Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space (The Henry Gallant Saga) by H. Peter Alesso

moons. Did you know that some very large cylinder habitats are five miles in diameter and twenty miles long, made from ordinary steel and glass to support from 1,000 to 100,000 people. Some space colonies use thin-walled pressure vessels with recycled atmospheres and hydroponics. Each sector of a space habitat has its own atmosphere control system with sensors and regulators including activated carbon filters and air ionizers. Colonies often use solar energy until they get to large distances from the Sun such as Jupiter."
    Jake stopped for a moment then added, "I grew up out here in the colonies, but I didn’t fancy the mining trade. So when I was old enough, I started my own business. My dad supplied the down payment and secured a loan to get the shuttle. He also helped negotiate the military contracts, so I could travel between military ships and the station. My folks have since passed away, but I still earn a living for my wife, Margret, and me. We have a home on the station. My oldest son, Brandon, is a sergeant in the 7th Marine regiment stationed near Kendra. My other three boys and their families visit from their Ganymede settlements whenever possible.”
    “You’ve lived your whole life in Jupiter’s orbit?” asked Gallant.
    “That’s right. Plenty of folks live their whole life in space settlements these days. You’re probably used to Earthers, who take one space trip in their lifetime and think that it’s a great adventure.”
    “I’ve never been to Earth. My grandparents were pioneers too. They settled in New Annapolis, Mars. My father was a terraforming engineer and Mom was a mineralogist. They worked together and treasured everything about Mars. Those were magic years for us.” Gallant looked out into space. His expression changed as the pleasant memories were crowded out by painful ones. “One assignment resulted, in us being posted to an encampment on Phobos.”
    Gallant took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around his chest. “A large meteorite got past the laser defenses and struck our shelter.” His eyes welled up. “My parents had only seconds to react. They sealed me in an escape pod,” his voice wavered, “They never made it to their own.”
    He sat quietly staring straight ahead, numbed by his own revelation.
    “I’m sorry, Henry,” said Jake. He put his hand on Gallant’s shoulder. “That’s a harsh burden.”
    They were silent for a few minutes. Then Gallant, looking to change the mood, asked, “Tell me more about your business.”
    “Well, let’s see. It used to be quite lucrative. I operated under a military contract. They paid a base rate, plus a fee for each trip to ferry personnel and small shipments between ships and the station. They used to pay for maintenance, repairs and my flight time. Fuel was included as part of the contract. Now, I have to pay my own fuel costs. Oh, they upped the ferry price some, but not enough to suit me.”
    “The cost of antiprotons probably fluctuates because the availability depends on how much is left over after the military ships are serviced. Is that right?”
    “You got it. You’ll have to excuse me now. We’re approaching the station,” said Jake. He placed the ship in manual and began flying it toward a docking port.
    After Jake parked the shuttle, he said, “I’ll be here when your operation is done.”
    “Thanks,” said Gallant as he left.

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    Jupiter Station’s hangar bay was dark, dank, and dreary. The overhead air conditioning vents were emitting a frosty stream of vapor with a stale musty odor; the result of shuttle craft exhaust, coupled with inadequate air recirculation.
    Gallant felt a chill and pulled his jacket tight around him. He crammed his bandaged hands into his pockets. His eyes were watery and his nose running. He sneezed and thought longingly about a steaming hot cup of stim-coffee. He checked the time and found that he still had over an hour before his medical