Return to Earth

Chapter 12

They had delt with the unpleasant entrance on so many occasions in search of just the right spot that the rattling and shaking became almost dull. The eastward push that always started with the reward of a setting sun he could see with his own eyes was the only true thing of value he had faced. Irritability was setting in as the monotonous work started to take its toll on all of them.

It hadn't been easy for the Commanders to keep the tempers in check, since they were feeling the same effects. Mars wasn't helping with the constant demand to fix something that would remain broken on the Hetairoi. The scientists wanted the impossible to begin with and added demands only made matters worse for all.

The sniping was going to come to an end, since they had done their last eastward push over what had been Kentucky. There were three potential landing places for them to begin their primary mission with the best option close to where Shawhan, Kentucky used to be. The forest had grown in place of what had once been farms, but nothing that would be too difficult to deal with when it came time to land.

The nearest human settlement was far enough away to make their landing easier to hide. Their high-altitude flyover had meant they couldn't see any of the settlements with their own eyes, but the computers on the ships picked up far more than they could ever hope to see. Had it not been for the computers, Kierst would've believed Earth to be a world devoid of human life.

Their latest report with a request to land the Nostos had been sent without reply, which increased the tension to an almost unbearable level. They had only landed in the one spot and just about everyone wanted to see some other part of Earth with their own eyes. Kierst seemed to be the exception, since the desert was the only thing that made it all bearable.

Some still wore the lotion to protect themselves from the rays, but Kierst had never bothered. He figured they were so close to the end of the day when they arrived, the sun's rays wouldn't get the chance to do anything negative to any exposed flesh. He was proven right, and others followed suit after a time, but the few who continued were far too afraid of another burn to risk anything.

Dune had taken to praying as a means to get through the tension and others followed from both groups, but Kierst never joined in. As far as he was concerned, there was no God and nothing beyond life. He was never rude about his refusal to join, or even discuss the matter, since it would serve no purpose other than cause tempers to flair. As long as the praying didn't interrupt the mission. Kierst saw no real harm in what he did with the others who joined.

The Commanders normal briefings with the scientists trended towards short interruptions in the day, until it was no longer the case. They were gone far longer than they should've been as the groups went about their business of preparing for the upcoming flight. Minutes rolled by as all checked their gear again with the knowledge that their window was closing.

The Commanders stepped out of their private briefing room as Petrovitch's harsh voice called out for all to hear. "Both groups, briefing room, now."

Kierst couldn't tell from the tone if this was good news or bad, and judging by the reactions from those around him, he wasn't alone. Nervous whispers rose as he set his gear back in place with the knowledge he would miss the sun. The window had closed to reach the desert in time, which left feeling a little irritable.