Ark II - 33. A Call From Home

Joel woke ready to face a new day. He was still amazed at the lengths they were going to bring elements of the old Charleston back. He never considered what he’d done as heroic but hoped they all followed him as the designated leader. He’d done what was needed to get things done. When asked where he was from he did say he was from Charleston. He’d been told all his life they were from Charleston. Even if he’d never lived there, he was from Charleston. He hadn’t lived there because of the rise in sea levels and the destructive hurricanes. His grandfather had moved to where his great aunt came from in West Asheville.

“You seem pleased,” Sara Beth lightly said from beside him. She rolled to face him.

Joel grinned, “Am I a hero?”

Sara Beth frowned, “To me? Most of the time. For our boys, most of the time.” She smiled, “Why?”

“Most of the time?” Joel questioned.

Sara Beth chuckled, “Because I know you better than anyone. I know who you are. Your boys are aging.” She shrugged, “Your namesake is becoming a tween.”

“A tween,” Joel repeated. His head wavered, “I can’t keep up. What does that mean?”

“Kevin’s in those years between being a child and becoming a man.” She said helplessly. “The teenage years are coming up and he’ll be doing things to try being that man.”[i] She put her arms around Joel. “I don’t know if you had a rebellious period. Did you?”

Joel’s eyes widened, “I don’t recall.” Joel admitted. “Nothing of consequence.” He shrugged, “Granddaddy wasn’t too big on discipline. He guided mostly. He, like we do, didn’t really believe in corporal punishment. He, like we do, if we use pain and strongarm compliance, how can we deal with others to show them our way is better?”

“Kevin is in the early stages of puberty,” Sara Beth smiled. “His voice is dropping in pitch, his shoulders are widening and he’s going to be having self-esteem issues.”

“Oh,” Joel nodded understanding.

“We’ve always been open and honest with them,” She shrugged “There should be no problem with any sex talk...”

“No,” Joel said.

“We need to plan for the unplanned pregnancy.” Sara Beth said.

“By Kevin!?” Joel squeaked out sitting up slightly.

Sara Beth pushed him down again, “Not Kevin necessarily.” She grudged a nod, “but Kevin, too.” She straddled his midsection. “Now, what is this about being a hero?”

“It is a word used by two yesterday about me,” Joel grinned.

Sara Beth’s head bobbed slightly, “You are very dynamic. You are confident and assertive. I say you are.”

“Most of that is because of military training,” Joel admitted. “A military member in command has to show confidence with the decisions he makes. You show confidence and be sure of the decisions you make.”

“Even if you’re not?” Sara Beth asked. “I’ve seen your military bearing.”

“You won’t want to follow a leader who isn’t sure of what you’re going to do.”

Sara Beth nodded, “Has there ever been an order you weren’t positive about?”

“Naturally,” Joel said. “A military leader has to use his own judgement to fulfil the orders. Modern military minds don’t blindly follow orders...those in command at home aren’t there, in the field! The days of just following orders are gone.” Joel waved helplessly, “And out here!? There are decisions others are making and I have no real idea of what to do.”

“And yet you speak with confidence you may not feel.” Sara Beth observed. “I’m glad you don’t play poker.”

Joel chuckled, “That isn’t a good idea. Chance with randomizing cards is one thing, but bluffing?”

Sara Beth chuckled, “That’s a reason I fell for you; you can’t lie well.”

“With national security!?” Joel balked and then reluctantly nodded, “Fortunately, infiltrators and spies aren’t used that much in modern warfare. Terrorists and zealots are common. One country to another in armed combat happens, but seldom face to face. No one looks into the other’s eyes when he pulls that trigger...”

“I hope that sort of thing is in the past,” Sara Beth said as a prayer. “I know it won’t be.”

“Probably not,” Joel admitted.

“We’ll be adding more nutrients to the ground in New Charleston.” Sara Beth said. “Jimmy’s Gaean-worms will be added and ants...” she chuckled at Joel’s slightly turned up lip. “More bacteria and other needed life to help generate needed topsoil...” She smiled, “You should see the seedling I’m growing of the Angel Oak. It’s only an inch tall now, but it will be huge!”

“It’s doing alright?” Joel asked.

“Fine,” Sara Beth assured. “In fact, there will be several tree placements up and down the walkway from the housing to the town square. Other trees and flowers!”

“Oh?” Joel asked.

“Imagine the great oak surrounded by blooming azaleas of pink and white!” Sara Beth was getting excited. “Camellias, roses, dogwood trees, hydrangeas, hibiscus, gardenias...” Sara Beth said.

“You’ve begun to grow them!?” Joel’s eyes widened.

“Of course not,” Sara Beth answered. “Many of these flowering plants aren’t perennials and must be replanted each year.” She shrugged. “The dogwood trees will come later, but will be growing and blooming after we revive from stasis again...both the white and pink dogwoods!”

“Pink dogwood trees are difficult to grow.” Joel said.

Sara Beth nodded, “On Earth.” She pointed out. “Conditions on Gaea will be different. “Dogwoods are best as undergrowth trees. Four to six hours of sunlight...or Ran’s light will be needed.”

“That’s Gaean hours?” Joel grinned.

Sara Beth rolled her eyes, “We’ll be watching them.”

“Spanish moss?” Joel asked.

She smiled, “Grandfather’s Whiskers?”

Joel nodded, “Hanging moss...there are so many names, but that was famous in the South!”

“It is an air plant,” Sara Beth explained. “Tillandsia Usneoides. It may do well but needs a lot of moisture in the air.”

Joel sighed, “To walk down the walkway with the moss shrouded trees would be heaven.”

“Bees!” Sara Beth added. “Butterflies, birds...”

“We’re rebuilding Charleston!” Joel said happily. “On the New Hawaiian Islands of Gaea!”

“That’s right,” Sara Beth nodded. “And because it is the new Hawaiian islands, we will have the coconut palm trees and shrubs. Flowers...”

“I got it. Jimmy wants his birthday party to be down on Gaea,” Joel said. “It will be, but not just for him.”

Sara Beth nodded, “No, it will also be Chloie’s party and Adam’s party.” She smiled. “We always have special gatherings for m any reasons. I suggest we have a dedication party for the planting of the Angel Oak in the town square and the other trees planted on Gaea.”

Joel smiled, “We need to make sure Jimmy’s party isn’t lost with the other parties.”

“No,” Sara Beth agreed. “We’ll never live it down!”

“We’ll be sure to make Jimmy, and the others know how important they are!”

“We’ll begin to prepare the ground for crops,” Sara Beth added. “For corn, beans, lettuce, soy, wheat...” she waved the idea off. “Our supplies are finite. We need fresh supplies. Right now its fine but...”

Joel nodded, “I am seeing Manu and Andrea Taika this morning. I’m looking forward to tasting what they’ve cooked up this time.”

“It is possible we’re just going to have to settle for things that are completely different.” Sara Beth suggested.

Joel grudged a nod, “Ian will be happy. Not feeding on any animals.”

“It makes sense,” Sara Beth insisted. “He’s not a vegan. Not exactly. Though, he doesn’t wear anything made from animals. No leathers or wools. Our uniforms are artificial materials. We’re saving these lifeforms to be used by us?”

“Yes,” Joel admitted. “I’ll miss my pork barbeque.” He muttered.

“And we will grow all the other things for our lives,” Sara Beth said happily. “Cotton, plants for medications...” she shrugged, “We have enough land, but are observing the practice of twice planted and one churned into the ground.”

“What?” Joel asked.

“The nutrients in the soil are used by plants,” Sara Beth explained. “They used to follow the seven-year plan. Six planted and one churned into the ground to replenish the nutrients taken. We aren’t taking the chance. We are doing the three-year plan. Two harvested and one churned to replenish.”

“Aren’t there plants from rainforests you can’t just grow?” Joel asked. “The ones used for the hard to come by treatments?”

Sara Beth nodded, “Even with our advanced organic raising of certain plants...and our more than militant preserving of land in the Amazonian Rainforests, we lost many plants.” She sighed, “Like the orchid. That pretty flower has to raised in the right climate. There are many illnesses and ailments they can treat from stomach disorders to infections. I know every illness and condition has a solution.” She shrugged, “We just have to find it.” She looked angry, “God knows how many cures for so many things were lost as we lost so much of the rainforests and other places on Earth.”

“And you can’t replicate them in your lab,” Joel nodded.

“Not as well,” Sara Beth admitted. “Sometimes it’s not just one item, but a combination of plant extracts...”

“I have no doubt you’ll find out what and how,” Joel smiled. He knew the crops they grew were for more than their consumption. There were crops they grew for what they wore and used for making their lives work. The uniforms they wore were a composite material made from cotton and a form of rylon. There was the Artemis fabric they used for the modern environmental suits that were tough and virtually indestructible. It saved Joel’s life on Gaea after those boulders struck him and Hank. This new material was tough and started from those early space suits from the early days of space travel. Those bulky suits of the twentieth century and the Artimis material created for the Mars landing were easier to wear and contained the atmosphere the wearer in the proper atmosphere. The coveralls they all wore were like everything else, recyclable. Joel wore the same coverall for three days, having it laundered every day. After three days, the coverall was recycled. It was broken down and reformed into a clean and fresh coverall, thanks again to Athena. The material for their clothing was lighter and more comfortable. It breathed and absorbed moisture like sweat. Again, that could be laundered or broken down and reweaved for new clothing.

They were having to replace the supplies such as the corn, potatoes, tomatoes, beans...all the fruits and vegetables. The soybeans they would grow could be eaten, yes. It was also a good source of biofuel. Ran, the star in this solar system provided more than enough fuel for everything they did. Power for the Ark, Athena, all her manufacturing, for the robot miners, the smelter, all the robots on Gaea...everything!

The magic of the soybean was not needed for fuel. Ran provided that. The landers did not use the controlled explosion for thrust. Neither did the Ark. The Ark was an Ion driven vessel. The lander and even the jet cycles were powered by Ran. Those engines used gas no one needed to blow and gave lift...or thrust. Joel remembered explaining to his sons how that worked. He told them when using a hose, you could increase the power and thrust by narrowing the exit. Holding your finger over the exhaust the water came out stronger, harder, and went further. They learned how to increase the power and thrust by decreasing the exhaust expulsion. No fiery thrust.

 

Joel came in the living area where Robbie was again making breakfast for everyone. Technically, Athena was making it, but Robbie was assembling what Athena cooked. He smiled seeing Ian eating pancakes again, but did he know the pancakes were not the usual buttermilk pancakes?

“What are you eating, son?” Ian came by and stroked his youngest’s head.

“Banana and oatmeal pancakes!” Ian volunteered happily. “They’re good!

“We’ll have make sure we grow lots of bananas.” Joel chuckled. He saw Jimmy working on something he knew, but... “What are you working on, Jimmy?”

Jimmy held the long thin “screwdriver” and smiled, “One of our house-bots.” He waved at the small robots every resident on the Ark had. About the size of a man’s hands, these little robots gathered dust and dirt from the floor and walls. They sucked the debris up and kept the trafficked areas shiny and clean. There were dozens in each residence and office areas. There were specialty robots to clean in labs that use harsh chemicals.

“Is there a problem?” Joel asked. Athena would keep track of what needed to be fixed and just fixed it.

“No problem,” Jimmy answered and shrugged. “Mom was always worried about us tracking dirt in the house. I’m assuming she’ll be worried about us tracking in dirt when on Gaea. It will be Gaean dirt but will need cleaning up. I’m increasing our house-bots’ efficiency to do that.” He waved the screwdriver at the house-bot he was working on. “I’ll be working on the antigravity engines today.”

“Antigravity?” Kevin asked. “How?”

“By creating a force that will push against the electromagnetic force pulling things down,” Jimmy said simply. “Creating gravity where there is little or none is harder. Depending on the weight of the object we can push against the electromagnetic force and keep the object off the ground.” He shrugged. “We can’t fly using them yet, but we can keep ships and even the jet-bikes off the ground using these new engines.”

“Great!” Joel was again overwhelmed by his son’s knowledge. Given the freedom from the pressures from Earth he had no doubt Jimmy would just blossom!

“How?’ Kevin insisted.

Jimmy shrugged slightly, “Every magnet comes together and there is the repelling of the other magnet using the positive and negative sides.” He explained simply. “We have a magnetic force that will repel the other with applied power. The more power the stronger the push. The size and mass tell the needed power.” He grinned, “Antigravity is not like creating gravity.” He held a finger out as he thought, “However there is a correlation between repelling against the magnetic field and increasing a magnetic field.”

Sara Beth came in zipping up the top of her coverall. “I’ve got a busy day. I’ll need a lot of energy.”

Robbie turned to Sara Beth, “I suggest a high protein breakfast burrito, Mom Sara Beth. It’s got potatoes, avocado, crumbled tofu, black beans...it should work well.”

Rob walked up, “Do you want your hot tea?”

“Please, thank you, Robbie and Rob,” Sara Beth said sighing as she sat at the table.

“What are you doing today?” Joel asked as Rob set his cold vanilla latte in front of him.

“I am working with many of the other botanists to begin the process of growing crops on Gaea.” She smiled. “The pros of this situation is we will not be battling the normal diseases on Earth. No fungal rot or natural pests from Earth.” She sighed, “The con of this is we don’t know the growing season of our crops.” She nodded sipping her tea given by Rob. “Thank you, Rob.” She looked at her sons. “We can expect good yields from all our crops. The longer days mean longer days of growth. Under the dome we control the weather. At first we will till the ground getting the grasses into the ground. We will add the nutrients and compost we’ve started on the Ark. The decomposing grass will add the nutrients in the ground. ” She smiled at Jimmy. “We’ll be adding the Gaea-worms. Continuing the cycle of life.”

Kevin grinned, “I read this great story about the first colonists on Mars who disappear. The resupply rockets arrive and finds native Martians who couldn’t tell where the original colonists went...only we find these Martians who are the original colonists! They ate produce and food raised in the Martian ground and water...”

Joel nodded and pointed at Kevin, “By Ray Bradbury?” He grinned.

“Yes!” Kevin nodded happily. “Dark They Were And...”

Joel finished with him, “...And Golden Eyed! I loved that story!”

“There are no Martians,” Jimmy muttered. “We don’t know they ever did even before Mars lost its atmosphere and surface water.”

Joel rolled his eyes, “It was unknown when Ray wrote the story. It’s fiction, son. We theorized about Mars and Venus for centuries. The forms of life that will be there...”

“They believed in Martian Primates?” Jimmy asked.

Kevin shook his head, “He didn’t say, but the ruins the colonists moved to was geared for the Humanoid forms.”

“How old were the ruins?” Jimmy asked. “When were they inhabited by the original Martians?”

“Who cares?” Joel chuckled. “You’re missing the point. Ray wrote that these new Martians were made from Humans from Earth because of the air they breathed, the water they drank and the food they ate because it was all done from Mars!”

“Are we going to change into Gaeans because we eat things grown in Gaean dirt?” Ian asked.

“In the story the first sign was the grass they planted on Mars came up purple,” Kevin smiled as his brother’s eyes widened. “Then the cow or goat they had grazing on the purple grass sprouted a third horn.”

Sara Beth shook her head, “I’ve never read the story, but the grass we have raised and seen is normal grass.” She touched Ian’s hand gently. “The changes the author spoke of won’t happen. We have the nutrients from Earth on Gaea.” She nodded her head slightly and reluctantly added, “There elements we get from the dirt such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, cobalt, copper...all we as Humans...horses, cows, dogs...everything is here on Gaea.”

“We have things like iron and copper in us?” Ian asked.

“We have iron to transport oxygen,” Kevin asked. “We inhale and the iron attracts oxygen so our blood can take it to our cells.” He looked at his mother, “Right, Mom?” He grinned as Sara Bet nodded. “Copper I learned is a key element for our brain and for our hearts.”

Sara Beth clapped lightly, “Very good.” She looked at her sons. “However, compost and nutrients is made from things we brought from Earth. Yes, we will have to renew what we get from Gaea. Our muscles and tissues will have elements made from Gaea, but iron is iron. Water is water. We haven’t determined any individual element of substance on Gaea alone.”

“That you know of,” Jimmy continued.

“If you feel like you’re changing,” Sara Beth smiled. “Let me know and I’ll have a complete workup done up on you.” She chuckled, “The changes will be gradual and might take a generation or two.”

“We need to replenish the used supplies,” Joel said.

“Doesn’t where the crops are raised change the taste?” Kevin asked.

“Yes,” Sara Beth nodded. “The concentration of the elements are done by environment. That’s why things like wine taste better from those environments.” She waved at Ian, “He’s getting a lot of potassium from those bananas.”

“What do we use potassium for?” Jimmy asked.

“It balances our use of sodium and helps control our blood pressure,” Sara Beth answered. “It reenforces cell walls of blood vessels.”

“Our blood is full of rust,” Joel said. “That’s why it’s red. It’s rusty.”

“Rust-“ Kevin gaped, but what came out was a squeaky sound. Kevin covered his own mouth in shock.

Joel chuckled and patted his son’s back and brought him into a light hug. “And there it is.” He grinned at his son’s shock. “Proof of your growing up. Your voice cracked as it’s preparing to become deeper. It’s just the beginning!”

“When will it be over?” Kevin almost whispered.

“Not for several years,” Sara Beth said and sniffed and hugged Kevin harder. “My baby is growing up.” She used her napkin to wipe away a tear. She saw her sons looking concerned. “Don’t worry, these are happy tears, but also about memories. I remember the day you were born. It doesn’t seem like that much time has gone by, but you are becoming a man.”

Joel nodded, “Your mother and I will do everything possible to make it possible for you to be a good man. A good leader. All my children will become good leaders” Then he “heard” it.

“Whatever you’re planning,” Hank’s voice echoed in Joel’s head. “We’re receiving a message from Mars.”

“From Mars?” Joel asked. “To us?”

“Yes,” Hank answered. “It is not directly aimed at us, but in our general direction to us. A kind of search.”

“After a century?” Joel asked surprise, out loud.

Kevin looked at his father, “After a century? I don’t understand.”

Joel shook his son lightly, “Sorry, that was to your Uncle Hank.” He touched his temple where the filaments were inserted. “In here.” He smiled at his son. “It’s a good communication network. You’ll know in the future.”

“Why can’t we have it now?” Jimmy asked and looked at his mother, “Why don’t you have it?”

Sara Beth shrugged and looked helpless a moment, “You know my feeling about things happening naturally. There is change in biochemistry...”

“You’ve seen it?” Kevin challenged.

Sara Beth’s left eye narrowed, “I’m researching it.” She touched the growing swell at her abdomen. “It may be ,perfectly safe. However, I would feel better if your brains stopped growing. The last stage is in your late twenties.”

“Explain the filaments again,” Jimmy asked his working on the house-bot was forgotten a moment. They are more than just to communicate with.”

Sara Beth nodded, “Actually, it’s all about communication. Over a century ago...” she laughed, “now two centuries ago, we used the first filaments to restore nerve function. The brain sends signals...electrical impulses through your body. Your brain wants your fingers to do something. An electrical impulse is sent from the brain to make it happen. In the beginning, the filaments were used in patients where their nerves are damaged or even missing. They work! There are specialty nerves, like optic nerves that send particular signals, but the filaments work there, too.”

“I thought there were no nerves in the brain,” Jimmy said confused.

“There are no pain centers in the brain,” Sara qualified. “That’s why we can do surgery on the brain with no real anesthetics. The filaments used in your father’s brain allow him to see, hear, smell, and feel everything your Uncle Hank does.”

“I can also react faster, and they help me become a better pilot,” Joel added. “I can access Athena with a keyboard or monitor.” He realized he could do that right now. He could look, see and hear what any message said without going to the Control Room. Then it occurred to him and he turned to Sara Beth, “Hey, with a patient that have the filaments, as a doctor, you won’t have to ask where does it hurt? You’ll feel it yourself!”

Sara Beth was considering what Joel said to her. She nodded reluctantly, “I’m sure it would be a great diagnostic tool....” she suddenly shook her head. “I won’t do it until I know for sure.” She smiled and rubbed her abdomen. “A husband will know his wife’s pain as she goes through the process.” She smiled a little evilly, “Just going through labor would be a help.”

Joel frowned, “While I always wished I could take some of the pain away from you, as in taking it myself...how will that help?”

Sara Beth smiled back, “Somehow, knowing you know more about the pain will help.” She shrugged.

Joel wasn’t sure he liked that. He held a finger up. “We need to program Athena that important messages get through immediately.”

“Is that what happened?” Sara Beth asked. “Hank told you, not us.”

Joel nodded, “I’ll have to look at it.” He had to be careful. He and all on the interface will have to be careful. Getting a shocking message with family...then again, getting any bad news would be hard. He raised a hand, “Give me a second.” He thought his request to Athena. “Show me the communication from Mars.” He saw the message without a monitor. Written in English. “Greetings from your home solar system. The United Worlds Space Administration is sending a message to Ark II, Ark III, and Ark IV. A status report would be appreciated. The UWSA had relocated to Mars. We are located in Ares’ Stronghold near Olympus Mons.” Joel knew the city was located underground near Olympus Mons. Athena told him Ares’ Stronghold was one of the first cities on Mars. It was now the largest city on Mars boasting over a million people. Shielded from the weather and sandstorms on Mars, it was now the undisputed capital of the whole planet Mars. Now it seemed it was the center seat for all the Space Administration for the planet Earth, Earth’s moon, Mars, the mines around Jupiter, Venus...all the worlds in that solar system. The message had been sent out a week ago, but due to the lack of a network they had on Gaea, they didn’t expect them to get this message for ten years! The speed of light for digital signals and the distance...they did not know what happened to Ark IV. They had lost their Ark, but that was Ark II’s choice. The point was they had time. Would they reply? This wasn’t just his decision. He asked Athena to schedule a meeting for all on the Ark after dinner that evening.

Joel smiled at his sons, “I’m going to see what Uncle Manu has cooked up.” He grinned at Jimmy’s smirk.

“What Uncle Manun cooked up,” he rolled his eyes. He knew his Uncle Manu and Aunt Andrea Taika were “cooking” up alternatives for the Ark’s food consumption. “Really, Dad?”

Joel grinned, “I’m told they have a few alternatives to shrimp etouffee and pulled pork barbeque.” He finished his vanilla latte. He looked at Sara Beth, “We may need more coffee soon.” He got up.

It’s on the top of the to do list,” Sara Beth replied. “So, you’re not staying for breakfast?”

“I’ve been told they have a new shrimp and grits dish to try, so no.” Joel bent down and kissed her cheek. “See you soon.”

“Oh, Dad,” Kevin said before he left. “Can you show me an exercise program? Like the one you use? With the weights?”

Joel smiled at his son, “To attract or to use?”

Kevin thought a mere second, “Yes.”

Joel nodded, “I’ll have a program up for tomorrow morning. It’s best to do it at the beginning of your day, but you can choose several that will work morning, noon, and night.” He waved at Rob. “He can show you, but I’ll go through it in a few days. You’ll get it.” He squeezed his son’s bicep. “We’ll get you in shape to take on a bear or attract anyone you choose.” He looked at Sara Beth and nodded, “I know, I’ll talk to him about the other things.” He chuckled as Sara Beth nodded.

“Other things?” Kevin asked.

“Sure,” Joel answered and touched his son’s arm gently. “Your body’s changing. You’ll be going on quite an adventure. I’m just going to help you through it. I’ve done it. Puberty can be rough, and I need you to know what to expect.” He saw Kevin’s unease. “I know we’ve talked before. It’s not all bad. Trust me.”

Joel sent word to Hank to join him in Manu’s and Andrea’s lab and went to meet him.

Manu greeted Joel as he entered with a smile, “Good that you came.” He greeted as Andrea brought over a plate of something covered by a plastic cover. He waved at the covered dish, “We’ve made some big improvements.”

Andrea took the cover and removed it quickly.

Joel knew what it was before he saw it. It was the aroma. “It smells like shrimp etouffee.” He saw the clumps that were shaped like shrimp...sort of. Joel knew it wasn’t really shrimp and he really didn’t want to know what it was. The small curved pieces sat in a bed of red, but eh smell of garlic and onions, along with cayenne pepper, paprika made he believe it was shrimp. Her also knew nothing would taste like the real thing. He knew there would be new taste sensations he never had on Earth. He saw the little pieces of rice and his mouth watered slightly.

“Care to find out more?” Andrea asked waving the plate under Joel’s nose making the steam tease.

Joel nodded and shrugged lightly, “That’s why I’m here.”

“And why is his decision so important?” Hank asked coming in behind Joel.

Manu didn’t miss a beat, “Because his mother and grandmother were Cajun! Half of his makeup is from Louisianna! He cooks! He knows what we need to add or take away.”

Andrea brightened, “Oh, and this!” She brought out another covered dish and pulled the cover off.

Joel grinned at the arranged curved pieces sprinkled on a familiar bed of grits. The green flakes on scallions on the glistening “shrimp.” “This is a Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits. Not Charleston necessarily or yours, Joel.” Andrea shrugged a concession, “I admit, I didn’t know a lot about grits, but they’re good.”

“It’s really a Southern dish,” Joel chuckled. “Very popular in the South of the United States.”

As they tried the new dishes, Joel thought they were good. So did Hank. It could just be Joel’s knowledge about the whole thing. These “shrimp” were not really shrimp. They were good, but didn’t have the texture of real shrimp. Close, but not quite. The honey mustard barbeque was again, not quite. Joel told Manu and Andrea the truth. Yes, they’d worked hard, but honesty was crucial for them to get it as close as they could get.

“Now,” Joel smiled at Hank. “Explain why you were up so early...” Joel said, “and in the Control Room.”

Hank looked a bit superior and slightly offended, “Am I not the second in command?” He almost demanded.

“Yes,” Joel conceded. “So why were you up?” He wasn’t letting Hank by with anything.

Hank hung his head nodding slowly. “Rita.” He admitted and was looking away. “With Chloe and Rachel, she did it, too.” He went into this high pitched voice, an imitation of Rita. “I’m huge! My skin is stretching too quickly. I’m fat!” He went back to his own voice. “I tell her she isn’t. She suddenly is in tears telling me I’m so sweet. Which morphs into and angry face where she pounds me with a face and angry words telling me I did this to her!”

Joel laughed, “Well, you did.” He laughed harder as Hank gave him and angry face. “You know Rita is going through the rapid hormone changes and her emotions are right on the surface.”

Hank’s eyes rolled, “I know. She did that with our two girls.”

“Kevin was born which was to be completely natural,” Joel laughed. “Eight hours in labor she consented to some nerve blocks. Jimmy was a water baby.”

“A water baby?” Hank asked.

“Born while she was in a tub of warm water,” Joel nodded. “She claimed it was better as the warm water relaxed her muscles. Ian was too. I’m sure Daylia will be.” He grinned at Hank. “Rita had the filaments inserted, didn’t she?” Joel smiled.

“Yes,” Hank nodded. “To better interface with Athena.” He grumbled.

“You’ll be in a unique position,” Joel patted Hank’s back. “You’ll know what your wife’s feeling.”

“Uh, huh,” Hank nodded. “And how do I block it?”

“I’m not sure you could,” Joel chuckled. “As much as Sara Beth hurt having our boys...and as long as the pain lasts...I know Sara Beth could bend steel!” He wagged his finger at Hank, “And never...I mean never allow her to squeeze your hand when it hurts. Never!”

Hank shook his head immediately, “Never again! Rita practically broke the bones in my hand with Chloe!” He looked at Joel, “With all these medical miracles, can’t they discover something to help women give birth?”

“They have!” Joel argued. “Rita may send you some powerful signals. Ten or more hours of hard labor!?” He chuckled. “I remember a man came with his wife and as she was dilated, water broken, and the pains of labor on full force his comment to his wife that it couldn’t hurt that much.” He looked to the heavens for the man’s lack of compassion. “Sara Beth was nearly fired when she used a surgical vice grip to grab the man’s balls, squeezed it nearly shut and twisted.” He laughed, “And she was reaching for more! Then she said there were other pains with the one all over the abdomen.”

Hank’s eyes widened, “He was just...ignorant?” Hank suggested.

“A plausible explanation, but not and excuse.” Joel pointed out. “To downplay pain you couldn’t know!?” He shook his head, “But now, you will!” He said brightly slapping Hank proudly.

Hank’s face fell even more, “Aw, come on. Can’t you do it?”

Joel shook his head, “Nope. Sara Beth has refused the filaments so far.”

Hank grimaced, “Lucky you.”

Manu cleared his throat. Not to clear phlegm, but to attract their attention. “What did you think?’ He pointed at the three now empty plates.

Joel suddenly remembered, “Oh, yes. Very tasty.”

Hank nodded, “I’ve loved every bite!” He said excitedly.

Andrea smirked, “A book you could put down.”

“What?!” Hank asked surprised.

“Nooo,” Joel knew these two were scientists, yes, but they were chefs, too. Anything but rave reviews was not wise because they would be offended. “They were delicious. Honestly.”

“We’re just a little distracted,” Hank offered.

Manu nodded slowly but clearly a little bothered about them not taking this seriously. “About the message from Earth. It was only sent about a week ago. We have time, don’t we?”

Joel agreed, “At least a couple of decades. Yes.”

“Enough time to try our new attempts at replacement foods?” Manu asked.

“You’re right,” Joel admitted and held his hand up. “Sorry.”

Manu sighed, “The greatest thing we invented...ever, in my opinion, is stasis. It preserves things by taking time away...sort of.”

“Any food,” Andrea continued, “produce or livestock is frozen in time preventing decay or spoilage. It allowed poor countries to get fresh food that wouldn’t spoil or go bad. It allowed food to be shipped in space...”

“Even us!” Manu added. “We live because of stasis.” Manu’s finger rose to make a point, “However, in spite of our reclamation we need food!”

Andrea added, “Do you know how we take things like Human waste and reconstitute it for consumption?”

Joel’s head went back slightly. “I know you do.” He shrugged, “I’m sure it’s a process.”

“We take the parasites out,” Manu said. “Remove harmful bacteria...do you know how much we expel in waste? We use only a fraction of what we eat! I am charge with using that and adding other things to make food that’s good to eat. Not just the waste, but various plants make it palatable.”

Joel was nodding, “You’re right, you’re right.” Joel chuckled. “I’m sorry.” He held the plate of yellowed honey mustard barbeque sauced “pulled pork” that wasn’t real meat. “This is good! Very good, I swear. It has the flavor, but not as much of the texture.” He grinned. “It’s possible we will just have to adjust our expectations.”

“We have enough supplies in stasis to last a great while,” Manu said. “However, it will run out if we don’t replace what we’re using.” Manu nodded, relaxing with a smile, “There was nothing in the message about coming here.”

“No,” Joel acknowledged. “We can explain more this evening.”

“My God,” Hank looked at his bare wrist, “We’re late!” He shoved Joel lightly. “We left timeclocks and that mess behind! Don’t bring timeclocks back!”

Joel rolled his eyes, “I’m not....” he saw Hank’s grin. “We should all meet. They know when to show up. That’s all.” He thought quickly, “In the Communal Dining Area. It’s the biggest room and everyone needs to be there.”

 

The tables and chairs for the evening meal were put to the side while everyone read and heard the message sent by Mars.

“I don’t understand the problem,” One of the men in the group said. Joel knew him as Zack. He was a gifted biologist. His wife was a brilliant woman who was also a great biologist. Detra was her name. “We disappeared for a reason. Has that reason changed?”

“No,” Joel nodded reluctantly. “Yet the circumstances to why has changed.”

“How?” Zack asked. “It’s been a century. It’s changed due to time.” There were murmurs among the many people.

Joel grimaced, “It has been well over a century since we left Earth.” He sighed. “The ten to eleven Earth years to realize Alpha Centauri was not for us. The additional ten to get to Epsilon Eridani, the additional one hundred and ten years to wake up from stasis this time...” he looked at Chloe, “A workable calendar and clock to track these times would be wonderful.” He got a nod from Chloe. He looked again at the many faces, “Yet where Humans are included, there will be problems. Greed, and just some nasty people are still there.” He nodded again reluctantly. “No, there is no threat from Earth, Mars or any other community from home...that we know of.” He smiled tightly as he regarded everyone. “The Earth is still rebuilding after those horrible bombs. The lunar colony is well equipped, but we’ve not detected they are building more than supply ships, shortrange transports...Mars may become more. It apparently is the center for the United Worlds Space Administration, as they are calling themselves.” He shrugged, “God knows there needs to be a central voice! Whether that sticks or not, time will tell.”

“Naturally,” Nayef began, “they look up and remember we were sent out here. They want to know if we’re alive.”

“Shouldn’t we tell them?” A woman asked. “That just seems right.”

“If we do,” Another man said, “we give away our position!”

“Not necessarily,” Adel inserted. “Technically, we shouldn’t receive the message for a decade.”

“And they don’t know about Ark IV!?” A woman asked incredibly.

“We don’t know how badly the recordings were affected by the past century,” Rita stated rubbing her abdomen. “It has been a while since we left. Who knows what they’ve lost.”

“We will know using the message and observation buoys we sent ahead,” Adel said. “They just sent the message. They have no idea how long or how fast we received it.” She sat up/ “I suggest we use this to send a reply but confuse them as to where we are.”

“How do you mean?” Nayef asked.

“We send a signal...multiple signals from multiple locations.” She shrugged. “We can send another message buoy. A buoy with another message frequency. We program the new buoy to broadcast all the messages at the same time.” She again thought out loud. “We can add several buoys...say ten...even if they could trace the signal source....they will get ten sources, none of which will be ours.”

“You can do that!?” Hank blurted.

Adel chuckled, “I can. It may take some tweaking, but sure.”

“And they won’t track them to us?” Joel asked to be sure.

“No,” Adel answered. “With Athena’s help, we can dodge any inquiry.”

“After a hundred years?” Leif asked. “Why? Everyone that sent us is dead.”

“The Earth went to great expense to send us out here.” Tom Szasz reminded. “A report has been sent at the beginning; I assume. Isn’t there a passcode you have to send?”

“You’re right,” Joel nodded. “Athena.” He called.

Athena appeared next to Joel, “Yes, Commander?”

Joel smiled at her, ”You sent updates regularly at the beginning.”

“Of course,” Athena nodded. “Every six months until we diverted to the new direction. I haven’t sent anything for one hundred and ten years,”

“And you had to send a code to tell them who you were,” Joel said to be sure.

“Again, of course,” Athena nodded.

“When I responded to anyone,” Joel explained further. “I have a code I send to prove its me. Along with it is the authentication code from her, further proof its us.”

“Who else could it be?” Kevin asked.

“That’s a good question,” Joel smiled with a nod. “Why indeed? The fact is we could be anyone. Desperate people will do many things. Where those people are it would not be help at a quick pace. People will do horrible things to get something they want.”

“We send a few buoys out, send ten messages from ten directions and broadcast a single reply from another buoy,” Adel said simply.

“Ten buoys,” Joel nodded.

“Ten buoys,” Adel said. “One voice and one message. It will seem like we are everywhere.”

“It is to be our voice, Not just mine,” Joel stressed. “A united stand. All received at once?” He asked Adel.

“To a new buoy we send towards Mars,” Adel nodded. “Mars will see ten messages, with different travel times, but all at once. Then we move that buoy somewhere else. The buoys we send can be moved so they can’t be traced that quickly, if ever. Space is big. We’ll just be an Earth Human presence out here.”

Joel nodded grinning and clapped once, “We have time to think about it. Now, go home, get rest and let’s do more tomorrow!”