Living Proof

Okay, now what? His shoulder was throbbing terribly; between that and the incessant computerized launch reminder he was ready to explode. Joseph returned to the dispensery, grabbed the case containing the two embryos, and headed for the elevator. Back on the flight deck, he checked the suspended animation system and discovered Holden had already programmed it. The current settings would give him approximately eight waking days in flight. Just enough time to re-attach his arm and formulate a plan for his arrival back on Earth.

"Launch time twelve minutes and counting. . . . Launch time twelve minutes and counting..."

Joseph had to move fast. If he wasn't in suspended animation within seven minutes, the acceleration needed to break the ship free of Mars' gravity could kill him. Quickly, he changed into the suspension suit then put the severed arm into a smaller chamber designed for live specimens.

"Launch time eleven minutes and counting. . . . Launch time eleven minutes and counting..."

Next, he carefully removed the two vials and placed them alongside the severed arm. Punching in a series of numbers on the control panel, Joseph waited for the green light to come on. Program activated.

"Launch time ten minutes and counting... Launch time ten minutes and counting..." Joseph ran to his compartment, flung the canopy open and climbed in. Lying back, he fastened the safety harness then attached the "umbilical cord", a vast array of hoses and wires enclosed in a single sheath, to his suit. The overhead panel instantly lit up, displaying his vital signs. Joseph punched his name on the keypad, then lay back, heaving a tremendous sigh. The rest was up to the ship's computer.

His mind filled with image after image — Althea's last breath… the fights with Shokley and Holden…his arm gone. Gradually, a welcome wave of relaxation began washing over him — within minutes he would be completely, blissfully unconscious. His breathing was much slower now. Feeling himself sinking, Joseph saw Althea's face again, remembering his promise to her. "I'll always love you Althea," he vowed. "I'll always love you..." end of chapter one