NAWADAN

About the Book

As morning broke the latest news must have began to sink in. A joyful spirit seemed to emanate from everyone as they began to stir around. Even the professor displayed an uncharacteristic smile from time to time. As a sort of celebration we enjoyed a cup of coffee with our powdered bacon and egg breakfast. The doctor had been pretty restrictive concerning caffeine. As we sat at breakfast I asked, well, would anyone like to comment concerning our latest orders or the mission in general? Yes major, said the professor, I was initially shocked and dismayed by such an action by Houston, however upon further consideration I think everyone would agree that this mission has been a resounding success. I am convinced that there is much more to be discovered here, but perhaps that will be for another expedition at another time. Yes, dear said the doctor, and with the aid of superior equipment aboard ship there is still much to be learned from the specimens and materials that we have gathered. How about you flash are you disappointed? Are you kiddin maj? I’m done thinking about maw’s fried chicken and gravy and them home made fried apple pies. It might be a little premature for that flash, but I’ll have to agree your mom’s cooking is something to look forward to. I would also like to say that each of you have contributed immeasurably to the success of this mission. Houston has given us a lot of grief with what I consider a lack of cooperation, and frankly their lack of enthusiasm has bothered me, however I don’t think they could have assembled a better team for this vital piece of work. Well I guess I’ve rambled on long enough, let’s get cracking. Since we were to pack only that which was needed for the return trip it would be much easier than our arrival and assembly task. A couple of hours packing, a very close inspection of the landing pod, and one more trip to the watering hole, flash and I were then ready for departure. The professor and doctor were still carefully readying the fragile specimens for transport. Flash and I then carefully stowed the cargo in the pod as the others made them ready. By early afternoon we were making final preparations. As we took one more quick look around the campsite in an area I thought to be familiar ground flash suddenly slammed on the brakes. Maj! Did you see that thing? See what? To the left behind that pile of ruble, I could swear I saw something. Can we go back and look? Flash you know we haven’t time for another investigation. I know that maj, but if I’m right you’ll want to see this. Alright, let’s check it out. He proceeded then to wheel around and move toward a pile of debris that we had passed several times before. What did you think you saw flash? I’m not saying maj, you’ll think I’m nuts. There it was partially hidden by debris, leaning awkwardly to one side[ ] This is incredible flash. We simply must try to determine if there is some identifying markings on that thing. After looking it over closely we determined to try and remove some debris from around its’ base. This is going to take some time flash. I’d better inform the others that we’ll be a little late. Doctor, I said, we’ve found something that we simply must look at more closely. Great major, what is it? I don’t have time to explain now. If you and the professor can finish packing we’ll be back as soon as possible. Alright major, out, We proceeded then to remove rocks one by one until finally we came to a very large slab that we couldn’t budge. We’ll never move that thing by hand flash. No maj, but I think the jumper can get it done. I’ll pull it around and get the emergency tow rope. This reminds me of my favorite pass time four wheelin. After hooking up and shifting the jumper into low range four wheel drive the slab moved just a bit, but wheel spin was a problem. You’re not getting traction flash, I said, Maj if you’re not worried about trashin the jumper I’ll move that thing. Go ahead flash, after today we’r

About the Author

A lifetime resident of LaFollette, Tennessee I have always enjoyed writing, however to this point my writing has been confined mostly to Newspaper commentary. I have two fine sons Scot and Jeff, and two grandsons Lucas and Timothy. This project is intended to promote more interest in the detailed exploration of the Red Planet. Perhaps a grass roots effort is required to spur our media, and government to address the public’s desire to know more about this issue.