Rife for Research (Ganymede, Part 2)

2098 Basco Terraforming Station, Director’s Meeting Room, Low Ganymede Orbit

“Dr. Hazelwood, would you mind filling us in on the freshwater progress?” Pei Bello asked.

Sat around the wide, circular, formica table, the team of casually dressed terraforming scientists gathered for their quarterly meeting. Newton Hazelwood tried to straighten a wrinkled collar of his plaid button down.

“Newton is fine,” he said. “My team is about ninety percent complete with surface hydration in Amon crater. The capture, fracturing and lowering of roughly ten thousand water ice asteroid fragments has been quite successful. The task was made substantially easier now that Nola’s team is done with their atmospheric density and warming project.” Newton doodled on a notebook while he talked and avoided eye contact with everyone. “We’ll begin running water sampling tests next month once the air clears of impact dust.”

“Has there been any degradation to the crater walls with the addition of water and impact of the asteroid fragments?” Dr. Bello asked.

Newton nodded towards his colleague in a blue cardigan and floral sundress across the table. She perked up and flipped through her notes real quick, more to build confidence than information. “Uh, no, Dr. Bello. Not really. The southern section of the crater wall had signs of a fracture three months ago, but after further study was shown to be superficial. We’ll still want to keep an eye on it for movement and potentially plan for a mechanically stabilized berm for reinforcement.”

Pei made a note and nodded. “Understood Dr. Rohloff. Next up, Dr. Alona Leveille, any update on your biological research?”

“Yes, actually!” Alona blurted, standing. Everyone — even Newton — stared.

“I’m sorry,” Pei said. “You do have news to share?”

The biologist had been at the station for almost five years now and the last three years lacked much activity. The first discoveries were that of trace biological molecules — protein building blocks, bacteria, and even tardigrades (though the latter two were later found to be contamination from an earlier mission). Biologists speculated that any more advanced life would be in the salt oceans deep under the surface but equipment to drill seventy five kilometers through the crust just was not in the funding presently.

“Absolutely. With the warming of the atmosphere, melting of surface ice and the impacts of the asteroids’ fragments from Dr. Hazlewood causing micro-shocks in the surrounding area, I have discovered the first native plant growth on the planet!” Her excitement could barely be contained as the other thirteen scientists sat agape in stunned silence. “It is a form of lichen growing on the rocks along the bottom of north east crater wall of Amon. It seems to be growing out of a deep crevice where it’s diaspores must have been protected for some time. Lichen is the first step of much more advanced plant life!”

The United Nations Frontier Administration’s stance on alien life was clear — it should be protected, studied and cultivated at the highest priority. Microbial life was one thing and could be easily worked around, but a multicellular organism, especially oxygen producing plant life, shifted the entire project’s scope and timeline. Everyone at the table knew that this announcement was project shattering.

“Dr. Leveille,” Dr. Bello cut in before anyone else at the table could start the roar of questions. She knew she had to get in front of the scientific minds’ curiosity. “I want the full report in my office immediately after this meeting and regular updates of these conditions. Dr. Rohloff, the opening of this crevice also concerns me. Please give this area special attention in your structural analysis and begin on-ground observations and surveys of the entire crater the moment we have the all-clear to land. Submit any additional resources you need to accomplish that directly to me. And Newton?”

“Yes, Dr. Bello?” Newton said, fully engaged and sitting at attention.

“Your impacts are complete starting today. I want all trajectories of remaining objects diverted back to the Jovian orbit and the area cleared for landing and human exploration before the end of this week.”

Pei Bello surveyed the room of nervous yet incredibly excited scientists — they were the first to discover alien life above the molecular level. “Plans are to continue on the colony construction and the use of Amon crater for its freshwater source, but everyone here needs to work through Dr. Leveille and her team for clearances to ensure we do not disturb this lichen or any other potential native growth. Submit all site plans to Biology so they can complete in depth site surveys. Dr. Leveille, if there is anyone on this station or we can fly in for assistance, let me know as soon as you can.”

United Nations Frontier Ames Research Facility (ARC), California, Earth

Director Jengersson rubbed his eyes. The last thirty six hours began to wear heavy on him as he tried to organize the engineers and scientists. “The biggest problem right now, Miss Arbindale, is we have a closing launch window, a fully loaded ship and little time to reorganize the payload,” Holland Jengersson explained. “And the requests from the team on Basco Station not only involve weight and packing issues, but the entire launch vehicle needs to be swapped out to a crew vessel. We just don’t have the time without launching a second vessel.”

The woman fidgeted with her stylus. Tapping it back and forth on the tablet she held as she thought. “I’ll find a way to secure the funds for a second launch during the next window. I’ll need to get the public in a fever over this discovery, but this is the first native life found off our planet. The next window is eight months from now, correct?” Holland nodded in response. “Ask Dr. Bello if she’s willing to put the crew on rations, cut their supply by a third, and fill the rest with their priority one equipment including their personnel request.”

“If anything goes wrong with the second flight,” Director Jengersson said. “It’s possible they’ll begin starvation rations. Also, securing an additional ten billion dollars for an expedited flight seems a lofty goal, Kate.”

“Miss Arbindale, please.” Kate said politely but firmly. “And don’t you worry about the funds. Your job is engineering, testing and flight logistics. I’ll handle the money and P.R.”

“Apologies. Miss Arbindale. One more hiccup. The requested personnel might be difficult to secure.”

“Hmm?” Kate responded. “And who is it?”

“Councilwoman Evelyn Shaw. My understanding from Dr. Leveille’s request is that the Councilwoman was foremost in her field on xenobiology and good friends of Dr. Leveille before she entered into politics.”

“That’s true. She performed a lot of research in this facility for several years, too, on the Ganymede project. She was the first choice to be on Basco station but couldn’t stomach the idea of space flight,” Arbindale said.

“I didn’t know that. Puts another kink in the chain, then — getting an elected official pulled from their station would be difficult enough.”

“Miss Shaw entered politics in order to bring more scientific minds to the Chambers. It’s still sad to me that scientists must leave their field in order to play the political game. But she is a xenobiologist to her core.”

Kate Arbindale thought for another moment; eyes glazing over. Holland shifted uncomfortably in the long silence. As he opened his mouth to speak, she came back from her thoughts. “I think I have a solution. I’ll let you know by the end of tomorrow how feasible it is.” Kate was already on her feet and the tablet and stylus slipped away in one deft motion. “I’ve a lot of work, Director. Message me if anything else comes in from Basco.”

National Laboratory of Xenobiology at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, Earth

“While I appreciate being asked to help with this project — at my Alma Mater — the Associate Administrator of UNF does not normally get involved with doctoral student research roadblocks,” Dr. Shaw was peeling out of her safety equipment and placing it on the bench while she spoke. “The same Officer would also not personally pull an elected official out of a briefing to assist with said roadblock.”

Inside, Evelyn Shaw was giddy with excitement for the break from politics. Bacteria samples from Ganymede only existed in this lab and she had enjoyed putting her own eyes on them and talking with fellow scientists again. Following research as an outsider was dreadfully slow as she waited for papers to be published. Sure, as a Councilwoman she could order more direct reports and status updates, but she felt that was an abuse of her position.

Councilwoman Shaw was no fool, though, and her ability to not only notice political games, but call them out in detail was the skillset that had made her director of this laboratory years ago. Combined with her sharp intelligence and ability to lead others resulted in being sent to UNF’s Ames Research Center at the beginning of the Ganymede project. When she grew tired of rewriting her proposals for funding by ensuring a third grader was able to comprehend every word, she ran for office as Councilwoman and surprisingly had won.

“Of course not, but I wanted you to get a fresh taste of your chosen field,” Kate said. “How was it?” Kate had not been allowed into the clean room.

“It was…” Evelyn sighed. “I won’t lie, Miss Arbindale, it was great to be back in the lab.”

“Fantastic news,” Kate said precisely without any real enthusiasm. “I would like to offer you a Xenobiology position with Frontiers again.”

Evelyn tried to cut in but Kate immediately raised a finger to silence her and didn’t break stride. “You are uniquely qualified as this position needs to be both a xenobiologist and an elected official.”

Shaw frowned. “I don’t understand. ARC doesn’t have any elected officials in its ranks. Even the Administrator is just appointed.”

“I need an elected official because the Ganymede Project is no longer strictly a scientific mission, but one that also requires a political head of government that can make decisions. Councilwoman, Dr. Alona Leveille has specifically requested you to be sent to her lab at Basco Station and I need someone to lead what is going to rapidly become Earth’s first colony. You fit both qualifications.”

For all of Dr. Shaw’s strengths, she was admittedly not astronaut material. Alona Leveille was trained by Evelyn for the Ganymede project just for that reason. “Those can be two separate people. You’ll need to decline Dr. Leveille’s request. Space flight is on my never-do list.”

“We can’t, Dr. Shaw. Here’s the problem: I’m spending over twenty five billion dollars total in two expedited flights over the next ten months and I need every kilogram and cubic meter of our crafts for materials, supplies and equipment. We don’t have room for two people where one will clearly do. I don’t even have room for a pilot, but luckily space flight is automated these days. You’ll be able to begin working with Dr. Leveille once in flight. You’ll also continue your duties remotely as Councilwoman. You’re approved for a D-2 Level 10 payscale for the position. Unfortunately, the scale doesn’t go higher, so I hope that’s enough.”

Safety equipment was crumbled on the bench, forgotten. Evelyn sat, a little dumbfounded. She had prepared for many political maneuvers today with Miss Arbindale, but this had blindsided her. “How much of a choice do I have? Knowing you, the Secretary General and Administrator are already involved.”

“You know people don’t usually like the answer to that question.”

“None at all, huh?”

“None at all,” Kate replied. “But I’d prefer it if you did this willingly.”

“Current projections to Basco Station?” Evelyn stared at her feet, defeated.

“We have to put you on the more direct but slower of the two flights due to acceleration limits for crewed missions. Ten months. The second craft will arrive fifteen months after.”

“How do you expect me to stay sane for ten months alone on a spacecraft?” A small bit of panic slipped out.

“You’ll be in a crew module. Tightly packed, yes, but still with entertainment, exercise and work. You’ll have network access during the flight to continue your duties here on Earth and also begin work with Basco Station. I expect the mission plan will keep you quite busy.”

“How do I get back?”

“That’s just it, Dr. Shaw. You’re responsible for starting a new government and colony. Ganymede will be your new home.”

Author’s Note

• Although it is not my intent to write incredibly accurate hard science fiction, if you have found a scientific inaccuracy that cannot stand, please message me or leave a comment and I will do my best to address it.
• Found a typo or abhorrent comma usage? Please also let me know and I’ll happily correct it.
• This story is the second part of a series of short stories, which started with “Hornblower or Ganymede”.
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