Return to Earth

Chapter 9

Kierst was sitting in the briefing room with the others from the three groups with only Dima and Min missing. It was peaceful without those two going at it for no real reason, which added greatly to the atmosphere. Even Dune and Win were on more pleasant terms and wondered if it had to do with the absence or the flight to Earth. For whatever reason, he enjoyed the peaceful moment that helped keep his fear at bay.

A low murmur started to rise in the absence of Lita and Petrovitch, which was a little unusual in just how long it was taking for them to arrive. The two of them giving briefings had been rare, but not completely out of the ordinary being done on occasions as they demanded everyone on the base to hear the same information. Whatever was on the verge of being said must be important enough to interrupt training.

Lita entered and her blue eyes scanned the room to do a physical check. Silence followed almost as soon as she had entered, since none wanted to take precious time away. There was a silent contest between the teams, at least the first two, to get to Earth first, since space had already been taken. No one outside first group knew the Medjay had done anything other than fly in space and no one was willing to talk about what happened, since the unspoken belief was, they would be denied their chance to go again.

Lita's voice carried well enough to not need the assistance of amplification. "Security Officer Petrovitch is still tied up with the scientists. We didn't want to delay your briefing any longer. He'll join us when he can.

"Dima and Min have violated every protocol we have. They are a threat to our mission and have been put to sleep for transport to the Nostos. They are going to be returned to the gel to sleep until the others from Mars arrive.

"Our justice system is limited here. There will be no trial by us for anyone who violates protocols. The most we can do is put violators to sleep until representatives from Justice arrive to carry out a trial, which won't happen before everyone from Mars arrives.

"This leaves us short of the necessary personnel to carry out an effective search of Earth. Without three crews, there is too much land to cover in an effective way. It has been decided that you will be searching North America for the best possible landing place as soon as you are ready.

"Security Officer Petrovitch is currently working out the details with the scientists. Once he arrives, we're taking a walk to the Nostos. You're going to get a great view of Earth while the two of us put Dima and Min away for safe keeping until their trial.

"Once you're outside of the base, you'll notice a significant difference in the gravity. The base matches Earth. Once you step foot outside there's enough gravity to keep you from floating away, so just enjoy the walk. I should say the hop, since walking on the moon's more like hopping than walking. You'll get the hang of it or fall trying.

"The base doesn't have the facilities to train you to walk on the surface. You'll learn the same way we did when we arrived. Fortunately for you, you won't be making more than one trip outside the base. It doesn't matter if you don't get the hang of it. What matters is you all see Earth to know just how real and serious this mission is."

She stopped to make certain everyone was paying attention before her voice grew louder than needed. "Are there any questions?"