Pr0phetic
Dodge the bullets!
ASTRONOMIA by Anthony Herbert
Here's my thread, and the overall lot of the story:
A group of astronauts and cosmonauts go on a space mission in the year 2009, however they’re vessel is lost in the deep reaches of space. After a hopeless search effort, the NASA team gives up. However, 30 years later, a UFO crash lands in Houston, and from within emerged the missing persons. Their return is all but normal of course, as they didn’t waste endless time and space, they mastered it.
I. The launch and loss (500 words~) COMPLETE! [549 words]
II. The rescue and revelation (500 words~)
III. The tragedy and redemption (150 words~)
Here's my thread, and the overall lot of the story:
A group of astronauts and cosmonauts go on a space mission in the year 2009, however they’re vessel is lost in the deep reaches of space. After a hopeless search effort, the NASA team gives up. However, 30 years later, a UFO crash lands in Houston, and from within emerged the missing persons. Their return is all but normal of course, as they didn’t waste endless time and space, they mastered it.
I. The launch and loss (500 words~) COMPLETE! [549 words]
II. The rescue and revelation (500 words~)
III. The tragedy and redemption (150 words~)
Character names (Note - All names are plays on famous astronauts/cosmonauts): Neil Armlong, Ring Caldron, Christa McAudeath, and Nekita Crusev
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The year is 2009. NASA is readying to launch the WISE II mission into space, which serves the purpose of finally exploring deep space. There is also one Russian cosmonaut recruit on-board. Here is their legacy:
“How’s it going in there guys? Everything checked out?”
“Yes Houston, all systems are a go!”
“Alright gentlemen and our fine lady, T-minus 24 until countdown.”
“It’s show time guys.” grinned Neil Armlong. He is the head of this operation.
“T-minus 10.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1 –“ The last second is the greatest pause, when the galaxy freezes, the laws of time and motion collapse, and awe is struck with the speed of light. This experience will FOREVER remain with them…
“Blastoff!” In seconds the crew is blasted miles through earth’s dense atmosphere, and finally, emptiness.
“Welcome to the ultimate vacation spot, space!” joked Ring Caldron, the resident comedian and physicist.
“Home sweet home guys and gals, we’ll be here for awhile. Start activating the thrusters, radars, radiation senso-
“We know, we know boss, we’ve been through procedure and training for months!” interrupted Christa McAudeath, teacher and critically acclaimed astronomer.
“Current speed Niki?”
“3 g Captain, steady as she goes. All systems check… (clicks of switches and buttons go on) and zero gravity is now active.”
No vacuum could disperse this air tight crew. Each member showed their talents, and their teamwork demanded notice for its fluidity. A jokester, a miraculous mind, a dedicated, wholehearted leader, and a foreign supporter.
“Alrighty then guys, now we can enjoy ourselves!”
Caldron threw on his Bose speaker system he brought with his personal belongings, which bellowed out sweet jazz.
“Why you brought that thing I’ll never know…” commented Nekita Crusev. She can be considered the outcast member, a Russian cosmonaut, however she could not be all the tighter. Niki , as she was known around all here close NASA associates, was peaceful, open minded, and spawned bliss.
“It’s who I am, quite obviously” he snipped back with his whimsical remark.
“Crunch time guys, once we arrive to the International Space Station for check up and refueling, it’s full speed ahead to activate FAST. We have 36 hours to get everything prepped, and a space walk in six.”
“Roger Roger.” In unison they followed such a demanding man. Neil Armlong is not only an astronaut, but an ex-marine, and a high school sports coach. His years of leadership completely qualify him for this position of captain.
“Guys, something’s on radar, and it doesn’t look pretty.”
“Well what is it Christa?!” A sudden shiver ran threw the spine of the crew, it even twisted the cold metal of the carrier.
“It’s then Sun, it’s emitting solar winds of rare density, proportion, and composition…”
Everything that happened next was a blur. The warning light for immense radiation set off. The pilot light for emergency preparation set off, putting up the radio shields and other preparatory gadgets. There’s no sound in space, but the lash of the energy shook their bones, rattle their conscience.
"I’m gonna try to phone in Houston!” Armlong dived and weaved to the console.
“WISE crew, I repeat WISE crew are you ok???” Suspense filled the control room back at the NASA space center.
“Houston... chhhh.. we have a – chhhhh…”
As swift as a heart beat, then line cut short.
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"On this day, the 30th anniversary of the tragic accident of the WISE II crew, we like to dedicate a new memorial, and national day of remembrance for their services and sacrifice for discovery."
Silence swept the crowd. It was June 12th, 2039. Momentous depression, guilt, and anguish..."