“The first Gennan expedition did an analysis and concluded that it did at one point, but it wouldn’t have had time to evolve past single cells. The combination of a small planet and no large moon to kick up tidal effects meant the core cooled early, which had many negative consequences, such as the fading of the magnetosphere.”

“Which allowed the atmosphere to be stripped by solar wind,” Natalie added. “Gibes with current theories on Earth.”

“I’ll be sure to advise the Foundation of your approval.”

“Oh, bite me.”

Patrick interrupted the brewing feud. “Mariner Valley.”

Natalie and I both turned to Patrick. “What?”

“I want to see the Mariner Valley. Sheldon, can you head that way?”

“Working.” The view of Mars began to shift, and in a few moments a huge scar on the surface of Mars came into view. Valles Marineris, a crack in the planet that rivalled the size of the United States, was twenty-five hundred miles long and up to four miles deep.

“Cooooool … ” Patrick said, almost literally glued to the wall of the bridge.

“It is certainly an impressive geological feature,” Sheldon said. “The Foundation has a large dossier on it. From a galactic point of view, it’s more impressive than Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s great red spot, which I understand your species is in awe of. In the grand scheme of things, however, those are quite pedestrian.”

“Seriously?”

“I would not lie, Jack.”

“Can you do a fly-through?” Patrick said, practically vibrating with excitement.

“I most certainly can.”

“I dunno, Patrick,” Natalie said. “That seems danger—Jesus!”

Sheldon had wasted no time acting on Patrick’s request, and before Natalie could even finish her sentence, we were down and flying between the walls of the Mariner Valley. With the lack of atmosphere and resulting clear view, the experience had the feel of a video game. Sheldon seemed to be going out of his way to loop and bank through the valley’s various twists and curves, making the flight more nerve-racking than Patrick’s worst driving. I grabbed the back of the nearest chair and braced myself. I noticed Nat was doing the same, although Patrick seemed to be completely unaffected. He had his phone out, probably getting a video. Two minutes later, Sheldon turned the ship upward and we swiftly re-entered orbit.

“I think I may have peed myself,” I said.

Nat looked around meaningfully. “Speaking of which, what do the Gen use to relieve themselves? Please tell me they relieve themselves.”

A door opened to the left of the bridge entrance. “The Gen are somewhat less body-shy than humans. You may find the facilities unsettling. I suggest you time your visits to not overlap.”

“That comment is unsettling,” Natalie said. She glanced at us. “Don’t come in unless I scream for help.” With that, she made for the open door, and Patrick and I deliberately turned back to the view.