Marsbound

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Many thanks to Geoff Landis, my favorite Martian, for advice in science and math. Any inaccuracies, of course, were committed by the author alone.

It wasn’t a lot of luggage for six years; for the longest journey anyone has ever taken. We each had an overnight bag and a small titanium suitcase.

We stepped out into the warm Florida night and carried our bags to the curb. I looked back at the house and didn’t feel much. We’d only lived there two years and wouldn’t be coming back. I’d be twenty-five then, and getting my own place anyhow.

Dad pointed out Jupiter and Mars, both near the horizon.

The cab hummed around the corner and stopped in front of us. “Are you the Dula party?” it said.

“No, we’re just out for a walk,” Dad said. Mother gave him a look. “Of course we are. It’s three in the goddamned morning.”

“Your voice does not match the caller’s,” the cab said. “After midnight I need positive identification.”

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