Only seventy meters remained until they reached the foot of the geyser. The rumbling and vibrations continued to become more frequent and increasingly worrisome. The suit display monitors on the bridge indicated that both Rebecca and Peter had elevated heart rates and were breathing faster. Though the tail end of the descent would normally be easier and safer than the steeper gradient before, fear and panic were the forebearers to recklessness and error. Shreya could hear their breathing through the transmitter and recognized the potential danger. While distracting them during those critical moments was risky, the chance to calm the situation was worth the gamble.

"So when I was a little girl in India, I think about twelve years old, I had to present a book report in front of the entire English class. The book was 'The Yearling'. I remember being so nervous beforehand. For three days I practiced reading my report in front of a mirror and then in front of my parents to try and make it as perfect as possible. I knew, though, that no matter how much I practiced alone I would still have to present in front of my classmates. Finally, the day had come and my stomach was in knots. I got to school an hour early and paced around the yard. When it finally came time for me to deliver my report, I was shaking so bad I could barely keep my report steady in my hands! I only got about two sentences in, felt sick to my stomach, and had to run to the bathroom to throw up," she laughed. "My teacher sent me home early and my parents took my out for ice cream later."

Peter replied through the transmitter, "So you're telling me I should throw up right now and there will be ice cream back at the ship?"

"Well, maybe skip the vomiting. We do have plenty of dehydrating ice cream though," she replied.

Rebecca laughed, and a sense of relief came to the crew and explorers. The story had worked. Though the rumbling vibrations continued to increase in frequency and intensity, they continued their path with a refreshed sense of confidence. Shreya kept them entertained over the transmitter as the foot came closer and closer.

Only fifty meters remained until the descent was over, and the Crawler was in sight. Spikes from the initial climb projected from the ice wall, making for easier footholds. Rebecca led the way, and Peter followed five meters above and in a staggered formation. She tested each spike before bearing her weight, and took each step carefully and slowly. Almost there. Peter decided it was best not to stray from the tested path and continued behind.

Only fifty meters remained until they reached the foot of the geyser. The rumbling and vibrations continued to become more frequent and increasingly worrisome. The suit display monitors on the bridge indicated that both Rebecca and Peter had elevated heart rates and were breathing faster. Though the tail end of the descent would normally be easier and safer than the steeper gradient before, fear and panic were the forebearers to recklessness and error. Shreya could hear their breathing through the transmitter and recognized the potential danger. While distracting them during those critical moments was risky, the chance to calm the situation was worth the gamble.

"So when I was a little girl in India, I think about twelve years old, I had to present a book report in front of the entire English class. The book was 'The Yearling'. I remember being so nervous beforehand. For three days I practiced reading my report in front of a mirror and then in front of my parents to try and make it as perfect as possible. I knew, though, that no matter how much I practiced alone I would still have to present in front of my classmates. Finally, the day had come and my stomach was in knots. I got to school an hour early and paced around the yard. When it finally came time for me to deliver my report, I was shaking so bad I could barely keep my report steady in my hands! I only got about two sentences in, felt sick to my stomach, and had to run to the bathroom to throw up," she laughed. "My teacher sent me home early and my parents took my out for ice cream later."

Peter replied through the transmitter, "So you're telling me I should throw up right now and there will be ice cream back at the ship?"

"Well, maybe skip the vomiting. We do have plenty of dehydrating ice cream though," she replied.

Rebecca laughed, and a sense of relief came to the crew and explorers. The story had worked. Though the rumbling vibrations continued to increase in frequency and intensity, they continued their path with a refreshed sense of confidence. Shreya kept them entertained over the transmitter as the foot came closer and closer.

Only twenty meters remained until the descent was over, and the Crawler was in sight. Spikes from the initial climb projected from the ice wall, making for easier footholds. Rebecca led the way, and Peter followed five meters above and in a staggered formation. She tested each spike before bearing her weight, and took each step carefully and slowly. Almost there. Peter decided it was best not to stray from the tested path and continued behind.