Chapter 5: Chapter 5
“Examination”
“We’re almost home!” Pilot Jenkins was talking over the speaker as the Solar Jet was entering earth’s atmosphere. “We’re going back to the planet we love... with the fresh air... normal temperatures... and a normal weight!”
Shots of earth getting closer were being observed as the solar jet entered the earth’s atmosphere. Scientists seemed tired as they began climbing into their private quarters and strapping in.
The loud sounds and convulsions began rattling around the interior of the ship, Lacy began looking around, struggling to regain consciousness. She looked around the ship and seemed confused.
“This truly has been an unexpected adventure,” continued Pilot Jenkins. “Many area tests were performed around the east side of the Quazmopolis moon. New combinations of elements were uncovered in uniquely colored rock, and we proved that the Arid Cacti plant could not survive the extreme temperatures. Very exciting mission.”
The Solar Jet continued to lower, and the crew looked out over the Pacific Ocean as the United States got closer.
“Exterior temperatures on Quazmopolis reached a high of one fifty-five degrees today, and temperatures at Science Exploration are now around seventy-eight degrees. That means we’re now going to be feeling half the heat... and about half the weight back on earth.”
Oliver proudly spoke out as the jet continued going down, “Could any part of this mission be considered a success?”
“I don’t know. I’ve collected seventy-six hours of video of nothing but rocks and dying cactus,” answered Terry. “I think the real work will be starting when we get home.”
Jenkins then continued over the speaker, “Scientists at SEA Headquarters will begin studies of the colored rock from Quazmopolis testing for possible toxic measurements of sulfur and magnesium. That should be fun.”
Scientists all continued lying with straps across their bodies, and staring at their video monitors playing live video. The solar jet continued moving closer to the SEA headquarters in California. Lacy was becoming fully awake and looked around with excitement.
“We also had unverifiable reports of possible movement around the colored rock, but we were unable to confirm. We have no photos or video of documentation.”
Scientists glanced over to Lacy’s bed before Jenkins continued.
“We left a row of completely dead Arid Cacti plants... But there is now a flow of salt water powered by the Quazmopolis hot, hot sun. That I can attest to.”
Lacy was in full consciousness watching out of the window as the solar jet continued to lower.
“When we land, we will first be met by a curious media. They will be confronting all scientists with questions, in search of a possible scandal,” remarked Pilot Jenkins with a laugh. “Remember, it is required that SEA crew avoid reporters and remain in isolation for one week while medical tests and psychological exams are performed. Just pretend to be normal, and they’ll let you out early. That’s what I always do.”
As the Solar Jet continued to lower, families, cameras and media were lined up around the window. As the solar jet began to lower, the crew each turned off their monitor and prepared for shaking.
Before touching down on the landing ramp, Ben nervously made his way through the crowd of reporters. A large group of family members also gathered around the window waiting for the scientists to exit.
When the jet doors opened, Lacy unbuckled her belt and struggled to climb out of the bed. When she began limping down the Solar Jet aisle, she started to fall. Chris immediately stopped and helped her up. “Are you okay, Lacy? You’ve been asleep for a week.”
“I can make it,” Lacy answered with confidence. “I feel good.”
“Just hold my arm. We’ll go out calmly,” said Chris. “No one needs to know your condition.” Lacy and Chris then walked out with big smiles and waved.
The group of scientists then began exiting and waving. Dr. Palmer finally stepped up to the microphone as the crew was entering the quarantine area. He began by making simple announcements for the press.
“SEA now has more than five hundred hours of video, computer verified statistics, and thousands of documented studies from all around the Quazmopolis moon. The exploring scientists will be quarantined as tests are performed, and we will immediately begin studies of all the classified information.”
Ben stood in disbelief as Chris and Lacy walked out of the ship and down the walkway to the scientists' entrance. Chris had his arm around Lacy, and Lacy seemed to be hugging Chris with both arms. They each smiled and waved as they walked through.
Ben’s surprised look quickly turned to a look of anger. Ben appeared disgusted by their expressions before he looked around at the crowd.
Reporters around Ben began asking questions of Dr. Palmer but got no response.
“Can Quazmopolis support life?”
“Was any form of life discovered?”
“Are you planning further exploration?”
After closing the file, Dr. Palmer finally answered, “When all documentation is confirmed, SEA will be revealing results of studies to the press and media. Thank you.” Dr. Palmer then stepped down and walked out of the press room leaving a crowd of unsatisfied reporters.
Ben stood with reporters and was deep in thought as the Science Exploration doors closed.
Lacy was locked in isolation as Dr. Kjell and several nurses wearing masks and protective suits conducted tests. Wiring, tubes and conductors were stretched around Lacy’s head and body. Computers flashed with photos, video and numbers calculated as the experiments continued.
“I just want to talk to someone,” mumbled Lacy. “I believe I saw life on Quazmopolis.”
“Life? Just lie down and relax,” responded Dr. Kjell. “Take it easy.”
Lacy continued trying to move around on the isolated hospital bed as Dr. Kjell gripped her arm and laid her back down. “I’m sorry, but you’ve suffered trauma to the brain. Visual sightings are the first reflex of a confused brain. We’ll be conducting medical examinations while you are in quarantine. You can tell us all about your visions when we are done.”
“And as long as you’re claiming to have witnessed life on the overheated rock,” added the nurse. “Your quarantine is going to continue.”
Lacy looked around and seemed confused, as Dr. Kjell studied computer readouts over her bed.
“When your quarantine time is up, you can release full information, and post all the experiences that you can recall. I promise.” Dr. Kjell then pushed Lacy’s eyes closed and increased her sleep medication by turning a dial. Lacy’s eyes immediately began to close, and she laid back going unconscious. “Just relax. We’ll continue doing physical and mental tests. Everything will be fine.”
Nurses resumed performance of chemical tests when Dr. Kjell read from a chart. “Document full vapor evaporation tests, and record all brain waves on the left side of the temporal lobe. I want a full report.”
Ben was sitting alone in his office angrily reading information about the mission on his computer. News clips of scientists on the mission ran continually, displaying their treatment of the dying cacti plants. “Mission has proven no form of life can survive the extreme temperatures of Quazmopolis. Tests performed on the unique forms of rock have shown nothing unexpected, but tests will continue.”
Ben touched the computer screen and searched for further information, while the same graphics continued popping up, “Classified” and “Requested information not available” flashed on his computer screen.
“Alice?” Ben finally yelled out from his office. “Any idea when the SEA Information Coordinator will gain access to the Quazmopolis mission information? This is ridiculous.”
From her desk Alice replied, “I’m sorry, Ben. But much information won’t be available to the public for another week.”
Ben continued searching using his touch screen and mouse pad before the computer spoke up again, “Requested information is not available. Access denied.”
“Ben?” yelled Alice from outside the office. “I’ve got your Mom on the line again. Will you take her call?”
“No,” answered Ben. “Just tell her I’m still busy with exploration research.”
“She says she just wants to know about reservation confirmations for the wedding,” said Alice politely. “Is there anything I can tell her?”
Ben looked annoyed and thought for a second before picking up the phone. “Hi Mom. No, Lacy is still being held in solitary, going through standard medical tests. No, she’s okay.”
The video on Ben’s computer continued showing scientist recordings on board the Solar Jet with Chris smiling as he followed Lacy on. Ben then zoomed in on facial expressions as the two entered and shook his head.
When Ben noticed his Mom’s voice again, he replied, “What? No Mom. I’ll have to call you back. I’m busy.”
Ben then zoomed in to watch the close up of Chris exiting the plane with Lacy, again in slow motion. Ben saw Chris with his arm wrapped around Lacy, and both having a big smile as they waved to the crowd.
“Okay Mom. I gotta go. I can’t talk.” Ben finally hung up the phone and stared at the captured video on his computer taken from different angles.
All explorers from the mission, but Lacy, were sitting around a quarantined conference room table. Dr. Palmer walked into the room above and spoke to the scientists through a glass window. “Did anyone witness any unexplained motion? Under a rock? Or in the air?”
“No,” answered Pilot Jenkins.
“There was no form of life on Quazmopolis,” responded Oliver. “The planet is simply not capable of supporting life.”
Terry looked down and read from her notepad, “Arid Cacti was planted the first day. Streams of water flowed powered by the sun. And all plant life died. I also don’t believe that this moon, in spite of the oxygen, can ever support life natural to earth.”
“How ‘bout Lacy Meaux? Would she agree to this conclusion as well?” asked Dr. Palmer.
The group remained silent before Oliver spoke up, “We examined all rocks and boulders in areas where she claimed to see possible life, and we performed tests of all kinds”.
“But no one witnessed motion other than wind. With that range of temperatures, there was not even a possibility of life,” answered Terry with confidence.
Pilot Jenkins then stepped up. “Dr. Palmer, the temperatures ranged nearly one hundred seventy-five degrees a day. With a sun shining on the multi-colored rock in the daytime to temperatures of twenty-five below zero at night. And areas farther north and south had more extreme temperature differences. Life cannot survive under those conditions.”
Dr. Palmer began opening pages on his computer and displaying pictures on the big screen. “How do you explain Lacy Meaux’s claims?”
“She’s lucky to be alive,” answered Oliver without hesitation.
“She reported unexplained motion on the first day,” said Chris. “Then she said she saw some form of life. There’s no way to prove or disprove.”
Oliver immediately interrupted, “But we have no recorded video and no photo evidence. And we spent seven days exploring the same areas she claimed to see motion. I believe it was the impact of her head to rock which caused a hallucination.”
“Lacy also made claims of discovering a possible cave opening,” said Jenkins with a smile. “But all tests showed nothing but a solid base of rock.”
“Much of Lacy’s claims were made after suffering injuries to the brain,” said Terry. “Completely unreliable.”
Oliver scratched his head. “And all videos recorded by Lacy showed no unexplained motion and verified no possibility of life. I am confident Lacy’s claim of seeing a form of life came from injuries to her brain.”
Dr. Palmer looked around at all the scientists before getting up and walking out.
Palmer walked up the hallway straight to Lacy’s room wanting to hear for himself. The door was locked and sealed with a message flashing, “Quarantined Patient. Visitors not allowed.”
After gripping the handle and trying to force the locked door open, Dr. Palmer tried to use fingerprints on the lock. But the door remained closed. Looking through the window, Dr. Palmer saw Lacy lying in bed with the mask and the enclosed clear plastic vinyl sheet surrounding her body.
Dr. Palmer looked around before knocking on the door. When Palmer got no response, he pounded on the door again.
When Dr. Kjell heard the knock, he hurried to the door. Covered in a plastic quarantine suit, Kjell waved his hand when he saw it was Dr. Palmer. Kjell looked around before pulling off his mask, carefully opening the door and stepping out into the hallway.
“Yes. Hello Dr. Palmer.”
“I need to know this patient’s condition. When will Lacy be able to discuss the mission?”
“Uhh... We’re still performing tests,” answered Kjell. “We have nothing new to report right now.”
Dr. Palmer was angry with the unclear answer and looked around the room. “It’s been six days! I need to question her about things she may have witnessed on Quazmopolis. I can’t wait anymore.”
“Her skull has healed to a normal state. She is able to talk about the mission,” replied Kjell. “But I feel it necessary to keep her in isolation another day.”
Dr. Palmer was getting impatient as he looked down the empty hall. “So, what have tests shown? Can you tell me that?”
“It’s nothing I can discuss right now. We’re still checking signs that...”
Palmer interrupted and said in a threatening voice, “I’m in charge here! I’m paying your salary. I want to know right now! What have you found?”
Dr. Kjell looked around at Lacy and thought for a moment before turning back to Dr. Palmer. He then whispered quietly, “She’s expecting...”
“She’s what?” asked Palmer in confusion. “Expecting what?”
“I don’t know who the father is,” answered Kjell. “But the baby conception happened some time in the last ten days. Lacy is pregnant.”
Dr. Palmer looked at Kjell in disbelief, before finally turning and walking out.
The local bar seemed run down and empty when Dr. Palmer drove up. He looked around before walking up to the big wood door.
Dr. Palmer walked slowly in and sat in the corner bar stool by the door. He was deep in thought when he ordered his first beer. Palmer was looking down when the mug of beer was put down in front of Palmer’s hand. He looked up to take a gulp before recognizing someone sitting at the opposite end of the bar. Palmer took a small sip, then walked over and sat next to Ben Thomas.
“Hello Mr. Thomas,” said Palmer politely.
When Ben realized it was Dr. Palmer, he looked surprised. “Hunh? What are you doing here?”
“I’m just taking a break,” Palmer answered. “How do you feel tonight?”
“You know how I feel. I’ve been preparing for my big international wedding for more than a year. And I believe it’s now off. Cancelled! I’ve got to start explaining to all friends and family that it was all a big misunderstanding. ‘We changed our minds. Sorry’!” Ben took another sip from his cup and looked around the empty bar.
“So what will you do now?”
“I guess I’ll be starting a whole new life,” answered Ben without hesitation.
“Are you planning to just quit Science Exploration?”
Ben drank a big sip from his beer mug, then mumbled. “Lacy and I won’t socialize anymore after we break up. And I don’t think I could stand being around her knowing what she put me through. I believe it’s all over. Two years of my life wasted.”
Dr. Palmer looked around the bar before asking, “So what will you do?”
“I’ve got no choice,” answered Ben. “I’ve got to start a new life. Dating and making new friends.”
“You do have a choice. Lacy will be getting out of her isolation tomorrow. You need to talk to her.”
“So what will she say?” mumbled Ben. “I dread having to even listen.”
“I think she will have some personal things to tell you.”
Ben was doubtful and shook his head. “I don’t know. It’s going to be a stab in the back.”
“I want you to talk to Lacy about all she’s been through on this mission before you make any rash decisions,” answered Palmer. “Learn all that happened on Quazmopolis. It’s something you need to talk to her about.”
“I know Lacy was flirting with another scientist,” Ben said. “I do know that! I saw it myself.”
“I think there’s a lot you don’t know.”
“I know she didn’t answer a single message in the last two weeks. No pictures. No video. No communication. I don’t want to live like that.”
“Ben, I’m going to give you top secret information -- not to be repeated. Do you understand? You think you can handle that?”
“What is it?” asked Ben.
Palmer looked around the empty bar before he whispered, “Lacy may have been injured on the mission. She received stitches to her arm and a small fracture to the skull.”
“She looked fine getting off the jet. Why didn’t someone tell me?”
“I didn’t want it to go public. She’s fine.”
“So why was she hanging out with Chris? What is it you’re not telling me?”
“Tests are being performed right now, but doctors have informed me... of new information about Lacy.”
“What?” asked a surprised Ben. “What’s the secret?”
“She’s... Lacy is pregnant,” answered Dr. Palmer. “And we don’t know who the father is.”
“That’s not possible,” replied Ben nodding his head.
Dr. Palmer took another sip of his drink before calmly replying, “You don’t know that.”
“It’s not possible!” yelled Ben. “I do know.”
“Tests were performed on all scientists before the mission,” said Palmer. “None were pregnant. Whether she had unprotected sex the day before take-off, or while she was on Quazmopolis, she’s now in trouble. Lacy signed documents confirming that commitment.”
Ben was angry as he thought about what he’d just heard. “We’ve been holding out on sex until after the wedding! We haven’t had unprotected sex for more than a year. I know I’m not the father. I can’t be.”
“Well, if you’re not the father, there are only a few possibilities. Male scientists on board, or a one night stand before take-off.”
“I’m not the father.”
Ben finally got up, threw down his bottle and started walking to the door. “If she’s pregnant, it’s from one of those scientists!”
Dr. Palmer took another sip from his beer as he watched Ben head for the door. All was quiet in the bar before Ben stormed back in and yelled in Palmer’s face. “I quit! I’m done with all your SEA crap!”
Palmer looked around the bar as Ben walked out again. He then took another sip from his beer and sat alone, deep in thought.
At SEA headquarters the next morning, Pilot Jenkins, Oliver, and Chris were sitting in the hallway outside of Dr. Palmer’s office door. The door was closed, and the three men seemed anxious.
“Any idea what Palmer wants?” asked Oliver.
Jenkins looked around before responding, “Who knows? He’s just got his mind wrapped around the big Quazmopolis secret mission. He’d give anything to just find any possible justification for the money thrown away on the mission.”
“I saw on the news last night suspicion of alternative motivation for an expensive mission to nowhere,” added Jenkins. “I have a feeling they’re going to be asking us questions soon.”
“I think the entire crew performed every possible duty on this mission. I think Dr. Palmer may be just planning a special reward for our work,” said Chris. “That’s all I’m expecting.”
Dr. Palmer’s door then opened, and Palmer poked his head out and seemed serious. “I’ll see you now. Please come in.”
Jenkins, Oliver and Chris were confused as they made their way to the chairs in front, and Dr. Palmer walked around his desk and sat down.
“You left for Quazmopolis Mission now fourteen days ago. And you discovered nothing significant,” commented Palmer in a formal voice as he read from a file. “That we know.”
“Sure. We investigated everything,” answered Chris.
Oliver nodded his head joining in, “We performed engiscope and chemical tests on every rock within one square mile of the solar jet!”
“And we documented everything,” said Jenkins in a confused voice. “So what’s the problem?”
Palmer then got up and walked to the front of his office and silently closed the door. “I’ve learned something about one of the scientists and need verification from each of you.”
“What is it?” asked Chris.
“Is this information about the exploration?” asked Pilot Jenkins.
“No,” answered Palmer. “It’s about Lacy. Miss Lacy Meaux.”
“What about Lacy? She was injured on the second day,” said Chris in a defensive voice.
Oliver then shook his head and joined in, “And that’s no one’s fault. She bumped her head on a rock!”
“And everything she claimed to have seen was tested,” continued Pilot Jenkins. “We found no documented evidence of the motion that she claimed to see. You know all that!”
Palmer interrupted as he returned to his chair behind the desk. “I’m talking about Lacy’s... mysterious... her unexplained pregnancy.”
Chris looked around at Jenkins and Oliver, who both seemed confused. “Lacy’s pregnant?”
“Video and investigations show that you three men were left alone with Lacy in the seven days on Quazmopolis.”
Pilot Jenkins then shook his head and mumbled, “There is no reason I should even be considered. That’s disgusting!”
“Lacy has a steady boyfriend,” argued Oliver. “Her fiancé works right here at Science Exploration.”
“The two are planning a big wedding!” shouted Jenkins. “At least, I thought they were.”
“Doctors will be performing DNA tests and taking blood samples to see if any of you might be the baby’s father,” answered Palmer. “If one of you has matching amniocentesis to the fetus, pregnancy will be terminated unknown to Lacy, and your employment at Science Exploration will be terminated. Prosecution for rape is being considered.”
Chris, Oliver and Jenkins looked at each other in shock, and Dr. Palmer continued, “Do we understand?”
The three men finally nodded in agreement.
Dr. Palmer got up from his desk and walked back over to the door. “You are all expected in the lab to have some advanced paternity tests.”
Chris, Oliver and Jenkins looked at each other with a shocked look on their face and remained motionless.
“Now,” continued Dr. Palmer. “Go now.”
The three men then got up and slowly walked out of the office without speaking. They turned and walked down the long hall as Palmer looked on with a disgusted face.
Dr. Kjell was examining Lacy and began removing tubes and wires around her body. Lacy looked up with a big smile, but Kjell was very serious when he spoke. “Miss Meaux, we are releasing you for just the morning. There are more tests we will be performing this afternoon. We expect you back here within one hour.”
“Not a problem! I feel great!” Lacy was quickly putting on her standard uniform as she climbed out of the bed. “Thank you doctor!”
Lacy smiled with excitement, before racing down the hall to Ben’s office, where the door was locked, and the lights were off.
“Is Ben here?” asked Lacy as she spun around to see Alice.
“Good morning,” Alice answered. “No, Ben didn’t come in today. Or he’s not in yet. Who knows?”
Lacy laughed as she looked around the office.
“We heard you had a fall on Quazmopolis,” said other co-workers. “How do you feel?”
“I’m fine,” answered Lacy. “But I gotta go.”
Lacy dialed on her cell phone as she raced down the hall. She immediately got Ben’s answering machine and listened to the message. “Hello. This is Ben, and I can’t come to the phone right now. Please leave a message, and maybe I’ll call you back.”
Office workers smiled and waved to Lacy as she ran down the hall again.
“Hello Lacy. Welcome home!” yelled Blanche, the receptionist. Lacy waved and continued quickly pushing buttons on her phone as she ran through the lobby and down towards the street.
“It’s good to have you back!” yelled another.
Lacy smiled and waved politely as she ran out immediately seeing a car pulling up to the guard gate. Lacy rushed past the parking attendant yelling, “Hi Charles!”
“Welcome back, Lacy!” answered Charles as he stood up. “Glad you made it back okay!”
A driver then stuck his head out the window and yelled, “I’m here to pick up a Miss Lacy Meaux?”
“Yeah, that’s me! Thank you so much!” Lacy answered as she climbed into the back seat.
Driving down the busy freeway, Lacy was concentrating on her phone, checking emails and typing messages.
“Are you one of those scientists who visited that hot planet?” asked the driver.
Lacy nodded her head and shouted with excitement, “I’m just glad to be home!”
The ridesharing vehicle continued speeding through traffic, as Lacy was reading messages from Ben for the first time. She looked out the window with a big smile, and held back tears of joy.