Book Two - The Return.

Chapter 1.

Eden.

Eden had become well established and life was good. The climate settled into a perpetual mild light summer that was just about perfect. Water was plentiful though rain had not yet started. There were clouds in the blue sky, but thin wispy white ones that had no threat of a storm in them, they formed for a time and dissipated just as quickly. There was little wind to move them around, though the atmosphere was increasing quite rapidly. It was felt that atmospheric coverage wouldn't reach Earth proportions for some decades, but here, things had a habit of happening much faster than expected, so no one took too much notice of such feelings.

According to Clare Forester's wishes, a nearby crater had been flooded to form a lake. The project had taken some time, but time, as always, was plentiful; there was no pressure to achieve anything by a set date. Life had taken on a leisurely and extremely peaceful routine, that no one had any intentions of breaking, or modifying in any way.

Chris and Katy had been married for some time, though there was no sign of tiny feet yet. Hope was nearing her teens and growing into everything that a Forester was expected to be. She was tall and slim and extremely bright for one so young. Her dark hair shone with all the beauty of youth, and it was blatantly obvious to everyone that she would be a real stunner in just a few years time, a point not lost on many of the young men in Eden.

For quite some time now a romance had been blossoming between Jimmy and Sh.e.l.ley. Though he was somewhat older than she was, his youthful outlook seemed to make up for the extra years he had over her. Steve and Clare had given tacit agreement to this relationship, both of them having a very special place in their hearts for Jimmy, who had been a part of this adventure from its Genesis. His father had been the founder member of the Star Labs team, and was responsible for much of the success of Moon Base Alpha, and hence, the success of Eden; success that all were currently enjoying. The name Peebles was as much revered as Forester, even Vinkle held a place of some standing in the hearts of the Edenites. His contribution to the whole endeavour far outweighed his eventual demise, under the influence of the, so-called, General Carter. His inventiveness had made so much possible, remembrances of him were tinged with sadness, rather than hatred. Hatred didn't seem to play any part in Eden at all. There had been no arguments or fights since they had all left Earth so many years ago.

Ah, Earth. How it had slipped out of the memory. It was now just a big blue version of their moon, and appeared in the sky regularly as...o...b..ts dictated. No one thought of Earth as home, or even mentioned it much anymore. Eden was home now, and forever would be. A place where violence didn't exist, and everyone would do anything to help their neighbour. It had proven to be quite prophetic, when the name Eden was called out at Chris and Katy's wedding. Eden, meaning 'pleasure', was a very apt name indeed.

As an act of agreement, a monument had been erected in the central meeting place to the memory of General Hammond. It wasn't a likeness in the form of a statue, but a representation depicting all he had achieved. He held the highest place in the hearts of all Edenites, and was looked on as the father of the new humanity. A G.o.d-fearing man, who had laid down his life so that others might live, in the very best tradition of the Bible, and all that was good in the old humanity. He would never be forgotten, regardless of how much time pa.s.sed.

Clare's favourite place was by the lake, she had seen it in her mind's eye long before it had actually been formed. The water was a deep green colour, due to the plant growth in the crater before it had been flooded. The water had decreased the amount of sunlight reaching the crater floor, so growth had slowed markedly there, but the banks of the crater were carpeted with green, much like everywhere else on the moon.

No one had been very far from the settlement since it was built, there hadn't seemed to be much point, but thoughts of an expedition were beginning to take root in Clare's mind, the old curiosity of the field worker was beginning to rear up. Sitting here by the lake, she was fascinated by all the new growth that had taken place on the moon's surface, and wondered how the different seeds had taken root in different areas. The more she thought about it, the more the idea appealed to her. She determined to take it up with Steve the next time they spoke.

As she sat on the gra.s.s surveying the horizon, she caught sight of Jimmy and Sh.e.l.ley walking hand in hand in the distance. 'How good they look together,' she thought, and how Sh.e.l.ley had been such a good daughter. She had become special to all who knew her, which was everyone. Jimmy too, had won the hearts of those who had travelled here from Earth. Their union, when it finally came, would be looked upon with much love and affection.

The thought of the next generation of Edenites was thrilling, even though it meant being a grandparent for Clare, but she didn't mind that. It seemed that the old concepts had died along with the Earth all those years ago. The term grandmother held only joy for her now. "Just like you old boy," she said, turning to Rufus who was now very old and grey. "We've both done our bit," she said, patting him gently on the head. Rufus was by far the most prolific father in Eden, and he too would go down in history as a founder member of Eden's canine population.

The day wore on, and Clare was lying on the gra.s.s, pondering her expedition when Steve arrived.

"I thought I might find you here," he said, stretching out beside her. "Sure is pretty Sweetie, it was a great idea to form a lake."

He stopped when he noticed she seemed lost in thought, and was just nodding and grunting in the right places.

"Okay, what is it now?" he asked. "I've seen that look before, and it usually costs plenty!"

Clare looked at him, stretched out next to her, he was every bit as handsome now as he was when they first met.

"I'm a very lucky woman Steve Forester," she said, squinting in the sunshine.

"Now I know I'm in trouble," Steve grinned back at her. "Just what is going through that wonderful mind of yours, and why do I feel another adventure coming on?"

Clare just grinned at him for a moment and then launched into her idea.

"I think it's a wonderful idea Sweetie," he said, to her surprise, "I've been searching for an excuse to get away from the lab for some time. We haven't spent very much time together recently, and I for one am suffering from withdrawal symptoms!"

Clare smiled and grabbed his legs, having achieved this, she pounced on him and pinned him down. He begged for mercy, but very half-heartedly.

Some way away, Jimmy and Sh.e.l.ley were watching the antics of their elders.

"I hope we turn out like that," Jimmy said.

"We will," Sh.e.l.ley a.s.sured him, "after all, with them as our example, how could we not?"

"Uh oh, we've been rumbled," Jimmy said, "they've seen us."

The young couple waved to the older couple who were shamelessly hugging each other and trying to take pieces out of each other's necks.

"We don't stand a chance, we're doomed!" Jimmy said. They laughed and began to mimic the old folks. Sh.e.l.ley decided to play hard to get and ran off, Jimmy followed.

"Too much energy these young people," Steve commented.

"Too much by far," Clare agreed, kissing his cheek.

Their walk back to the settlement was slow and leisurely, unlike Jimmy and Sh.e.l.ley who ran all the way.

"So, when shall we go then?" Clare asked.

"Let's make it as soon as possible," Steve suggested, "but we need to make plans first, and hey, we don't have any maps!"

He was getting visibly excited, and Clare loved it. They had always loved doing things together, and the extended gap since the last time had certainly made their hearts grow fonder. The whole idea was almost too wonderful for them, and the exuberance of youth threatened to engulf them. They giggled like two naughty school children hatching a plot to put glue on the teacher's chair. As they approached the settlement, Hope came out to meet them. She was beaming, and her eyes flashed as she sensed something had happened to her mom and dad.

"Everything all right you two?" she asked, knowing full well that it wasn't.

"Sure Hops," Clare replied trying not to grin from ear to ear.

"Now I know you're up to something." Hope said, staring at each of them in turn. "You'd better tell me before you both burst, it's no use trying to hide it, you're up to something, it's written all over your faces."

Steve squeezed Clare's hand, took a deep breath and said, "We're going on a field trip, we want to see just how far things have gone and what kind of plant growth there has been."

"When are we leaving?" Hope responded knowing they'd have to take her along.

Steve looked at Clare and replied, "As soon as we have it all planned Hops."

"Yes!" Hope gestured on hearing it.

"When shall we tell them?" Sh.e.l.ley asked, as Jimmy rose from his knee.

"How about now, there's no time like the present."

She giggled in agreement and they set off to find his future in-laws. They b.u.mped into Hope first who was obviously excited about something.

"Hey what's got you going?" Sh.e.l.ley asked her.

"It's mom and dad," she answered, "they're going on a field trip and I'm going with them. I've never seen them so excited; they're like a couple of kids. And what's with you two?" she asked, seeing that they also were very excited.

"We've just gotten engaged!" Jimmy blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer.

"Wow, what a day this has turned out to be," Hope said, hugging them both, "I'm so happy for you, when are you going to tell mom and dad?"

"We're on the way there now," Sh.e.l.ley responded, "coming?"

"You bet," Hope answered, "I wouldn't miss this for the Moon!"

All three set off in search of Steve and Clare. They found them in the central meeting place talking with Bill Somers and Eric Hadden. The conversation suddenly stopped as the three came bouncing around the corner, and four sets of eyes turned their gaze onto the youngsters. This time it was Clare's turn to squeeze Steve's hand.

"Mom, dad, we're engaged," Sh.e.l.ley said.

Jimmy cleared his throat and said, "Mr. and Mrs. Forester, I'd like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."

Steve and Clare just stood, looking at the blushing couple, and burst into tears of joy.

"Oh, Jimmy," Clare said hugging him, "you wonderful man, how could anyone refuse you anything!"

When she eventually let go of him, Steve and Jimmy squared up to each other, tears rolling down both their cheeks. They made a grab for each other, and attempted to break each other's backs, twisting and turning, laughing and crying, whooping and hopping up and down. The commotion brought most of the other folks out to see what was going on. Suddenly they stopped and stood back from each other just a little. Jimmy looked straight into Steve's eyes and began singing, "Vinkle Vinkle Starlabs star how I wonder what you are." They hugged again, but this time it was a deep knowing and unspoken hug between Jimmy and Steve. "Sure you can have her!" Steve eventually blurted out, his tears turning to laughter. Somehow, the trip was forgotten.

It was the next day when they all got together again, and Steve told them about the field trip. "Sounds really exciting," Jimmy said, seeing how much it was affecting them.

"Will you be gone long?" Sh.e.l.ley asked. Steve and Clare hadn't thought of that, and now that there was an impending wedding, it needed to be thought about. It was decided right away that the wedding should take priority; there seemed little point in making the youngsters wait whilst mom and dad wandered off into the green yonder.

"Let's set a date for the wedding now," Clare said, "then we can go ahead and start the planning."

A date was duly set, and two very excited youngsters left to begin making their own plans.

"I'm so happy," Clare said, turning to Steve.

"Me, to Sweetie, it seems somehow unfair, that we should be so blessed."

And for an instant, their thoughts went back to Earth, and those who had made it possible for them to enjoy this happiness. It was at this point that an idea was planted into Steve's mind, but he decided to keep it to himself for the time being.

Chapter Eleven.

Chapter 2.

The Wedding and The Idea The following day, Steve met with the section heads to discuss the field trip and get their thoughts on it. The meeting began with some hearty congratulations for the forthcoming wedding. Everyone loved both Jimmy and Sh.e.l.ley, and they were not bashful about saying so.

"So," Steve began, "any ideas for the field trip?"

"I've got one," Sarah Porter said. She was in charge of the hydro section. "You'll need water, and as you know, water is heavy to carry, so why not take a portable detector with you so you can search for subterranean springs or ice."

"Great idea," Steve replied, "I had been thinking about water, but from the point of view of how much we could carry. I think the detector is a great idea. Eric, perhaps you could look into that for me."

"Sure thing." Eric replied.

"Can I add in a thought?" Martha Belikof said, who was part of the original Moon Base Alpha team, and a geologist.

"We've been working on a system to test rock formations and mineral deposits. I think we could fix you up with a field kit that would enable you to survey some areas for us. We think there are some minerals here that are not found on Earth, probably from meteor strikes, but they may be part of the mantle. We need to check further afield to see if our suspicions are correct."

"Okay," Steve smiled, "I think I can handle a bit of geology. Anything else?" Nothing came, so Steve asked Bill Somers about transport.

"There's a four-by-four down in Lark that has never been used, I could bring it up if you like."

"Sounds like just the ticket Bill," Steve said, "but what about power? These electric vehicles are only good for twenty miles per charge, any thoughts?"

Roland, the head of power generation answered, "Yes Steve, I may be able to help with that. For some time now I've been working on alternate power sources, and I've come up with a new type of solar panel. Oddly enough, it's based on your Bycrylic sheeting used in the domes. The chemical make-up that gives it its wonderful light properties are ideal for power generation, and I've recently managed to construct a way of collecting that power. I'll spare you the details, but suffice to say, I think we could run the four-by-four on the panels alone, just using the batteries to help out when going up-hill. When stopped, the panels would recharge the batteries quite quickly. I'll need to test a couple of things of course, but I'm almost certain it will work."

"Excellent, excellent work everyone," Steve commended them, "by the way, Hope will be coming with us...Erm...She gave us no choice!" A few chuckles ensued from those present who had kids.

"One last item," Steve announced, "we'll need communications equipment. I've decided to abandon the neural interface I was working on, it would have meant an implant in everyone's chest, and I don't think we want to go down that road, so I've sc.r.a.pped the research. We'll use good old-fashioned radio instead. There are no other radio waves here on the Moon, so we should be able to communicate over long distances without any problems."

"I've got several hand sets stashed away," Bill said, "and I'll fit a powerful transmitter to the four-by-four.

The meeting broke up and each went their various ways. Steve headed off to find Clare, he wanted to pa.s.s on the news so she could begin planning her field trip. He b.u.mped into Hope on the way, "Hi Hops, I want you to be in charge of the domestic details for the trip. We'll need food, water, and clothing. Oh, and something to sleep in."

"Okay daddy," she beamed, "I'll get right on it." She trotted off humming tunelessly as only Hope could, but Steve knew she'd do a good job. He found Clare, she was busy preparing files and materials ready to record her findings.

"It's been such a long time since I was in the field I'm having trouble remembering what I'll need." She said.

"Well, we won't have to worry about food, clothes or sleeping bags," Steve a.s.sured her, "I've just put Hope in charge of all things domestic, so that's one aspect of this trip taken care of. Also, the transport is sorted, we'll have a nice new four-by-four that runs on solar power, so we can go as far as we like, so long as it's sunny! Try doing that on Earth!"

He stopped short.

"Funny how Earth has come up several times recently."

"Yes, I was thinking that too," Clare replied. "I'm going to have a quick word with John Hammond Sweetie, catch you later."

Steve found John at home. "Can I come in?" he called from the doorway.

"Sure thing Steve," John replied, "what can I do for you?"

Steve ran his idea past John to see what he thought of it.

"Hmm, I'll certainly give it some thought Steve, but It's something we must approach with extreme caution."

"Let me know when we get back from the trip, Ok?"