Rabbit Hole on Mars - Day 22 (Nov 22) 1003 words

Chapter 22

“We've got movement,” Scott told the team. He had started taking Opportunity back up to the hilltop but only letting the optics of the rover poke up over some rocks to keep an eye on Frankie.

Frankie had finished adding rocks to one wall deep inside the labyrinth. The wall finally matched the height of the rest, Frankie was clearly leaving. The rabbit followed the snaking path back and forth, back and forth.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Satellite snapped several time laps photos, constantly updating the the last one on Screen 2 of the Rover Control Room.

“He's stopping at the 'Heart Space' of the labyrinth,” Donna told the room.

“Looks like he's going to place something inside,” Brian said.

Kantpis got excited for once, “What is it? Can you pull it up?”

“Donna, access the HiRISE camera,” Brian said.

“What's that?” Just Joe asked.

“Stands for High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera. Whatever it is, we'll get a good look at it.”

“Zooming in...,” Donna said.

Adam was washing his newer Mini van outside his house when a Mini Cooper Countryman pulled up to his driveway. All the windows were tinted black. The vehicle simply sat half in the driveway. Adam stared at it. It's seemed to stare back. Then the engine shut off, the back door opened, and Jason exited the vehicle.

Adam smiled and walked over to shake hands, “What's up man? Where you been?”

“Busy,” Jason replied, “Very busy. Listen, I've got a lot going on, but I've been meaning to say hello and could you do me a favor?”

“Yeah man, what's up?”

“I need you to stay away from, Don.”

“What's going on with, Don?”

“He's not right in his head anymore. I think he's going to making some really bad decisions soon.”

“Regarding what?”

“I'll fill you in later, but I just wanted to give you a heads up. If you see him, play it cool, but try to limit you interaction with him to a little as possible.”

“Sure thing, man. You got a new number or something?”

“No, no I don't. Good talking to you. We'll do something sometime.”

“Sure. Whatever.”

Jason got back into the back seat of the Mini Cooper and shut the door. No wave good by, no sounding off of the horn. The car backed up and drove away.

“It's just a penny,” Donna told the room.

Brian's heart sank. His hole body noticeably dropped in height by a few inches. He began to pace the room in a very slouched posture.

“What the hell's the matter with you,” Donna said, “It's just a penny?”

Just Joe caught on to the odd behavior, “Brian, what's the significance of the penny?”

“Everyone knows I hate the school field trips that come here.”

“Oh my God,” Donna's voice grew louder, “Brian! What's the penny for?!”

“I'm fine with giving a talk to the group, but I always hate the one on ones. The stupid questions from these kids who will never think about exploring space ever again once they are back on the bus.”

“Brian, what did you do?” Scott felt the tension along with everyone else.

“Well, there's always a smart ass in the group. And they want to give me suggestions about how I can improve on the rover or satellite data. You know cause they scour all our imagery for proof of aliens and other bullshit.”

Donna couldn't hold back her thoughts, “This whole thing is your fault, isn't it?”

“So I always put the smart ass in his place and hand him a penny and, um, you know, ah, say, 'here's a penny for your thoughts.'”

“No Fucking Way,” Scott said putting his hand to his chest. He felt short of breath.

“Why would you do that?” Donna asked, “That's the most asshole thing you could do to a bunch of students!”

“It's one kid in each group is all I do it to. They're supposed to get on the bus and never bother me again. Not not...”

Scott shook his head, “Build a rover? Land it on Mars? Then destroy the NASA rover 'cause it's run by an asshole?”

“What were the chances?” Brian yelled back.

“Okay,” Just Joe said, “So after you hand them a penny, what do you do?”

“I walk away,” Brian said in the most smug voice ever.

“We are fucking doomed!!” Donna yelled throwing her hands in the air.

Don was finally done building the labyrinth. No matter what might happen in the future. The Labyrinth would be a memorable spot on the red planet. A landmark for him to recognize his personal achievement of landing his own rover on Mars. He needed a break. Go outside for a walk. First he would make a quick Bluetooth connection with Opportunity.

“Do you remember the kid?” Kantpis asked.

Brian scoffed, “How am I supposed to remember which kid when I hand out a penny each time with have a school visit. I've probably handed out over a hundred pennies by now.”

“Well he remembered you well enough he brought the goddamn penny you gave him to Mars. To show it off right before he destroys the rover.”

“I accept full responsibility for being an asshole, but this kid had no right to build a rover, land it on Mars, just to destroy everything we've worked for!”

Bluetooth connection

“Don, Brian here, we saw your little penny on the labyrinth and that's very cute, but, um...”

Don wasn't expecting them to see the penny already. He held his composure, leaned toward the microphone and said, “'Like drinking poison, Like eating glass.'”

“What's that?”

Bluetooth message received.

Music file: Bloc Party

Song: Like Eating Glass