Ark II - 8. Threats Past, Present and Future

After the good time, they returned to do their jobs. Sara Beth had more of the pods to check. Joel quickly checked over any messages to see if there was anything new. It had been ten years since he last checked the messages and there were many he hadn’t seen yet. Hank was checking for any potential problems. Rita checked Athena’s protocols for receiving messages and diagnosing problems with the Ark. This was really a wrap up of this time out of stasis. This journey hadn’t been bad. Yes, it had really been nearly thirty years since they left Earth. It felt like a few weeks. Joel’s sense of time told him it was nearing the end of January. If they had stayed out of stasis for this trip, he’d be in his sixties…he thought. Kevin was still ten years old and about to be eleven. He was getting another headache thinking about it. He was keeping track of time on the Ark. He had a lot to do before lunch. Hell, there wouldn’t be lunch if he didn’t make lunch.

The science minds were looking again at the scans of that third planet around Epsilon Eridani. Gaea would be the name, Joel hoped. They looked at their own screens, then together on another, then above where Athena projected something in the air so they could get a full, three-dimensional look at something. Honestly, it looked like a group of kids all watching a game played by computer. Joel chuckled, maybe it was to them.

Hank sighed as he pushed away a little from his desk, “No matter what technology you use, a desk is a desk. I would prefer time with the engines.” The grin on his face grew as he added, “Taking them apart, putting them back together, improving them…”

“There aren’t any moving parts,” Joel smiled at his friend’s expression. “The only wear would be with the exhaust. Does all that gas being expelled wear on that?”

“Yeah,” Hank moaned a little, “I’d have to replace it in a hundred years…maybe.”

Joel laughed looking at Hank more directly, “Weren’t you the one that designed the engines?”

Hank nodded, “I was one of the designers, yes. We did too good a job.” He complained.

“Athena shows you the engines,” Joel said. “Even shows you the internal workings.”

“Yes,” Hank grumbled in a near pout. “In detail.”

“But nothing to do,” Joel confirmed.

“No,” Hank answered.

“You’re finished?” Joel asked.

Hank waved at his screen, “As much as I’m ever finished with this. Even after we get there, I won’t ever be done. There are the mechanical things that will need watching…”

I mean,” Joel said near to the end of his patience, “are you finished right now?”

“Yeah,” Hank said slowly and hesitantly.

“Great!” Joel kissed Sara Beth who sat on his other side. “Don’t come until I call you. Understand?”

Sara Beth’s eye narrowed but said slowly, “Ookaay.”

Joel grabbed Hank’s arm and dragged him behind into the Habitat Ring walkway. He glanced back at Hank who was now grinning at Joel. “You didn’t tell anyone, did you?”

“And get thrown out of an airlock!?” Hank asked incredibly. “I didn’t even broach the subject about lunch at all.” Hank shook his head, “If I did, Rita would have interrogated me!”

“She’s brutal?” Joel grinned.

“You know Rita,” Hank replied. “However, you don’t know Rita. You can’t! She’s relentless! Subtle, but relentless.”

“Perhaps, that’s because she knows your buttons to push,” Joel chuckled.

“Yeah?” Hank countered. “Just pray you never find out by having her interrogate you!”

 

In the Communal Dining Area Joel waved at the students.

“Hi, Dad!” Jimmy greeted.

“Hi, Son,” Joel held up his hands. “Sorry, Robbie, Robot, I don’t want to interrupt. We have to eat, and I’m supposed to make lunch.” He shrugged, “Which will be in a couple of hours.”

“Whatcha makin’, Dad?” Kevin asked getting up and grinning.

“I hope it’s his catfish stew!” Jimmy said back. “When they’d get them at the store he would. I bet they have them in storage.”

“His crawfish gumbo?” Ian asked hopefully. “Do we have them in storage?”

“That wouldn’t go with his Charleston thing,” Kevin shook his head.

“Just never you mind,” Joel waved his son back down. “Back to work.”

“We’ll try to keep it down,” Hank said to Robbie and Robot. He turned to Joel, “But they’ll know what you’re making when you start cooking it.”

“That’s why we’re making something not related to the main course yet,” Joel smiled and went to the cabinet. “Athena, you have enough russet potatoes for all out of stasis?”

“Of course, Commander,” Athena answered.

Joel reached in and brought the big bowl of potatoes out and put them on the counter. “I need black pepper, celery sticks, hardboiled eggs, dill pickle relish, chicken stock, mayonnaise, Lowensef mustard, and vedalia onions.”

Hank nodded at what he saw, “You’re not making a typical potato salad. The chicken stock and mustard?”

Joel shook his head, “No, this isn’t regular potato salad. This is the Nesmith’s Special ‘Tater Salad.” He chuckled and pointed at the potatoes, “Cube up some one-inch squares and we’ll get them in to boil.”

“Do you want me to fill a pot with water?” Hank asked.

“No,” Joel shook his head. He shrugged, “I had a hard time on Earth getting some of this, but here?” He waved at the chicken stock. “We’ll boil it in that.”

Hank’s eyes widened, “I never heard about this before. No salt?”

Joel shook his head again, “Not with the chicken stock there’s enough salt in that.”

“Okay,” Hank nodded.

“So,” Joel grinned, “get with the cubing!” He got a large knife and handed it over.

Hank took the knife and came over to the counter as Joel took a knife himself and a potato. “Don’t you peel the potatoes?”

“No,” Joel chuckled again. “Grandma swore all the vitamins and fiber are in the peel. She included the peel in the potato salad.”

“Okay.” Hank nodded again. “You love your mustard!”

Joel smiled, “I have a few Germans in the family line, too.” He waved at the potatoes, “This Southern recipe was tweaked by great grandmother Nesmith. She was German.”

“Charleston was a real melting pot?” Hank asked.

“It was the first in the United States!” Joel agreed. “I have French in me, too!”

Hank shook his head, “Oh, you’re cooking when Rita does her night.”

“And why hide that you can cook?” Joel asked suspiciously. “You’re not one of those men that believe a woman’s place is in the kitchen, are you?”

“Hell, no!” Hank shook his head, “I just didn’t want it to be mine!”

Joel chuckled, “I was deployed so often I enjoyed cooking for the family. You heard my three, they love my cooking!”

“Yes,” Hank nodded. “You were away. I had to come home every night to those two,” he pointed at Rachel and Chloe. “And Rita!”

“I see,” Joel smiled and got the pot out. “Athena has me spoiled! We had to wait to see what produce and meats arrived at our store…” he grudged a nod, “which was sporadic most of the time. Sara Beth grew our vegetables, most fruit and herbs.” He waved at the Ark. “Here we have it in storage and all I do is tell Athena what I need and poof!” He waved his hands out, “Here it is!” He waved at the potatoes and ingredients he was using.

“You don’t feel guilty about it, do you?” Hank asked. “We are living in pleasant surroundings, with plenty to eat…” he looked at Joel. “I see you sometimes looking like you might.”

“Sometimes,” Joel admitted. “There are billions of people starving and left to die. Yes, I know we’re very lucky. That’s why I am determined not to fail!”

“That’s why they chose you to do this,” Hank stated firmly. “I can think of no one else that could do it any better.” This was said in a serious, again, uncharacteristic way.

Joel felt humbled and unworthy, but it was a job he accepted. He looked up at his sons and remembered why he was doing this. “Thank you, Hank.”

 

The potatoes were sliced, and the sliced again into cubes. Then boiled in the chicken stock until they softened, but not to the point they were mushy. Mixing the mayonnaise, mustard, all the other ingredients making it look more like regular potato salad, except for the yellow color instead of white. Paprika was added to give the touch of red sprinkles. Then he worked on the cornbread. He mixed the dough and spread it out to bake. The Communal Dining Area now had that wonderful smell of baking corn. Then he brought out the chicken. It had marinated in the buttermilk and spices for over ten hours. He mixed the other spices and flour dredged the chicken parts in the flour and then quickly flashed fried it to seal in the juices. His sons now knew what their father was making and was smiling at him. Joel held up a healthy sized drumstick and waved it in Ian’s direction. Ian was now smiling even more! He loved those chicken legs. Every child in existence loved those.

Joel had peculiarities; he knew that. Not really liking grits was a choice but Joel never, ever ate cold fried chicken. Never a cold pizza. As a child, his thoughts were that man knew how to use fire…so, do it! Even the potato salad was warm when it was served. The fried chicken was coated an additional two times and fried the additional time to cook the batter coating and chicken. The last coating was done lightly and fried last to give the chicken a crispy, flaky deliciousness.

Joel called Sara Beth and the others to come to the Communal Dining Area. When they arrived there were gasps and eyes that widened. It was now a warm Spring Day outdoors. The sky was blue with white clouds, the oak trees surrounded them as the branches and Spanish Moss swayed in a breeze. Birds could be heard and seen flying from branch to branch and in the sky. Yes, you could see the wall, floor, and ceiling of the Communal Dining Area if you looked for it. You didn’t have to. The illusion was great!

“Hi, everybody!” Joel greeted them. “I thought a picnic was perfect!” He looked at the surroundings he had projected. “The sky on Earth doesn’t look like this anymore there. A warm Spring Day is a thing of the past, but we can remember them.” He waved at the tables that had covered bowls with something in them. Some with the fried chicken and others with the cornbread. There was the bowls of the potato salad that was not covered. There were no flies; the covers were to keep the warmth of the food in. “Welcome to a Spring Day in the South!” Ian was about to uncover a bowl to get his fried chicken legs. “Ian, wait for the old folks to get to the table. You know those drumsticks are yours. No one will get them. You and your brothers will have the drumsticks.” He looked at the adults in the room. “I know there are enough for some adults, too. I prefer the breast and thigh, but…” he shrugged.

Sara Beth walked up to Joel, “You’re determined to show everyone up.” She smiled at her husband.

“No,” Joel shook his head. “I am determined to show everyone what was. I am equally determined to get some of it back.”

“You did it for inspiration,” Sara Beth nodded and looked as people were sitting at the tables. “I’d say it’s working.”

Joel looked up quickly, “Oh, yes. There are forks for you to use for the potato salad. If you’re like Sara Beth, you can use it on the chicken, too. It’s excepted for you to use your hands to pick up the chicken and eat it that way. I do. My boys do, too.” He smiled, “And we do have a dessert. Hot brownies, drizzled with a rich, hot milk chocolate sauce and topped with your choice of ice cream.” He saw eyes grow again. “I prefer French Vanilla, but you choose.”

The conversations began again as happy voices filled the Communal Dining Area. There was also the sound of crunching, followed by expressions of pleasure and joy around the table. Not in words, but moans of pleasure. Eating could be a kind of sex. Good sex and everyone liked that. And food.

Ian bit into a chicken leg and had to use a napkin to wipe the juice that dripped down his face, “This is so good, Dad!”

“It’s even better than what you made back at our home on Earth!” Kevin said happily.

Ian looked at Robbie, “It’s a shame you can’t taste this, Robbie!”

“I am fed by watching you enjoy it, Ian Nesmith,” Robbie replied. “I can not consume food as you do.”

Jimmy looked at Robbie, “I don’t know why not.” He looked puzzled, “Couldn’t we create a means that you could not only consume food but taste it, too?”

Joel nodded, “I don’t see why not.” He grinned at his son. “We have artificial intelligence, artificial emotions…why not artificial taste?”

“Who says it’s artificial?” Jimmy asked. “Robbie and Robot aren’t artificial Humans, they’re robots. Let’s call it robotic intelligence, robotic emotions, and robotic tastes. It’s real to them.”

“Okay,” Hank chuckled. “Are you going to create robotic tastes?”

Jimmy shrugged, “Someone has to, Uncle Hank. Why can’t I?”

“So, do it,” Joel said simply.

“It may take me a few years,” Jimmy grinned at Robbie. “Then I get to use that special tool and see the inside of you.” He looked quickly at Ian, “I won’t hurt him. To improve him we have to see how he works! I promise not to damage Robbie in any way.”

“I can download my schematics to your pad,” Robbie said to Jimmy. “You can study how I work the next time you’re out of stasis. You will not have to look at what I have inside to see it.”

Jimmy clapped once quickly, “Yippie!”

They all returned to the stasis pods with happy faces and full stomachs. It was a mixed feeling for Joel as he welcomed the oblivion in stasis. He looked forward to what more they could find out about the third planet orbiting Epsilon Eridani or Ran. He was cautious not to build hopes too high just to have them dashed by reality. Hank was right. They would not be able to bring all of Earth to their new home. They would not lose a single lifeform! Joel wouldn’t let them. Lifeforms like the giant panda had such a fragile existence on Earth. Their diet was so…fixed! It technically was a carnivore, but almost exclusively fed on bamboo. Changing anything in their DNA was playing God! If they did manage to change the panda so it would live on the new world…would it still be a panda? They didn’t have every species from Earth. That would be impossible. They were continuing to find species in the oceans they never imagined there were. Some were a long, long way down! Miles upon miles down where life was never supposed to exist, but they were there! In constant darkness. Pitch black. Many were completely…well, they were “blind” as to see something down there was ludicrous! Bioluminescence! For those that could still “see” a little, creatures used light to attract prey, signal they were ready to mate, or just convey emotions. There was an alien world still on Earth. Joel couldn’t discount the possibility that life existed where they were going. No one with any shred of intelligence should be surprised that in the vast reaches of space that other forms of life existed. He didn’t think any would necessarily be like Spock on the Star Trek shows or any other form of primate. Why would it be? The Human evolution was a kind of fluke. Really, it was, and not the first lifeform to evolve on the Earth! He didn’t know about the gray men. Those elusive aliens with the large eyes, short, with large heads that was always been accused of kidnapping people and experimenting on them. Would they be visiting their new home? Joel didn’t know enough to believe or not believe in them.

Whether there were aliens or not, Human Beings from Earth could become the lifeforms on other worlds in the future. If they were successful.

There was also the question brought up by Nayef and Leah Rees. It might be very hard for Dr. Wei Ch’en and his wife Dr. Bai Ch’en to handle what happened to their home countries. Yes, they left the Earth behind. They knew how volatile things were on Earth when they left. It was Nayef’s and Leah’s question about possible problems with Wei Ch’en’s personality that caused Joel to worry. You bring people onboard to advise, it would be stupid not to listen. Joel wasn’t stupid. He was familiar with Autism but lacked the exposure they had on the different forms of Autism. Left and right they were bringing up new finds about Humans and developmental delays. Joel thanked whatever power that was guiding them that his boys didn’t have any delays. No hyperactivity disorders, learning disorders…no disorders.

 

He was getting used to it now. His eyes opened and he stretched. He didn’t even ask about the lack of sensing about time. “Is everything alright, Athena?”

“The status of my systems and the Ark are at optimal levels, Commander,” Athena replied.

“No question about the length of time?” Sara Beth asked amused.

“Athena,” Joel said in a kind of growl, “I only want you to tell me if it hasn’t been the allotted amount of time.” He shook his finger in the air at the invisible Athena. “If it hasn’t been the amount of time, as in too much or too little. Then tell me. That’s an order.”

“Affirmative, Commander,” Athena answered.

“Dr. Wei Ch’en’s and Dr. Bai Ch’en’s pods are not opened yet,” Joel said to be sure because he was concerned.

“As per your orders, Commander,” Athena stated.

“Just checking,” Joel said simply continuing his stretches.

“Only open it if I give the order,” he looked at Sara Beth, “Or Sara Beth,” he spotted Hank coming over, “Or Henry Cavill…”

Hank’s eyes widened in shock, “Me? Why me?”

“You’re the First Officer,” Joel smiled.

As impossible as it was to imagine, Hank’s eyes grew even wider, “What!? I’m not an officer!”

“Athena,” Joel announced again, “Enter Henry Cavill as the next in command from me. Meaning he can give instructions that should be followed whether I’m conscious, unconscious, or dead.”

“Dr. Henry Cavill is authorized to give instructions that will be followed if you are conscious, unconscious, or deceased, Commander,” Athena stated.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Hank said quickly in a near panic. “Why!?”

“Because I trust you the most,” Joel replied. “I trust you to make the right decision if I am not here for any reason.”

“But Sara Beth…” Hank began.

“Handles all the medical needs,” Joel explained. “And she is in charge of all that is in our group.” He looked at Sara Beth, “I trust you; you know that. You can override any order I give medically, but your duty will be stretched pretty thinly.”

Sara Beth nodded quickly, “Oh, please, don’t give it to me.”

“Well,” Joel grinned. “If Hank and I are not around to give orders, you and Rita will be on the list. I was thinking of Nayef Rees, too.” He looked at Hank. “Mechanically, no one knows the Ark better than you do. You have authorization to instruct things about the Ark mechanically. I am the only one that can overturn any order from anyone else about anything. I’m telling you; you do now.”

“I have no military training!” Hank argued.

“That’s even better!” Joel smiled. “You have a love of life and a compassion for others. It will guide you well.” He looked at Hank more directly. “I am looking forward to being an old man with you sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch of our houses on our new world with our grandchildren running around us.” He shook his head, “I’m not planning to go anywhere, but should the need arise, we need to prepare for a future.”

Hank nodded slowly and then he pointed at Joel, “You better be there! Or I will be so pissed!”

Joel grinned and crossed his hand over his chest in the “cross-your-heart” gesture. “I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.”

Hank’s smirk appeared, “That’s reassuring.” He waved his hands out and asked, “Why didn’t they set this up before we left?”

“They had something set up,” Joel wasn’t defending anyone. “This isn’t a military ship. They set things up with a man in charge that had military experience. Me.” He looked at Sara Beth, “Who had a wife that had the medical degree. I was to command a vessel with four senior officers. One on each of the various teams.”

“And that’s not enough?” Hank asked.

“No,” Joel answered. “Even the smallest boat needs a chain of command, but really I don’t believe those eggheads back on Earth ever had any military experience at all.” He chuckled. “A ship loaded with a bunch of scientists!? What sort of threat can they pose?”

“Shall I give examples from history?” Hank asked.

Joel smiled, “Not necessary. Even though by Earth time we’ve been traveling almost forty years, we’ve only been out of stasis about a month. I am giving a more structured chain of command.” He pushed himself out of the pod. “Congratulations! You are the First Officer.”

Hank’s head swerved a bit as he muttered, “Usually, that means an increase in pay. As none of us are getting paid on the Ark, that means more of nothing.”

“Yep,” Joel grinned.

 

Dr. Nayef Rees and his wife Dr. Leah Rees drifted over followed by their two children.

“Hi, Doc!” Hank greeted Nayef and turned to Leah, “That included you.”

Leah nodded at Hank with a smile, “As long as it’s a term of endearment, I’m fine.”

“Oh, it is!” Hank promised. “It’s a term of affection! I swear!”

“Even when used by Bugs Bunny?” Sara Beth asked Joel.

“Of course,” Hank answered for Joel. “He loved Elmer and Daffy. It was a general hail for everyone else, but friendly.” He looked at Rita, “Joel and I are big fans of those old cartoons.”

Rita chuckled, “Along with other things.”

“We should revive Dr. Szasz before we revive Dr. Wei Ch’en,” Joel suggested. “We can let Dr. Szasz a chance to see what we’re going to show Dr. Ch’en.”

Nayef nodded, “I suggest we wake the other two leaders Dr. Carek and Dr. Combs. They need to be informed before we tell each member of each team.”

“I should have done it before,” Joel nodded.

Nayef smiled and shook his head, “You decided to have a limited exposure. It was good judgement.”

“I think we should revive Dr. Szasz and his wife, Dr. Carek and her husband, and Dr. Combs and his husband,” Joel suggested and got no objections. “Them first, show them what we have to and then wake their children if they want to.”

The usual couples that were revived to determine the target planet was still acceptable and their children got up. Rita and Sara Beth took the children down to the Habitat Ring.

The problem with this plan was not a couple was in a similar nearby place. Five hundred pods in a long tube, plus the children it took teams. Assurances that it was thirty years later (ten years in Alpha Centauri’s direction, the change of direction plus ten years and the decision to wake again, ten years later) and then cautioned to wait. They could wake up a little more.

Dr. Szasz was Hungarian and had an accent but spoke fluent English. His wife was Cinti, or Cindy. He had dark hair, and she was blonde. Dr. Carek was a light skinned African from South Africa. Her husband Iyasu was also from Africa, but he was a Biologist specializing in animal behaviors and preservation. Dr. Combs was from England and his husband was from Norway. Dr. Combs was a Geneticist and Botanist. His husband, Leif was a Marine Biologist and also a Geneticist. Dr. Combs was a man about five feet and six inches tall. Dark brown hair and eyes and not a bad looking man. Now, the biggest difference was Dr. Leif Andersen was blond and a foot taller than Steven at six feet and five inches. Leif was a big and rugged man who spent a great deal of time underwater for his job. They had no children yet. Tom Szasz and Cindy Szasz had two. Twins, a boy and a girl who were nine. Dana and Iyasu had a daughter Macey who was eight. They each wanted to know why they were revived early.

In the Control Room they had them sit and watch the broadcasts while the planetary scientists looked over the newest scans of the promising planet.

It took a couple of hours for the newly revived Ark residents to see all they needed to. Joel and Sara Beth did their jobs, but Joel paid attention to the gasps and sounds from the ones watching the messages. It got quiet for a few moments before anybody said anything.

Nayef and Leah had sat with them and waited for them to respond.

“They did it,” Tom Szasz said quietly.

Nayef nodded, “As horrible as it was, don’t forget we knew this could happen and that’s why we’re here.”

“True,” Tom agreed. “However, this was our home. A bit of grief for what happened is expected.”

“Naturally,” Leah said. “We’re not denying you the opportunity to do that. Take your time.”

“We insist you do,” Nayef said. “To feel nothing would mean something else about you. No one has ever felt the kind of losses we are now.”

Dr. Dana Carek sighed, “You’re right, Dr. Rees. The purpose for our being here on the Ark is now very clear. We have to survive.”

“I’m surprised something like this hasn’t happened sooner,” Dr. Steven Combs admitted sadly.

Dr. Iyasu Carek smiled, “Where are we? Are we close to our new planet? I heard from the group over there talking about a world of promise. Is it in the Alpha Centauri group or somewhere else?”

“It’s somewhere else,” Joel answered. “The Alpha Centauri group of stars had three planets we could have made work out for us. There were problems with gravity on a super Earth, seismic instability, meteor bombardment, lack of water…we diverted to Epsilon Eridani.” He looked at his planetary and stellar scientists, “You guys want to tell them more about it?”

“And then tell us more about it, too?” Hank grinned.

Xolani smiled more at being able to shed more light on the new planet, “We’d love to!” He waved at the empty air above them and the world that was now familiar appeared with its ring, turning slowly. Now, it was in much more detail. “This the third planet orbiting Epsilon Eridani we’re now calling Gaea.” He saw Joel’s smile, “Yes, Commander, we went with your suggestion. The star’s formal name is Ran.” He explained the length of day and year using what everyone knew in Earth Hours.

“That can be broken into twelve and a half months,” Dr. Tom Szasz observed.

His wife Cindy Szasz frowned, “But it’s a long day!”

“We’ll just have to adjust,” Sara Beth said logically. “It might take a while, but it will be perfectly natural to people after they do.”

Larisa held up her finger, “You will love this, Dr. Andersen…”

“Leif,” Leif corrected almost absently. “Are we all going to be so formal?”

Larisa nodded with a grin, “Not me, Leif. A more casual approach is more comfortable. You will see, Gaea is eighty percent water!” She said and the planet’s surface was covered with the gray oceans dotted with the small land masses.

Joel smiled at the image, the oceans covered with some clouds that rotated, “Unpolluted air and water.” He said almost reverently.

“Which we can’t breathe!” Hank pointed out and looked at the scientists, “Can we?”

“Not yet,” Kurt admitted and pointed at Dr. Combs and Dr. Andersen. “That’s where you and your people come in. You will make it breathable!”

“Sure,” Steven nodded. “Once we get the generators down to pump the breathable gasses in the atmosphere.”

“Starting with the water,” Leif added. “The process will take a while. Once we get the oceans ready, we’ll add the special algae to the water and add the plankton.”

“With the continued destruction of the rainforests,” Steven explained, “we needed something to pump oxygen into the air to counteract the greenhouse effect.”

“That’s how Steven and I met,” Leif grinned giving a quick, heartfelt hug to his husband. “We worked to create the algae to do that!”

Kurt nodded, “It won’t be over night.” He pointed at the planet. “This will be a hundred years after the generators begin their jobs.” There wasn’t much change, but the planet did change a little in color. “A hundred years after the algae and plankton do their job.” The color of the oceans changed to a bluer color. “These are based on your data files. We add plants to the surface of land,” the color or the land changed to a greener color. “A hundred years later…” The surface had a lot of green. “Added animal life and the process will continue.”

“You asked about the poles,” Adam said to Joel. “There are two poles and not a lot of snow or ice…” he held a finger up, “right now, but the changes in the atmosphere we make, and we project there will be.”

“Five hundred years,” Hank said a little sad.

“You’ll see it!” Sara Beth assured. “We’ll be using those Stasis Pods for a long time.”

“There is very little seasonal change,” Kurt said. “Those rings are giving the planet some extra stability during rotation but look at this.”

The angle of the telescope and position of the planet to Ran that ring took on lines of color that circled Gaea. The lines from inner circle to outer circle were rings that surrounded the planet and seemed to glow in reds, yellows, green and blue.

“It’s beautiful!” Rita said in awe.

“From the surface of Gaea,” Larisa said, “Those rings will be seen but once or twice a month they should glow in the sky.”

“This theory based on facts and projected data…” Kurt cautioned.

“So,” Joel smiled feeling almost giddy, but his humor kicked. “Since this is just theory, should we look elsewhere? Travel another few decades…”

“No!” Practically everyone in the Control Room said at once.

“It’s the right size,” Kurt said pointing at the planet image in the air.

“It has water!” Larisa said.

“We can do it here!” Adam added.

Joel chuckled, “We should begin deceleration procedures. There are no signs of life?”

Larisa smiled back, “No.”

“Okay,” Joel looked in the air. “Athena, begin the deceleration procedures and we are going to Gaea.”

“Preparing to change positions and deceleration procedures for the planet Gaea, Commander.” Athena’s calm voice replied.

The Ark would have to turn around and head backward toward the Epsilon System. The ion drive engines were in the rear of the Ark. What had propelled them would now be used to slow them down. It was slow getting up to speed and it would be slow to bring the speed down.

“The reason we brought you out of stasis was to let you know what’s happening.” Joel said. “Dr. Wei Ch’en and Bia Ch’en need to be told what happened to their part of Earth. Hopefully, they will understand it wasn’t just China and Mongolia. The same thing happened in South Africa and not far from Sara Beth’s and my home in the United States. It is worldwide,” He added. “To a home that is no longer ours.” He stood up, “Do we wake your children now? Tell everyone that’s up about our new home? Do we revive Drs. Ch’en? What do we do?”

Nayef looked at Joel, “I think we should revive the other children and then tell the others about our new home. We can revive Drs. Ch’en after lunch and tell them then.”

“Okay,” Joel nodded.

 

They revived the three additional children, showed them what was sent and brought everyone to the Communal Dining Area. Those that had not met Robbie and Robot were surprised but got over that quickly. Joel told all the children about the new world and projected the image of the planet as it was presently and what it could be later.

“I’m excited about this!” Joel happily said. “It will take work. Work your parents and I are very willing to do,” he pointed at them, “and work you will do and your children and grandchildren. This is our new home.”

“Thanks to the Stasis Pods,” Sara Beth added. “You will see it!”

Lunch today was whatever the others wanted. If Rita made dinner tonight or the next night, it would be fine. The concern about Dr. Wei Ch’en had its merits. Hopefully, whatever was in Dr. Wei Ch’en’s past wouldn’t affect him too badly. As Joel said, it happened in in the United States, too. The death toll was still rising. Mutations and sickness were everywhere. He did get messages from the other Ark, Ark III because it was the third Ark since Noah’s Ark was on its way to Tau Ceti. There were even plans for another Ark, Ark IV! He got the feeling this was to get as many as possible off the Earth! Uncontaminated people would be on this Ark and less care about the many animals and plant life; just get them off world! Ark III had a command structure of three in command. One military leader and two scientists as leaders. Joel could see problems with that.

Joel had hoped that the people of Earth would be able to solve the problems that plagued the Earth. That couldn’t happen if they didn’t work together! They were making home ten to twelve light years from Earth. There were fights with Mars! People were trying to settle Mars whether the people of Mars agreed to it or not. The off-world mining was dependent on someone to provide goods for them. Mars needed the ores. The mines claimed they were allied with Mars. Joel had to finally quit reading about it. It was not the Ark’s problem. The need to know was important because of future potential threats. This is where having a military trained man in charge paid off. The Ark was a nonmilitary vessel. There were no weapons on the Ark. Well, it did have those lasers Athena used to shoot rogue asteroids and space debris. No phasers or photon torpedoes…nothing like those television shows or movies. They would have to make some…to be ready. It was the same old argument! Creating weapons as a deterrent! Not to be used. Right.

The galaxy was the Humans playground now. Joel didn’t want to bully anyone, but no one would be bullying them. It wouldn’t today or even tomorrow. Joel knew it was inevitable. Other men would come to their little slice of the galaxy, and they need to be ready. Only God knew about any other threats by any other beings out here. They weren’t that far away from Earth. The members of this Ark were planning to build a jewel in this part of the galaxy. And it would be if they worked hard which would make them a tempting target. If they let themselves be. Joel would not let them be a easy target. They were talking about five hundred years! Who knew what technologies would be discovered? That was five hundred years of development! When they were in stasis there was no development. Not for them. Who knew what the Earth would do in five hundred years? Or those that went to Tau Ceti. If the Ark III didn’t go into stasis that could be hundreds of years that they had to develop. What happened with Ark IV if they didn’t either. He felt a headache beginning to form.

“What’s the problem?” Sara Beth asked from behind him.

Joel faced his wife and knew better than to dismiss her concern, “I’m thinking of potential problems with the future.”

“Problems we haven’t already had?” Sara Beth asked.

“No,” Joel admitted. “Problems we’ve faced before, only now it’s on a greater galactic scale.” He shrugged, “I almost wish we didn’t tell anyone where we are. I wish we could just vanish.”

“You think we’re in danger?” Sara Beth asked.

“Not right now,” Joel grudged a shake of his head. “Part of my job is to look for dangers to protect the Ark and everything and everyone onboard.”

“How could we be threatened out here?” Sara Beth frowned.

‘When we were the only ones we knew of that was out here,” Joel began, “I felt safe. Now, all we’ve done is change locations. We lived in an enclosed neighborhood, barricaded in a wall community to keep the dangerous people out. We are relocating to a whole other world, but it’s the same. The threat by men is still out there.” He waved his arms out in frustration. “They will come. There are dangerous men out there and soon to be more. Ark III is on its way to Tau Ceti. I don’t know about Ark IV…plus the men on Earth that survive! We have to be ready to defend ourselves.”

“Except for dangers from crashing into things or explosions…what could threaten us?” Sara Beth asked.

“People,” Joel stated. “There will be others that come out here. We will be in stasis for hundreds of years. Who knows what will come? Trust me, they will come!”

“Won’t they be peaceful like us?” Sara Beth asked. “They have to be in stasis. It’s such a long distance…the waste of oxygen and food would be too great. Then to get the planet ready takes time…”

“Yes,” Joel nodded, “they will if the goal is to bring life from Earth back.” He waved at the Ark beyond, “We could go on for nearly eternity raising our own crops here. Forget the animals and other plants.”

“That’s why we’re out here,” Sara Beth said. “Every lifeform on this Ark is to be brought to a new home. At least we’ll try.”

“We will,” Joel repeated. “Us. We are dedicated to doing a job, not just survive. Other men, when its survival, do amazing things when they think about more than what they want. It’s when the struggle isn’t the main thought, they become dangerous. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop, or something like that.”

Sara Beth smiled as even in his deep thoughts and concerns Joel was still able to use humor. It was very important to both of them. “We need to make sure we aren’t idle then.” She shrugged at the simplicity of what they should do. Then she returned to the serious part of their discussion. “I know you understand more about the Human heart of men and know what needs to be prepared for.”

Joel nodded, “That’s why a military command structure is important even here. I wasn’t elected to do this job. I was given a job to do and authority to do it.” He sighed and looked at Sara Beth, “Watch me to make sure I don’t become a dictator, or one of those military leaders who get sidetracked and lost in their own power.”

Sara Beth kissed him gently, “You aren’t. I promise to watch and make sure you’re not.”

 

Joel regretted not being able to spend more time with each Ark resident. That would have been hard to do. He should have spent more time with each group leader. The people that chose the leaders did so choosing each leader as a couple. Joel and Sara Beth were chosen as a couple. Joel remembered talking with Dr. Wei Ch’en and Dr. Bia Ch’en but that wasn’t enough. Like Sara Beth had done, each leader chose their own people to bring on the Ark. As he said before, he didn’t have a degree in medicine or psychology, but he prided himself on his ability to read people. He had felt no caution with Dr. Wei Ch’en.

Joel, Nayef, and Dr, Tom Szasz drifted weightlessly in front of Dr. Wei Ch’en’s and Dr. Bia Ch’en’s pods.

“Athena,” Joel said to the air. “Activate pods one and two for the Ch’ens.”

“Activating Ch’en pods one and two, Commander,” Athena said calmly.

It was as with everyone, the hiss of the gas, the revival of the pods’ occupants, and disorientation of the pods’ occupants about the passage of time.

“We’ll answer all your questions,” Nayef began using his doctor’s voice. It was even and calm with nothing to cause anyone to be upset or worry.

Joel wondered if Psychiatrists took classes to talk that way. He also noted that Dr. Wei Ch’en did avoid looking directly in the eyes of people he spoke with, just as Nayef said. Joel got a sense that there was something else at work here. They were taken down to the Habitat Ring and escorted to the Control Room.

“You need to see this,” Nayef said sadly and began to show them the messages and news broadcasts.

There were gasps from Bia Ch’en, but little reaction could be seen from Wei Ch’en. Nayef waited a few moments as the news sunk in by both the Ch’ens. It was Wei Ch’en’s lack of emotional reaction that concerned Joel. Again, Joel thought it was about something else.

“Concerns were brought up about your reaction to this news,” Joel started. “Or lack of reaction. I see there wasn’t much of a reaction from you.”

Wei Ch’en did have a reaction to hearing that information, “It is not surprising to me.” Both Wei and Bia were fluent in many languages and was fluent in English but had an Asian accent using the vowel sounds they were used to.

“Aren’t you from Beijing?” Nayef asked. “It didn’t bother you that where you are from has been destroyed?”

Bai leaned into Wei, “Wei, qǐng gào sù tā men.” She said in Chinese.

Wei now reacted very uncomfortably as he fidgeted, “There are…things not on my profile.”

“Can you tell us now?” Nayef asked calmly again and held his hand out to caution him. “What you say here will not be revealed to anyone by anyone here. Trust us. Trust me.”

Wei began to sweat as moisture formed on his upper lip and he moved a little in discomfort, “I…was born in Beijing. My mother…died when I was five.” He now clearly avoided meeting any of their eyes, “This is very…difficult for me.”

“Take your time,” Nayef said assuring Wei.

“From the beginning of my life,” Wei continued. “My mother and I were to show respect to my father. There were few people who were his equal. Certainly not my mother or me. We were never allowed to look him directly in the eyes. That would be viewed as defiance.” He stopped.

“Gào sù tā men yí qiè.” Bia said quietly to her husband. “Tā men xū yào chōng fèn lǐ jiě.”

Why did Bia speak to her husband in Chinese? It must be because it was more comfortable for Wei before he talked about what was a very difficult subject.

Wei nodded and said to his wife, “Wǒ huì de.”

Joel sat forward, “I hope you know we will be working closely together, and we need to get along not just as colleagues but friends. Family, really.”

Wei seemed to relax a little, “Father was a very hard man. His discipline was extreme. When mother died, he became even worse. I don’t know what emotions he had for my mother, but he began drinking more.”

Joel could sense he was going to admit to abuse. That was sadly common.

“He inflicted pain before,” Wei admitted. “It was worse after my mother died.” His breath caught and he seemed to have to physically push his next words out. “He began sexually abusing me at six. By eight he was sodomizing me almost every night.”

Joel swallowed hearing this. The thought of anyone doing that to his son was just…unbelievable. If he, or Sara Beth found out about anyone doing that to their sons, Joel knew he would kill them. If Sara Beth found out, in spite of her passivity, he knew she would kill them. She would be the protective mother bear. For him to do that to Kevin, Jimmy, or Ian made him physically sick but he schooled his expression to not show his revulsion.

“At nine,” Wei went on, “He brought one of his superiors home, and gave me to him. He sodomized me, too.” Wei was shaking now. “I was to show this man the proper submission as I did my father. My father worked for the government in Beijing.” He chuckled with no humor, “How they find each other I don’t know, but soon I was to service the men he brought home to further my father’s career. In the school I was sent to…because of my father’s connections with the government, I was sent to a good school. There a kind woman saw something in me and had me tested. I did well. My father was killed when I was twelve in an explosion in his office. The sexual abuse stopped.” He shook his head, “I was glad my father was gone.” He looked at Nayef, “I was happy my father was dead,” He smiled a little, “The government leaders knew I was intelligent and had me continue in that school. I graduated high school at fourteen. I got my first degree from college at sixteen. When I was twenty-four, I had two post-graduate doctrinal degrees and I kept on going.”

“He never got therapy for what happened to him,” Bia explained. “He was afraid to seek counselling as it would be reflected on his record.”

“I was shamed,” Wei shrugged a nod.

“None of that was your fault, Dr. Ch’en,” Tom said quietly.

“Agreed,” Nayef nodded. “These were thinks done to you. I say you have overcome a lot.”

Joel sat forward again, “Hear me.” He said to Wei but saw again that Wei wouldn’t look in his eyes. “Look at me. I mean you look me in the eyes!”

It was an effort for Wei to bring himself to look Joel in the eyes.

“I agree,” Joel said. “None of what you told us is your fault. You were a child and abused by someone that was supposed to be there to protect you. You weren’t shamed. Your father was.” Joel nodded, “I have no doubt you feel shame, but not because of what you did. We are equals, Dr. Ch’en. The position I hold is to make decisions, but I am not greater than anyone and certainly not to you. You are not greater than me.” He smiled and chuckled and admitted with a shrug, “You are, I have no doubt, superior when it comes to math, but that’s another subject.” He stuck his hand out, “I want us to be friends, Dr. Ch’en. Can we be friends?”

Wei now smiled, “If we are to be friends. I insist you call me Wei. Do I call you Joel?”

“Yes!” Joel said happily he was about to do something and stopped, “I hug my friends. Can I do that to you?”

Wei nodded, “Please.” He hugged Joel.

“And you?” Joel asked Bia. He was hugged by her as well. Then Joel held her back a little, “Can either of you cook?”

Wei’s eyes widened at the subject change, “I can and so can Bia. Why?”

Joel explained the past nights they had been out of stasis. He praised Nayef’s cooking and Nayef praised Joel’s. “I’ll probably cook again, but I would love some good cooking from China and Mongolia!”

“Chinese cuisine is not like what you have in the United States, Canada, or Europe,” Wei said so Joel would understand.

“That makes it even better!” Joel said. “Why don’t you four go get Niu out of stasis and someone will explain about our new future home!” He grinned. “I really like your names; they’re short!” He tapped his forehead. “They’re easier for me to remember.”

 

Joel had asked the stellar and planetary scientists to wait until Dr. Tom Szasz, Nayef, and he had a chance to tell Wei and Bia. Those scientists knew what needed to be told needed some privacy, so they didn’t ask about it. Besides, they could work anywhere on the Ark. There was no set workstation. The technology they carried in the Ark could display anything, anywhere. There were some switches and buttons needed when working in a room with a crowd of people, so you didn’t disturb anyone near you. There were the computer monitors used today to use. Three-dimensional imaging was better in the air. Even movies and television shows could be seen without a screen at all.

The Communal Dining Room was large enough for everyone to work in clusters. On the right side of the room, Robot and Robbie taught class quietly. They could answer any question from any student, but as they were all at different levels grade wise and subject wise there was no group class. To the left were the stellar and planetary scientists who worked on things they saw in the air or on a portable tablet. Rita and Sara Beth looked up and smiled as Joel came in. They were in the center as they were discussing things at the counter where they would cook the meal. Sara Beth and Rita stood together closer in a discussion about something. Hank was off alone at one end, looked up and smiled, but then he silently mouthed the words, “Help me.”

“I saw that,” Rita said a bit sternly.

Joel bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. “We’re here to help.”

Sara Beth looked at Joel and came over to him and asked quietly, “Was it bad?”

Joel gave a shrug and waver of his head, “Yes and no.” She was his wife, but he didn’t feel he could tell her much as he’d promised he wouldn’t to Wei. “I promised Wei confidentiality, so I can’t say what. I think he will do well on our new world. He’s a very nice man. His wife is nice, too.”

“Good,” Sara Beth smiled.

“He, Bia, and Niu will be here in a moment,” Joel nodded.

Sara Beth waved at Rita and Hank, “We’re deciding on the courses for dinner tonight.”

“Courses!?” Joel repeated.

“French meals are served in courses, Joel,” Rita explained. “Some are very complicated, but a traditional seven course meal is normal. I was thinking an appetizer, traditional French Onion Soup, of course cheese, maybe Boeuf Bourguignon, Chocolate Mousse, followed by a small salad.”

Joel had to remember, the French never ended their meals with anything savory or sweet. Cognac or Brandy were often served at the end. It sounded complicated to Joel. “How long will this dinner take to make?”

“A few hours,” Rita admitted. She waved behind her, “The baguettes are being made now.” She smiled at Joel, “You know French Bread?”

Joel smirked, “Please, I have French in me as well as German. French Huguenots? Those Protestants were very welcome in Charleston. I know French Bread.”

“Good,” Rita nodded. “No proper French meal would be served without the correct wines. I know we don’t have any bottles to bring out or chill, but…”

Hank held his hand up so Rita couldn’t see him say, “The French love their wine.”

Joel nodded, “Yes, they were famous for their vineyards.” He shrugged, “So were the Italians and…”

“We have some in storage,” Rita glared at Hank. “It will have to do.”

“We’ll have vineyards on our new world, I’m sure.” Joel assured. “In the meantime, what we have will have to do.”

“The rule I was raised with,” Rita explained further. “If you won’t drink it, don’t cook with it.”

“Shouldn’t we get started?” Sara Beth asked to move things along.

“Let’s do it!” Hank clapped once and rubbed them together eager to start.

They struggled at first, but once Rita established, she was the head chef it proved to be a lot smoother. Hank even gave his wife the “Yes, Chef.”

They worked to get things ready.