a story by Andrew K.
It had bee a long day and as I stared into the mirror brushing my teeth, my mind went over detail after detail: check, double check, all systems go. The routine had become a part of me after four long years of gruelling training. It is late and I am exhausted. The lights go out and tomorrow is a new day.
The alarm clock detonates like a bomb shuddering my mind from sleep like so many times before, only today is different. My breakfast plate is filled with adrenaline. The journey to the launch pad feels surreal. Even the blue sky and morning sun look different today. Is it the fear of lift-off or the adrenaline playing tricks on my mind? Things are now moving faster and faster. They seem a blur and I suddenly realize that there is no reflection of me brushing my teeth. The countdown checklist is in my hands. I am now answering a full command module, check, double check. The countdown to lift off has finally started. Each second of the countdown seems like an eternity as my heart starts pounding in my chest and I feel my body temperature rising. The engine thrust slams my frame into the seat straining every fibre of muscle in my body. The moment is violent and out of control like a viscous battle fighting to escape the gravity of Earth. As soon as it started, tranquil peace and serenity adorn my body. Just as I finish reviewing the mission goals, the computer notifies me it has locked onto the landing site upon Saturn. I gaze out in wonder and notice the beautiful coloured layers on Saturn’s surface.
Time is critical as I prepare for landing. Within moments, the soft thud signals it is time to walk where no human has ever walked before. The brightly coloured sand marks each step I take. An outcrop of rocks peaks my curiosity and guides my steps towards it. A flat stone tablet appears as I approach closer. What are those markings? Are my eyes deceiving me? I kneel down and barely visible on the stone tablet are inscribed the words Thou shall not kill. My helmet camera has recorded the entire event. My glove camera has taken pictures. My onboard timer has notified me I have just enough oxygen to make it back to my command module.
The journey back home with such a discovery passes by as if in slow motion. The command module notifies Earth approaching re-entry. The routine check and double check to come home has my mind racing faster with the news I will be delivering. I feel her pulling, gripping my body, accelerating it faster and faster towards Earth. Gravity can be such a wicked monster. I grab the flight controls as atmosphere starts to bounce me violently. Something is wrong. A burst of heat scorches my left glove. I am spinning faster and faster out of control. A loud explosion shudders my entire body. My arm instinctively reaches out and suddenly it is all over. I open my eyes and see the rising morning sun. My left hand is stinging from a burn. Are we alone or was it a dream?
