Daria's Great Adventure

by dmsfanman

Time passes and Daria is at a point in life where there is an opportunity for one last great adventure. She chooses a very big adventure. It is one with no guarantees even of return! While certainly out of her comfort zone, Daria finds that even great adventures can reflect the day to day life she has known before. It is also time to reflect on her life.

40. Chapter 40: Feeding Frenzy!

Chapter 40: Feeding Frenzy!

Daria opened her eyes as she felt a hand on her shoulder gently shaking her.

"Ambassador," Sergei the flight attendant was saying to her. "Ambassador, please be certain your seat belt is buckled and your seat set to the upright position for landing. We will be landing in Moscow in about 15 minutes."

"Thank you Sergei," she responded weakly. Daria shifted her position as she set the cushy seat to its upright position. Looking around she saw Tom and Mr. Singh doing the same. Gazing out the window Daria could see the outskirts of Moscow coming into view. There were roads, apartment buildings, constructions sites, and buildings which could be warehouses or factories. There were also many rail lines. Some were certainly for Moscow's famous subway system - not all of which was underground - as well as both passenger and freight traffic along the rails. She vaguely recalled that Russia used a wider track gauge than many of its neighboring countries. She put in her mind that she would have to try a Russian train some time in the future. Maybe even the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The plane continued its descent and in just a few minutes the wheels touched down on the runway. Daria could feel the deceleration as they moved down the runway and then on to the taxiway. As they approached the terminal, Daria spotted a man in bright orange with lighted batons directing the pilot to his parking spot. Moments later they stopped and the engines were shut down.

Sergei got up from his seat and out of habit picked up the microphone for the sound system and said, "Welcome to Moscow, capital city of the Russian Federation! I hope you will enjoy your stay. I understand that it will be brief. Marina and I must now bid you farewell. You will have a new cabin crew for the rest of your journey."

Daria got out of her seat and stretched. She could see through one of the forward windows that a mobile stairs was being driven up to the plane and that the door would soon be opened. Tom was on his phone, probably talking to one of the kids.

Mr. Singh walked up to Daria and started speaking to her, "Ambassador, as soon as the door is open the couriers will be here with the clothes for you and your husband. I would very much appreciate it if you two would immediately go back to the bedroom and change. After you change I have a small packet for you with questions you are likely to get from the press. It took our press office some significant begging to get the journalists to give us advance copies sample questions they might be asking. I know our people would appreciate it if you would at least review the document."

"I would be happy to review it, Mr. Singh. After all, I can only try to imagine what questions they might have for me. Still, there is the possibility that I might consider certain questions to be important and they consider others more important."

"Very well, Ambassador. I see that they have the door open and the couriers are coming in just now." Mr. Singh rushed up to the couriers, who then took the packages back to the bedroom. Once he had gotten the couriers off the plane, Mr. Singh worked quickly to get Tom and Daria back to the bedroom. He returned to the front of the plane and kept looking at his watch.

40.2

Back in the bedroom Daria and Tom looked at the packages sitting on the bed. Everything on the front of the packages was written in Russian. So, rather than trying to translate anything, they simply started opening the packages. Mr. Singh had given them each a pair of scissors.

The first box Tom opened was full of underwear. "Hey Daria!" Tom exclaimed. Maybe I should just put this stuff on and go to the press conference wearing nothing else. We can say it is the Martian uniform for a press conference!"

Daria looked at Tom, gave him half of a frown, and in total deadpan retorted "You're cruisin' for a bruisin' there my underling."

"They don't know what the Martian tradition is for a press conference. We could say it is symbolic of being open and not hiding anything!"

Daria shook her head, "Of course there has never been a press conference on Mars. So, I guess anything could become a tradition. However, a guy in his mid-60's standing there in his underwear is not going to be it! Thus says the ambassador!"

"Well if you insist," Tom stated in a dejected tone of voice.

"I do," Daria stated emphatically. Raising her right hand she went on in her most officious tone, "I'm the ambassador and this I decree." She put her hand down and said in a normal tone, "Now open that box over there. I think it has suits in it."

Tom opened the box saying, "Wow. This is like Christmas!" He pulled out three suits. One was dark blue, one dark blue with pinstripes, and the other was a deep gray. "These are really nice! I can't wait to try them on."

"Just get into the dark blue one," Daria said as she was pulling underwear out of a box. 'Wow, have I really graduated to granny panties?' she thought to herself. Then she too opened her suit box. Inside were three suits: a dark blue suit with knee length skirt, a dark gray suit, and a gray knee length dress with a subtle pattern in the weave accompanied by a blue blazer.

All-in-all it took almost a half hour to get changed. But the new clothes felt good to both Daria and Tom. Tom stepped out of the bedroom first wearing the blue suit, white shirt with french cuffs sporting cufflinks that looked like Mars, and a red and white patterned tie. His shoes were well polished plain black oxfords.

Daria was only a few moments behind Tom. She had to brush out her hair and apply a little makeup and lipstick. Daria couldn't remember the last time she had worn makeup for anything other than a big party. None of the women on Mars used it regularly. Under the jacket of her new blue suit she wore a light white silk sweater. The neckline had a line of red in it. Daria accessorized her ensemble with two strings of Martian pearls. The shoes she was wearing were black pumps. As she stepped out of the bedroom all eyes were on her.

"You look amazing, Daria," Tom said.

"Looking pretty good yourself, Tom. Shall we go meet the press?"

Tom nodded, "Let's go do this!"

Mr. Singh came over and complemented them both on their appearance. Turning, he led them out the door and down the steps. Daria noticed that it was definitely cool outside, though not cold. At the bottom of the stairs there were three men waiting for them.

As they set foot on the tarmac, Mr. Singh said, "Ambassador Sloan, please let me introduce you to Mr. André Sergeivich Molotov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation."

Daria reached over and shook hands with the Foreign Minister. A smile came to her as she felt a burning desire to say something like, 'I will have to try your cocktail sometime!' but of course this was a diplomatic meeting and one could hardly make saracastic comments like that.

"On behalf of my government, welcome to Russia. It is very nice to meet the first ambassador from another world!" Mr. Molotov exclaimed. "I hope your brief stay here in Moscow is a pleasant one. We would love to have you come back and visit us at greater length soon."

"Thank you Mr. Molotov! Certainly on behalf of the people of Mars I wish to thank you for Russia's support and hospitality. I hope that I can soon return. I would love nothing less than to see the fabulous artwork and architecture for which your country is renowned. Over the years I have read many Russian works of literature - in translation, of course. I know that one place I would love to see is Yasnaya Polyana and Tolstoy's house."

Smiling, Mr. Molotov replied, "We will certainly arrange that! I personally am from St. Petersburg and you must see my city as well!"

"Of course," Daria replied.

Mr. Singh seemed to be fidgeting. He introduced Tom quickly and then steered Daria to the other two men. "This is Ivan Yakov. He is the Foreign Ministry Press Secretary. He will be calling on the members of the press for you today, since you are certainly not familiar with the Moscow press corps."

Shaking hands again Daria said simply, "Thank you for your assistance. I certainly do not know the people in the press corps here in Moscow. Or anywhere at the moment."

"I am delighted to assist you Madame Ambassador," The Press Secretary replied.

Mr. Singh, nearly interrupting, stated, "I would also like you to meet Mr. Piotr Ivanov. He is handling security while we are on the ground."

Shaking hands Daria said, "Nice to meet you Mr. Ivanov."

"And you Madame Ambassador. Now I think we need to be going to the press conference. We have moved it inside, because it is a bit cooler outside than we had expected. Come this way please." Mr. Ivanov led the way toward the terminal.

As they walked toward the civil aviation terminal Mr. Ivanov turned and remarked, "Ambassador, I am asking that you and the Foreign Minister stay as close to the planned timetable as possible. In order to host this press conference we have had to suspend departures of private aircraft. The airspace above the airport is closed to all but scheduled flights, so any arriving private aircraft will have to divert to another airport or circle at a suitable distance."

"I will be happy to stay on the timetable," Daria replied.

"Very well," Mr. Ivanov stated as he opened the door for the party.

Daria could clearly see several people who looked like they were there as security. The Press Secretary went first, followed by the Foreign Minister, followed by Daria, and then Tom. Mr. Singh came in last.

As Tom walked into the terminal there were several things that he immediately noticed. First, the customs and immigration station was empty. Second, shades had been pulled over the large windows onto the tarmac. They blocked about 70% of the light and there was no way anyone could see through them. Second, an airport bus had pulled up on the tarmac by the windows. The podium where they were heading was at an angle. There was no direct line of sight to any of the windows, whether looking out to the tarmac or to the road in front of the terminal. The press and cameras had been gathered to stand between the podium and any windows looking to the road. There were also uniformed security officers behind the press area. Clearly, there was no way anyone was going to get the speaker or anyone up front in a rifle scope for an assassination attempt. Furthermore, Tom thought, he would bet that the place had been thoroughly swept for bombs before their arrival. Depending on what the authorities perceived as possible threats there might even be a fighter plane or two circling high above. Were there hidden threats to the Martian Ambassador? He made a mental note to bring this up with Mr. Singh.

The Press Secretary directed the group to their respective chairs behind the podium. Daria noticed that these chairs were actually comfortable!

Then the Press Secretary stood at the podium, adjusted the microphone and began speaking. In Russian he began,"Ladies and gentlemen, today we are privileged to have the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation and his guest Ambassador Daria Sloane of the Republic of Mars with us for a press conference, We are unfortunately limited to only 30 minutes, but at least you are able to be here for the first press conference of the first ambassador from another world." He repeated himself in English. "I give you Mr. Molotov."

The Foreign Minister got up and walked to the podium. He adjusted the height of the microphone and began in Russian, "It is my pleasure to welcome Ambassador Sloane from the Republic of Mars along with Mr. Sloane, Chargé d'Affairs of the Martian Mission to the United Nations. The Russian Federation is proud to support the status of the Republic of Mars as an observer in the General Assembly. Martians are emerging as a unique people group within the greater community of humanity. The Russian Federation seeks to be the friend of all emerging groups in this world and throughout the solar system. We call on all members of the United Nations to join with us in this recognition." At this point he switched to English and announced, "Now please join with me to welcome Ambassador Sloane."

Daria got up, walked the four steps to the podium and shook hands with the Foreign Minister. After he released his grip he went back and sat down in his seat. The Press Secretary got up and stood slightly behind Daria and to her right.

"Thank you for those kind words Minister Molotov," Daria began. "I am humbled to have been asked to be Mars' ambassador to the United Nations - observer status of course. Still, I look forward to working with Earth's community of nations on matters of mutual interest and importance. Now Mr. Yakov will recognize you for asking your questions. I am ready to take those questions."

The crowd of reporters moved forward a bit as they clamored for recognition by the press secretary. The first question posed was, "What do you notice as the biggest change coming from Mars to Earth?"

Daria responded, "This really struck me as soon as I was standing on the steppe in Kazakhstan. I think the biggest change is the air. The first thing I noticed is the smell of the air. Second, I felt almost a bit naked walking around outdoors without a pressure suit. It is refreshing. On Mars we live in habitats and go outdoors in pressure suits. The air is recirculated, filtered, and humidified. It is clean and good to breathe. However, here on Earth you can smell life in the air. Even in our agricultural structures you cannot recreate that unique smell from the diversity of life."

The next question posed was, "What is it like traveling faster than the speed of light?"

Daria pondered a moment on how to answer the question. She stated, "There really is not any different sensation other than about a tenth of a second when passing from sub-light to faster than light speed. It is sort of like things get fuzzy for just that fraction of a second, but then come back into focus." Daria's thought was, 'So far, so good.'

Another reporter asked, "With which nations will you be sharing this faster than light technology?"

'Ah. Here it comes,' Daria thought. "Well, I will be working with all of the nations at the UN. I don't see that sharing the technology with only one nation would be advisable. And indeed that is not my decision, but rather it is up to my government. There is a tradition of 'For All Mankind' in the space community. So, I expect that will be the guiding philosophy."

Yet another reporter burst in without being called on, "When will you share your technology?"

"Really, that is my government's decision as well and not mine," Daria responded. "However, I will be open to discussing arrangements for transporting cargo and if desired people around the solar system. If a country or company can deliver a package or people to low Earth orbit or the space station, then we can pick it or them up and deliver them into orbit most anywhere within the solar system. We can retrieve people or packages as well."

There were several follow-on questions regarding providing this service to countries and companies. Daria was glad they had taken time and rehearsed a few possible questions and answers with Mia before she left Mars! Daria had to be careful. The goal was to get people excited about Martian capabilities without giving away much hard information. The next question was certainly the most difficult.

A reporter asked, "Where did you get your FTL technology? Did you stumble on alien tech you are copying?"

This is probably the question they had rehearsed most. Daria answered calmly, "The conditions and resources on Mars are such that physicists and engineers have been able to follow lines of investigation that simply are not available on Earth. This is the great advantage of human exploration. Much can be done on-site and adapted to the conditions. I am told that there will be a couple of scientific papers published in the next few months regarding faster than light travel. I am neither a physicist nor an engineer, so there is little more that I can really say about it."

The same reporter blurted out without regard to the press secretary, "But how does it work?" Daria could see that most of the other reporters were nodding and grunting approval of the question.

"Again," Daria stated,"I am not a physicist or an engineer. They call it an Alcubierre Drive. From what I am told a kind of bubble is created around the craft and by manipulating the bubble you can move at very high speeds. That is all I can really tell you."

The reporters seemed to accept her answer, because the next question was about the possibility of an interstellar mission.

Daria responded, "Well, first of all we do not have any interstellar missions planned. Second, the speed of light is not as fast as you might think. To get to the nearest star light requires 4 years at the speed of light! One would have to reach around 16 times the speed of light in order to have a 6 month round-trip plus however long spent at the star. I am told there is a considerable amount of development work ahead to reach those speeds."

Several more questions followed, to which Daria was able to provide her absolute best vague answers. She could feel the fatigue setting in from the excitement and concentration needed for the press conference, not to mention just general fatigue from her travel back to Earth. So many things required noticably more effort and energy than they did when she was just a 'kid' of 30! Even 40 for that matter.

Another reporter asked the question, "I heard that your shuttle left the space station without authorization. It has been reported that they hacked the system. Is this true? Why did they do that?"

Daria briefly wondered how that nugget of information had gotten out. Still she answered, "I was in my quarters when the shuttle left the space station. I can't help you with that one."

Foreign Minister Molotov got up and placed his hand on Daria's back. Daria shifted to her left away from him. Leaning toward the microphone he stated, "Please thank the Ambassador for speaking with us today. She has a tight schedule to keep, so this event is concluded."

There was what Daria felt as a crush of humanity as the reporters started crowding the rope separating the dignitaries from the crowd. They were still asking questions. The press secretary and foreign minister ushered Daria and Tom toward the exit to the tarmac. Looking up Daria saw that their plane was already in position and ready to go. SHe had to admire its needle like shape, and delta wings. The lage United Nations emblem on the tail and the registration number clearly identified it as a UN aircraft. It sounded to Daria like the engines had been started and saw that the mobile staircase was pulled up to the entry door.

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs Foreign Minister Molotov turned to Daria and shook her hand as well as Tom's. "Thank you for honoring us by making Moscow your first stop and with your first press conference."

Daria nodded in response, "Thank you for your support for the people of Mars! I hope we will be able to work together in the future." With that she turned and went up the stairs. Tom followed her.

At the top of the stairs the pilot and other members of the crew were waiting for Daria and Tom. It was a complete crew change. A British pilot named Lloyd, an American co-pilot named Gerry, and two Icelandic flight attendants - Ragnar and Hildur.

Mr. Singh was waiting for them just around the corner among the wide seats. "Welcome back onboard! I think that press conference went well. Sit down and buckle in. Once we are at cruising altitude we will have a proper dinner. Mr. Molotov sent some things as a special surprise for you!"

"Wonderful," Daria exclaimed as she dropped into one of the seats. Tom sat next to her and both buckled in. Daria saw Hildur stick her head into the cockpit and say something. Within moments they were moving. Looking out the window Daria saw the airport buildings rushing by. They taxied directly to the runway and took off. 'We must have had priority' was her last thought before dozing off.

40.3

Daria had dozed about a half-hour or so when Tom awakened her for dinner. The flight attendants had set up the conference table as a dining table and Daria could tell it was set in expensive linens, china, crystal, and sterling silver. The Secretary General of the UN certainly traveled in style! It sort of reminded her of some of the dinner parties Tom's late mother had hosted. Daria walked in and chose a spot to sit on the side of the table. Tom sat next to her. Mr. Singh sat across the table.

Mr. Singh began, "Well, Ambassador, Mr. Molotov has sent us some very good things. For a nice appetizer we have caviar, black Russian bread, butter, crackers, and Russian champagne. Dinner will be a traditional Russian cabbage soup called 'Shchi' and then roast Russian boar, fried potatoes, and more champagne. For dessert we will have khvorost - angel wings - since you came from the heavens - and tea. Afterwards we have a fine Armenian cognac."

Daria stared at Mr. Singh for a moment and responded. "You may have to just roll me off of the plane if I have all of that! I am not sure I will be able to stand."

Laughing, Tom turned to Daria and remarked, "I guess you can think of it as making up for the space food on our flight back to Earth, not to mention on the space station."

Turning toward Tom, Daria placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "Tom, you are so good at rationalizing things. Still, it would be rude to not try what Minister Molotov has sent." In total deadpan Daria added, "At least he didn't send his namesake cocktail!" At that both Tom and Mr. Singh nearly laughed themselves out of their seats.

As they sat and sipped their cognac after dinner, Daria thought that to say that the food was fabulous would have been an understatement. She looked at the clock in the cabin. It showed that they had only about an hour left in the 4 hour flight from Moscow to Reykjavik. Turning to Mr. Singh she asked, "So, what is puzzling me a bit is why there was such a crowd of reporters at the press conference in Moscow. Surely the arrival of an ambassador is not that big a deal. Even more so coming from such a small place and only having observer status. I just don't get it. Do you have any insights?"

Mr. Singh picked up his napkin, dabbed his mouth, set it down, and then looked at both Daria and Tom. He started out by saying, "I don't think you have had the opportunity to follow the worldwide press coverage your arrival has been receiving. If it is not the top item on every newscast around the world it is at least second or third and gets 30 seconds to a minute coverage. That is a major story!"

Tom piped up, "I'll agree that it is a major story but I am still puzzled as to why? There have been many people that have returned from Mars upon completion of their contracts. They do not attract crowds of reporters or time on the news."

Mr. Singh nodded, "True. However, they did not capture people's imaginations the way you two have."

"Really?" Daria exclaimed.

"Really. Think about it. The professor and the company owner retire to go to Mars. Neither of you are scientists. The public is used to seeing scientists and engineers coming back who are not necessarily great communicators. Most people simply don't identify with them. You two on the other hand had somewhat glamorous jobs, gave them up, are attractive, successful, and compelling people."

"Professor of English at Lawndale State University is a 'prestigious job?' You have got to be flattering me Mr. Singh. The public should try reading some of the papers my students wrote over the years!" In total deadpan she added, "Some were enough to drive one to utter madness!"

Tom and Mr. Singh laughed out loud at that statement. Mr. Singh continued, "How many English professors were there on Mars? The point - and I will admit that the UN Office of Public Affairs has encouraged this - is that two successful but common people have returned as ambassador and chargé d'affairs for humanity's next great adventure. An adventure that is now truly beginning, since the General Assembly voted to admit Mars as an observer with the hope of future full membership. You are successful people, pioneers, explorers, and now diplomats. It has been a couple of centuries since people have seen someone like that. You have walked on a new world, defended your colony, and now represent it. The fact that you are Americans returning home is not the point. You are Martians coming to bring the dream of a new world, a new life, a new destiny to human beings. That is why all of this fuss. That is why the Secretary General is so concerned about not only you being seen and interacting with the press so soon after your return, but also about your security."

"Please expand on the issue of security," Tom stated.

He and Daria leaned forward in their seats and listened closely.

Mr. Singh steepled his fingers and began, "There are those here on Earth that do not wish you well. We have received death threats. That is nothing new. We receive them against some ambassador or staff member almost every day. The difference here is that the debate about Mars' admission was extremely heated and there was one major world power that was adamant about not allowing Mars a representative. That power was extremely angry when they were outvoted. They have even taken some retaliatory economic actions against some of their allies who voted against their wishes."

Tom said, "I see where you are going with that and I understand you wish to be 'diplomatic.' But let's face it. Some of those allies are deeply in debt to them. It is not hard for them to yank the leash. They expect unswerving loyalty. How dare such a debtor country show independence!"

"Precisely," Mr. Singh responded. "While we don't think that you are in any real danger of assassination, still we are not taking any chances. No state actor will attack this plane. The Russian and Icelandic governments have done an excellent job preparing for your arrival and your departure. You have not seen the effort behind all of this. The General Secretary and I both think that we need to keep up the high security until after you have delivered your first address to the General Assembly. The opening of the next session will come in three week. It is when we have many heads-of-government and heads-of-state show up and make speeches. Madame Ambassador you are on the schedule to speak. I expect a certain amount of theatrics either before or during your speech. However, once that is over I do not see any propaganda value, or for that matter any other value, in harming you or Mr. Sloane."

Leaning back, "Wow," was all that Daria could say.

"I think it best that we all remain aboard the plane while we refuel in Reykjavik. It is late afternoon and there is no event scheduled." Mr. Singh added, "If you would like something from the duty-free shop let me know and they can bring things aboard for you to make a selection."

Tom said, "I have no problem with all of us remaining aboard."

Daria nodded.

As they sat there finishing a second cognac the pilot made the announcement, "Ambassador and other guests would you please go and buckle into your seats. We are on approach to Keflavik airport in Reykjavik, Iceland. Flight attendants please pick up the service items in the cabin."

Everyone made their way to the seats and buckled in. In 5 minutes they had slowed to subsonic speed and in 20 minutes the plane touched down on the runway. The pilot taxied to a spot well away from the main passenger terminal and close to the freight terminal. A pair of fuel trucks drove up and connected to the plane. Tom noticed the military guards and fire equipment. They were discretely positioned so that they were not easily seen from the plane's windows.