Chapter Text
Log Entry
Mission Day: 829
Nothing remarkable has happened the past two-ish weeks. The only updates that I’ve been making are logs of my experiments. There’s only so much one can do in space, I had more to do when I was on Mars than on Hermes. I only have my work that needs focus now, not the work of six people. Mind you, I’m not upset about that. It’s great not to worry about every single little problem by myself anymore. Doesn’t stop me from being bored though. But that’s a byproduct of space.
I am, however, exponentially pleased to have my own data stick back. I keep thinking about how Martinez didn’t bring anything with him to the surface of Mars. We had packed schedules planned out for the Ares 3 surface mission, but we did still have some downtime. I’ll need to ask him what he had planned on doing. Sit around and twiddle his thumbs? Glad to be able to watch my shows and movies, listen to the music that I brought for myself. Don’t tell Lewis, but I see the charm in those old TV shows. I’m even considering asking her if I can watch a few episodes of Three’s Company again.
Nope, nothing notable has happened lately. Except today. Today is my birthday. Forty-three years old. I had completely forgotten about my birthday last year, never crossed my mind that I could’ve still celebrated it. Being on Mars alone makes you have different priorities. I think I should be allowed to do that birthday over again, I’m only forty-two I’ve decided. Or am I older? Mars days are longer, take longer to get around the sun too. Eh, whatever. I’ve never been the one to harp on my birthday. It never needed to be a big ordeal, a dinner out with a free dessert was always plenty.
This birthday feels different. I never expected to make it to this one, or even the last. Mars conspired to kill me in so many ways, I think I used up all my nine lives and plus some. Feels like borrowed time now. Or time returned. With any other crew member, I’m sure there’s something planned for today. Everyone has been acting furtive and secretive for the last two days. Usually that doesn’t start until the day of someone’s birthday.
Looking forward to a foil wrapped protein bar with my name on it. Maybe I’ll even make a wish when I blow out the “candles”.
Everyone gathered in the Rec, ready and waiting for Mark to join them. There was no pretended to hide this time, no jumping out and yelling surprise. The crew sat around the table, the foil wrapped ration present, along with his personal tablet.
“This seems more ominous than celebratory.” Mark said as he steped off the ladder, and took the last open seat between Vogel and Johannsen.
“We figured you wouldn’t want a big to-do for your birthday today.” Martinez supplied, having been the one to suggest something subdued for today.
“You’d be right.”
“Won’t stop us from saying happy birthday, though. Because, happy birthday, Mark.” Beck said first, followed by everyone else chiming in with the same sentiment.
Mark swallows a thick wave of emotion, “Thank you. I mean it, haven’t heard anyone tell me that in a little while.” He said, despite everyone being aware.
“We have something for you.” Lewis started, she reached for the two items in the middle of the table. “First, your very own protein birthday bar.” Scrawled on the packaging, just as with Beck’s birthday was ‘Happy Birthday, Mark!’.
“Thank you, how’d you know freeze-dried was my favorite flavor?” A smile present as he took the offered food.
“But, we do have more.” Lewis said as she turned the tablet to herself. She tapped the screen a few times and pulled up a folder. “Happy Birthday, Mark.” She said, handing it over to him screen first.
Tablet in hand, Mark found the folder labeled ‘Birthday’. It hadn’t been there earlier; Johannsen must’ve downloaded it to his tablet just before they gathered. He glanced up to his crew and received encouragement from everyone in the form of a little head nod, a glance at the tablet, a smile, and Martinez telling him to go ahead. A single tap opened it, showing off dozens of files. Both text and video.
Not wanting to play one of the videos out loud, he opened the first text file labeled ‘For Mark’.
It’s a surprisingly lengthy letter from his PhD advisor.
Mark,
Out of all my students I’ve had over the years, I somehow knew you were going to make the biggest impact. If only I knew exactly how widespread that impact was going to be. Here at your alma mater, your accomplishments are revered and spoken of with respect. I cannot begin to understand what you went through, but I felt it was necessary to let you know how much your survival has affected those back on Earth. Not just in the sectors of botany or sustainability, not just in research and the scientific community. Being able to follow your journey, to watch you survive through one hardship and the next was inspiration to so many. Issues that once felt insurmountable became trivial as people began to think outside the box, looking for unconventional solutions for answers.
I know, for a fact, you’ve saved lives.
I cannot compare my journey to yours, but it provided me with the strength I needed. Shortly after the world found out you were alive; I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was angry, I was scared. The prognosis wasn’t good. Resistant to conventional treatments, I had to endure radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and all the side effects those bring.
There were multiple times I considered surrendering to the disease that was taking control of my own body, taking away my agency. Any time I found myself in those darker moments, all I had to do was look at the night sky. To find the direction of Mars and remember that even millions of miles away, in a situation you didn’t ask for, faced with your mortality every day but continued to push on. I knew that I could do the same.
Two months ago, my cancer was declared in remission, and I wept at the news. I wanted to tell you first, before I told my family, before I told any friends. I wanted to share my news with you, despite our hardships not being the same, I wanted to tell someone who understands what it truly means to keep hold of something important, no matter how intangible that may be. Life, while full of things that we can grasp, is led by things we cannot see. The drive, the desire to see tomorrow, to make it through today and experience what life has to bring.
In saving yourself, you saved me, Mark. Of that I have no doubt. I am honored to have had the privilege to be a part of your academic life, to be a part of something that has benefited so many people and myself in return. Coming out of a situation where I was certain I would have died has left me with a renewed passion for life. I can only hope it has done the same for you.
I am told this should be delivered to you on your birthday. For that, I wish you a happy birthday, and for all the ones to follow. You’re a hero, Mark, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Sincerely your friend,
Sean R. Jiles.
Mark read the letter over twice. His relationship with his advisor had been nothing special. Meeting up when direction was needed for his dissertation and advice for completing his doctoral degree. Mark had never considered them friends, not outside an academic setting, at least. Now, he viewed Mark as one of the reasons why he was still alive.
Mark tapped back out of the message to the folder, the list of files is long, and Mark doesn’t know where to start. He scrolled the list, items titled ‘Happy Birthday’, ‘Proud of you’, ‘Can’t wait to see you’, and on and on. The first message alone was enough to glaze his eyes over.
He cleared his throat before speaking, “I don’t know what to say. How long have you been collecting these?”
“Since we got you back on the ship.” Beth answered.
“I’m… thank you.” Mark said, not sure how else to express his gratitude.
“Of course, figured you could use a good birthday present.” Beck said.
“Happy birthday, Mark.” Lewis said again, “You deserve all that and more.”
“God, you guys are a bunch of saps.” Mark teased, despite a few spare tears that managed to escape. “Come here and give me a hug.”
No one hesitated at the request.