Chapter 4

Nash’s mind was made up. He was going to Mars! Raj and KC had gotten approval from their parents to go, so he wasn’t going to be left behind.

It was a tense wait for the crew as Cooper Borgstein flew Ventura 2 from Earth to Misty and supplies were packed for the colony. Tinned food, plant seedlings, dry goods, fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat were all packed into V2. Nash had hoped Cooper’s son, Finn, would accompany him to drop V2 off, but he didn’t.

‘He’s on an exploratory mission to the Mariana Trench,’ Cooper told Nash when he asked after his friend. ‘We have experimental technology plumbing the depths of the ocean while you guys plumb the depths of space. Finn was upset that he missed seeing you, but he’ll be back again soon. I promise.’

‘That’s okay.’ Nash shrugged. ‘We’ll catch up another time.’

‘That’s if you can bear being away from your other best friend,’ Raj muttered. ‘You shouldn’t spread yourself too thinly, you know.’

Unsure as to what Raj meant, Nash shot him a quizzical look. ‘Do you want to explain what you mean?’ he asked.

‘Now, boys!’ Cooper said. ‘No bickering. We work as a team on Misty.’

Captain Malik frowned. ‘Speaking of teams,’ he began, ‘I have some bad news. Unfortunately, I can’t go to Mars. We have our annual safety inspection scheduled and I need to be here for it. However, I do have someone very experienced leading the mission instead.’

While Nash was wondering who it was, the bridge door slid open and in strode Captain Malik’s second in command, Commander Jane Best. Accompanying her were two crew members who Nash knew quite well: Felix Ortana and Olga Ransom. Both were part of the engineering crew and worked under Orson.

Commander Best was tall and slender with dark, curly hair. She had worked on Misty Space Station for five years and was well-trained and very capable. While Felix and Olga were relaxed and friendly, Jane had always seemed distant and never stopped to talk to Nash or his friends. Now, as she strode into the bridge, she barely glanced their way. Acknowledging Orson with a slight dip of her head, she gave Cooper a firm handshake before taking a seat beside Captain Malik. Nash noticed Cooper wince as Jane shook his hand. When she let go, and as soon as her back was turned, he grimaced and waggled his fingers as if they’d been crushed.

Nash couldn’t help smiling.

‘Good to see you, Jane,’ Cooper said. ‘I trust you’re ready for the mission?’

‘Of course,’ Commander Best replied briskly. ‘Shall we get started?’

Captain Malik began with an overview of the mission. When he mentioned the Space Kids would be going along, Commander Best seemed surprised, her eyebrows jumping almost to her hairline. ‘Are you sure you want children on this mission?’ she said. ‘It’s potentially dangerous.’

‘We’ve proven ourselves many times,’ Nash said.

‘Danger is our middle name,’ Raj added with a grin.

Commander Best looked unimpressed.

‘I’ll vouch for them,’ Cooper said.

‘Me too,’ Orson added. ‘It’s unfortunate Captain Malik has to stay behind, but the children will be safe with me. I’ve received communication there’s a young boy on Mars who could do with some contact with kids his age. And these three are as diligent, intelligent, and dedicated as any adult.’

Commander Best’s eyebrows jumped once more. ‘I doubt that, but I suppose I’ll have to take your word for it.’ She turned to glare at each of the Space Kids in turn. ‘I don’t want any shenanigans on this mission.’ She pointed at them accusingly. ‘Do you hear me?’

Raj nodded. ‘Loud and clear.’

‘Aye-aye, Captain!’ KC gave a mock-salute.

’That’s precisely what I mean,’ she snapped before turning to Cooper. ‘I’m sorry, Mr Borgstein, but we don’t have long before take off. Will you run us through the capabilities of V2 so we can head out?’

Cooper grinned. ‘That would be my pleasure. Follow me.’