“57… 56… 55…” Commander Tom, the new mission commander, is a veteran of two Earth orbit and two circum-lunar missions undertaken to work out any bugs in the Artificial Gravity Assist System (AGAS) being used on the Bolo One journey. It was Tom’s idea to use a type of clockwork mechanism, able to reel out the tether a little at a time during the trip to whatever length was desired. On the way to Mars, a full one Gee of gravity is preferred to keep the crew strong and healthy. But, after a year and a half at thirty-nine percent of Earth gravity, they will start their trip home at one Martian Gee and gradually build themselves back up to one Earth Gee.
“54… 53… 52…” Commander Tom is a rugged, good-looking six-footer. Prematurely gray at 40, this gives him an aura of experience, marking him as the kind of leader people like to follow. Though happily married to his high school sweetheart, Penny, since ’99, he’s still a favorite with the ladies at every press conference. Commander Tom holds a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, as well as almost holding a Masters in Geology (just missing the paperwork).
“51… 50… 49…” As a private corporation, the majority of people involved with these Mars missions are not employed by NASA or any of its sub-contractors. Nevertheless, some of the old traditions are hard to discard. For example, none of the Bolo One crewmembers were ever in the military, but the group leader is still referred to as Commander, much like in the merchant marines. Likewise, the old Mission Control has given way to Mission Support, even as some of the old buildings and systems are still being used under contract. It is clear that the Corporation is running the show. Being somewhat casual-minded, Tom is not crazy about being called Commander, but when leadership needs to be asserted it is clear that Commander Tom is in charge.