The Beginning

Captain Alphonso Adams and Lieutenant Evalynn Gardinier were the two astronauts selected for this two-person exploratory mission. He was a seven year veteran of the United World Interplanetary Peace Commission program with a seventeen year prior military career within the Special Intelligence Division of the World Armed Forces. She was a trained mediator in the World Armed Forces for a seven year period. She spent another seven years on active duty with the World Interplanetary Space Program. Her special training in this program resulted in her being coupled with Captain Adams for this much desired adventure.

Both astronauts were well decorated and operated in a fearless, articulate, and professional manner. The program had chosen the very best for this mission. The two astronauts admired and respected each other. This union was designed to work effectively. They would be collecting data, samples, and evaluating work completed so far by the automated advance discovery team. The groundwork would be laid to provide the world with the intelligence needed to build the first outer space water reservoir. This was thought to be a much needed pro-active action due to the impending world water shortage. Based on earlier scientific research Zeaneth could possibly provide earth with a nearly unlimited amount of water needed for consumption by flora and fauna.

The base of operations was named Alpha Omega and was located on the newly discovered planet Zeaneth, it had been built with the help and involvement of most of the countries on Earth. It was a project that spoke of collaboration, commitment, and demonstrated that the entire world could come together and be of one accord.

The problem, as Captain Adams saw it was that the United States had not waited for the final world vote. Based on past history, the USA assumed that they would receive the majority of votes needed to lead the project. It was decided that the risk of a problem arising without the sanction of the UWIPC would be minimal. After all, this project was for the benefit of all mankind.

All systems were ready, the weather was perfect, and the window was open for lift-off. As expected, the lift-off was a work of precision and went well. As the ship leveled off, the two astronauts went to their assigned positions.

The captain waited until the lieutenant had finished taking all readings and recording the ships data. At this point Captain Adams began a tirade about the political aspect and possible repercussions of the mission.

"Eva," he said, "once again, the good old U.S. of A. is putting the cart before the horse. I tried to tell headquarters that a meeting of the minds must take place before this project was initiated, not after. When the commission finds out about this, they will look at it as an underhanded plot to take over leader ship of the world once again. I can't say that I would blame them. I still don't like this set-up.

This mission should have been delayed until all world votes were in. We are reverting back to that great white father syndrome. America assumed that we would receive the required votes. What if we do not receive the needed votes? We are well on our way to Alpha Omega, and we are two days away from the final voting process. I feel that this time we have really screwed up! This is such a big snafu it could be the catalyst to start a world war and you know we cannot afford that!"

Eva's face reflected much concern.

"You are correct sir. However, you know we took this action because we only had that one perfect window of opportunity to launch the ship. Had we not launched at that time, we would have lost the window of opportunity. At that point we would not have been able to launch for another two months. By that time, the project would have been so far in the red, it may have been scrapped. Then we would have lost the opportunity to be first."

"Eva! That's just it! Why in God's name must we always be first? The United World Interplanetary Peace Commission was set up for just that reason. They are to guide and set up world standards and we are to follow. It is not supposed to be the other way around. I was as excited as anyone else about proceeding with the mission. However, I realized that certain protocols and procedures must be followed in order to maintain world peace.

Things have been going so well. The UWIPC has done an unbelievable job. I fear that now we are bored with peace and we are setting ourselves up for some type of excitement. Now is not the time. We have come too far to go backwards. We now possess the ability to blow Earth right out of the galaxy. What will it take for the world to come together as one great nation, with the needs of mankind being the number one priority, rather than any nation being number one?

I know what is needed to run this world. It's really very simple, many times lately I wish I had stayed in the political arena when I had the chance. Perhaps, I could have prevented some of these problems. If we aren't careful, total destruction could occur."

Yesteryear

Captain Adams continued to think about this mission and his conversation with Lieutenant Gardinier. He leaned back in his seat. He looked out of the panoramic window of the beautiful silver spacecraft and admired the beautiful galaxy. As he observed the view, he thought about his life. He closed his eyes, and the beauty of the galaxy was replaced by the beauty of his wife, Rachael. They had been married for seventeen years and were blessed with three precious children. He continued to reminisce about the beginning.

He and Rachael had been friends since childhood. They had lived next door to each other since infancy. They attended the same elementary school, middle school, and high school. He loved Rachael like a sister ever since he could remember. The love changed during a football scrimmage on an autumn day. Rachael had always been active in sports. She played flag football with the best of the neighborhood team. During the game Rachael had the ball and was getting ready to pass, he blocked her view by throwing himself in front of her. Rachael lost her balance and fell over him, landing flat on her stomach. Alphonso heard the air escape from her when she hit the ground. Rachael let out a low moan. Alphonso crawled over to her saying,

"Rachael, are you ok?"

There was no response. The coach was running toward them. He yelled out.

"Don't touch her! Move back so she can get some air!"

By the time coach got to Rachael, she was opening her eyes. She spoke very softly, almost inaudibly.

"Gee, coach, I'm sorry I guess I lost it."

"No Rachael, you didn't lose it, you landed right on it. It's still your ball. Are you ok?"

"Yeah, coach I'm fine, I guess I tripped over a blade of grass."

Rachael spoke with a crooked little smile playing about her lips. So, Rachael hadn't lost it, but he had lost his heart right there. Letting out a sigh of relief, Alphonso realized that this girl was going to become his wife and the mother of his children.

The Revelation

The voyage was long and uneventful, each astronaut performed their necessary tasks and duties. Captain Adams made sure the ship stayed on course, recorded all events properly, kept the ships log in order and communicated with the base on a regular basis.

Lieutenant Gardinier handled all of the technical aspects such as the ships communication system, equipment assessment, and inventory control. It was during one of her communication checks that she and Captain Adams saw this most disturbing news bulletin.

"Attention! This is a breaking news report brought to you by the World News Association. It has just been discovered that the United States of America has jumped the gun and sent their space ship Genesis One to the planet Zeaneth. The US team should reach the base with-in a few hours. This has been done without the knowledge or sanction of the UWIPC. The USA is in direct conflict with all the rules and regulations of the UWIPC. This presents a serious world-wide problem. There is more to come, don't even think about changing this station!"

Captain Adams and Lieutenant Gardiner stood transfixed by the news they had seen. They stared at the screen which still had the words, breaking news, more to come, in large red letters. The echo of the reporter's words rang ominously in their ears. Captain Adams spoke to Lieutenant Gardinier. His voice was filled with concern.

"Well Lieutenant, there it is. The cat is out of the bag and trouble is on the way."

The Base of Operations

As the two astronauts focused on their duties at hand each one silently thought about the turn of events and wondered just how far and how long would this journey take? They were both troubled by the news they heard. However, each well trained officer felt it was better to not voice their concerns at this time. The mission was their primary concern. The first to speak was Lieutenant Gardinier. In a voice filled with excitement she said,

"Captain, look, there she is at 2'oclock."

The excitement in the captain's voice matched that of Lieutenant Gardinier as he responded.

"Yes! Yes! I see it! How marvelous to finally be in the presence of one of mankind's greatest achievements. I can hardly wait to place my feet on it. Just imagine, we are finally laying the ground work for mankind to obtain water and perhaps even live on other planets. This is just the beginning of mankind conquering outer space. We have finally conquered the earth and the heavens!"

He gave a command to the computer to record. He spoke in a steady proud tone.

"Greetings, this is Captain Alphonso Adams reporting to you from Genesis One. This spacecraft has landed on the newly discovered Planet Zeaneth and I and my second in command, Lieutenant Gardinier, are on a mission to explore, collect samples, and intelligence to bring back to earth. This mission will benefit all of mankind.

We have reached our destination in six months and fifteen days. All systems are operating efficiently. The fuel system is responding according to plan. The system is showing a consumption level of thirty-three and one third percent. We have an adequate amount for our return to earth. In addition we have a safety margin of thirty-three and one third percent.

Lieutenant Gardinier and I are preparing to do several observations, explorations, and inventory assessments. All procedures will be done according to the protocols of the United World Interplanetary Peace Commission. As stipulated, according to code, this spacecraft will be manned by one of the crew at all times."

The outside member will do all external tasks. The inside member will do all required inside tasks including documentation and verbal assistance. The first external maneuver will be done by Lieutenant Gardinier, over and out!"

Having completed this very necessary transmission, he called out to Lieutenant Gardinier.

"Are you ready Lieutenant?"

"Yes sir! I'm ready to go."

The captain responded.

"Great, you know I'm very excited for you, this is a wonderful experience. You are the first woman on board Genesis One and the first woman on Zeaneth God Bless! I've got your six!"

The pre-trip preparation was done, the utility belt, safety line, communicator, and auxiliary air tank was checked. Captain Adams gave the final approval and with that, he escorted Lieutenant Gardinier to the elevator which took them down to the exit chamber.

Lieutenant Gardinier stepped in front of Captain Adams. The two of them felt electricity in the air as this unbelievable moment caused them both to feel engulfed by a wave of expectation beyond their wildest dreams. When they reached the exit chamber not another word was said. Then the hatch slid open, and a wave of artic air took their breath away. The planet's surface is covered in ice and the chill in the air devastating and life threating. Lieutenant Gardinier hooked her life line to the tether line between the dock and the base then stepped out into a new world.

The captain spoke into his communicator.

"I like your style lieutenant, just make sure your life line is hooked securely to your utility belt."

"Will do captain, now I know how it feels to ice skate without the skates, this is great!"

As the lieutenant spoke she took measured steps. She walked and slid carefully towards the base of operations. She was halfway there when she felt a slight tug on her life line and she could not go any further. Looking down she could see that somehow her lifeline had become entangled on one of the anchors holding the tether line in place. The lieutenant and the captain recognized the problem at the same time. The lieutenant spoke into her communicator.

"Captain, Do you see what I see?"

"Yes I do lieutenant perhaps you can untangle the line by wiggling it a bit."

"Maybe so captain, but if that doesn't work I think I may be able to release and re-attach the clasp."

The captain watched, deeply concerned, as the lieutenant used sort of a wiggling motion trying to free the life line. It seemed as though the wiggling effort was not effective. Lieutenant Gardinier struggled to free the line. She pulled vigorously. Suddenly to his horror, he saw the line become detached from the tether and drop down on the icy surface. He saw that the lieutenant was now secured to absolutely nothing! He yelled into his communicator.

"Lieutenant, use the climbing axe from your utility belt. Slam it into the ice to stop yourself from sliding."

The captain literally stopped breathing as he raced towards the equipment area to get his own lifeline. When he returned to the exit hatch he saw that Lieutenant Gardinier had gotten closer to the tether line but she was having trouble. She had been unable to reach up to the tether line. She was desperately holding on to the small handle of the ice axe to keep from sliding backwards into a dangerous position. Her attempts to reach the tether line were unsuccessful. Hooking his own lifeline to the tether, he carefully started to make his way to Lieutenant Gardinier. He spoke into the communicator.

"Hold on lieutenant, I'm coming!"

With her free hand Lieutenant Gardinier was motioning him to go back to the ship. Instead he continued making his way towards her. When he reached her he grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him. Somehow with his help, after several attempts, she was able to stand to her feet and hold on to the captain. He put his arm around her waist and using his free hand pulled the two of them back to safety.

When they had made it back to the lift the captain continued to support the lieutenant holding her close to his side. She placed her head gently on his shoulder and sobbed softly. No words were spoken as a feeling of gratefulness engulfed them. Back on board the ship, each one went about the business of removing, cleaning and putting away their equipment. The lieutenants life line was the only item not returned to its place. The captain took his place at the helm and began to speak.

"Computer, this is Captain Adams reporting on our mission relative to our fist outside exploration to the base of operations, Alpha Omega. The mission began at 0600 hours on Sunday the eleventh day of September 2033. All went well with the suiting up, the decent and exit from the ship. Lieutenant Gardinier was responsible for the first external tour. She followed all procedures and was halfway through the approach to the base when suddenly she encountered a problem with her lifeline. I recognized the difficulty the lieutenant was having. I also realized the fact that if nothing was done she would become a casualty.

At that point I went to the aid of Lieutenant Gardinier leaving the ship in the auto mode. Our cameras will show the event. The rescue was successful and Lieutenant Gardiners' life was saved. The full scope of what caused the problem is not known at this time but will be determined post haste. A follow-up report will be submitted with-in twenty four hours.

I am fully aware of the policies and procedures Of the United World Interplanetary Peace Commission. I stand ready to be dealt with in whatever manner the UWIPC deems fit. I made the decision to take a calculated risk to save the life of another rather than follow our cast in iron policy and procedures.

I deeply apologize for what I know will be considered a dereliction of duty. However, I do not apologize for the decision I made. I would make the same decision again under the same circumstances. Lieutenant Gardinier is alive and well and has suffered no injuries. As previously stated, my follow-up report will be available within twenty four hours. This is Captain Alphonso Adams commander of Genesis One over and out."