About five minutes later, several ambulances arrived and immediately began checking students and providing much needed oxygen. Several trainees were transported to the hospital.
My dad showed up about five minutes later with Bob and some other engineers. After a very short discussion, he called someone at the space center to deliver a large amount of sodium hydroxide, or salt as it is commonly known. Meanwhile Jose, Mark and I were checking everyone to assure them that they would have this under control shortly.
Johnny sat by himself face down with his head in his hands. He seemed to be muttering to himself, but Sam could not figure out what he was saying. Sam did not have time to console Johnny now, as he was too busy helping everyone else.
After about an hour, a chemical company showed up with a few huge trucks of salt. All of the workers had white uniforms on and oxygen masks to facilitate their breathing.
My dad and Bob put on suits and masks that were provided by the chemical company. They left very quickly and drove off toward the lake.
All of the trainees huddled together and waited to hear when they could leave. Except for a few snacks and drinks, there was no food available and after a long day, some of them were becoming very hungry and very cranky. Nerves were on edge. We divided ourselves into groups. I sat with Sally and Jose. Johnny and a few others sat by themselves.
Five hours later or at almost midnight, my dad came back inside to give the all-clear and announce that the sulfur had been neutralized. Further clean up would be needed, but for now everyone could safely go home. At that point, a swarm of parents showed up. They embraced their kids. Everyone looked relieved that no one was seriously hurt or sick from the chemicals.
Mrs. Smith asked my dad to meet with her for a moment. I was within earshot, unwilling to miss anything.
Mrs. Smith said, “I am thankful that you were able to alleviate the threat so fast, and I was confident that you would do that, considering how long I have known you and your family. I also want to add that Sam, Sophie and Robert have been wonderful trainees. Sam, in particular, has shown me that he is a born leader just like his dad.”
This made my dad blush. It made me feel proud.
“Jose and Mark are also going to be great leaders on the spaceship. On the other hand, there are a few that I have concerns about and may create problems later when we are in space. Johnny is one of them. He is a loner and likes to aggravate others. He is not showing willingness to compromise and get along with everyone. You may want to keep your eyes on him. Again, congratulations on getting us though this and having such a wonderful family. Say hi to your wife for me.”
My dad thanked Mrs. Smith for her work beyond the call of duty and left with me, Sophie and Robert. When we arrived home, we were all too beat to do anything except go to bed. As I dozed off, I could not stop thinking about Johnny, trying to figure out how I could help him. We couldn’t let anything like this happen on the Imagine.
Chapter 22 – Quality Time
Sam Burns, Rocky Mountains, CO
A few days later, my dad came to the training session and informed us that the ship was now called Imagine. Johnny was now silent when he heard the decision. He probably had a long discussion with his parents who told him to forget about the name and focus on the task at hand. We also found out the names of the other three spaceships. Each crew had done their own voting, or the government had decided on the name of their ships.
The Russian spaceship was going to be called Oligarch. It was apparent why the name was chosen. The German ship was to be called Frieden, which means peace. The Australians named their ship The Kangaroo in honor of the famous animal.
My dad said, “I have ordered some painters to put the name Imagine in the appropriate places.”
After training, my family went home. My dad and mom went out for the night to meet with some friends and had ordered some pizza for Sophie, Robert and I to eat.
Sophie started a conversation. “What do you guys think about this trip into space? I’m not crazy about it.”
Robert answered Sophie. “Whatever our dad and mom decide is fine with me.”
I spoke next. “Dad has a huge responsibility. He has spent a long time thinking about this and has really given up his life for this project. I don’t want to leave Earth, but I have to go with our parents.”
Sophie asked, “Suppose I do not want to go with them, do you think they would force me? Or are they willing to leave me behind?”
I looked at her and said, “Are you afraid to go on this trip? You will not have much of a future if you don’t go. What are you afraid of?”
Robert was silent and focused on the pizza. He blurted out, “I am scared too. I really want to go to high school here on Earth.”
“That is understandable, Robert, but most of your friends and classmates will be on board with us,” said Sam. “Their parents are working for Dad and getting this ship ready.”
Sophie said, “Do you realize what we have to leave behind? I can’t take my records with me or my doll collection or most of my clothes. What about my favorite television shows? It will be so boring in space.”
I said, “Yes I know. We also have to leave our PlayStation behind too, but I was told there will be some good games on board to play. Instead of focusing on what you will not have, why don’t you ask me some questions about what we will have and what life will be like?”
“Ok, Sam, what will life be like?”
I said, “First of all, our family members will each have a small room. Mom and Dad get a larger bedroom since they are a couple. Also, Dad is running the ship. Each of us gets a bed, a closet, a dresser, and a desk. All the furniture will be bolted to the wall or floor, so they can’t fly around if we lose gravity while we travel. We can’t have any pictures or posters on the wall, so please take pictures of whatever you want. We can then download them into the ship’s computer or cloud and have access to them. Each of us will get a digital frame on our dresser where we can look at pictures. All of us will be working or doing something every day. We will not be sleeping all day in our room. We need to learn what is on the spaceship and how to use various things. We will all eventually have a job.”
Sophie looked pained. “That sucks! I need more than work. What guys am I going to date? Look at me. I am twenty years old. By the time we reach wherever we are going, I could be an old lady or dead. Who will want to marry me?”
Robert cut in, “No one wants to marry you anyway, so don’t worry about that.” Sophie looked like she was going to hit Robert, but she held back. “Seriously, guys, what about a social life?”
I explained, “There will be about a thousand people on board. I expect between sixty and one hundred twenty teens will also be on board with their parents. You will just have to make an effort to meet them, and who knows where that will lead? Sally will be on board, so I hope to continue seeing her.”
Sophie said, “Great! You have a girlfriend. I do not have a boyfriend. I need to talk, dance, meet friends, go out on Friday and Saturday nights. You can’t just walk off the ship.”
Robert then said, “You can if you want to.”
“Shut up, Robert. I do not need your smart aleck ways right now,” Sophie exclaimed.
Robert then asked, “Will we have alcohol on the trip? When I am eighteen, I want to drink beer.”
Sophie said, “Little brother, you are only sixteen. You have five years to go before you can drink unless you have been stealing liquor from someone.”
Robert said, “No, I have not stolen anything from the stores or anyone. But will there even be any alcohol on this ship? It seems there are going to be strict rules.”