Breaking Interstellar: Android Lives Matter Read online

  Chapter Five: Copernicus Hall

  Shirley meets the doctor at the top of the stage steps, giving him a steady arm as he descends. “You knocked em dead gramps; those new vitamins are working their charm.”

  “Watch who you’re calling gramps, you young whipper-snapper.” The spry doctor scolds jokingly, before agreeing with his lovely assistant. “Yes, Shirley my dear, I think I like those supernova-powered vitamins you started me on. They seem to be putting a little pizzazz back in my razzmatazz.” He jokes, sending a devious grin and wink. “Now let’s try to not get run over during the stampede to the dining hall.” He challenges as they turn to go.

  “After you Max.” She extends her arm towards the auditorium exit, adding. “Whipper snapper? I think I like the sound of that.... If it were only still true.” She adds, longingly.

  Max turns to her. “My dear, you will always be a young whipper-snapper at heart.” Patting her lovingly on her face. Kara and Braxton join them on the walk to Copernicus hall and with Shirley on one arm, and Kara on the other, the good doctor feels like a trillion-dollars as he enters the hall with a beautiful woman on each arm.

  Max gives a heartfelt sigh after sitting at the table. “You know, it never felt so good to take the weight off!” He expresses, exhaustedly. “I think I might finally be getting old, or something. That extra little addition to my speech, taxed my legs plenty. But, the audience seemed to enjoy my responses to those poignant questions, so it’s worth the price. Say! We might have to put Eddie on the payroll so he can liven up the next function too!” He jokes, with a heartfelt laugh, and then quickly adds. “Just kidding, just kidding.”

  “Shirley, please make a note to ask Bob to find out who that bearded lad is, and how he got in. I hope he’s not associated with any of those factions that are working against us.” Trepidation, fills his tone. “With four heavy-lifters almost ready to launch, it really makes me nervous to know a protester can get past our security. Now, I’m beginning to wonder who else can do the same.”

  As Shirley reaches for her data pad, she notices a familiar face moving in their direction through the crowded hall. “You seem to have perfect timing doctor. Look who’s walking this way.”

  Turning his head, the doctor sees Bob Thompson approaching. “Good evening once again, doctor.” Bob greets, taking off his cap. “And to you too, Miss Blackstone.” He nods a greeting in the direction of Kara and Braxton, before continuing. “I want to apologize for the rude interruption by that young man during your speech doctor. I take full responsibility for the incident. Apparently, there was a glitch during the vetting process of our guests. Or more accurately, the guests of our vetted guests. His name was not on the admittance list, and so should never have been allowed entry without further investigation.” Bob explains apologetically, hoping the axe doesn’t fall too hard.

  “Hello once again Mr. Thompson, and thank you for addressing the subject so soon. We were just discussing it. Who is that lanky, bearded lad?” The doctor inquires.

  “Well sir, he’s the 20-year-old son of a Mr. Magnus Teach, out of Boston. Mr. Teach you may recall, is the CEO of Lunar Hydro Solutions. He is currently off-planet, and Mrs. Teach brought her son to the event, as they are in Albuquerque anyway for another symposium. Apparently, she didn’t want to leave him alone at the hotel.” Bob reports, adding. “I spoke with her five minutes ago, and she’s quite beside herself with embarrassment, as you can imagine. In fact, she was so distraught, that she left with her son, instead of facing everyone at the dinner. She assured me that he’s just going through an argumentative phase, and that he is not, as far as she can determine, involved with any anarchist groups.” Bob, reports dutifully.

  “Well, that’s a relief, Mr. Thompson!” Max exclaims. “The poor lady. I wish she didn’t leave. It’s only natural for a youth to question authority, and not know how to do it diplomatically. I guess when I was his age, I questioned everything too. In fact, I’m quite certain I put more than a few gray hairs on my poor mother’s head! I suppose we all did.” He has a nice chuckle, adding. “There’s no need to file a report about it Mr. Thompson.” The doctor graciously lets Bob off the hook. besides, he dislikes unnecessary paperwork anyway. He knows Magnus Teach on a professional level, and doesn’t want to put a strain on that relationship. He is fully aware of the tremendous contributions and sacrifices that the man has selflessly afforded the mission to the stars. Much of it away from family, and Earth.

  “Yes sir…. Thank you, sir.” Bob says, nervously fidgeting with his cap. “I hope you and Miss Blackstone have a nice evening. I’ll go see if Carter needs assistance preparing the helicopter.” Then turning to Kara and Braxton. “Good evening to you folks also.” Putting his cap back on, he turns to leave.

  “Thank you, Mr. Thompson,” the doctor replies, as his Chief of Security makes an exit.

  Soon, after Bob had departed, waiters and waitresses begin scurrying about the hall, delivering food and refreshments to all the tables. Shirley leans over to the doctor, pointing to the side of her head. “Do you see that, doctor?”

  Squinting, and moving in for a closer inspection, the doctor exclaims. “My, my, Miss Blackstone! Is that a new gray hair I see?”

  With a quirky smile, Shirley responds. “Well my good fellow, it’s not just your mother whom you give gray hairs!” They all laugh until it almost hurts. Shirley reaches, putting her hand over the doctors in an affectionate way, squeezing gently. After they regain some composure, Kara comments to the doctor how tactfully he handled the ‘God’ question from young Eddie Teach.

  “Yes, well thank you, my dear. It has always been my intention to never exclude God as a plausible variable in the human psyche. After all, when trying to bring the world together for such a gargantuan challenge, one must never alienate people due to their faith, or belief system. Folks simply won’t stand for it, so why add another layer of difficulty to achieving my goal? Besides, which belief system would I besmirch first? There are so many different ones!” He states the sad truth about humanity’s obsession with superstitions. “As for myself, proving or disproving the existence of God, is like hypothesizing a theory for one thing or another, without any mathematics or other hard-proof to back it up. Then declaring that theory to be factual, simply because I have faith that it is so. There is just no possible way to prove, or disprove, the existence of any God. It takes blind faith to believe; and the loftiest heights of arrogance, for non-belief. So, I say live and let live.” He changes the subject. “Now tell me, my dear, how are all the others doing these days? I trust everyone is keeping busy and staying health?”

  Kara’s face brightens. “Everyone is doing great, Max! They’re all keeping very busy.” She informs, adding. “The business is booming, and in two months, we’ll all be retiring once again.” She states enthusiastically, as she softly hits Braxton on the upper arm with her fist. “We’re turning the entire operation over to long-time employees, and then relaxing on the side-lines as the money just roles in. I’m no spring chicken anymore, and Brax here,” she reaches, ruffling his graying hair, “well, let’s just say he’s earned the right to spool down some too. Smell the roses, so to speak.”

  “I’ll spool you down some, young lady.” Braxton says laughingly, as he pushes his still thick hair back into place. Then, addressing the doctor, he continues. “Don’t let her fool you Max. She’s still a spring chicken, with more than a hint of jumping-bean, thrown in to boot!” They all have a good laugh, and he continues. “As for the others, everyone plans to stay in Belize. It’s an awesome place, and most of them have children and grandchildren in the area.” He informs, adding. “Cooper has a new grandson as of last month, and Toby keeps busy with her two granddaughters. Ling has one adult daughter that’s getting married soon, and Adam is still engaged to a wonderful woman. Jax hasn’t pulled the trigger yet, and probably never will. He enjoys playing the field, but I’m sure he’ll settle down, when he grows up.”

  Kara grabs the conversa
tion once again. “Last, but not least, is Harper. Well.... poor old Harper just got twenty stitches in his forehead. Yep, it seems the poor fellow clunked his head on a rock when he fell out of his kayak on the Belize River last week. They say he bled like a stuck pig, and cried without shame. But actually, he’s lucky to have survived.” She has trouble holding back a grin, wondering how Harper’s head seems to be an injury magnet. “He would have been dearly missed had he died, especially by his lovely wife and son.”

  With genuine concern, the doctor responds. “Well that poor fellow! I hope he recovers quickly. I’m so glad to hear the others are doing well. They’re all good people.” Leaning in closer, he says in a lowered voice. “Now keep this under your hats, but we may be in a position to come down and visit all of you soon. My plans are maturing rapidly, and after the launches, I’ll be free to drag Miss Blackstone all over the planet.” He offers Shirley a nice wink.

  With an infectious smile, Shirley gracefully winks back at the smiling doctor, knowing they’ll have a splendid time together during retirement.

  Kara and Braxton are visibly shocked. Few people truly know just how close Max’s plans of the last 50-years are coming along. They both know that he could mean within a year or two, but the way he said it, made it sound much sooner. They know better than to press for more accurate information. Just knowing that it’s probably going to occur within the doctor’s lifetime, is good enough for them.

  Kara, exclaims quietly. “Oh my god, Max! That’s incredible!” She turns to Shirley. “Now, keep him busy after the pressure is off, Shirley. Don’t let him decompress too fast. And that goes for you too. Retirement is awesome, but you have to slow down at a decreasing rate; not all at once. Brax and I found that out 35-years-ago, before starting Blue Hole Delight.” She gives Shirley her best advice for a successful and happy retirement.

  Braxton leans in. “Well done, Max! I always had faith that you’d pull this thing off. But I don’t for the life of me, know how you managed to stay sane through it all. After the launches, the 800-pound-gorilla will be off your back, and you can focus on the more pleasurable things in life. Well done!” He repeats as he reaches, patting the good doctor on the shoulder.

  As the dinner progresses, Kara asks Dr. Max how Nyla and Wil are doing. They’re the youngsters that the doctor had mentioned in his speech, as being his son and daughter (without mentioning that they are not his biological children). They both started at Sohn Space Systems at roughly the same time, seven years prior, and the doctor had become emotionally attached to them over the years. Eventually adopting them figuratively, into his tiny circle of close-knit friends. The doctor truly enjoys the energy that seems to radiate from the young scientists. He often says that they are the children he could never have, and the screwball researchers he can’t do without. And at other times, saying that they are ‘jacks of all trades, and masters of some’.”

  “Oh, they’re doing fine, I guess,” he relates with a sad voice. “They’re floating around up there someplace.” He points his finger upward. “They’ve been in orbit for two months now at the space station. I expect they should be about ready to come back soon.” Turning to Shirley, he asks. “Would you please be a dear, and see if they sent a video today? Thank you, dear heart.”

  Picking up her data pad, Shirley scrolls through recent communications and sees a video from Nyla that came in while the doctor was giving his speech. “Yes doctor, one video from Nyla, is here for your viewing pleasure.” She reports with flair.

  Before she can hand him the data pad, a tall man approaches their table. “Please excuse the interruption, Doctor Sohn. My name is Jacob Sawyer. Doctor Jacob Sawyer. I am the director of the Applied Quantum Physics Department at the Grand Ledge Institute of Science, in Michigan. May I take a few moments of your time?” He asks, while nodding a greeting to all at the table.

  “Oh my yes, Doctor Sawyer! Anytime! In fact, I’m familiar with the work you folks are doing up there in Michigan.” He relates some information that surprises his guest. “If I’m not mistaken, your team is investigating the relationship of how Hydrogen Wave Functions, interact with the magnetic confinement field that’s produced by the superconductor of a fusion rocket engine.” The doctor is at times, a plethora of general information, that spans the wide spectrum of study that is his life’s work.

  “Why yes, that’s correct Doctor. And may I say, I’m very impressed with the current research that’s been coming out of your laboratories on that very subject. In fact, that brings me to the crux of why I’m here tonight. I wanted to speak with you personally, and ask if there is any way our two teams can collaborate on the perplexing issue of how the boundary-layer between the hydrogen-plasma and the magnetic confinement vessel, interact. A breakthrough in this area would mean rocket engines that will theoretically last indefinitely. Provided they receive the proper fuel and energy, of course.” He informs, while at the same time, hoping the doctor would forgive him for not fielding such a technical query through more appropriate channels.

  “Well, it certainly would be a shame if we couldn’t compare notes, doctor. Solving that engine problem would surely increase the chances for a successful interstellar transit.” Doctor Max admits, continuing. “Yes, yes indeed it would. In fact, I believe I heard that we may have recently made some significant headway in that direction. I’ll have Doctor Diaz, who heads that department get in touch with you soon. We certainly could use engines that don’t require any down time over extended periods of operation.”

  “Thank you, doctor. That’s good to hear. I’ll look forward to hearing from Doctor Diaz. I also wish to add, that I thoroughly enjoyed your speech, and hope that you and your friends have a nice evening.” Then looking towards the others. “Good night folks, and thank you for letting me interrupt your evening.”

  Shirley looks up from her data pad. “Thank you Doctor Sawyer. I’m making a note of it now, so there won’t be any delay. Have a nice evening, and a safe flight back to Grand Ledge.”

  The rest of the evening passes pleasantly enough. A few more questions come the doctor’s way, and many who just stroll past their table, paying respects and thanking the doctor for such an interesting evening. Some complementing the doctors work, especially that incredible mechanical man.

  After a respectable amount of time, and after the last visitor to their table had departed, the doctor and his friends make their way outside. There, they find the night air somewhat cooler than when they had arrived. That fresh-cut grass smell, still wafting in the breeze. The doctor tries unsuccessfully to lead the group in a bee-line for the helicopter, but Shirley snags his arm. “This way young man.” She steers him onto a different path that after a fashion, still takes them to the helicopter. “It’s not past your bedtime yet, so let’s stop and smell the roses. It’ll do us good. Right guys?” She asks of their good friends from Belize.

  “Just lead the way Shirley, and we’ll try to keep up.” Kara, smilingly accepts the invitation. Braxton and Kara like the idea of walking with them to the machine. They’re heading back to Belize in the morning and enjoy spending as much time with the doctor and Shirley as possible.

  Their path is illuminated by old-fashion-looking street lamps, as they meander past several beautifully inspired gardens. Shirley holds max’s arm, as they walk. “Can you smell those fine roses, Max? You know, we won’t have this opportunity out there at dusty old Higgs-Boson. Not that I’m complaining mind you. It’s just a simple fact.”

  “I know dear heart, I know. It’s about the most inhospitable place on the planet. You know, I’ll never be able to fully repay you for spending so many years of your life, pent up there. I honestly don’t know what my life would have been like these past twenty-years, without you.” He intimates, while poking at a flower with his cane, feeling a bit awkward.

  “Oh pish posh, Max!” Shirley retorts heartfeltidly. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. And do you want to know something else? It’s healthy to feel sorr
y for oneself every now and then. I think it’s a defense mechanism, or something like that. It motivates a person to either improve, or change the status quo in their lives.... or not.” She theorizes, adding. “Besides, soon you won’t need to live at the airfield. After the launches, you’ll be free to move your base of operations anywhere your heart desires!” She fans her hand across the landscape. “I’ll just assist you, wherever that may be! Someplace green perhaps? Maybe there could even be a few gardens like these. Aren’t they just wonderful, Max?” She asks, wondrously.

  “My dear…. You sure know when to take a path less traveled. And yes, they are wonderful. I think my blood pressure is dropping a few points!” He chuckles. “And do you know something else? Most, if not all of these flower species will be traveling great distances very soon. Isn’t it exciting to see light at the end of a long tunnel? Soon all will be in place for the beginning of a wonderful new day for humanity.” He says proudly, as Shirley has stopped along the path, seemingly pre-occupied.

  She leans over, taking a particularly beautiful flower into her hand, inhaling the aroma. Then she looks up at the doctor, saying innocently. “I’m sorry Max; I wasn’t listening there for a moment. Did you say something?” She jokes, deviously.

  “Oh you!” Max exclaims loudly.

  With a belly laugh to be proud of, Shirley nearly embarrasses herself. “Got you!” She exclaims, and then reminds him. “Don’t forget Max, I helped pick many of the flower species going on this little trip of yours. And while I haven’t been at it nearly as long as you or our good friends here, it actually is nice to see that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. May it shine on our path to retirement.” She finishes wishfully, adding. “It’s hard to imagine that everything is coming together so gracefully. It’s a good omen for sure…. If one is superstitious, that is.”

  They walk quietly for several minutes. Each, pondering the beauty of the gardens. Soon they make a loop back toward the waiting transport. They see it silhouetted against the greenery ahead. A powerful machine, squatting heavily on its landing gear, just waiting to tear up the night sky once again.

  As they approach, several people come out from a staging area, preparing the big bird for departure. Two of them are Carter, and his human co-pilot, Tina Feldman.

  “Hello doctor, hello Miss Blackstone.” The android pilot greets. “She’s ready, whenever you two get situated.” Then nodding towards Kara and Braxton. “Hello folks, how are you this fine evening?”

  Doctor Max interjects. “Carter, Tina…. I want you to meet two dear friends of mine. Mrs. Kara Crane, and Mr. Braxton Crane.”

  Greetings all around. Braxton asks of Carter while gazing at the beautiful aircraft. “Damn fine looking machine you have here, Carter? How many horses under the hood?”

  “On a cold dry day, a hair over 9000, out of robust twin-turbofan engines. She’s bulky, but can get up and dance if needed.” He announces proudly, with a slight chuckle.

  With a whistle of appreciation, Braxton responds. “That’s sure plenty of power; enough to get my two friends home quickly and safely, I imagine.” Then sensing that the doctor is tiring from standing around, he cuts it short. “Well, I hope you both have a good flight. It’s been very nice to meet you Carter.” Turning towards Tina. “It’s nice to meet you too, Miss Feldman. Perhaps next time we meet, we’ll have more time. Have a nice flight back to Higgs.”

  Tina’s face brightens with a big smile. “Yes, maybe we can get together in Belize after the launches.” She suggests, longingly.

  Braxton replies, graciously. “Kara and I would love to have you visit; and maybe you won’t want to leave! It’s an intoxicating place.” He relates jokingly, adding. “And, bring Carter with.” Then, turning back to their hosts. “Well you two, I hope to see you both again, real soon. It’s been an awesome evening.” He shakes the good doctors hand, as he and Shirley say goodbye.

  “Yes, it’s been wonderful!” Kara moves in, giving hugs and a kiss to each. “Now don’t be strangers. I’ll be waiting to hear from you shortly after those heavy-lifters rip up the sky. In fact, with some advanced-notice, we’ll fly up for the launches, and bring the rest of the motley crew with! It’ll be a fun reunion!”

  The doctor offers to fly them to the Albuquerque airport, but is kindly turned down. Kara and Braxton aren’t going back to Belize until the next morning, and their hotel is not very far away; a taxi will do the trick. They head back toward the building, and a second retirement.

  At the helicopter, Carter opens the entrance door, and stairs automatically unfold. Cool air-conditioned air from the machines interior, flows like a wonderful breeze out the door; enveloping the four individuals standing there. “Ooooooo,” from Shirley’s lips, “aaaahhh,” from the doctors. “Where would we be without our creature comforts, eh folks?” The doctor says, with amazement.

  Carter offers his hand as an assist to Shirley. “Why, thank you kind sir.” she accepts graciously, taking his hand and disappearing into the lighted interior.

  Just as she seems to be out of earshot, Carter says quietly. “You know doctor; it wasn’t my intention to let that man get under my circuits.” He says, referring to the man he had insulted. “I sure hope I didn’t upset the apple cart, as it were.”

  “Oh fiddle-faddle! We both know he was going to keep punking you until he got a rise. I think you handled the situation with perfectly applied tactfulness. You shouldn’t concern yourself another moment about it my boy; not another moment.”

  The doctor takes Carters pro-offered forearm, ascending into the aircraft. Then, making his way back through the opulently appointed cabin, he takes a seat next to Shirley. He immediately reclines the lazy-boy-style leather seat, and can’t help letting out a long breath of air, as the nirvana of the moment grips him good.

  Shirley reaches over, patting his arm. “It does feel good to take the weight off and kick back.” She admits, while kicking off her shoes and reclining her own seat, as she continues. “You just close those eyes and relax, Max. I’ll wake you when we reach cruise, and show you the video from Nyla.”

  “Yes, yes, my dear; that’ll be fine. Thank you.” The doctor closes his eyes, and quickly drifts off to sleep.

  Carter and Tina enter the helicopter, and close the door behind them. “Will you folks need anything before we leave?” Carter asks quietly.

  “No, thank you Carter, we’ll be just fine.” Shirley Replies softly, as she relaxes and reflects on the day’s events, and what tomorrow may bring.

  On the flight deck; Carter and Tina put on head-sets, and reach for the pre-flight checklists. Tina, reads off critical items that need to be performed before the aircraft can safely depart. Carter responds by making sure each item is accurately performed. It’s a ‘challenge and response’ system that works quiet well to help ensure a safe flight.

  “Navigation lights, and beacons; ‘on’. Tina instructs. And after Carter turns the lights on, he reports; “navs and beacons; on”.

  “Fuel boost-pumps; ‘on’.” she instructs, and Carter depresses the necessary push-buttons; “fuel pumps; on”, he informs.

  “Ignition re-light; ‘automatic’.” Tina continues reading the checklist, and Carter dutifully obeys the orders. Even though he’s pilot in command of the aircraft, he submits to these directives from his lovely first officer. “Ignition re-light set to auto”, he complies without injury to his pride. The check-list continues as they go through the required safety protocols.

  The guide-person outside of the helicopter waits patiently for this process to be completed. Finally, a flash from the taxi lights indicates they’re now ready to start the engines. The guide person raises an illuminated wand over her head, twirling it in a circular motion as authorization to spool the large machine.

  Carter reaches up, turns a start-selector switch to the desired engine he wishes to start, and pushes the start button next to it. This action initiates a series of automatic events that cause the engine compressors and t
urbines to begin rotating. All the lights inside the helicopter dim noticeably, as almost all available electrical-current is directed into the ravenously hungry, electric starter/generator motor.

  Once the electric motor spools the powerful engine to a targeted RPM, fuel is automatically injected into the combustion chamber, while igniters that protrude into the chamber do their thing. With an audible thud, the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber detonates with a tiny explosion, as a controlled fire is formed inside the engine.

  Then things get interesting for the android, because soon after the flight-idle threshold is achieved on that engine, the machine has noticeably come back to life. Electric generators come online, and the engine stabilizes when all required operating parameters are met. After he repeats this process for the other engine, the powerful machine quickly becomes a force to be reckoned with. Like a sleeping, ill-tempered monster that has just been rudely awakened, this machine is telling the pilots in a noisy and vibrational way, that they had better be on their toes, or suffer the wrath of total destruction.

  The RPM of the large main-rotor assembly stabilizes as its blades maintain a low pitch, or flight-idle configuration. This gives Carter time to re-check the hydraulic system pressure gages, and once again make sure that the parking brake is set on the main wheels. He gives a hand signal to the guide-person, indicating that he’s now ready for the wheel chocks to be removed.

  Phantom-like figures cautiously move in under the rapidly-rotating mass, and quickly collect two sets of chocks from the main landing-gear wheels, making a stealthy escape back into the darkness. The guide-person signals that Carter can depart, as soon as he’s ready. Carter signals acknowledgement, and gives a short salute in thanks for their help. He then returns his full attention to operating his flying steed that requires the utmost care and a loving touch.

  “Ready whenever you are Tina,” He indicates her turn for action.

  “Sounds good, Captain Carter; I’ll call air-traffic control.” Pushing a button on her control stick, Tina keys the radio, contacting local ATC, requesting permission for departure. The flight plan had already been filed and approved, so all they needed now was the direction, altitude, and speed for which they would leave Albuquerque airspace.

  With all required conditions met, Carter releases the parking brake, and applies just enough collective for the big blades to move slightly from flight-idle position; increasing their bite and angle-of-attack on the surrounding air. This allows Bernoulli’s principle to create lift on the spinning airfoils, causing the 33,000-pound-aircraft to hover just inches off the ground.

  Using the foot-pedals, he reigns-in any unwanted yawing of the helicopter by use of a gyroscopic-style tail-stabilizer system. After several moments, and not noticing any unusual vibrations, he’s satisfied that the big machine seems to be operating normally. He adds more collective and power into the main rotor assembly, and with a thunderous staccato of tortured air molecules, the grand machine slowly climbs into the night sky. Carter manipulates the flight controls in just the right fashion for a smooth accent into the dark heavens.

  Climbing to cruise altitude, he heads the aircraft south by southwest, increasing airspeed to 200-mph. Looking over at his co-pilot, he asks. “How long until we reach Higgs-Field, Tina?” He already knows the answer, more or less, but uses the opportunity just to speak with her.

  Tina calculates and reports. “Approximately one and a half hours at this speed, captain.”

  “Well now, that gives us some time.... Why don’t you take the controls for an hour. I’m sure you can use the flight time.” He offers graciously. “I’ll sign your log book, after we arrive.”

  Tina’s already bright face, glows even brighter, as she happily takes control of the aircraft. “Thanks, Carter!.... Don’t mind if I do.” She accepts with a laugh and mischievous grin. She delights in its tremendous power, the intoxicating effect it has on her ego. Taking a few moments to analyze the necessary operating parameters of the machine, she settles in for her time at the controls. Even though this phase of the flight is not very challenging for her, she welcomes any chance to gain even one more flight hour under her belt.

  Satisfied that all seems to be running smoothly, she works up the courage to engage Carter in some conversation. “Carter, can I ask you a personal question?”

  “Shoot.” He says enthusiastically.

  “Do you ever wish that you were designed with a different physical shape than the human form?”

  Carter, contemplates a moment. “I guess that I’ve never really thought about it much, Tina. This shape is all I’ve ever known, and it seems to be very efficient in its mobility and dexterity.” He says like a dolt, then spontaneously expands on her question. “Oh, I suppose that from time to time I wonder how it might be to have wings like a bird, and be relatively free from gravity. But here we are tonight, flying along reasonably well with our own set of wings, and defying gravity quite well, I might add. They’re artificial wings to be sure, but they get the job done just the same. Besides, I probably weigh too much for my own set of wings,” he rambles with a laugh. “Did you know that I tip the scales at 275-pounds?”

  “Wow, Carter! Really? Well, I’ll never complain about my weight ever again!” She exclaims. “Not that I need too, but still…. I guess it’s true what they say; gravity loves metal more than carbon. But as far as the term ‘artificial’ goes, all that really means is ‘different’. I never liked the way that term seems to imply inferiority, or perhaps not as good as natural.” She relates with feeling. “I just wish people wouldn’t refer to you as artificial. It’s definitely not an adequate description.” Then realizing that she might be rambling, she compounds the mistake. “Wow, you don’t look like you weigh that much, Carter! In fact, you don’t look a pound over 175. I mean, you look great! You really do!” She says excitedly, while cringing inside. She hadn’t meant for that part to slip out.... Or, did she....

  Carter is taken by surprise at the compliments. “Thanks, Tina. You know something? I’ve never received such fine compliments from anybody before. It’s nice to know you feel comfortable around me. Some humans are reluctant to say anything to me besides the bare minimum for achieving whatever task is before us. You wouldn’t be trying to butter me up for some reason, would you?” He probes....

  With a feigned look of incredulousness, she responds. “What? Oh, my god! Are you sure you’re not human? The very thought! Butter you up? .... No way!” She says fake-defensively, and pauses for a few moments before continuing with a sensual sideways glance. “Why, would it do me any good if I was?” She pushes the subject, probingly....

  Raising one eyebrow, and giving Tina his best James Bond look, he responds. “Well, you know what they say about flattery, my dear; it’ll get you everywhere.” He jokes, adding. “Suffice it to say, I’ve grown accustomed to your friendship, so I imagine a little buttering up wouldn’t be unpleasant. In both directions, of course. Have I ever told you, that you also look great?” He says, with the best complimentary tone he could muster.

  A warm feeling of emotion washes over Tina, as she realizes the conversation is taking a nice detour in her favor. “No Carter you never have, but it sounds nice. Thanks.” She silently reflects on how lonely life has been for her since joining the team at Higgs-Field, a year prior. She decides to keep probing Carter, in the hopes that something more might develop. He did have a way for making her feel appreciated. And after this evening, she knows that he’s not destined to rocket off to the stars anytime soon. That revelation changed the status quo in a good direction. Now, she wonders just how she’ll broach the delicate subject of anatomical correctness.... Only time will tell, she thinks connivingly.... Only time will tell....

  As the aircraft speeds through the night, Shirley decides that it’s time to wake the doctor so he could watch the video from Nyla. After some gentle shaking of his arm, the doctor comes back to consciousness. “Good morning sunshine.” She whispers, plugging ear-buds
into her data pad. With the noise from the machine, it’s not easy to hear the video without them. “We’re at cruise altitude, and I suspect you would like to find out what Nyla has to say?” She asks, gently.

  “Oh, my yes. Thank you for waking me, my dear. Even though I was having a most wonderful dream.” He quips; while Shirley hands him the pad and closes her eyes once again, trying to rest.

  The doctor touches an icon, and the video begins with an image of Nyla’s bright, smiley face, illuminating the screen; and his heart. The doctor couldn’t help noticing that she’s floating three-feet off the floor, sitting in a lotus position. Her short black hair, sticking out in all directions in a dreadful mess, that only micro-gravity can produce.

  “Hi Max!” Nyla greets. “I hope you and Shirley are doing fine! Hey, just to give you a heads-up, Wil and I are heading outside soon to retrieve the magnetometer satellite.” She mentions the tool being used for analyzing the planets magnetic lines of force. “Now don’t you worry Max, I’ll be careful.”

  As she speaks, a tiny object about the size of an orange, floats into view. As the doctor squints, he sees that it’s actually a rubber handball. It makes a perfect linear-path toward Nyla, bonking her on the side of the head, causing hairs to jiggle comically in the micro-gravity. As soon as the ball hit home, Wil floats into view with an infectious smile. “Hello Max! As Nyla, seems to have so deliberately left out, I’ll also be careful. After we lasso this experiment and crunch some data, we hope to be planet-side very soon. We sure miss you and Shirley! And we miss the open skies too! Take care, and we’ll see you soon. Say hi to Shirley for us.” He manages to say his piece, just as he floats out of the picture.

  Nyla tries to grab the ball before it gets away, but is a shade too late. The action causes her body to immediately start a slow rotation, and she’ll soon be upside down. So, she wraps up the video. “We’ll update you on the data as soon as it comes in.” She puts her hand to her mouth, blowing an upside-down kiss at the doctor. “Until then…. peace out!”

  The video ends, leaving the doctor wanting more. He truly misses both of their youthful spirits. Nyla and Wil appear to be in their late 20’s. She’s a slim yet curvy, energetic woman of dark mocha complexion. She has short black hair, as is the style among female astronauts. She stands just shy of 6-feet tall, and loves to play either handball or chess, in her spare time.

  Wil, is of similar height, sporting a sturdy build with short brown hair, and a light complexion. He seems not quite as energetic as Nyla, as she sometimes must drag him kicking and screaming, off to the handball courts. However, once in the game, his energy level comes shining through, and then Nyla has a tough time besting him. They get along like two peas in a pod. And, aside from some friendly jabbing now and then, they’re an inspiration to others for harmony in the workplace. Of course, when one truly loves his or her job, the stress that causes disharmony, is almost entirely absent anyway....