Day 137

[from ARK]

"Well, I believe that's most of the important areas covered," said Prof. Gibson, as he and Prof. McCarthy left the medical centre. "The rest you'll pick up over time. It's a big station, as I'm sure you've gathered by now, and if I showed you around the whole thing, it would take about a week. For now, I'll take you to the living areas, so you can get settled in."

"What if I get lost?" asked Prof. McCarthy. "There don't seem to be many signposts or anything, and there's no guarantee that I'll run into somebody I can ask for directions."

"Well, to be honest, it's more a case of "when you get lost"," said Prof. Gibson. "Because take it from me, you will get lost here. It was kind of funny, actually, when we all first came up here, because none of us knew our way around, so we were all getting lost and we couldn't ask for directions because we were all as lost as each other." Gibson let out a fond chuckle. "In the end, Gerald installed these interactive maps all over the ARK, that tell you were you are, and can show you where it is that you want to get to. I'm not sure ergonomics is Professor Robotnik's strong suit, to be honest."

"I assume I'll know what those maps look like when I see them?" said Prof. McCarthy.

"You can't miss them," said Prof. Gibson. "Large black monitors, with the floor plan overlaid on them in green. Your current position is highlighted by a pulsing red light. There should be one just up the corridor, I can show you how they work."

"Okay, thanks," said Prof. McCarthy.

The pair kept walking, and after a minute or two, they came across something that most definitely was not a map. It was a strange aqua-blue creature, hanging from the ceiling and watching the two professors as they approached. It had a greyish-white head with two pale green eyes, a long body that looked almost as though it were composed of water, and no arms or legs. Prof. Gibson paid the creature no heed, but Prof. McCarthy stared up at it with a mixture of surprise, intrigue, and horror. "What the hell is that?" he asked.

"That's an Artificial Chaos," said Prof. Gibson. "It was one of Gerald's first major inventions here on the ARK. There are Artificial Chaos all over the colony, performing maintenance and acting as security drones. You'll get used to them, don't worry."

"Forgive the obvious question, but how can it do maintenance and security when it has no limbs?" asked Prof. McCarthy.

"Well, its eyes house high-powered lasers that are capable of welding shut any cracks in the ARK's hull," explained Prof. Gibson. "It can also fire the lasers at a lower frequency, for non-lethal stunning, or extend tentacles out of its arms to physically subdue intruders. Those tentacles also allow it to do more precise manual work. There's also another type of Artificial Chaos that can split its body into hundreds of drones, so that tasks like cleaning the windows or floors take a lot less time than they otherwise would. Those ones don't have the lasers or the tentacles, though."

"I see," said Prof. McCarthy. "Is that level of security really necessary, though? I mean, I know this is the world's foremost scientific research facility and all, but… it's in space. It's not exactly the easiest place in the world to get to."

"I know that," said Prof. Gibson, "but like you said, this facility is at the cutting edge of scientific and medical technology. Even if we are isolated out here in space, we still can't be complacent. If anyone wanted to steal our research, all they'd have to do to get here would be to stow away on one of the supply vessels, and in a station this big, finding them would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But with the Artificial Chaos around, finding and subduing any potential invaders is a lot easier."

Prof. McCarthy nodded. "Alright, that makes sense," he said. "Come to think of it, I guess you'd also need some kind of security force in case of any crimes being committed here. Not that I expect anything like that to happen, of course."

"Well, that's certainly true as well," said Prof. Gibson. "There have been a few isolated incidents, where civilians have had disagreements that turned violent, but I wouldn't say there's all that much crime up here. Certainly not compared to down on Earth, that's for certain."

"So what happens to people who commit crimes up here?" asked Prof. McCarthy. "Is there, like, a jail or something here, or do you just ship them straight back to Earth?"

"G.U.N. takes care of those kinds of matters," said Prof. Gibson. "Technically speaking, crimes committed here are outside the jurisdiction of any civilian court, but G.U.N. governs this station using the laws of the United Federation. I don't know the exact procedures, but I presume that in the case of a serious crime, everyone involved would be flown back to Earth for a full criminal trial, and if the suspect is found guilty, then he'd be imprisoned on Earth. We don't have the facilities here to hold a trial, or anything like that."

"Okay," said Prof. McCarthy. "We're getting a little off-topic here, aren't we?"

"Not at all," said Prof. Gibson. "This is all part of helping you get acquainted with the station, and helping you to settle in. Ah, I think that's one of the maps over there." The professor pointed at a glowing green monitor embedded into the side of one of the walls, a little further up the corridor. "I'll show you how it works, and then we can head off to the living quarters. I'm sure you'll want to know where you'll be sleeping from now on."

"Of course," said Prof. McCarthy. "Lead the way."

Day 95

[from ARK]

After stopping off at the ARK's biology centre, where most of Professor McCarthy's future colleagues were sadly absent, he and Professor Gibson eventually made their way to the ARK's medical centre in search of Professor Gerald. Either side of the entrance were rows of cubicles, each containing a pristine white bed and an assortment of state-of-the-art medical equipment. Though there were at least twenty beds, with doors leading further wings, there were only two patients at the moment. One was a boy of about eight who was laid up in bed with what seemed to be a fever, a thermometer dangling from between his lips; a subtle reminder that the scientists were not the only people aboard the ARK.

The other patient, sat on a bed just to their right, was also a civilian, a woman of about twenty-five. She was quite beautiful, aside from two rather gruesome old wounds that seemed to be the cause of her visit. An eyepatch that had presumably been placed over her left eye had been lifted up to reveal the scarred, empty eye socket beneath, and her upper left arm, exposed by her rolled-up sleeve, had several larger scars running across it. At any other facility, the doctors might not have been able to save it, thought Prof. McCarthy.

The woman was currently being tended to by a female doctor, who appeared to be testing how well she was able to see with just her one eye. The two ladies noticed the men as they entered, but did not otherwise acknowledge them, continuing to go about their business as before.

"Good afternoon, Dr. Hendry," said Professor Gibson, stopping momentarily to greet them. "Good afternoon, Miss Lubiński."

"Good afternoon, Professor," said Dr. Hendry, going about her business as before.

Miss Lubiński nodded, replying in a diluted Eastern European accent. "Good afternoon, Mr. Gibson."

"How can you tell up here?" asked Professor McCarthy.

"Clocks, both bodily and otherwise," replied Professor Gibson. "You'll get the hang of it pretty quickly. Ah, yes; this is Professor James McCarthy," Gibson continued, gesturing at his companion. "He'll be starting here tomorrow. Professor, this is Doctor Julia Hendry, our resident optometrist. With any luck, you won't need to see too much of her."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," said Prof. McCarthy, bowing slightly in greeting.

"Likewise," said Dr. Hendry.

"And this," said Professor Gibson, gesturing at the woman, "is Gabryjela Lubiński. Her father was the late Professor Dariusz Lubiński, who assisted a lot of our early research here on the ARK."

"You're Professor Lubiński's daughter?" repeated McCarthy, surprised. "I've read his research papers. He was a great scientist. I was saddened to hear that he'd passed away. It was a couple of years ago now, wasn't it?"

Gabryjela nodded, looking a little saddened by the sudden memories of her deceased father. "Almost three years," she said.

Professor McCarthy nodded. "I never got the chance to meet him, but he sounded like a good man."

"He was," said Gabryjela, nodding.

"Alright, we'll let you get on with your appointment now," said Prof. Gibson. "I'll see the two of you later, then."

The two women nodded, and the two professors continued down through the medical centre. Once they were out of earshot, Prof. McCarthy couldn't resist asking in a low, quiet voice, "So, uhh… what happened to her? Those injuries look like they were sustained only a few years ago, and I'm guessing she was here at the time-"

Professor Gibson held up a hand, signalling for him to stop. His expression suddenly turned grave. "Look. There's certain things here in the colony that we just don’t talk about. What happened with Gabryjela is one of them. You're better off not knowing. Understood?"

Professor McCarthy knew that whatever incident had resulted in Gabryjela's injuries, it must have been a major one, something that had rattled the entire colony to the extent that they refused to bring it up. But if that was the case, then there was no use inquiring further about it. If he needed to know, or they wanted him to know, they would tell him. In the meantime, he would just have to suppress his curiosity about the incident. He gave Gibson a curt nod. "Understood," he said. "I guess I have a lot to learn about how this place works."

"You'll pick it up pretty quickly," said Professor Gibson. "Everyone does. Now then…" They had reached a door at the end of the corridor, beyond which lay the specialized medical facilities that catered to Maria. Signs on the wall next to the door highlighted this fact, as well as the need to be completely sterilized before entry.

"I'll go in first, and tell Professor Gerald you've arrived," said Prof. Gibson. "The light will go out once I've been sterilized, and then it'll be your turn." He pointed to a circular red light above the door, that was currently switched off. "I know you were sterilized before you got on the shuttle, but Gerald just likes to be careful. Besides, I dare say our sterilization systems are better than those on Earth." He took hold of the handle and pulled open the door, revealing a small chamber with a faint green glow inside. "I'll see you in a minute, then."

Prof. Gibson closed the door behind him, and the red light above it winked on. Prof. McCarthy could hear muffled hissing sounds coming from within, and after a short time that couldn't have been more than forty seconds, the sterilization was complete, and the red light turned back off again. Prof. McCarthy opened the door and stepped into the sterilization chamber himself, closing the door behind him.

A second after closing the door, the professor found himself being sprayed with strong disinfecting jets from both sides, and from above. They were very powerful, and rather hot, but they sprayed in very short bursts, only a fraction of a second each, making the experience far more bearable than it might otherwise have been. The nozzles of the jets moved slowly around, making sure they sprayed every square inch of Prof. McCarthy's body, killing any germs that could possibly have been on his skin. The whole process took little more than thirty seconds, and when it was done, the door at the other end opened automatically, ushering him into the isolated chamber.

The walls and ceiling here were not the starched white of the main medical bay: they were a blinding sky blue, with fluffy clouds painted here and there. It would almost look like a child's bedroom, if not for the masses of machines, computers, and other miscellaneous equipment that filled the room, covering the back wall entirely. Amongst all this chaos, there was only a single bed, and again, this was not an ordinary hospital bed. It was a king-size four-poster bed, with pastel pink sheets. It occurred to Prof. McCarthy that this wasn't just Maria's treatment room; at times when her condition was worse, this would be like a second home to her. The professor had done all he could to make it comfortable for her, in spite of the masses of machinery around the room.

The professor himself was sat at Maria's bedside. He was a short, very rotund man, with a large, bushy grey moustache and round pince-nez glasses, that appeared to have a spiral pattern in the lenses. Professor Gibson was stood next to him, waiting for his companion to enter. "Ah, here he is now," he said as McCarthy entered, causing Gerald to look round. He offered the newcomer a kind smile that was, unfortunately, mostly hidden beneath his voluminous facial hair.

"You must be Professor James McCarthy," he said, getting to his feet. "I've heard so much about you. I'm Professor Gerald Robotnik. Please, call me Gerald." He took McCarthy's hand and shook it; his hand was warm and sweaty, and his grip was firm. "Welcome to Space Colony ARK. I'm sorry I couldn't be at the docking bay to welcome you, but I'm sure you'll understand, given the circumstances. I trust Professor Gibson gave you the grand tour?"

"He did, yeah," said Prof. McCarthy. "I still can’t believe you designed this whole station by yourself… it's enormous!"

"I'll take that as a compliment," said Gerald, smiling. "Thank you. I consider this station to be my pride and joy. Well…" He turned back to the bed, his gaze resting on the sleeping figure within. "My second-greatest pride and joy."

The pair of them walked back to Maria's bedside, joining Professor Gibson, and Professor McCarthy caught his first glimpse of the girl sleeping soundly within. Her covers were pulled right up to her neck, so all he could see of her was her pale face, and the thin, delicate fingers that clutched gently at her bedsheets. She was young, only about eleven or so, and definitely small for her age. She had long blonde hair, and several stray hairs trailed their way across her pillow as she slumbered. An oxygen mask covered her face, obscuring her mouth, misting up slightly every time she breathed out. Her chest rose and fell with each quiet breath she took, and other than the quiet hums of the machinery surrounding her, and the rhythmic, reassuring beeping of her heart monitor, the room was completely silent for a moment.

"This is my grand-daughter, Maria Robotnik," said Professor Gerald. "She means the world to me. But… she's dying. And here on the ARK, I'm trying to save her."

Day 70

[from ARK]

Today, the supply shuttle that flew to Space Colony ARK every two weeks contained more than just food, fuel, and parcels from loved ones. It also contained a passenger, making his way from Earth to his new workplace and permanent residence. His name was Professor James McCarthy, and starting today, he was a researcher at the world-famous orbital research station and space colony known as the ARK.

The shuttle docked at one of several docking bays around the ARK's giant perimeter, and McCarthy waited while the airlock fully depressurised, drumming his fingers against the seat he was strapped to. He was in his mid-thirties, of average build, with a fine head of dark brown hair and murky green eyes. The white space suit he currently wore wasn't his usual attire, but had been necessary during his brief trip through the vacuum of space to get to the station itself. Once he was aboard, he would change into one of the several sets of clothes he had brought, and put on his lab jacket, and then he would look more like what he was: one of the world's leading biophysicists.

Finally, the pressures were equalized, and the airlock doors opened to allow McCarthy through into the ARK itself. He unbuckled himself from the chair, and with the station's artificial gravity now affecting the shuttle as well, he was able to walk to the open door and climb through it. On the other side was what seemed to be a reception area, with several chairs propped against the brushed steel walls, a clock hanging above the door, a large computer screen built into one of the walls, and a potted plant in the corner, looking strangely out of place. Like everything else in the room, however, the plant had a purpose: converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, helping to replenish the crew's precious air supply.

Standing in the centre of the room was an older man dressed in the researcher's uniform McCarthy would soon be donning: pale blue shirt, neatly-pressed black trousers, and a crisp white lab coat. His hair was also white, and he wore black half-moon spectacles which he pushed casually up the bridge of his nose as he stepped forward to address the newcomer.

"You must be Professor McCarthy," he said, his accent unmistakeably British. "Welcome to the Space Colony ARK. I'm Professor Alexander Gibson."

"I know who you are," said McCarthy in a Midwestern drawl, shaking Gibson's hand firmly. "I've read your paper on spinal trauma."

"Not too boring, I hope," quipped Gibson.

"Not at all," said McCarthy. "I found it very enlightening."

"Jolly good," said Gibson. "Now then, shall we get going? This place is far too big for me to show you the whole thing at once, but I'd still like to give you a whistle-stop tour, just to help to get acquainted to the place. It can be rather bewildering when you first arrive."

"Alright, sure," said McCarthy. "Should I get my bags?"

"Oh, no, don't worry about those," said Gibson, "someone will be along to collect those in due course. For now, let's get going: there's a lot to see."

"Alright then," said McCarthy. "After you."

Professor Gibson took the lead, with Professor McCarthy following along behind him. As they left the reception area, the pair found themselves in a massive, gently-curving corridor that ran for as far as the eye could see. This was the outermost corridor of the ARK, running along almost its entire perimeter, and the very outermost wall was inset with numerous glass panels, providing a breathtaking view of the vast emptiness of space, and floating in the centre of it, far beneath them, the Earth that McCarthy had just left.

Professor McCarthy was utterly transfixed by the view, and he stood before the window, open-mouthed with awe. "That's Earth…" he gasped in disbelief. "That's the planet I just left behind… I never realized just how beautiful it is…"

Professor Gibson moved to his side, admiring what was to him a familiar but no less awe-inspiring view. "It truly is a remarkable view, isn't it?" he said. "I think it's one of the best thing about working on this station: every single day, you get to walk past that window, and see that spectacular view. I've been here for eleven years, ever since this station was launched, and I still haven't grown tired of that view. That planet down there, and everyone on it… that's what we're working here to protect. To make their lives happier."

"That's really profound," remarked McCarthy, still unable to tear his gaze away.

Gibson nodded, and the two men fell silent for a few minutes, joining each other in silent reverence of the blue-and-green marble that floated before them. Eventually, once Professor McCarthy's eyes had had their fill of the magnificent scenery, he awkwardly cleared his throat and turned his attention back to his companion. "So, shall we get going, then?" he asked.

"Yes, we probably should," said Professor Gibson, nodding and then tearing his own gaze away from the window. "Okay, if you'd like to follow me… I should warn you, there's going to be a lot of walking."

"That shouldn't be a problem, as long as I have this view to keep me company," said McCarthy, gesturing at the window.

"Sadly, once we move towards the centre of the ARK, that view will disappear completely, so enjoy it while you can," said Professor Gibson. "Anyway, I think we'll go this way first: that's where the biology labs are. Biophysics is your field, isn't it?"

"Yeah, so that'll be the place for me, most likely," said McCarthy. "Lead the way."

Professor Gibson nodded, and the two men set off down the interminably long corridor, towards the biology labs. "I'm sorry Professor Gerald couldn't be here to greet you when you arrived," said Gibson. "Usually he insists on meeting all new arrivals when they get here, but he's currently involved in a bit of an emergency, so he sent me to greet you instead."

"That's fine with me," said McCarthy. "What kind of emergency is it?"

"It's regarding his granddaughter, Maria," said Gibson. "Are you aware of the situation regarding Maria?"

"Not at all," admitted Professor McCarthy, shaking his head.

"She suffers from Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome," Gibson explained. "Essentially, her own immune system is trying to kill her. Even the slightest cough or cold could prove fatal. That's why you were checked over so thoroughly and then disinfected before you were allowed on the shuttle: this colony is a completely sterile environment, and any foreign pathogens could spell disaster for her, and any of the other kids born and raised aboard the ARK who've never had the chance to build up their immune systems. Currently, Maria's feeling rather sickly, and Gerald's taking time to look after her, so that's why he can't be here to show you around. I'm sure you understand."

"Oh, of course," said McCarthy, a little shocked. "I'm very sorry to hear about that."

"That's what all the newcomers say when they're told about it," said Gibson. "To be honest, I think the professor's probably sick of hearing it by now."

McCarthy nodded sadly, and with the mood now suddenly a lot darker, the pair continued on their way towards the biology labs.

Day 46

[from ARK]

Dear Diary,

Today I received some excellent news. After almost three years, the construction of my greatest creation, the Space Colony ARK, is finally complete. It is fully furbished, and ready to be inhabited. We've secured the use of the United Federation's shuttles in order to transport personnel and goods to the ARK, but they won't be allowed to dock there permanently, so anyone wishing to return to Earth will have to make use of the ARK's escape pods. I have made sure the pods have been tested rigorously, and they are guaranteed to be able to withstand re-entry.

Due to the logistical difficulties involved in travelling to and from the ARK repeatedly, most of the scientists I have recruited to join me aboard the ARK have agreed to take their families along with them. The ARK has more than enough capacity for them all, and is equipped with every convenience they could possibly require, including a state-of-the-art medical facility. While it may not seem that homely, I still hope that they will all feel perfectly at home aboard the ARK.

That being said, however, Jenny still refuses to join me aboard the ARK. She simply does not feel comfortable with the idea of living on the station, thousands of miles away from everyone she has ever known save for myself. I can empathize with her, but I do not share her fear of isolation; indeed, I will be perfectly content to continue my research amid the infinite solitude of space.

Julian also wishes to remain behind, so that he can remain with his friends and complete his education here on Earth. I admire his dedication to bettering himself intellectually, and so I will honour his desire to remain on Earth, as well as that of my wife. While I would like for them to join me on the colony, I will not force them to do something that would make them unhappy. I am certain that someday, Julian will grow into a great scientist like myself.

As for Colin and Meredith, I have not contacted them yet regarding whether they wish to join me aboard the ARK. I'm sure they are still busy dealing with Maria, who is still in the hospital. I don't know whether the doctors have found out what is wrong with her yet, but if there is anything I can do to help her, I will more than willing to lend my expertise. My granddaughter may only be a few months old, but already she means the world to me.

While I wait for news regarding Maria's condition, I shall begin the preparations for my journey to the ARK. This of course means packing up my current experiments and unfinished research papers, so that I may finish them on the colony once I reach it. There is still much to do before I am ready to leave for the ARK.

***

Dear Diary,

Today, I was finally able to speak to Colin and Meredith. The news regarding Maria is much worse than any of us could have feared. She has Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome, an incurable degenerative disease that will slowly destroy her immune system, causing her to grow more and more frail until it finally claims her life. There is little that can be done to even treat her, let alone cure her.

Colin and Meredith were both in a state of shock, and so was I, when they first told me the dreadful news. However, the disease will not kill her right away, and in the right environment she may still lead a full and happy life. To that end, Colin and Meredith begged me to take her with me aboard the ARK. I was uncertain about taking such a young infant to the colony, but in the end I could not say no to them. The colony's isolation means it is free from diseases, any of which could prove fatal to Maria with her condition, and with the state-of-the-art medical facilities located there, she can be cared for even better than here on Earth.

What is more, we have not given up hope that a cure could yet be found in time to save her, as well as the other unfortunate souls suffering from this disease. With the collective scientific knowledge of those who will be aboard the ARK, myself included, such a cure surely cannot remain outside our grasp for long.

The first personnel shuttle will be leaving for the ARK tomorrow. Aboard it will be Professor Francis Montclair, Professor Alexander Gibson, and their families. Professor Gibson is a good friend and colleague of mine, and specializes in the field of medicine. Perhaps I will be able to enlist his help in attempting to develop a cure for Maria. In the meantime, however, all I can do is continue to prepare for my own departure, which will now be delayed until Maria is well enough to leave the hospital. If she ever is well enough to- No. I cannot allow myself to think in such a manner. She will pull through, and someday, I will cure her, and all those inflicted with that terrible disease. It is my duty as a scientist, as someone who has dedicated himself to the betterment of humanity, to achieve this. For her, and for everyone on this planet, I must do this.