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.