For the Love of Mars by Deborah Jackson

Author:Deborah Jackson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Hard Science, Genetics, Genetic Engineering, Mars, Terraforming, Climate Change
Publisher: Deborah Jackson
Published: 2023-04-30T00:00:00+00:00

Dayna reluctantly stopped translating, as they arrived in Almuktabi, an unremarkable village nestled next to the Dead Sea—a sea that had seemed too swollen throughout their trek to give her any comfort at their arrival. The village consisted of concrete block-style houses, their walls sand-blasted and wind-stroked. Tem directed Frank to stop the Jeep in front of what was most likely a hotel, since it was a long rectangular block dotted with windows along its length, although it was hard to distinguish anything in the downpour. Dayna flipped up the hood of her raincoat, as did Frank, since some of their gear had been stashed in the Jeep, but Tem, Zada, Pedro and Rashid had no rain gear, or any additional clothing, after the flood waters had washed away vehicles and supplies.

They exited the vehicle, racing through the rain to reach the terrace and eventually enter the foyer of the building, a comfortable but sparsely decorated space with a few beige couches and leather armchairs tucked conveniently next to the front desk. A small dining area with a breakfast bar occupied the other side of the room, connected to an outdoor cafe.

As Dayna waddled toward the vacant desk, Zada said, “You don’t have to stay here. Some of you could stay with us. We have room for at least two.”

“This will be fine,” said Dayna. “But thank you for the offer. I guess we’re a bit early,” she said, indicating the lack of clerks.

“And it’s bad weather,” said Tem, grinning at his understatement.

“Well, we can wait here,” said Frank. “At least it’s dry.”

They didn’t have long to wait, though, before the front door sprang open, and a tall man stepped through. His wide-set eyes surveyed the room instantly, as he shed a bucketful of water from his glistening mahogany-hued hair. He eyed each of them in turn in a mysterious un-clerk-like fashion. Tem had a strange reaction to the man. At first, he froze and gripped the back of the armchair near the desk. Then he stepped between this man and her and Frank, as if to provide a shield.

“Hello,” Tem said. “I wasn’t aware—”

“Of course, you weren’t,” said the man. He stepped to the side, providing himself with an unobstructed view, and scanned her small party. “I was thinking of checking out, but maybe I’ll wait until the rain subsides. Do I know you?” he asked Dayna.

“I don’t recall . . .” Her voice trailed off. She knew she’d never met this man, but he had such an air of authority and menace she wondered if she should say anything at all.

“Well, you look familiar,” he said. “Do you live around here?” His voice was strained, as if suppressing some emotion. His head tilted to the side, as if scrutinizing her reaction. Since this was polarensis territory and they were standing in a hotel, he clearly knew they didn’t live around here.

“We’re just looking for a room for the night,” said Frank. “It’s damned crazy weather and we needed a break.

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