritz speaks with a forcefulness in her voice Will someone please tell me what is going on here, why have I been chosen? What have I been chosen for? Mr. Andrews sets his bottle of water down in the cup holder, Yes, I'm sorry for the haste that we had to come, and get you. We have a few hours so I can answer your questions, and fill you in to what this is about. He unbuckles, and leans forward. You're familiar with our host Mr. Reeves, correct? Dr. Fritz nods Of course, when you're one of the richest men on the planet, every newspaper, or internet article has to report your every move, including where you like to eat.

Mr. Andrews smiles as he continues. Mr. Reeves is the founder of LaunchX. 20 years ago, he set on a mission to actively begin exploring space. After his successful launches to the moon and Mars, he came to his final mission. He started putting together a project now known as S.E.E.D. In this project we intend to build the first active colony on Mars. The actual ground breaking for the S.E.E.D project was done in 2025 with a X95 rocket that delivered automated rovers that were set to make preparations of collecting environmental data, and land navigation. It's primary objective was choosing the prime location for the S.E.E.D colony.

Mr. Andrews reaches to the arm of the chair, opening it, and pulling out a remote control. Pointing at the TV, he presses the controller. On the TV an image of Mars appears. He describes what shows on the screen, The L-Bot rover discovered a location that has the most manageable temperature range, flattest surface, and most importantly loose ground.

Dr. Fritz stares at him intently, still looking confused. She says, Ok, that's great, but why do you need me? I know nothing of space. Mr. Andrews, nods, I know, it is your work with primitive tribes that we feel will be a value to us. We are familiar with your writings of how you helped tribes disconnected from technology, in villages, with almost no resources. You brought them water, food, and shelter in the worst possible conditions. We will need that kind of tenacity on the S.E.E.D project. Quite frankly, I don't know if we can do it without you, and the others help. We can always find a scientist that has worked in a lab all their career, that can tell us how things work in theory. We need people that have practiced this in real world scenarios. That is why you have been chosen.

Dr Fritz waves her hands Wait! Wait! Do you think I'm going to be willing to go to Mars? Both men laugh, No, Sorry, That's not a requirement. We are hoping you will help us with our local research facility in Arizona. We chose the desert, not only of the absence of water, but because the soil is in no condition for planting. The nights too get very cold, similar to Mars. This is where you would be working. Dr. Fritz leans over in her chair, putting her face in her hands. Mr. Baker asks, Are you ok? Doctor. She replies, I'm Fine, I think the flight, and everything just has my anxiety up. It can give me a headache, and make me nauseous, I'm just going to go to the bathroom real quick, I'm Sorry" She unbuckles, and turns down the hallway bracing herself on the wall as she walks. She opens the bathroom door, then enters.

The two men look at each other. Mr. Baker offers his opinion, I think we might have made a mistake with this one, she doesn't seem to be able to handle stress very well. Oh, Baker, you are always the skeptic. Have you read her books? Or her Papers on what she has done? She has held dying children in her arms, and was made to figure out how to save the next one. You tell me a person that can act in a situation like that, that can't handle stress. Thomas Responds. Besides, she is a woman that Chandler Reeves has chosen, and tell me when he has been wrong about a brilliant mind needed to make his project a reality. As the men speak the sound of retching explodes from the bathroom. She will be ok, she just needs time to get her bearings Mr. Baker for an instance, stares at Andrews, then a look of submission comes to his face, OK. Fine, who am I to argue? I will trust in him to lead us as always.

The bathroom door opens, Oh, my. I'm so Sorry. She makes her way down the hall back to her seat. Please Continue… Mr. Andrews thinks for a second, So, where was I? Oh Yes. The location the L-Bot designated is known as MS-1 which is in the Solis Planum region just southeast of Arsia Mons. Mars Settlement 1. This is going to be the build site for S.E.E.D. Space Exploration Eventual Destiny. The building of our facility at MS-1 has already begun, and most of our Mars flights recently have been used to drop building resources to our rovers, and also additional rovers as they become available. We need to know what is our next step, because the last thing we want is to send our people there, and have a horrible tragedy. That is where you and the others come in.

Dr. Fritz reaches out for a bottle of water that is being handed to her from Mr. Baker, Dr. Fritz says Well I am absolutely honored to be chosen, I hope I can help, I just can't believe that I would be chosen for something so large Thomas reassures, Believe me doctor, it will be no different from the experiences you have had before. You just do what you have always done, help others figure out how to better their lives, and you will live up to our hopes and expectations. Please enjoy your water, and take your time. I will let you process everything. We will be arriving soon.

Mentally spinning, Dr. Fritz sits in her chair trying her hardest to understand all of what is expected of her in this project. She sips her water, the cold water cleanses her mouth of her unpleasant experience in the bathroom. Lucky for her there wasn't much left of this morning's breakfast. Lack of contents of her stomach, led to several dry heaves. As she sips her water, the tightness of her neck, and nervousness of her hands begin to subside. She briefly closes her eyes and the last thing she hears before falling into a nap, We will arrive in 60 minutes, Mr. Andrews. She then drifts to sleep.

Chapter 2

Dr. Fritz is startled by a touch on her hand, and a voice Doctor, We are here. Time to wake up. She opens her eyes squinting from the sun shining in the window. For a moment she is confused, she expected to wake up at home realizing this was simply a dream. She rubs her eyes gently. She then notices that she is indeed in this lavish chopper, with two men in suits. I'm sorry, I was so tired Thomas puts his hand on her shoulder, That is ok, we need to get off now, we only have 20 minutes to get inside and get ready for the conference. You won't be speaking immediately. We have other scientists that will be speaking on the technical parts of the project. A lot of your questions will be answered

The three of them exit the chopper, walking to a large office style building. The shell of the building is covered completely with windows. It is large in size. It is the headquarters of LaunchX Space Corporation. They make their way across the landing pad towards the building. She looks up once away from the chopper to see a parking lot full of cars. The three of them make their way down the sidewalk to the main entrance. Above the door, LaunchX is lettered in Blue writing. As they continue to the entrance. Parked directing in front of the door underneath a no parking sign, is a dusty motorcycle. A stunning sight considering the ridiculously expensive helicopter that she just exited. The parking lot is riddled with electric, and luxury vehicles. The motorcycle itself was a sight to see. This was no motorcycle that you may have guessed some CEO was out to enjoy, trying to feel wild again. This motorcycle looked like it hadn't been washed in years, something you would see some bearded biker throwing his leg over outside some city bar at the time of closing. An odd site to see. It looked out of place.

They enter the facility greeted by the kiosk Welcome to LaunchX. Please scan your credentials to enter, or how may I help you? Mr. Andrews reaches in his jacket and pulls out an identification card swiping it on a pad on the right of the kiosk. Mr. Andrews says, Ok this way. they proceed through the foyer. In the background as they walk from the entry way they hear the kiosk pleasantly say Enjoy the conference, Thomas. Thomas explains, That's Judy, she's our automated system here. You get used to her. Dr. Fritz says with a smirk. Sounds like she likes you Thomas replies, Oh, feeling up to jokes, I see. Last door on the left down this hallway.

The echo of hasty hard soul shoes echo as they make their way down to the marbled hallway. Mr. Baker gives one last look at his watch. Thomas says in a conclusive tone See, I told you we would make it. Yeah Mr. Baker's only response.

Thomas reaches out to the door. He grabs the handle, and pulls it open. He holds it open, After you Doctor. Dr. Fritz cautiously walks through the door greeted by a pleasant cheerful woman. Oh, Doctor Fritz, we are so glad you can make it. Your seat is labeled just over here. I can take your stuff, and put it in your room if you would like. Room? she questions. The Cheerful woman answers, Yes, you will have a room available to you for the weekend, and anything you need is provided at no cost to you. You only need to make a request. After the conference you will be able to clean up if you wish. All of your belongings will be safe in your room. Please enjoy the conference. Dr Fritz reluctantly hands over her books, and purse. She only keeps her phone. Thank You she says.

The conference has begun. She turns to the right from the door to find her seat. While she makes her way to her seat, a man is speaking at the front of the room. He points to large map images on the wall As you see on these images the dig site is at 90% complete, and dome construction should be able to commence sometime around next Thursday. The man reaches down to a three-ring binder sitting on a large 30-foot conference table with only one seat available. In front of the empty seat on the table reads a small tent card with the name: Dr Madison Fritz. She is embarrassed that she is walking in as the man is already speaking. She tries to take her seat quietly.

On the other side of the table a man raises his hand. This man she recognizes. Who else but the host himself? Chandler Reeves. He barks out his question like a man looking to extract info from his employee. How long is the building of the dome going to take? would you guess. The man at the front of the conference table reaches down flipping through his binder. Mr. Reeves says coachingly Take your time doctor. The honest answer is the correct one. I just need to make sure that we know what's our time frame from construction, to completion and ultimately delivery. The man answers I would say the conservative estimate, if we start construction by next Friday, the entire dome could be ready and fully functioning livable atmosphere by spring.

Mr. Reeves pulls on his dark-haired chin goatee, Let's say March. About 9 months. So, if we plan for March with the construction being completely done, we will leave ourselves some time for contingencies. We can be ready by a year from now. Correct? That seems doable? The man nods nervously, Um… Yeah. I mean, Yes. We can have construction done by this time next year, with a fully functioning atmosphere inside. Another man speaks up at the table So Where does that put our launch window then? Chandler. The man sits up in his chair with the appearance of being agitated. The man at the table continues, We have to remember that we still have to make deliveries to start bringing some resources for our rovers to put into place, before we can even talk about sending people there. Mr. Reeves leans back in his chair casually, Come on Jeff, you're always the pessimist. You have yet to fail me. You have made every deadline I have ever handed you, and I have always made sure to give you all the time and resources you ask me for. We are just trying to start putting together a timeline here. I know I'm not going to be drinking a Mai Tai on a Mars beach for at least a few years.

The people at the table share a laugh. We need to know when we can start with our humanoid drone to test the viability of a normal human being safe inside our dome. Plus, George needs to collect our data for us.

Focused on the men speaking, Dr. Fritz didn't notice the man sitting next to her. She turns her head around as he speaks from behind her Pardon Me. Um George? She is shocked when she gets a look at this man in a room full of suits and ties, even nice blouses on the women. This man is there in a t-shirt. The man has a full beard, and shaved head. He has a hint of his balding in the center of his head showing, as his hair grows back. Who's George? he asks. Mr. Reeves answers George Jetson! Our humanoid drone that uses oxygen, sensitive to temperature. He is as close to a real human you can get with a robot. He will be collecting our data before we send people there. We are able to see the exact environment inside our dome, before we ever get there. The man nods in acknowledgment. I see

Mr. Reeves turns back to the man at the front of the room Thank you doctor, I have full faith that you will be ready, and please let me know if there is something more you need The man reaches down and closes his binder. Thank you, Mr. Reeves He picks up his binder and returns to his seat. Dr. Fritz sits quietly at the table still feeling out of place. The bearded man next to her leans over and whispers, He really thinks the world is his playground, doesn't he? Who? Mr. Reeves Dr. Fritz asks. The man chats further Yeah, you can tell he was a kid that had a bath towel tied around his neck, running around thinking he was a superhero. Dr. Fritz cleverly responds, Isn't that all of you boys as a child? Dr. Fritz playfully smirks. The bearded man says agreeingly Perhaps you're right, that's why we are all here on this adventure. The man smiles as he leans back into his chair.

Dr. Fritz takes one last look at the man, still wondering how he fits into all of this. He has a ruggedness about him, but yet a casual demeanor, as though he is not out of place at all. Her look at him is interrupted by a man at the front of the conference room speaking Up next is Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Wilson. He is the head of our astronaut team. He will tell us more on the plans of the astronaut team that he has put together for the S.E.E.D project. Please Lieutenant Colonel Wilson. The man walks off to his seat as another man stands on the opposite side of the table of Dr. Fritz. The man now exiting his chair looks military, clearly an astronaut. He has the build of someone that exercises regularly. His muscular figure attempts to be hidden under his white shirt and tie. His hair cut into a standard high and tight cut of any young man just before he ships off to basic training. This man she thinks, most certainly fits in here.

Lt. Col. Wilson begins to speak as he walks to the front of the room, Thank You Major. Hello everyone, I would like to show you our plans once the chosen settlers, and my team make our landing. Right now, as we speak, my team is working with the settlers to prepare them for what physical demands, mental strains, and ultimately what to expect once we get to location MS-1. Major Lewis will speak on that later. He reaches in his pocket as he comes to the front of the room, just in front of the Maps hanging on the wall. In his hand he presses a laser pointer. Ok, as you see here, just northwest of MS-1 is the famous Olympus Mons, just southeast of it are the three smaller Mons. We chose this location not only for its flat surface, but also for easy navigation once we are ready to explore outside the dome structure. My team will be in charge of managing all day to day operations, while maintaining communication with our home base here in Arizona.

Interrupted by a voice in the back of the room, the man next to Dr. Fritz shouts How many total people are going on the initial settlement flight? Lt. Col. Wilson looks at the man with a face of annoyance from his interruption. 36 The Lt. Col. says immediately turning back to the wall with the maps. The man next to Dr. Fritz leans back resting his elbow on the arm of his chair. He braces his chin on the thumb of his right hand, his index finger on his cheek. It appears that he may be thinking on the answer provided to him. Lt. Col. Wilson continues As I was saying, our landing will be made through the top of the dome through its retractable ceiling. There will be three minutes until the dome readjust the atmosphere once the ceiling closes over us. We will wait safely for those three minutes in the landing vessel Planter-1. Once the atmosphere is restored, I will exit. Another question at the back of the room stops Lt. Col. Wilson.

The man from early again takes the attention. What are the initial food supplies for the 36 people once they land on day 1? The Lt. Col. snaps in a sarcastic tone, I assure you Mr. Michaels we have planned for enough food, our food stores will be completely stocked before we leave for our mission. The last food flight delivery will be 2 months before we arrive. Mr. Michaels offers back reiteration of his question, Yes, I understand that, but there has to be a certain weight that you have planned for each person per day. What is that number? The look of annoyance turns to aggravation as this t-shirted man asks him a question he doesn't know at the moment. He has been caught off guard. He reaches down to a notebook on the desk then he opens it. He flips over a couple pages. He answers, 50000 pounds, or just shy of 23000 kilograms. Lt. Col. Wilson returns to his presentation, We are planning at 5lbs of food a day per person which should be enough for about a nine-month supply for the 36 people at the settlement.

He looks around the table to everyone listening smiling like a man who is already laughing at his own joke, The average person eats 4 pounds a day so we are giving them an extra pound. Some of us may gain a little weight eating so well The man looks around waiting for a laugh or two at his joke. The joke is an attempt to recover from the wound on his intelligence he felt from not knowing the answer before. His attempt at being quick witted. Mr. Michaels further questions the Lt. Col. I trust none of the food stores are perishable, Correct? Lt Co Wilson lets his hands drop as he has had enough of being interrupted by this man's incessant questions. He answer condescendingly Yes, Mr. Michaels, A lot of time and money has gone into planning this settlement. That is why we are here to get the information of the plans for not only carrying out our delivery, but about operations once we get there. I can give you this presentation book here

The Lt. Col. reaches down to the table and picks up the book he flipped through earlier. Can you please pass this to him? he says as he hands it to the first woman sitting on the side of the table Mr. Michaels is sitting on. That has all the specs on food. number and frequency of flights, including payloads. The book reaches Dr. Fritz and she turns holding the book out to Mr. Michaels Thank You he glances an eye contact with her, and offers a short nod in appreciation. Then breaks eye contact quickly, and returns his look to Lt. Col. Wilson. May I continue? He says, begging Mr. Michaels to hold his interruptions. I'm sorry for interrupting, but I wasn't fortunate enough to be invited to the party that handed these out. I appreciate you letting me have yours. My point is, I am trying to get all the information of what will take place through this whole project including how often food will be delivered. How much food each settler is allowed. I'm just trying to understand if there is going to be freedom in this colony, or are the people going to be under lock and key, with food rations. Are their planned schedules? who determines such things? he continues I'm trying to figure out if this is going to be a communist colony or what?

The room extends a small laugh, the one that Lt. Col. Wilson never received. Mr. Michaels, Please, we are not your internet followers here. We don't need you to fight communism on Mars. The settlers such as yourself have already agreed to their work terms, and assignments. You know what is being asked of our settlers. The nine-month supply, and the Eden center will be fully growing long before our initial food supplies will be completely used. You will be able to satisfy your munchies, Mr. Michaels, No worries The last statement an obvious dig at the man implying, what all his internet followers know, Mr. Michaels is a regular marijuana smoker. Mr. Michaels smiles back at Lt. Col. Wilson, as though he is amused by the idea that he is supposed to be embarrassed that he smokes marijuana no different than a person would enjoy some wine after a hard day.

The room begins to get the sense that these two men don't like each other much. Dr. Fritz sits puzzled trying to understand who this man next to her is. He seems out of place, taking the attention of the room, away from the speaker. She stares looking at him, studying his face, trying to figure out how he fits into the project.

He leans forward readying himself for banter with this man. Mr. Micheals debates further That's my point, I am one of the settlers. So, I get to involve myself in the decisions that will involve my life, and the other lives that will be there. You talk about these people like your delivering worker bots. I fear you have forgotten these are human beings, with needs, wants, and real emotions. You yourself as an astronaut know what it's like to be confined with very little time for leisure. It can be maddening. I think you underestimate the responsibility that you, or whoever, is taking for these people. Have you read about the history of the Jamestown Colony?. At this, Commander Wilson only shakes his head, finally hitting a point of actual anger. He pauses remembering that he is in a conference room, not a bar with this man. Now we have Commie cannibals? Please that's enough. There is no need to sensationalize for these people. Why don't you leave the planning to us folks that have been to college, and put our time and money into making this project a success. Please enjoy your free ride, and some new followers off of this. You can get all of your questions answered after the conference. We need to keep moving, so us professionals with a schedule can keep it. The Commander stabs forward at Michaels with a jab.

Michaels shakes his head in disappointment that this man of obvious position would have to stoop to a level to offer personal attacks at a man simply trying to acquire information. Mr. Michaels is apologetic again, I'm sincerely sorry to anyone here that feels I'm taking away from their time. I simply care for all these people, that I have actually had conversations with including their families. I am simply concerned for their safety, as I would with anyone I care about when I'm making life altering decisions. I want to know that due diligence has been done.

Dr Fritz looks down at her watch at the mention of time. 5:07pm reads on her smart watch screen, just as she feels her stomach tighten in pain. She remembers that she only ate breakfast, and the embarrassing event aboard the helicopter. She also missed lunch being whisked away by the suited men. Mr. Reeves interjects diplomatically Gentlemen. Gentlemen. Perhaps we are all getting a little hungry. I think now would be a great time for a break for dinner. The cafeteria is open, and everyone's meals are at the expense of the S.E.E.D. project, so please enjoy. Mr. Reeves generously offers, followed by him leading everyone in standing up. Thank you all for coming

All the people at the table begin to stand and collect their books, and papers. they then begin to exit. Dr. Fritz pauses for a moment allowing others to work their way to the door. She waits patiently to not bump into others, or cause more congestion. Next to her, Mr. Michaels says as he stands in a low amused tone, God they love me here. He says loud enough for her to hear, but said to himself. Then he lets out a sigh as he stands to full upright. This is when she notices him fully. Not only is he in a t-shirt but what else for bottoms but blue jeans. She also can't help but notice that, to the contrast of Lt. Col. Wilson, he does not look military at all. Everything about this man is average. He is not obese, nor skinny. The one thing not average, is his height. He is below average, which was unnoticed as he was seated. He is just tall enough to be taller than most women but yet shorter than most every man. His unexpected stature puzzles Dr. Fritz. He had a clear lack of intimidation with speaking to Commander Wilson that easily towers him. She turns her chair preparing for her own exit as he passes her, he holds out his hand After You he gently says to Dr. Fritz. A man such as this with manners is an unexpected surprise. Well Thank You.

She stands, and steps toward the door with Mr. Michaels behind her. They shuffle slowly making their way to the door. Ben Michaels he says from behind her. Dr. Madison Fritz she responds in return. Ben says with admiration, Yes, I know, I am familiar with your work. We have actually visited some of the same villages. I'm honored to meet you. It's good that a person such as yourself is out trying to do good in the world. Such as me? she asks. Sorry, I didn't mean it that way. I mean a person educated, and intelligent. You use that to bring good in the world, and make the lives of others better, It's a rarity. A lot of people use it for financial gain, and take from others on their rise to the top. Michaels says in a humble tone. I promise you, if you saw my apartment you would see that I didn't do my work for financial gain. She instantly becomes embarrassed as she creates the thought of this man coming to her apartment makes for an awkward feeling, I mean Thank You.

Mr. Michaels inquires, Have they given you an assignment yet? Are you one of the settlers going on the mission? Dr. Fritz waves her left hand. Oh No. No. You won't catch me in space. I don't even care to fly on a normal plane. They forced me on a helicopter, and told me they needed my help over the weekend for the conference. Truthfully I'm not 100% sure what I'm doing here. Michaels smiles at her, hoping to ease her concern. Wow… That's crazy. No worries though. You have nothing to worry about here. If Chandler brought you out here, he has good reason to. He will ensure your safety while you are here. You will return home when whenever you've decided you're done here. The only thing you have to worry about here is that someone is going to talk down to you. They wave their credentials and titles as it gives them more value in this project. Those in the lower rank should just be quiet until needed.

The words of Michaels bring her a sense she can relax. Is that what that was about back there? she asks as the echo returns of the souls of the shoes on the marble floors return. They walk down the hallway. They walk the hall in the opposing direction of the entrance door. At the end of the hallway a sign points to the doorway. It reads CAFETERIA with a white arrow pointing to the doorway. They both notice the sign, and turn their heads back towards each other Oh Wilson? Oh, me and him are old pals, He thinks I don't belong here, and I don't like people that treat others like they are less than them. He feels that they can give him all the training he will ever need to handle every situation. I'm sure he is well trained. You and I know when you have others depending on you, their demands become more important than your own needs. He doesn't see that, yet. Dr. Fritz nods in understanding and acknowledgment.

Dr. Fritz is interested to know more, she poses the question How did you come to be involved in the project? Michaels laughs Oh Me? Ha-ha that's a long story, I will tell you about it, we can sit together for dinner if you're ok with it. She smiles politely. Thank You, I don't know anyone here, I always hate sitting alone. They reach the doorway of the cafeteria. Ben says with eagerness Great, I wonder what we are having, I'm starving. They then enter the cafeteria.

Chapter 3

The cafeteria is a sight to see. It is packed like a friday night at a 50's cafe. You have experienced cafeterias in life, but this one is like one you would see in the future. The cafeteria is grand. It is decorated like an upscale 5-star restaurant. Down the center of the room is a lighted waterfall that extends from floor to ceiling. On each side of the waterfall are two person tables, inviting the patrons to a pleasant dining experience. The outer walls are lined with booths for those groups of coworkers that want to share a lunch, or dinner together. Between the small tables, and booths, are 4 person tables, evenly spaced so as to not create undue inconvenience to the patrons bumping into each other. The decor is nothing you would see at a hospital, or school cafeteria. there is nothing clinical looking about it. The walls are painted navy blue from ceiling to half down the wall. The bottom half medium brown stained oak accent giving a finalizing high-end restaurant feel. The cafeteria is serviced by humanoid bots, dressed in button ups, and slacks for their attire. They gracefully work their way from table to table helping the hungry guest. There is no worry of improper service, cheery dispositions have been programmed into the bots to make the experience as charming as possible.

Dr. Fritz is blown away, Wow Dr. Fritz says with eyes wide, He really believes in sparing no expense for his employees huh? Michaels nods, and smiles amused by her surprise. He really is a wonderful guy. All of the employees of his I have talked to, have told me about how great of a boss he is. They talk about how he has helped them personally, how he will listen to their ideas, and tries to make their job less difficult. They say it helps them be successful. It's hard to believe that there really is a guy like that who is one of the richest men on the planet. He reaches out his arm, and points to an empty table. There is a spot right there pointing at a table just off of the center of the two person tables in line, next to the waterfall. He retracts his arm, and holds out his other to invite her to the direction of the table After you She smiles in appreciation Thank you, you're sure are a gentleman He replies, Well just because I have slept next to wolves doesn't mean their manners rubbed off on me Michaels quick wittedly replies, and lets out a short laugh. The Doctor looks at him suspiciously, Somehow I feel like you're not joking about that. Dr. Fritz raises her eyebrows still trying to figure this man out.

She finally looks up and down at the man getting a full look of his clothing, not in judgment, simply of habit. She now notices his ghastly boots with cracked worn out leather, hanging together for dear life. They are dust covered, like a man that has kicked his way down a 10-mile dirt road.

Michaels responds to her comment Oh, the wolves, well that would depend on how you define sleeping next to them. They were 30 feet away in their own den. I was in a tent in the Yukon. I would say, close enough that I didn't get much sleep from them or the cold. He again laughs. Dr. Fritz just looks at him and shakes her head in disbelief that he is serious. All she can think to say is What in the world were you doing in the Yukon? Michaels just pinches his lips together. They have arrived at the table. Michaels pauses of course to allow the lady to be seated first. Well you see, I was camping, I will tell you that story sometime if we get time.

Michaels looks at her then away with a look of shyness not wanting to appear as though he is trying to impress her with the bragging of his past adventures. A boy in a towel cape, just like I said. They share a laugh. It's good to see you in better spirits now, you seemed pretty petrified earlier. He looks at her not to entice, but the way a friend would look at you when they are razzing you. For the second time they make eye contact, this is when Dr. Fritz notices that in the conference room his eyes looked dark brown, but that was his eyes being betrayed by the dimness of the room. She now notices the slices of green hidden in his eyes. She catches herself staring into his eyes. She looks away behind him.

She deflects her way out of her discomfort, My Question to you is the same. she quickly says as she shifts into comfort in her chair. Michaels smiles as he leans back into his chair, already knowing what she is going to ask. Yeah I know, Long story he says with anticipation to her question. How do you end up here? I don't mean that as though I'm judging, or suggest that you don't belong here, because of status or such. I mean that as though this sorta project is restricted usually to scientists and astronauts. If they let people in, they most likely would be billionaires. Wow that makes me sound terrible. I mean, how do you know Mr. Reeves? Well Michaels sets back up in his chair and lays his right forearm on the table. Chandler? Well me and him are pals, I met him about 5 years ago. the doctor motions her hand Ok…More? Well you see…

He pauses, then says in a lowered voice You can't tell anyone that I told you this. he lifts his forearm, and uses his two fingers to motion silence. He then smiles secretively. Dr. Fritz holds up her left hand with her two fingers raised in an attempt to mimic a scout salute. Secrecy. Scouts honor smiles embarrassed feeling silly doing it. It's actually the right arm to salute, but Ok. So, I actually caught him smoking weed on a balcony. He says in a lower tone making an attempt for others to not overhear. What!? she exclaims, and then laughs Are you serious? she says, still laughing. Mr Michaels answers, "Yes, I was at one of his LaunchX ceremonies. It was at a hotel in Houston. I was out on a desert ride down by there, and decided I wanted to catch the