Sam's doubts about the commander's ability had evaporated as he recalled the events of the previous day. Chase had not only fulfilled his side of their agreement by completing the vehicle in just eighteen hours but also brought the entire team together with a shared sense of purpose. Though the construction was a collective endeavor, Chase's guidance turned a formidable engineering hurdle into a cohesive and successful collaboration. His natural ability to coordinate each member allowed the team to work in perfect unison, each person performing at their best without constant consultation of manuals or blueprints. Sam mused that even the rover's original designer would have needed to reference instructions at least once. He had always admired those skilled in practical work, but rarely had he seen someone harness a group with such inspiring clarity and determination.
Even while his admiration for Chase grew deeper with every recollection, a subtle unease lingered within him after the previous day's assembly. With renewed resolve and a mind swirling with questions, Sam pulled himself from bed, determined to seek out Chase before the meeting and confront the single issue that left him feeling profoundly off-putting.
Sam found Chase seated in the command module, deeply engaged in a conversation with the AI. Chase questioned the system with rapid queries about the onboard equipment, its specifications, and its overall functionality. There was barely any pause between each inquiry as he pressed on with a relentless pace. Sam watched him, marveling at how his photographic memory might allow him to review every detail later in his own time.
As Sam approached, he said, "Commander, may I have a word?"
Chase met his gaze with a quiet lift of his brow that spoke volumes without uttering a single word.
"About yesterday," Sam began tentatively, "does anything about that vehicle seem off to you?"
Chase's eyebrows rose even further, yet he remained silent as if weighing his reply. Sam pressed on with growing determination. "When were you frozen, Commander?"
Chase studied Sam for a moment before replying, "Why do you connect my frozen date with the vehicle's condition?" His calm tone and lack of surprise made it clear that he had already anticipated the conversation's direction.
"I was frozen in mid-2033," Sam continued. "Back then, we were still in the early stages of planning technology like this rover. We had space missions, of course, but nothing even close to what we are doing now. The rover we assembled last night? Its technology did not exist in 2033." Sam shook his head and added, "I built cars before. I knew what was out there. The generations of electric cars were impressive in their own right. But this vehicle stands in a class all by itself. Its design is years ahead. The construction process was astounding. One would expect a jumble of wires and extraneous material, yet everything came together flawlessly. There were no wasted connections and no unnecessary parts. It was as though every component had been carefully chosen to create something both elegant and efficient."
Chase remained calm, his face unreadable. "So, what exactly are you suggesting, Sam?" he asked.
After a brief hesitation, Sam inquired, "What year is it, Commander? Because it certainly isn’t 2033 anymore."
Chase paused deliberately before answering. "That is an interesting question, Sam, but it does not help our current situation. I suggest you set that thought aside for now. The crew does not need any extra distractions. Our priority must be understanding the equipment before us."
His tone softened as he continued, "At this morning's meeting, you will serve as equipment engineer. Your duty is to master every piece of gear we have. I will assign you a team made up of Jacky, Luke, Adrian, and Pascal. You are more than capable of leading this mission, but I suspect you would prefer not to carry that burden alone. Many will come to you seeking answers, and I know you would rather devote your energy to exploring your new set of futuristic devices."
Sam nodded in agreement. "Good observation, Commander." He had managed large teams before, and though he had always preferred having someone else in charge, capable leaders were rare. More often than not, the responsibility of leadership ended up falling on him anyway.
-----
By 10:00 a.m. the crew gathered in the command module, present if not fully awake for the morning meeting. Chase began, "All right, everyone. Yesterday I attempted to build an impressive Martian vehicle and I failed in a spectacular fashion. I could not move all the parts on my own, and if I had tried to assemble the rover by myself it would have taken weeks. Thankfully, with each of you lending a hand, we completed the Martian Rover ZX01 in just a few hours."
Enthusiastic cheers of "Woohoo!" filled the room, a promising sound after a slow start to the day. Considering that yesterday morning had gotten off to a rocky beginning, Chase could not have wished for a better outcome.
Chase nodded before adding, "Sam was a little disappointed with how effortlessly we succeeded. He said our accomplishment felt a bit like cheating. Naturally, he has now raised the bar with a greater challenge. He dared me to construct a fully functional Mars station with food, supplies, and everything needed for survival. Since Sam appreciates his comforts, he wants the station to be so well equipped that one may never want to leave after a few years. I now hope you will all help me find creative shortcuts to achieve this together."
A few chuckles rippled through the group as Chase continued, "Today, I want all of you to spend some time familiarizing yourselves with the modules. Sam needs help constructing the equipment in three modules, so if you are looking for a task, please check in with him. Julie will also require assistance in the canteen. Tomorrow, I will assign us more clearly defined roles."
Glancing around the room, he added, "Mission Control has placed me in charge with LJ as second in command. I do not know if this decision is based on merit or simply on our ratings. Either way, I propose a three-month trial period at the end of which we will meet right here and vote on our management team."
After a brief pause he continued, "I am also open to a vote of no confidence. If at any point you feel my leadership is not working, bring it up at the morning meeting. Should the majority support your concern, we will hold a vote and restructure our leadership accordingly. We are on Mars and already face enough challenges. The last thing I want is for anyone to feel trapped under a tyrant. So let us work together, succeed together, and follow the law. To be clear, Martian law will be based on American law."
He rubbed his head, a gesture they would soon recognize as a sign of discomfort. “One more thing. Given our close quarters, I think it’s appropriate to mention that any romantic advances must be entirely mutual. Nothing will divide us faster than misconduct. I have zero tolerance for harassment. And keep in mind, there are cameras everywhere. The truth will come out.”
Martin raised his hand hesitantly. Chase sighed and shook his head. "There is no need to raise your hand, Martin."
Martin flushed but pressed on. "Would you like us to salute you, Commander? I have never been in the military, but I thought we could create our own salute."
The question caught Chase off guard. He blinked, then quickly replied, "That will absolutely not be necessary. I have never served, and I have no idea why they gave me this title. Just call me Chase. And under no circumstances do I permit you to salute me."
He glanced toward Janette before addressing the group. "All right, let's wrap up for today. We will meet tomorrow at seven in the morning. Take some time to familiarize yourselves with the equipment, but do not break anything." He then turned back to Janette. "Mind if we have a word?"
As the meeting dispersed, Chase took a moment to reflect. His original plan had been to push the team to their limits, to challenge them with grueling tests of endurance and skill. But now, that approach felt unnecessary. They did not need pressure. They needed support. They needed stability. More than anything, they needed time to adjust to their new reality. The work ahead was endless, but before they could achieve anything, he had to earn their trust.
And in three months? Who could say? He might not be in charge anymore. Either way, he would stand by his word. Trust was everything.
Janette walked over and asked, "What do you need?"
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Chase motioned for her to take a seat and handed her a cup of coffee. "I want to discuss our plan for the next three months," he said.
Janette raised an eyebrow, surprised at being included in the planning. "Perhaps we should find a private spot," she suggested.
But Chase shook his head. In his mind he replied, right here, right now is the best way to build trust. He believed that making plans openly would allow everyone to see them, challenge them, and contribute freely. After all, there were already too many secrets on this mission.
"How about we talk here?" he proposed with a playful smile. "Besides, this is the place where the life giving coffee flows." He continued, "I propose that we divide the group into four teams, each responsible for a different aspect of survival. I have compiled a list of key areas we need to cover."
"September, display the high level task breakdown on the main board," he ordered.
A list appeared, and the room became quiet as everyone turned their attention to it:
- Atmosphere
- Power
- Food
- Water
- Managing supplies
"You forgot computer systems," Janette observed.
Chase nodded and replied, "We will add external sensor tracking. However, rather than form a separate team for computer related tasks, I would prefer each team manage its own computer tasks."
"What about module maintenance?" Sam chimed in. "There is always something that needs checking such as door seals or structural integrity. If something fails, we must catch it early."
"Good point," Chase agreed, quickly adding it to the list.
Adrian spoke next. "And water. We do not know how much water we have, but if we are to grow enough food we will need a lot. You cannot farm without water." He frowned and added, "Is there even water on this planet?"
Chase scanned the room before nodding. "That is our base list. We will likely add many more tasks along the way, but this is a solid starting point."
He then continued, "I have organized everyone into four teams with a blend of skills. September, please display the proposed team assignments."
The screen updated as the crew took a few moments to absorb the new information.
Luke frowned. "Why are both Kaya and I working under Sam? One of us should serve as a team leader."
"Let me explain, Luke," said Chase. "You are more than capable of being a team leader, but let us give Sam his due. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience. I have assigned Team One the task of discovery, which means they will figure out the functions of all our equipment. Once we understand everything, the other teams will take over management. I noticed you and Sam working together yesterday. You both excel in your fields and clearly enjoy collaborating. Let us try this arrangement for a few weeks. If it does not work, we can revisit the team structures and make adjustments accordingly."
----
Several conversations unfolded in a similar tone, each reinforcing the group's consensus. Although the teams remained unchanged, everyone agreed to give the plan a try. On the main display, the tasks looked straightforward, with only a few assignments per person. Chase had planned to present the entire strategy at the next meeting, but the informal discussions had already involved much of the crew, leaving them feeling included and valued. As he left the command module, a warm sense of accomplishment settled over him. The meeting had been a success, and even though the plan was detailed, he trusted the team to work out the finer points as they moved forward.
Soon after, Janette approached him and requested a private word. Together they walked to an empty module away from the bustling crew.
"What was that?" Janette demanded sharply. "You asked for my opinion and then went ahead and involved everyone. We should have a more solid plan before we share it with the entire crew. All you did was compile a list of tasks. We need to be thinking six months or even two years ahead. I already have a plan prepared if you are interested in seeing it."
Chase had expected some resistance from her, though he admitted he might have given Janette a heads up. Nonetheless, her tone irritated him. "At this stage we need to build trust openly. Secret meetings in hidden corridors do nothing but breed suspicion," he said, gesturing around the empty module. "We can certainly develop long-term plans later, but right now our focus must remain on immediate tasks. I will gladly review your plan and see how we might weave it into our overall strategy."
Before Janette could respond further, her tone grew even more scornful. "What is with the vote of no confidence? You are expecting me to align completely with you, leaving me no choice. That is unfair. People like you do not give power away lightly. I even overheard your conversation with September. No rules, remember? You love breaking the rules."
Chase’s eyes narrowed as he replied, "No, Janette. You assume I am just like you, but you know very little about me. Those who cling desperately to power lack the skill to lead a team without rigid protocols. If the crew votes me out, I will honor their decision. I never sought the title of commander, yet some individuals seem to rely on titles to justify their ambitions. Perhaps you should ask yourself why you deserve to be second in command."
Janette looked shocked. No one had ever questioned her leadership skills before. Chase continued,
"You should start thinking of leadership as something you must earn. Sam, Kaya, Luke, and Robbie could all perform better than you right now, and I see leadership potential in many others. Get off your high horse and look around. This team may be a mix of individuals, but their abilities remain untapped. I have not seen a stronger team. Each of you has specialized talent along with additional skills that will prove important later. The only person I still cannot figure out is Adrian. Why is he here? He does not seem to have any special expertise. Do you know what his hobbies are, LJ?"
Janette was caught off guard by the unexpected question. Adrian was listed as a laborer, yet she suspected there was more to him than met the eye. Rather than pretending to have an answer, she admitted, "No."
Chase raised his eyebrow in triumph. "I spoke with him while we were putting the vehicle together. It turns out that he owns extensive grounds and that his true passion is gardening. He enjoys growing fruits and vegetables and even enters them in competitions. Adrian works part time mowing lawns only to support his hobby. When I asked him if he would be interested in planting eight hundred square meters of crops, he was overjoyed and immediately asked when he could begin. I am willing to bet that he is already gathering the gardening equipment."
After a pause that allowed his words to sink in, Chase continued, "I will treat you as the second in command, LJ, but you must prove yourself just as much as I must prove myself. In three months the team will have a chance to vote for their leaders. The only way for you or me to keep our positions is to work hard, build trust, and get to know everyone. We must show the crew that we have their best interests at heart, not just our own. Now, I think it is time for us to get to work."
The conversation ended there, and it would be a while before they spoke again.
As Chase walked down the hallway, he realized he had not been completely truthful with Janette and, in many ways, had also deceived himself. He was not willing to relinquish power that easily. He remembered the hardship and hunger of his early years and knew that only by taking control had he managed to break free from those chains. He did not crave power to hurt or demean others; he sought control over decisions because that was his path to freedom. He was determined to lead in a way that the team would willingly follow, and if necessary, he would become a great leader to hold on to that control. Waking up on Mars without knowing how he arrived was the opposite of being in control of his destiny, and that uncertainty burned within him. He vowed to regain control and build a life here on Mars. He would not remain a pawn of VORN. He would play the role for as long as it took, for deep down he knew that he was a lion who would never allow anyone to cage him forever.
As Chase returned to the nearly empty command module, he noticed that everyone had moved on to their separate tasks. At one table, Kaya motioned silently for him to join her. Approaching, Chase found himself captivated by her striking presence. She wore simple VORN clothes that clung to her form, while her long thick hair flowed freely around her shoulders, enhancing her undeniable allure. In that moment, he once again confirmed that Kaya's beauty possessed a mature grace, imbued with wisdom and quiet strength. It contrasted with Janette's youthful charm yet shone just as brightly. Settling into the seat Kaya offered, Chase listened intently as she began.
"I appreciate that you made it clear that any sexual advances must be mutual," Kaya said.
"Thank you," Chase replied softly. "I believed it was important to set that standard."
Kaya raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner. "But could you have taken a more active approach? Do you really expect me to wait until I face an attack before using the video feed to locate my assailant? With all these cameras and a working AI, surely you could have devised a more proactive method."
Taken aback, Chase stuttered, "Yes, I suppose I can think of a more proactive method. I am sorry. I had not seen it from that perspective."
A small, reassuring smile softened Kaya's expression. "It is just a minor oversight. Overall, you are doing well." After a brief pause, she shifted the conversation. "About Janette -- if you intended to embarrass her?” The question hung heavy in the air. Kaya continued, “Everyone saw your confrontation in the hall. We reviewed the feed, because we can, and frankly, you might have been too severe."
Chase replied, feeling uneasy, "That was not my intention. My goal was to challenge her so that any sense of entitlement would break down and she could develop into a stronger leader."
"Very well," Kaya responded, her tone carrying a note of challenge. "As long as that is truly your reason and you are not just acting out of pettiness." She held his gaze for a long moment, offered a small smile, and then left the room without hesitation. Alone once more, Chase shook his head, marveling yet again at how Kaya always managed to catch him off guard.
Janette returned to her room almost in tears. As she sank onto her bed, the weight of isolation and fear pressed upon her, and she yearned for someone to confide in. Memories of those first days would not leave her alone. She recalled the long, lonely hours of waking in isolation and the terror that gripped her for three endless days until Chase finally stirred from his slumber. The days seemed to stretch out in a quiet and relentless echo of despair, each moment a reminder of her vulnerability on this unfamiliar planet.
Her mind wandered back to the day she heard Chase talking with September. At first, hearing another human voice broke the monotony and solitude, offering a hint of comfort. Yet the same voice was the one she had dreaded. That voice belonged to Chase, the crime lord whose name had been linked to untold loss and devastation. The sound of his calm conversation contradicted the nightmarish image she had built over sleepless hours. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered through trembling sobs, "What am I to do, stranded here on Mars? Will I even survive this?" In that moment, the immense shock of this alien world mingled with the confusing presence of a man whose reality did not match the legends.
The first time Janette met Chase, a deep and unrelenting fear seized her. In her mind, he was a sinister figure with a terrifying aura, a man who would erupt into violence at any moment. She had pictured him as a creature with devilish horns, whose fury would blaze into chaos with guns blazing and destruction all around. Driven by youthful defiance and a desperate need to challenge the frightening tales, she had confronted him with anger, unaware that a man of his notorious reputation might misunderstand her bold words. The confrontation left her reeling because, instead of the violent eruption she anticipated, there was only a calm and measured presence that left much of the fearsome myth untapped.
This dissonance between expectation and experience gnawed at Janette. Every recollection of that meeting deepened her internal conflict. Here she was on Mars, facing an uncertain future in a hostile environment, and the people she feared did not behave as the harbinger of chaos she had envisioned. The reality before her was a mixture of relief and confusion. The contrast between the legends and the soft words she heard left her struggling to reconcile what she believed with what she now saw.