Chapter 4: Chapter 4
“RETURN HOME”
Announcements began broadcasting across the Quazmopolis surface when the sun had set and the sky was dark. “Explorers, please report to the Solar Jet. Temperatures are now moving into the forties, and time for sleep is down to six hours. Scientists are to gather at the vestibule and enter when doors open. Doors will remain open for thirty seconds.”
Unnaturally heavy, the crew members struggled to make their way back to the jet from stepping around the jagged rock surface. The scientists looked exhausted as they gathered equipment and carried their cases of rock samples across the sharp colored rock. Explorers were all rounded up outside the vestibule door before they noticed Lacy was missing.
“We’re missing one scientist,” commented Pilot Jenkins as the crew approached.
“Any sign of Lacy?” asked Terry as she looked around the surface area.
“Must have been another attack of the aliens,” answered Oliver with a laugh.
Chris immediately stepped up. “I know Lacy is giving everything she’s got. I saw her exploring that same sharp rocky hill. This could be serious.”
“Lacy Meaux?” announced Pilot Jenkins again. “SEA Explorer Lacy Meaux. Please return to the Solar Jet. Doors will be opening in one minute.”
The scientists shined lights around the surface and read from their personal computers searching for possible signs. “I’m detecting no motion on the rock surface,” yelled Oliver. “And winds are moving in the southeast direction.”
Pilot Jenkins continued his announcements, “Miss Lacy Meaux, please answer computer messages and report now to the solar jet.”
When the vestibule doors finally opened, scientists quickly moved into the solar jet. After removing their helmets, Pilot Jenkins stepped out. “Does anyone have any idea where Lacy might have gone? Any guess where she was last exploring?”
“I know Lacy was searching around the sharp rock hill for possible documentation of yesterday’s sighting of motion,” answered Chris. “That’s all I know.”
“Maybe she tripped and fell on the rock surface,” responded Oliver. “With the added weight, that could easily result in unconsciousness.”
Jenkins studied from the video monitors. “The jet gets reception of all video being recorded by the individual helmets, but Lacy’s video source is just not responding.”
“I’m starting a search right now,” Chris said as he got up and headed to the vestibule doors.
“We can’t go out tonight,” replied Oliver as he sat down. “These suits might not have the power to generate that much heat. They must recharge overnight.”
“I don’t mind the cold. I grew up with freezing temperatures year-round. Open the vestibule doors. I’m going out.” Chris kept on his suit and helmet as he rushed out into the dark, carrying a radar and solar flashlight.
Terry and other scientists reluctantly began putting back on boots and followed Chris out. Pilot Jenkins and Oliver sat alone in the comfortable Solar Jet.
“You feel like a shot of old scotch?” asked Jenkins.
“I think that’s just what I need.”
Dr. Palmer was alone late at night in the large SEA Master Headquarters. He was studying from computers and documenting information when the face of Pilot Jenkins appeared on the big screen monitor. “Dr. Palmer? We’ve got a little problem.”
“A problem? Is it mechanical? Is it power?”
“It’s one of the scientists,” replied Jenkins as he pointed to a single monitor showing the small crew in the dark using lights to circle around the jet. “Lacy Meaux did not report back to the solar jet after today’s mission. A search crew can be seen on camera fourteen hunting for any nearby motion.”
“Oh God...” Palmer sat down and immediately began opening individual camera videos on the big screens. Shots around the planet surface appeared dark, and lights could be seen shining around mountains of rock. With further adjustments, Dr. Palmer aimed cameras to get a better picture that followed scientists. Many dark images also taken from the overhead satellite were popping up on monitors.
“Use solar jet radar to scan for motion and sound,” yelled Palmer. “Document any irregular heat source from around the rock surface, and turn on every ultraviolet light source on the Solar Jet.”
“I’m turning more lights on now, and we’ve got a group of volunteers out now with motion radar circling a one mile radius.”
Palmer was angry and interrupted, “Volunteers? One mile? I want all of you searching the whole damn moon!”
“Well, we’re recharging suits, and we have...”
“All of you! Now!” yelled Palmer as he pushed buttons on the keyboard causing the image of Jenkins to disappear.
Pilot Jenkins looked at Oliver. They both swallowed their shots of whiskey, then both began putting on uniforms.
It was early in the morning, and the sun was beginning to rise on Quazmopolis. Temperatures were also rising quickly moving into the sixties, and several heavy scientists had helmets off as they struggled to walk across the sharp rock surface. Pilot Jenkins and others dressed in full exploration suits, were standing by the rocky hillside studying video recorded earlier by Lacy’s helmet.
“The last part of this video shows exploration of this cliff side. There are steep areas of rock, and we last see Lacy climbing over the sharp surface, there!”
Lacy’s video plays again as scientists look on. “Again, I’m climbing up the side of this granite mountain-side to examine a possible hole... And oh!” Lacy begins to slide down when the video cuts out.
“Recording from helmet video was taken from right there,” says Oliver. “She claimed to see a hole or opening in the rock, but everything looks solid.”
“There’s definitely no hole and no opening in this rock hillside,” commented Terry with confidence.
“A girl climbing the sharp rock at around two hundred twenty-five pounds is risking your life,” mumbled Jenkins. “And close up shots from Lacy’s helmet camera show possible damage to the suit in the leg area.”
“How long can someone survive with an exposed body in twenty below temperatures?” asked Chris. “We were close to zero just a few hours ago.”
Oliver read from the meter. “I believe the heat was probably up into the one twenties at the time of her last recording yesterday. But it doesn’t seem to be bothering her. The real fear comes from temperatures overnight. She could easily have frozen.”
“I don’t see any holes in this mound, and radars have detected no openings. We’re looking in the wrong area,” mumbled Oliver.
“Scientists must be spread out. Temperatures are going to be shooting up fast, and this could be our last chance,” announced Pilot Jenkins into his computerized watch. “If you notice unexplained motion of any kind, or anything resembling SEA exploration gear, immediately press the communication emergency button. And all scientists will immediately gather.”
Explorers spread out, with and without helmets, examining all parts of the rock surface; and the exterior temperatures continued rising as the strong sun of the Kepler solar system began to come up.
When the alarm rang out from one of the scientists who was examining a nearby rock, all explorers made their way towards the sound. Surrounded by large heavy rock, a small part of a SEA uniform was partially visible.
“I found something! I think it’s Lacy!” yelled Chris. “She’s under heavy rock! She must have fallen and been covered up.”
“The body of Lacy Meaux has been found!” announced Jenkins into his wrist watch, and the sound echoed across the surface. “All scientists gather on the southwest side one point two five miles from the solar jet.”
Chris struggled trying to reach under the heavy rock as the crew rushed up, “I think this rock is blocking all readings and communication with Lacy. It’s obviously blocking the vestibule output!”
SEA doctor Oliver struggled to climb rocks when he saw the situation. “There’s no way anyone could survive the weight of a rock that size on Quazmopolis.”
“She’s got her temperature controlled uniform on, and we can all move this rock together. I know she can still survive this!” answered Chris.
Oliver reached down and ripped open part of the textured material. He then pushed in a small card checking for a pulse in Lacy’s arm and read from his fold out computer, then announced with a surprised voice, “Lacy has a one fifteen pulse rate!”
“She’s alive!” yelled Chris with excitement as he jumped down between the rocks.
“Simple observation shows that Lacy Meaux’s body fell down the side of an angled mound of rock, blocking readings of life,” announced Jenkins into the computer. “Body landed on a solid surface. Large boulder moved on the hillside covering much of the body without causing damage.”
“Looks like Lacy was just knocked unconscious,” said Terry.
Scientists immediately gathered and began trying to lift the heavy rock, and free up the injured body. Altogether, with the strength of seven explorers, the rock was rolled over exposing Lacy laying in a comfortable position.
Chris immediately jumped down, unlocked and removed Lacy’s mask so Dr. Oliver could continue his examination. “Blood has leaked from leg and arm, and the helmet is cracked on the left side. Patient remains unconscious. We’ll perform additional tests for possible brain scarring at the jet.”
“Are you okay, Lacy?” Chris leaned over her body and tried to speak, “We’re here for you. Can you hear us?”
Lacy then turned her head slightly and tried to speak before mumbling, “I saw life.”
The entire crew looked around in confusion as they thought about what she said. “Let’s go,” announced Oliver as the crew unfolded the stretcher and joined together to lift and carry Lacy back to the solar jet.
As the vestibule doors opened, scientists carried the body to Lacy’s private quarters and private bed and laid her down. Oliver immediately began removing the damaged suit, and scientists helped by sliding off boots and torn sections of arms and legs.
Air was pumped into a medical mask placed around Lacy’s nose and mouth, and Oliver continued recording updates. “Oxygen is being pumped into lungs, and room temperature in the Solar Jet cabin is now at seventy-eight degrees... Body temperature is at one hundred and three point two, but seems to be coming down slowly...”
Chris held Lacy’s hand and whispered into her ear, “Lacy, we’re here. You’re safe. You’re going to recover.” Lacy did not respond but continued lying unconscious.
Chris stepped back to watch the treatment, then looked around the room. “Lacy said she saw life on Quazmopolis. Is that possible?”
Dr. Oliver continued treating each injury before responding, “Lots of dreams and visions appear in an unconscious mind, especially after trauma to the brain. In her present condition, I would say possible sightings of anything have very little credibility.”
Chris and other explorers looked on silently as the treatment continued.
Dr. Palmer was sitting at a desk at SEA Headquarters watching cameras and monitors in and outside the solar jet, before taking the live call from Pilot Jenkins. “Yes, this is Palmer. How is she?”
Pilot Jenkins was speaking from alone in the cockpit and said, “She fell down a sharp rock hill side, and was covered by five hundred pound rock. But she’s only suffered minor injuries of simple skin tears. The doctor said possible damage to her head may be causing a temporary loss of consciousness, but he believes unexplained visions were caused by simple lack of oxygen to the brain. But she is now healing and should be fine.”
“What caused the fall?” asked Palmer. “Any idea of a cause?”
“No one knows the specifics,” answered Jenkins. “Video shows Lacy was climbing around a solid hill of sharp orange rock, and the extra weight caused her to trip. Damage to the helmet caused all recording equipment to shut down so we have no specifics. She’s truly lucky to be alive.”
“What was recorded on her personal computer prior to the fall? Do we have any documented sightings?”
Jenkins played the video shot from Lacy’s helmet again showing the dangerous climb of the hill and Lacy’s voice playing prior to entering the cave.
“Again, I am climbing up the side of this granite mountain side to examine a possible opening. And oh!”
Dr. Palmer sees video on the computer in his office and studied close-up angles before Lacy smacked her helmet on the hard rock.
Jenkins continued, “Lacy’s signal was lost at time of the second fall. Helmet recorder was also damaged. We have no recordings of anything past that time. But we are going to examine that entire hillside of rock looking for any possible signs.”
Dr. Palmer watched the individual frames of HD video and zoomed into each of the different angles. “Were warnings given out about the risk of climbing the sharp rock with the added weight from the stronger gravity force?”
“Those warnings have been discussed since we first announced this mission two years ago,” answered Jenkins. “All crew members knew the dangers of the stronger gravity.”
Palmer then closed the video of Lacy and turned to the image of Jenkins on the big screen. “So the doctor believes Lacy will be okay?”
“Dr. Oliver said she’ll be fine... She just needs bandages and a lot of rest.”
“Fine,” replied Palmer. “Keep Lacy in seclusion with constant oxygen and nutrient flow tubes, and continual medical tests and treatment. Continue exploration and monitoring of Arid Cacti plants, and let me know if there is a further problem.”
“Well, I thought maybe we should cut the mission short, and get Lacy treatment in the Science Exploration medical facilities.”
“She’ll get the same rest on the Solar Jet as she would here,” replied Palmer. “I want the mission to continue and a full investigation of what she may have seen. And news of this accident is not to be released.”
“But Doctor, what if...”
“It’s top secret.” Dr. Palmer then pressed the button on the touch screen turning off the communication.
The explorers returned and gathered around the conference area of the jet, Lacy laid alone in her quarters unconscious. Chris spoke up first, “Lacy is an experienced scientist who was exploring land we know nothing about. She believed she saw movement, possible life, and we can’t just dismiss that!”
“We’ve all explored the same areas as Lacy,” answered Jenkins. “And nothing has been found. Quazmopolis is not even capable of supporting life. Our cactus planting attempts are proving that.”
Everyone was quiet before Oliver looked around. “We have many hours of documented recordings from all scientists and all explorations of this solar system. It is not uncommon for unexplained visions to occur whenever the brain is damaged. The human mind quickly begins seeing and dreaming at any time of injury.”
Pilot Jenkins then walked in from the cockpit and looked around. “I have important announcements coming directly from Dr. Palmer back home.” Jenkins then held up the small computer and read, “Quazmopolis exploration is to continue. Atmosphere and elements in rock are to be examined, with a continued search for life. And attempted cactus planting on Quazmopolis is to continue.”
“What?” asked Chris without hesitation. “I figured we were going to end the mission early and return Lacy to earth for proper treatment!”
“All she needs is rest,” responded Oliver. “Dr. Palmer knows she’ll be fine resting right here in the Solar Jet.”
“So, I guess we’ve got five more days to see if Lacy was right about the life she claimed to have witnessed,” said Terry with a smile.
“Also, no mention of the injured scientist shall be made to family, friends or media,” continued Jenkins. “Lacy Meaux’s temperature and blood pressure will be monitored, and computers will measure all activities of Lacy’s mind and body.”
Chris then stood up. “That would be fine if she was in a hospital, but we can’t just...”
“Dr. Palmer believes the mission is too important to be cancelled,” responded Oliver. “We will continue to study the cacti plants and natural compounds. And we will continue to search for possible forms of life.”
All was quiet before Chris spoke up. “Fine. I’ll just stay with Lacy for now. She needs someone overseeing.”
“Dr. Palmer’s not going to like that,” answered Jenkins. “But I’ll approve bedside accompaniment.”
Chris then walked into Lacy’s private quarters where she lay unconscious in the bed, with bandages around her head. The computer screen flashed exploration video and messages from Ben before Chris reached up and turned off the monitor. “Lacy, we’re all pulling for you. You’re the closest friend I have on board this Solar Jet, and I’m here for you.”
As Chris quietly walked around Lacy’s bed, he began applying medications to her arms and legs and checking her temperature. “How are you feeling? Do you know where you are?” Lacy didn’t move but continued lying unconscious.
“I see your temperature has dropped now below one hundred degrees... In another week, you’ll be lying in a comfortable hospital bed receiving the proper treatment you deserve. And you’ll finally be reunited with your husband to be.”
Chris continued patching bandages around sores on arms and legs when he noticed her shirt partially exposing. Chris then adjusted her shirt. “So I hate to just leave you alone in the middle of nowhere. You really do need a companion.”
Chris then looked around the empty room and seemed to be thinking.
Dr. Palmer was leaning over a computer screen in Master Headquarters in the early morning when Alice walked in. “Oh, you’re here early, Dr. Palmer.”
“Just reviewing new documentation from Quazmopolis.” Palmer continued his examination of graphic postings and closed files as Alice walked over and peeked over Palmer’s shoulder. “Has anything new been discovered? Anything besides record-setting high and low temperatures, and the strange colors of the big rocks?”
Palmer ignored the questions and typed into the computer as other scientists began walking in and sitting down at their assigned computers. “Good morning, Dr. Palmer. Hello Alice. Anything new?”
“Tests have shown heavy scientists examining strange looking rocks in extreme temperatures,” replied Alice with a laugh. “Just as expected.”
“And is this moon capable of supporting cactus life?”
Alice looked down to read from her computer. “So far, twelve Arid Cacti plants are surviving temperatures ranging from near negative thirty to over one forty, but it’s only been a few days. We’ll see.”
Dr. Palmer ignored the conversations and continued studying from his private documentation.
It was early morning, and scientists were gathering in the vestibule ready to get out on their afternoon mission. Temperatures on the digital thermometers showed exterior measurements in the mid-nineties.
“This extra weight is killing me,” said Oliver. “I’m so sore from just walking around. I can only imagine being light again.”
Terry laughed, “It’ll feel like I just dropped a hundred pounds overnight when we get home.”
Pilot Jenkins then began his daily announcements over the speaker, “This will be our last session of exploration before our big return. Exploration of Quazmopolis is finally coming to an end. Scientists will be expected to clean up any possible debris and be sure to file all gatherings that have been collected.”
“I never thought it would be so exciting to be told to clean up,” laughed Oliver.
“Temperature levels peaked at one fifty-two yesterday, and there is a possibility of a light humidity in the air this afternoon. Unfortunately, that water will probably not be making it to the surface before it dries in the sun. Approved water containers for human consumption are of course available on board.”
Scientists all nodded as if they’d heard this announcement many times before.
“I would give anything for some fresh water,” said Oliver with a dreaming expression. “The chemical blend of that daily vitamin liquid is truly nauseating.”
The scientists walked over to begin their examination of the Arid Cactus. The plants seemed to each be dead from the extreme temperatures of heat and cold. The water pipes powered by the solar electricity began being pulled apart and placed in containers.
Chris walked over and touched one of the dying plants, and it quickly fell apart in his hands. “Looks like our creation of ‘Adam and Eve’ is not going to work.”
“The air may be breathable, but these temperature changes and added weight does not seem survivable for any life form,” replied Oliver.
“Speaking of life,” commented Chris. “You think she’s okay?
“I think she’s fine,” answered Oliver. “She bumped her head, but her brain waves are now fully functional.”
Terry stepped up and said with a smile, “Yeah, she looks completely back to normal.”
“I just like having people stay with her while we’re out,” said Chris as he headed out towards the area Lacy had explored.
“I didn’t mind staying with her one day, and now Pilot Jenkins can watch her. She’s fine.”
Pilot Jenkins was kicking back in his chair watching explorers moving around on each monitor. Everything seemed to look okay before Jenkins reached under the desk to a small compartment. He then pulled out his small liquor bottle and took a swig.
He then pushed the little button and spoke into the wireless mic. “I want to congratulate you all on a well-conducted mission. You’ve each done everything asked of you, and you’ve never complained... We may not have accomplished anything, but you will each be paid a lot, and Dr. Palmer will be picking up a big tab!”
Scientists laughed on the monitors, then continued examining the dead plants.
Jenkins then took another drink from his bottle, looked around, then walked back to Lacy’s room.
Lacy was lying motionless and looked like specific wounds on her face were healing. Jenkins then closed the door and walked over to examine her more closely.
At Science Exploration Headquarters, Ben walked in and walked over to his computer in the Master Headquarters. He began looking at each monitor, seeing the scientists exploring Quazmopolis surface and examining the dead plants. Ben zoomed into the exploration suits and examined the faces of all the explorers.
When Alice noticed Ben, she walked over. “How are you feeling today, Ben? Any better?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Any sign of Lacy today?”
“No. Chris and Lacy, and several scientists have been staying alone inside the Solar Jet all week.”
“That’s interesting,” answered Ben. “So she’s been staying with Chris and other men. Great.”
Alice looked up at the monitor. “I think they were just doing some documentation of their findings inside, out of the sun.”
Ben then tried to open classified documentation of Lacy and Chris and noticed links to the interior of the solar jet were all blocked. Ben thought for a moment, then looked around at other computer screens.
Alice seemed confused and tried to reassure Ben’s curiosity. “I’m sure they’re all just preparing for departure now. It’s the last day.”
Before Alice could finish her sentence, Ben got up and headed towards Dr. Palmer’s office door.
“Knock! Knock! Knock.”
Dr. Palmer was studying the video and graphics of the Quazmopolis mission on his computer before he looked up at Ben standing in the doorway. “Yes, what is it?”
Ben looked around before walking in trying to control his temper. “Dr. Palmer?”
“I’m busy,” answered Palmer while reading from a file. “And I’m not answering questions about the mission.”
“I just wanted to know if... I mean...” Ben stopped to think, then spoke politely. “I just have some questions about the mission...”
“What do you want to know?”
“Can you just tell me what Lacy’s been doing?” asked Ben.
“I’m not talking about specific scientists until everyone has returned, and all evidence has been examined and tested. Three-D HD video will be released for you and the media, and the scientists will go through mandatory quarantine. You will then see all information about individual scientists.”
“I understand,” mumbled Ben. “I just wanted to report that all communications I had with Lacy have not been answered, and she and Chris have not been exploring the surface like other scientists. I don’t know if her computer phone is possibly damaged, or she’s just taking a break.”
Dr. Palmer immediately began a rehearsed statement, “Communications are open. We are receiving daily postings of photos and videos every day. Scientists are examining the hard rock natural to Quazmopolis and analyzing the possibility of Arid Cacti survival.”
“Well, are Lacy and Chris not involved for a reason?” asked Ben while holding back a temper.
Dr. Palmer then continued reciting, “All discoveries and scientific documents are being held in complete confidence. And I have no further comment.”
“Listen, Dr. Palmer. Lacy and I are supposed to get married... in just a couple of months... Can I just get an explanation of why communication stopped?”
“That’s something you’ll have to discuss with Lacy when she returns,” answered Palmer as Ben looked confused thinking about what was said. “Anything else?”
“No. I guess that’s all.” Ben walked out and closed the door behind him.
Dr. Palmer turned back to the computer and watched the video again, examining shots of Lacy exploring the granite hillside before the fall, and then video of Lacy being carried back to the solar jet.