Quazum

“Quazmopolis...” “Can you see it?” Dr. Palmer stood up and looked around at the dozens of nervous faces in the Space Exploration Agency control room. “What does this moon look like?” “The solar jet is entering the Kepler Solar System now, and I can already make it out. It’s not the usual grey,” answered Pilot Gordon, the solo astronaut in the small solar jet that was racing by the surrounding planets. “There are so many colors just on the surface of Quazmopolis. It looks like it’s just glowing. It’s the most beautiful land mass I’ve ever seen.” News stations around the world were running the live video feed being taken directly from Science Exploration and were cutting between shots of Pilot Gordon and the Quazmopolis moon. News anchors began speaking over the video, “We know the rocks on this moon’s surface vary in all shapes and sizes, and range in a variety of colors. It is truly like nothing ever seen on earth, or any other planet ever discovered in the Milky Way galaxy.” Lacy Meaux, a young student at Space Exploration, was opening a variety of different images taken from the solar jet and revolving satellites. As she zoomed into closer shots, she finally yelled out, “I found a flat area on the surface, about twenty-three square feet where the solar jet can land safely. I’m sending the location coordinates directly to the jet.” “Excellent Miss Lacy,” replied Palmer before turning back to the communications mic and pressing buttons, “Landing coordinates are being transferred to your control panel. Please relay power settings back to SEA.” “Okay. I’m now putting my life in your hands,” answered Gordon with a laugh. “Just get me down safely.” All nervous eyes were on the big screen when another young operator spun around and smiled at Lacy. Ben then began typing on a second big screen when the professional computer voice spoke out, “Landing coordinates are now entered. Solar jet is in automatic drive.” News anchors continued making announcements broadcast on national networks and could be heard on surrounding monitors, “We are now seeing live video of one of the only land masses in this galaxy with an oxygen and nitrogen-based atmosphere, comparable to earth.  This is the first planet or moon discovered that may be capable of supporting human life.” Another news source cut in. “We are breaking into regular programming to show live video of the Quazmopolis mission being taken by the first manned solar jet. It has now entered the atmosphere of this oxygen-based moon and is lowering to the surface.” Everyone at SEA got quiet again before Pilot Gordon spoke up. “This is beautiful. I just want to roll down a window and breath this air.” “The solar jet is being controlled by computers now,” answered Palmer. “Just sit back and enjoy the ride.” As the colored rock surface got closer, the ship dropped at a slight angle and landing gear began to stretch out. Lacy immediately began calculating measurements and documenting close up shots of the sharp rock surface surrounding the solar jet. Images that flashed on the big screens continued being sent live to all media when Pilot Gordon spoke up again, “I’m beginning to feel heavy. It’s like I just ate a big Thanksgiving dinner, and I’m carrying my son and daughter on my back. Ugh...” Reporters immediately began explaining on air. “The Quazmopolis moon is larger than earth and therefore has a stronger gravitational pull. Pilot Gordon is now carrying a weight estimated at over two hundred and fifty pounds, and that weight will grow when he lands on the surface.” Again, everyone in Science Exploration headquarters was silent before Gordon spoke up again, “This is definitely a very beautiful moon. Besides the amazing colors on the rock surface, the sky also stands out with a nearly orange and yellow texture. It’s kind of like a beautiful sunset over the ocean. I love it.” “The sun will be setting in just seventy-three minutes. And temperatures will quickly be dropping below zero degrees,” replied Palmer. “We maybe have one hour to see how well the human body can adapt.” Lacy spoke up again. “I’m getting readings of one of the starboard jet wings heating up. Can we raise the panels to block the heat and recharge power to the left wing?” “Not a problem,” answered Ben. “The left wing is now taking in all power and blocking excessive sun heat.” “Continue monitoring heat on both wings, and solar recharge to full capacity,” mumbled Dr. Palmer as he looked around at the scientists nervously looking on. “Can we speed this up a little,” asked Pilot Gordon. “I’m just getting a little impatient.” “Just sit tight. You’ll be reaching the surface in less than a minute. And then you can begin exploring,” answered Palmer. “And when temperatures fall below forty degrees, you will climb back into the solar jet and go to sleep.” Reporters studied the screen and continued giving the play-by-play, “We see the craft is now balanced and making contact with the Quazmopolis surface, in spite of the dangerous added weight.” “Landing gear from the solar jet is now touching the surface.” “Earth is now witnessing a historic moment in human history.” The slow-moving jet finally became still before Pilot Gordon spoke up, “That’s it! We’re officially on the solid ground of Quazmopolis. We’ve landed!” Scientists in the control room exploded with applause. Some stood, and Ben walked over to give Lacy a high five and a hug. Dr. Palmer finally walked back over to his desk and pushed buttons on the computer screen and announced, “Fine. Get solar panels around the jet set up to begin a full charge before you begin your first exploration.” “I’m on my way out now, sir. I’ve got the full suit and helmet attached, and I’m headed for the vestibule doors. My heavy weight is extraordinary, like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I’m moving very slowly.” The media crew and SEA scientists watched quietly as Pilot Gordon slowly stepped down onto the Quazmopolis surface and began unfolding the solar panels. Monitors showed different angles of video from Gordon’s helmet, the jet, and satellites orbiting the moon. “We’re now getting a full solar recharge to batteries on the fuselage,” announced Lacy. “The jet’s right wing is still charging, and solar panels are laid out.” Ben also spoke up again. “And the inlet engine has enough power to keep the solar jet warm overnight. We’re set.” “Okay Mr. Gordon. You are now free to explore this unusual rock surface and maybe pick up a few sample rocks,” announced Dr. Palmer. “There is no life and no movement, but you will be shooting video and recording sound as you examine the colored stone. You now have fifty-two minutes at a comfortable temperature.” “Can I take off my helmet?” asked Gordon. “I’ve got to see if I can breathe this oxygen atmosphere. And the temperature is below a hundred.” Palmer spoke into the microphone. “Begin first by allowing air in. When you feel comfortable, you can open the mask and test a breathing sample. But keep the helmet on for protection.” “I’m going to do it. I’ve been flying two weeks for this. I’m going to breathe this Quazmopolis air. Are you ready?” As Pilot Gordon began to pull off his helmet, everyone at SEA Headquarters watched nervously. Media news organizations began to build up the drama, “We see Gordon risking his life to breathe air from an unexplored source, outside of our galaxy!” “Pilot Gordon is now removing his helmet to test the atmosphere!” When Gordon finally looked around and into a camera from the solar jet, he announced with a smile, “A small breath for man, and a giant inhale for mankind.” “This is the first time a human has breathed air from an atmosphere outside of earth.” Live news continued reporting with excitement before Palmer picked up the direct microphone again. “Okay Pilot Gordon. Let’s not overdo it. The temperatures are beginning to drop. Just put the helmet back on, pick up some rock samples, and return to the jet. You can do more exploring tomorrow.” “I just gotta move around a little. I’m going to jog towards the mountain of rock over there, just to stretch my legs.” “You must move slowly.” Dr. Palmer looked around the room of nervous scientists and continued, “And return your helmet for safety.” “This is just incredible,” announced Gordon. “You guys have just never seen anything like this.” Dr. Palmer looked annoyed but knew everything was being recorded and broadcast live by many media sources. “What’s Gordon’s distance from the solar jet now?”  “I’m detecting motion at seventy-five yards,” answered Ben. Lacy looked back to Palmer. “And Pilot Gordon is now moving out of range of solar jet cameras.”  “Mr. Gordon, slow down.” “You guys need to see this!” answered Gordon. “The temperature is dropping into the sixties now, and the sky is changing colors fast. In spite of the added weight, I’m feeling more and more energy. Can you guys see this sunset?” “Pilot Gordon, you are now travelling out of sight of our solar jet cameras,” said Dr. Palmer. “Please move closer. You are to remain in sight at all times.” “I’m moving towards an incredibly colored boulder. It’s like a rainbow rock. Are you picking this up?” “Boom!” After the loud sound came over the speakers, all was suddenly quiet. “Mr. Gordon?” asked Palmer. Ben studied the monitors before numbers from his computer began speaking up, “The solar jet is now picking up no motion in the one-hundred-yard range.” “Gordon, move in. Return to the jet,” yelled Palmer. “I’m getting no readings of sound from the solar jet cameras and recorders,” said Lacy. “Okay Gordon,” said Palmer. “Today’s mission is over. Return helmet to your head and get back to the jet.” Scientists sat motionless waiting for a response, and the media suspected something suspicious but remained quiet, looking into the monitors. “Return to the solar jet, Gordon. That’s an order.” Dr. Palmer then ran over to Lacy’s monitor and began searching. “I’m sorry doctor,” said Lacy politely. “I’m getting no reading.” “That’s impossible! You checked the satellite video?” Palmer then spun around and ran over to Ben’s computer and pushed buttons. Ben stood up and got out of the way. “Dr. Palmer, he moved out of reach of the jet’s camera, and the satellite is not picking up any motion in the area.” “That’s impossible. Zoom in from satellite cameras,” said Palmer. “The satellite is locked down on the ship and the rock surface!” answered Ben again. Scientists looked on quietly before a new computer announcement began, “Space Exploration has lost all connection to Pilot Gordon. No motion is being detected within one mile on the surface of Quazmopolis.” Media immediately began making announcements, “Pilot Gordon refused to follow orders and did not wear the helmet for protection.” “In the first exploration of Quazmopolis, atmosphere and temperatures proved survivable, but neglect of one scientist ended the mission early.” “What started as a successful mission for Space Exploration ended up with a waste of time, money and the loss of a human life.”