INT. NASA - MISSION CONTROL - NIGHT
Lewis said over comms, "Mission control, this is Hermes actual. We are go for launch, and will proceed on schedule. 10 seconds to launch... mark."
INT. HERMES - FLIGHT DECK - SPACE
Martinez said, " Main engines start."
Johanssen began counting down. "8... 7... mooring clamps released..."
"About five seconds, Watney," Lewis told them. "Hang on."
INT. MAV - DAY
Mark tensed in anticipation. "See you in a few, Commander."
Johanssen said over comms, "4... 3... 2... 1... Liftoff."
Mark was slammed back into his acceleration couch.
EXT. LAUNCHSITE - DAY
The MAV launched upward with incredible force.
INT. MAV - DAY
Mark couldn't even gasp -- the wind knocked out of him -- he struggled to remain conscious as the ship shook violently.
Mark was staring forward, at the Hab canvas, which now had patches where the nosecone used to be.
As the ship accelerated, the canvas began to rip.
INT. HERMES - FLIGHT DECK - SPACE
"Velocity 741 meters per second," Johanssen said. "Altitude 1350 meters..."
"That's too low-" Lewis realized.
"I know," Martinez answered. "It's fighting me-"
"Velocity 850, altitude 1843-" Johanssen informed.
"Watney?" Lewis called. "Watney, do you read? Can you report?"
INT. MAV - DAY
Mark was barely conscious -- his eyes were drifting from terrified to serene.
The canvas ripped free, revealing the Red Planet.
As as it thinned, the red gave way to the black.
The last thing Mark saw before he fell unconscious was the stars.
INT. HERMES - FLIGHT DECK - SPACE
"He's well below target altitude," Johanssen warned.
"How far below?" Lewis asked.
"Working on it -- Main shutdown in 3...
2... 1... Shutdown."
"Back to automatic guidance," Martinez said. "Confirm shutdown."
"Watney?" Lewis called. "Do you read?"
INT. HERMES - AIRLOCK 2
"Did she say 68-" Beck began.
INT. HERMES - FLIGHT DECK
SPACE
"-kilometers?" Beck finished. "Kilometers?"
SPACE
Beck said over comms, "He's probably passed out. He pulled 12 G's on the ascent. Give him a few minutes."
"Copy," Lewis replied.
"I have interval pings," Johanssen informed. "Intercept velocity will be 11 meters per second..."
Beck spoke over comms. "I can make that work."
"Distance at intercept will be-" She went pale. "We'll be 68 kilometers apart."
"Oh my god," Martinez muttered.
YOU ARE READING
If Tomorrow Never Comes
Science FictionEsmeralda, Esme, Watney works with Mindy Park as a satellite engineer. Her high school sweetheart, her husband, is on the Hermes on a mission to Mars. When she receives the devastating news that he's dead, she must do her best to juggle her grief...
