Chapter 4: On the Move

Theseus was equipped with one of everything—except for printers, of which he had two. These devices allowed him to fabricate necessary replacements, strategically placed at both ends of the ship. Carrying spare parts was impractical due to weight, so he opted to keep a stock of raw materials for 3D printing whenever required. However, certain components, such as computer chips, were beyond the printers' capabilities due to their intricate precision. Over two decades of space travel, he had replaced nearly every part of the vessel, from exterior panels to furniture.

Vadym initiated the process by creating a new spacesuit. He modified the old design slightly—switching buttons for Velcro and enlarging a pocket—while keeping most features unchanged. He preferred this gradual evolution, as he had muscle memory associated with the original design. This process would occupy him for a day or two, utilizing both printers.

In the meantime, Vadym donned his only other outfit: exercise shorts and a t-shirt, identical in style, with blue-gold-blue stripes.

Vadym categorized people into three groups based on their comfort in space. Some, like him, felt at ease gazing into the void, using it as a navigational guide. Others, the gazers, were entranced by the infinite expanse and could lose themselves in it for hours—dangerous as pilots but excellent as scientists. Finally, there were those who could not cope with the vastness, experiencing dizziness, fear, or madness—better left on solid ground.

Lhari seemed to fit into either the second or third category. The initial exposure to space was overwhelming for everyone. The absence of a solid reference point made it difficult to comprehend the enormity surrounding them. Even the older astronaut helmets allowed for some peripheral vision, a feature lost in modern designs. Vadym decided to leave the second mount on the bridge, hoping Lhari could gradually acclimatize to the view at her own pace, even if it meant he would pilot slightly off-center.

As he admired the view, Earth grew increasingly luminous, revealing a desert band at the equator, the blue polar caps, and the southern landmass beginning to bloom. A storm brewed in the Atlantic. Though he was familiar with the geography from his studies, it felt distant—this was not his world.

With eighty percent of the population residing above the equator and twenty percent below, the mid-region was largely uninhabited—two worlds divided by an unforgiving desert.

Lhari was busy moving cargo cases to her quarters in the habitation ring, preparing to set up her instruments. Although the Nevin drive could provide ample electrical power, its harmful radiation was a significant drawback. Being behind a ship powered by a Nevin drive was a slow and torturous fate.

Theseus, in its conventional form, functioned as a massive flywheel. The habitation module's outer ring spun like a gyroscope, complicating maneuvers that required stopping the spin, turning the ship, and then restarting the rotation. Fortunately, this hassle only needed to be addressed every few months, and today was one of those days. The planned exit from the Moon involved using Earth’s gravity for assistance, necessitating a rotation of the ship due to tidal forces.

While simulated gravity complicated long-range journeys, it was preferable to the discomfort of weightlessness over extended periods. Humans preferred the comfort of gravity, which simplified activities such as cooking and hygiene.

Managing excess energy in space was challenging but achievable. The Nevin drive generated substantial electricity and allowed for high-efficiency operation. Extra heat could be cycled into the fuel before it reached the drive, marginally increasing efficiency.

Vadym contacted Lhari via the ship's telecom. “Lhari, if you need to shower, do it now. You've got an hour before we lose gravity for a day.”

This caught her attention, and shortly after, she approached the bridge, glancing at the Earth outside but retreating slightly to avoid the overwhelming view. Vadym sensed her movement without turning.

“What’s happening?” she asked.

“The gyroscopic effect from the spinning habitat is preventing me from turning the ship. I need to spin it down.”

“Won’t that cause the whole ship to rotate in the opposite direction?” she quoted.

“We have a flywheel linked to the electrical system behind the hydroponics bay. It will absorb the energy and convert it to electrical output.”

“Clever.” She paused, contemplating his distant demeanor. “What are you looking at?”

“Access to the science instruments. I never use it; I can manage everything from here.” His voice felt detached.

More silence followed, leading Lhari to wonder if he was upset about the earlier incident. “Vadym, how much time do I have? I want to do more than just shower.”

“Don’t rearrange or set up just yet. Everything must be secured for zero gravity.”

Vadym continued to manipulate holographic displays, his hands weaving through pixelated visuals. Lhari left, propelling herself toward the ladder, glancing back at Vadym before entering her quarters. She spent time securing her belongings, ensuring they wouldn't shift.

After a brief shower, Lhari felt gravity begin to weaken. The transition was rapid, turning her living space into a playground. She quickly adapted to the newfound freedom, realizing the potential for an additional deck to double her workspace.

Vadym, meanwhile, was busy preparing his new suit, testing its integrity in the airlock before moving to hydroponics to stimulate plant growth. The space was alive with a variety of produce, ready for consumption within forty-eight hours.

As the printers worked on floor panels, Vadym pondered the mission’s purpose. From his perspective, the financial reward was substantial, but he questioned why Lhari was investing so much to inspect a rock they had no intention of reclaiming. Without established mining rights, their claim would lapse in ten years, despite the potential value of the discovery.

Their discussions about the mission's significance continued, with Lhari revealing her suspicions about the asteroid's unusual temperature, suggesting it might harbor life. The dialogue deepened, intertwining scientific curiosity with personal motivations.

The first video, "The Asteroid No.4 - 'Set Your Sights' - YouTube," explores the thematic elements of exploration and discovery in the cosmos. Its melodic undertones encapsulate the spirit of adventure that pervades this narrative.

The second video, "The Asteroid No.4 - 'A Castle Built For Two' - YouTube," delves into interpersonal dynamics amidst the backdrop of space travel, reflecting the complexities of relationships in isolated environments.