Editor Note: 
     Though the 2nd story in the series, this is actually the last part of the total book I wrote. 
     After writing the "Leaving Home" segment, the whole story just cried out for details of the voyage from Earth to the new world.  Stories of conflict, love, death, and the training of all who were going.
     It was also a good way to introduce some of the key players in the book.
     It was just going to be a short story, but ended up being the longest segment of the book - about 134 pages!

     Teleportation was confirmed, at least in principle, by 6 international scientists in 1993.  Within a few years, teleportation had actually been demonstrated, though limited to things like particles, and light beams.  It would be almost 300 years before practical teleportation of articles, limited to non-living, non-biological items, would be accomplished.  It is unknown how long, if ever, it will be before living items - plants, animals, maybe even people - can be teleported..
    After artificial gravity was perfected in late 2185, newer inter-system ships were equipped with it, which made longer voyages much safer for those traveling on them.  It also meant that more areas of a given ship could be utilized for living quarters than had previously been possible.
     The inertialess drive was developed not long after, in 2191, which meant that ships could travel at much faster velocities, and accelerate and decelerate much faster.  The trip from Earth to Mars, which at one time took a year or more, was now accomplished in 10-15 days, depending on Earth / Mars orbits.
     There are presently 12 new colony ships in various stages of completion in orbit around the moon.  With a plentiful supply of raw materials, it is a much easier place to build from than the earth is.
     The ships themselves are huge.  8 kilometers in diameter for the newer ones, they were built to comfortably house from 1 to 5 thousand colonists, plus the 70-100 crew members and their families necessary to run the ship.  They also carry all the food, and materials, including livestock embryos held in stasis,  needed by a new colony, on a raw, new world.  The ships themselves are, in all respects,  self contained, self sufficient worlds, capable of supporting the crew and colonists for 30 years or more, if needed.
     Teleporters can transfer most materials to the ships, and, ship to planet.  Shuttles are used to transport items that can’t be teleported - food stores - plants - animals - humans - etc.
     Some of these ships will be used to start new colonies, while others will be used to transport humankind to some of the recently colonized worlds.
     A new colony ship is launched about every 10-15 years.  That gives time to select and train the crew and colonists for each ship, and make any changes to ships that might be found needed by previous missions.
     Mankind as a species, will survive.  We are now located on 10 new worlds.  Will all of these new colonies survive?  Unknown!  But enough will survive to ensure humankind’s survival!

NOTE: If you really want to bypass all the boring info on the crew and colonists, click HERE - But you really don't know what you are missing!

 Begins on Fri, March 15, 2469 UED 
   (NOTE: Since each colony world utilizes a different calendar with differing year and day lengths, it was decided to use Earth dates for records, called Universal Earth Date)
     Crew and colonist selection was begun today for ICS 13, which will be named by them at a later date.

Cmdr. James Eagleton:
     The first person selected was Commander James (Jimmy) Eagleton, who had been commander of the space fleet stationed on Mars.  He was also an excellent pilot, and holds a Masters degrees in astronomy, and nanotechnology, as well as a Doctorate in physics.  He had earned his first masters degree at age 14, followed by the second at 16, and the doctorate at 19! 
     But his first love is space flight.  After his first flight, to the moon, at age 19, he went on to become a captain in the Solar Space Forces, demonstrating a brilliant grasp of all aspects of space flight.  Then, at age 25, he was promoted to Commander of SSF, Mars!
     In spite of his young age, he was, after getting to know him, well liked by all his fellow students, and his teachers.
     As captain, then commander, those under his command all liked, and respected him.  He had a personality that just made you like him.  He was very easy going, and didn’t act a bit the precocious genius he obviously was.  He was, as most said,  “just one of the guys.”
     He had already filed an application to be considered for assignment to a colony ship.  He was on Mars when interviewed by the Colony Resource Utilization Directorate.  Comprised of some of Earth’s finest scientific, educational, medical, ecological, and other personnel from other specialities, it was their task to allocate necessary resources to get to the planets, and once there, make sure there were sufficiently trained people, and supplies, to colonize a new world.  It was a daunting task, but which, to date, had proven very successful.
     Commander Eagleton’s selection was all but assured even before his interview.  He was to be the commander of ship #13.
     When Paula Spritely, famed satellite newscaster, on a live satellite interview, asked him why he wanted to go to a colony, his reply was, “I like a challenge.  And where else better to be challenged than on a raw colony world.  There will be a lot to learn, and I can offer a lot of needed talent to a new colony.”  Smiling, he continues, “I’m young, enthusiastic, and talented!”  Pausing briefly, and grinning broadly now while looking directly at Paula he says, “And single!!!”
     Ever the consummate newscaster, but still visibly amused by his last comment, and looking directly back at him, Paula says, “Well Commander!  I can see why you are so well liked by your friends.”  Turning now to look at the camera, she continues, “And to all you single gals planning on leaving on colony ship 13, here’s your chance!”
  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Lt. Cmdr. Jonie Goodhart:
     Watching the telecast from her SSF station, at the moment on the moon, a young woman, herself a captain in the space forces, smiles, and thinks to herself, “He’s the one.  Commander Eagleton, you don’t know it yet, but we will be married, someday!”
     Her name, Capt. Jonie Goodhart.  Soon to be Lt. Commander Goodhart, aboard colony ship #13!
     Captain Jonie Goodhart has a masters in physics and business administration, and is working toward her doctorate in physics.  She is also a very talented pilot and unit leader in the Solar Space Forces, and easily picked up advanced skills in astrogation.
     Well liked and respected by those she works with, she is nonetheless a no nonsense leader.  A stickler for detail, and the bane of many a pilot who’s reports weren’t complete, she still earned their respect, and they soon learned to do things “the right way.”
     Though precocious, she was a serious, and brilliant student, earning her masters by age 19.  She is considered by many to be a genius.  She never met a subject she didn’t master.  Her attention to detail is well known.  All in all, she is a perfect candidate for leadership in the crew of #13. 
........................

Dr. Semma Bigg:
     Dr. Semma Bigg, a big girl of Norwegian descent, and a whiz kid by anyone’s description, is one of those people with an immediate grasp of ideas, and how to accomplish them.  She just KNOWS how things work!!
     She has degrees in mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, and micro-electronics.  But her professors all swear that she taught them more than they taught her.
     In classes and labs, she was always given the hardest assignments.  She always finished them - ahead of time!  Sometimes in strange, not thought of ways that would leave the professors scratching their heads and saying either, “Now why didn’t I think of that!”, or, “Well I’ll be,  it works!”
.....................

     Now, at age 25, she is being called into a conference at the Stellar Hotel Complex located in Mars City, with a committee from C.R.U.D.  Dr. Phred Phylester, chairman, .........................

     “Dr. Bigg, we are here to offer you a position on ICS 13 as Chief Engineer.  I understand that you have already viewed the plans and manuals for it.  Would you be willing to accept that position?”
     Without hesitation, Dr. Semma Bigg accepted!  She kinda liked the idea of being called “Chief”!  But, BOY, was her present boss going to hate losing her! ...........................

     Now, she wonders, as she gets a transport back to her lab, how do I tell my boss?  .............................

Ed Jenkensen, PhD
     Dr. Jenkensen, a whiz at all things electrical, including the fusion and cold fusion power plants, had been recommended to C.R.U.D. by Chief Semma Bigg after her inclusion in the crew of ICS 13.  She had advised them that he was one of the key people she would like to have with her on the ship.  She had worked with him at Gamma Engineering, and had come to appreciate his quick mind, and intuitive grasp of concepts.  He had been working with her on the new ramscoop engine.
     Dr. Jenkensen was surprised to be called in to meet with C.R.U.D., since he had not made official application for a colony ship.  He, his wife Melody, and 14 year old daughter Tanyah, had discussed signing up for a colony ship, but had not made any firm decision yet.
     The 3 of them sit down to discuss what to do, shortly after Ed is asked to meet with the committee.
     He begins: “I have been asked to become power systems engineer aboard ICS 13.  Dr. Bigg, whom I have worked with at Gamma, has asked the selection committee to include me as crew.  They apparently gave great weight to her request.  And, I must admit, I am quite flattered to be recommended by her.  But the decision has to be unanimous by the 3 of us.”
     “We will live, and die here on Mars, unless Earth’s black-hole progresses much faster than thought.  We have a good life.  But.......”  He pauses briefly, “But, the challenge of a new world holds a lot of appeal for me.”
     “I will understand if either of you do not want to leave.  This must be a family decision.  We all go, or we all stay.”  .............................

Dr. Marlin Shuckenbrau, CTO
     Dr. Shuckenbrau, a longtime best friend of Cmdr. Eagleton, was requested by him to be included in the crew.  He knew that Marlin would be a great addition to the technical knowledge of the ship, and that his administrative abilities would allow him to keep track of all the electronics and instrumentation aboard, and their maintenance schedules, and any repairs made.
     He had the uncanny ability to find the flaws in any piece of electronics (even some mechanical devices) ever made, and the software written for it.
     Marlin had long recognized the need to leave Earth.  He had decided that if the opportunity arose, he would head for one of the colony worlds.  Even so, he was surprised to receive a call to report to a C.R.U.D. committee at the Stellar Hotel Complex located in Mars City in two weeks.
     He arrives just on time for his appointment.
     The committee is called into session by Dr. Lester Hobbits, who will be leaving on ICS 13 himself.
     Dr. Hobbits begins, “Dr. Shuckenbrau, Commander Eagleton has requested you to be included aboard ICS 13.”
     “We have run a background check on you, and believe you will be a good addition to the crew.  Cmdr. Eagleton’s recommendation is also an important factor in our decision to invite you to join the crew.”
     “We ask you to think over this decision, and give us an answer within two weeks.  Does that give you enough time to decide, Dr. Shuckenbrau?”
     “Yes sir, Dr. Hobbits, it does.  But I can tell you now that I will be accepting the invitation.  I decided some time ago that I would like to be part of a colony world, if asked.”
     “How soon can I begin my training?”
     Dr. Hobbits, a little surprised by the quick acceptance, replies, “You can "............................

  Author:  There are many more, but let's get to the good stuff now!  You know, the problems, mistakes, technical stuff, etc!

     First to go shipboard is Cmdr. James Eagleton.  He is  commander of the mission.  All authority is delegated through him.  Like early sea captains, he is supreme ruler.  It has to be that way.  Conflict of any kind must be dealt with quickly, and decisively.  Order must be maintained.
     On previous flights, some lasting as long as 10 years, there had seldom been any serious conflicts.  Twice, on early flights, it was necessary for the commander of a flight to dispense justice.  One of those resulted in the summary execution of a would-be mutineer.  Those who would foment mutiny aboard ship simply could not be allowed planetside.
     It only happened once.  That was all that was needed.  Future flights knew of the in-flight justice that had been meted out, and no one was eager to see if their flight commander could make such a decision.......................

     Second in command, Lt. Cmdr. Jonie Goodhart arrives shipboard a few days after Cmdr. Eagleton.
     Looking forward to meeting his new second in command., Cmdr Eagleton arranges a meeting with her in the officer’s lounge.
 Smiling, Jimmy begins, “Welcome aboard Lt. Commander Goodhart.  We have a lot of work ahead of us!”
     “I’ve read your application, as well as comments from the C.R.U.D committee.  All speak very highly of you.  I can see why you were chosen.  I believe you will make a great second in command.  Are you ready to wade in?”
     Smiling herself, and with a twinkle in her eye, she thinks “Yes, Commander Eagleton, I am ready!  Are YOU ready for Jonie??!!” but she replies, “Yes Commander, I am.  I’m all settled in my quarters, and ready to get to work.  Have you made any decisions yet on what my duties will be?”
     Sitting down at a conference table, they begin planning the duties the voyage will require of each of them.
     Typically, the Commander delegates responsibility ........................

     “Lt. Commander, I would like you to oversee the engineering, navigation and sciences areas, since you have expertise in them.  There will be people designated to head them up, but I would like them to report to you.”
     “I would also like you to act as my eyes and ears aboard the ship.  I suspect you will hear and see things that as Commander, I would not have access to.  I will depend on you to use your discretion, and report to me anything you think I need to know.  Don’t take this wrong, Lt. Commander, but being a woman, people are likely to be much more relaxed around you, than around me, ............................

     Over the next couple of months, the crew begins to arrive aboard ship.  One by one, the various areas of the ship are brought on-line.

II - Power Plants:
     The fusion plants were the first areas to become fully activated.  They had been running at just a fraction of their power levels, awaiting Chief Bigg and Dr. Jenkensen to come aboard. 
     They arrive within a few days of Lt. Cmdr. Goodhart.
     After their arrival and welcome, and initial review with Cmdr. Eagleton, they are introduced to Lt. Cmdr. Goodhart, and told to coordinate power system tests with her...........................

     Jonie says, “Do either of you have any questions?”
     Chief Bigg responds, “The only question I have Lt. Cmdr. is how soon can we begin testing?  We are ready as soon as you give the word.
 Smiling, Jonie replies, “I would like you to set up a tentative schedule of tests to be run, and come to me with it.  I will get approval from the Commander.  Once we have that, Chief, you can begin tests as soon as you want.  Just keep me in the loop!”
     “This is your area of expertise, and you are in charge of the operation of the power plants.   You would not be here if we didn’t all have confidence in you.”
     The Chief replies, “Thank you Lt. Cmdr.  We should be ready to begin tests within 48 hours, if that is acceptable.”
     “It is Chief, keep me updated.  Welcome aboard ICS 13!”  Jonie turns and walks away.
     Chief Bigg: “OK Dr. Jenkensen, I guess we can get started.  They need power, and we can give it to them.”  Smiling now, she says “Let’s go inspect our domain!”  ...........................

Author:  After some dialog about duties and schedules, the story continues:

     Dr. Shuckenbrau has boarded the ship a few days ago.
     After consultation with the Commander and Lt. Commander, it is decided that he would be a big help in running the power systems.
     He is introduced to Chief Bigg and Dr. Jenkensen, and is soon integrated into the team.

   Problems
     While working to power up cargo bay 5, the Chief notices an anomaly - full power is not reaching the control panel in that bay.  After preliminary inspection, with no answer found, she immediately notifies Lt. Cmdr. Goodhart.
     “Lt. Cmdr., we have hit a snag while powering up cargo bay 5.  For some reason, we are not getting full power at the control panel in that bay.  Preliminary examination has not given us an answer yet.  The power loss is small, but should not be there.  We think we should halt tests until we can solve this problem.”
     Jonie meets them in bay 5, and after being shown the power loss tells them “I agree.  Let’s find out what the problem is before we go on with any additional tests.  If we are losing power here, it could indicate a possible system wide problem, and we can’t chance that.  With superconductors involved, the amount of power that can be breached at a weak point is too large to ignore.”
     “I will advise the Commander of the problem, and that we have temporarily red flagged the power system tests.”
     “Please give me daily reports, or more often if you think it necessary.  I am available 24 hours a day.  Don’t hesitate to contact me at any time.  And if you need something, I will see that you get it, ASAP.”
     “Thanks Lt. Cmdr.  We will find the source of the power loss, and keep you updated as we progress.”
     Two days later, they have located the problem - a faulty ......................

   Break Time
     Smiling now, and with a twinkle in her green eyes, she innocently asks,   “By the way, Commander, what are you doing for dinner tonight?  We haven’t had time to dine together since we arrived.  How about it, Jimmy?”
     Looking at Jonie, he suddenly feels like a kid again.  He wonders to himself, “Why in the world am I feeling like this!  But, dinner with her would be very enjoyable!”
     Replying to her, he grins and says, “OK, Jonie, why not!  It’s time I get to know my second a little better.  Black tie, or casual?”
     Grinning like a little girl herself, Jonie replies, “Oh, I think casual will be fine for tonight, Jimmy.  We’ll save the black tie for when we are on our way.  And real sarsparilla will be in order for that occasion!”
     Still smiling, she asks “What time will you pick me up, Commander?”
 Looking at her, and with a funny feeling, he replies, “How about 6 pm Jonie?  Meet you at your door?”
     She replies, “That will be fine Jimmy.  See you then.”
     “Well, I need to get back to my shipboard duties.”  She turns and walks away.
     Jimmy stares after her, wondering what just happened.  But happy, nonetheless.
     At 6 pm sharp, Jimmy knocks on Jonie’s door.  She opens the door, wearing a beautiful blue, high bodice, ankle length dress.  Jimmy stands there, with a silly grin on his face, and his mouth open!  He has never seen her out of uniform before, and realizes for the first time what a beautiful young woman she is.
     Swallowing twice, he finally manages to say, “I thought you said casual, Jonie.  I feel really under dressed.”  Smiling, he continues, “But you are lovely!”
     Jonie smiles and tells him, “Why, thanks Jimmy.  Just something ‘casual’ I have been saving for a rainy day.”  Then laughing, her eyes twinkling, she continues, “It did rain today in the park!”
     A little embarrassed, but not quite sure why he should be, he offers her his arm, and they walk off toward the park, and dinner......................

   Back to Work:
     ...................................

III - Hydroponics & Air Renewal:
     The first areas to go full power are the hydroponics, and air renewal systems.  They are located mid ship, protected from possible external hull breaches as much as possible.  Taking up about a quarter of the space on the ship, they are the key to survival until the planet is reached.  Their area is large enough to hold all colonists and crew, ........................

IV - Colonist Quarters:
     Comprised of an almost 1.6km square area, it is large enough to accommodate the colonists, without being too crowded.  There are parks, and recreational areas included here, as well as entertainment venues.
     Living quarters are multi-floor apartments, arranged in four one block areas.  As these areas are filled, it is expected that each block will elect a “mayor” to oversee needs of the colonists in their area.
     There are also small restaurants and cafes located here.  Many can’t be told from Earth or Martian style establishments.  Most are actually run by chefs emigrating to the new world.  Food from both worlds have been included in the food stores for the ship.  We won’t run out. 
     This section of the ship is high ceilinged in order to simulate natural sky and sun, via holographic projections.  The actual lighting comes from coatings applied to the ceiling and wall surfaces, and controlled to include all wavelengths needed for good health, and good morale.  A simulated sun moves across the sky, with heat seeming to originate from it.  Rain falls from the simulated sky to help irrigate the park areas.  All in all, it is very effective, and has proven successful on previous flights.
     These areas are still under construction, but livable for those who are already aboard ship.  They should be finished out in 3 or 4 months.
     A short distance away are the external view ports, for those who wish to see the stars they are traveling through.  The same views are available at all times on the closed circuit video channels in each living quarter.

V - Cargo Holds:
     Large areas of the ship, located in areas near the hull, are cargo holds, which are,  or will be, loaded with equipment and .....................

“That was a very good test flight for ICS 13.  I think we have all waited for this day, to finally realize that we will be beginning our real flight in about a year or a little more.”...........................

     .....................he walks over to Lt. Cmdr. Goodhart and comments, “Won’t be long before we break out the sarsparilla Lt. Commander!  One more test flight to Earth, then a followup flight out to Mars, prior to leaving Sol system.”
     Jonie, smiling herself, both out of excitement over the success of the first flight, and the thought of her ultimate goal for Commander Jimmy Eagleton, comments, “Yes, Commander, it won’t be long!  This will be, literally, for all of us, the flight of a lifetime.  Our lifetime!  What we do from this point forward, will determine how we spend our lives.  Gives one pause to think, doesn’t it commander!” 
     With that, she looks directly into his eyes, and smiles.  A smile reserved just for him.
     Jimmy looks at her, and has an overwhelming feeling of.........  Doggone it!  He doesn’t know what it is he feels, or what to think or say.  Why in the world should he suddenly feel flustered around the Lt. Commander?
     Blushing visibly now, but recovering his composure, he manages “Yes Lt. Commander, it does give one pause to think.” 
     Embarrassed and maybe for the first time - ever - unsure of himself, he turns and walks away, thinking to himself, “I think I just missed something important.  Doggone it, this is, is ....... Aw shucks.  I don’t know what to think!”
 He finally finds his way .................................

   A - Earth Soliloquy
     ................ a course is laid out and entered into the flight systems.  Each step of the flight is precisely planned.  Finally, with everything ready, the Commander alerts the crew and colonists.
     “This is Cmdr. Eagleton.  Tomorrow at 0600 UET, we will begin our test flight to Earth.  The flight is scheduled to last a little over 36 hours.”
     “During the flight, we will be testing many of the ship systems.  Once again, we need to be sure the ship is ready for our launch, scheduled for mid 2473.  We will be performing many maneuvers during this flight, but again, you should not feel any movement.”
     “Feel free to use the view ports, or watch on the video displays in your quarters.  For most of you, this will be the last chance to view Earth close up.”
     “We all, Terrans and Martians alike, call Earth home.  Though some of you were born on Mars, still, your families originated on Earth.”
     “As you look down on planet Earth, you will see the vast areas of defoliation, and the new desert areas created as a result.  If you look closely, you will also see areas where crops are trying to be grown, with only limited success.  Due to the rise in Earth’s atmospheric temperature, you will see the once coastal towns on all continents now submerged, due to ".............................

     “The Earth is all but dead.  Nothing mankind can do will revive it to it’s health.”
     “The final blow to Earth’s survival was the release of the micro black-hole which is working it’s way to the Earth’s core, or may already be there.  Nothing will survive of the Earth, and eventually, our Solar System.”
     “We have all shed, or will shed, tears over "..........................

  B - Flight 3 - Mars Flight
     Calling all crew together for a planning session, he begins: “The flight to Mars will be much more stressful to the ship than our two previous flights.  It is longer, and we will have more to accomplish.” .................

     The flight to Mars, at full power, could be accomplished in 15 days with Mars at the farthest point from Earth (300 million km).  On this flight, though it could be accomplished that quickly, it probably will not be.
     With the many tests that will be run on the way to and from Mars, there will, of necessity, be many times when the flight will be diverted from a direct course, and even stopped for a time.  So it will probably be a 20-25 day flight to Mars.
     Dr. Orrknott eventually makes some changes to his flight plans, to add some additional navigational tests to the flight.  All of the navigation system must be checked out on this flight.
     He will be inducing simulated circuit failures to check the reaction of the backup systems.  All backup systems and computers will be checked for full flight capability.
     The override systems will be checked.  They were designed to take control of the ship flight duties should an emergency - comet, asteroid, etc - in the path of the flight suddenly appear.  The only time this might occur is after jumping to the new star system.  Though the system has been probed, there is still not a lot known about the space between the planets there.
     Complete main power system failure will also be simulated on the flight.  This will check the ability of the backup power to switch fast enough that no system will go inoperable as a result.

     .............The ramscoop engine will also be tested .............

     Eventually, the Mars flight is ready.
     Commander Eagleton makes a brief announcement: “To all crew and colonists.  The Mars flight will commence tomorrow morning at 0600 UET.  The flight itself is currently scheduled to last 22 days, but that will probably change on the way to Mars.”
     “We have all shipboard systems to check out on this flight, so there may be a few changes as we travel.”
     “Once again, feel free to view the flight from the viewports or from the video channels in each apartment or cabin.”
     “An announcement will be made just prior to reaching Mars orbit, for those who will want to view Mars for the final time.”
     Promptly at 0600 the next morning, the flight is initiated.
     Once safely out of Lunar orbit, the ion engine is run up to full power.  Unlike the first ion engines used in the late 20th century to take early exploratory spacecraft to distant objects in the solar system, the new breed of engine can produce enough thrust to drive a ship the size of ICS 13 to a full speed of ~900,000 km/hour in under 10 hours, made possible by the inertial dampers...........................

 After leaving Mars orbit, the flight back to Luna is begun.

   C - Power Failure
     During this flight, a full main power system shutdown will be performed, simulating main power system failure.
     If all performs as it should, there should be no noticeable interruption on any system, except for alarm bells and indicators.
     All goes as planned.
     The next test is to terminate all flight from the bridge, and test flight and ship controls from the hydroponics emergency flight center.
     Just before the test, an announcement is made that all shipboard power will be cut off, and only emergency lighting will be available until after the testing of the emergency control center is completed.
     The test goes exactly as planned - until Dr. Shuckenbrau attempts to reconnect power to the main reactor.  A power transfer junction box explodes!
     This was not planned for ...............................

   D - Rendevous in Space
     Twelve days later, the SSF ship Germantown makes rendevous with ICS 13, and 3 design engineers, and CEO Dr. Falon Brightwick from Sol Power, along with Tom Phewson, are transferred aboard.
     After being assigned quarters, they meet in the conference room just off the main bridge to assess what went wrong.
     Examining the failed box, it is pretty obvious it failed when it couldn’t handle the surge of transferring the required power load.  It should have been able to handle ten times what it actually failed with!
     It appears to have failed at .........................

        1 - Finding the Problem
     Dr. Brightwick addresses those around the table: “I can’t explain what is happening aboard ICS 13.  But I can assure you, we will find the answer!”
     “In all our years of outfitting colony ships, we have never encountered any kind of problem involving the superconductors or their control assemblies.  To have this many failures aboard this ship is a complete mystery.”  .............................

Author:  Once the problem is found, thorough testing of the ship is done.

     After reviewing all the data, it was determined that ICS 13 was the only ship that would have been affected, but that there were a number of commercial power installations on the moon and Earth that might be affected.
     None of the torches aboard the ship were in the defective batch.
     Once again checking to see what engineers worked on what sections of the ship, the only areas that were affected were hydroponics, and the backup bridge.  But Sol Power decides to check all joints on the ship - just to be sure.
     All construction on the ship stops while the inspection is being done.  Using the test rig developed by the Chief and Dr. Jenkensen, all joints and splices aboard ICS 13 were checked.
     One month later, no additional faults are found.  Construction resumes.
     Sol System Power asks Chief Bigg if they can have schematics for the test rig they developed.  They agree, and provide it to them.
     The new test rig will be used on all future installations to ensure reliable joints.

     We, all of us aboard ICS 13, have spent the last Earth New Year around our home planet.  The next few new years days we spend will be in open space, headed for our new world.
     The colonists have decided to name our ship, “Gambler”, since all of us are gambling on our ability to successfully colonize our new world.
     As Commander, I don’t really think it is a gamble.  Ten new worlds show that colonization can be very successful.
     The ship is completed, and all crew and colonists are now on board.
     The last year has seen crew training, and preliminary colonist training completed.  There is already cross training being done.
     The early flight tests produced problems, which were thoroughly examined, and quickly fixed, and no new problems were found.  All equipment on the ship is functional.
     Hydroponics is up to full operation and has been producing fresh vegetables and fruit for 6 months now.
     Air renewal is also fully functional.  It was a great relief to finally get fresh air, versus the canned air we had been breathing.
     We are now a little over two months from projected launch, tentatively scheduled for March 15th.
     As the days go by, tension, expectation, excitement, even some dread, are all being experienced aboard Gambler.  There are those aboard, who may still not be able to adapt to leaving Earth or Mars.
     There have been deaths aboard previous colony ships, attributed to the inability of some to cope with the change.  Usually older individuals, though there were some who were only in their twenties.
     All the training in the world is not able to break through the anxiety some people have.  It is, unfortunately, an accepted part of the colonization attempts.
     The quantum communicator capability to provide good, solid video as well as audio communication - instantaneously - between the colonies and Earth, Luna, and Mars, helps many who have left behind friends, and even some who have family left behind.  The communicators allow a sense of continuance, even though there can never be any physical contact between any of them again.
     This is really not much different than what early pioneers on Earth faced in leaving all behind and traveling to new lands.  But in those cases it was always possible, though not probable in many cases, that those left behind might be seen again.
     It is only now that some of the individuals and families realize that they will never ...........................

Tues, Feb. 28, 2473
     Two weeks from tomorrow, we are scheduled to launch.  Everything aboard Gambler is ready.
     Since we do not know exactly where we will enter system HIP 74389, we can’t program our flight systems until after exiting the worm-hole..............

     Even with the somber atmosphere, still there is an underlying current of excitement.  Some of the colonists are already suggesting names for our new home - sight unseen!  Serendipity - New Haven - New Earth - Technoworld - Heavenworld - and many more. 

Tues, Mar. 14, 2473
     Gambler is now in space at the point where the worn-hole will appear tomorrow at 1200 hours Universal Earth Time.
     In less than 24 hours, we will be forever out of Sol system, headed for our new home.............

     At 0600 tomorrow, the crew will begin preparing for our departure.  Past that time, there simply will not be time to think of anything else.  We will be busy!
     I have told all the crew to get as much rest as they can tonight, but I am sure that, like me, they will not sleep much.
     I also asked Dr. Vincenzio, our chaplain, to pray for safety for the launch, which he did.

Wed, Mar. 15, 2473, 0600
     The crew are all at their stations, entering and checking data, and checking all systems for any problems.  So far, all is ready for launch.
     We have been fully loaded with propellant for the ion engine, and all other supplies have been thoroughly checked.
     Now is not the time to remember we forgot to order coffee!
1155 hours
     “This is Commander Eagleton.  We have exactly 5 minutes until launch.”
..................... LAUNCH!”
     We enter the worm-hole, and exactly 12.97115 seconds later, we exit at the HIP 74389 star system.
     Commander Eagleton reports back to Earth that we have exited the worm-hole, and everything is nominal.
     Dr. William Orrknott, our navigator, spends the next 2 hours checking his navigation points, first by visual inspection of the star pattern, then by instruments, as he finds the guide star he needs to navigate by.
     Finally, he looks up, grins, and announces, “We are there - err, here!!”
     Everyone laughs!
     The Commander announces on ship intercom to the rest of the crew not already on the bridge, and the colonists: “We have exited the worm-hole, and are in space in our new star system.  At this point, I do not have an estimate of how long our travel to planet 4 will be.  I will update you when I know.”
     Shortly after, Willie announces to those on the bridge, “It appears, at first measure, that we are about 10 years travel from planet 4.  I will refine the estimate, and "...............................

     The Commander turns to Lt. Cmdr. Goodhart and asks her to bring Dr. Mitch Vincensio, the chaplain, to the bridge to offer thanks for the safe transit of the worm-hole, and for prayer for a safe journey to planet 4.
         She heads to his quarters to get him, and returns a few minutes later.
 Cmdr. Eagleton asks him to lead the ship in prayer.
     Dr. Vincensio walks to the intercom and switches it on: “Our Father who art in heaven, and who is the maker of the heavens, and who resides with us here, in our new home system, we do give thanks for a safe journey this far.”
     “Father, we still have a long way to go, and much to accomplish once we reach our new home, and we ask for Your mercy, grace, and You wisdom as we travel.”
     “We ask you to help us be good stewards of this new world You have sent us to, for I believe it was You who has placed us here.”
     “We give all thanks, and all honor, and all glory to You.”
     “We ask all these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.”
     “Amen.”
 And the crew and colonists echo, “Amen.”

Wed, Mar. 15, 2473, 2300
     The trip has begun.  Now it is time to determine our best route to planet 4.  Dr. William,Orrknott, our astrogator, has made a preliminary estimate of travel time to our new home.  He estimates 9 years 8 months.  He will refine the estimate as soon as a good orbital time for the planet can be determined.  It appears to be about 400 days.
     That is close enough that he can plot a rough intercept course now, and adjust it as we get closer.
     We are much too far away yet to see much of our home planet.  It is just a white speck in our display.  It will be a couple of years before we can really make out any details.
     We are all anxious to know more about our world.  What is it like?  Does it have oceans?  How many oceans?  How many continents does it have?  How big are the continents?  What kind of animal life does it have?  How warm or cold is it?  How different is it from Earth?
     Earth, Luna, Mars - all forever gone now.  There is no chance we will ever see them again.  We all knew this was a one way trip, yet, the realization that we are REALLY never going to see them again still has not hit everyone.
     Our communicators will keep us in touch with them, and with all the other colony worlds.  But that is not the same.
     We, like ancient colonists before us, have left our homes behind us.  They left willingly.  We leave out of necessity.  It will be hardest on the older individuals among us.  The kids will be affected the least.  And there will be children born aboard Gambler, as there have already been prior to leaving Sol system, who will know no other world.  Their world will be the ship, and the new world will be an unknown to them! 
     So, for now, we will settle in here aboard Gambler. 

Sat, Mar. 18, 2473
     We have had our first birth!  A bouncing baby girl was born to a young couple.  Dave and Tanyah Jones are the parents.  They have named her Melody Rebecca.  Melody after Tanya’s mother, and Rebecca after Dave’s mother.  Mother and baby are doing fine.  Daddy is a wreck!!
     Tanyah is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ed Jenkensen, one of the power systems engineers, and Dave is the son Mr. & Mrs. Sam Jones, one of the many successful farmers recruited for the colony.
     They met aboard Gambler while in Lunar orbit, and married just over a year ago.  Both of their families were aboard ship about 3 years before launch.
     They met while out jogging in the park in the colonists living quarters area of the ship.  They began to jog together whenever they could, and were soon seeing each other on a regular basis.  Pizza parlor dining soon progressed to home cooked meals, and, well, the rest is history!
     Melody is just the first of many who will be born aboard Gambler before we reach ‘home’.
     There have already been a number of marriages aboard Gambler, and there will be many more.  Each of the new families will be given their own apartment.
     There are enough living quarters shipboard to accommodate all newly formed families.  It is one of the things planned for in a colony ship.................

     By the time we reach our planet, all of us will be at least 9 years older.  That means the older settlers will be entering the time when they should be slowing down, yet the colony will have great need for all they can accomplish.
     The greatest need will be to have a younger generation that can be taught the trades that will keep the colony going.
     The children aboard will be taught.  Those old enough will be apprenticed to ..................................

Thurs., June 15, 2473
     Three months into the flight, and life has settled down into routine.
     Marlin Shuckenbrau knocks on Cmdr. Eagleton’s door, enters, and yells, “Hey Jimmy!  Where you at boy!”  He heads to the fridge and looks for a birch beer.  “Aw, man, all you have is sarsparilla!”
     He turns around, and finds Jimmy standing there and grinning.  “Yep Marlin, I had to give up the birch beer.  Someone,” staring now at him and chuckling, “kept drinking me out of cabin and passageway!”
     Jimmy slaps him on the shoulder and .................................

     These two have been best friends for many years.  More than both like to remember.  It’s the kind of friendship that many men never develop.  Each willing to give whatever he has for the other.
     As they are talking, there is a knock on the door.  Jimmy answers it and is surprised to see Lt. Cmdr. Jonie Goodhart standing there.
     “Hi Jimmy.  Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you had company.  Thought maybe we could go get something to eat.  Maybe later.”  She begins to turn around to leave when Jimmy stops her.
     “Jonie, don’t know if you have met Dr. Marlin Shuckenbrau yet.  He is Chief Technology Officer.  Also my best friend for many years.  Marlin, met Lt. Cmdr. Jonie Goodhart.  Jonie, meet Marlin.  Now that that is settled, what say we all go get something to eat - before Marlin finds the ham I have stashed away!”  All three of them laugh, as they head out the door toward the cafeteria.
     The three of them become an item, seen doing things together all over the ship.  They enjoy each others company.

Mon, July 21, 2473
     Jimmy knocks on Jonie’s door.  She answers and Jimmy immediately asks her, “How about just the two of us doing that sarsparilla dinner we had talked about before launch.  It’s about time, don’t you think.”
 Jonie, smiling now, “Sure thing Jimmy.  What did you have in mind?”
...............................

   Both of them smiling now, they head out to a little place serving Martian food.  Jimmy asks her, “Mind if I order for us?”  “Not at all, Jimmy.”  “OK then.”
     The waiter walks up and greets them, “Hi Commander. Hi Lt. Commander.  What are we going to be having tonight?” 
     Everyone shipboard knows who these two people are.
     Jimmy replies “Hi Phred.  I think we will start with .............................”

     Jonie, smiling now, reaches out and touches Jimmy’s hand, and simply says, “Thank you.”
     “Whoa!” Jimmy thinks.  He feels like he has been hit by lightning!  Her touch set off a shock wave that started at the hand, went to his head, and from there through his body to his feet!” 
     Blushing, and a silly grin on his face, he simply replies, “You are very welcome.”
     She notices his blush, his grin, and she just keeps smiling.  A knowing smile.  She thinks to herself, “He has caught me.  He just doesn’t know it yet!”
     As dinner starts, Jimmy ...............................

     Jonie knows what just happened, but Jimmy, being a little denser, is still wondering.  She thinks, laughing to herself, “He’ll get it - eventually!”
     Finally Jimmy asks her if she is ready to head back to her quarters.........................

     Reaching her door, she turns to him and smiling, tells him, “I really did enjoy tonight Jimmy.  Thank you very much.”
     Turning and opening her door, she continues, “I’ll see you on the bridge in the morning.  Goodnight Jimmy.” 
     Walking in, she closes the door.
     Jimmy just stands there.  For a while.  Just staring.  At the door.  Finally, he scratches his head, shakes it, and goes to his quarters.
     Once there, he sits in his favorite chair and tries to analyze the evening.
 Thinking to himself, “I invited her to the dinner date.......DATE!....the dinner date we made way back before we launched.  The first time I met her, aboard Gambler.  Back in 2469.  Nothing special, just a date to celebrate a successful launch.  A dinner date on the way to the new world. A date.”
 Pausing in his thoughts, then “I ordered our dinner.  She touched my hand......SHE TOUCHED MY HAND!  I.....doggone it , that’s ALL she did.......just touched my hand!  So why did I suddenly feel like an adolescent school boy again?”

Sun., Apr 8, 2474
     There have been several more marriages.  Romance is alive and well on Gambler.  There are quite a few budding romances going on, too.
     There have been quite a few more births.  The nursery area of the hospital is getting a lot of activity.  Much more than any other area there.  Very few emergencies on board so far.
     Jimmy, Jonie, and Marlin continue their threesome outings.  Best friends now, they are regularly seen together.
     Jimmy and Jonie are seen together on a regular basis too.
     And now, Marlin is developing an interest in Jonie! .............................

     Marlin begins, “Thanks for coming, Jonie.  I wasn’t sure you would.  I’ve been wanting to ask you to go out, just didn’t know how.”
     Smiling warmly, she replies, “Well, you did just fine Marlin.  All you had to do was ask.  I always have time to go out with a friend.”
     ..........................

     Author:  There is much more in this story.  Hopefully, it will be in print in the not too distant future.

END OF EXCERPTS