Our ascent engine had failed, marooning the five of us on Mars. In ten years’ time the Chinese might land on the red planet near our Birdie and diagnose what went wrong.
Neither our own efforts nor suggestions from Earth made any difference. We were stuck. Enough air, food and water with us for ten more days, our safety margin in case something unexpected such as a dust storm delayed our departure. Up in orbit were the bulk of the consumables we’d need for the long journey home.
At no point did we panic. Us Mars astronauts were chosen for our equanimity. Three married men and two married women confined in close proximity for a total mission profile of almost two years needed to have mild personalities. In actuality, for assorted reasons, all five of us were planning to leave our spouses
