Autumn on Mars
A science fiction novelette by Matthew Crane.
Coldbrook Citizen 127-b J.P. Clarke – Seismologist
VOIP Session Transcript 3075
Recipient: Mackenzie Hogan, Secretary Director-General, Olympia Base.
Begins:
Hello, Olympia Director’s office...
Mr...
Clarke?
Um...
Hi?
Hello. Yes?
...
I’m afraid you’ve been terribly vague with your urgent audience request form...
You’re lucky it’s a slow day
Huh?
I’m sorry, what did you want?
...
Uh... well...
Ok. It’s
Well, you see. It’s...
It’s my... My kids. They’ve...
That was you?
Oh.
...
Listen sir, can I call you sir?
Sir
Your family have created a very difficult situation, and we are dealing with it as best as we can.
Oh... Oh good.
It’s just, I’ve been feeling, just a bit out of the loop and uh,
Well, I just want to know what’s being done, and how...
How can I help?
...
...
Um?
Your family have made a very Difficult situation, we are Dealing with It, as best as we can.
Yes. I’m sure you’re doing a great...
I mean, I’ve heard stuff from, uh... Dan.
Um, Administrator Andrey, that you were thinking about redirecting a Hopper?
And...
Mr. Clarke. The hoops we have to jump through to reschedule a surface operation, even for a couple days, are many.
Oh...
We have to negotiate with our clients back on Earth. You know how long it takes to talk to home?
Ohh...
I’m sorry.
...
...
...
When can I find out when you’re... done?
We’ll contact you.
OK
...
If it makes you feel any less... worried, we’re obligated to rescue your daughters as soon as possible under the “Eagle’s Clutch” directive.
The Red Tape could be much worse.
That does make me feel better, kinda.
I’m Glad to hear that, Mr. Clarke.
Well, I’m sorry for bothering you, Thanks sir.
Don’t call again.