(GQ Special #1) The Misadventures of Ranger Kim and Ranger Kelly

11. Cool Rock

The Virgo landed on Mars after a two-month long trek. It decked on the Olympus Mons Base stationed in its namesake mountain. Actually, it was a volcano, which kind of worried Jun, but it hadn't erupted in the decade or so of its existence. It felt good to finally be back on land. The Martian landscape proved to be a beautiful, yet alien sight, even if Jun didn't get to see much of it from inside the base.

This also marked the first time Jun saw any other women since the Moon. Wives and daughters of the Interstellar Forces' Martian personnel made their presence known in ways Jun wouldn't have expected. Of course, there were many working in the kitchens, doing cleaning jobs, or employed in secretarial work, but there were also many working alongside their husbands or fathers who were engineers, geologists, biologists, and doctors. The dark-haired ranger found it impressive.

A thought occurred to Jun. If she were to be found out, this would be the safest place. She hadn't gotten a text back from Stephanie in weeks, not even counting the lag between sending messages. However, Jun's goal, and Stephanie's too, was far too close to stop now. Past Mars were the so-called radiation waves that would supposedly destroy any woman who passed through them. Proving Mason Connery wrong stood just around the corner. Besides, she didn't want to go back to being a woman so soon. It felt unnatural. More unnatural than pretending to be a man, somehow, which still felt a little strange, all things considered. Maybe Jun was just being weird.

So, the dark-haired ranger went about life as normal, at least as normal as it could be under the circumstances. She spent her days fixing cameras across the Martian Base, and before she knew it, it was time to board the ship again. Or so she thought.

As each star ranger donned their helmet, a role call for the Virgo began, each corporal taking account for their unit. One person from Jun's unit was noticeably absent.

"Ranger Kim!" called Corporal Hampton.

"Present!" answered Jun.

"I know that! But where in Phobos and/or Deimos is Ranger Kelly??"

"I don't know..." After saying it, the ranger realized that answer wouldn't work. "But I will find out, sir!"

"You have one hour, or we're leavin' both of ya on Mars!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" Jun saluted.

Luckily, Jun knew just where to go to find answers. The security room monitored every camera in the base. If Aiden was still in the base, one of the security staff members could tell her where.

Jun stumbled into the room before quickly becoming aware of how unnecessary that was. "Uhhhh, have you guys seen this really tall blond dude with a scar and big hair?"

Various no's and negative responses followed, but one ranger spoke up.

"I think I saw him put on his helmet, so he might be outside, I think?" he said. "You should check with the observation panelists. They're near the geoprocessing plant."

Jun gave a quick "thanks" before heading to her next destination.

Near the geoprocessing plant, Jun could hear two observation panelists discussing something in hushed voices.

"Should we have let that guy through?"

"If you care so much, ask him yourself. I wouldn't argue with that guy!"

"Hey, excuse me." Jun interrupted. "I'm looking for a friend. You guys wouldn't have happened to see a tall blond guy recently would you?"

"With a scar?" asked the first one.