of millions of miles, which is an exceptionally unusual way to get to know someone. They seemed to be sharing an almost mystical connection, or so Aster thought. Indeed, Aster felt a warmth in her heart that she couldn’t remember experiencing before, although that might have been the residual effect of the antifreeze in her bloodstream, which conveniently she had forgotten about.
“Well, I think I’m going to get back in my pod now!” she announced, suddenly realising how oddly intense she was being.
“Good idea. I will as well, in a minute.”
🚀
After the first thirty day sleep, the entire crew were revived and prepared to set about their prescribed physical and mental exercises. Freddie and Aster didn’t mention their conversation to anyone, and as far as they knew, nobody had discovered that they had woken up. There wasn’t much in the way of privacy on board the Quirinus , so the two of them didn’t discuss what had happened. Aster wasn’t entirely sure what she would say to Freddie given the chance. And as for Freddie, he wouldn’t have had a clue where to start.
Naturally, everyone was ravenous and they ate the biggest breakfast imaginable. Aster found herself staring at Freddie more than once but always looked away when he noticed.
After breakfast, Tiggy refocussed everyone on the purpose of their awakening. “Okay crew, in 90 minute’s time, once we’ve had a chance to digest breakfast, we are going to start our exercises, beginning with some simple Tai Chi moves. Before then, everyone needs to record their video log and familiarise themselves with the UK Guide to Space .”
Tiggy started handing out copies of the Guide . It had been prepared by UK Space Command as a definitive introduction to life on the Red Planet and beyond. In terms of pure entertainment value, it ranked marginally above The Ten Approved Ways a Communist Ties Their Laces in Zero Gravity , a classic space text beloved of cosmonauts since Yuri Gagarin and only recently translated into English.
Freddie settled down with the Guide and found the following section, which seemed as good a place as any to start.
Mars Colonists will organise themselves into a pseudo-military structure, taking commands from the Governor or Acting Governor. Civilian colonists will be outranked by any actual military personnel present. This arrangement is necessary to prevent insurrection, ill-discipline or smarmy self-righteousness.
Freddie had a thought: who’s going to stop the officers feeling smarmy?
Due to the lengthy delays in communication between Earth and Mars, the colony will be semi-autonomous. The Governor will have the final say in all matters of conduct and discipline, although in exceptional circumstances, colonists may appeal to UK Space Command if they feel strongly enough about any given decision.
It is fully expected that core British Values be upheld at all times on the colony. Tolerance, freedom of speech, freedom of belief, the right to offend and the right to be offended are all central to the philosophical framework we are attempting to promulgate throughout the Solar System.
Therefore, be on your guard. If you notice a fellow colonist falling short of the high expectations of the British Government, it is your duty to report them to your commanding officer or line manager as appropriate. If you fail to do so, you are equally guilty of undermining our values, and have only yourself to blame if you find yourself indefinitely detained without charge on some forsaken prison asteroid out in the Oort Cloud.
Alarmed, he thumbed forward a few chapters.
Colonists will have a range of duties, including scientific investigations, food production and mineral mining operations. When off duty, a varied selection of leisure activities will be available (details to be confirmed). UK Space Command recommend colonists strive for a healthy diet and balanced lifestyle with multiple daytime and off-duty pursuits. This
“Well, I think I’m going to get back in my pod now!” she announced, suddenly realising how oddly intense she was being.
“Good idea. I will as well, in a minute.”
🚀
After the first thirty day sleep, the entire crew were revived and prepared to set about their prescribed physical and mental exercises. Freddie and Aster didn’t mention their conversation to anyone, and as far as they knew, nobody had discovered that they had woken up. There wasn’t much in the way of privacy on board the Quirinus , so the two of them didn’t discuss what had happened. Aster wasn’t entirely sure what she would say to Freddie given the chance. And as for Freddie, he wouldn’t have had a clue where to start.
Naturally, everyone was ravenous and they ate the biggest breakfast imaginable. Aster found herself staring at Freddie more than once but always looked away when he noticed.
After breakfast, Tiggy refocussed everyone on the purpose of their awakening. “Okay crew, in 90 minute’s time, once we’ve had a chance to digest breakfast, we are going to start our exercises, beginning with some simple Tai Chi moves. Before then, everyone needs to record their video log and familiarise themselves with the UK Guide to Space .”
Tiggy started handing out copies of the Guide . It had been prepared by UK Space Command as a definitive introduction to life on the Red Planet and beyond. In terms of pure entertainment value, it ranked marginally above The Ten Approved Ways a Communist Ties Their Laces in Zero Gravity , a classic space text beloved of cosmonauts since Yuri Gagarin and only recently translated into English.
Freddie settled down with the Guide and found the following section, which seemed as good a place as any to start.
Mars Colonists will organise themselves into a pseudo-military structure, taking commands from the Governor or Acting Governor. Civilian colonists will be outranked by any actual military personnel present. This arrangement is necessary to prevent insurrection, ill-discipline or smarmy self-righteousness.
Freddie had a thought: who’s going to stop the officers feeling smarmy?
Due to the lengthy delays in communication between Earth and Mars, the colony will be semi-autonomous. The Governor will have the final say in all matters of conduct and discipline, although in exceptional circumstances, colonists may appeal to UK Space Command if they feel strongly enough about any given decision.
It is fully expected that core British Values be upheld at all times on the colony. Tolerance, freedom of speech, freedom of belief, the right to offend and the right to be offended are all central to the philosophical framework we are attempting to promulgate throughout the Solar System.
Therefore, be on your guard. If you notice a fellow colonist falling short of the high expectations of the British Government, it is your duty to report them to your commanding officer or line manager as appropriate. If you fail to do so, you are equally guilty of undermining our values, and have only yourself to blame if you find yourself indefinitely detained without charge on some forsaken prison asteroid out in the Oort Cloud.
Alarmed, he thumbed forward a few chapters.
Colonists will have a range of duties, including scientific investigations, food production and mineral mining operations. When off duty, a varied selection of leisure activities will be available (details to be confirmed). UK Space Command recommend colonists strive for a healthy diet and balanced lifestyle with multiple daytime and off-duty pursuits. This
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