Chapter 2
Throughout the afternoon, while waiting at the third interstellar transit station of the space base, I pondered this question, and in the end, I had to admit that I was stumped. Time passed quickly, and through the station's enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, I could see interstellar spacecraft coming and going, some from other space bases and others from the more distant Mars. Since the era of the Great Flood, human civilization has been relocated to the skies, and we can no longer live as we once did on solid ground. Two-thirds of the Earth's population now resides in this vast doughnut-shaped structure surrounding the Earth, while the remaining one-third on the surface will also abandon humanity's last refuge as sea levels continue to rise. A massive space migration program is being accelerated, with more and larger space bases being constructed in hopes of keeping pace with the floodwaters. This sad situation is expected to last for over three thousand years, until the flood recedes, as described in the Old Testament. However, it remains uncertain whether we have fled too hastily and if we have brought along any doves to release.
Fortunately, I am not an Earthling
I want to see your captain," I said, shaking my credentials at a staff member by the spaceship's hatch. He was dressed in a smart uniform, clearly indicating that he was from Mars.
"Yes," said the duty manager, "Do you see that sign? It is Weima Biological Company, which has received special approval to leave"
"That's really good," Professor Ma said enviously
Here. Professor Ma patted the pocket of his chest, "So you are also returning to Mars?"
The soft lights in the cabin gradually illuminated again, and I let out a long sigh. At that moment, the airplane adjusted its position, and from my side, I could see a gray object slowly drifting over, gradually occupying my entire field of vision. It was in the shape of a massive ring, slowly rotating, with lights on its surface flickering in a rhythmic manner, appearing very tranquil and serene against the dark backdrop of the universe, somewhat resembling a large bagel sprinkled with bright fragments. As we drew closer, I could clearly see small points of light weaving in and out, disappearing into the interior of the enormous artificial structure. The airplane continued to adjust its position, slowly synchronizing with the space station, making it seem as if the entire space station had come to a halt in its rotation.
And you, sir
We are also waiting for the notification
After a while, a middle-aged man dressed in the same elegant uniform appeared, with several shining stars on his shoulders
Soon, the conventional engine with a thrust of over 50,000 pounds lifted the aircraft off the ground. After climbing more than 1,000 feet, the roar of the engine gradually diminished, and the brief discomfort I had just experienced disappeared. After climbing another 2,000 feet, the leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps on the wings began to retract slowly. At this moment, the thick cloud layer had been left far below. I watched all of this and quietly let out a sigh of relief, unbuckling my seatbelt. After climbing another 2,000 feet, the leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps on the wings began to retract slowly. At this moment, the thick cloud layer had been left far below. I watched all of this and quietly let out a sigh of relief, unbuckling my seatbelt
Thank you, I truly apologize," Professor Ma said politely, first pressing the red button next to his seat. Soon, a transparent glass cover rose up from beneath his feet, enveloping the entire seat. Two automatic safety straps crossed over his chest and disappeared behind the seat. This device made him look somewhat comical, like a zongzi tied up, but judging by Professor Ma's expression, he must frequently fly, as he clearly felt no discomfort. I even suspect that Professor Ma's personality allows him to appear calm and unhurried wherever he goes, feeling as comfortable as if he were in his own bedroom.
I suddenly realized and quickly asked, "Could you arrange a spot for me up there?"
I looked out through the glass window and saw a strangely shaped spaceship slowly approaching the boarding bridge. The spaceship was enormous, unlike a typical commercial spacecraft, with a bulging, round belly, clumsy and awkward, resembling a plump beetle.
There are nearly one million people... As we spoke, we had already arrived at the covered bridge entrance. My police credentials came into play once again, and we faced little obstruction as we proceeded directly to the spacecraft's docking interface
"I noticed that you seem a bit worried, is that right?" Professor Ma asked with concern
I jumped up suddenly, grabbed my luggage, and ran towards the inquiry counter. The counter was already surrounded by a crowd of travelers, making a racket, while the poor service attendant struggled to maintain a smile on her face, dealing with the already irritable passengers. I pushed my way through the crowd and rushed to the front.
"Goodbye, Mars." Professor Ma nodded and disappeared into the crowd of disembarking passengers. I also took out my luggage, suddenly feeling a sense of regret; Professor Ma had only spoken halfway, and just as he was about to identify the murderer, he was interrupted. Who exactly is the murderer? After listening to him for so long, I was still in a fog, wearing a pensive expression as I disembarked.
Earth Passport ... ... '' Captain Keli frowned, `` According to regulations, spacecraft belonging to Mars are not allowed to carry Earth passengers without customs approval ... ... '' He opened the passport and suddenly his eyes lit up
"Is he an old fool?" Professor Ma said with a smile
Professor Ma spread his hands and said, "My flight has been canceled, how unfortunate, I still have to speak at that conference."
Miss Chris said there is no problem, but there is only one guest room left. Are you willing to squeeze in a bit?
"That is the scientific vessel of Weima Biotechnology, so they have this privilege." Seeing that Professor Ma did not understand my meaning, I further explained: "Weima Biotechnology has recently developed and published a new antibiotic that is particularly effective against the Lock disease currently prevalent on Mars. I just saw the news yesterday that the chief scientist of Weima Biotechnology is returning to Mars today to announce the DNA map of this new antibiotic, so the military has also opened a passage for them. Don't tell me you are unaware of the Lock disease that is spreading on Mars?" I looked at Professor Ma with suspicion.
No, no, it's nothing, just a small effort. Professor Ma's gratitude, on the contrary, made me feel somewhat uncomfortable
Time passed swiftly. During this period, the aircraft ascended to a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet and maintained its course, just like any ordinary commercial airliner before the Flood. However, its destination would not be an airport on the mainland, but rather higher, to a human space station in geostationary orbit above the Earth. I was so engrossed in listening that I did not even notice the amber signal light in front of my seat had illuminated. Rather, it was higher, to a human space station in geostationary orbit above the Earth. I was so engrossed in listening that I did not even notice the amber signal light in front of my seat had illuminated.
"Sir?" the flight attendant politely reminded again
When can flights be resumed
"No, no, I didn't mean that." A hint of embarrassment passed over Captain Decker's face, and he then said, "I cannot decide this; you need to ask Miss Chris, the supervisor. Please wait for me here for a moment, it will be quick." With that, the captain returned to the ship, disappearing at the end of the corridor.
It is a pleasure to meet you, goodbye
I presented my identification and explained my purpose. Captain Decre looked carefully at my documents, listened to me until I finished speaking, and then raised his head, his gaze falling behind me
I ran over and gently patted Professor Ma on the shoulder. Professor Ma turned his head, looking utterly helpless.
"Where are we going?" Professor Ma asked
Although this protective device used for space travel is very safe, it is impossible to talk to Professor Ma again. On the other side of the transparent cover, Professor Ma smiled gently at me, clearly understanding my thoughts. He then comfortably rested his head against the aircraft seat and began to close his eyes to relax. I imitated him, resting my head against the soft seat, trying to relax my slightly stiff body.
The flight attendant smiled slightly and said, "Yes, we have been flying for over an hour. The captain said we will arrive at our destination in half an hour."
"Follow me," I whispered, tugging at Professor Ma's sleeve. Professor Ma squeezed through the crowd and followed behind me as we made our way toward the corridor entrance.
I am Captain Decree, how may I assist you
I quickly stood up, shook his hand, and said, "Goodbye, Professor Ma. By the way, are you heading to the space base, or are you transferring from here to another destination?"
"I apologize, sir, please press the button on your left. The plane is about to increase thrust for flight." The beautiful flight attendant appeared before us, interrupting our conversation. At that moment, I finally came to my senses and looked up at her in surprise: "Are we really about to cross the atmosphere so soon?"
Welcome aboard. Captain Chris gave a salute, stepped aside, and instructed one of the crew members: "Go to customs and get Professor Ma's clearance permit, just say it's for Miss Chris's guest." The young man took Professor Ma's passport and ran off.
I also laughed. "I heard that flights to Mars have been quite tight recently. Have you purchased your ticket yet?"
Soon, various complaints came crashing down on the counter, and the service personnel at the center of the storm were nearly scared into fleeing. This method of inquiry was not effective, so I quickly changed my approach and ran directly to the control center on the second floor of the terminal. The guard at the entrance seemed intent on stopping me, but I waved my badge and was granted access. I obtained accurate information from a duty manager: a solar flare had just erupted, damaging five navigation satellites on the Mars route, and the interstellar repair team was currently conducting emergency repairs. However, the flight path was forced to close. It was not completely shut down; only special flights could take off on time, and the military had opened a narrow military passage.
"You are too kind," Professor Ma said as he stepped onto the spaceship. Thus, we boarded the scientific vessel of Weimar Biotech and began an extraordinary few days and nights
There was nothing concerning that occurred; soon, the noise of the nuclear-powered engine diminished, and the uncomfortable pressure lessened until it finally disappeared. When the porthole opened again, the outside was already a dark canopy with a complex and bright array of stars. The amber light was extinguished, the glass cover descended, disappearing beneath the floor. However, the safety harness remained secured to prevent the reckless passenger from suddenly standing up in the weightlessness and colliding with the ceiling
"I am going to Mars, where there is a seminar," Professor Ma said with a smile
Twenty minutes later, after the airport control's scheduling and the queue of incoming and outgoing flights, our aircraft docked with Space Base No. 23. Once the aircraft was securely positioned at the jet bridge, the safety belts on the seats were released, and a smiling flight attendant appeared in the cabin, standing next to the door and politely seeing off each passenger
Oh, I apologize. My contemplation was interrupted, and I hurriedly pressed a button, immediately transforming myself into another type of zongzi
There is only one flight," said the duty manager, "Look, it is docking now, and after a short stop, it will depart, waiting for a few special guests
Without saying a word, I grabbed my luggage and went downstairs, heading straight for the boarding bridge where the spaceship was docked. As I passed the inquiry counter, I noticed it was still surrounded by a crowd of people, their emotions beginning to escalate, and I could already see several airport security personnel among them. This was entirely understandable; everyone wanted to get home quickly. Suddenly, amidst the crowd, I spotted a head full of white hair—it was Professor Ma.
I turned my head, intending to continue the previous topic, only to realize that Professor Ma had already fallen asleep, his eyes closed, breathing evenly, his head slightly tilted to one side, as if he were in the comfort of his own bed
No, our hands have been holding each other. Professor Ma slightly shook his head, "It is a seminar on the disparity in treatment between professors at Earth and Mars universities"
I am somewhat unclear about his meaning; it seems I understand a bit, but I cannot articulate it. I changed the subject. "There is still over an hour until we enter the afterburner phase; we clearly have plenty of time to pass this tedious journey. Earlier, I mentioned the case you were involved in. If you don't mind, could you describe it? You know, hearing it from someone else is completely different from hearing it from the person involved. Is this request too forward?"
The duty manager shrugged and said, "I do not have that authority; you may discuss it with the captain."
"Of course, I am willing," Professor Ma said, picking up his luggage. "Please convey my thanks to the esteemed Miss Chris."
"That is not a commercial spacecraft," Professor Ma asked in confusion
"This is a type of occupational disease," I explained, feeling somewhat embarrassed. "I work on airplanes, and I know that they are prone to malfunctions during takeoff, so I am particularly afraid of flying."
"I know, of course I do," Professor Ma nodded and said, "Airborne transmission, with a mortality rate of 5%, fortunately contained within the third ecological zone of Mars"
After a while, the captain returned, and from his expression, it was evident that things were progressing well
"There is a spaceship to Mars; let's take a chance," I said, pointing at the strange spacecraft outside.
"I will definitely do it," I said, and we all laughed.
What has happened
Attention all passengers, due to technical malfunctions, all flights to Mars have been canceled. Please complete the necessary ticket refund procedures. We will inform everyone promptly of any updates. Thank you for your cooperation
"How did you get here?" I asked
I apologize for the technical malfunction
"You have helped me immensely," Professor Ma said earnestly. "I owe you a favor. However, please remind me of this, as I tend to forget what I owe to others."
"Mars Science Vessel?" I exclaimed in astonishment
The light gradually dimmed, and all the cabin lights were adjusted to their lowest setting. Soon, a faint whistling sound spread throughout the cabin as the aircraft began to noticeably accelerate, tilting upward and slightly rolling. The roar of the conventional engines was no longer audible; instead, it was replaced by the shrill sound of the nuclear-powered spacecraft engines. As the speed of the aircraft increased, the entire cabin shook violently, as if it were about to fall apart. Anyone experiencing this type of aerospace passenger aircraft for the first time would undoubtedly be frightened. I tried not to think about these things and turned my head, just in time to see the surface of the wing. A layer of red light was rising from above, dispersing like mist towards the back, then reappearing and dispersing again. The leading edge of the entire wing began to glow red, and soon, the outside of the window was filled with red light. Through the window, everything inside the cabin appeared red, as if the morning glow were shining into the cabin. The surface of the aircraft was burning in the dense atmosphere, like the legendary phoenix. At that moment, the captain closed all the portholes, and instantly, the cabin was plunged into darkness.
Professor Ma chuckled softly. "You are a clever person, but unfortunately, most of us are not clever enough, as we have been living in the dangers we have created for ourselves without any awareness."
Professor Ma presented his passport
Yes, I am taking the Dream Star Express spaceship
During the following time, Professor Ma elaborated on the entire case in detail, and I was captivated. Although Professor Ma spoke in a very calm tone, showing no signs of exaggeration or excitement, as if he were discussing everyday matters, the intricate plot was far more thrilling than what was reported in the newspapers. The more I listened, the more I admired this elderly man with white hair before me. I was even surprised at how this old professor could narrate such a marvelous story with such composure, as if it were the most ordinary occurrence in his life.
Professor Ma woke up at the right moment, rubbed his hands in satisfaction, stood up, took his small bag from the luggage rack, and extended his hand towards me
"Human Behavioral Science Seminar?" I inquired with interest
"This is a slight privilege of being a paramilitary personnel," I explained, "Then, goodbye Mars"
Of course not, I am very willing. To my surprise, Professor Ma readily agreed. That was two months ago, I happened to be at Space Base No. 15 on Earth, supervising a group of students for their internship, and then...
"Which flights are available for departure?" I asked
Ma Rufeng ... ... is Professor Ma. '' He suddenly became enthusiastic, returning the passport to Professor Ma, and said: `` So you are Professor Ma, I have seen your report in the newspaper, it is truly an honor, I never expected that the renowned Professor Ma would actually be ... ... ''
Thank you," Professor Ma said
The central sound system in the waiting hall emitted a sharp ding, followed by a sweet female voice beginning the announcement
I am a fortunate Martian, a pure descendant of the first batch of Earth colonizers who ventured to Mars. Although the population of Mars is only one percent of that of Earth, I firmly believe that Mars holds greater potential and development than Earth, at least for the next three thousand years. Despite the numerous challenges currently faced by Mars, such as the absence of a natural atmosphere and ecosystem formed over millions of years like that of Earth, the health of Martians is severely compromised, with an average lifespan significantly lower than that of Earthlings. Despite the numerous challenges currently faced by Mars, such as the absence of a natural atmosphere and ecosystem formed over millions of years like that of Earth, the health of Martians is severely compromised, with an average lifespan significantly lower than that of Earthlings.