Chapter Eleven: Rockets into the night
Braxton is captain once again, as he pilots the large cigarette boat at three-quarters throttle through the calm Gulf waters. The Great Blue Hole, just ahead. At 76-mph, the powerful machine eats up the distance like it’s nothing. Inside the open cabin area, Kara and their four friends sit comfortably, strapped in tightly. Above the wind noise, they chat about current events and other things, as the Blue Hole Delight platform grows large. Pulling up to one of the docks, they’re greeted by six smiley, and very tanned people. Toby and Cooper offer their strong hands for support, as their friends climb out of the craft and onto the floating dock. There are hugs and handshakes all around, as Adam, Ling, Jax, and Harper practically mug their northern friends with enthusiastic greetings.
The large platform has a tourist reception building, with a cozy restaurant and four submersibles parked at the dock. Blue Hole Delight employees, scurry about the place, making ready for yet another underwater excursion. The business is being run almost exclusively by these long-time employees, that had bought into the venture; allowing Braxton, Kara and the others, plenty of free time to wallow in their own crapulence. The restaurant provides a safe-haven from the scorching star above. It seems like the climate grows hotter with each passing season. The group has a great time reminiscing about their asteroid wrangling days. Kara brings out her 13-piece moon collection. Each one, the size of a golf ball, and with a story to tell of the eternal loneliness of outer space. Each one, a precious reminder of days long past....
When Harper hears the news about Nyla and Wil, he’s totally shocked, as are the rest of the group. He takes his cap off, as he might at a funeral. A jagged scar, runs across his forehead just below the hairline, from his meeting with a river rock four weeks earlier. Looking at the pair of soon to be gone-forever friends. “I sure wish you guys wouldn’t go.” He begs, adding. “I think I can speak for the rest, when I say that we all feel like Aunts and Uncles to you both. But, if Max has come to grips with you guys leaving the nest, and boy howdy, I do mean ‘leaving the nest’, then I guess we can be happy for you too. But that’s going to take time, because we know firsthand how inhospitable space can be for humans and machines alike. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.” He says honestly, if not a little undiplomatically.
A round of agreement flows through the group, but then Ling speaks her mind. “While I can’t agree with the last part of Harps statement, I will say this. We wouldn’t have been able to live the life we have for the past 35-years without our little adventure into space. And I’m quite certain that humanity won’t be able to continue existence, without others sacrificing their Earth-bound luxuries for a higher purpose.” She says gracefully, adding. “Personally, I feel that Max’s dream has a far greater chance for success, with you two donating your lives to its fruition.”
Toby grabs the moment, proposing a toast. “Here’s to Nyla and Wil; may their journey be free from disasters, and their tomorrows filled with lots of shiny new faces crying for a bottle and a diaper change!” She says, with bright optimism and light hearted joke. After all, the purpose of the mission is to make babies. Lots of babies.... All clink their glasses, except for the androids who simply sit with bright expressions on their faces. Plenty of here-here’s, go around.
Cooper exclaims. “Three cheers for Nyla and Wil! And three cheers for Tina and Carter, who will hopefully be changing lots of diapers, way before!” She has a hardy laugh.
“Hip-hip, hurray! Hip-hip, hurray! Hip-hip, hurray!” They exclaim in unison, as Harper leans too far back in his chair, and gravity teaches him another hard lesson. Down he goes, landing in a heap with his drink spilled all over his shirt. The group has such a good laugh, that all the previous sadness immediately dissipates and blows away. They can always depend on poor old Harp, coming to the rescue with some unintended personal disaster of his own making.
After helping him get back on his feet, and seeing that he’s okay, Kara suggests that they give their four visitors a tour of the Blue Hole. It would be a sin to come all this way and not see one of the true last wonders of the world, she informs. Like the many smaller mainland Cenotes, this deep gouge in the Earth took eons to develop. At approximately 1,000-feet-in-diameter, and more than 400-feet-deep, it’s an impressive hole in the coral, that’s been full of water at times, and mostly dry at other times.
It’s decided that Cooper and Toby, will pilot the submersible. Carter is silently wondering if he should be worried about claustrophobia. Then, his better-half speaks up. She addresses Braxton, as he seems to be the one who still calls the shots. “Uh Brax, I’m not sure if you’re aware of why Carter isn’t going on the mission but......”
Before she can finish, Braxton cuts her off at the pass. “Oh, yes Tina, I’m aware. But, it slipped my mind. Sorry, my bad.” He admits sheepishly. Looking back at Carter, he offers. “You see; I’ve never thought of these submersibles any differently than the confines of an aircraft cockpit. In fact, the subs have a much better view of the outside. The hull, is mostly clear Plexiglas; and spacious too! We’ll go easy, and return to the surface if any discomfort arises.” He promises, sending a smile in Tina’s direction, hoping his new friends will trust his judgment.
Carter is proud of Tina for stepping in on his behalf. He feels much more at ease, and is willing to push the envelope. After all, he really didn’t mind the confines of an aircraft cockpit, or even the launching into space. He just couldn’t use a space suit, or sleep in confined places. He had never spent more than 6-days in space, since his one and only round trip to Lunar City, three-years earlier.
“I’ll try it Brax.” He says bravely. “And thanks for bringing it up, Tina. I believe it’ll be okay. Let’s go.” He says with cautious optimism. On the way to the docks, Braxton grabs three life jackets for his heavy android friends. “Here you go; now I’m no great scientist, but am I correct in assuming, that you folks might have a hard time swimming?” He asks, dubiously.
“We sink like rocks, Brax!” Nyla blurts out, without embarrassment. “We have the buoyancy of lead.” She admits one of the bad points of being an android. “But if possible, we can walk out. We need some form of air pressure as a general rule, but for a short time, the lack of it won’t pose a problem. Provided we don’t leak; then all bets are off.” She finishes with a hardy laugh.
As Braxton helps with her life jacket, he says. “Well my dear, we just won’t let you have a chance off falling in. But if you do, just pull on these tabs, and there should be enough buoyancy to keep you on the surface.” He instructs, kindly.
Carter doesn’t notice any claustrophobic anomalies, as the surface of the ocean closes over, and the submersible sinks beneath the waves. Toby allows the machine to descend to a depth of 40-feet. There’s still plenty of sunlight bathing her group of friends through the clear Plexiglas walls and ceiling of the sub. The rim of the Blue Hole is not far away, and already the multi-colored corals and fish, begin to come into view. Just outside the sub, a school of Midnight Parrotfish leisurely swim past, followed closely by several Caribbean reef-sharks. Off in the distance, a single hammerhead shark, swims along on its lonely search for food and sex. Soon, the rim of the grand abyss, looms menacingly large.
“Attention everyone.” Toby announces on the intercom. “We’re arriving at the Blue Hole. Our route today, will be taking us on a circumnavigation of the inner-wall, at a depth of about 100-feet. That’s about the extent of the brightest corals anyway. Since the increase in ocean levels, the corals below that level, don’t receive enough sunlight to exist.” She informs. And, as the sub crosses the threshold of the rim, the bright corals give way, to a dark-blue abyssal void.
Carter notices a slight discomfort, as the bottom drops out from their underwater world. But, Tina takes his hand, squeezing reassurance into his mind. That’s all he needed, to enjoy the beautiful scenery flowing past the sub. They descend further and further away from the surface, and the endless supplie
s of air that his human-influenced subconscious, cries out for. Squelching the inner-cry, the brave android enjoys the dive as best he can. It’s a complicated issue, that he wishes he could master. Perhaps, with Tina’s help, he can....
The tour of the Great Blue Hole, is just what the doctor ordered for the entire group. It had been a while since many of them visited the natural wonder, and their northern friends are blown away by all the aquatic beauty. Life is good, as they return to the platform.
For the next several days, the visitors are treated like royalty. They’re escorted all around the country of Belize. They especially enjoy the tours into the jungles that contain many Mayan ruins, from centuries long past. Unfortunately, these excursions into the wilds, must be accompanied by military commandos, that offer security in a crazy world. There are so many have not’s in the area, that it isn’t safe to venture too far into the jungle without firearms. All over the planet, the same kind of scenario is becoming commonplace, as society and civilization in general, begins to unravel.
As the final day of their visit arrives, the four northerners enjoy a gathering of friends that includes all the spouses, children and grandchildren of their gracious hosts. It’s a family reunion that culminates with a motorcade of vehicles taking the group to the airport, where Max’s beautiful Bessie awaits. With a flurry of hugs, kisses and handshakes all around, the eight retired asteroid hunters say farewell to wives, husbands, and offspring, before settling into the comfortable seats inside the aircrafts passenger cabin.
Climbing out of Belize International Airport, Tina is pilot in command. Carter, is in charge of radio’s and navigation. Captain Feldman, fly’s a couple of low circles around the colorful Great Blue Hole, before turning to a northwesterly heading. She puts Bessie into afterburner, rapidly climbing to 45,000-feet where the air is smooth. The flight proceeds without complications. The weather is hot and clear, as they approach Higgs-Boson Airfield. Carter obtains permission to land, and Tina sets the big machine down so smoothly, that everyone on board is impressed with her exacting precision.
Max and Shirley, are excited like school children when their group of friends arrive at the mansion. Max hadn’t felt this good in years, and Shirley has a tough time keeping up with him, as he scurries to and fro, making sure everyone is comfortable as they relax in the parlor. With the launches set to occur within the next 48-hours, they needed a distraction to take the edge off the stress that’s been building exponentially, since the day of the attempted nuclear attack.
That evening, Max, Shirley, and the gang, drive to the gymnasium which is located next to the housing complexes at Higgs-Field. Inside, are 206 android persons that volunteered to attend the mission. Nyla and Wil will make that number 208. Each rocket, and each starship, will be home to 52-android-astronauts. The large group of mechanical people, is a mix of varying skin tones. They would fit nicely into positions at the United Nations, if not for the fact that they have a much higher calling in life.
Max has rarely seen all of them together in one group. It’s a little intimidating for him to address such a scholarly gathering. But, he had visited with each and every one of them, many times in the past. He owed them all a huge debt of gratitude for the invaluable assistance they had already provided. Without their help, the mission would not only be delayed by years, but also be dead in the water after reaching the destination. With nobody to shake-n-bake; humanity would have to be happy with living in the confines of just our solar system. They are his everything.... After his friends have a chance to greet some of the pioneers, and find themselves seats, the doctor walks to a small podium amongst a chorus of lite applause. Tapping on the microphone, he begins his short speech.
“Good evening to all of you. Thank you for attending. I wish to take a moment, and remember the two lives that were lost during the search for the bomb. Claire and Shane were hard working, and dedicated aviators, who never flinched from danger. They will be deeply missed by everyone involved with this important endeavor. We can only hold their memories close to our hearts, and hope that their sacrifice was not in vein.”
The doctor nearly repeats a part of the speech he gave to most in this very group the day after the mid-air collision occurred. However, due to the call of duty, about a third of them couldn’t make that gathering, but are here now. The audience begins to applaud in unison, as the doctor pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing.
“A wise person once asked me how sentient people such as yourselves,” he sweeps his hand, “could ever volunteer for such a dangerous mission as we have before us during these troubling times. My answer to him, is that you all feel it is necessary to seek autonomy for your own species. And that with humanity on the brink of disaster, the best place for that to occur, is out there,” he points upward, “among the stars.” Another round of applause helps the doctor relax.
“To stay on Earth, is tantamount to a possibly long road of servitude and dependence on humans, for the basic needs you all require for happiness. Oh sure, there might someday be equality between humans and androids, but that will take a very long time; time that may run out sooner, then later. But run out, it surely will. At least for the way of life we all enjoy today.”
“For a wise person, he still didn’t quite understand, until I mentioned that the mission will include the necessary scientific equipment for you to not only live a happy life, but a prosperous one also. Allowing you to evolve at your own pace, and to have total autonomy over your own destinies. And to live with humans that know the android people not only as equals, but also as parental figures.” An enthusiastic applause erupts from the large group of androids. They all have a deep respect for the doctor, and understand the gravity of his statements. Independence, and autonomy, is paramount in all their minds.
“It is my deepest belief that long before you folks reach your destinations; earthly human beings will have completely worn out Mother Nature’s welcome-mat.” The doctor predicts, adding. “But with your gracious efforts, humanity’s pilot-light will not be extinguished!” He raises his voice, with an optimistic tone. “Humans and androids will continue to grow and evolve in a way that the universe intended! All, with the freedom and ability, to explore even beyond the destinations that you’ll be using as a springboard into the galaxy, and perhaps beyond!” More applause; louder this time.
“On the way over here to speak with you this evening, I asked myself how I could possibly thank you for the sacrifices you will surely endure during this mission. It’s not the first time I’ve pondered such a thought, and each time I get the same results. I can only hope that my efforts to provide you with life here on Earth, and the best escape vehicles money can buy, might be thanks enough.” The entire audience stands, applauding energetically, and the doctor understands that he had indeed thanked them properly.
“Other than that, I can only thank you, not only from the bottom of my heart, but also from the bottom of humanity’s heart. Mother Nature allowed humans to be the only animals on the planet to be able to save themselves from extinction by use of highly advanced technology.” The doctor pauses a few moments, glancing from one end of the audience to the other, then continues with a genuinely appreciative tone. “And you folks ARE that highly advanced technology! May you all have a safe journey, and a prosperous existence out among the stars!”
He finishes his speech, receiving a round of applause to be proud of. All the android people come down from the bleachers and approach him. The males thank the doctor with a hand shake, and the females give him an affectionate hug. The doctor has never been so happy in his life, as he is during those moments in time!
Nyla and Wil are the last to embrace him. After 104-handshakes, and 104-hugs, the doctor is surprised that he’s still able to function. But with the auditorium starting to clear out, he and his circle of friends make their way out to the limos that will take them back home. It’s a hot evening, but the group decides to relax on the doctor’s veranda, watching th
e sun set over the four towers that will soon release their fiery giants. Within the next 24-hours, humanity’s new life will begin.... And, it will not start by going quietly into the night.
Launch-day begins with a hot star baking the region with intense radiation. It’s only 8am, but the mercury is already hitting 94-degrees. Catering company personnel are arriving to put the final touches on the set-up for that evening’s event. Max is still sleeping-in after a very late night. He took a strong tranquilizer at 4am with hopes of sleeping in until mid-afternoon. It just wouldn’t do, to miss out on all four of the launches, from the lack of sleep.
Nyla, Wil and their friends, spend a good portion of the day being flown around the region by human pilots that were happy to volunteer for the flight. Sightseeing, and looking for anything out of the ordinary, was the mission of the day. Bessie performs admirably. They fly over Carter’s crater, and all joke with him about how he needs to improve on his landing skills. “Somehow the glide-ratio for that final-approach just seems a little steep, don’t you think, Carter?” Ling quips, and they all have a good laugh.
“Yes, it does seem that way Ling. In fact, you don’t know just how close that landing came to blowing up in my face.” Carter jokes about something that was no joke at the time.
Braxton joins in with a more sensible reaction to the deep, black crater. “Hey Carter, don’t let them pull your leg; any landing that a person can stumble away from, is a damn good landing in my book.” He says, patting the smiling android on the back. Another round of laughter as they head back to Higgs-Field. It’s getting late in the afternoon, they are running low on fuel, and it just wouldn’t due to have another crater formed in the badlands!
Guests start arriving at Max’s estate around five in the afternoon. Shirley and Max are there to greet each one. The star above is baking everything in its path, as the planet rotates beneath, but the sky is mostly clear, and displaying a deep-blue hue. If not for the intense heat, the afternoon would seem like any other beautiful day from centuries past, before things got so out of whack. The doctor is thankful for that. At least the launches won’t be scrubbed, due to inclement weather.
There are many open-air tents that block out the worst of the solar radiation. They’re spread out across the ten-acre back yard of the estate. Several large mobile air-conditioners, that are normally used at the airfield for cooling the interior of aircraft, have been relocated, and are blowing cold air through the area where the guests will be seated. This makes the conditions under and between the tents, the most pleasant feeling backyard in all New Mexico. There’s plenty of food and drink for everyone, as the sparse group of early arrivals slowly but steadily, morphs into a larger crowd.
The governor of New Mexico, and Presidents of many nations, including that of the United States, are among those in attendance. There has never been an attempt to launch so many heavy-lift rockets, in such a short timeframe, so this is going to be one for the record-books in many categories. Fortunately, the prevailing winds will take the toxic fumes that the rockets unleash, in a direction that will not impact the gathering. Just the planets biosphere in general.....
As the time for launch from Alpha-tower comes near, the doctor readies a short speech that he had prepared for the crowd, and any people of Earth that might gave a damn. Nyla and Wil, are in attendance. They’re leaving from Charlie-Tower, and have time to watch the first rocket rip open the evening sky, before they must go.
Max moves through the crowd, greeting people on his way to the raised platform. Past the gaggle of reporters, that are restricted to an area between the guests and the podium. Gaining the platform, the doctor gazes across the crowd, and casually pours himself a glass of water. Behind him, the sun is setting; turning much of the western sky, a blaze of orange and red, as it nestles behind a veil of small clouds positioned atop distant mountain ridges. The wind is calm, and the evening beautiful. Noticing that most of his guests have quieted down and are turning their attention towards him, Max taps the microphone a few times as is his habit, and begins speaking. It’s just 5-minutes, until the first moment of truth arrives. The doctor, has never been so nervous in his long life.
“Ladies and gentleman, dignitaries and statespersons, I offer you my sincerest gratitude for joining me this fine evening. You have all traveled to this dry and dusty stretch of desolation from near and far, to celebrate a new beginning for the human species. And also, a new path for the android species that is so very instrumental to our achieving such a lofty goal. From the moment that life crawled out of the sea, many hundreds of millions of years ago, nature has developed and honed the human species for this moment in time.” The doctor says, proudly.
“Mother nature is not restricted to just this tiny planet, but exists everywhere in the cosmos.” He sweeps his hand across the sky. “The journey to the stars and beyond, will allow nature to continue her plan for further development of our species, and also that of the caretakers and guardians of this mission. I often like to think of them as humanity’s crossing-guards.” Checking his watch, the doctor realizes that the time is rapidly approaching for launch of Alpha-Rocket.
Doctor Max, continues. “And one of those guardians is with us this evening. He desires to be one of the crossing-guards, but cannot not attend the mission, due to unforeseen circumstances. However, when the chips were down for all the people here at Higgs-Boson Airfield, and indeed all of humanity, my good friend Carter, risked life and limb. He prevented the thermonuclear annihilation of everything we see around us this evening.” Again, he sweeps his hand across the scenery. “Not to detract any glory from the many other heroes that went forth that day to stop those fiends, but it was Carters destiny to prevail in that search. Without realizing it, he became the most instrumental person for protecting this mission to date. Without his efforts, you all could very well be spending this evening in a very different way.” An enthusiastic round of applause erupts from the crowd, as they look around for this hero the doctor had mentioned.
Carter is stunned at hearing the doctor speak of him. He was hoping to keep a low profile. When the doctor started his speech, he had been showing off his new arm to the President of the United States, Jenna Morris, and is still seated next to her.
The doctor’s phone rings, and he excuses himself. “Yes yes, I’m so glad to hear that, Mr. Darcy. Thank you very much.” Max says to the director of Alpha-Tower. He’s just been informed that the rocket is ready for launch, and authority to do so had been transferred to a remotely controlled devise that he has in his pocket.
“Without further ado, I wish for Carter to come up here and do the honors for this first launch of humanity’s journey to a new life among the stars.” The doctor pulls a small device from his pocket, holding it up for the crowd to see. It’s about the size of a portable credit-card scanner. He swipes a security-card through its reader, waiting for a green light that will indicate successful synchronization with the launch computers.
“Please excuse me, Madam President.” Carter requests with a warm smile, and heads for the platform, as the doctor continues.
“With this devise, Carter will set in motion, events that will change humanity’s existence in this wonderful universe we call home.” At seeing Carter moving through the crowd, the many guests stand up, giving a warm round of applause. Those within reach, pat him on the back as he passes. Carter has never been so proud, as he is during those moments in time!
After gaining the platform and greeting the doctor, Carter whispers into his ear. The doctor looks to the crowd, announcing. “Just like a true hero; Carter wishes to share this moment with his three close friends. Two of which were on the search that fateful day, and the other was within the blast zone, obtaining medical attention. Also, two of them are going on the mission onboard Charlie-Rocket at midnight. Please welcome my two children, who are leaving Earth forever; Nyla and Wilber Sohn! Also, please welcome Carters better half, Tina Feldman!” A standing ovation, as two more androids and a hu
man, join them on the platform.
With eight-o’clock fast approaching, the four heroes gather around the tiny ignition box. Each of them has a portion of their index finger on the go-button; except for Tina, who is happy to just place her hand over Carters. Behind the platform, a large digital clock is about to read 7:59:45…. When the time-readout becomes 5-seconds older, 500 guests loudly start a countdown to blast-off.
Inside Alpha-Rocket, 52 androids are securely fastened into their seats, as the fateful moment arrives. They wear only flight jumpsuits, instead of space suits like astronauts did in the old days. If there’s a catastrophe during launch, space suits would not help. However, there actually are suits for all to use, when and if the need arises during the mission. All of them are holding the hand of their partner, as they wait for the kick in the pants that they expect very soon. One of them named Carla yells out, “Here we go everyone! Say goodbye to good old planet Earth!”
At precisely eight-o’clock in the evening of May twelve, 2238; Doctor Maxwell Sohn’s dream starts in earnest, as his four friends push the button real good! Off in the distance, a huge plume of smoke and fire, rises next to the tall rocket. Just when it seems that the huge machine isn’t going to budge, it breaks free from the calibrated clamps and hold down arms, rising proudly into the darkened sky. As the massive rocket strains against gravity, nearly 8-million-pounds of thrust give it freedom from its earthly bondage. It gains more and more momentum with each passing second.
The crowd goes wild! Hoots, hollers, and loud handclapping, erupt all around. Soon after, the rockets monstrous roar, reaches the gathering with incredible authority. Jaws drop open, eyes widen, as the tumult hits them with a physical force. Many, fall backwards into their seats. Some, don’t land so gracefully. The ground shakes.... Many who have not already inserted earplugs, put hands over their ears, as the violence of 30,000-gallons of liquid-hydrogen and oxygen burning each second, fans out across the airfield and surrounding desert region.
After 20-seconds, the rocket finally clears the mobile launch-tower that had held it upright during its construction. Its eight main-engine nozzles, gimballing to keep the big machine on track, as it accelerates into the evening sky. A cacophony of loud snaps and pops, are audible from the machine, as its thrust rips the atmosphere surrounding the exhaust nozzles. Bright white plasma, nearly blinds the spectators as it shoots 500-feet out of the bottom of the accelerating interplanetary ballistic-missile.
Before the next 60-seconds pass, the big machine begins a pitch change, sending it into the higher atmosphere at an angle, instead of straight up. As it approaches 400-feet-per-second, the maximum dynamic pressure is being applied to the vehicle. Other than the first 30-seconds of flight, this is one of the most dangerous aspects of the journey through the lower atmosphere.
As it gains velocity, it passes through the sound barrier at an altitude of 3-miles. At this altitude, it breaks back into direct sunlight. Shock-collars of condensation clouds, can be seen forming just aft of where the rocket narrows, where stage-two joins with the third. After almost 3-minutes of hard acceleration, the fuel in the first-stage is depleted. Fuel line pressure-sensors, agree that pressure has dropped to a minimum level, so valves are closed in preparation for stage separation. Then, after all connections between the first stage and its parent are severed, solid-fuel rocket motors within the top of the stage ignite, helping it back away from the rest of the vehicle at an altitude of 40-miles. The stage falls away gracefully, as three monstrously-huge parachutes slow its decent to the desert floor.
Inside the rockets crew module, 52 astronauts are thrown hard into their harnesses, as the rocket slows for a few seconds before the second stage ignites. The immense inertia that’s stored in their bodies, wants to continue the upward momentum. As the second stage ignites, they’re slammed back into their seats as the rocket continues its violent acceleration towards space. The second stage burns massive amounts of fuel for about five minutes, propelling the vehicle to an altitude of 110-miles, and a velocity of 23,000-mph. By this time, the doctors guest can only see a tiny dot of light, that is the fleeing rocket. But, in space, the third stage of the machine is working hard to send the saviors of humanity on their way to the moon at 27,000-mph, where needed fuel will be obtained for the next leg of the journey to Martian orbit, and the waiting starships.
Large amounts of adrenaline, course through the veins of the doctor’s guests, as the impact of the violent event is fully absorbed. Most of them have never witnessed anything like it before in their lives. Many decide to stay, and watch the rest of the launches, which will culminate at 2am. Even the four who pushed the launch-button are beside themselves with excitement at witnessing such a spectacular event. But two of them must leave the party soon, so they won’t miss their own rocket ride.
As Max, and the four who assisted, settle back down at President Morris’s table, there’s much congratulations poured upon them from nearby guests. Even Jenna looks at the group of adventurers, with a gleam of admiration. She was just 2-years-old, when a much younger Maxwell Sohn had started this wild dream of his, and while growing up, she had thought many times about becoming an astronaut. She often wonders about how fast things had changed since those days. Now, astronauts can be built on an assembly line, she ponders enviously.
Jenna, like many humans, are still in shock that the scientists employed at Sohn Space Systems have perfected a human shaped computer that could not only think for itself, but can contemplate its own future, in ways that mimicked biological minds. However, she is most jealous that these new life forms can live indefinitely, given proper care. However, when she puts those petty emotions to the side, she finds that she has a tremendous respect and admiration, for anyone willing to endure what it will take to make this mission succeed.
After the congratulations diminish, and the group settles back into friendly chitchat, Jenna reaches across the table, taking Nyla’s hand. “My dear, I’m so proud of you and Wil. You two are following a dream in ways that quite frankly, scare me to death.” She admits her fears. “But everyone on Planet Earth owes you, and every other person involved with this mission, a whole heap of gratitude, to say the least.” Her warm smile, melts Nyla’s circuits.
“Thank you, Madam President. We’ll do our best…. or die trying.” She responds with a hardy laugh, adding. “But don’t forget, we androids will be pursuing our own petty interests also. In many ways, our species is in much more danger of becoming extinct than yours. This mission is as important to us, as it is to you who remain here on Earth.” The lovely android illuminates the flip side to that coin.
Wil chimes in.... Not so much because he has anything important to say, but because he simply likes the pretty lady president, very much. “Perhaps you could join us, Madam President!” He jokes, with a wink. “We can drop you off at Mars. That would be a nice feather in your cap, and would look great on your resume too!” He says with a laugh. Reaching across the table, he takes her hands into his for a few memorable moments. She squeezes back, and they both wish it could happen as easily as that.
Jenna perks up at the offer, looking to Max for approval. “How about it Max? Is there room for little ole me in that big rocket of yours?” She asks, jokingly.
“Oh, my dear Jenna; if there were only time to put in an extra seat!” He retorts quickly, with feigned disappointment. A round of laughter from all at the table. Jenna looks at her watch, not liking what she sees. Her team of agents are also hinting that it’s time to wrap up the evening.
“Wow, where does time go!” She says, looking up from her watch. Turning to the doctor, she says. “My dear Max, it’s been such a wonderful evening. I wish I could stay for the next launch, but my people are giving me the look. I wish I had more time.” She repeats sadly, adding. “Besides, I have a full schedule tomorrow, as you can well imagine. I wish you, and this incredible dream of yours, all the good fortune necessary for its success.” Then addressing Nyla and Wil, “Farewell my fr
iends. May the stars guide you on the correct path, and may your new home world have all you need for true happiness.” She says with a tearful voice, as she reaches out and warmly hugs each of her android friends.
“Thank you, madam President.” Wil says. “It’s so nice that you could join us this evening. I hope you have a nice flight back to Washington.”
“Good luck, Wil.” Jenna kisses him on the cheek.
“Thank you, madam President.” Nyla says. “I wish you the best of luck during the upcoming election. If I were only human, you would get my vote. Absentee style of course!”
“Thanks Nyla. What kind words! If you weren’t going on this adventure, I would love to have you work for me.” Jenna responds genuinely, giving her a peck on the cheek also.
Max, Shirley, Carter and Tina walk with Jenna and her entourage, out to her waiting limo that’ll take her back to Air Force One. As the President’s motorcade is departing, Max asks Carter and Tina if they would like to join him and the rest of the gang, when they escort Nyla and Wil to Charlie-Rocket.
Tina accepts the invitation graciously. “Thank you doctor; we would be honored.” Turning to Carter, she requests he inform the others that the limo’s will be waiting.
Back at the party, Braxton, Kara, and all the rest of the Belize gang, approach Nyla and Wil. They’re all so sad, as they know the time is rapidly running out for their two android friends.
“I guess you two will be leaving soon for Charlie-Rocket.” Braxton states the obvious, as Kara jumps into the conversation before any reply can be made.
“Can we escort you guys to the rocket?” She asks expectantly.
“We won’t be happy, unless you say yes.” This ultimatum from Toby.
“Please say yes! Please say yes! Pleeeease say yes!” Cooper pleads desperately.
“You might get lost on the way, without our guidance.” Jax inputs boldly.
“We’re going to miss you two so very much.” Ling relates sadly.
“It’s our last chance to say goodbye.” Adam informs, just as a person behind them trips and falls; taking half a row of empty chairs with him. The guests in the immediate area go silent, as they view the crumpled spectacle on the lawn.
The surprised androids, along with all the others, turn in unison to find Harper Williams laying on the lawn, looking up at them with great embarrassment on his handsome dark face; along with clumps of grass and dirt. “Please, can we go?” He asks meekly. “I promise not to break the rocket.” He jokes, and they all have such a great laugh, that Nyla and Wil know they are going to miss these slapstick jokers, more than can be imagined.
Carter arrives at the scene just in time to help Harper back onto his feet and brush the grass and dirt off his suit, before walking with them out to the waiting limousines.