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to achieve the same goal—to test the Biosphere for future space flight. This mission is one of the most important in human history, and I thank you for being part of it. With that said, there areseveral rules you all need to know before you are sealed in tomorrow morning. Projector, Alexia.”
    The lights dimmed, and a holographic image appeared over the console in front of Dr. Hoffman. Several circular shapes floated in the air. Studying them briefly, he plucked one of the spinning circles out of the group and said, “This is the Biosphere.” He enlarged it with a swipe of his index finger, and the layers of the rest of the facility faded.
    â€œAs you can see, the Biosphere consists of four individual biomes that operate with the most advanced technology NTC has to offer,” he said. “Dr. Winston will be in command of the facility, and each biome will be assigned a team leader. This is Biome 1.” He held out the individual sphere and let it hover above his hand. “One could argue it is the most important. It’s where you will be growing your food and testing the habitat. There are more than one hundred different plant species that will eventually be introduced to the environment. Why so many, you ask? Good question. Traditionally we used a smaller number, but in case of habitat failure or bug infestations, we want to ensure the survival of several species. The seeds are all genetically altered hybrids, hand-selected by our best botanists, and designed to grow in the harshest of conditions, so rest assured—they will be resilient in any situation short of a nuclear meltdown.” He paused to look at Emanuel, who watched the presentation with interest.
    â€œDr. Rodriguez, you are the team lead for Biome 1. I trust you will find the setup to be satisfactory.”
    Emanuel acknowledged the statement with a nod, but Dr. Hoffman had already refocused on the glowing cluster of images. He flicked the sphere and it rejoined the group, the layers of the facility once again sharpening. He hesitated with a finger to his lip and studied the other circles before plucking another one from the cluster. “Biome 2 is the pond. Traditionally, other Biosphere projects included an alternative source of water, packed with a variety of species of fish. We debated designing one with an ocean and coral reef, which has been done in the past. However, our engineers decided to keep it simple. Biome 2 is exactly that. It is your water source—nothing more, nothing less. Remember, the end goal is to have a fully functioning facility producingfood and resources by the time the ship lands on the Red Planet. This will be a modern-day Noah’s Ark, if you will.” With a raised brow he caught Emanuel’s gaze. “You will be the lead for this Biome as well, Doctor.”
    Another quick flick of his index finger, and Biome 2 disappeared back into the cluster. He reached for the third sphere, checking his wristwatch.
    â€œI have a quick question,” Saafi said, his voice just loud enough to be heard at the front of the room.
    Dr. Hoffman suddenly looked very stern, as if annoyed by the interruption. “Go ahead,” he said.
    â€œI’m having a hard time understanding how the pond biome will operate in space, on whatever ship NTC decides to take to Mars.”
    With a smile, Dr. Hoffman plucked the third biome from among the others. “That’s because the artificial gravity device NTC has been designing is still confidential. But rest assured, Mr. Yool, the gravity on whatever ship we decide to take to Mars will be almost identical to what you experience here.”
    Emanuel glanced over at Saafi to see a wide grin on the man’s face. Everyone on the team had heard the rumors of the artificial gravity experiments NTC was conducting, but none of them knew it was so close to designing a functional device.
    Dr. Hoffman stepped away from the third sphere. “Since we are