Deeper Into the Void Read Online Free PDF Page B

the structure, the tubular airlock is still sufficient to fit all five team members and their gear all at once. The outer door on the airlock shuts with a grind at first, followed by a subtle thud sound. The next sound that is heard by all is the air rushing through the pressure vents into the airlock. After the rushing sound of air ceases, the team just stands; everyone just looks around anticipating the next phase of the airlock procedure. After a brief moment of waiting, they grab at whatever they can on the inner door. The door slides slowly from right to left with considerable effort from Long, Ghent and Lawrence.
    The path, upon which the crew is currently standing, will take them up the slight incline over to the buildings on the right. The buildings are quite simple and modest in appearance; not much time and effort was spent on the architecture or design of the buildings to make them more appealing. They are a simple rust red color of brick. Most of the buildings are adorned by frequent windows to take advantage of the natural light. The roofs are all flat, and aside from a few minor details, the buildings look more like adobe and less like a corporate outpost on Mars.
    There are a total of six buildings within the complex, all surrounding a central plaza in the center. The laboratory, storage building and main utility control center are all along the right hand side. At the back of the complex is the dormitory building, which includes the lavatories and private sleeping areas for ten people. The two buildings on the left of the central plaza are the control center, and the mess hall.
    To the left of the airlock, on the other side of the dome, the pond lay peacefully. Neither a wave, nor a single ripple in the massive body of water disrupts its mirror-like appearance. Behind the pathway, which connects the pond to the plaza, is a vast area covered in a variety of different larger plants, such as small trees and large bushes. In front of them lay a reddish-brown field of dust and sand, littered with small grasses. Almost all of the rocks have been collected, in years past, and hauled outside, the largest rocks were simply moved down by the pond.
    The garden area is laid out close to the airlock, up above the path that leads to the plaza. The ground slopes up slightly from the pond until it reaches the highest point just beyond the buildings at the plaza.
     
Ghent:

The plant life has taken a surprising hold here inside the dome. I had thought that the soil was too barren and devoid of nutrients for these plants to even grow.

Lawrence:

Yeah, it’s a real scientific miracle.

Long:

Well, something must be at work here; that is, unless my eyes deceive me.

Ghent:

I suppose that this is probably a result of the combination of higher carbon dioxide levels in the air, and the constant water condensation that seems to be covering everything. Maybe, the soil has some nutritive value after all. The biggest problem is nitrogen; there must be some bacteria in the soil, introduced mechanically before the first team’s arrival.

Lawrence:

Alright, I will let you two figure it all out while I go and take a look around those buildings over there.

Cardiff:

What happened here? Nothing appears out of place, except the fact that there is not a soul in sight.

Lawrence, please locate the control center within the complex over there and see what you can find out. Dr. Ghent, go with him. Keep your eyes open over there; we cannot know where the first expedition is, or in what mental state they are in. They may be quite surprised to see anyone else, so just be cautious. Maybe knock first, Mr. Lawrence.

Lawrence:

Right. Okay, grab that light and let’s go see what there is to see over there.

Long:

This place looks pristine, home away from home.
    While the presence of plant life inside the dome is indicative of oxygen in the air, no chances are taken before removing helmets. Captain Cardiff holds out her hand in a beckoning