Return to Earth

Chapter 4

A low murmur broke out as she continued as if it weren't there at all. "You heard that right. We are dying. Our ancestors were the first settlers of Mars, which most of you already know. Just like it's common knowledge that more were expected, but never showed.

"What we believe happened was the Earth took a direct hit from a massive solar flare equal to that of the Carrington Event that took place in 1859. The satellites were supposed to be shielded, but difficult to know how something will hold up until it happens. There's no other explanation for the loss of every communication satellite at the same time.

"There were contingencies in place that should have resulted in new satellites being sent up, but never happened. We don't know why no other communication satellites were launched into orbit. A lot of speculation with no means to prove anything. We've been in the dark about what's been happening on Earth ever since.

"When it was realized there would be no other humans to follow, the scientists knew genetics would be an issue. Protocols were put in place to move people around to limit being too closely related with the hope of future generation solving the problem that comes from lack of genetic material.

"No solution has been found. We are one generation away from reaching a point of no return. Everyone on Mars has become too closely related to everyone, which is a serious problem that will lead to our extinction if something drastic isn't done.

"We are returning to Earth, since it's the only viable option. Even if we had the means to bring more people from Earth, it wouldn't be enough to do anything other than delay the inevitable. Not that it matters, since we lack the means to bring the thousands needed to delay the end.

"Outside this room, the only ones who know about the problem are the scientists. If we were to tell the population, the resulting panic would cost lives and possibly domes. It is better for the sake of everyone on Mars to keep this classified. Most of the normal security is elsewhere in the south, since leaks do happen from among our own ranks.

"The reason you are being briefed is we're going to Earth as an advanced scouting party to determine where to land." A loud murmur crossed the room, which she ignored as she spoke over them all with ease. "I will be piloting the ship that takes us there. Security Officer will be my copilot. The rest of you will be asleep with no knowledge of any time passing until we reach the moon.

"There are reasons you've all been chosen for this mission. Despite being old enough to have children of your own, which is the primary mission of all generations on Mars, none of you have children. None of you have any family or friends to miss you. Every one of you has spent a solitary existence, including two by force.

"No one will miss you, which means no one will ever ask questions we don't want asked by anyone. That's the reason you all arrived by train rather than being flown down. Flight raises questions that we don't want to answer.

"You're all wondering if you have a choice. You do. It's the choice between solitary confinement in the south until after the mission has been completed or going to Earth. We can't risk any of you talking about what you've heard. As two of you are aware, solitary confinement is no place to spend your time."

A man with a dark neck stood and spoke with a nasally tone, which sounded rather unpleasant to Kierst's ears. "You can't do this. I'm going back to my job."