Mars: The Ark Project IC

by **Volmachtia** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 9:41 am

Go check out the OOC if you want to join.

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July 8th, 2032
Mars High Orbit, vicinity of Phobos

The enormous, boxy Ark lumbered through the desolate depths of space, its faint contrail flaring as the engines came alive, steering the Ark into a close orbit with the craggy little moon Phobos. Peering out of the observation deck, Michael Carter watched as catches were released and tractor hooks were fired into the reddish gravel of the tiny world. The Ark's retrorockets stabilized its approach and a minute later, the spaceship was securely locked onto Phobos and now had an excellent window onto the planet below.

The loudspeakers came alive seconds later. Commander Yegorov's hoarse but loud voice followed.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the Ark Project, welcome to the Red Planet."
An outburst of cheers rocked the vessel, clapping hands, whooping security troops. Many simply lay seated, heads lain back onto their chair, releasing tension and finding calm, exhaling breaths of relief. Clapping and laughing, Carter slapped hands with many others on the observation deck before the loudspeaker spouted something additional.

"Also, all individuals designated for the first wave of landing please assemble in shuttle-bay D-2. Repeat, all first-wavers to hangar D-2."
Smiling and taking one last swig of his nearly finished coke, he tossed it into a rubbish can a few steps away and began pacing down the lively halls to the location desginated. Everyone was cheering, sharing drinks, and cracking jokes. Some were quiet, of course. As wonderful as their successful arrival was, it wasn't over, and they knew for damn certain that it didn't mean hardship would not be ahead. For most, however, it was a successful retreat from a dead world, and they had their lives to celebrate. Pressing away hands extending alcohol to him, he finally managed to reach the hangar.

The rusty brown room was piled with heavy metal boxes around the corners, dimly illuminated from above by three large, circular floodlights. At the end was two large airlock gates connecting to two of the four shuttles aboard the Ark. Alexei Yegorov stood at a little makeshift podium in front of the airlocks, a man in his early forties who had seen too much of the worst part of the Russo-Chinese War, the Siege of Beijing, was a slightly overweight but generally well-kept man with short-trimmed blonde hair, a square jaw and two beady blue eyes in deep eye-sockets. His arms were thick and powerful, and he carried himself with a visible air of strength.

Clad in the black-green jumpsuit of all Ark command personnel, the commander of the expedition, selected by the Ark Committee back on Earth for one of its councilmen to accompany the vessel, he stood before a growing crowd of crewmen of which Carter was a part. Peering around, he could see Engineer Keeler, an engine worker, and Trooper Donahue, a ArkSec trooper he had befriended on the first month of the journey. About forty in all were here, all part of the so-called First Wave. Each shuttle could ferry 25 men and 10 tons of supplies to the surface in an hour and return in two, but Mars turned quickly and to conserve fuel, each wave of settlers was planned. Yegorov made to speak and the room became silent.

"My brothers and sisters," he said, with just the faintest Russian accent, "we have suffered and waited long for this day. Our home is dying and there is sadly nothing left for us there. But here is our new homeland, one coming with many billions of dollars and the work of a globe full of scientists and technicians, the best of whom are among us. So to keep from rambling on, let me say, welcome. Welcome to Mars."

Clambering into the first shuttle and sealing his envirosuit, Carter took deep breaths as it disengaged and plunged to the surface.

by **Len Hyet** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:03 am

Silva smiled at the applause and speech, but didn't think on it much. His job, and his team's job, was to keep everybody in one piece until no civilians were left. With all the transports for the entire thousand people on the arc crowded onto the launch bay, it was entirely conceivable that some deranged Eco-terrorist would set off whatever bomb they had to stop the landing.

This was the most critical part, the first wave. If there was an Eco-terrorist, now wod be when they would strike. To that point, the barrel of Silva's American made M-Z433 Sniper Rifle kept a steady move over the crowd. The electronic sight highlighted silhouettes of people and objects. People were green, objects yellow. If an object matched a weapon or trigger device, it changed to red. If a person was holding it, they changed to red as well. The only exception was the members of the security force, who were outlined in blue. The M-Z433 fired a .433 caliber depleted uranium round. Capable of punching through a tank's armor, but only one layer. The round fragmented after going through anything. As soft as paper, or as hard as a brick wall. The bullet would go through one layer of anything. Of course, Silva also carried a seven round magazine of .433s that wouldn't fragment. These could go through a tank and the battleship behind it.

Silva kept looking over the crowd from his vantage point high above it. He just prayed nobody was bringing a bomb to the party.

by **Wyethalania** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 12:58 pm

Even with artificial gravity, Dr. Carlisle still felt hampered by his lessened weight and rarely left his small cabin through out the journey, except for when his occupation or bodily necessities demanded his exit. For the short time they've been in space, already several people had come to him as patients. Most of their psychological problems were normal, if such a term can be used in psychology, given the circumstances with almost of all of it stemming from grief for loved ones left behind or disconsolate foreboding about the future.

The supposed crushing loneliness of space had yet to dampen his spirits; he felt a sort of consolation in the vast nothingness for staring off into the starry night from his tiny window or the massive Observation Deck viewing ports reminded him of his childhood in Britain when his family used to travel up to Scotland for camping trips. Only his family and the stars were present, commingling together in peaceful existence; now it happens yet again but on a grand scale with one thousand humans on the plains of Mars.

The only languorous feeling he had for his home planet was the cemetery where his wife and son laid buried; a bitter tear will never fall over them again. Whenever this inkling came upon him, his berthing neighbors knew, for the worn strings of cello strummed a melancholias tune well into the ever-encasing night.

Slated as unimportant for the initial colonizing process, Dr. Carlisle begudgeoningly received one of the last boarding waves down to the installation even though he's categorized as Medical Personal. Yet this gave him time to reflect and collect the few possessions that were allotted to him.

Not caring for the dull uniforms that other Medical staff were forced to wear, he brought two weeks worth of his standard clothing, which included sweater vests, bow ties, suspenders, and the other stereotypical Freudian attire; as a doctor of the mind, he was given some slack.

After caressingly placing the latest edition of the DSM-VI, the virtual Bible of psychologists every where, as well as several other diagnostic and scientific journals into a work trunk to be delivered to his office on Level Five, he waved them goodbye as the Cargo Staff lugged them away.

With his official brickerbrack taken care of, he personally carried his cello and other minor knickknacks with him to the Observation Deck; he wasn't going to wait with the impatient rabble in the cramped loading bay. Sitting prudishly by the huge windows overlooking the reddish plains, he played his favorite hymn as the people around him listened pleasantly while the little space shuttles fluttered down to the planet.

by **Legital** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 2:46 pm

'...and so, I am amazed that the large population of this voyage has managed to stay relatively healthy, avoiding any unwanted epidemics which thrive in these close living conditions which was prevalent in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries among seafaring ships.'

Dotting the period at the end of the sentence, Carl Reed, one of the Arks more experienced and competent medical doctors, shut his small butternut colored journal. He wrote in it every so often, just jotting down little things here and there. He remembered someone telling him that keeping a journal would help keep him sane on the journey. He did not think he would go crazy, but this was an important moment in his life, so writing down what he could, even if its a few sentences, was good enough for him.
Placing the small journal down on the cold metal desk, he leaned back in his chair. Today was the big day. If everything went as planed, the first wave of colonists, which included himself, would travel down to the great Red Planet. He allowed himself a small grin, but he could not help but smile fully, laughing slightly. It was crazy, here he was, in space. It was his dream as a child to become an astronaut, but as the Earth slowly slipped into madness, practicalities took first place. But here he was. It was essentially a dream come true. But his smile faded as he thought of Earth. It used to be such a beautiful planet. Not only that, but it was the home world for Humans. And they were killing it. If this colony on Mars failed, then the Human race may very well fail with it.

Getting up from his chair, he patted down his medical uniform. Most other doctors, or medical assistants, wore simple standard medical uniforms. But he, along with some other doctors he observed, had a little bit more pull when it came to what they could wear. It was not about fashion, or anything silly like that, but he simply enjoyed the tunic he wore. It reminded him of an old vintage surgical tunics. It was also quite practical too, as the main front of it did not have any buttons, as they were on the right side of it. So if he got too much blood on it, it did not stain the buttons and--. He paused mid-thought, closing his eyes. Where am I going to get so bloody at? This is not the war. He reminded himself. Of course regular surgery could be bloody, it would not be like what the war was. No, not at all.

As he got lost in thought again, the intercom system came on, and the mans voice cut through his thoughts like a hot knife on butter. "So," He said aloud, "we have finally arrived!" Grinning, he walked over to his small cot which was already made and cleaned. On top of the smoothed out blanket, were two small bags of personal items. The medical equipment would be shipped down separately, he remembered hearing, so all he had to do was supervise his own luggage.

Leaving his small cabin, he saw that many people were quite energetic and joyous out in the halls. He smiled. This was truly going to be a great time. There would be hardships, he knew, but everything seemed to be pretty smooth at the moment.
Weaving through the crowd, he made his way to the hanger bay, which was an unappealing brown color. But that mattered little, he was only here to board his shuttle. Standing towards the back of the crowd, he simply waited for it to thin out before he made his way down to the surface.

by **Boriem** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 3:28 pm

E.Y. July 8th, 2032

Victor Gunn was in his quarters when the announcement began. He was in the middle of working on a design for a weapon for use in an environment with a very thin atmosphere. His room was too cluttered for most people. The level of filth was not that high in comparison to the lack of order in the room. When the message about the first wave came on the line he folded up his projects as well as he could and set out. Victor was chosen for the first wave with the objective to scout out the area around which the base would be constructed. Victor didn't like the job but he knew that he had to live with it.

Victor sighed as he remembered what his home was like before the war. No point going back now... Victor heaved another sigh as he grabbed his rifle off the shelf. It was a rifle that had been out of fashion for almost a hundred years and Victor wasn't even entirely sure if it would work in a place with lower gravity than earth. But he just heaved it onto his back before looking down at a scrap of paper. It was a chart of various political systems he mapped out. Most of them were completely unique in some way. Victor folded the chart up last before heading out.

The hangar was a little too warm for Victor's liking. Not that it particularly mattered given the situation. Victor just heaved up the rifle as he peered around the hangar trying to be as out-of-the-way as possible. The less people know the better. Victor chuckled at his thought. as he sealed up his specially designated suit and waited for everyone in the first wave to shuffle in. The dangers were imminent and he almost wished he hadn't been selected to go on the first wave. Anyone could be a danger to the project. Victor looked at his leg. Ah. The power of outdated science. It's a shame that Canada had to be so poor after the war...

Victor looked at a map of the location he was to scout. He just hoped that the age old superstitions of men on Mars weren't actually true. Science had disproved it decades before anyways.

by **Kentsland** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 7:26 am

Kenny was among the first wave of settlers, and although some of the others had rather mixed feelings on being the first wave, Kenny was glad to be a part of the group. He approached the large bay with a confused smile. Although he was glad to be in the first wave, he was still nervous on the whole experiment. He was in Space. On Mars, actually. He spent his life with the bright grasses and crystal oceans, he had never expected to leave the atmosphere. Let alone go to another whole planet.

The rather expensive and fancy camera dangled around his neck. Few had cameras, mainly because they had no reason for one, as well as too many electronics possibly being detrimental to the mission. However he was the Photojournalist abroad the ship, and that came with a camera. Well, too. A spare was around here somewhere, the organizers of the program having it stuffed away, and would be given to him at a later time. He pulled over to the corner of the long hallway. Various people of all shapes, sizes, and colors, walking about.

Click. He took a photo of the bustling hallway.

He pulled into the packed bay just as the Commander took to the podium. He was towards the back of the crowd, although he had wanted to be towards the front to hopefully take a few pictures of the speech and possible ask some of his dying questions.

Click. He took a photo of the Commander starting his speech. Although he was far back, the picture had came out quite decent.

He continued through the hordes of people to the Shuttle. Following another Camera Shot of the shuttle and the almost full seats, he climbed up the brief stairs, handing the over-sized back pack/duffle bag to the attendant, and taking his seat.

Click. He took a photo of the rather nervous patrons, who clenched their seats and embraced for the experience that will soon follow in suit. Kenny himself took a deep breathe and lowered his camera to his lap.

by **Marzarbul** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 9:09 am

July 8th, 2032 E.Y.

"Oh life must always be so very, very busy at the most inconvenient of times," muttered Eugene as he began rushing back and forth across the cramped quarters that he had called home for the duration of the trip through space. The room, like the mind of Eugene, was a cluttered mess of various items and articles of clothing. Many would have been hard pressed to see any sort of order amongst all the chaos. Yet, like Eugene's mother always said, "There is a method to the chaos," and so he too had his own method of knowing where the various items in his room where. Which he was currently stuffing vigorously into an assortment of torn, battered, dark leather suitcases. The bed in the corner of the room then began to move slightly at the sound of all the commotion. As a feminine form then slowly rose from the bed with a great deal of stretching. Glancing back at the now awake beauty that was his assistant, Miss Gabby Reynolds, he could not help but feel slightly embarrassed at his current state of distress and attire. He at the time, was only wearing a hastily buttoned up cotton shirt, a pair of hearts covered boxers, and his left sock. Which he admit, must have been quite the sight as Gabby then busted out laughing at the comical form of her superior in his knickers holding an ancient text on silk growing in Siam.

Trying to nonchalantly place the book into its proper place he then looked up back into that olive face with those hazel eyes and felt his inner fire flicker slightly at her features. Though at that moment over the loud speakers came an automated voice declaring that the first shuttle wave was to begin boarding the shuttles down in the loading bay. At this announcement, Gabby and Eugene's eyes met and she then jumped out of bed. Soon the two were attempting to both dress into something more socially acceptable and pack up for their turn in the shuttle bay. After a few minutes they were dressed and lugging their luggage as fast as they could down the narrow metal halls of the ship following the glowing blue lights located on the floor. As they scrambled through another media room they heard over the speakers the final call for the first shuttle wave to the planet.

"Shit, well Gab it seems that this was definitely the wrong day to sleep," said Eugene as he hefted one of his leather suitcases into a more comfortable position. Gabby just simply flashed him a smile as she attempted to keep up with the pace as they literally raced through the room towards their eventual destination. Skidding around a corner they could hear the murmurs of a large crowd and a large sign was seen ahead on the ceiling declaring the room ahead was the shuttle bay. With their goal in sight the two put on a final burst of speed as they careened through the mass of people, shouting apologies as they used any means to push their way towards the shuttle. They could see the shuttle over the heads of humanity with only a few yards left but the flight crew was prepping for take off and with a ragged yell Eugene said, "Wait for us!"

Seeing the disheveled, sweating Comms officer and his assistant struggling under heavy luggage. The flight crew simply shook their heads as they waited for the couple to board the craft with much fluster and breathing. "Thank.....you," puffed out Eugene to the smiling flight crew member as he walked up the gang plank setting down his luggage case inside for the attendant to put into storage. Eugene then turned around and helped Gabby with what luggage she brought. The two then took their seats in the shuttle and attempted to catch their breathe as they began putting on their envirosuits. That was when one of the flight crew asked to see his identity card. Pulling out a small scanning device the crew member waited until it beeped twice.

"It seems Comms Officer Eugene that you are on the wrong shuttle it seems. Your flight schedule does not have you leaving the station for at the very least the third wave. But hey at the very least you are already packed and ready to go."

Upon hearing the news that they were not late but early, Eugene just simply stared at the crew member for a moment or two. Then, he proceeded to bust out in laughter as Gabby stared at the back of his head in puzzlement. "Eugene," said Gabby in a questioning tone as she sidled up beside him, "What is so terribly funny?"

"Well it seems Gabby that we can claim now that we still do not leave things to the last minute. We have arrived just in time to be early and so we will have to leave this shuttle to wait our turn for another." Giving Eugene an exasperated look she simply blew some of the hair out of her face and then strode down the ramp leaving Eugene to simply shake his head chuckling with some mirth still. He then followed her down as the flight crew helped deposit their luggage back in the shuttle bay. Walking off the end of the ramp Eugene simply picked up his luggage, as did Gabby, and the two then went off in the bay to find some place to rest. Eventually the two would be leaving for the planet with red soil and then the two would begin their life upon Mars.

by **Volmachtia** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 11:38 am

Shuttle Vagabond One en-route to Mars
Destination: 15°49'42.28" N, 129°29'21.17" W, site designated "Hope Alpha"

Carter's seat jostled viciously as the shuttle descended, the restraints fortunately designed to keep everything vital secure. Still he clung to the railing above him, clenching his eyes shut and little drips of sweat sliding down his furrowed forehead. The lights inside the dropship blinked red, like it was about to crash. Carter kept reminding himself it was just to limit glare for the pilots, but his damnable brain kept flashing the warning. Worse, it called up sights of Calgary on fire. Images of dying men, his friends included.

Pushing the foul thoughts aside, he kept himself in sane order until the dropship finally landed. Breathing a deep sigh of relief, he felt around the floor for his toolkit and controller. Satisfied and grabbing hold of them, he hefted them up and carried them out the ramp as a trio of ArkSec personnel led those onboard the craft onto the planet at last. Carter took a good look around. The rim of Olympus Mons stood immediately before them, huge and terrifying, like the Greek mountain of myth. A small crater stood off to the right, a decent place to start mining once the base itself was up. He looked behind, picking out a little gully. He then eyed the small plateau that would hold Hope Alpha proper.

It was not very high and had low enough incline to make smoothing out a road simple enough. Tapping his PDA and bringing out a holographic display of the plans, he aimed them just over the rock. Perfect fit. Much planning had gone into this; he could see the little rover the Ark Society had sent ahead, a tiny bot bristling with cameras and lab tools like soil testers.

Shrugging, Carter activated his robot controller and some of the automated construction drones rumbled out of the dropship. Keying in the Establishment Protocol, the drones went off to fulfill their master's wishes and start on the construction of the building. The Ark's main reporter, Preston if he recalled, was stepping off too, no doubt about to start taking pictures. Shaking his head, he put his full attentions to the construction, calling on the radio to the other engineers and robot controllers. Already the drones were shoveling dirt and forming a level platform out of the plateau, digging holes for sanitation infrastructure.

Going good so far. Carter thought. Smiling to himself, he went to take out his personal belongings from the dropship and set up a little pressurized tent. The robots would be finished with basic habitations in a few hours, then he'd pick out his bunk.

by **Kentsland** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:06 pm

Kenny was not a fan of Airplanes, and would rather take rail, bus, or drive to his location. However having his hometown in New York, and having the majority of filming, book announcements, and such being in California, it proved to be quite an annoyance to drive. The Shuttle was similar to an airplane, however he suspected the turbulence to be more severe.

Although strapped tightly to his seat, he clanged to the metal bars, his eyes practically cemented shut, as the Shuttle rocked down towards the planet.

His body stayed in the same position even after the Shuttle came to a stop on the surface. He didn't open his eyes or loosen his grip until his heart had finally reduced itself to a normal pace. The other riders were of no different stance, them too in a period of relief, stress, and anxiety following the journey. However it was now over, or at least the ride. There was still a lot to come.

Kenny followed the ArkSec guides out of the shuttle, and onto the surface of the planet. They were the first, the first humans to step on Mars, or another planet all together

One Small Step For Man, One Giant Leap For Mankind
The quote bounced through his head, leading on a light chuckle.

He almost forgot to take pictures, after all it was his duty to do so. However he was beyond late to capture the faces of the first humans to touch Mars.

Click. A younger man he hadn't met, or really ever saw, was beyond surprised. His eyes bulged, his jaws preparing to drop.

Click. A woman he had saw a few times before, although not remembering wear. Tears rode down her cheek under her suit. Unknown whether they were tears of joy, or tears of sorrow. Most likely both.

Click. The small construction bots raced about, preparing to set up Hope Alpha. They were extraordinary machines, Kenny haven been given an exclusive look at them abroad the ship a few days ago.

Click. Michael Carter was his name, the Chief Engineer, who was behind the controls sending off the Machines. He had met Carter briefly when he saw the bots, but the primary guides of the tour being other Engineers, working under him.

Click. The bots were racing across to the other side of the crater, beginning construction of Hope. And their base with it.

by **Legital** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 3:48 pm

Carl sat suited up inside the shuttle. He was not sure if this one had his medical supplies on it, but he had a few medical supplies with him. But he was not sure what good that would do, really. If anyone got hurt now, then they would pretty much be dead, that is, if they were outside.
Quietly watching and standing by, Carl let his thoughts drift off. Hopefully the shelters would be up soon so he could settle in. After a moment, he reached into his bag, and pulled out a small paperback book. It appeared to be some regular fictional novel, and Carl read quietly by himself. He found it somewhat awkward holding it with the suits gloves.

by **Wyethalania** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 6:37 pm

Dr. Carlisle grew subtely distracted as more and more shuttles rocketed down to the planet's surface. As the time slowly passed on, his cello began to produce sounds of a discordant nature, which cause many of his formerly enchanted listeners to edge away. Before long, he was alone, but he didn't perceive his isolated position.

For his mind was filled with a thousand thoughts that made him obvious to his surroundings, mainly he was concerned with the general population of the colony; with only 1,000 men and women, one death could prove catastrophic for the already limited gene pool. Not to mention, with so few possible mating partners, competition could become dangerously fierce.

After several hours and when a noticeable part of the base could be seen constructed even from the decks of th Ark, his shuttle number was called over the crisp intercomm system. Brought out if his brooding and collecting his various pieces of luggage, he scurried down to the loading bay where the dull colored hall was virtually empty except for the last few shuttles worth of the soon to be Martian citizenry. He boarded his shuttle promptly showing his ticket and identification card with a certain bit of mollified consternation.

Covering up in the ungainly environmental suite, he readied himself for the descent to the planet. Seated next to him was an idiosyncratic woman who compulsive rubbed her hands every minute it seemed. He believed that she would pop into his office sometime in the succeeding days. Scanning around the fuselage, he noticed that many people were exhibiting peculiar ticks; but that was to be expected given the circumstances, he thought.

Not a fan of the re-entry into the atmosphere, he grasped his seat briskly and was quite relieved when the shuttle landed and joined the the other personal awaiting in a temporary structure. Gazing out, he patiently witnessed their home, the future cradle of human civilization, sprout out magnificently from the cliff face in a brilliant metallic shine.

by **Volmachtia** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 8:42 pm

July 9th, 2032
Hope Alpha

The lowest habitation levels were complete, the skeleton of other wings and floors being added on to by the small army of automated construction drones. Michael Carter directed them as they finished pressurization of the housing block, now ready for initial occupation. He had a billet set near the end of the complex, slightly more space than the common bunk to give him room for electronics relating to his duties as Chief Engineer. Already individuals were picking out and competing for spaces.

Stepping into the block and removing his pressure helmet, he took a deep breath of fresh, clean oxygen-nitrogen-argon blended air. The only real difficulty on Mars would be getting enough nitrogen- it was the best air thickener, and pure oxygen would burn the lungs and cause fires to burn out of control. He found his room, his belongings previously placed by the drones, and slapped on common indoor fatigues. He opened his laptop and called for a channel with Commander Yegorov.

"Everything is working just as planned, Commander. Hope Alpha is ready for its first real settlers."
The grizzled Russian nodded, smiling. "Excellent news, Chief. I will begin sending down ArkSec teams to establish the main security stations, starting with the one on the new deck. What's his name... Ben Silva, I believe, is directed to be the nominal military commander of your floor. I will order him down shortly to assume command, until Miss Kaneshiro arrives planetside for nominal settlement authority."
"Understood. Chief Engineer out." Carter said, flipping down his laptop screen. The reporter Preston would no doubt be drooling to cover the acclimation to the housing blocks, and Doctors Carlisle and Reed should be down shortly; a few buffoons had hurt themselves during the construction and Reed was the best physician on Mars. And if adapting to a different planet is as hard as it seems to Carter, Dr. Carlisle ought to be flooded with people begging for help getting used to the change of pace.

by **Boriem** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 9:20 pm

"NMY-0-0"

That was how Victor marked first landfall on Mars. Being that what was once two Earth days had become one Martian day the current day was about three quarters done. Although most people still marked Earth days Victor disagreed with it for many reasons. Primarily because eventually things would get out of hand very quickly. Victor just sighed.

He particularly didn't enjoy landing a few days back either. More precisely it gave him memories of being shuttled to various locations during the war. Now though, he was fine. The blocks were being set up by some of the finest engineers in the world, Victor himself was working on designing a defense system for the complex and everything was going smoothly. The air was filtered. It would've sounded alien to someone a few decades back but Victor simply shrugged at the situation. What he was more worried about was that according to his calculations everyone would need to have multiple children, preferably with different people in order to keep the gene-pool as different as possible. Victor sighed as he looked at various maps hung up in his room.

Speaking of the room, it was large. Someone who did as much hands on engineering needed the room. After all it would probably become incredibly cluttered as time went on. At the moment, however, most of the room was unoccupied with a small area sectioned off for living. It was an older cot with a wall of maps hung over it. Victor smiled as he started to finish up his diagram. But really, he knew, he was just stalling for the real project at hand. Victor looked back up at the map on the wall. It was a map of Canada during the war. How he would've missed his home if it was still the same.

Victor's actual position within the project was one of uncertainty. This stemmed from his military engineering job. He had to remind himself to check the hierarchy papers when they rolled in. For the moment, however, Victor just laid down on his cot. He, unlike most, didn't have many problems with the new gravity. Although it was a proven fact that you lose bone strength and muscle mass if there is less gravity, all that Victor really decided was that he'd exercise a little until his body equalized. It's not like he was going to be going back to Earth any time soon.

by **Marzarbul** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 11:05 pm

July 8th 2032 E.Y.

The bench beneath him was highly uncomfortable as its steel surface was slowly making his exterior numb along with the fact their was barely enough room for them to both sit. However, whoever was it that decided to place the bench near the large bay window was a genius as all those who were standing or seating around it had a first class seat to the beauty of the planet below. As they stared down quietly at the planet their senses were then gifted by the sounds of a heavenly yet melancholy tone. Swiveling his neck from side to side he attempted to find out where the music was coming from and after a moment of searching his eyes alighted upon the individual playing some meters away with a crowd surrounding him. He had seen this man once or twice during the voyage; a doctor by the name of Carlisle if he recalled correctly. Although Eugene had not had a session with the ships psychiatrist he had heard good things about the man and he debated whether or not he would visit his office once they were upon Mars below. For now he would simply sway along with the melody coming from the cello with Gabby and watch the slow rotation of Mars below. Until that is, the sound of his departure was called over the loudspeakers. Which was apparently also that of the Doctor as he stopped his cello playing and began gathering his luggage for the shuttle.

Nudging Gabby slightly with his shoulder, her eyes slowly came back into focus as she became at one again with her surroundings. As Gabby looked into Eugene's eyes he could sense a moment of sadness coming from this misty portals and as she stood up slowly from the bench he saw a tiny drop of water fall from her face. Standing up beside her, he took hold of her hand and placed a kiss upon her lips as they both gathered their own things for the trip. Following the line heading towards the shuttle bay Eugene and Gabby soon were nearing the shuttle ramp and as they entered the shuttle Eugene was sure to double check their tickets to make sure that this was their shuttle. Handing the attendant their ID and ticket they soon were putting on their enviro-suits and sat down in the simple plastic seats making sure to strap themselves in most securely. After several more settlers entered the shuttle the sound of all aboard was heard from one of the attendants at the ramp and with his shout the closing of the hatch began. With this final glimpse of the ship they had called for so long, Eugene now could not hold back his own tears as he held Gabby's hand ever tighter.

The shuttle then began its journey towards the surface of Mars as it shuttered and bumped through the atmosphere. With a final ragged shake, the shuttle was still and soon the flight crew was assisting the departure of the settlers down the ramp. Hurrying to grab their things, Eugene and Gabby soon were through the shuttle doorway and down the ramp. The two were almost hectic in their dash to the planet and as their feet hit the red dust they could not help but jump with joy and shout out their praises into the wind.

"We are here, Gabby. After a millenia of man gazing upon those heavenly stars above we have finally realized the dream of spreading humanity to the stars." Eugene's face was almost manic as he continued bouncing around the assembly area of the temporary structure.

"Well Eugene, if not for you I believe that such a journey would have been a dull enterprise indeed. I am just glad that you are here with me to experience this joy together."

"Agreed," said Eugene as he began to gain control over his emotions as the stares of many of the settlers seemed to be much more subdued in their own celebrations. "Though I believe that we should be getting about setting up a temporary comms station." Nodding her agreement the two then headed grabbed their luggage and began to search for where their communications gear was being offloaded.

July 9th E.Y.

After a single day the beginnings of the structure they would call home was finished. The temporary area they all had been staying at was to be abandoned as they were instructed to set up their new sleeping arrangements in a bunk house type environment. With much shouting and pushing, the various families and couples began to stake out their own twenty acres, figuratively speaking in the habitation block. Eugene and Gabby were no different and after arguing with several minutes with one of the maintenance staff over a medium sized room. The room was as said before to be of average size but it was in a semi-central location in the hab-block and this was key to their work. As soon as they entered the room they instantly began setting up a temporary Communications Station. The station itself was simply a mid-range amplifier that would allow the various engineers and military advisers to communicate with one another. However, it was not strong enough to reach the ship orbiting above and would not be able to handle any large amount information yet. Gabby was the technical genius when it came to setting up the equipment and as Eugene simply began setting up a simple library he could not help but be amazed at with the skill she assembled everything. With the device set up, Gabby began to monitor its activity while Eugene began to help communicate between the various settlers so as to lessen the various misunderstandings that language could devise.

by **Wyethalania** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 9:22 am

Preferring to wait for the second habitation level to be completed as he'd be one floor closer to his future office, he childishly enjoyed the hustling and bustling of the other more aggressive boarders. He passed most of his time on the 3rd floor Cafetorium, the quintessential mixture of a mess hall and an auditorium. It had the functionality and spaciousness of the former with the acoustics and ambiance of the latter, so a relatively great accomplishment on the part of the engineers.

Occasionally, he left his centralized location for the exploration of the habitation blocks on the third level. Strolling cheerfully throughout his mini-expeditons, he sought to gather information on 1) the mental health of the people, which could be done by simply overhearing their conversations and tones of voice and 2) examine the living quarters of Level 3, for Level 4 is suppose to be in close design to this level, so finding a spacious and well placed room would be easier later on if all he had to do was go up a floor.

Almost all voices were talking in excited tones with hopeful and resilient vocabulary; only a few sounded negative, but straying closer to their rooms, he established it stemmed from their room accommadations: they'll grow use to and in a time love it, humans always do. He also came across some amorous talk especially by a room chalked up as in improvised Comm Center, which though he often walked quickly passed those doors, it reminded him that he should also be on the look out for a wife, least his family line ended here. Also by the end of his walk, he figured he wanted a southerly facing living quarters as they seemed to have the best compliments by their inhabitants.

Yet no matter where he walked, he always distinctively heard one without fail, the never-ending drone of robots as they created the upper levels; the great pride of humanity: automatons. He chuckled at the paradoxical thought, for the greatest free thinkers put all their faith and energy into constructing mindless, moral-less servants. When he returned to the Cafetorium, the announcement that Level Four was ready. Quickly retrieving his possessions, he shuffled off to a little-noticed back staircase to snatch his room as the others flooded the Grand Central Stairwell and Hydrolic Elevators.

Inspecting over five rooms before others even reached his Habitation Block, he selected what he estimated to be the best one. It was a spacious berth with a view stretching over the southern fields and the future Biome Dome 1. Soon it would be Christmas in his mind, for as the forests grow thick and green beneath the hexagonal hemisphere, it would contrast beautifully with the blood-red earth.

Unpacking to the rumpus exhilaration of others around him, he joyously placed his treasured clothing, nickknacks, and other objects of endearments across the room. He even installed vermilion drapery embroidered with white-gold fleur-de-lis over his window; it has been in his family since the Victorian Age. Soon all the classics of Europe adorned his bookcase from Austen to Tolstoy to Dante and all others in between. With a finishing grace, he delicately played his cello as he stared with tear filled eyes over the plains of Mars.

by **Kentsland** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 9:41 am

Following the construction of the first stage of the station, Leo mad way to find his room. It stationed in nearly the center of the hallway, which was both a good thing and bad. He had neighbors on both sides-probably above him, too-and was the furthest from the stairs. However being in the middle meant the quickest access to anyone in the Corridor. Not that it would really matter.

He was kind of surprised by how tailored the room was. The room was a green color, how he had requested it, with matching bed sheets. Although it was small, was quite homey. A box of various nick knacks and personal items sat in boxes in the side of the room, waiting to be set up. But that will have to wait for another time.

Now wearing crisp blue jeans and a T-Shirt, he left his room to explore the Base, take photos, and hopefully interview a higher-ranking official for the first edition of the paper, which will be released in a few short days. The Chief Engineer, Michael Carter, would certainly be a good person to seek. Little did he know, his room was just a few down.

Knocking on Carter's door, he fidgeted with his camera which dangled from his neck. The notepad and pen combo eagerly anticipating interaction. Hopefully Carter would be up for a few quick questions.

by **Len Hyet** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 2:42 pm

Silva sipped his cup of coffee and grimaced. It was damn shitty coffee. For some reason, no matter who he talked too, whatever they were using to make the coffee just couldn't get it right. It looked like coffee, smelled like coffee, and according to scans it was coffee, but it just didn't taste like it. He looked up from the cup, tossing it into a waste can. In front of him his squad lounged. They were the cream of the crop, some of the best soldiers around. They were the Station's equivalent of SWAT. Best weapons, best soldiers, best equipment. If something bad happened, and Silva had little doubt it would, then they would be the guys who took down the psyco, the eco-terrorist, what have you.

And he was leaving them. Silva would be taking command of the new floor of Hope Alpha, he would officially become a desk jockey. Lots of paperwork, little field time. It sucked, but there was nothing he could do about it. They needed somebody to run the Police, and he would just have to suck it up and run the god damn police. His radio chimed. Three clicks. He was summoned. Silva slung his gear bag over his shoulder, and nodded to his men. They nodded back. All the goodbys had been said, there was nothing left but to go to his new life as a Floor Security Commander.

He stepped into a lift just outside the door, and was whisked down the station to his new floor. He stepped out of the elevator, and crossed the hall into his office. He'd made one thing perfectly clear. All Security Offices were to be as close to an elevator or lift as possible. Preferably right across the hall from them. Thus, Security would be in the best possible position to respond to any threats. It wasn't perfect, but it was as good as they could do. Silva dropped his bag, changed into his dress uniform, and strapped his Sidearm to his thigh. That done, he turned and walked out of his office, locking the door behind him. He walked to Carter's quarters and nodded briefly to the reporter standing outside.

by **Volmachtia** » Sat Aug 18, 2012 6:24 pm

July 9th, 2032
Hope Alpha Level 3

Carter rested on the cot in his room, leafing through a tightly-bound copy of Building the Brooklyn Bridge while rolling a small soccer-ball with one of his feet. His chest was bare, his civilian ident-tags and ArkSec Reserve dog-tags laying on his stomach. He marveled at the ingenuity of the men that crafted the great artifice; huge amounts of material, untested technology and an achingly long schedule ground at the hardy workers, but they persevered. Much like the men and women of the Ark.

He heard a knock on his door and got up, folding his bookmark into the book and placing it on the table right across from his cot next to his laptop and PDA. He said, "Hold on, I'll be out in a second."

Quickly slapping on standard boots and a fatigue shirt, he approached the door and heard another approach, saying something muffled to whoever was outside.
"Just a moment. Now..."
He opened the door. It was Benjamin Silva, one of ArkSec's sniper-masters, and next to him, Kenneth Preston, the wily reporter. Both seemed possessed by a need to speak with him. He nodded to both and waved for Preston to start.

by **Kentsland** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 1:33 pm

As Kenneth awaited a response from the knock, another man appeared to his side. Although not having met him before, and not knowing his name, he had looked familiar, and somewhere on the ship he saw them. And out of 1000 people, it's quite hard to actually remember people. Kenneth lightly smiled at the nodding man, and the door opened up.

Carter appeared at the door in fatigues, but didn't appear to be busy, and motioned for Kenny to speak.

"Hello sir. I was wondering if I could get a quick interview with you on the construction of the base and the means of doing it. If you're busy then I can always come back another time" He turned and made a quick glance to the guy to his side, showing that he was the man he was talking about.

Mars: The Ark Project IC

Mars: The Ark Project IC

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