A NATIONAL NEWSCASTER is reporting.
NATIONAL NEWSCASTER
Astronomers are still puzzled by the
decrease in Venus' albedo. Reflected
sunlight from the planet has dropped
another four percent over the past year.
INT. STUDY - BEACHFRONT MANSION - DAY
Jeremy is talking to Cecil on the wall screen.
CECIL
How was your trip?
JEREMY
Long and grueling.
CECIL
I'm glad you're back safe and sound. You
two needed a long vacation.
JEREMY
Yeah, and I already need another one.
That trip sucked the life out of me. It
did just the opposite to Tara. It's like
she's on speed or something.
CECIL
Come to my office tomorrow morning. I may
have just the thing to re-energize you.
JEREMY
Let's make it early afternoon. I have a
feeling I'll be sleeping in tomorrow.
CECIL
Fair enough. See you then.
Jeremy deactivates the screen.
INT. CECIL'S OFFICE - DAY
Jeremy arrives. He falls wearily into a chair. Cecil lights a cigar.
CECIL
How would you like to add Mars to your
resume?
JEREMY
No thanks. The last thing I need right
now is to be cooped up in another
spacecraft for two more years.
CECIL
You'll only spend six months in the ship.
Three quarters of the mission will take
place on the planet's surface. Open skies
and vast horizons.
JEREMY
Encased in a spacesuit? No thanks.
CECIL
I really need you on this one, Jeremy. My
life support engineer was killed in a
railcar collision.
JEREMY
I'm sorry to hear that. Surely there's a
backup to take his place.
CECIL
Broken arm.
JEREMY
I know for a fact that you've got dozens
of experienced spacers far more qualified
than me.
CECIL
I know you studied The Hellas specs in
great detail, especially the life support
systems.
JEREMY
I can't leave Tara for two whole years.
CECIL
I'll make sure she's well taken care of.
You'll be back before you know it.
JEREMY
Sorry, Cecil, I'm just not ready for
another extended space flight. Just get
one of your regular spacers to go. Why
are you trying to recruit me, anyway?
CECIL
I can't tell you why. All I can tell you
