"Captain, fuel levels are at 90%, ready for deceleration toward Pad 3 at Luna Base 1."

  "Very well, begin the landing phase."

  The ship pivots using its RCS thrusters. Its long, gray, polygonal hull is barely distinguishable from the darkness of space. When its four engines point toward the Moon, the main thruster ignites, ejecting a bright blue flame.

  "Landing successful. Awaiting docking bridge connection to the airlock for disembarkation."

  The docking bridge attaches to the ship’s airlock. Once the procedure is complete, the crew begins exiting the ship. At the end of the docking bridge, the base’s commanding officer greets Captain Neil.

  "Welcome to Luna Base 1, Captain. I’m General Scott, commander of this base. Please, follow me."

  Neil follows General Scott to the base's control center. On one of the monitors, the base’s layout is displayed: a circular design with four appendage-like buildings extending outward. Surrounding the base are various landing and launch pads.

  "Captain, High Command has reassigned you to the Moon to escort a convoy of four cargo ships carrying colonization equipment for our Martian settlements. You’ll be accompanied by the USS Langley, the first escort ship equipped with a second-generation antimatter reactor."

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  "That’s what we were informed of back on Earth, indeed."

  "The ships will be ready to depart in 12 hours. Be cautious during your journey; tensions across the solar system have been steadily rising. Here on the Moon, Chinese infantry groups from the People’s Republic of China have been increasing their patrols on their side of the demarcation line, north of the Sea of Tranquility, where our zone borders theirs and the East Asian Union’s.

  Not long ago, a Chinese patrol veered off course and entered the Union's territory, resulting in a skirmish. For several days after, armed forces in Korea and Taiwan were on high alert. Thankfully, tensions eventually eased, as no one wanted the situation to escalate into a larger conflict."

  "Don’t worry. The route between Mars and Earth is vast. The chances of encountering another vessel close by are slim. Even once we reach Martian orbit, I find it unlikely that the Chinese, Russians, or anyone else would attack us. No one benefits from triggering an interplanetary war."

  "I hope you’re right, Captain."

  "Captain, the four cargo vessels are now in lunar orbit. The USS Langley is joining them in formation."

  “Ask for the control tower for take off clearance and join them in orbit.”

  The docking bridge connection is released and the ship’s engines start taking off from the pad and gaining speed until it reaches the small fleet in lunar orbit.

  “USS Langley, this is USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, we are taking command of the fleet. Prepare for high g burn to engage fly path to mars sending fly path to the fleet.”

  “Understood USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Fly path received ready for high g burn at your command.”

  The 6 ships activate their engines illuminating the lunar sky with 6 small blue dots, the g force of the burn pushing the crews against their seats as the fleet gains speed leaving lunar orbit.