Author's Note. When I published "
Isotope"
last year, I always meant to complete the story. It's finally done, and this is the second of three parts, with the last part being already finished and submitted at the same time. As the story poured out, it became more Sci-fi than straight Erotica. Still, there's a good amount of boot-knocking to be had. I hope you enjoy it, and please take time to rate and leave me a comment... I read each and every one. The story is all fictional, not based on anybody real, and with the exception of five unnamed children who don't appear in the story, everyone on Mars is over the age of 18.
In 2160, a meteor threatened Earth. 'Isotope' tells the story of the people who stayed on Earth to face the aftermath. Some lucky few were able to escape the planet before the Impact, to try to build a new life on Mars.
This is their story.
*****
Commander Devon Jacobs, recently named to lead the Mars Humanity Initiative, found himself in a tough spot. Leaving Earth because of the imminent meteor strike wasn't just a professional decision--it was a personal one that tore his family apart. He believed that life on Earth was about to be made extinct, and he wanted his family to be saved. Mars was the only option.
His wife, Barbara, was scared out of her mind about going into space. She just couldn't wrap her head around the idea that all life on Earth was about to end, no matter how many times Devon showed her the scientific evidence. She faced a heartbreaking choice. She loved her family, but the thought of space travel abjectly terrified her. The vastness of space was an immeasurable void that she simply could not bear to face. So, she held onto a sliver of hope that Earth might somehow survive. Watching her husband prepare for this dangerous journey to Mars was unbearable. In the end, Barbara decided she couldn't go. She chose to stay behind on Earth, clinging to the hope that some miracle would save the world she knew.
Their daughter Vanessa, on the other hand, had no doubts. She trusted her father completely and was ready to follow him anywhere, even to the ends of the universe. The bond between father and daughter was strong, built on years of shared dreams and values. Vanessa knew that she would miss her mom, but leaving her father's side never even crossed her mind.
One month before the meteor was due to strike, the Mars Humanity Initiative lifted off for the 11-month journey, taking thousands of humans away from Earth, heading to a different life on Mars. On Earth, Believers took shelter in bunkers, anticipating global disaster, while Non-Believers continued with their daily routines. Ultimately, everyone not safely inside a bunker died and was dissolved into dust. Many more inside bunkers died as well. Earth was left with less than 6000 inhabitants.
*****
Three weeks before everyone else was due to be awakened, Jacobs programmed his ship's system to awaken him. He wanted the additional time to run last-minute checks and make sure nothing went wrong on their crucial final approach to the Mars surface. Since she shared the bunker with her father, the system inadvertently woke Vanessa as well. She worked with her father on the final flight landing preparations. While her being awakened was not the plan, her presence was a great support to Devon. Her expertise and attention to detail proved beneficial to Devon and the mission. The hours seemed to melt away as they worked.
Together, they meticulously reviewed every system and protocol. Vanessa spent the previous year learning and training alongside her father and proved invaluable during this critical phase. They were hurtling through space and the only two souls awake... it was if they were the only people in the universe. Their bond strengthened with each passing moment, as they navigated the complexities of ensuring a smooth and safe landing for what was left of Humanity.
Some of the spaces they had to work in were tight, and they often found themselves in close proximity to each other. At night when they retired to their bunker, they shared a simple meal of Ramen or dried beef, and they talked late into the evening.
On the third night, they finished their simple dinner and were getting ready for bed, Vanessa said nervously, "This is really nice, Dad with just the two of us. But out here in space, sleeping alone seems lonely to the point of being, well, unnerving. I can't explain it," she said. "Would... would you mind if I slept in here with you? Being alone in there is just too... weird!"
He was quiet for a moment before answering, "Of course, honey. That would be really nice."
"I'll be right back," she said, going into the bathroom to change. She came out into the bedroom wearing one of his tee shirts and panties.
"You look comfy," said Devon as he pulled back the blankets and got into bed. The nights on Mars were going to be cold. It was easier to heat a blanket than a room, and all the beds came with thick electric blankets. Some of the settlers would eventually remark that one of the best things about life on Mars were the incredibly cozy beds.
Vanessa smiled and joined her father in the bed. She immediately wrapped her arms around him and molded her body against him. She lay there for a moment in his arms, sighing contentedly.
The way she was wrapped around him felt delightful, but he thought he should say something or move away a little. This felt too good to be right. Actually, it felt too right to be right. Either way, he did neither.
"Dad?" she asked after a few minutes.
"Mmhmm?"
"I guess you really miss mom, don't you?"
"Since we woke up, we've been so busy that I really haven't had any time to think about that. I'm sorry... I know that makes me an awful husband."
He could feel her shrug. "Not really," she said. "I mean, maybe in normal times, but these aren't normal times. The world ended, and we're just trying to hang on. Nothing's the same."
They lay there, face to face, searching each other's eyes in the dim light. After a few seconds, Devon responded, "No, nothing is the same. We're going to have to redefine what it means to be 'normal,' you know? I mean, is it normal for me to be lying in bed with you like this?"
She adjusted a bit and parted her legs, taking one of his legs between hers. Now they were lying even closer together.
She gazed into his face, hers full of love and desire as she summoned her courage.
She said, so softly that he almost didn't hear her, "I'd like it to be."
