Workplace Hazards: Europa Mission

Dr. Marsh,

While I'm sure you're aware of the inherent risks involved in our astrobiological expedition to Europa, I am compelled to bring to your attention a rather extensive list of concerns that I have. The conditions here are far from optimal, and the day-to-day reality is not reflected in our official reports.

Ice Stability - There’s an unspoken dread that ripples through the team every time we hear the ice crack under our feet. The ice crust has shown an unpredictable tendency to shift and fracture, making every step a perilous journey.

Radiation Exposure - Yes, our suits are supposed to protect us. But, can we trust that? The constant bombardment of Jupiter's radiation is concerning. Even our bunker, buried beneath the ice, does little to quell the fear of long-term exposure.

Diving Operations - The recently discovered aquatic life has necessitated regular dives into the subsurface ocean. We are not trained for these expeditions. The pressure differential, the complete lack of visibility, the terrible unknown of what lurks beneath - it’s mentally draining. And that’s not even getting into the equipment, which just isn’t suited for the conditions we’re dealing with on the ground.

Equipment Malfunctions - The harsh conditions are wreaking havoc on our equipment. Suits tear, oxygen tanks leak, tools freeze and shatter. These consistent malfunctions could be catastrophic given our isolation.

Oxygen Production - Our electrolysis units are constantly on the fritz, barely keeping up with demand. Every breath seems precious, rationed out like rare treasures.

Temperature Fluctuations - The cold here is indescribable. The heaters strain to fight off the bitter chill and fail all too often. There are times when we can’t even feel our own bodies, let alone the tools we’re supposed to be handling.

Limited Emergency Response - Should something go wrong, our ability to react is hampered. Our limited medical supplies are ill-equipped to handle any serious injury. Even a small cut becomes a dangerous prospect, with potential for infection in our enclosed environment.

Poor Communication - Our contact with Earth is sporadic at best. Delayed messages are not conducive to immediate issues. The static-filled silence does little for morale and only fuels a sense of isolation.

Unpredictable Life Forms - We've discovered life, yes. But we're woefully unprepared for its unpredictable nature. We’ve had several encounters with aggressive creatures, while other seemingly docile beings have had unexpected effects on our equipment.

Psychological Stress - The solitude, the darkness, the ticking time bomb of potential disaster. All of these factors create an immense strain on the team’s mental health. Depression, anxiety, and paranoia have become common companions.

Food and Water Rations - Our resources are running thin. Each meal becomes a balancing act of nutrition against portion size. Water, even recycled, has become a precious commodity.

Living Quarters - Cramped and cold, they provide little respite. Privacy is non-existent, increasing tension and decreasing overall morale.

Artificial Intelligence - Our research AI is an amazing tool. When it works, at least. Which isn’t often, especially now that we’re down an AI tech from a run-in with the aforementioned unpredictable wildlife. Since much of our data processing and analysis relies on the AI’s calculations, these constant failures put this entire project at risk of going over schedule and over budget.

This list could go on, Dr. Marsh, but I believe the point is clear. We are scientists, explorers of the unknown. But we are also human beings, subjected to harsh conditions and dangers that were not clearly communicated nor adequately prepared for. I urge you to seriously consider these concerns. The success of our mission and, indeed, our lives depend on it.

Sincerely,

Dr. K. Sullivan

Chief Astrobiology Officer, Europa Station, Argos Scientific

*****

Dr. Sullivan,

Thank you for your detailed account of the conditions and concerns you and your team are experiencing on Europa. We do understand the challenges inherent in such a pioneering mission and value your feedback. We acknowledge the gravity of your circumstances and are in no way dismissive of your concerns. Argos Scientific prides itself on its attention to employee concerns and wellbeing. Below, please find our responses to each of your concerns:

Ice Stability - While ice is indeed unpredictable, it is our determination based on your submitted data that you would greatly increase ice surface mission success by reducing the number of staff present on the ice at any one time. In the future, please restrict maximum mission size from 12 to 8 staff.

Radiation Exposure - I can personally assure you that your protective suits are more than sufficient to protect you from the effects of long-term radiation exposure while on the moon’s surface. The bunker likewise offers superb shielding from all forms of radiation. Both were designed in-house by Argos Scientific employees. We would not want your fellow employees to feel that you are slighting their work as this could create unnecessary strain in the workplace. We therefore ask that you reassure your staff that they have nothing to worry about in regards to radiation exposure, and that further discussion of the issue may result in disciplinary consequences, not to exclude termination.

Diving Operations - While we understand that the unexpected discovery of macroscopic life below the icy crust has added additional responsibilities to your mission and may require some staff members to step out of their comfort zones with regard to duty areas, we would again like to assure you that the equipment already provided by Argos Scientific for your mission is not only adequate, it is rated for far more extreme conditions than those in which you find yourself, Dr. Sullivan. After a careful analysis of your provided data, it is our determination that your currently assigned diving equipment would be put to better use at a facility that faces more extreme conditions. You will receive replacement equipment more appropriate to your actual conditions in the field.

Equipment Malfunctions - Equipment malfunction and failure is unfortunately impossible to avoid on missions such as yours, Dr. Sullivan. The data you have already collected on how these Argos Scientific devices behave under real world conditions has been invaluable to our continued improvement of those products. Rest assured, your team will no doubt benefit from these improvements in the future.

Oxygen Production - WIth some of the lowest fail rates in the industry, Argos Scientific atmospheric electrolysis units are considered essential by many working in the less hospitable regions of the solar colonies. Our research shows that, even under the most extreme natural conditions possible during testing, these units rarely malfunction, let alone fail. The chief cause of failure seems to be overpopulation, and as such our team has noted that your facility is likely over capacity.

Temperature Fluctuations - A wide range of conditions is found in the solar frontier, and some discomfort as you adjust to a different world’s atmosphere and weather is to be expected. We have no doubt that you and your team will soon grow so accustomed to life on Europa that Earth seems like an inhospitable wasteland when you return!

Limited Emergency Response - It is with great pleasure that we inform you of Argos Scientific’s recent development of a breakthrough antibiotic capable of wiping out even xenobiological life. Your station has been selected as a first round recipient of this miracle drug, and you can expect your first shipment of patented XenoMycin™ in approximately 10-12 months. We expect you are as excited by this news as we are.

Poor Communication - Argos Scientific Standard Operating Procedure s117-2.b96 states, “All radio equipment must remain powered down when not in immediate use. Failure to comply by this regulation may result in loss of privileges, fine, or confinement in an Argos Scientific detention facility. The exception to this regulation is any dedicated Emergency Services Radio™ device, which is to remain powered and monitored at all times.” While we do not believe it to be an economic use of resources to investigate your claim that staff are improperly using the radio in direct violation of this policy, we would advise that you reinforce Argos Scientific SOPs to your staff and work to ensure that all radios are powered down when not immediately broadcasting or receiving a broadcast. We also ask that you note the exception to this regulation and that you and your staff continue to monitor your assigned Emergency Services Radio™ at all times.

Unpredictable Lifeforms - The discovery of macroscopic life on Europa was an enormous step forward for both Argos Scientific and humanity as a whole. We wish to applaud you on all of your efforts thus far, and for your continuing dedication to the mission. In regards to aggressive wildlife, please note all such encounters in your official reports moving forward so that they may be forwarded to the appropriate office in Argos Scientific’s ‘Department of Mission Security.’ We thank you for your cooperation.

Psychological Stress - Life on other worlds can no doubt be a stressful experience, but we are concerned about your reports of malaise spreading through the team. In our experience, poor morale is most often the result of one or two doomsayers bringing down the whole team. We will expect you to identify the most psychologically problematic members of your team for official psychological review by AS doctors on Earth.

Food and Water Rations - As has been established previously in this response, overpopulation is likely responsible for the station’s current issues with food and water rationing. We are also skeptical of claims that water is in short supply– the station is located on an ice moon, is it not? AS expects all of their scientists in the field to be true innovators– as such, we do not doubt your team will quickly solve your current issues with water supplies.

Living Quarters - All AS research station dormitory facilities are constructed to afford all staff members no less than 8 square feet of personal space. If you believe that the dormitory facilities at Europa Station fall short of this requirement, we ask that you contact Silvio Adams in the Department of Labor and Construction to file a formal complaint.

Artificial Intelligence - Argos Scientific Standard Operating Procedure s497-1.h12 states, “No Argos Scientific Artificial Intelligence System… may be engaged without the presence and approval of a certified AS AI systems technician. Activation of any AI system without the express command approval of a certified AS AI systems technician may result in punishments up to and including termination or detention.” While we understand that conducting your research without an AI assistant is difficult, we must stress that you are expected to follow this (and all other) SOP until such time as we are able to assign a new AI systems technician to Europa Station. Please consider this your one and only warning in regards to the use of the Europa Station AI research system.

As I am sure you can see from the trends here, Argos Scientific has decided that the best course of action to improve working conditions on the Europa Station is a 20% reduction of force on the station. This will reduce strain on the electrolysis units, increase individual space ratios in the community living quarters, reduce rationing of food and water supplies, and relieve some of the psychological stress among staff by removing particularly problematic staff members. On that last point, Dr. Sullivan - we expect your list of most expendable employees by the end of the next communication cycle. We hope this has helped to allay your concerns, and we look forward to the continuing success of your mission.

All the best,

Dr. A. Marsh

Chief Missions Officer, Earth HQ, Argos Scientific