Journal of Isis Sylvanis

01.31.2068 I have been responsible for researching possible base locations in regards to whether Dust Storms will be a threat upon landing. I may be considering Meteorology as my permanent research role on Mars, because it seems so interesting to me. Within the last few weeks, I have created my "Temple of Isis" on the PMS, and I currently reside there. I have been designated as security personnel due to my extensive military training. Somehow I ended up being referred to as the "Chicken Little" of Ares Base, always wary of a possible threat. In group dynamics, I have found that my economic ideas have been voted out by majority rule, as the rest of the group seems to think that 15 people will always be the only people on this base. Also, nobody else in the group seems to think that Mars should be used as a bunker in case something happens to Earth, which is a little disheartening. But I am slightly used to being the outcast in large groups, and they will thank me for my paranoia in the end.

 

 

05.08.2068
I've been troubled once again at my inability to convey my meaning properly in front of the group - and I've yet to make a motion that actually *seconds*, let alone *passes*. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm giving up - it just means I'll have to go around the group a little bit. I've given up my strategy of "asking the group for permission" and I'm going to just get on with it.

The group doesn't seem to realize that we will inevitably encounter conflict. I feel that they aren't really planning for the future, and we are going to be very unprepared for when something *does* happen. Perhaps I'm living too much in a Science Fiction novel, they say.

Enough complaining about the group - I can always justify my actions by reiterating that I abstained in the vote for the mission statement.

My plan for the base: I'm going to be in charge of Life Support, which means designing a plan for air circulation within the base. I'm going to supply oxygen tanks within my office, as well as research outside weather and incoming dust storms (for research). I'm going to be in charge of cryogenics, in case someone is severely injured and we don't have the medical supplies to keep them alive on Mars. We'll be able to send them back to Earth for proper treatment, or store them in holding tanks until medical supplies arrive safely. For emergency posture, I'll be able to keep everyone secured and in line, because I'm a Weapons Coordinator. I have a few other projects as hobbies I'd like to work on as well, including a teleportation system and a missile defense system (We'll keep that our little secret for now...)

Back to my research role - I will be working on a monitoring system of incoming solar flares and dust storms. As much as I'd like to see the greenhouse crumble to bits from radiation, I have to eat too. My system will involve sensors placed in strategic locations outside of the base (By robots of course, wouldn't want to risk my precious scales being vaporized), with a huge monitoring system inside the base.

 

(Landing Date).2069

Well, the journey seems to be worth it so far. Stepping out onto Mars was probably the most liberating thing I'll ever experience.

The shuttle down to the Mars landing base was relatively lonely. Hellas wasn't much of the talkative type and Bre was feeling ill on the flight. It did much to intensify my excitement because I wouldn't know what to say to anyone if they had asked me to hold a conversation - I was speechless for the adventure ahead. Imagination seems to get the best of you when you don't know what to expect from the road ahead. Part of me wondered what I was doing on a shuttle to Mars anyway, but that notion was quickly diminished as the view came into focus.

With the wise words of Robert A. Heinlein still ringing in my ears, our landing on Mars was something I will never forget. With one of the very first human footprints to be made in the dust, I've been an important part of history. All the inter-group drama seemed to fade away as we gathered on the landing pad together. The landscape was so beautiful with the pink sky lighting up the scarlet dust; it brought me to tears.

While the Engineers began the grueling job of setting up Ares Base, I decided to become more acquainted with my new home. I went off on a trek by myself, exploring the vast craters and mountains situated around the base perimeter. I must have been walking for hours and not realized it, because before I knew it I was staring up at the towering Olympus Mons! Well there was no doubt in my mind what had to come next - Isis would need to be the first human to ever climb to the top of Olympus Mons. And so I did. Let it be known that Isis Sylvanis was the first to reach the highest point on Mars.

I almost felt a hint of guilt and selfishness because I had been chosen from the 10 billion people on Earth to first walk on Mars. Will I be able to live up to the reason I was chosen by NASA? Will they erect a temple in my honor should I fail?

 

04.19.2069
We lost Nano this week. It was a very rude awakening that the dangers we are facing here on a strange planet are very, very real.

It seems the group dynamic has changed significantly. I was able to propose and pass a Constitutional Bylaw Amendment, which is a significant change from the previous encounters with this group. I proposed that only two members should be allowed to be absent from the meeting when ratifying bylaws or the constitution. This is because I don't particularly want anyone changing the laws with a "majority" of only 3 people. The motion did not pass unanimously, but I am making great progress in my ability to voice my concerns in front of the group. I feel I'm becoming closer and more comfortable with the rest of the base members.

It's quite astounding to see what a few robots can come up with in a few hours. Ares Base is quite a wonderful feat. SirDrake must be keeping those robots in pristine condition, because they seemed to me to be building quite efficiently. Our wetlands are an especially nice touch, as I enjoy the solitude of swimming deep under the river without being bothered by the noxious human voices surrounding me. Although it does seem to be getting more tolerable to be discussing issues in meetings, I still enjoy my solitude to some extent.