[At the Phobos Center of the MMRDT.]
"It's breathtaking, isn't it?" Hosni remarked to me as I stared out the team quarter window at the vast red planet.
"Absolutely. Every planet has its own unique beauty," I replied.
"Jake, you mentioned you were born on the moon. How did that happen? Don't they give maternity leave?" Hosni inquired.
"They do," I responded with a sigh, "but it was 2088, arguably the darkest year of the 21st century."I could see in Hosni's eyes that he knew exactly what I was referring to.
In the tumultuous period of 2088, the grand ambitions of humanity's space exploration faced a severe setback. The continuity of the space program was brutally interrupted due to orchestrated terrorist attacks on several prominent launchpads and space research facilities. A radical faction vehemently opposed space exploration, believing it to be an affront to their core belief that humans were destined to remain on Earth and not venture beyond.
Their methods were ruthless. Several of their members, armed with explosives, infiltrated these launchpads and detonated themselves. The shockwaves from these explosions not only shattered the infrastructure but also sent tremors through the space community. Disturbingly, some of these zealots even managed to board flights, causing catastrophic mid-air explosions. These attacks amounted to astronomical financial losses, running into billions. But the more profound loss was human - many skilled astronauts, engineers, and innocent bystanders lost their lives in this chaos.
The International Federation of Space Research, recognizing the dire threat to human life and the future of space exploration, took a hard decision. They decreed a halt to all space missions, determining that the safety of their personnel was paramount. This hiatus was not brief; it persisted for a grueling seven months while international security forces relentlessly pursued these terrorists.
As these events unfolded on Earth, many astronauts and scientists found themselves stranded in space stations or bases beyond our planet. Among them was my mother, who was stationed at a lunar base. Due to the unexpected and prolonged suspension of space missions, she was left with no option but to remain on the Moon during the late stages of her pregnancy. This extraordinary circumstance led to my birth on that very lunar base, making me a unique child of two worlds.
[Attention Team 21B, kindly gather in the Sector 2 cafeteria.]
Within minutes, we had all convened in the cafeteria. Soon after, a woman adorned in a lengthy formal coat, embellished with various badges, stepped forward to greet us.
"Welcome, everyone. Firstly, I genuinely hope that your journey to this facility was free of any significant challenges or inconveniences. My name is Farah Hussain, and I've been entrusted with the esteemed position of the leading officer for MMRDT. The main purpose of this assembly is to provide you with a comprehensive briefing regarding the mission and the subsequent steps, leading up to your departure for our pioneering base on Mars.
I operate under the assumption that each one of you, by now, is fully acquainted with the specific roles you are set to undertake once on Mars. Furthermore, I believe you recognize the gravity of the responsibilities that come attached to those roles. The stakes are high, and each of you has been handpicked for this assignment due to your exceptional skills and dedication.
In a mere two hours from this moment, you will be presented with detailed reports meticulously prepared by team 21A. These documents are pivotal, offering crucial insights and guidelines for our mission. Subsequent to your review, it's imperative for all attendees to undergo a medical evaluation. This is a standard procedure to ensure everyone's health and readiness for the journey. Upon clearance, the next phase of our plan will be set into motion, marking your immediate departure to the Mars base.
Your arrival on Mars is just the beginning of this monumental venture. Another series of medical evaluations will greet you. Only after a second round of clearance will you be formally received by the station's commanding officer. This officer will subsequently provide a more detailed orientation, outlining the intricacies of our Mars operations and what's expected from each one of you.
I hope I've articulated everything clearly," Farah stated, the synthesized resonance of her artificial voice box lending an unusual timbre to her words.
The gathered individuals responded in silent affirmation, nodding their understanding.
Farah continued, "Since we find ourselves in this cafe, please consider yourselves at liberty to indulge in any refreshments or sustenance you might fancy. It's on the house, and a small token of appreciation for the tremendous journey you're all about to undertake."
Two hours seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. As the time ticked away, we were handed the much-anticipated project reports. I hesitated for a moment, pondering whether to delve into the details or not. However, the cynic in me decided against it. From the whispers and rumors I had heard, these reports were likely just extensive analyses on Martian rocks. It wasn't that I underplayed the importance of such studies, but at that moment, I was filled with a mix of anxiety and exhilaration for the journey ahead. Drowning in data about rocks seemed trivial in comparison.
Next on the agenda was a series of health evaluations. The medical team moved with a proficiency that only comes with routine, their actions almost choreographed. We were poked, prodded, and questioned. Surprisingly, the entire procedure was less intrusive than I had anticipated, and soon, we found ourselves on the cusp of embarking on the most significant journey of our lives.
As I stepped onto the Aurora, I couldn't help but be awestruck. She was a magnificent vessel, sleek and gleaming under the artificial lights of the launch bay. Her design spoke of advancements in technology that I could barely comprehend. She was the epitome of human innovation, a beacon of hope and promise.
The weight of the moment settled in as I took my seat. This wasn't just a journey to another base; it was a leap into the unknown, a testament to human perseverance. Our destination wasn't just a distant base on a red planet; it was a symbol of our endless pursuit of knowledge and our insatiable curiosity. As the Aurora's engines began to hum, readying for departure, I took one last look at Earth knowing the adventure was truly about to begin.
With a soft lurch, the Aurora began her voyage, carrying with her not just a team of professionals but the hopes and dreams of all humankind.