Image: NASA
Chapter 6
Titan is tidally locked to Saturn, meaning that its period of rotation, sixteen days, is the same as its orbital period around Saturn. But the base stuck to a Martian schedule of slightly over twenty-four hours for its day. Since the thick atmosphere usually obscured any markers in the sky, this wasn't a hardship for base personnel.
Gardener slept well and was in Captain Winghams' office promptly at nine the next morning, Titan time.
Lt. Macland began, “Captain Wingham, if I may.”
“Continue,” said Wingham.
“As you know, Captain, Gardener Jackson is scheduled to fly the first mining mission in two weeks. However, he has now put that mission in jeopardy because of his poor judgment. As you can see, he has an injury requiring him to wear a mesh cast on one hand. I believe that this injury will be detrimental to his ability to perform his flight duties.”
“Captain, if I may,” said Gardener.
“Ye,s Mr. Jackson.”
“I admit to poor judgment in my choice of recreation, with the flight only a couple of weeks away. However, I believe I can perform up to my full potential even though this cast does restrict my mobility somewhat. And by the time of the mission, I will only need a thumb mesh on my han,d which should give me even greater mobility.”
“Captain,” said Lt. Macland. “I admit it is possible that Mr. Jackson can fly the mission in his present physical condition. We will find that out this afternoon. I've scheduled a simulator session with Mr. Jackson. However, his flight readiness is not in question. What is in question is Mr. Jackson's decision-making ability. His actions show a disregard for the importance and success of this mission. As much as we need an aviator with superior flight skills, we also need an aviator who can make the right decisions under pressure. And that is not a skill that Mr. Jackson has demonstrated recently.”
Before Gardener could speak up, Captain Wingham began, “Well Lieutenant, as I understand it Mr. Jackson's activity that led to his injury is common enough on the base. Surely we should expect some mishaps. And I think that such activity, the chance to stretch your legs outside, is important for maintaining morale. Perhaps we should give Mr. Jackson the benefit of the doubt as far as his decision-making ability. From what I have seen, his simulator results are excellent. And I believe you have prepared him quite well for any emergencies. I commend you on your efforts.”
Lt. Macland stuttered, “I, I have always tried to prepare all the pilots to the best of my ability, sir. I wouldn't do any less; our mission is quite important to me. That is why Mr. Jackson's recent actions are of concern...”
“I understand, Lieutenant, but why don't we wait and see how Mr. Jackson handles the afternoon simulation you have prepared for him. We can discuss any further actions necessary afterwards.”
“Yes sir,” said Lt. Macland.
“Thank you, sir,” said Gardener.
Gardener and Macland rose to leave the room, meeting at the door. “I'll see you this afternoon, Mr. Jackson,” snarled the Lieutenant.
“Of course, Lieutenant.”
Chapter 7
Gardener arrived for his afternoon flight simulation on time. He was surprised to see all those in attendance. Of course, he expected Captain Wingham might show up, but he didn't expect to see most of the other pilots, including Maxine and Lance. They stood against the back wall, trying to remain out of sight and mind. Both nodded to him when he entered the room.
Gardener was a bit disconcerted until he took his seat in the simulator. Then his mind focused, and it was as if he were home. He felt so comfortable that he almost fell asleep while the technicians readied the simulator.
“Mr. Jackson,” he heard Lt. Macland call.
“Yes Lieutenant,” said Jackson.
“Are you ready?”
“Ready when you are, Lieutenant.”
“Flight simulation oh nine five three two, pilot Jackson ready, begin when ready flight.”
Gardener focused on the controls; his breathing was relaxed. “ASC1, this is flight control, you are cleared for takeoff.”
Gardener's screens came alive. Looking out from the simulator, it seemed he was aligned on the runway outside Titan base. He began his pre-roll procedures. “Roger, flight control. Beginning pre-roll.”
Take-off was flawless, and he climbed immediately. He allowed the ANI to take over, and it wasn't long until the skimmer was in the upper atmosphere of Titan.
“Flight control, this is ASC1, I am about to begin trans-Saturn orbital lock. Nuclear-thermal rockets nominal, flight system nominal, guidance nominal, beginning orbital insertion, now.”
The nuclear-thermals kicked, or that's what Gardener called it each time he engaged them and broke free of the atmosphere of Titan. The ASC1's viewing screens showed the blackness of space and the majesty of Saturn. He was now on his way to a rendezvous with the upper atmosphere of that planet.
Here the simulation would skip the cruise phase of the mission and forward to Saturn orbital injection. In this way, all major mission goals were simulated, but the relatively quiet times between these markers would be cut out.
“ASC1, this is flight control, Titan escape velocity achieved, ready to move to Saturn orbital injection.”
“Roger, flight control.”
The mission continued without incident. Major mission goals were simulated, and Gardener completed the mining with a full load of He3 for transport.
“ASC1, this is flight control, prepare for trans-Titan orbital insertion.”
“Roger, flight control. Ready when you are.”
Gardener relaxed momentarily and turned to get his thermos. As he turned his thumb mesh caught on the toggle switch controlling the storage tanks. Before Gardener could react, a dump of the He3 tanks began. Because it was an emergency procedure, the tanks were half empty before Gardener could cycle the system.
Before he could key his mic, flight control called, it was Lt. Macland. “ASC1, we have an indication of a He3 dump ongoing. Can you advise?”
“Flight control, I accidentally caught the tank dump switch as I turned in my seat. I have recycled system, estimate a loss of half He3 resource.”
“Okay ASC1, I am calling off further simulation,” said Lt. Macland. “Report to the Captain's office for post-mission debriefing. That is all.”
Although Gardener was brief in shutting down the simulator when he emerged, the room was empty except for the simulation officer, who only nodded.
__________
“Please sit down, Mr. Jackson,” said Captain Wingham.
Gardener took the seat next to Lt. Macland in front of the Captain's desk.
“Mr. Jackson, I think that after your simulation today, we need to discuss our mission priorities. It appears to me that your injury does have an impact on your ability to carry out the mission. I believe it may be best if we changed the flight assignments. In this way, you will have more time to fully recover.”
“But Captain Wingham, what happened in the simulation today could happen to anyone, even without a cast on their thumb. I believe I've discovered an ergonomic design flaw in the cockpit design. We should look into redesigning that switch so that it is not as easy to trip accidentally.”
Lt. Macland spoke up, “Mr. Jackson, I think that you are not listening. We have given you a fair chance to show your capabilities within the limitations of your injury, and you have shown us less than ideal performance. Blaming your simulation failure on cockpit design is disingenuous to say the least. And at the worst, it seems like a personality flaw, failing to take responsibility, something I believe I brought up before. You know we still use mechanical switches for the very reason that you are disparaging them; they take a physical action on the part of the pilot to actuate, unlike touchscreen controls, which are much easier to accidentally engage.”
“I know that Lt. Macland. However, I think that toggle is in the wrong place. The mechanism should be moved, or the actuator changed to perhaps a push-button, to prevent accidental engagement. At least a flight warning should be issued regardless of what happens to me.”
“Mr. Jackson,” said the Captain. “I can assure you that a flight warning will be issued about that toggle switch. And your reassignment will not affect your future here. But we must err on the side of caution. You will not be making the first mission flight or any flight until that cast and subsequent splint comes off, do you understand me?”
“Yes sir, thank you, sir.” Gardener rose to leave.
“I told you, so arrogant,” he heard Lt. Macland say as Gardener was closing the office door.
Chapter 8
Gardener began a letter to his parents:
Hi, mom and dad. I've had a little setback here. I told you about my injury last time and that I didn't think it all that serious physically, but unfortunately, it has had some serious consequences for the mission.
I had a problem in the simulator the other day. I accidentally tripped the emergency tank dump toggle switch and lost about half of the He3 load I had just mined. The mesh cast caught on the toggle as I turned in my chair. Although the cast probably caused my thumb to hang lower than it usually does, I think the emergency toggle is in a bad location, and it could have happened to anyone, cast or not.
But the Captain and Lieutenant didn't agree with me so I've been grounded until my thumb heals. I think it was probably prudent on the part of the Captain to do so, but I still urged him to redesign that toggle so that it couldn't happen again. They only agreed to issue a flight warning, so we'll see.
It does bother me some that Lt. Macland seems so hostile to me. I heard him call me arrogant as I was leaving the Captain's office. I think he confuses arrogance with confidence, you have to believe you can do the job, don't you? Anyway, I wish he and I could work more together rather than at cross purposes.
So I haven't much to do for a while. They haven't assigned me to another flight yet, and the second flight won't be for several weeks after the first, as the first will be reviewed quite extensively before another mining run is made.
I'm disappointed but not depressed; I'll get my chance. Meanwhile, I hope to be of some help to whoever gets the first flight assignment. - Love, Gardener.
Gardener sent his mail and turned off his Annie and folded it for storage in his flight jacket pocket. It had been a long day, and he went to bed early. He thought for a while about what he could have done differently in the simulation, but decided that it was just an acciden,t not a glaring deficiency in his training or skill-set. He went to sleep.
Maxine wasn't at breakfast as usual the following morning. She showed up fifteen minutes late.
“Hey Maxine, what kept you?” asked Gardener.
“Did you oversleep?” asked Justin Tor, another one of the ASC pilots, with a smile.
“No, I didn't overslee,p Justin. I've never overslept in my life. I had a message to report to Captain Wingham's office first thing this morning, that's why I'm late.”
“So what did the Captain want?” asked Lance.
“He, well, he gave me the maiden flight assignment,” she said, looking at Gardener. “Sorry Gardener.”
“No, Maxine, that's great,” said Gardener. “If I can help you in any way, let me know.”
“Thanks, Gardener. I was worried you might be upset. I could use your help to get up to speed fast since the flight is scheduled two weeks from now.”
“Really,” said Justin. “They've finally made up their minds. Of course, we get short notice as always.”
“Don't worry, Maxine, I'll give you all the help you'll need,” said Gardener.
He continued, “Justin, I don't think they deliberately keep us in the dark; I don't think they know themselves. A lot of people, including some not on Titan, have an input into the scheduling. First and foremost, Titan Industries, our employer, as we all should remember.”
Justin just shrugged.
Lance added, “It doesn't matter. At least one of us is going soon. That means the rest of us will have a chance not long afterwards.”
Chapter 9
Maxine's flight went flawlessly. So did Lance's and Justin's. The mined He3 had made its way back to Mars and had been transshipped to Earth. The corporation was making a profit from its investment for the first time. Everyone was in a good mood, even Lt. Macland, but he knew something the pilots didn't.
Gardener was summoned to the Lieutenant's office.
“Sit down, Jackson,” said Lt. Macland pleasantly. “I have something to tell you. As you know, the other pilot's flights have all been nominal, I would say they have been perfect, wouldn't you?”
“Yes sir,” said Gardener. “They are all excellent pilots.”
“Good, the corporate board has decided, with the acquiescence of Captain Wingham, I might say, that the next pilot to fly will be Maxine, followed by Lance, Justin, and then Maxine again.”
Gardener felt his heart jump.
“You see, they have been so pleased with the way things are going that they want to hold you in reserve in case any of the other pilots have an injury or becomes too sick to fly their next mission,” he smiled. “Do you have any questions?”
“Just one. Did you agree with this decision, Lieutenant?”
“Yes I did, Jackson, you see it was my suggestion.”
“I see, Lieutenant, would you do me a favor?”
“Okay, I guess so,” said Macland hesitantly.
“Would you informally tell the Captain and Titan Industries that I will not be renewing my contract when this one is up. I will make an official declaration as we get closer to the end of the contract period. They may want to see about getting my replacement ready before I leave.”
“Oh, I would be pleased to inform them of your decision, Gardener. You can count on me,” said Lt. Macland, smiling broadly.
Gardener had left Lt. Macland's office and was sitting in his quarters dictating a letter to his parents when the door alarmed. It was Maxine.
“Hey, Gardener, what's up? I thought you might want to get some dinner.”
“Hi Maxine, I'm just finishing my letter to my parents letting them know I'll be home soon.”
“What do you mean, you'll be home soon?”
“I had a meeting with Lt. Macland.”
“Great, another meeting with Macland.”
Gardener smiled, “Yes, and he has informed me that I am on permanent reserve status for the rest of my contract. The only way I will fly a mission is if you or Lance, or Justin can't fly. So I told Lt. Macland that I would not be renewing my contract with the company when it expires.”
“Sounds like politics to me. I didn't think Macland would stoop so low. He was behind it, wasn't he?”
“Yes, he said he initiated the change.”
“I thought so. He's been trying for a long time to get you, Gardener, and now he's done it. I hope you know you're playing right into his plans.”
“I understand what you are saying, Maxine, but I'm not interested in playing politics, as you put it, with Lt. Macland. I want to pilot a ship. If I can't do that here, I'll do it somewhere else.”
“You might. If Macland doesn't spread the rumor that you quit. Which I'm sure he will if he gets the chance. Remember, ASC pilots are a small fraternity; news gets around, especially if it's bad news.”
“You think Lt. Macland will keep pursuing some kind of vendetta against me even when I leave here?” asked Gardener incredulously.
“The Macland I know will do just that.”
“Maybe it's time I tried to find out just why Lt. Macland treats me this way. I know you think he's jealous, but jealousy usually ends when one party wins.”
“You're right. I know what I said, but his latest actions seem more premeditated than I expected. You should find out what exactly is bugging him about you.”
Gardener shook his head, “Maybe you're right, I'll ask my dad to look into the Lieutenant's past and see if there is any reason he should show such malice towards me.”
Chapter 10
The accident happened quickly. One minute, Justin was in complete control of ASC3, and the next minute it was spinning almost uncontrollably. Later, after the investigation was complete, it became apparent that it was as much due to luck as to skill that he made it back in one piece.
Justin hadn't remembered much after the spin began because he was thrown from the pilot's seat and hit his head. Before blacking out, he was able to enter the emergency protocol, which righted the ship and sent it on a trajectory for Titan with him unconscious. The ship brought him back to the vicinity of Titan, where the pilot's cage separated and served as an escape module. He was rescued by a military hopper, a conventional rocket-powered ship that could make short hops along the surface of Titan and refuel in situ if necessary. The remainder of ASC3 was lost.
Lt. Macland was in Capt. Wingham's office, reviewing the situation.
“And the doctor says that pilot Tor will be sidelined for how long?” asked the Captain.
“The doctor believes it will be a couple of months before Tor will fly, sir,” said Lt. Macland.
“Oka,y then we are going to need a pilot, do you think Jackson is up to it?”
“He would be my last choice, sir.”
“He is our last choice, Lieutenant,” said the Captain, somewhat irritated. “Do you think he can fly?”
“I don't know, sir. I haven't seen Pilot Jackson in simulation since the incident.”
“Very well Lieutenant, since you obviously don't want to make this decision, I will make it. Get out of here and send Jackson in.”
Gardener was visiting Justin in the infirmary when Lt. Macland's adjunct found him. “The Captain wants to see you right away, pilot.”
Gardener settled into the seat across the desk from Captain Wingham.
“Good to see you, Gardener,” said Captain Wingham. “As you know, we've had a mishap with ASC3. The ship is a total loss, but fortunately, the pilot, while injured, made it back. But the doctor tells me he will miss his next scheduled flight. That's where you come in. What I want to know is if you feel up to taking a turn in the rotation?”
“Yes sir,” said Gardener. “I haven't practiced in a while, as you probably know, but I think I could be up to speed by the time Justin's turn comes around. That would be about six weeks, wouldn't it?”
“Yes, Justin's next scheduled flight was in six weeks, but I'm not talking about you taking that flight; I want you to take the next flight.”
“In two weeks,” exclaimed Gardener.
“Yes, in two weeks. You see if you take the next flight, you can still leave as scheduled. And if you take the next flight, then by the time Pilot Tor's flight assignment comes around again, either he will be healthy, or his replacement will have arrived. So it works out best for all of us if you are up for the next scheduled flight, which I believe would have been Pilot Jordan's.”
“I see,” said Gardener. He paused a moment. “Yes Captain, I'm up for it. I believe I'm still sharp enough for flying, and there's plenty of time for a few simulations to refresh my skills if needed.”
“Excellent, Pilot Jackson. I think this will be a benefit to all of us. And thank you for your willingness to work with me. I was afraid you might have been, shall we say, soured on the whole experience.”
“Flying is flying, and for that, I'm always ready, sir.”
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