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“Inter-planetary programmes are therefore settled and we shall
embark upon the next phase of our inter-stellar journey?”
“A
return Inter-planetary voyage, to be precise.” The deep space lady
scientist-astronaut quickly intervened. She stood at the lowest rung of
two dozen steel-chrome ladder steps leading to the single entrance door of
a zero gravity inter-planetary space ship. It towered to a height of sixty
five feet, primarily designed by scientists working for Earth- Forward
research space laboratories.
This zero gravity inter-planetary space ship was designed for the purpose
of transporting inter-planetary space personnel to and from Uranus. A
permanent base camp was established upon Moon--Forward research space
laboratory; directly intervening every manned and unmanned returning
inter-planetary flight prior to landing upon Earth Stations. Earth Command
was explicit in issuance of inter stellar advice several years ago. They
okayed the conduct of all flights primarily between Earth stations and
Neptune but made one mandatory halt at Moon space stations.
Earth Command inevitably accepted and disbursed all the critical
decisions related to activities of mankind’s progress, upon all habituated
planets presently occupied by the human race.
The
inter-planetary space personnel present upon Neptune soils —a group of
twelve persons-- stood at ease behind the lady astronaut-scientist. They
were in cheerful mood, prepared to talk at length because Uranus airs had
proved conducive to improved good health. They felt no particular
necessity to don surface level oxygen masks, mainly because Uranus airs
contained adequate levels of saturated oxygen within its precious gases
forming the atmosphere.
Atmospheric rarities did not include lower than necessary amounts of
oxygen; at least not for the immediate future. Moreover, their six-month
inter-planetary schedule upon Uranus was nearing an end.
* *
The Flight Commander stood upon steel-chrome floors at the top deck inside
the ship. He was manually inspecting all flight related computer functions
inside flight chamber one, while speaking to the lady astronaut-scientist.
A single shirt collar receptor-transmitter device remained activated for
primary use amongst the Uranus personnel, and was an only indication of
controlled static within the vastness of the solar system, at this portion
of the universe—towards a genteel outer curve of their solar system
comprising ten planets. Undoubtedly, Earth– Forward research space labs
keenly followed their verbal communication with technical ease.
“We have successfully completed our scheduled work upon Uranus within safe
parameters and are prepared for a delayed launch back to Earth’s Moon.
This marks our two hundredth visit to this planet, sir.” She spoke into a
transmitter located within her shirt collar, ensuring her tones were
audible to the entire group, while commencing an initial climb up the
thirty feet high steel-chrome escalator ladder. They had decided to climb
up manually rather than switch on the escalator.
Reaching the halfway mark in silence befitting the atmosphere around them,
she halted, because now the steps were silently auto engaged in upward
escalator movement, transporting her and the colleagues higher, directly
inside the de-compression chamber.
Few minutes passed smoothly in absence of further talk as the ladder steps
operated in noiseless function guided by computers built within the zero
gravity space ship.
*
“I
was making reference to our alternate flight path to Pluto stations!” The
Flight Commander appeared wary as he re-entered de-compression chamber,
silently joining the inter-planetary group. He waited for an upward
sliding connecting door--now rolling at mid level behind him--to close
shut firmly, while he seated himself comfortably upon the furthest chair.
The rest of the crew immediately followed his movement and soon they were
comfortably seated inside.
“We must skip one regular halt upon Saturn space cities on our trip back
to Earth.” He added, watching the quadrille entrance doors slide down
noiselessly as these complied to a computer generated command for auto
shut position.
“We shall refrain from all forms of speech now…..” Computer audio signals
chirped in with almost human like quality though one could warily
distinguish traces of metallic tones settling down within the emptiness of
de-compression chamber. It was the correct procedure nevertheless.
Inter-planetary rules governing functioning of de-compression chamber
implied exactly that. As all members of the Forward research space
expedition-Uranus, settled comfortably into their individual silver-chrome
chairs, de-compression procedures within the chamber started taking
effect.
Noiseless air vents commenced to squeeze in natural Uranus air into the
widest chamber, ensuring presence of abundant air for the space personnel
to breathe. Ever so gently, the quadrille thick steel-chrome entrance
doors finally glided to a totally shut position and alienated them from
outside atmosphere. Now, for a total duration of ten earth minutes,
‘Uranus Personnel’ were required to relax into their extra-comfortable
chairs; while subsequent physiological activity related to their
individual heart rate, heart beat, blood pressure and primary levels of
brain functioning -- were unerringly recorded into the central computer
data base. It matched present mechanical scrutiny with individual medico
health readings. The later sets of documents were obtained and
transcripted into the similar computer banks upon forward research labs
upon Earth stations.
The
Flight commander noted an absence of restriction in breathing process as
the atmosphere within de-compression chamber continued to remind them of
chilly Uranus airs even in Earth comparative months of May-June. He
reminiscenced that there were parallels to be taken into
account…..Coordinates that may be totally deviated from Earth’s directions
at the outer edges of their existing solar system.
Inside decompression chamber, he felt a slightly higher pressure of
natural Uranus air hit his chest imperceptibly, forcing it just a wee bit
upward. He looked around to ensure whether the other personnel were
equally affected. Smiling cheerfully at the latest presence amongst
them--a deep space authorized personnel drawn up from Jupiter cities after
completion of six-earth years duties- he attempted to relax the individual
by such purposeful action. It always happened like that. De-compression
chamber activities inevitably caused a slight, unfelt ‘hit’ at the
thoracic region of an individual thereby automatically causing a person to
‘lift’ the chest area just about slightly. This particular instance
occurred immediately after the outer decompression door closed.
Advanced scientists at Earth- advanced research space labs commented upon
the process. “This method relates to de-compression procedures and shall
assist you in your individual breathing rate. You see, no matter how many
times you may be compressed or decompressed”--an obvious reference here,
to treatment within decompression and compression chambers during
inter-planetary flight—“you nevertheless become exposed to variant levels
of external atmospheric conditions. Such different and unregulated
atmospheric conditions alter your breathing rate to a considerable extent
during your inter-planetary flights.
However, recognizing your individual recuperative processes and
physiological ability to withstand such inter-planetary atmospheric
excesses, we nonetheless suggest the following- ‘Always take care to
adjust your breathing pattern once you are within de-compression chambers.
This process, if followed in correct perspectives, shall help you to
breathe comfortably! It shall assist you in breathing easily…..Without
discomfort.’
Remember, planets which contain a comfortably greater saturation of its
individual precious gases, make your breathing pattern an easier process
as your blood stream absorbs almost negligibly higher amounts of air,
including oxygen, present therein. Uranus is a near perfect example here.
Conversely, any planet with lesser concentration of its precious
gases--oxygen included--would tend to make your breathing laborious for
your body through its blood stream, shall ‘demand’ its proper composition
of air intake--adequate levels of oxygenated air! In all cases, air is
absorbed through your lungs. You may experience the latter like conditions
to a more severe extent if you were not accustomed to walk upon the higher
reaches of Earth, above twenty thousand feet…..”
This particular two hundredth inter-planetary journey to Uranus marked an
end to initial colonization processes and the beginning of calculated
inter-stellar phases.
Mankind was preparing itself to settle upon Uranus space city.
They were approaching a culmination of planned flights to the outer
reaches of their solar system. Mankind was now constantly deriving
inferences, studying curious star patterns of cosmos lights and observing
Uranus in its correct perspectives through radio-light computer
radar-telescopes located upon Earth, Jupiter and Pluto; and also via
computer-radars planted upon Uranus’ soils. Each of those two hundred
manned flights with intention of discovering Uranus, was intended to be of
investigative nature. Besides, inter-planetary teams from other planets
were busy constructing the new space city.
“This direct flight to Earth shall carry ‘imported’ Uranus Air in natural
states!” One amongst the crew had stated in matter of fact tones whilst
indulging inside recreation-chamber, situated upon the second deck. They
made themselves comfortable within its confines seventeen minutes after
completing a de-compression procedure. A further restful ten Earth minutes
were spent inside compression chamber. Immediately afterwards, a single
door leading out from compression chamber slid upward hyper silently on
unseen rollers.
They instantly headed straight to the recreation chamber in unison as
triple steel-chromium doors between the compression chamber and the ship
entrance cabin finally distanced them from Uranus and its atmospherically
induced effects.
“I
have taken the liberty to switch on ancient Earth music- belonging to our
earth ancestors!”
The second female scientist amongst them ventured at an opportune moment.
“They say it is of Greek origin relating to the old, lost world.”
The
principal scientist ventured. “5014 C.E. does not differentiate between
Greek and Chinese music. I may additionally comment that I don’t really
know where exactly Greece was located in our ancient Earth maps.”
The
inter-planetary oceanographist added. “You have studied about ancient
China in your school text books?” The answer formed a semi question. “I
believe Babylonia was closer home to those time progressions when Greek
mythology dominated the world.” Evidently, he phrased those words to
resemble an excursion outside of his scientific-rationale world.
*
”There have been so many wars, too many battles, that even for reference
sake we can never acquire the truth about how the old, lost world history
was!” The Flight Commander made obvious reference to hundreds of
civilizations that Earth witnessed since the beginning of Actual
Time…..Ever since mankind began a formal existence upon Earth. He made
that statement in contentious mood whilst they were involved in the
process of recreation. Such a process combined a light lunch while
awaiting simulation formalities for final take off to earth stations.
They were required to bypass one scheduled inter-planetary halt upon Moon
stations, although it was meant primarily to maintain de-acclimatizing
procedures.
He also made that comment at a time when robot computer two busied
itself accepting individual health records of the crew, as they delved
into recreational natters. Central data banks required two sets of medical
records – one during initial decompression procedures and the other, at a
later time when the ship crew was involved elsewhere. Electronic readings
obtained from de-compression chamber assured Earth Command directly
that all space personnel constantly remained in Earth shape–one.
That particular chamber also performed singular activities of reducing the
internal atmospheric levels of the ship, primarily to resemble in all
effects, a one hundred percent simulation of Uranian external atmospheric
effects at present.
Previous inter-planetary flights to planet Uranus additionally marked an
initial ‘settlement’ phase and symbolized a long overdue human
habitation.
Commencing from the fiftieth flight, Mars inter-planetary star field
stations were more than actively engaged with Pluto internal field space
stations, in establishing experimental relay stations upon Uranus.
Batch after batch of deep space flight personnel were sent upon outer
space missions; thereby ensuring that mammoth plastic-glass domes were
installed, secured upon Uranus soils at its safest coordinates. In
reconnaissance and surface flights that followed, zero gravity ships were
dispatched with payloads containing machinery required for establishing
permanent human bases upon the planet. Finally, the air conditioning
systems were 'created'- the location, several miles underneath Uranus’
surface. The air conditioning plants were designed to feed a city greater
than double the total size of Pluto cities--a conglomeration of several
cities housed under one gigantic glass-plastic dome, covering a land area
of 650 square miles. The completely transparent dome measured twelve
feet in thickness. It could be expanded to further limits when
necessary to accommodate more cities and human population as time
progressed.
This two hundredth flight to Uranus ultimately symbolized the commencement
of mankind’s colonization of Uranus. Earth space stations had become
dogmatic, persistently engaged in every effort required to develop
Uranus space city. Earth command and World council members displayed
keen aggressiveness towards that end, and their unhesitant persuasion over
the years finally ended man’s race for survival to the farthest planet in
the solar system.
Hence, Uranus space city was classified a totally safe city favoring human
habitation. Earth command, World council and Earth council duly certified
this factor.
The
flight commander’s esteemed prerogative--to personally screen and select
the primary batch of Earth humans for trans-location and settlement upon
Uranus --started barely one month prior to their own securely guarded take
off to the same destination. It turned out to be a space exercise
scheduled to be followed by a ‘team family’ each from Mars space city,
Jupiter and Saturn, forming an approximate twelve hundred member team of
human pioneers. Earth command classified this group the primary
colonizers of Uranus. Pioneer Uranians were initially required to
undergo thorough and extensive medical formalities as soon as their formal
presence upon Uranus was registered. Compulsory activities inside the
space city included one earth month of continuous medical screening at the
end of each Uranus day.
A
successive human exodus, originating mainly from Earth stations continued
unabated, until the primary cities of Uranus attained ‘human saturation’
levels. This term implied no more humans could be adjusted inside the
primary cities of Uranus. Therefore senior hierarchy within Earth
command and World council took final decisions signifying an end to
further permanent settlement and habitation upon the planet. Visitors
and vacationers from the different planets were nevertheless welcome round
the year. Additionally, World council- the primary worlds’ governance body
immediately after Earth command, made provisions for Plutonian
citizens to differ from settling upon Uranus.
"Pluto's proximity to Uranus is a well accepted and known factor
to all humans. Therefore it is our earnest desire to trans-locate our
brethren, our fellow humans who are now citizens of Earth, Mars, Jupiter
and Saturn, to occupy safer places upon Uranus. Human settlers from Pluto
space cities are not required to settle upon Uranus. Needless to state
herein, express shuttle space ships shall be made available from Pluto to
Uranus and back, by the beginning of next earth-year!....." The members
of World Council announced their formal declaration, proclaiming its
readiness to accept applications for human settlement upon Uranus. All
settler applicants were thereafter, required to report at the million odd
Earth stations.
*
Awaiting a silent zero gravity lift off from Uranus soils within the next
few days, the crew was presently stationed at the other diametric end of
Uranus Space City. Limitless landscapes of natural origin encompassed them
for thousands of miles in every direction and even the nearer hills seemed
to tower high above them like mountains while the mountains towered higher
in the visible distance. Further into those moderately windswept plains
“zone- parallel” coordinates silhouetted a definite and controlled
landscape. It happened to be the tallest mountain upon Uranus and not yet
conquered!
*
Atmospheric concentration of Uranus airs underwent drastic changes at a
regular interval of every six months.
It was like experiencing an “a hundred percent clean” air-saturated
atmosphere for the first six months and the climate gently compelled
one to stay on, deciding against shifting to other parts of the solar
system. Even the semi dark-yellow globe of the sun shone with gentleness
of warm summers, though barely making its summer impact mainly because of
its farthest distance from the sun. However, that was just about all one
could experience within the six month term besides few variable and
acceptable oddities in climatic changes.
Gradually though imperceptibly after the first six months term, climatic
excesses would begin to overcome generally fair weather conditions….. An
intense cold was bound to make its presence felt and brought in its
shadows a swiftly receding atmospheric condition wherein the natural gases
composing the atmosphere, would dissipate to a considerable extent. Now,
one would have to experience an unnatural cold mingled with acute thinning
of the atmosphere even at sea level. This phenomenon related to
conditions of harsher breathing for humans and a peculiar susceptibility
to catch flu.
* *
* *
Few
months earlier upon Uranus.
“I prefer to walk upon the beaches of Pluto! Outside protected city limits
though not during the second moon rising!” Her remark drew reference to
portions of Pluto surface exposed to nature, outside the mammoth glass
plastic dome encircling Pluto space city. The climate upon Pluto
assumed proportions of ferocity during forty-five days and nights of gale
force windstorms. The planet was witness to such unusual climatic activity
during its second moonrise period, as the second moon of
Pluto rose into unchartered heavenly skies.
“Our dual experiment upon Uranus begins today and care must be taken to
keep our oxygen masks handy and well within reach at all times.” The
flight commander issued curt instructions to his crew as they commenced to
move around a previously agreed land area. Vacating the rocket ship
securely docked to an open air landing zone built with assistance of steel
slates, they started an investigative procedure requiring ample time for
completion.
The flight commander’s voice sounded stern. “We are exposed to harsher
effects of Uranus climate than anticipated and I suggest that our voice
transmitting-converters remain switched on day through night. I propose
continuous activation of voice relay mechanisms.”
The crewmembers felt no particular necessity to reply in confirmation as
they gradually walked away from one another, yet remaining within eyesight
contact distance. An imminent task at hand involved testing near constant
variants of temperature with particular emphasis during Uranus midnights,
when atmospheric gases turned most dense. They made acute and minute notes
of the effects of sunlight upon Uranus’ climates at hours well past
midnight and refrained from donning oxygen masks for the initial weeks.
“The next phase of our journey is of prime importance because Forward
research space labs are totally involved!” They heard him speak from an
undisclosed vantage point as he busied himself correlating their
individual movements and activities. “I also suggest we increase
distance from one another until our shapes resemble specks in the
horizon.”
Equally complicated exercises continued through each Uranus day, extending
well into midnight; until one particular evening, when they unanimously
called for a halt to further gleanings of undiscovered Uranus soils and
returned to recreation chamber for light dinner. Later, they continued
deeply engrossed, extending the programmed data search into late midnight
and the wee morning hours…..
*
A month remained for return lift-off flight via Mars. The flight commander
had assumed an additional responsibility of counter checking transmission
deck computers engaged for inter planetary star-fields auto flight. He
also decided to personally scrutinize all subsequent computer programmes,
which assisted manual flight operation of the inter-planetary rocket ship.
The entire process absorbed two earth hours of his time each day and he
reveled in that relocation of duty; for all flight data pertaining to the
ship was correspondingly encrypted to his primary and secondary
dmna patterns. This process ensured that only he was authorized to fly the
ship. Or activate any series of complicated computerized sequences
determining inter stellar computer controlled auto flight patterns.
The
ship computer-radars data were loaded with every alternate flight pattern
available within star-walks of the solar system!
On the 20th. day leading to countdown they were positioned in a very wide
circular formation outside personal visibility range and maintained simple
verbal transmission contact via individual collar transmitters. Since each
amongst them conversed in common earth-interplanetary language,
requirement of verbal converters were deemed unnecessary.
“I
am stationed at the base unit of zone parallel. This mountain
appears to be a hill, sir. Perhaps not. I am unable to apply my
radar-light telescopes. No, just a moment please! I can see through the
clouds now, at what seems to be the upper limits of this mountain; its
peak. Maybe the mountain extends upward, above the clouds!” Those
words staccatoed into their ears simultaneously, all of a sudden in a
brazen report of observation.
They had ventured out very early that particular morning after a moderate
breakfast, sure of a normal and routine observational day ahead and were
therefore surprised when the inter-planetary oceanographic spoke rapidly
into his collar speakerphone. Aware that Earth Stations were keenly
following every verbal exchange between themselves, the crew members
required no further impetus to resume ‘formation four outer space’ –
implying a hurried scuttle towards the oceanographist’s location.
Evidently he had stumbled upon the source of that six-month climatic
change.
As
the inter-planetary meteorologist too hurried towards zone parallel-- an
area demarcating a hills and mountain range in close proximation to the
great lake zone--he was beginning to ruminate upon his colleague’s
interpretation of the land structure upon which they were converging from
various directions.
“My findings indicate that this portion of Uranus was initially a huge
oceanic bed region and we trudge upon what was once the ocean floor. I
do not require to elaborate upon the fact that such sandy formation
extends in its pure form for more than several miles underneath the
topsoil. Beyond and beneath this sandy soil formation, a rather haphazard
layer of rocks and boulders begin to form another strata denoting Uranus’
inner soil structure. These rocks and boulders encompass the planet in a
semicircular formation and furthermore, at least half of the planet is
internally shaped such.”
*
Much earlier in their scheduled observations and two months further into
search time, the crew phased out one particular day from amongst
innumerable earth calendar days. They decided to indulge in swimming,
favoring the great lake of Uranus as a more likely place rather than the
smaller lakes within the vicinity of their parked inter-planetary zero
gravity space ship. The air was warm; the climate yet not deviated from
its usual six months pleasant phase and the waters retained its planetary
warmth.
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