Polaris

TWENTY-FOUR

LANDER:

On my way, Chase.

BELLE:

Flight time will be four and a half minutes, Alex.

LANDER:

That checks with onboard data.

BELLE:

Be careful when you get out. Just step across to the airlock. You have the generator, right?

LANDER:

Yes, Chase, I have the generator. And the laser.

BELLE:

When you get inside, we’re going to lose radio contact.

LANDER:

I know.

BELLE:

That means you exercise extreme caution.

LANDER:

Chase, we’ve been over this. I’ll be careful.

BELLE:

Don’t forget you get back to the lander ninety minutes after arrival. If I don’t see you within that time, I’m coming over.

LANDER:

Have no fear, my pretty. I’ll come out and wave to you.

BELLE:

I don’t like this arrangement, Alex.

LANDER:

Just keep cool. Everything’s fine. Did you give the AI her directions?

BELLE:

Yes. Nobody’s going to get on board. If anyone tries, we’ll accelerate, and whoever’s out there will get tossed.

LANDER:

Very good. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, but…

BELLE: … Better safe than sorry. (Pause.) Target hatch is to starboard.

LANDER:

Pity we can’t open the access doors. Just take Belle right in.

BELLE:

This place has had no power for centuries, Alex.

LANDER:

Okay. Coming up on it now.

BELLE:

Don’t forget the tether.

LANDER:

It’s not really a big deal. All I have to do is lean out the airlock and the hatch is right there.

BELLE:

Do me a favor and let’s do this the way we said we would.

LANDER:

You’ll make somebody a good aunt one day.

BELLE:

I already am somebody’s aunt.

LANDER:

I’m not surprised.

BELLE:

Alex, after you’re on the ground, Belle will pull the lander back a bit.

LANDER:

Okay. I’ve arrived.

BELLE:

Contact.

LANDER:

That’s what I said, Chase. Beginning depressurization.

BELLE:

I read you. Keep in mind there’ll be no artificial gravity on the rock.

LANDER:

I know.

BELLE:

And no maintenance for a long time. Watch what you grab hold of.

LANDER:

I always watch what I grab hold of.

BELLE:

Let’s try to stay serious, Alex. This thing has collectors, and it’s just barely possible it still has power somewhere. Stranger things have happened.

LANDER:

I hear you.

BELLE:

Anything metal is dangerous.

LANDER:

Stop worrying, Beautiful. You’re talking as if I’ve never done anything like this before.

BELLE:

It’s a dreary-looking place.

LANDER:

Hatch is open. I’m tethered and on my way.

BELLE:

You’ve got everything?

LANDER:

Would you please stop?

BELLE:

It’s the price you pay for leaving me behind.

LANDER:

I’m out of the lander. It’s a jump of about fifty centimeters.

BELLE:

Okay.

LANDER:

I think I can make it.

BELLE:

I hope so.

LANDER:

On the ground. Releasing tether.

BELLE:

Standing by to retract tether.

LANDER:

Approaching the entry hatch.

BELLE:

I can see you.

LANDER: (Pause.) Chase, I’ve got the manual release.

BELLE:

Gently… It probably won’t work after all this time.

LANDER:

Wait one… No, I’m in business… It’s open. I’m in.

BELLE:

Very good, Alex.

LANDER:

I’m inside the airlock. Trying the inner hatch.

BELLE:

There may still be air pressure on the other side.

LANDER:

Apparently not. It’s opening up.

BELLE:

Keep in mind, you have a two-hour air supply. And I want to see you back at the airlock in ninety minutes. Okay?

LANDER:

I’m through. I’m in a tunnel, Chase.

BELLE:

Acknowledge my last.

LANDER:

What did you say?

BELLE:

Back in ninety minutes.

LANDER:

No problem.

BELLE:

Say it. I will be back within ninety minutes.

LANDER:

I will be back within ninety minutes.

BELLE:

What can you see?

LANDER:

Nothing but rock.

BELLE:

It figures. It’s a service hatch. Regular traffic would have been in and out through the docking areas.

LANDER:

The tunnel goes about twenty meters and then it curves. Can’t see what’s beyond.

BELLE:

Moving the lander.

LANDER:

Okay. I’ll see you in an hour and a half.

BELLE:

Alex, you’re starting to fade.