Free First Steps (Founding of the Federation) by Chris Hechtl

can use the exosuit Darpa has
been studying, there is a guy building armor we could use too..."
    Mario
sighed. "Wait, why armor?" he asked. He raised a hand.
    The
tech's eyes glazed. "Um, ah..."
    Mario
nodded. "Right. There isn't a reason. We don't need armor, we're not going into battle, and an e-frame is a bit much,
we're going to be in a gravity field forty percent that of Earth's!"
The tech visibly deflated. "Now, right up your report, and we
will keep it on file for possible future missions to high G planets.
Pneumatics are a good idea, much better than hydraulics for some
applications. Using native materials makes it dead easy to top off
too. Good work." He patted the techs shoulder and then left
shaking his head. "Pie in the sky...where do they come up with
these people?" he muttered as he sighed and shut the door behind
him.
    ...*...*...*...*...
    "Why
is so much hardware needed? Why, only a handful of this will ever
make it to Mars!" the senator complained.
    "Well,
some of it will be used for training, driving, or for repairs,"
Mario answered slowly. This was a familiar complaint. You'd think by
now people would read the memo or at least listen to the answer when
someone else asked.
    "We
plan on sending samples of each to the Arctic research station for
testing as well. We need to know where things will break before it
gets to Mars," Luigi added shooting his brother a warning look.
They needed the Senator in a good mood and more importantly on their
side.
    "Also,
some of this is for the educational program," Doctor Zubrin
added.
    "Educational
program?" Senator Byrd asked looking confused.
    Doctor
Zubrin nodded. "Yes, we have a program where astronauts and
technicians go to different schools, museums, and events like the LA
county fair and show people the equipment to interest them in
science, engineering, and space exploration," Doctor Zubrin
replied.
    "It
gives the public a hands on look at the hardware, and a face to face
meeting with the men and women who will be going to Mars," Luigi
added.
    "It
is also a good diplomatic effort; we will open the educational
program to participating countries as well," Mario added. The
senator's eyes narrowed.
    "Most
of the teams will be here in the states, but we will send one team to
each region. They will spend a few weeks in each country or region,
then move on to the next," Luigi explained trying to smooth the
problem over.
    The
senator grunted. "You’re going to start it here in the
states?"
    All
three men nodded. "Starting in the states where most of the
hardware is produced. We will show the children of the parents who
designed and built the hardware what their parents have been
building, and then move out around the country," Mario
explained. Mario pulled out a map.
    "You
say you’re doing this in my home state?" the senator
asked.
    "Yes
sir, starting next month. We have over forty appearances planned. We
are working with school districts to bus classes to a centralized
site so they can view the hardware," Mario explained.
    "Get
my staff a schedule. I may want to come around and take a look at
this," the senator stood. Hastily all three men followed suit.
    "Thank
you senator, we are looking forward to the tour. Hopefully we can
give you a chance to drive one of the rovers," Doctor Zubrin
replied.
    "I'd
like that," the Senator chuckled. "It'd make a great photo
op." He waved. "Keep up the good work gentlemen." He
turned and left. Outside the door his staff descended around him.
    Luigi
sat down with a sigh. "Reelection?" he asked Zubrin.
    "Yeah.
He needs all the help and publicity he can get. I'm not happy about
being used, but if it gets us closer to the goal..." He raised
his hands helplessly. Both of the Irons brothers grimaced.
    "Yeah,
whatever works," they replied in unison. Zubrin chuckled.
     
     

·   Chapter
3
    Testing:
     
    "So
what is this all about?" Mario asked as he stood by Luigi. His
younger brother had a set of sunglasses on and was shielding his eyes
as