Basecamp Mars

3 - Last minute mistakes

The moment of the launch was rapidly approaching, and the anticipation filled the air. After almost five years of meticulous planning and preparation, the final test for the Mars mission was about to take place. This launch was not a single event but a multistep process. In over ten launches, all the necessary components would be sent into orbit around Earth. These components would be used to construct a full factory in space, and shipments of raw materials would follow.

However, the final tests posed a significant challenge. A small test capsule was sent into space, mimicking the exact steps required to build the space factory. It took four attempts before the test was successful, but unfortunately, three booster rockets were lost in the process. Mars Corp, the company behind the mission, found themselves with only two remaining booster rockets. They had ordered new rockets, but the complexities of the global supply chain made it uncertain when the replacements would arrive.

Amidst the technical problems, the crew had been undergoing intensive training. Comprising seven individuals, they had been selected from a vast pool of candidates and were considered the best available for the mission. Leading the crew was Jack, the project leader and commander of the first mission. His second-in-command was Dana, a positive and resilient member of the team who served as the glue that held everyone together. Known for her humor and unwavering support, Dana provided a much-needed source of positivity in challenging times.

The flight crew consisted of Aaron and Illyas, both exceptional pilots with contrasting personalities. While they were slightly arrogant, their skills were undeniable, and their differing traits complemented each other perfectly. Referred to as the "twins" by their fellow crew members, Aaron and Illyas were inseparable. Evelyn led the scientific crew, a woman of great intelligence. She could be tough and demanding, leaving some of her colleagues in despair. Accompanying Evelyn were Richard, an arrogant and obnoxious bio scientist, and Xiu Li, a soft-spoken specialist in terraforming.

These seven individuals were entrusted with leading the mission and laying the foundation for the project's success. Their rigorous training had prepared them mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. Despite initial concerns about Jack's age, he had proven his fitness and readiness throughout the training process. As the oldest member of the crew, he reflected on his life and the sacrifices he had made to reach this point. Doubts nagged at him, but deep down, he knew this journey was the culmination of his dreams.

As the launch drew nearer, a sense of serenity washed over Jack. He couldn't help but think about his children and the wife he had lost. Were all the sacrifices worth it? Had he lived a good life up until now? These questions lingered as he made his way to the launching platform. A team of dedicated staff assisted him and the rest of the crew as they took their seats inside the capsule. Strapped in tightly, they waited for the moment that would propel them into space.

With only 30 minutes remaining, the crew fell into a solemn silence. Thoughts of loved ones filled their minds, and they contemplated what they were leaving behind. None of them looked ahead; instead, they focused on the past. Dana considered making a joke about sitting on the tip of a bomb, but decided against it, understanding the gravity of the situation.

The formal countdown began, accompanied by a confident voice that resonated throughout the launch site. Jack found himself wondering about the voice selection for his car's navigation system—an odd train of thought just moments before liftoff. As the countdown progressed, the auxiliary motors ignited, sending vibrations through the rocket. The crew members felt the immense g-forces pressing them into their seats. The rocket trembled as it ascended higher and higher, piercing through Earth's sky.

The final few months leading up to the launch had been emotionally taxing for everyone involved. However, today marked a significant milestone. Jack felt a mix of nerves and certainty as he stood on the brink of fulfilling his lifelong dream. The grueling training and sacrifices had brought him to this point, and he was ready to embark on this historic journey.