Chapter 14: Free Air Day
Construction of the permanent habitat proceeded rapidly. When the majority of the welding was completed, the process of filling the dome with air was begun. During the acceleration phase of the journey, while the ice was being processed for deuterium, the dissolved gases were saved and stored in pressurized tanks. These gases were now released into the dome. The atmosphere gradually built, with the noble gases comprising a larger percentage of the atmosphere than on earth. Nitrogen was less abundant and the carbon dioxide level was almost nonexistent. The oxygen pressure was the easiest to control; electrolysis of the abundant water supply produced an easily controlled quantity of oxygen. When the oxygen pressure increased to 70% of earth normal, Captain Brezinski approved the testing protocol that Doc Jules had developed. Tom had volunteered to perform the initial exposure testing.
Doc Jules began explaining to Tom how he was going to obtain an arterial blood sample for testing. Tom responded, "Are you sure we have to do this needle thing?" When Doc Jules nodded in the affirmative, Tom said, "I really do not like needles. The chance to actually breathe outside of this structure makes it worthwhile." Tom and a safety observer suited up and exited the airlock. They remained connected to the safety lines. Tom opened his helmet and took a tentative small breath. He nodded to his observer and then took a large breath. The air was thin and very cold. Doc Jules asked him how the air was and Tom replied, "It is a tad stale and very cold, but otherwise it feels like I am on top of a large mountain."
Tom began taking repeated large breaths and Doc Jules advised him, "Take it easy."
Tom laughed and said, "It feels wonderful to be breathing in the open."
Doc Jules asked, "Are you noticing any tingling in your fingers or dizziness?"
Tom replied, "My fingers are tingling, but I do not feel dizzy." Doc Jules had them return to the airlock and immediately obtained another arterial gas sample. The analysis showed Tom had succeeded in blowing off most of his carbon dioxide, which produced the tingling, but the remainder of his blood gases were normal.
Captain Brezinski asked for his report and Doc Jules replied, "Except for our volunteer's exuberant breathing which depleted his carbon dioxide level, the test has gone well." Captain Brezinski thanked him and asked him to continue his work. Doc Jules spent more time instructing Tom in the need to control this respiratory effort. Tom and the safety observer exited the airlock, and he again opened his helmet. He consciously controlled his respiratory effort and was able to tolerate the thin air for almost a half hour before he noticed the tingling returning to his fingers. Doc Jules had Tom return and again immediately drew an arterial blood gas.
When Doc Jules examined Tom he did not notice any cyanosis, but the arterial blood gases documented significant hypoxemia suggesting that despite Tom's excellent physical conditioning, he was not capable of surviving the dome's atmosphere without a period of adaptation. When Doc Jules gave Captain Brezinski his report, she asked, "Can we modify the atmosphere of the "arachnoid" to produce the period of adaptation that is required?"
Doc Jules responded, "Manipulating our present atmosphere to produce adaptation would definitely speed things up, but we will still need to increase the oxygen pressure to near normal, and providing some carbon dioxide would be nice."
Captain Brezinski asked Mike, "How difficult will it be to modify the arachnoid structure's atmosphere?" Mike said a simple change in the computer's homeostatic program would produce the results over several days. Doc Jules asked him to make the changes more gradually so that the crew would adapt easier.
Ann volunteered a source of carbon dioxide for the dome. When Mike asked her for specifics she said "Our sanitation system has been storing all of our waste in a large frozen septic tank. If we heated the tank and encouraged composting, a significant portion of the carbon would be released as carbon dioxide."
Mike groaned and said, "She wants to turn our ship into a compost heap or even worse, an open out house!"
Ann, who seemed to tolerate Mike's behavior better than most of the crew, laughed and said, "I expect an engineer of your capability would be able to design a system that successfully removed all odors and other unwanted constituents from the recycling effort." Mike was forced to admit the engineering problems were not actually that significant. Ann was now smiling because the humus that would be produced in the composting would be ideal for use in her proposed gardens. Doc Jules smiled and thought to himself that Ann was an original thinker who frequently led without others knowing they were being led.
Mike's final engineering solution involved both the composting that Ann wanted and an incineration process which produced a small but measurable level of carbon dioxide in the dome. Following the two weeks of adaptation therapy, Tom was again used as a volunteer to test the air quality and suitability. He was able to spend several hours free breathing without difficulty and with normal blood gases. His hemoglobin had increased during the period of adaptation, just as a mountain climber's does during the acclimation portion of the climb. When Doc Jules announced the successful completion of this testing, everyone cheered. Captain Brezinski announced that the ship's company was entitled to a "free air holiday" and that for the next 48 hours only mission critical duties were to be performed, and those individuals not on watch were free to celebrate.
The crew began to explore the dome and their permanent habitat. This was the first opportunity for most of the crew to visit their new village "Dodge City." The dome remained relatively cold and the lighting produced a diffuse light similar to a cloudy day on earth. The ship had not yet been spun up to produce centrifugal force. They had the challenge and opportunity to explore in almost zero gravity conditions. When Tom thought of the long stairway to the village his mind returned to the practicality of using his skydiving skills. He decided to ask Captain Brezinski if he could experiment with free fall transit to the village. Captain Brezinski listened to his presentation and gave him permission with the condition that he teach anyone else who desired to learn the technique. Tom agreed wholeheartedly and began preparations for his first attempt. Following the last disaster he decided to consult with Eric-Peter regarding the problems of trajectory. Together they developed a simple method of sighting the target and estimating the jump effort required to overcome the expected air resistance. Tom prepared for the jump by padding himself well and wearing a modified helmet to protect his head. The initial jump was a short tangent across the top of the dome. This trial jump and the return jump to the arachnoid structure were uneventful. The next jump was from the arachnoid structure to the village. Tom was elated with the floating sensation and the complete freedom he felt while floating across the dome. He experimented with somersaults and other maneuvers. Despite his slow speed he was able to use the air resistance to control his path and landed almost exactly in the center of the village.
The entire crew watched Tom's journey with envy. Several of the crew had already arrived at the village when Tom landed. They applauded his landing and asked him multiple questions regarding the difficulty of the jump. Tom replied, "It is easier than I thought and I would be happy to teach you how to control your flight during the jump." The memory of Tom's first jump and the near disaster with the resulting punishment was enough to cause everyone to decline Tom's offer. Tom explained that Captain Brezinski had approved his jumps with the condition that he be willing to teach the other crew the technique. Several of the crew then decided to try the jumping technique. For most it was the excitement of floating that caused them to try the free jumping; for others the very tedious climb was reason enough to learn to jump. Tom's lessons were very effective and soon crew members were crossing the dome at will.
Tom had difficulty with some members not jumping with enough force to overcome the air resistance and being suspended in the dome. He attempted to rescue them by jumping in their direction and bumping them in the proper direction, much like a
pool ball. He called Mike and asked if a simple compressed air rocket could be used for propelling him across the dome, so that he could assist the stranded jumpers. Mike quickly adapted a compressed air tank with a nozzle and a hand controlled valve that was strapped onto Tom's back. The rocket produced only mild acceleration and no directional control, but with Tom's ability to swim through the air it produced a very maneuverable device. Even Brother Simon decided to try jumping. His initial jump was much too timid and he ended up being suspended and required rescuing by Tom. His next attempts were much more successful and when Captain Brezinski asked him how he was doing he replied, "This must be how the angels feel!"
The picnic had been planned at the village as part of the celebrations. When Mike was asked to help provide the required tables he grumbled about being busy but helped with the design and the fabrication of the tables. Mike had not been a visible part of the "free air day" celebration and when Doc Jules asked Captain Brezinski about Mike's work schedule, she just nodded and said, "I think Mike will be okay." As time approached for the picnic, everyone but the watch officer and Mike were assembled at the village. All heads looked up when somebody asked, "What the heck is that?" An odd looking contraption was seen departing the arachnoid structure. It had the basic appearance of a toy airplane. The wings were much too small and it had a large slowly revolving propeller. As the plane approach the assembled group Mike waved and slowly flew over them. He made a somewhat graceful turn and approached the remaining open area. Captain Brezinski asked several of the crew to assist Mike in his landing. As Mike approached they walked along and gradually brought the plane to a secure landing using their magnetic shoes as anchors. Mike then deployed his anchoring device, which was a small permanent magnet on a tnin line. Everybody applauded Mike and his "0 Gee" plane. Mike answered questions about the design and performance of the airplane. He then asked Captain Brezinski if she would like to try flying the plane. She accepted the invitation and climbed into the plane.
Mike reviewed the functioning of the controls and the basic operation of the airplane. Captain Brezinski started slowly peddling the bicycle type drive and the large propeller began pulling the airplane forward. The plane was straining against the magnetic tie down and Mike reminded her to "pull in your anchor." The Captain quit peddling and pulled in her anchor. She waved and began peddling again. The airplane moved forward just a few feet before the short stubby wings provided the lift necessary for the airplane to become airborne. Captain Brezinski had been an accomplished aerobatic pilot who quickly felt at home with the small airplane. She began a series of slow speed aerobatic maneuvers. Her maneuvers became more aggressive and closer to the audience as her comfort level increased. After performing for about thirty minutes she gracefully brought the plane to a halt next to the applauding crew. She was beaming and flushed with the exertion. Everyone began congratulating her at once. Brother Simon brought her a ship's drinking container and said, "Captain, your performance was a thing of beauty and I congratulate you and Mike on the accomplishment."
She raised the container in the direction of Mike and said, "I salute our engineer and the rest of you for being the finest crew that any Captain could wish for." A general cheer went up and as the noise level subsided Captain Brezinski said, "Let the feast begin!"
A view from overhead would have shown a small western town with a traditional appearing community celebration. The Main Street was obstructed with multiple tables covered with checkered tablecloths and filled with food. The U.N. uniforms were somewhat out of place, but a close observer would have been even more amazed by the tremendous variety of foods. The diverse ethnic origins of the crew were represented by similar diversity in foods. All of the liquids were contained in space fluid containers and all of the containers were slightly magnetized to prevent their displacement. A gentle air suction was used to contain the small items of debris. The joy of the celebration was genuine and the crew enjoyed themselves. Tom suggested that maybe some of the fortification liquid that John Kotzebue had left might still be available. Doc Jules replied, "Unfortunately the small remaining stock of John's legacy was utilized for medicinal purposes following your visit with the ‘cat o' nine tails' if you recall."
Tom answered, "I do remember the episode very well, but I was hoping that an additional supply had been located." Doc Jules just shook his head no.
Kate then addressed Captain Brezinski and asked, "Captain, would the stocking of the Long Branch Saloon with a variety of fortification fluids not be appropriate?"
Captain Brezinski was silent for moment while she thought and then replied, "Naval tradition has always allowed for the limited consumption of alcoholic beverages during long voyages, and since our voyage would, by any measure, be a long voyage, I would approve." The discussion then turned to the favored beverages and the methods of production. This discussion continued until the unofficial band began to play.
The musicians were all amateurs who took their music seriously. In order to play as a group they had to learn to share their own ethnic music. Music, like mathematics upon which it is based, is universal. The diversity arises from the complex interaction of melody, harmony, and rhythm. The concert started out with an unusual version of "Home on the Range." The tune was easily recognizable but the instrumentation was original. A series of national anthems followed, with crew members standing at attention whenever their respective anthem was played. Many crew members were visibly crying when their anthem was played. Requests were then taken and personal favorites were played in the well intended, but unusual style of the band. The applause was repetitive and everyone enjoyed the reminders of their origin and the reality, produced by the most unusual collection of instruments, which tied them to the present.
After the concert was officially finished, the musicians continued to play but conversations resumed. Captain Brezinski was visiting with Ann and Brother Simon and the discussion was revolving around the twist and turns of life. Ann asked Brother Simon how he had made his decision to join the monastery. Captain Brezinski listened intently as Brother Simon replied, "It’s not a very interesting story." Ann and Captain Brezinski both encouraged him to relate the story. Brother Simon began his story by describing his work as a graduate student and his enthusiasm for his study in genetics. "As my knowledge of genetics grew, I became more enthralled with my studies. Unfortunately, this resulted in my neglect of a beautiful young woman with whom I was deeply in love. She tolerated my 18 hour stints in the lab for many months, but finally she could no longer tolerate the loneliness. I, in my blissful ignorance, could not see the damage that my work was doing to our relationship. When she left, I was shattered. I left my studies and moved to the mountains where I let the solitude gradually heal my soul. I spent my days hiking in the woods, allowing my mind to wander between the reality of the forest and the despair of my broken heart. I gradually spent more time in reality and less time in my melancholy. I resumed my contemplation about genetics. During one high mountain hike, a three dimensional picture of a strand of DNA became evident to me. This three dimensional view became my first joyous moment since the breakup. As I returned from the mountain ridge, this visualization became greater and I was actually able to visualize how this three dimensional structure of the DNA molecule was essential for the proper functioning of the genetic code. Over the next several months, as the weather gradually turned colder, I was able to picture larger and larger pieces of DNA. As the absolute beauty of this most intricate relationship became evident, I began to realize that an active design was most certainly involved in its creation. Until this point, I had been a true believer in evolutionary theory. With my realization that the DNA molecule itself appeared to be created by design, I realized my previous beliefs were no longer adequate. As the winter drove me out of my mountain solitude, I began to pursue the theories of creation. I spent time in a monastery on my way back. The devotion of the monks and their s
trong belief in God were such a stark contrast to my previous life that I decided to stay and study for a while. A proposed short stay just never ended. I gradually became more involved with their community and eventually realized the peace they enjoyed, allowed me a clarity of thought which I wanted to pursue. And the rest, as they say, is history."
Captain Brezinski and Ann were both quiet as Brother Simon finished his story. After several minutes of silence Captain Brezinski thanked Brother Simon for sharing his story and said, "That is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever heard." Ann just nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes.
Brother Simon asked, "Would anyone else like to go for a walk?"
Captain Brezinski said, "I would love to, but I had better stay with the crew." Ann said she would like to go. They began a meandering walk away from the village. They walked in silence. After a while Ann asked Brother Simon if he would give her some advice.
He nodded and said, "I will try."
She was again silent for a while and then said "I would like to get to know Doc Jules better, but I am afraid to initiate the relationship because of my own fear of rejection."
Brother Simon replied, "Doc Jules is a gentle man who has suffered a great loss. He also needs companionship, but is afraid to seek it for fear of damaging his memories. I consider him a friend and would hope he would allow another companion into his life. I would recommend you be gentle in your approach, and realize that his healing is not yet complete. With nurturing he will grow to accept both his past and future relationships."
They were both quiet again and as they were nearing the village Ann said, "Thank you for your counsel and your friendship."
Brother Simon smiled and said, "My counsel may be of questionable value, but your friendship is most dear." Ann smiled and walked off to where Doc Jules and Mike were visiting.