Martian Adventures: The Valor Crevasse


Ronnie still couldn’t get over how everyone had reacted to their discovery.  The geology department gave both her and Jim specially created paperweights carved out of Martian rock and had thrown them a party.  The engineers had started designing robots to explore the crevasse.  Her mom had dedicated a whole week of menus to Ronnie and Jim’s favorite foods. 

And her dad insisted that she and Jim name the crevasse.  He’d suggested the Morgan/Barrie Crevasse, but Ronnie didn’t think Jim would like that.  He wouldn’t want his father’s name attached to their discovery. 

She didn’t even think he’d told his dad.  He’d blushed all through the geology department party, but he’d looked happy, except when anyone asked about his dad.  But most people didn’t ask.  Jim wasn’t the only one who didn’t like Dr. Morgan. 

Ronnie stared up at her ceiling.  She needed to think of a good name.  One that she could suggest to Jim that’d make his face light up.  He always lit up when he really loved one of her ideas. 

He was so cute when he smiled. 

She’d been so afraid in the cave, and he’d been so understanding and encouraging. 

Valor.  She’d suggest that they call it The Valor Crevasse.  She jumped out of bed and ran to her computer console.  She called Jim.  "Hey." 

Jim grinned at her through the console.  He was wearing his headphones.  Ronnie wondered if he’d been listening to music or playing a game.  "What’s up, Ronnie?" 

"I came up with an idea for what to name the crevasse." 

Jim ran a hand through his hair and left it standing straight up.  "Is your dad still going on about that?"

"I think we should call it The Valor Crevasse." 

Jim’s face lit up.  "That’s brilliant, Ronnie." 

"I’m glad you like it.  I’ll go tell dad." 

"Right.  I’ll see you tomorrow in class, then.  Night, Ronnie." 

After Jim signed off, Ronnie replayed the last few minutes of the video.  She saved it before she went downstairs.  

 


About Jamie

Jamie Lackey lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and their cats. She has over 160 short fiction credits, and has appeared in Daily Science Fiction, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and Escape Pod. She has a novella and two short story collections available from Air and Nothingness Press. In addition to writing, she spends her time reading, playing tabletop RPGs, baking, and hiking. You can find her online at www.jamielackey.com.

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