Humbled

<p>What does it mean to be humbled? Some say it is when you are defeated. Many say a beautiful image or sight can humble ones being. Yet for me that wasn't the case. I boarded the passenger vessel "Aquarius", this saying was spread around by all who watched the immense vessel port itself. "Amazing, Breathtaking," fools. Brought to their knees by something that in five years will be common place. No, I'm a different breed, I guess I should explain myself. My name is George Jurgen. And I am leaving mars for the first time the year is Twenty-one, seventy-eight. What makes me different, well it is probably due to my background. I work in genetics specifically identifying DNA abnormalities mapping and searching for causes or excess mutations. This probably doesn't mean anything to you. If it does good, for those catching up. I study microscopic cells and patterns of certain acids present in the cells. My most recent discovery landed me this ticket. I found that in small populace of those living on earth's most damaged sections after the war, Minor mutations to cancers as well as physical mutations where less and less rare. I honestly didn't think much of it but the government did, next day a military crawler showed up at "Isrus Lab" where I worked. My boss was informed that I would be "Requested" for a special project to on one of Mars's moons. When I asked for details I was told only to bring what I could not live with out. Rushed I packed as much of my research as I could along with the basic essentials.<br/><br/>The Passenger vessel was as bad as you think it would be, everyone crowding and pushing to get to their sections. When I finally got to my temporary bunk, I was still not alone. The two I shared my bunk with where at least well kept. However one of the two I assume brothers kept trying to get me to laugh with his lewd comedy. One thing about humans I don't get is the constant need to connect with those around you. Its bothersome at best, heart breaking at worst, best just to stick to science. Luckily within forty five minutes I was directed to the flight deck where a military shuttle waited to take me to the surface. The pilots where adapt to their positions and quite efficient with zero idle chatter, if this was meant to unnerve me it failed. Arrival was brisk I was lead on a small tour of the science and living habitats and told where I shouldn't go. Which included the military and female barracks, also a "lab H". Next was orientation with the base lead by commanding officer a General Clint Larson, from what I could learn he was a strict man with a mind for budgets more than combat. Heading through the doors I was happy to see I was not the only one.<br/><br/>"Welcome to outpost Six, Here you will work and live for the next twelve months or until your contract is up. You have been brought here as you are all the best in your respected fields from bio chemistry to base genetics. As I'm sure all of you are aware years ago we met our first enemy in the stars. The Cirin. And after that war many genetic anomalies have appeared. As the military is funding this project your goal will be to use the information gathered and present a full report on genetic alteration and how to proceed."<br/>The room was silent after hearing the general speak. I could tell some where excited others where scared. It was daunting at best, the best minds over the years have tried to do what we were being tasked with and not one of them succeeded. The general continued. "You will have no contact with any civilian or military personnel outside this base, Before you ask those with family's they will be picked up via shuttle and assigned a living station here. Now let's discuss safety procedures and protocol..." I honestly didn't listen much after hearing the task, such a immense and indirect one at that.<br/><br/>After orientations I found myself wandering through the habitation section of the base When a soft voice broke my concentration, "Hello?" Startled I looked up to see a beautiful women looking at me, shocked and a bit taken aback by her beauty. "Ye, Yes? Sorry did I bump you?" I did my best to not stare however I was trapped. Her large green eyes held me in a analytic gaze, Long Black hair complimented her features. "No, you just seemed distant, I'm leading the genetics team your the new guy right? George?" My thoughts raced as she spoke, I started thinking how stupid I must look wondering around my nose in my tablet. Than to hear she was my boss. "Yes, George Jurgen. Hope I can be of help ma'am" Shit!? I Just called her Ma'am great. I did my best to keep my composer as if I hadn't been nervous as a boy on a first date, But that was more than obvious. "Ma'am?" She asked with a bite on her tongue "I'll have you know 'SIR', I'm only Twenty-Nine. Now it says here you are mainly proficient in genetic mapping and isolating abnormalities in cell division?" Her demeanor had changed as she was obviously annoyed now I figured I should answer quickly and end this awkward moment. "That is correct I stud..." "That's great, I'm going to have you help Arthur With base data crunch come get me 'IF' you find something, O My name is Kendra Brunello." Kendra Walked away after her interruption and introduction. I couldn't help but feel like this was going to be a long twelve months. Nothing of real note happened that evening, the living quarters themselves were well stocked and though not perfect far from a military cot.</p>