Chapter 15: Moving In
Following the brief holiday the crew worked with enthusiasm to transit from the confining arachnoid structure to their new home in Dodge City. Their limited personal possessions were transferred without difficulty. In the construction of Dodge City they had replicated most of the support machinery. The supply line connecting the village with the auto-supplier had been completed. As confining as the arachnoid structure had been, it was home. Moving into the new facility created some unease. The openness of the village and the freedom of being in the "outdoors" produced a mild sense of acrophobia, but this had been tempered significantly by the "free air holiday".
While the crew as a whole was accomplishing the move, Mike and Eric-Peter were working with Captain Brezinski to begin the spinning on their ship. The remaining fragment of the metallic asteroid was secured to a long filament and had propulsion rockets attached. As it slowly moved away from the ship the tether was uncoiled. The ship's propulsion rockets were then carefully controlled to provide an equal and opposite rotational force. This produced a very slow rotational speed. The angular momentum produced inertial forces that simulated gravity. The spin up was proceeding very smoothly but slowly. The goal was to reach sufficient rotational speed to produce an artificial gravity of 1 g. The rotational speed would be gradually increased over the next ten days. The human ear contains the extremely sensitive vestibular system which responded to the very minimal acceleration forces that were introduced. This caused the brain to automatically reorientate everyone's sense of direction. Dodge City was now definitely "down to earth"and the opposite end of the dome with the arachnoid structure composed "the sky."
Moving Doc Jules medical supplies and re-establishing his clinic and infirmary was the initial task following the transfer of everyone's personal belongings. Doc Jules obviously did not like moving and was under visible stress trying to direct the placement of his equipment and supplies. The similarity between his new clinic and his first private clinic produced a flood of memories which all but overwhelmed him. Everyone was trying to help, but they were getting frustrated because Doc Jules spent his time arranging his medical textbooks on the shelves. He would stop to read a section of the book before placing it on the shelf.
Ann asked him, "Would you like me to help you with your books?"
Doc Jules looked up and replied to her, "These books have accompanied me on all of my military transfers and my transition to civilian life. They are obviously out of date, but they connect me to my medical roots and help me keep focused. I have always hated moving. My wife used to get so frustrated with me because I always set up my medical library before helping with the rest of the move. She came to realize that this was my way of coping and took charge of the move, knowing that I would help after my security blanket had been set up." Ann smiled in reply and started directing the placement of the clinic furniture and equipment. Doc Jules would look up from his books occasionally and make some suggestion as to placement of the equipment, but otherwise seemed to ignore the proceedings. He finished with his books about the time the last of the equipment was placed and very graciously thanked everyone for their help. As the rest of the crew moved on to other projects, Ann stayed and helped Doc Jules store his supplies. As they were finishing he said, "I really appreciate your help and would like to repay you by fixing you a fish dinner".
Ann smiled and said, "I would take you up on your offer but the availability of fresh fish seems to be a problem."
Doc Jules sighed and said, "This journey has been an awesome adventure, but I do miss my fishing trips."
Ann nodded and said, "Maybe Brother Simon and I can provide some help." Doc Jules looked at her quizzically, but let the conversation end. Ann stood up to leave and said, "I promised Kate that I would help her get the Long Branch organized." Doc Jules thanked her again for her help and said he would be by to help in a little while. They smiled at each other and Ann left.
Doc Jules spent some time opening cabinet doors and familiarizing himself with location of his equipment and supplies. His mind wandered back to the opening of this small private practice clinic. He remembered his excitement at starting private practice and the anxiety he felt. His wife had taken charge of organizing his clinic because he was so flustered. Recalling the image of his wife organizing his small clinic while he worked on setting up his library made him both smile and cry simultaneously. When he thought of how Ann had helped him today, he also had an image of his wife, way off in the distance, smiling and nodding her approval. The image was so powerful that Doc Jules began to weep and for the first time his crying was not one of despair, but rather now contained an element of hope.
It took Doc Jules a while to compose himself, and then he remembered his promise to help Kate organize the Long Branch. As he left the clinic it was obvious that the minimal artificial gravity was already improving his stride. The magnetic shoes produced a stride that was contorted by the need to firmly anchor the advancing foot before attempting to move the rear foot forward. The smooth almost fluid-like motions of a healthy stride were distorted into a staccato jerky motion with multiple twisting motions of the body required for propulsion. As he neared the swinging door of the Long Branch he heard a loud "pop" followed by cheering. As he entered he was greeted by the site of Tom desperately trying to control the foam that was erupting from the bottle that he was holding. The minimal gravity energized the foam and limited Tom's ability to respond creating a cartoon-like image. Doc Jules could not help but join in the celebration. Kate announced, "The Long Branch Saloon is now open!" She told Tom to open all other bottles under the zero gee hood and to utilize the space drinking containers. Tom, who was obviously enjoying his role as bartender, nodded and poured the rest of his test bottle into a drinking container for himself.
Doc Jules said, "I will buy a round for everyone to thank you for your help in setting up my clinic."
Kate laughed and replied, "That’s most generous considering that we have no money! Therefore, everything is free! Hopefully our first batch of beer will be enough for everyone to try a small glass."
Doc Jules shrugged his shoulders and said, "I was trying to demonstrate both my gratitude and generosity." This was greeted with whistles and cat calls by the rest of the crew.
Kate turned to Tom and said, "Bar keep, set’em up, like the good Doctor ordered!" Tom laughed and started popping corks and pouring beer. When everyone finally had a glass, the toast was raised. "To our new village!" A general cheer went up and everyone raised their glasses. Doc Jules was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the beer.
He told Kate, "This is pretty good stuff, almost like the specialty microbrews back in Oregon."
She replied, "It’s amazing what a nutritionist and a chemist can come up with. Ann says that it is even good for us, in moderation."
Doc Jules replied, "To your health then." and he drained his small glass of beer.
When Mike and Captain Brezinski arrived, having left Eric-Peter as the watch officer, Mike said, "I sure hope that someone saved me a beer."
Tom replied, "For the Captain and the ship's engineer we have saved the last bottle of our inaugural brew." Tom made a show of opening the last bottle and pouring equal amounts into two containers. The Captain and Mike raised their glasses together in salute to the rest of the crew and drank heartily. The crew began sharing their first meal in the Long Branch. As the Captain was finishing her meal, her communicator beeped and Eric-Peter advised her that he was receiving anomalous readings from his instruments. She asked if there was a problem and he replied, "No, Captain. I find no reason for the unusual readings I am receiving from the gravitometer and the accelerometer." Captain Brezinski told him to continue monitoring and have the computer re-calibrate the instruments. Mike saw the puzzled look on Captain Brezinski face and asked her what the problem was.
She replied, "Eric-Peter is receiving anomalous readings on both
the gravitometer and the accelerometer, and I cannot figure out why only these two instruments would show an aberration. Simultaneous failure of both is even harder to explain." She had no sooner finished her comment when her communicator beeped again, and she was summoned to the bridge by Eric-Peter.
By the time Mike and Captain Brezinski arrived at the bridge the anomalous readings had progressed to the point that the instruments had reached their maximum and were essentially "pegged out". Eric-Peter explained he had the instruments re-calibrated by the computer without any change in their readings. They were discussing the possible causes of the aberration when suddenly the instruments returned to normal and the docking safety lights began to flash. Captain Brezinski ordered the docking video images to be displayed and an oblong craft was visible at the docking port. The docking protocols began to scroll across the monitor and within a few minutes satisfactory docking was completed. Captain Brezinski asked Eric-Peter if any object had been present on their long-range radar. Eric-Peter denied seeing anything and when the radar log was replayed nothing was visible.
Mike asked, "Where did this thing come from, and how did it know our docking sequence and physical characteristics?" Eric-Peter said that it apparently arose from within the gravity well which they had detected, and that it was obviously connected with The Visitor who had complete knowledge of the ship and its procedures. Mike disagreed saying, "I would think that a malfunction or limitation of our instruments would be a much more likely explanation than attributing our new visitor's arrival to some exotic gravitational drive."
Captain Brezinski asked Eric-Peter, "How is it possible for something to materialize out of the gravitational aberration?" Eric-Peter shrugged his shoulders and presented the computer with the question. The response was brief, "Advanced transportation technologies are not within my database." By now the entire crew was assembled outside of the command center and Captain Brezinski briefed them on the new arrival.
Captain Brezinski called a command conference which assembled in the conference room almost immediately. Captain Brezinski called the conference to order and opened it with a summary of the preceding events. Eric-Peter's evaluation was given and the conference was opened for discussion. Mike was obviously very excited about the technology that their new visitor represented and recommended that they expedite their contact. Doc Jules discussed the possibility of accidental contamination. Because they had been so isolated their immunity was depressed, and he recommended a strict isolation protocol. Brother Simon sat quietly listening to the discussion and when Captain Brezinski asked his opinion he said, "I expect that our true mission is beginning." Everyone looked at him, but he did not elaborate.
The issue of self-defense was raised, but Captain Brezinski, thinking back to her previous attempt, said, "Defense against technology this advanced would seem all but impossible and no attempt will be made." She asked Mike to formulate the protocol for contacting their new visitor, and Doc Jules was ordered to introduce an isolation protocol into Mike's overall plan. All were instructed to have reports ready in 12 hours. Eric-Peter was directed to institute a radio contact protocol. The command conference was dismissed and Captain Brezinski informed the remaining crew of her plan. She answered their questions about their new visitor, which the crew had already named "The Egg".
Brother Simon accompanied Captain Brezinski back to the command center. Eric-Peter was still on watch and had already started a radio contact protocol. He had the computer monitoring thousands of discrete frequencies looking for a signal. He was broadcasting a short series of prime numbers on their usual frequencies in a sequential fashion. When The Visitor's frequency was used a reply of the sequential prime numbers was received. When voice transmissions were utilized no reply was made. Prime number sequences were always answered with the appropriate sequential numbers. The computer reported that no other transmissions were being made other than those on The Visitors frequency. Captain Brezinski asked, "How can they know the details of our ship and trajectory without knowing our language?"
Eric-Peter said, "Your question and Mike's previous question on where "The Egg" came from, may be directly related. If "The Egg" had been stationed near here then standard transmissions would have been sufficient to relay both the information on our ship and our language. If however, "The Egg" originated more than a few light years from the earth, standard communication would not have had time to make the transit, much less allow for transportation time."
Brother Simon interjected his belief that "The Egg" originated at their destination which was approximately 15 light years from earth. Eric-Peter agreed but pointed out that either they were using a method of communication which defied the limit of the speed of light, or "The Egg" was waiting for them near here. Captain Brezinski asked if anything could exceed the speed of light. Eric-Peter replied, "Based on our physics the speed of light is an absolute limit". He was quiet for minute and then added, "Physics does allow for the possibility of quantum communication which would be instantaneous anywhere in the universe." He went on to explain, "Quantum mechanics states that sub atomic particles that were once in contact would continue to influence the activity of the partner no matter how far apart they were separated. This would allow for an unbelievably complex communication system which would be capable of instantaneous transfer of data across the universe. For this to work these sub atomic particles would have to be controlled." Captain Brezinski finished his thought process by adding, "The complexities of language could have exceeded the capabilities of this quantum communication system."
Brother Simon reminded them, "The speed of light should have also limited the distance that "The Egg" could have traveled."
Eric-Peter nodded but said, "I am not sure that The Visitor travels in our dimensions. The extreme fluctuations in my instruments would indicate that it was capable of creating a warp in our four dimensional system which would have allowed it to apparently exceed the speed of light."
Captain Brezinski acknowledged Eric-Peter for his theory and asked him if he was up to establishing a communication protocol with "The Egg." Eric-Peter replied, "I will need the help of our linguists, but I am sure that Kate and I can work with the computer to establish a line of communication."
Captain Brezinski said, "I will relieve you as watch officer so that you and Kate can get to work." Eric-Peter nodded, picked up his papers, and left with a happy expression on his face.
Brother Simon said, "That young man is thrilled to think that his experimental physics can actually be applied."
Captain Brezinski agreed and added, "If he is right, this technology far exceeds any concept of magic that I ever had."
After a few minutes of silence Brother Simon said, "The biblical miracles are often used to demonstrate the power and glory of God, but I think that life itself is the essence of God in all his glory. These events are as miraculous as the biblical miracles of old, but they represent only technological manifestations of the power of life. The existence of life itself is the true miracle of God's glory."
Captain Brezinski asked, "How do you maintain this belief of yours when all this current activity would indicate that your God was in reality an ancient astronaut?"
Brother Simon smiled and said, "It has become evident that much of what we previously delegated to the direct interaction of God was probably the result of intervention by technologically advanced civilizations, but this is a limitation on our ability to comprehend the true essence of God. We picture God as an old man sitting on a throne surrounded by puffy clouds with angels singing. This is a limitation of ours and our inability to comprehend God. God is because life exists. The more advanced life becomes, the more it glorifies God. I have spent my life studying genetics because it is the study of life. The more I learned, the more firmly I believed in an ordered universe as the expression of God's glory." Brother Simon stopped speaking and looked somewhat embarrassed. He apologized for the spontaneous serm
on.
Captain Brezinski shook her head and said, "You have given me much to think about, and I would like to explore your ideas further. For now we all have work to do."
Brother Simon nodded and as he headed for the door he turned and said, "Have a good evening, Captain".
Captain Brezinski replied, "It has been a good evening, but it will probably be a short night. Thank you again for your company and your thoughts."
Left to the quiet of the watch, Captain Brezinski's thoughts wandered back to the attack on her submarine by The Visitor and the vision she had as she was scuttling her boat. She never had understood why she failed to report the vision and how it had changed her decision to scuttle her boat. She decided to share her secret with Brother Simon. Her thoughts turned to Brother Simon himself and the sense of happiness she felt when she was with him. She laughed at herself for finding happiness with a celibate Monk. She was also surprised by the gradual change in her interest. She had always been described as a mission-oriented officer. Now she found joy in discussing philosophical and theological issues. She felt that she was developing as an individual, but at the same time it concerned her that it may interfere with her ability to command. This anxiety quickly left her as she recalled one of the few sayings she could remember from her grandmother, "What will be, will be." She had always enjoyed watch duty because of the solitude which gave her the quiet time she needed to reflect on her life.
Eric-Peter and Kate soon returned with a plan for developing the communication link. It had been Kate's suggestion that they attempt to establish a computer communication protocol first. Eric-Peter had explained "The Egg" had responded to prime numbers displayed as a series of dots but not to traditional numerical notation. Kate felt that this demonstrated a language problem and they would need to build a translator based on mathematical principles which could be universal. She had asked Eric-Peter to define the most fundamental computer language and he had explained the digital code of machine language using zeros and ones. Their plan was to establish a minimal common language from which the computers could begin to exchange data. Captain Brezinski approved their plan. Eric-Peter began transmitting his series of prime numbers using both the series of dots and the binary code. They all three cheered when the return transmission responded properly. Eric-Peter gradually increased the complexity of the binary message, and it was obvious that the new visitor was comprehending. In a surprisingly short time the computers began sharing information directly. The evening wore on as the ship's computer continued the translation process. When the computer finely announced that it had finished the process, Captain Brezinski was actually startled by the announcement and realized that she had dozed off.
Her first formal order was, "Please identify our new visitor." The computer responded, "I have been exchanging information with the navigational computer aboard the star ship, "New Beginnings", which is as close as the proper name can be translated."
"What is the purpose of the visit?" asked Captain Brezinski.
The computer's responded, "The star ship New Beginnings" has been sent to deliver equipment and supplies for our mission."
"And what is that mission?" was the natural response by the Captain. In staccato rhythm the computer replied, "That information is not yet available." Captain Brezinski was becoming frustrated and decided that further action would wait until the morning. She posted the new watch and recommended that everyone else get as much rest as they could. As Captain Brezinski was crawling into bed her mind was racing with the possible meaning of their new visitor.
When Tchaikovsky's music gently began as her wake-up call Captain Brezinski was pleasantly surprised to realize that she had slept fairly well. When she arrived at the Long Branch for breakfast, Mike and Doc Jules were still discussing their proposed protocols. Captain Brezinski asked them, "May I join you for breakfast?"
Doc Jules responded, "Please, sit and join us, Captain. We are just finishing the contact protocol."
Mike chipped in, "Our good doctor is afraid that some invisible germ is going to blow up our ship, and he thinks that I'm going to attack the visitor with a crow bar just to see what is inside."
Captain Brezinski said, "I expected as much." She informed them that the communication protocol was proceeding well, but despite the visitors technical knowledge of the ship the visitor did not have the ability to utilize our language.
Doc Jules said, "That limitation seems illogical for such an advanced ship, or whatever it is."
Following Captain Brezinski's explanation of Eric-Peter's concept of the quantum communication, Mike just shook his head and said, "Eric-Peter is getting almost as mystical as Simon. Simple solutions not complex physics are the most likely answer."
Captain Brezinski smiled and said, "We will know soon enough, but in the meantime, will you please review your protocol while I enjoy my breakfast."
The actual protocol was simple enough. Two volunteers in full space attire would descend down the access tunnel to the docking station. On arrival their first task would be to certify the emergency shelter as operational. If needed, they would be placed in quarantine in the shelter. They would carry a portable decontamination unit and a medical kit which would include testing facilities for possible viral and bacterial contamination.
Tom as always was one of the volunteers. As he proceeded down the long ladder of the access tunnel, he and Martha were closely monitored in their progress. Everyone on the bridge had to smile when Martha asked Tom, "Why did you volunteer for this mission when everyone knows that long ladders are not your favorite?"
Tom responded, "The chance to spend the week with you in quarantine made me forget how much I detested long ladders. And besides, we may be the first people to ever actually see an alien."
Martha was obviously startled and said, "You don't really think that there is somebody in that ship, do you?"
"Who knows?" was Tom's reply. When they reached the halfway point a mandatory rest period was prescribed. Doc Jules, who had been monitoring their vital signs, asked if they were becoming fatigued.
Martha responded, "The medical kit was getting heavy and I appreciate the opportunity to rest.
Tom said, "I remember why I do not like long ladders, but after my last discussion with the Chief I am content to plod along carrying this contraption which I hope we do not need." Captain Brezinski acknowledged their reports and reminded them that the acceleration did indeed increase the weight of their load as they descended outward.
They moved quickly to test the emergency shelter and bring it to operational status. After recharging their air supply and completing the prescribed rest period Tom announced, "Contact team has confirmed status of the emergency shelter to be above minimums and is prepared to initiate contact with The Egg".
Mike looked at Captain Brezinski who nodded an affirmative and Mike replied, "Contact team is authorized to proceed with contact initiation."
Martha looked at Tom who gave her a "thumbs up" and they proceeded to the airlock. Full cycling of the airlock was required by the protocol. After completion of the cycle Tom and Martha found themselves looking at a circular hatch with a single lever visible. Their video cameras kept the entire crew apprised of their progress. Tom asked for instructions and Mike replied, "We have not yet deciphered the opening sequence, so, standby."
After several minutes of waiting Tom asked Martha, "What would happen if we tried the lever?" Without waiting for an answer Tom reached up and turned the lever. The door opened revealing a small airlock with a similar door visible. Tom reported, "Opening sequence deciphered and initiated." Even Captain Brezinski had to smile at Tom's response and had Mike authorize the team to proceed. Tom acknowledged the order and he turned to Martha, bowing he said, "After you, my dear." Martha stepped up to the inner door and with some hesitation turned the lever. As the door opened, lights came on revealing the inside of the ship.
Tom and Martha used their v
ideo cameras to explore the interior of the ship without entering. After listening to the analysis presented Captain Brezinski ordered Tom to go aboard the Egg and for Martha to stand as the safety officer. She added, "Tom, I do not want you to touch anything."
Tom responded, "Aye, aye, Captain." He entered the ship. As he slowly walked up one aisle and then back down the other aisle he reported, "Captain, this isn't a ship. It is a warehouse." The entire interior space was filled with pallets and containers except for a 3 m oblong protrusion at the aft end. Mike and Eric-Peter were furiously comparing the external dimensions with the interior dimensions. The Egg was about the same size as the space shuttle and a comparison of the dimensions indicated that other than the protrusion from the aft section, the entire ship consisted of the "warehouse".
Mike exclaimed, "It’s impossible! There must be an engine compartment!"
Captain Brezinski replied, "Now it sounds like you are becoming mystical. I was worried that you and Eric-Peter would become bored during the transition portion of the flight. It now appears that you will have plenty to work on."
Brother Simon asked Tom if there was anything that looked like a freezer to him. Tom repeated his walk and pointed the camera at a compartment which had several lights visible and lighted characters which were reminiscent of hieroglyphics. Captain Brezinski asked Kate if she was able to decipher the characters, and Kate replied, "I am digitizing the image for computer analysis." Captain Brezinski looked at Brother Simon who was obviously in very deep thought and asked him, "Brother Simon, what is your analysis?"
His simple reply was, "Our mission is now defined."
Doc Jules in exasperation asked, "What the hell is this mission you are talking about?"
Brother Simon replied slowly, "Well, I assume that within that compartment is a frozen collection of embryos from our destination planet which we will be charged to genetically engineer into sentient beings."
Before any other questions could be asked Kate announced, "It appears that this compartment is a cryogenic container. The translation reads, cryo-keeper temperature must be maintained below 125 degrees Kelvin."
After several minutes of intense discussion they were interrupted by a call from Tom. His request was simple, "Captain, we're requesting permission to proceed with the contact protocol". Captain Brezinski granted permission and informed them of Brother Simon's theory. Tom responded, "You mean this egg is actually an incubator?"
Captain Brezinski replied, "That is our working theory". Tom began the laborious task of exposing the multiple culture plates that Doc Jules had provided. He used moist swabs to wipe the surfaces and place the swabs in an amino acid indicator solution. Tom brought the test tubes to Martha who placed the tubes in her storage pack along with the culture plates. The two proceeded to close the airlock and return to their emergency shelter.
Once safely at the shelter Martha washed Tom down with a decontamination solution prior to allowing him to enter the emergency habitat. Once inside the habitat they were prohibited from removing their suits until the amino acids test was complete. Tom told Martha, "Hurry up and complete those chemical test so we can get out of these suits."
Martha responded, "What’s the hurry?"
Tom laughed and said, "It’s very difficult to cuddle in a space suit." Martha did not respond, but was smiling to herself as she completed the amino acids test. Her smile turned to a frown as the solution turned blue indicating the presence of multiple amino acids. The presence of these amino acids indicated organic contamination of the surfaces and the possibility of infectious agents.
She told Tom, "I sure hope I do not get a skin itch because it looks like we will be living in our suits for awhile."
Tom responded, "There can't be anything there that would hurt us." Martha said, "I hope you are right, but I bet Doc Jules will make us follow the isolation protocol." She then forwarded the results to Doc Jules.
His response came quickly, "The high concentration of amino acids indicates probable biological contamination, and you must follow the isolation protocol."
Tom just groaned and said, "I was hoping for a nice romantic week with you and now I am stuck in this dumb suit."
Martha responded, "Hopefully the cultures will be negative, and we will be able to shed our suits and save most of the week." It had already been a long day and Captain Brezinski ordered them to begin a rest period as soon as the culture plates were placed in the incubator.
Tom responded, "Aye, aye, Captain. I could use the rest, but I can think of a more comfortable way of getting it."
Captain Brezinski responded, "I think we should worry about your rest more and being comfortable less."
Martha replied for Tom, "Captain, we are doing well and will commence the rest period." She quickly finished placing the culture plates and had Tom help her connect the habitat support system to her suit. She helped Tom with his connections and they lay back on the simple reclining seats in the habitat. Tom reached over and squeezed her hand as he turned down the lighting.
Tom and Martha were gently awakened by Captain Brezinski with a simple, "Good morning."
Tom and Martha both responded with a somewhat sleepy, "Good morning, Captain". When asked how they had slept Tom responded, "I could have used a better pillow but otherwise I seem to have rested well."
Captain Brezinski apologized for the quality of the space suit ration's but asked them to enjoy the breakfast as best they could. Their first task was to perform the safety checklist prior to disconnecting from the ships life support. The Captain reported, "The good doctor is quite anxious to have a report on the culture plates." Martha responded in the affirmative, but Tom mumbled something about eating baby food through a straw.
When Captain Brezinski asked him to repeat himself Tom replied "I was just wondering if Kate could save me a beer." Captain Brezinski promised that she would forward the request to Kate. Martha could not help smiling at Tom's remarks and attitude.
They finished their safety checklist and breakfast very quickly. Tom handed the plates to Martha for inspection. The first several plates had no growth, but a few of the plates had extensive growth. They focused the video camera on the plates so Doc Jules could examine them. Doc Jules began giving instructions for additional culturing of the growth. The various growth colonies were spread across specialized plates with different regions of nutrients and antibiotics. He then told them, "We will have to continue the isolation protocol until we are sure that this contamination is not dangerous." Tom and Martha both acknowledged the order and requested permission to resume their exploration of "The Egg". Captain Brezinski asked them if they thought a safety officer was still needed.
Tom replied, "There seems to be no external danger and two crew can easily work in the space which would significantly speed up the exploration." Captain Brezinski authorized both Tom and Martha to enter into the ship and proceed cautiously.
After cycling the airlock Tom and Martha began a detailed examination of the individual containers which were all labeled with the strange writing. Kate would digitize each video image for computer analysis. Most of the containers were filled with equipment with names that translated into things like "DNA splicer and sequencing unit". The translations seemed almost nonsensical to most of the crew with the exception of Brother Simon who after a while said, "These gifts exceed a geneticist wildest dreams!" Kate was adapting quickly to the writings and soon was translating them before the digitalizing was even complete.
Martha was examining a medium-size container which had a different configuration and was without a label. There was a schematic drawing and after examining it Martha said, "I think that they have sent us a new computer module." When Captain Brezinski asked her why that was her impression Martha replied, "This schematic is almost identical to the one on the module that we installed from The Visitor's ship." Mike had the computer bring up the schematic that Martha referred to and told Captain Brezinsk
i that Martha was right. He and Martha began discussing alternatives for connecting the new module to their existing computer system. The isolation protocol required that the airlock be utilized which prevented the use of a fiber-optic connecting cable. It was soon obvious that the new module would have to be moved into the emergency shelter.
Tom and Martha spent the rest of the work session trying to release the container from the docking station without any success. Captain Brezinski ordered them to begin their next rest session while Kate worked on trying to interpret all of the recorded writing looking for possible instructions.
Eric-Peter was becoming frustrated working with the navigational computer aboard the New Beginnings. He said, "This computer is either limited to navigational duties, or it has a security block that I cannot penetrate." Captain Brezinski asked him if there was "a bill of lading" included in the data banks that might have the instructions that they needed.
Eric-Peter replied, "I do not know what that is." Captain Brezinski explained that it was a list of all freight loaded on sailing vessels. Since "The Egg" appears to be a freighter it should have a similar list. Eric-Peter said that he would continue looking and after a few minutes he found a list. When the translated list was displayed, with the previously identified containers highlighted, it became obvious that Brother Simon was right in his assumption. At the bottom of the list was "transport fixation and release adapters-quantity 2". Mike said, "That sure sounds like a key to me."
When the prescribed rest period was completed Mike asked Tom and Martha if they had seen anything that resembled a key or a locking mechanism on the containers. Martha replied, "We have seen nothing that resembles a normal key, but I saw a somewhat oval one cm opening along the top front edge of several of the containers." Mike then instructed them to make finding the "key" their primary objective.
Tom asked, "What does this is key look like?"
Mike responded, "We don’t know, but it will probably fit into an opening like the one Martha described."
As Tom and Martha were separating themselves from the emergency habitat life support Martha said, "Where would you leave the key?"
Tom replied, "My uncle always locked the door and would then hang the key on a nail between the storm door and the inside door. I asked him why he bothered to lock the door if he left the key hanging where anybody could find it. He told me that keys were for honest people and that a thief would probably just break the door or a window rather than looking for a key." He continued, "I would assume that the visitor will accept us as honest people and probably put the key in a very obvious place." When they returned to "The Egg" they began a detailed search for the key but without success. Martha began thinking about Tom's story and walked back out into the airlock. She noticed above the door a small irregularity and when she pushed on it a small door opened revealing two keys. She notified Captain Brezinski that Tom's uncle was right after all. When they inserted the key into the computer container's opening nothing happened until they rotated the key 360 degrees clockwise and then the container released. Martha could easily move the container by herself, but when they rotated the key counterclockwise the container again became fixed rigidly to the floor.
When Tom and Martha moved the container through the airlock it lost most of its floating characteristics, but they were able to work it into the emergency habitat. Tom had begun to sweat so much that it overcame his suit's ability to control the humidity. Doc Jules interrupted their work and asked them to take a short rest period and to increase their fluid intake. They complied willingly. After a short but refreshing rest Doc Jules advise them that they could return to their work. Tom acknowledged him but asked, "Could I take a quick shower first?"
Doc Jules responded, "The shower will have to wait until the culture plates are re-examined, but for Martha's sake we will expedite your shower request." A protocol had been quickly devised to connect the computer to the module in the emergency habitat after first isolating it from the ship's main computer bank. A connecting cable was supplied by the auto-supplier, but the method of delivering it had not been decided upon. Using another crew member for delivery was ruled out by Captain Brezinski until Doc Jules was satisfied with the safety issues. Eric-Peter suggested a miniature rocket, but Mike objected that the control issues were too significant for safety. Doc Jules suggested that they use a giant fishing reel to slowly lower the package on a thin cord. Mike liked the suggestion but quickly modified it to utilize a spool of wire. The cable was packaged carefully and secured to the wire. The chief and Mike suited up and entered the access tunnel where they slowly lowered the package to Tom. Tom secured the wire to a cable attachment and brought the package into the airlock.
Martha completed the connections according to the protocol and disconnected the habitat computer from the main computer bank. Tom had utilized the delivery wire to connect a simple intercom to allow for communication while they were separated from the main computer. Once the modules were connected the communication protocol that Eric-Peter had established with the navigation computer was utilized. The information transfer rate was unbelievably rapid and within a few minutes they were able to access the new computer module. Tom announced, "We have achieved access!" Martha entered a general menu and selected a title called "planet characteristics". She and Tom became absolutely engrossed by the scenes they were viewing of this New World. After several minutes of silence Captain Brezinski impatiently asked them if the computer was working.
Martha replied, "Captain, we are viewing scenes from our destination planet and seeing unbelievable sites."
Captain Brezinski responded, "If you would complete the checkout list, we could all share in the scenes you are viewing"
Martha replied, "Beginning checkout sequence now." The checkout followed without problems and Martha requested permission to reconnect the habitat computer with the main computer banks. Captain Brezinski granted permission and with the flip of a switch the entire crew was united in a sense of awe as they viewed their destination planet.