Secret Moon Base Revealed

In a clandestine NASA meeting, influential figures discuss DARLAH 2, a secret moon base from the 1970s. Hidden due to Cold War tensions, its existence is now crucial due to a mysterious signal from the moon. The decision is made to send a new mission, including teenagers, to reignite public interest in space exploration. This plan, however, is fraught with unknown dangers, setting the stage for a suspenseful journey.

Teenagers Chosen for Moon Mission

NASA's worldwide Global Lottery selects three teenagers for the moon mission, sparking both excitement and skepticism. Mia, a Norwegian musician, is reluctantly entered by her parents. Midori, a Japanese girl, sees it as an escape from her mundane life. Antoine, a heartbroken French boy, views it as a way to distance himself from his past. Each teen faces the implications of being chosen for this historic journey, setting their personal stories in motion.

Mia's Reluctant Acceptance

Mia's parents sign her up for the lottery without her consent, causing tension. Her bandmates convince her that the publicity from the mission could boost their music career. Despite her initial reluctance, Mia agrees to go, hoping the experience will open new opportunities for her band, Rogue Squadron. Her decision marks the beginning of a transformative journey.

Midori's Escape Plan

Midori, feeling trapped in Japan's traditional expectations, sees the moon mission as a ticket to freedom. She fantasizes about moving to New York and living an unconventional life. Her determination to escape her current reality fuels her excitement for the mission, despite the risks involved. Midori's resolve to change her life is unwavering as she prepares for the journey.

Antoine's Heartbreak and Decision

After a painful breakup, Antoine is drawn to the moon mission as a means of escape. The thought of being far from Earth and his ex-girlfriend, Simone, is appealing. He hopes the distance will help him heal and perhaps even win Simone back. Antoine's decision to join the mission is driven by a mix of heartache and the allure of adventure.

Training and Departure

The selected teenagers undergo rigorous training at NASA's Johnson Space Center. They learn about space travel, survival, and the moon base's operations. As the launch date approaches, the reality of their mission sets in. The teens form bonds, sharing their fears and hopes. The countdown to departure is filled with anticipation and anxiety, marking the start of their extraordinary adventure.

Unseen Threats Lurk in Shadows

As Mia, Antoine, and Midori settle into the moon base, an eerie feeling envelops them. They share ghost stories to pass the time, but the atmosphere grows tense. Midori recounts the tale of Kuchisake-onna, a Japanese legend about a vengeful spirit, which unsettles the group. The moon's desolate beauty turns menacing, and the teens feel watched. Their unease is compounded by strange occurrences, like locked hatches and malfunctioning equipment, hinting at a lurking danger.

Desperate Measures and Dark Secrets

The base's power fails, plunging the crew into darkness. Commander Nadolski and engineer Stanton venture outside to repair the generator but mysteriously vanish. Panic spreads as the remaining crew realizes they are stranded. Coleman, the mission's overseer, reveals a hidden agenda: DARLAH 1, a secret base with a potential escape pod. The teens must reach it to survive, but the journey is fraught with peril, as unseen forces seem to conspire against them.

The Moon's Sinister Doppelgängers

As the crew grapples with their dire situation, they encounter eerie duplicates of themselves. These doppelgängers, devoid of emotion and intent on destruction, mimic the crew's every move. Coleman explains the phenomenon, linking it to past moon missions and the mysterious "Wow! signal" from space. The doppelgängers' presence suggests a malevolent force, possibly extraterrestrial, that must be contained to prevent catastrophe on Earth.

A Race Against Time Begins

With oxygen dwindling, Mia, Midori, and Caitlin prepare to leave for DARLAH 1. Coleman stays behind, sacrificing himself to ensure their escape. The teens navigate the moon's treacherous terrain, haunted by the doppelgängers. As they near their destination, they face a harrowing encounter with their sinister doubles. The journey tests their resolve, pushing them to their limits as they fight for survival against an unknown enemy.

The Final Escape Attempt

Reaching DARLAH 1, Mia and Midori discover the escape pod. However, Midori reveals herself as a doppelgänger, forcing Mia into a desperate struggle. Mia narrowly escapes, launching the pod back to Earth. The doppelgängers' threat looms large, but Mia's determination to survive propels her forward. Her escape is bittersweet, as she leaves behind the moon's haunting secrets and the friends she lost.

A Chilling Return to Earth

Mia lands in the Atlantic, rescued by a fishing boat. She contacts her family but disappears before they arrive. Her journey home is shrouded in mystery, as she evades authorities and seeks solace in New York. The doppelgängers' influence lingers, casting doubt on her identity. As she reunites with her family, a sinister twist reveals the doppelgängers' infiltration of Earth, leaving humanity's fate uncertain.

Characters

Mia Nomeland

Mia evolves from a reluctant participant to a determined survivor. Her journey is marked by courage and resilience as she confronts the moon's horrors. Her struggle with her doppelgänger symbolizes her internal battle, highlighting her growth and strength. Mia's character embodies the fight for identity and survival against overwhelming odds.

Midori Yoshida

Midori's quest for freedom turns tragic as she becomes a victim of the moon's sinister forces. Her vibrant spirit is overshadowed by the doppelgängers, reflecting the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of their mission. Midori's fate underscores the story's themes of sacrifice and the unknown dangers lurking in the universe.

Antoine Devereux

Antoine's journey is driven by a desire to escape his past. His encounter with his doppelgänger highlights his vulnerability and the moon's malevolent influence. Antoine's character explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of existential threats.

Dr. Paul Lewis

Dr. Lewis is a key figure in the moon mission, responsible for overseeing the teenagers' training and ensuring the mission's success. His authoritative presence and dedication to the mission's goals provide guidance and support to the young astronauts. Dr. Lewis's character represents the institutional drive behind space exploration.

Commander Lloyd Nadolski

Commander Nadolski is a seasoned astronaut tasked with leading the moon mission. His expertise and calm demeanor provide reassurance to the teenagers as they embark on their journey. Nadolski's character embodies the professionalism and courage required for space exploration.

Caitlin Hall

Caitlin's journey is marked by disillusionment and despair. Her initial optimism is shattered by the moon's horrors, leading to a tragic end. Caitlin's character highlights the psychological toll of isolation and the struggle to maintain hope in the face of insurmountable challenges.

Aldrich Coleman

Coleman is a complex figure, burdened by secrets and the weight of the mission. His knowledge of DARLAH 1 and the doppelgängers reveals a deeper conspiracy. Coleman's character represents the moral dilemmas and sacrifices inherent in space exploration, as well as the consequences of humanity's hubris.

Plot Devices

DARLAH 2

DARLAH 2 is a clandestine moon base built in the 1970s, shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Its existence and purpose are central to the plot, driving the mission's narrative. The base's hidden history and the unknown signal from the moon create an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, setting the stage for the unfolding events.

Global Lottery

The Global Lottery is a plot device that introduces the teenagers to the moon mission. It serves as a catalyst for their personal journeys, highlighting themes of chance and destiny. The lottery's randomness contrasts with the calculated nature of the mission, emphasizing the unpredictability of life and the opportunities it presents.

Doppelgängers

The doppelgängers serve as a central plot device, embodying the moon's malevolent force. Their presence creates tension and fear, challenging the crew's perception of reality. The doppelgängers symbolize the unknown dangers of space and the fragility of human identity, driving the narrative's suspense and horror.

Analysis

"172 Hours on the Moon" by Johan Harstad delves into themes of identity, survival, and the unknown. The novel explores the psychological and existential challenges faced by the characters as they confront the moon's sinister forces. The doppelgängers serve as a metaphor for the internal and external threats to one's identity, highlighting the fragility of human existence. The story raises questions about the ethical implications of space exploration and the consequences of humanity's pursuit of knowledge. Through the characters' journeys, the novel underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for self-discovery in the face of overwhelming odds.

Last updated: March 27, 2025