Author: Justin
Summary: Mars and Earth race to make the first manned flight to Alpha Centauri.
Distribution: This story may be distributed under a non commercial, share alike, attribtion - creative commons license
Prologue
Buzz “lightyear” Stevensen stared at the controls of his space ship, The Wright-x. Over his headpiece he could hear the people at mission control going over the pre-flight checks and told himself that this was it. He was either going to make one of the greatest flights of his life, or he was going to die in a ball of flames. Either possibility seemed to be pretty good.
“Okay start the ignition system.” The call came from the control room.
Buzz flicked a couple of switches on the control panel and checked the relevant readouts. “Ingnition sequence, go.” He said. He listened impatiently to the countdown. Once it had reached zero he hit the launch button. The grapples that had been holding onto the ship gave way as it's first stage engines started up, moving the ship away from the Einstein space station. He double check everything to make sure it was all functioning properly. As he did so he thought of a third possibility, that the inertial systems would fail and the acceleration would leave him squashed against the rear bulkhead. That wouldn't be as much fun. A green light began blinking and he said, “Charging primary engine.” He pressed the green light and waited. After a few seconds the light came on permanently. “Activating primary engine.” He hit another button and another light came on. Due to the inertial systems he couldn't feel the acceleration, the only indication being the speed gauge rapidly rising. After he had been traveling a minute a red light started to blink, “Okay fuel is almost gone, I'm deactivating the engine.” He hit another button and with the anti-relativistic systems disabled the ship suddenly decelerated to a quarter of it's previous speed. Even with the inertial systems Buzz was thrown forwards, being caught by his restraints. “Okay how fast was that?”
“One moment.” the reply came, “We're just calculating that.” A few moments later they said, “We calculate your speed as one point zero three times the speed of light.” Anything further was drowned out by the cheers that suddenly erupted.
***
Mars News Network
“The news that has everyones attention at the moment is the recent breaking of the light barrier by an Earth ship. With us now we have the secretary for science to discuss the implications of this event.” The news reader turned to his guest, “Now secretary Mars has always prided itself on it's advanced space program but surely this recent news has been a blow to that.”
“Firstly I want to say that this is a great achievement which demonstrates the determination and ingenuity of all humans. Of course I would have liked it to be a Martian who passed this milestone but it is just a milestone on the way to something more important.”
“And that is?”
“Sending the first manned flight to another solar system. I will tell you now that the first such flight will be made by a Mars ship.”
“How can you say that when we are so far away from even breaking the light barrier?”
“Because I have faith in the engineers and technicians of the Mars Space Agency to overcome any problems they might face in order to achieve this goal.”
The news reader turned again, “There you go. Strong words from the secretary of science. We will see in time if he can live up to them.”
Part 1 – The prototype
Chapter One – Recruitment
“Controversy is still growing over the election of the first bioengineered bishop by the episcopal church. Conservative church leaders have warned that this would create a schism that would forever divide the church. However when I spoke to bishop elect Roger Davis he didn't seem too worried by these claims.
'what is your reaction to the controversy over your election? In particular the claims that this will create a schism in the communion?'
'Well it is true that certain conservative members have threatened that but when haven't they? They said exactly the same thing when the first woman bishop was elected then when the first gay bishop was elected. It seems to me that they aren't happy unless they're threatening a schism for some reason.'
'Why do you think is the cause of all this controversy?'
'Well there are people who believe that we bioengineered do not have souls and that we should there not be represented in church. However I believe that this is incorrect and no matter what a persons origins they are still people in God's eyes.'
That was bishop Davis speaking to me earlier.”
***
There were twenty colonies on Mars. Each one was contained within a large transparent dome, small pockets of life on an otherwise barren world. The colony of Taraopia was identical to the other colonies with two exceptions. It contained the headquarters of the Mars Space Agency and it contained one of the five space elevators which had been built on Mars. This one connecting Taraopia to the Anderson space station. Out in the suburbs of the colony Paul Philips was busy doing some maintenance on his car. Paul opened up the bonnet and gave the engine an appreciative look. He was a middle aged man who was just starting to show signs of gray in his hair. Though apart from that he seemed to be very fit. He opened up the engine cover and pulled out the graphite brushes. Putting them on a work bench he began looking for replacements. He looked up as he heard the door to the garage opening. “Hello Alex.” He said as he saw that it was his son.
Alex wondered over and looking at the engine he asked, “What are you doing?”
“Just tuning the car up a bit. I want to see if I can improve the efficiency a bit.” He put the brushes in place then closed the casing. He then started checking the cables.
Alex shuffled about a bit, as if wanting to say something, “Why don't you have a hover car?” He asked finally.
“Because they're a con.” Paul answered bluntly, “There's no advantage to them and they use up a lot more fuel.”
“But all my friends...” Alex stopped and looked outside, “Dad there's a woman here.”
Paul turned to look outside and saw that there was indeed a woman there. She was a quite short woman with short black hair . She looked as though she had tried to dress up smartly but had failed somehow. Normally Paul would have been annoyed by the interruption but there was something about her appearance that suggested she was a fellow engineer. Seeing that they had noticed her she raised her hand in a small wave and said, “Hi. I'm looking for Paul Philips.”
Paul straightened saying, “Then you've found him. And you are?”
“I'm Katherine Goodings. I work with the Mars Space Agency.”
Paul turned to Alex and said, “Why don't you go and find your mother, so I can talk to this lady.”
“Okay Dad.”
When Alex had gone Paul said, “So Ms. Goodings, what can I do for the Mars Space Agency?”
Katherine walked into the garage and said, “I'm sure you've seen the news report about Earth managing to break the light barrier a while back.”
“Yeah I saw that. That was quite a promise from the science secretary. I wonder if he'll resign when we fail.”
Katherine frowned at this answer, “So you've already decided we're going to fail?”
“Well Earth does have a pretty good lead on us, doesn't it?”
“True but I think that we can catch up. Which is why I'm here.”
“Oh yes?” Paul indicated towards the back of the garage, “Why don't you come through to where it's a bit warmer.”
Katherine followed him through to the back of the garage, that seemed to be a cross between an office and a game room. Paul indicated a snooker table and asked, “How about a game of nine ball.”
For a moment Katherine was a little surprised at the offer but deciding it's help break the ice she shrugged and answered, “Sure, why not?”
As Paul started to set the table up he asked, “Do you want a drink or anything?”
Katherine shook her head, “No thanks, I'm good.”
“Okay so how can I help with the great space race?”
“You designed a new style of engine just before you left the space agency.”
“That's right. It was decided that it couldn't be built at the time.” Katherine was surprised to note that there wasn't any trace of bitterness in his voice over this decision. She had heard lots of stories about why Paul had left the space agency and was under the impression that it hadn't been an entirely amiable parting.
“True but engineering techniques have improved since then and your design might be feasible now.”
Paul nodded, then grabbing a couple of cues he asked, “Do you want to break?”
“Your table.” Katherine answered, stepping back and indicating that he should break.
Paul did so then asked, “So what part of the agency do you work for?”
“The advanced research section.” Katherine answered taking her place at the table.
“Ah where you do lots of highly theoretical stuff which might one day be of practical use.”
Katherine shrugged and said, “That's a fair description.” She then potted the first ball.
“Do you know Anne Walker?”
“Uh, she's in charge of my department.” She potted the second ball.
“And you think that my engine will help reach Alpha Centauri.”
“Yes we do.”
“Copying Earth's design would be quicker.”
“For breaking the light barrier maybe but not for reaching AC. To be honest I don't think they'll ever get to the sort of speeds needed to make that trip.”
“True, it most likely won't scale to higher speeds.”
Katherine quickly potted the third and fourth balls then said, “But I think your engine will do, even if it takes a bit longer to get started with.”
“The question is does the MSA agree?”
“Ah, well there are two other possible designs in the running. We would need to prove that your design is the better one. So would you be willing to help?”
Paul stepped back and considered it as Katherine potted the next two balls. Finally he asked, “So why do you just work for the advanced research department? Wouldn't you prefer something more practical?”
“I guess I just enjoy running simulations more than getting my hands dirty.” Katherine shrugged as she potted the seven ball, “I'm not very good with my hands.”
Paul looked at the table, which now just had two balls on it, “You could have fooled me.”
Katherine giggled at this. Seeing the questioning look that Paul was giving her she said, “That's what my wife always says.” Seeing that he still didn't understand she went on, “Um, it's sort of a private joke.” She potted the eight ball then lined herself up for the nine ball before looking up and asking, “So do you think you might be willing to help or am I wasting both our time?” She hit the cue ball into the nine ball which hit the side of the pocket, ricocheted from side to side for a while before stopping in front of the pocket. Katherine stepped back shaking her head and said, “This is why I don't like this game. I always choke on the last ball.”
Paul moved to line up for the shot then said, ”I'll certainly think about your suggestion.” He then potted the ball.
“Okay then, thanks.”
Katherine started to leave but stopped as Paul said, “You know I would have thought that a clever woman like you would have come up to the answer to your nine ball problem.”
“What's that?”
“Pretend that you're playing ten ball.”
Katherine nodded, as she realised what he was getting at, then turned to leave.
***
Later that evening Paul was sitting with his wife, Karen, reading the paper when he suddenly put it down and said, “So The Mars Space Agency want me to help with their attempt to reach Alpha Centauri.”
Karen put aside the play that she was working on and asked, “Do you want to do it?”
“I guess it would be nice to see my engine being put to use.” Paul answered with a thoughtful expression.
Karen knew there were times when Paul had been at a loose end since leaving the agency and she guessed that doing this would help him, “Then you ought to agree.”
“It would mean working with Anne Walker.” Paul countered, knowing that his wife wouldn't like this.
“Ah.” Karen's voice became cold as she said this, she was temped to tell her husband to not do it, but she knew she couldn't do that. “If you really want to do this then I can cope with that.”
Paul nodded then said, “Yeah, I think that I do. Thanks.”
***
Paul arrived at the space agency early the next morning. It seemed to be pretty much the same as he remembered it. A large red stone building that was set in a vaguely pyramid like shape. Going in the sense of de ja vu only increased. The lobby was exactly the same as he remembered. A large open area with chairs set at various points and a reception desk off to one side. The only change was the logo that was painted on the floor. It now showed a space station in orbit round Mars, rather than being a picture of the solar system. The motto written round it was the same though, “To seek, to strive, to find, but never to yield”. walking up to the reception desk he immediately recognised the security guard who was sat there. “Hi David.”
“Hey Paul. It's been a long time.” He stood up to shake Paul's hand, “So what brings you to this neck of the woods?”
“I'm here to see Anne.” Paul explained.
“Do you have an appointment?”
“Not as such no.”
“Oh well if you'll take a seat I'll let her know that you're here.” Paul went to sit down and a few minutes later David called him over and said, “You can go right up.” Before handing him a visitor pass. Paul attached the pass to his jacket and headed to the lifts.
***
Paul found his way to Anne's office easily using the building maps. Judging from the size and location he guessed that she had risen within the organisation since he had left. Anne herself looked the same as he remembered though. A medium sized woman with light brown hair that pulled back in a bun, and who always seemed to have a serious expression on her face.
“Paul.” she said, in what was a perpetually low voice, ”I was surprised to hear that you were here to see me.”
“You were? So you didn't tell, um...” Paul hesitated as he tried to remember the name of the woman who had visited him, “Katherine to come and see me?”
“No.” Anne indicated for Paul to take a seat then looked thoughtful for a moment then said, “I take she did. I'm not surprised as she's been going on about using your engine for the Alpha Centauri flight for some time now. She's been busy setting up simulations in her spare time. You're here so I take it you want to help.”
“Yes, I'll do what ever is needed to get the project going.”
“Good.” Anne smiled, “You know there are two other possible designs?”
“Yes, she mentioned that.”
“Right well we have a month to come up with a presentation that will convince the pointed haired bosses to use your design. If you're willing I'd like to put you in charge of getting the presentation together.”
Paul nodded, “Okay. What sort of staff will I have? I'd like to have Katherine on it.”
“Since it was her idea I'd say that was a given. Actually I'd like you to work with Katherine's team for the presentation.” Paul frowned at this. “I know how you feel about theoretical work but there are some scary smart people in that group and I think you'll need that.”
Paul nodded, knowing that Anne was probably right. “Okay then, can you send me their personnel files?”
“Of course, I'll get it to you by tonight along with your ID.”
“Thanks. Well then I'll get started tomorrow.”
Once Paul had gone Anne began gathering together the files for the group Paul would be working with. She was about to copy them to a data rod when a thought occurred to her. She opened up Katherine's file and finding the section she wanted, she deleted it. As she saved the modified file she said to herself, “What he doesn't know won't hurt him.”
***
Paul spent the evening collecting together and going over the designs he had worked on when he had been working with the Mars Space Agency. When the package arrived from Anne he briefly looked over the files to get an idea of who he would be working with. He noticed that Katherine's IQ was listed as being one hundred and eighty three. He suddenly understood what Anne had meant when she had said the people in Katherine's team were scary smart.
***
The next day Paul was surprised to find that he was feeling a surge of excitement as he drove to the space agency. In fact after parking his car in the Agency car park he had to struggle to not run into the building so he could get started right away. It was only as he entered the reception that Paul realised he had no idea where he should go. He felt a moments panic which calmed as he spotted Katherine waiting for him. Standing Katherine raised her hand in the same waving gesture as she had used the other day, before walking over. Taking Paul's hand and shaking it she said, “Hi, I'm here to show you to our office.”
Paul smiled, “Okay then, lead on.”
As they walked to the lift she said, “I'm glad that you're going to be helping with the project. I mean I've read all the papers that you wrote during your time here.”
“You did?” Paul sounded a bit doubtful about this, “Some of them were quite dull.”
“What? No.” Katherine shook her head, looking a little confused, “They were very interesting.”
“Well if you say so.” Paul said with a shrug.
As the lift reached the right floor Katherine said, “I'm afraid it's a bit of a trek. We're kind of hidden off in outskirts.” She led him through a maze of corridors before saying, “Here we are.” It looked pretty much like any other office. The walls were a pale blue colour and the floor was covered by a thin dark blue carpet. Desks were scattered around it in a haphazard fashion, each with their own computer. She walked to a desk that was covered with printouts and folders, “This is my desk.” She began quickly began shoving the paperwork into various drawers saying, “Uh the agency recently introduced a clear desk policy. I sometimes forget.” Glancing about Paul noticed that Katherine wasn't the only person who forgot. There were only a couple of clear desks and Paul guessed that was because they weren't being used. Turning back to Katherine's desk he saw that with it cleared off he could see a picture of two women. One was Katherine and he guessed that the other, who was standing behind Katherine with her head resting on Katherine's shoulder, was her wife. Turning to Paul she said, “We'll have to sort a desk out for you.”
Paul nodded then, looking around again he said, “There aren't many people here.”
“Oh most of them are normally down in the simulator room at this time.” Katherine explained, “They'll be heading up here soon...” They were interrupted by a loud snoring sound. Going to investigate they found a young man asleep in his chair, his head lolling to one side. “Donald, wake up.” Katherine said. Getting no response she nudged him saying, “Donald!” again.
He woke up with a start, almost falling off of his chair. Seeing who had woken him up he said, “Kathy, you bitch.” Katherine frowned at this, folding her arms across her chest, “Uh..." Donald suddenly looked nervous, "I mean, Katherine, you bitch.”
Katherine lowered her arms, “That's better.”
The man scratched his head, “You know I had a late night.” Suddenly noticing Paul he jumped a little then said, “Uh hello sir, sorry I didn't see you there.”
“Donald, this is Paul Philips he's going to be in charge of getting the presentation ready for the Alpha Centauri flight.”
Donald blushed at this, “Oh, I thought you were the new director.” He turned to Katherine and asked, “So we got the go ahead for that?”
“Yes. I put a note on your desk.”
Donald turned and began going through the papers there. After a few moments he said, “So you did.”
Katherine coughed sharply. When Donald turned to her she said, “What was the memo we received last month?”
Donald stared at her a moment, not understanding. Then as he realised what she was talking about he quickly turned and began clearing his desk.
“So have we got a spare desk for Paul?”
“That one over there.” Donald said, waving with his hand towards one of the clear desks.
“Thanks.”
Katherine lead Paul to the indicated desk. “So I'll be working here.” He said as he sat down and began adjusting the chair.
“Yeah. There are ten people in our group. I'm kind of in charge. Donald over there is in charge of keeping everything running for us. He normally has to do his work quite late so don't be surprised if you find him asleep.”
“Okay, I won't.” Paul remembered how when he had worked here he had often worked through the night, then slept for most of the next day. He only hoped that the chairs were more comfortable now than they had been back then.
“I'll introduced you to the others when they get back.”
“Sure. I've had a quick look at your files.” Paul turned his computer on and said, “Anne said you'd been running simulations of my engine. Maybe you could take me through them.”
“Sure.” She went to grab a chair and brought it over.
***
After Paul and had been working for about an hour, the sound of Donald sleeping in the background, the other members of the team started to arrive in dribs and drabs. Most of them went to their desks but one of them, a young dark haired woman, came over and said, “Hey Katherine, where were you?”
“I was just showing Paul here around. Paul this is Megan, she's the resources manager.”
Megan gave Paul a dark look, “Oh yeah, I hear you're going to take over designing the engine for the AC flight.”
“Well that's the plan.” Paul said, wondering what he'd done to upset this woman so quickly.
“Whatever.” Megan turned to Katherine and said, “I've been able to talk the requisitions people into giving us a couple of new nodes for our server cluster.”
“Great, how did you manage that?”
“Now you know that's a trade secret.” Megan said, with a broad grin. “Well I've got to fill out a couple of order forms.”
“Um was it me, or did it seem that Megan doesn't like me?” Paul asked once she had gone.
“I didn't really notice. I wouldn't worry about Megan's probably just in a bad mood about something.” Katherine answered. Standing up she said, “Come on, it's time to do the whole first day at school thing.”
“Huh?” Paul said.
Katherine walked to the front of the room, which was dominated by a large computer screen. “Hey Everyone!” Katherine shouted. When she saw that she had everyones attention she went on, pointing at Paul, “This is Paul Philips.”
“Uh, hi.” Paul said as everyone turned towards him.
Katherine went on, “He'll be in charge of getting together the presentation to convince the pointy haired bosses to let us design their AC ship. Since he came up with the design for the engine he should be able to help a lot.”
“So we're being allowed to go through with that then?” A voice asked from somewhere near the back of the room.
“Yes, I left notes on everyones desks.”
As everyone turned to him Paul said, “Right, hello everyone. I understand that we have a month to get everything together. What do you know about the engine?”
For a while there was no answer.
“Uh, I take it not much.” Paul guessed.
“All we know is that Katherine's had a stick up her butt about ever since she heard about the whole Alpha Centauri thing.” Megan answered.
Paul glanced at her uncertainly. He was still getting the impression that he had somehow upset her. He thought about it a moment wondering if they had met before and he had forgotten. Finally giving up on the problem Paul turned back to the group and said, “Right. Well then I guess we should get started on it.”
TBC
"VOOM"?!? Mate, this bird wouldn't "voom" if you put four million volts through it! 'E's bleedin' demised! - The Parrot Sketch
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I'm glad you're liking the repartee between Sandra and Katherine.
