Chapter 38: Home Again

Anton looked at Arnison and said flatly, "I am into their systems command software. I have routed the docking release to the blue button over there. If we have to use it, I have set up a command block so that once activated it cannot be recalled."

Arnison nodded."Ingenious of you! Then there is no way for them to block our departure."

Anton chuckled. "These civilian engineers are a bit naive. They never imagined that they would have a situation where they wanted to stop a departure. Looking at their system, there are many ways for them to prevent docking. However, it was very easy to set up the command block, since there is nothing to stop it."

"And here I was looking forward to seeing how the explosive bolts worked!"

Anton shook his head, "It is better this way. The explosive bolts risk damage to both the ship and the station. I don't want to take that risk unless there is no other way to leave. We are not going to turn over all of the technology you gave us to an Earth government."

"That pleases me," Arnison replied. "Now let's start the departure checklist." The two went through the checklist to make certain that all systems were ready for travel back to Mars.

Anton selected communication with the space station on the communications system. "MRS Endeavor to station control. We are ready for departure."

"Endeavor this is station control. Please hold."

Anton turned to Arnison and said, "Well, now you will get to see humans in some of their worst conditions. Control said to hold. They will now start trying to negotiate a 'tour.' What they really want to do is get a look at our technology. But, we will not be having visitors today!"

"Endeavor, the voice came mack. Here is the commander."

"Endeavor, this is Derek McKenzie. I was really hoping that I and a couple of my people here would be able to get a tour of your ship! In fact, I invited the Ambassador and Mr. Sloane to dine with me tonight. I would be honored if you would join us. Meeting the crew of the first FTL ship is not an opportunity that presents itself every day!"

Anton muted his microphone. "See, Arnison. This is what I am talking about. Very diplomatic. Dinner would be good I am sure. However, it would lure both of us away from our posts and allow a team to come in and closely inspect the ship. Now I have to answer him." Anton unmuted the microphone and said, "Commander McKenzie, I wish that we could accept your kind invitation. However, in order to return to Mars before we lose daylight at our spaceport we must leave right away. Perhaps on our next run."

"Really I must insist. You can return to Mars and arrive early in the next sol," Commander McKenzie said using the technical term for a Martian day and with a slight edge in his voice.

Anton again muted the microphone and said to Arnison, "Well, just as I thought. Release our docking clamps."

Arnison placed his finger on the display which showed the blue button for releasing the clamps. The Endeavor's clamps released.

Anton unmuted his microphone and stated, "I am sorry Commander, but I have my orders. I need to return to Mars right away. I have released my docking clamps. Please release yours as well and we will be on our way."

"Sorry, I can't do that," McKenzie replied.

"That is unfortunate," Anton stated as he pressed the blue button. Just for show Anton had chosen an emergency depressurization for the station side of the airlock in his command block. The station's clamps released almost instantly after the depressurization. As the metallic clank of the clamps releasing reached Anton's ears he engaged his forward thrusters. As the aft of the Endeavor reached 100 meters (330 ft) from the station Anton engaged the warp drive and they were on their way back to Mars.

38.2

"What just happened?" McKenzie yelled in the control center.

"I don't know, sir," The operator said. He too was astonished at what had just happened and what he just saw. "Somehow he forced our clamps to release and then just disappeared in a flash of light!"

McKenzie ground his teeth and then said under his breath, "Figure out how they managed to get away. I want a report in the morning! Now I am going to have to go and be pleasant to these so called diplomats over dinner. Oh how I hate these 'pleasant' occasions!" Had he been on Earth - or anywhere with gravity for that matter - McKenzie would have stormed out of the control center. Instead he just floated away while grumbling.

38.3

In the guest quarters Daria and Tom had changed into the coveralls that seem to have been space station fashion for at least the past 50 years. For the shoulder patch showing nationality they had managed to fashion Martian flags using markers and some blank fabric obtained through an off-duty astronaut. Not perfect, but it would do and demonstrate who they represented.

"So what do you think they will serve for dinner?" Daria asked Tom.

"Somehow I don't think it will be Beef Wellington, buttered new potatoes, asparagus, and champagne," Tom responded with a certain sarcastic tone in his voice.

"I think we will be lucky if it is boiled beef puree with greasy mashed potatoes, vegetable slurry, and water," Daria deadpanned.

Continuing with sarcasm that was fully up to his wife's standard, Tom said, "Do you think it will be in a toothpaste tube or will be get the elegant clear plastic pouch?" The two just looked at each other and laughed. One thing was certain, you didn't come to a space station for the cuisine!

"They do appear to have an artificial gravity area," Daria stated. "Maybe they have their dining facilities there."

"Oh boy!," Tom said faking excitement. "Do you think it is right next to the gym?"

Again in total deadpan. Daria commented, "I don't know which would be better: smelling the bodies in the gym while eating or smelling food while exercising! I think I would rate either, well, awful! Hopefully the thing doesn't spin at a rate that adds motion sickness to the dining experience"

"So, this space station does not get a 5 diamond rating," Tom said.

"Depends," Daria responded in tone of the knowledgable professor. "If we are rating hotels I would give it one diamond only because I can't give it no diamonds. If we are rating bus stations, then I would give it a solid 3 out of 5 diamonds."

Tom reached over and pulled Daria to himself and kissed her. "Of course we could always do something else to pass the time until we get picked up for dinner."

Daria wrapped her legs around Tom's waist and positioned herself so that she was looking him straight in the face and said, "No. Neither of us likes that in zero g! One of us always has to hang on so that we don't go flying off while the other does all the work. I think we can wait until we are back on terra firma with a full one g. Besides, if you wait we can play 'Diplomatic Hostage!' I'll even let you be the terrorist, dear."

Tom chuckled, "Well, if you put it that way, then I guess I will wait. Who could possibly resist such an offer?"

Daria laughed too as she released Tom and floated away. "Hey, at least I was able to do that little maneuver! There is no way I could do that with any gravity and not break a hip. I almost feel young again."

"At least you are still hot," Tom said.

"Oh Tom. Dear Tom," Daria said as she placed her hand on his cheek and floated up to the level of his face. "Your eyesight never has been that good has it? Well, at least without gravity things don't sag."

Tom smiled and said, "Actually they look quite perky!"

Daria grinned back at him, "You know I'd slap you for that, except that I would send both of us flying and it is kind of a complement."

Tom remarked, "So how long until we get escorted to dinner?"

38.4

It was an American astronaut that came to their quarters and escorted them to dinner. Latoya Arnold had been in the astronaut corps for 20 years and this was her last mission in space. She said on the way that with twin boys now poised to start high school it was time to hang up her spacesuit. She needed to spend more time with the family. Daria had told her that she and Tom were looking forward to seeing their grandchildren.

The dining facility was indeed in the spinning artificial gravity region of the station. Fortunately, they were not developing full Earth gravity from the spin. Daria estimated it to be around 0.6 or 0.7 g. So, motion sickness wouldn't be a problem. It was also windowless, so you didn't have to see Earth go by periodically. Daria noticed it was in fact next to the gym, but the gym was sectioned off so it most likely had its own air supply. Thank goodness there were not bad smells!

"Ambassador and Mr. Sloane," Derek McKenzie said motioning them toward seats at the table. "Welcome again to our space station. You have, of course, met Lt. Colonel Mahoney. In case she didn't mention it, Dr. Arnold is our Chief Engineer. Let me also introduce our Chief Scientist Dr. Pierre Piccard and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Julie Cluny."

Daria and Tom both shook hands with the individuals around the table. Daria noted the Swiss and Benin flags on their shoulders, respectively.

McKenzie stated, "Please everyone. Be seated."

As they got comfortable, Dr. Cluny turned to Daria and asked, "So, what got you interested in going to Mars? That must be quite a challenge at your age."

Daria wished she could remember who had said, 'Social affairs are just warfare concealed,' or something to that effect. Tonight looked like it would definitely be a time to test their diplomatic skills.

"I think Tom and I were simply looking for one more adventure. I had a great career in academe and Tom in consulting. We had both met our career goals."

Tom added, "We were both in excellent health and still are in excellent health. Therefore, this adventure was feasible for us. Sure, it meant several years away from family, but our kids were good with that given the nature of what we wanted to do."

"Surely jumping from being an English professor to becoming a welder must have been difficult. After all, you are jumping from working with your mind to working with your hands. Didn't you find that boring or maybe even interminable?" Julie asked.

"Not at all," Daria paused a moment before responding. In that moment salads arrived.

Mahoney broke in, "Ah, the salads are here. I just wanted to let you know that we grow all of our own vegetables here on the station. We have hydroponic systems that are high yield. That gives us a luxury previous generations of astronauts did not have! I am afraid our salad dressing options are limited, however. Vinegar and oil is really it."

Daria forced a smile and said, "It looks wonderful! Bon Appetit!" She quickly put some salad in her mouth. That gave her some time to think about how she would answer Julie. Clearly, Julie knew that welding was one of her specialties. She probably knew about her librarian/archivist role as well, but Daria could not be sure. Daria certainly did not want to give out any information that could somehow be used against them.

Tom had not immediately shoved food in his mouth and quickly turned to Dr. Piccard asking, "Any relation to the famed balloonist?"

Dr. Piccard answered, "Why yes! August Piccard was my twice great-grandfather. I guess that is where my love of flight and adventure comes from." He went on to talk about ballooning, aviation and his family. At least it took up the salad course.

As the salad dishes were being cleared Julie turned to Daria and said, "Back to my original question."

Daria smiled and responded, "Welding on Mars is not only a physical challenge, but a mental one as well. Sure there is skill, but in this context you have to learn how to test the welds you make and you know that if you don't do a perfect job it could lead to a catastrophe for the colony!" Daria thought a little hyperbole wouldn't hurt. "As for the training, well yes it was a challenge. However, as Tom said we are healthy and in good shape for our age. We are not bodybuilders or olympic athletes. But, we are fit and were able to get through both the physical and mental training in order to go to Mars. It is in fact quite gratifying that we were able to get through all of that."

McKenzie jumped into the conversation and announced, "To the best of my knowledge, you two are the first ever accredited diplomats to travel in space and be welcomed at a space station. Therefore, I think it is fitting that we give you a proper welcome. Tonight we will have steak, fresh potatoes, and fresh asparagus along with sharing one of the very few bottles of wine on this station. I believe that it is a Pinot Noir. I hope you will enjoy your dinner!"

Piccard asked, "Tom, what were your specialties?"

"Oh, I mostly drove rovers, though I also had responsibilities for helping to track inventories and project supply needs out for about a year."

Piccard followed with, "Did you have to fight in the skirmish with the robots?"

Tom responded, "I transported our troops to the fight. I was not really a combatant. There are others who did far more to defend us."

Interesting, Tom thought. He was noting the words used at the table and was certain Daria was doing the same. "Skirmish' was one. 'War' was not used or even 'battle.' Fighting 'robots' was the other word chosen and not the country that sent the robots! Tom had responded as blandly as possible. Clearly this group was fishing for information on the fighting and on both his and Daria's actual roles on Mars. Tom surmised that between this dinner - already amazing for a space station - and the undoubtedly bugged quarters they were in, some intelligence service or services were trying to glean information. There were certainly enough countries on Earth that didn't welcome an independent Martian Republic that intelligence gathering was almost a certainty.

The main courses arrived. Tom was amazed that the steaks were a perfect medium rare and the asparagus was truly 'al dente.' The potatoes were perfectly cooked as well. He was even a bit surprised at his own hunger.

As they took a few moments and ate, Mahoney chimed in saying, "I was a bit disappointed in the crew that brought you here, Ambassador."

"Oh?" Daria responded. "How so?"

"Well, I was really hoping that at least Dr. Arnold and I could have a tour of the ship. It is just crazy that we are here on this station when the first FTL ship docks! We would have loved to have seen it."

'I bet you would,' Daria thought to herself.

This time Latoya spoke up, "It really was exciting. How in the world did people on Mars manage to invent an FTL drive? There are so few people I can't image you would have had the time available, what with building the colony and the scientific work and all."

'Not to mention a skirmish with robots,' Daria thought. But she responded, "Well, I am not privy to all of the details, but I think one of the physicists seems to have noticed something that one of the geologists was working on. Some sort of model or something and that seemed to spark him thinking of Alcubierre's paper and the subsequent work that has been done on warp phenomena. I guess he just managed to solve the problem and our engineers were able to fabricate a prototype."

"That is really fortunate," Latoya responded. "Which physicist was it?"

"I really don't know who was first. The others just seemed to swarm on the problem once he got some results."

"Mm, hmm," was all Latoya responded.

Clearly she wasn't buying Daria's story. But Daria didn't care. She would stick with that story for the time being and there was really nothing that these people could do about it. Even if they managed to get Tom out of her sight, she and Tom had rehearsed this before leaving Mars. Daria was mildly concerned, however, what might await them on Earth. At least they would be landing in Russia, which was the only major power that had recognized the Martian Republic.

Latoya asked, "So how did you manage to do the fabrication, when admittedly your 3D printers are a bit limited?"

Tom jumped on that question, "Actually, our printers are not as simple as you might think. We have been able to use printers to print printers and even improve on our printing in the process. For a couple of years now our only resupply from Earth for the printers has been raw materials. Our fabricators are really quite good and innovative!"

'There,' Tom thought. Let's plant the seed of the idea that Mars has advanced its 3D printing without Earth's assistance. Maybe even advanced it beyond Earth's capabilities! In what seemed to be increasingly becoming a chess game, Tom just put them in a position that their only move is to cutoff resupply to Mars of raw materials for printing. This would be inconvenient, but Mars had recently brought online the capability for purification of silicon, carbon, and iron based raw materials for the printers. It looked like they would have their own gold and aluminum capabilities within the next three months.

All through the main course the discussions revolved around questions that seemed very routine, but were - as far as both Daria and Tom were concerned - attempts to get intelligence information out of them. Both of them continued to smile and be very friendly, but this entire exchange was a bit grating - if not unexpected. Tom found it interesting that McKenzie said very little and the same was true of Mahoney. Clearly they were watching the exchange and making mental notes, which they would compare and develop a common report about this dinner.

Dessert came and it was an excellent chocolate mousse. About half way through dessert McKenzie spoke again, "You know Ambassador, I really would like you to pass on to your government about the rudeness of your shuttle crew."

"You mean that they did not give a tour of the ship?" Daria replied in an innocent voice.

"No," McKenzie replied. "It is poor relations at best to leave the station without permission. Worse, the crew hacked our computer system and released the station's docking clamps before we could give permission for them to leave. This is very much a breach of etiquette going all the way back to the early days of sail. You at least had to have the harbor master's permission to leave the dock! Not to mention customs."

Daria in her most even tone replied to McKenzie, "I am shocked to hear that a member or members of the flight crew hacked your system. Please accept my deepest apologies." To herself Daria thought, 'I hope I don't lose my dinner over this. Clearly they tried something.' She went on, "I will certainly pass this on to my government. So that I can provide a fully documented report, may I have your control logs and communications for the hour before and after our ship's departure?"

"I will see what I can do," McKenzie replied. "Unfortunately, I will have to discuss releasing that information with my superiors."

"That is fine," Daria responded. "I think you have my email address at the United Nations. Just send the files there. Clearly I cannot do anything this evening or until I get back to Earth." That will fix his little red wagon, Daria thought. There is no way McKenzie's superiors will release what Daria had requested. It would clearly expose whatever game McKenzie was playing. "Now, if you will excuse Tom and I, we have literally traveled millions of kilometers today and we need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day! The drop capsule separates at 1000 hours and we need to be there no later than 0830! Goodnight everyone. It was wonderful meeting you and thank you again for a wonderful dinner."

Tom and Daria got up from their chairs. The others rose as well and said goodnight.

38.5

Sitting around the table with the others McKenzie stated,"Well, that was not very fruitful. I thought we could get more out of them."

Mahoney added, "I guess that is what we get for trying to use fancy words to pry information from an English professor."

"I thought at least her husband would give up something. Face it, men like to brag. You can't help it," Latoya commented.

The group went around the table and discussed both what had or hadn't transpired at dinner and the events of the day. Finally, McKenzie turned to Mahoney and said, "I want you to write up the report and get to me by 0600. I want to read it before they leave. There is nothing we can really do to prevent them from leaving, but at least we can know what we will say to our superiors."

"Aye sir," was Mahoney's comment.

Looking around the table, McKenzie just said, "Dismissed."

38.6

Back in their quarters, Daria and Tom slipped out of their coveralls and inserted themselves into the sleeping bags on the wall.

Tom turned to Daria and remarked, "I have to say that this has probably been one of the most momentous days in our lives!"

"I don't know that I would put it up there with giving birth to our children, Tom," Daria deadpanned. "And I don't think it was like being stalked around Europe. Still, the flight here was certainly memorable and nothing mundane like going to the grocery store! Not to mention dinner, which was certainly the best we have ever had in space."

Tom nodded, "OK, so there are more memorable days in our past. Tomorrow should be exciting."

Quietly Daria stated, "To be honest, I do not know what to expect tomorrow. Something between a big parade and getting thrown in jail I suppose. Hopefully we can get from our landing site, through the medical check and onto a flight to somewhere and then on to New York. Hopefully there will be a decent hotel along the way. I could really use a shower after today. Actually, a long hot bath sounds really good."

Tom leaned over and gave Daria an awkward kiss on the cheek, "These bags are hardly designed to even give you kiss! Not to mention being in zero g. Anyway, once we are back on the ground you can have anything you want."

"I think once we are back we need to plan trips to see the kids."

"Done," Tom said. "Now try to get some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day.

38.7

Breakfast was nothing more than a granola bar, some rehydrated scrambled eggs, and water. The trip through Earth's atmosphere was going to be rough enough that the protocol called for a minimal amount in the passengers' stomachs. On the one hand too much food could result in everyone being covered by someone's vomit. On the other hand an empty stomach could result in 'dry heaves' and that would not be good for the person experiencing it. Along with breakfast each passenger was given pills to take for nausea and vertigo.

As Daria and Tom headed for the drop capsule she turned to him and remarked, "So much for a 'steak and eggs' breakfast! before the mission!"

"That is only for when you are leaving Earth not returning," Tom remarked to Daria imitating her signature deadpan delivery.

"Touché."

"So, what are we riding on to get down from here?" Daria asked.

"It is a Soyuz spacecraft. The oldest, lowest tech, and by far most reliable spacecraft on the planet or off the planet as the case might be. It has been at least 50 years since there was a failure onboard a Soyuz. They are not known for creature comforts, but they get the job done and done well. I think this particular version carries up to 5 people. It brings cargo up and people home."

"Anton taught me a little Russian. At least I should be able to identify the exit."

"Don't worry, Daria. Everything inside is marked in both Russian and English."

"Good."

"Another advantage of the Soyuz is that it gets us on the ground in just three and a half hours!"

"Even better."

McKenzie was waiting for them at the docking port, "I just wanted to say goodbye, Ambassador. Mr. Sloane. I hope you will have a safe and uneventful return to Earth."

Daria looked at him and replied, "Why thank you. Tom and I appreciate your hospitality during our brief stay on the station."

Tom nodded and both he and Daria shook hands with McKenzie. Then it was time to get into the Soyuz. Two crew were there to help Daria, Tom, and three others into the craft. Spacesuits were checked and double checked. The crew members assisted the passengers in getting into their seats and strapping in. The straps were double checked by another crew member. All Daria could think of was that she was glad she wasn't claustrophobic! This was really like being in a sardine can.

"Good morning, Ambassador. I am your pilot Pavel Ivanovich. I am honored to be the one bringing the first Martian ambassador to Earth. I and the other station crew with us have been here on a six month scientific mission. I hope the ride will be uneventful. We will be experiencing several g's on the way down, but I have done this 7 times and it is not too bad. So, please relax and be confident!"

"Thank you," Daria replied. "I have the utmost faith in you."

"Thank you," Pavel replied. Then he said, "Moscow Control, Soyuz ready to detach."

"Go to detach," was the reply.

Daria heard the clank of the docking clamps releasing and though she could feel movement as the Soyuz increased its distance from the also noticed that she was feeling a bit sleepy. Probably the result of the drugs she was given.

For the next couple of hours Daria seemed to float. She had the feeling of floating due to being in zero gravity. She was also floating in and out of consciousness. In the background was the conversation between Pavel and Moscow. Once they had detached from the station the conversation and switched from English to Russian. She caught a word here and there, but mostly it was unintelligible to her. She looked over at Tom. He just seemed to be staring off into, well, space. He was positioned so that he could see out of at least part of the window.

"Atmospheric entry in 30 seconds," Pavel stated in English.

Daria felt a jolt as the spacecraft began its entry into Earth's atmosphere. The forces gradually increased and she could begin to see the glow lighting the inside of the craft through the window. Ultimately, all that was visible was fire. They were like a meteor - or should she say 'shooting star' to be more poetic - streaking across Earth's sky. Of course, unlike a meteor they were not expected to burn up! The radio feed, which had been a steady chatter, ceased suddenly. They had reached the point where the ionized atmosphere around them blocked all communications. They were alone in their fireball.

The g forces gradually subsided and the next jolts came as the parachutes deployed. Daria noticed that she was starting to become more awake again. The drugs must have been wearing off.

"Ground in 30 seconds," Pavel stated, again in English.

The jolt as the Soyuz landed was surprisingly small. At about one meter (3 feet 3 inches) per second the forces were easily absorbed by the structure and the crew seats. Daria was very pleasantly surprised. Now she heard Pavel speaking with the recovery crew in Russian. There were distinct clanking sounds as the recovery crew opened the hatch.

Daria turned to Tom and said, "Welcome home, dear."

Tom reached over and squeezed her hand. "Thanks. To you too. Wow, it is hard to believe that our space adventure is over."

Daria replied, "Maybe we are back from space, but I don't think this adventure is quite over yet!"