One-upmanship Or Is There Life On Mars

This system, says Professor Kranendonk, is not just of interest for its own sake.

That's good, says Lu Ban. Because it's very hot out here. Is there any water?

Sure, says Professor Wacey. There's some in the Toyota. We'd never come out here without it.

He walks back to the Toyota to fetch some water.

As I was saying........ says Professor Kranendonk.

Yes, what? says Gaius. Not for its own sake? What then?

I'm very glad you asked, says Professor Kranendonk.

He asked? says Professor Wacey, coming back with several bottles of spring water.

He did, says Professor Kranendonk. Shall I answer, or shall you?

Up to you, says Professor Wacey. You're the astrobiologist and Eminent Speaker.

Even Lu Ban is now interested in the reason why the system is not just of interest for its own sake.

Life on Mars, says Professor Kranendonk, enigmatically. That's the reason.

Aha, says Big Janis, who has until now kept silent. At last he understands where this is going.

A system such as this one might provide a clue as to the ideal place to look for life on Mars, says Big Janice.

Janice looks proud. Her dad is proving clever.

Exactly, says Professor Kranendonk. You're quick on the uptake, Big Janis.

Gaius and Lu Ban both like to think that they are also quick on the uptake.

It is annoying to be pipped by someone of the calibre of Big Janis. What is he, a landscape gardener? Not a natural historian, a scientist, or an immortal.

There may well be evidence of rock microbes on Mars, says Professor Kranendonk. And wouldn't that be fascinating? Have you seen the photographs sent back by the rovers, Opportunity and Spirit ? There may at one time have been water......

Yes, says Gaius, swallowing his water. I have indeed seen those. Mars is very beautiful. Landscapes of rich aqueous blues and subtle violet hues, and small spheres packed with hematite.....

Any snakes? says Lu Ban.

Yes, says Janice, handing him the packet.