The JE crew settled into their new home, consisting of several modules rented from the existing Martian colony. Although the modules seemed cramped, the crew now had ready access to nearby amenities and a more robust social life among the colonists than they'd experienced aboard the old space station. But everyone realized that the relocation would have consequences.
Seaplane Jonson convened a general staff meeting in a borrowed colony auditorium big enough to hold the entire JE crew. “Thank you all so much for hanging in there together as we managed to successfully escape Jonson Station without a single loss of life even though the station itself was completely destroyed by the massive attack. Today we need to review the situation and begin to develop plans for moving forward.” Seaplane reviewed details of the dramatic events, then closed the meeting with an upbeat message: “JE will survive – and even grow – but now we must realign our mission. The senior staff has already begun adjusting our approach and we'll keep in close contact with you. Thanks again!”
The next day, senior staff met around the holohearth fireplace in the work lounge. Seaplane began the deliberations: “The massive insurrection in the asteroid belt means that we must withdraw from the asteroid mining business, which presumed a peaceful cooperation between miners, colonists, and other stakeholders. Moreover, our old space station's hospitality role for space travelers was fading even before the attack, due to the rising popularity of Rival Resort with the miners (despite its somewhat questionable practices). So now, we need to rethink our goals and purposes, and how to achieve them.”
Olympia and Galileo nodded in agreement, so Seaplane continued: “However, our other operations not only continue but even grow in importance. This Martian colony has asked JE to help build collaboration with other nearby colonies so as to counter the spreading insurrection. Toward that end, they want Lilabelle and me to stay here on Mars with a small crew, to continue that important work. Indeed, even now, Lila's at the rental office negotiating for additional modules that we'll need.”
Then Seaplane focused intently on shifting other activities to a new venue: “However, our other operations – including the advanced AI initiative – would benefit by relocating most of the JE crew back to Earth. As you know, Jekyll Rival has returned to Earth where he's now developing new facilities (in an existing hidden bunker complex) and asked Sarah, our roboticist, to help. Alas, recent intelligence suggests that Hyde Rival may also be expanding his influence beyond the asteroid belt – unfortunately, spreading his tentacles toward Earth. Thus we need a two-pronged approach: we have work to do both here on Mars as well as back on Earth.”
Olympia chimed in: “Ah yes, that explains why Sarah already headed back toward Earth. Clearly, that would enable JE and Jekyll Rival to join forces in a collaborative effort to more effectively counteract Hyde Jekyll's expansive effort there. She's already asked me to help deal with the very challenging logistics involved, so I too need to head back to Earth too as soon as possible.”
Galileo then spoke: “Amazing how all these things inter-relate! Not only that, but the Mars colony has asked me to serve as captain for one of the Starships that transport people and cargo between Earth and Mars. They claim my long experience coping with asteroid belt challenges – especially evading attackers – would be particularly valuable given the increasing threat level.”
Seaplane wrapped up the session: “Excellent! We all have important roles, even more challenging than what we experienced at the lost Jonson Station. So – let's get to work!”
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