After a few months I was cleared to return to Terra Duorum to help with the Earth Claim colonization plan. There was no sign that the former residence were ever going to return so they were opening property up to the public for purchase. They were hoping to use this planet the way they should have used ours. To take care of Terra Duorum as well as it's former inhabitants.
I was fortunate enough to get first pick. I decided to buy something in North America and Europe. In Europe I wanted something old that could satisfy my curiosity about the past. You can see it here. I wanted to walk to halls of this museum at my leisure so that I could appreciate how far we've come as the human race.
In North America I wanted something new, so I bought a piece of what we know as the Kennedy Space Center on Earth. You can see it here. This was my home for a few months and I look forward to going back again.
This land was a symbol of what our Earth could have, and still could be if we try hard enough. This was where I wanted to settle down for my retirement once the colonization was well on it's way. There is a real rush for land on Terra Duorum, so if you want to join the adventure, better act now.
They said flying to the moon was a giant leap for man kind, by comparison I couldn't even imagine the jump we had just made.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Chapter 51 - Quarantine
I waited for a few minutes, I heard the crew talking, then laughing. I hoped that was a good sign. I could feel the pull of gravity under my butt, so I could only assume we were on a planet.
I unstrapped myself and went into the cock pit. The crew was screaming and celebrating. Outside I could see large boosters. We climbed outside and we were standing next the the space shuttle on the launch pad. In the distance we could see several rescue vehicles driving to the platform with their lights flashing.
We couldn't believe we were home.
We were confined to quarantine for about a month as they debriefed us and did tests. They had thought we perished in the rift. It was their only explanation as to why we didn't return. The captain had covered for me all along. He tried to explain that I had passed out in the cargo bay during a last minute inspection and they didn't even know I was on board. Seemed like a flimsy story, but they accepted it. They were excited to have us back, and to look over the information we brought with us.
I unstrapped myself and went into the cock pit. The crew was screaming and celebrating. Outside I could see large boosters. We climbed outside and we were standing next the the space shuttle on the launch pad. In the distance we could see several rescue vehicles driving to the platform with their lights flashing.
We couldn't believe we were home.
We were confined to quarantine for about a month as they debriefed us and did tests. They had thought we perished in the rift. It was their only explanation as to why we didn't return. The captain had covered for me all along. He tried to explain that I had passed out in the cargo bay during a last minute inspection and they didn't even know I was on board. Seemed like a flimsy story, but they accepted it. They were excited to have us back, and to look over the information we brought with us.
Chapter 50 - Strapped In
The machine still had enough power for 2 more attempts.This time we wouldn't need the roadway, since Terra Duorum and Earth should be orbiting and rotating in sync with each other. We would just stand in the center of the sphere and run the sequential automated count down.
The captains successful transport had given us a lot of hope, but we were still worried because this time we would be changing dimensions. Although the math said it should be easier, we were still very concerned.
We once again loaded the craft into the sphere and climbed on board. Although it wasn't in very good shape, it would still protect us if we ended up in outer space.
The count down had commenced. We were all strapped in. I was back in the cargo bay where this all started.
There was a bright flash as the spheres discharged their energy, I saw an intense change of colour then nothing. We weren't moving, nothing, just our craft sitting still.
The captains successful transport had given us a lot of hope, but we were still worried because this time we would be changing dimensions. Although the math said it should be easier, we were still very concerned.
We once again loaded the craft into the sphere and climbed on board. Although it wasn't in very good shape, it would still protect us if we ended up in outer space.
The count down had commenced. We were all strapped in. I was back in the cargo bay where this all started.
There was a bright flash as the spheres discharged their energy, I saw an intense change of colour then nothing. We weren't moving, nothing, just our craft sitting still.
Chapter 49 - Variables
Over the next few days, we ate, slept, and worked in the control room. We spent all of our time trying to find a way to use to transporter to return home. After a lot of digging through the computer mainframe I was able to find the profile that was used to send the population to another Earth.
In someways the equasions were simpler that sending someone into space. The travelers coordinates wouldn't change, just the dimension.
We salvaged all the information we could from the crafts computer hard drive. We had a massive amount of data on the rift that we used to navigate through it. This included various string theory variables. If we entered the correct variables into the machine, we should be able to return to our Earth.
Everything was coming together, we soon had the machine set up.
In someways the equasions were simpler that sending someone into space. The travelers coordinates wouldn't change, just the dimension.
We salvaged all the information we could from the crafts computer hard drive. We had a massive amount of data on the rift that we used to navigate through it. This included various string theory variables. If we entered the correct variables into the machine, we should be able to return to our Earth.
Everything was coming together, we soon had the machine set up.
Chapter 48 - Somehow
I tried to explain to everyone the overlapping universes that were all synced up due to gravity. Then I explained that his description of the transporter was similar to when we traveled through the space time rift.
It was all starting to make sense. Where the people went and what that machine was capable of.
There was no where for them to go to in this solar system, and the machine wasn't accurate enough for them to travel outside of it. But what if they hadn't traveled outside of the solar system? What if they hadn't even left the planet?
Maybe there was a way to use the transporter to send something into one of these other universes? Maybe they simply went to one of the other Earth's? Maybe we could use it to return home somehow?
It was all starting to make sense. Where the people went and what that machine was capable of.
There was no where for them to go to in this solar system, and the machine wasn't accurate enough for them to travel outside of it. But what if they hadn't traveled outside of the solar system? What if they hadn't even left the planet?
Maybe there was a way to use the transporter to send something into one of these other universes? Maybe they simply went to one of the other Earth's? Maybe we could use it to return home somehow?
Chapter 47 - Same
The blaze had been extinguished. The craft looked in bad shape, and who knew about the power cell. Things were looking pretty grim.
The captain regained consciousness. He asked what happened and I tried to explain that the power flow was not built with our craft in mind, it must have overloaded it.
We asked if he was ok. He said that he thought he was back in the transporter. He had felt the shaking and seen bright colors changing all around him. This sounded familiar to me as well, but I hadn't been in the transporter.
This was nagging at me, I was trying to think why it sounded familiar to me. Then I remembered, his experience was very similar to when we went through the rift. I had to repeat it out loud. The transporter is the same as the rift.
The captain regained consciousness. He asked what happened and I tried to explain that the power flow was not built with our craft in mind, it must have overloaded it.
We asked if he was ok. He said that he thought he was back in the transporter. He had felt the shaking and seen bright colors changing all around him. This sounded familiar to me as well, but I hadn't been in the transporter.
This was nagging at me, I was trying to think why it sounded familiar to me. Then I remembered, his experience was very similar to when we went through the rift. I had to repeat it out loud. The transporter is the same as the rift.
Chapter 46 - Gauge
We had moved the craft out to the power plant, not far from the machine. We were trying to figure out a way to use it to charge the ship back up.
Although the plant itself wasn't running, it still had some power stored for running the machine. This was the same power we used during the last 2 transports.
We tried to use the various equipment we could find to create some sort of adapter to charge the craft up. This took several weeks as we wanted to make sure it was done correctly.
After finally completing an adequate adapter, we connected it to the craft. The captain was inside monitoring the gauges, and I was by the plant control panel, trying to regulate the flow of electricity.
Everything was going fine at first, but then my gauge jumped to maximum. I heard a loud crack and when I looked up I could see the craft on fire.
After running outside to assist the crew we found the captain unconscious in the cockpit. One of the guys found a fire extinguisher and was trying to battle the blaze. We managed to get the captain out and on the ground.
Although the plant itself wasn't running, it still had some power stored for running the machine. This was the same power we used during the last 2 transports.
We tried to use the various equipment we could find to create some sort of adapter to charge the craft up. This took several weeks as we wanted to make sure it was done correctly.
After finally completing an adequate adapter, we connected it to the craft. The captain was inside monitoring the gauges, and I was by the plant control panel, trying to regulate the flow of electricity.
Everything was going fine at first, but then my gauge jumped to maximum. I heard a loud crack and when I looked up I could see the craft on fire.
After running outside to assist the crew we found the captain unconscious in the cockpit. One of the guys found a fire extinguisher and was trying to battle the blaze. We managed to get the captain out and on the ground.
Chapter 45 - Power Cells
After a few weeks the captain was almost back to full strength. We had developed a fairly routine to keep us busy and not thinking about hope, but it seemed like only a matter of time we would have to confront the issue.
In the end we talked about it over supper one evening. We had to make a plan. Our options were limited. Either try and live our lives here and wait for a rescue (providing the earth hadn't been struck by an asteroid), or figure out some way to use the technology around us to get off of Terra Duorum.
Since none of us were the type to sit and wait, we started to try and work out a way to leave. It seemed like our only hope was to find a way to recharge the ships power cells.
Time to get to work.
In the end we talked about it over supper one evening. We had to make a plan. Our options were limited. Either try and live our lives here and wait for a rescue (providing the earth hadn't been struck by an asteroid), or figure out some way to use the technology around us to get off of Terra Duorum.
Since none of us were the type to sit and wait, we started to try and work out a way to leave. It seemed like our only hope was to find a way to recharge the ships power cells.
Time to get to work.
Chapter 44 - Landing
He approached from the north and came in at about the correct angle. He had complete a few landings in the past and was quite experienced with handling of the craft.
He touched down at the far end of the runway, his parachutes deployed, and he came to a halt just before the end of the runway. We were lucky, this runway wasn't designed for this type of craft.
He climbed his way out, I don't think I ever saw a man look so tired in my entire life. We quickly gathered around him to help hold him up. He had been in zero gravity, alone for a few weeks, with no ability to exercise. This made him very weak.
We drove him back to the machine to get the full story from him. It sounded like quite an exhausting event. Alternating between sleep and making course corrections to guide the asteroid away from us.
He described getting transported, and it sounded very familiar. I wasn't sure if I'd seen something similar in a movie or something. But I didn't have much time to think about that as he informed us that the crafts fuel levels were very low. So low that we wouldn't be able to break orbit let alone maneuver in space. He had been so exhausted on his trip, he didn't realize how low it was getting till landing.
It seemed like we were going to be stuck on Terra Duorum.
He touched down at the far end of the runway, his parachutes deployed, and he came to a halt just before the end of the runway. We were lucky, this runway wasn't designed for this type of craft.
He climbed his way out, I don't think I ever saw a man look so tired in my entire life. We quickly gathered around him to help hold him up. He had been in zero gravity, alone for a few weeks, with no ability to exercise. This made him very weak.
We drove him back to the machine to get the full story from him. It sounded like quite an exhausting event. Alternating between sleep and making course corrections to guide the asteroid away from us.
He described getting transported, and it sounded very familiar. I wasn't sure if I'd seen something similar in a movie or something. But I didn't have much time to think about that as he informed us that the crafts fuel levels were very low. So low that we wouldn't be able to break orbit let alone maneuver in space. He had been so exhausted on his trip, he didn't realize how low it was getting till landing.
It seemed like we were going to be stuck on Terra Duorum.
Chapter 43 - Weeks
A couple more weeks passed, and we were within a day of when the asteroid was supposed to strike Terra Duorum. But the captain's work had paid off the the path had been diverted enough to miss the planet altogether.
Amazingly everything looked like it was going to work out. The captain should be returning here in the next day.
The next day like clockwork his craft started to orbit the earth and begin it's descent. He shouldn't have a problem navigating his way back to the Sphere after everything he had already done.
We could start to see him with the naked eye as he approached the commercial landing strip that I first visited so many days ago.
Amazingly everything looked like it was going to work out. The captain should be returning here in the next day.
The next day like clockwork his craft started to orbit the earth and begin it's descent. He shouldn't have a problem navigating his way back to the Sphere after everything he had already done.
We could start to see him with the naked eye as he approached the commercial landing strip that I first visited so many days ago.
Chapter 42 - But Where?
Over the next week we set up intervals to check the terminal. We tried desperately to not obsess over that data. But everything seemed to be going according to plan. The path of the asteroid was changing at a regular interval. It looked like it was going to work. This started to set our minds at ease.
I still didn't know if I was right about a matching asteroid in our universe, but if it did exist I could only hope that our actions here would be enough to move it as well. I spent a lot of time trying to understand the computer models and documentation about the layered universes. It was very complex, and I didn't have enough time to check all of their work, but for now I could only assume they were correct.
I tried to set my mind on the problem of where all the people disappeared to. From what I understood the machine could only transport objects within our solar system. Which would mean there was only a few places they could evacuate to that could be considered even remotely habitable. It ultimately came down to their moon or mars. Our early probes to this universe had visited both of those locations and showed no signs of life.
It didn't really make sense that they would go to either anyway. A mass evacuation on this scale would take up a large amount of time. They wouldn't have had time to build the necessary cities to house the population. They had to have gone somewhere else.
But where?
I still didn't know if I was right about a matching asteroid in our universe, but if it did exist I could only hope that our actions here would be enough to move it as well. I spent a lot of time trying to understand the computer models and documentation about the layered universes. It was very complex, and I didn't have enough time to check all of their work, but for now I could only assume they were correct.
I tried to set my mind on the problem of where all the people disappeared to. From what I understood the machine could only transport objects within our solar system. Which would mean there was only a few places they could evacuate to that could be considered even remotely habitable. It ultimately came down to their moon or mars. Our early probes to this universe had visited both of those locations and showed no signs of life.
It didn't really make sense that they would go to either anyway. A mass evacuation on this scale would take up a large amount of time. They wouldn't have had time to build the necessary cities to house the population. They had to have gone somewhere else.
But where?
Chapter 41 - 41 Minutes
41 minutes later we were gathered around the satellite terminal to see if he had a arrived safely.
The reading on the screen showed three blips. The asteroid, the bus, and the craft. So we knew the craft had arrived safely. Unfortunately we had no means to communicate with the craft, so we would have to wait and watch it's movement to determine if the captain was alright.
I asked the crew to busy themselves by trying to further document the machine. I told them that this information was going to be very valuable when we returned home. A sad attempt at raising moral.
A few hours later we returned to the terminal to see if there was a change. We had already configured the computer to show the asteroids original path in red, and its new path in blue. We immediately fast forwarded the current sequence of events to view Terra Duorum and see if the path would still intersect with it in the future.
The path had definitely changed, we were relieved that the captain was still alive. He had obviously done a fairly good job of maintaining his distance and gradually moving away from the asteroid to use his gravitation field like a tractor beam. It would still hit the planet, but it was getter closer to avoiding it altogether.
He would have to continue to work at changing its path, although his craft had some pull, it was much smaller than the asteroid. Hopfully in the following weeks he could change the path enough to miss the Terra Duorum but not so much that he couldn't find his way back again.
In the next week we would have a better idea of what was going to happen.
The reading on the screen showed three blips. The asteroid, the bus, and the craft. So we knew the craft had arrived safely. Unfortunately we had no means to communicate with the craft, so we would have to wait and watch it's movement to determine if the captain was alright.
I asked the crew to busy themselves by trying to further document the machine. I told them that this information was going to be very valuable when we returned home. A sad attempt at raising moral.
A few hours later we returned to the terminal to see if there was a change. We had already configured the computer to show the asteroids original path in red, and its new path in blue. We immediately fast forwarded the current sequence of events to view Terra Duorum and see if the path would still intersect with it in the future.
The path had definitely changed, we were relieved that the captain was still alive. He had obviously done a fairly good job of maintaining his distance and gradually moving away from the asteroid to use his gravitation field like a tractor beam. It would still hit the planet, but it was getter closer to avoiding it altogether.
He would have to continue to work at changing its path, although his craft had some pull, it was much smaller than the asteroid. Hopfully in the following weeks he could change the path enough to miss the Terra Duorum but not so much that he couldn't find his way back again.
In the next week we would have a better idea of what was going to happen.
Chapter 40 - Asteroid
We were nearing launch time again. We were counting down the last 10 minutes as the computer system worked its way through the last of the operations. Due to the time of day, we had to change the angle of the road to match the path of the asteroid. The captain was sitting nervously in the craft on the pad.
We really didn't know how this was going to go. I had assumed this machine had been used to transport people off of this planet, but I didn't know that for sure. We were all concerned that the craft would make it to the destination but the captain might die from the journey. We didn't really know what happened to the molecules are they were disassembled and resembled elsewhere. For all we knew DNA was too complicated to put back together again. But we tried not to focus on that.
2 minutes to go. In some ways preparation had been much easier than the previous attempt. I had gained experience, and it was helpful to have the crew to help me ready the equipment.
30 seconds to go. As far as we could tell everything was working. The arches were fully charged, prepared to hurl the craft at the sphere.
We radioed the captain to see if he was ready. He said no, but he was going to do it anyway.
The craft was propelled down the roadway and was followed by a brief flash of light.
The craft was gone.
We really didn't know how this was going to go. I had assumed this machine had been used to transport people off of this planet, but I didn't know that for sure. We were all concerned that the craft would make it to the destination but the captain might die from the journey. We didn't really know what happened to the molecules are they were disassembled and resembled elsewhere. For all we knew DNA was too complicated to put back together again. But we tried not to focus on that.
2 minutes to go. In some ways preparation had been much easier than the previous attempt. I had gained experience, and it was helpful to have the crew to help me ready the equipment.
30 seconds to go. As far as we could tell everything was working. The arches were fully charged, prepared to hurl the craft at the sphere.
We radioed the captain to see if he was ready. He said no, but he was going to do it anyway.
The craft was propelled down the roadway and was followed by a brief flash of light.
The craft was gone.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Chapter 39 - Pilot
In the end we decided that we had to send a pilot up there. The communication delay would be too great. This caused a great problem though, we would have no means to transport the craft back once it completed it's mission. The pilot and the craft would have to travel through space until they could finally return.
After much debate the Captain decided that he would pilot the ship. Ultimately he had to pull rank and tell us how the situation would be.
We went to the tower to find as many supplies as possible. We had to prepare the captain for a long flight home. We brought everything back to the craft and loaded it up. We also had to set up all the oxygen tanks that were meant for space walks so that he would have air to breath during his return flight.
Everything we added changed the mass of the ship and we were forced to redo the calculations. But it seemed we had a plan.
Transport would be at noon tomorrow.
After much debate the Captain decided that he would pilot the ship. Ultimately he had to pull rank and tell us how the situation would be.
We went to the tower to find as many supplies as possible. We had to prepare the captain for a long flight home. We brought everything back to the craft and loaded it up. We also had to set up all the oxygen tanks that were meant for space walks so that he would have air to breath during his return flight.
Everything we added changed the mass of the ship and we were forced to redo the calculations. But it seemed we had a plan.
Transport would be at noon tomorrow.
Chapter 38 - Difficulty
After raising the craft onto the transport road we could calculate it's mass.
This time was going to be a little different because we would actually be able to control it somehow, but we needed the information so that we knew how close to get to the asteroid.
It started to dawn on me why the people left Terra Durom, although they had developed transport technology, they hadn't developed space craft. It was only by combining our technology were we able to find a solution to this problem.
Once we made the necessary calculations to determine where to send the craft, we spent a lot of time trying to work out if we should send a pilot or not.
This was going to be the most difficult part of the plan.
This time was going to be a little different because we would actually be able to control it somehow, but we needed the information so that we knew how close to get to the asteroid.
It started to dawn on me why the people left Terra Durom, although they had developed transport technology, they hadn't developed space craft. It was only by combining our technology were we able to find a solution to this problem.
Once we made the necessary calculations to determine where to send the craft, we spent a lot of time trying to work out if we should send a pilot or not.
This was going to be the most difficult part of the plan.
Chapter 37 - Return
We loaded the craft onto the cargo chopper and started to fly back down the coast. Fortunately I was right about the fuel cells, they were going to last.
The chopper was quiet enough that we could discuss our plans for the asteroid. There was a definite shift in the tone of the crew. Their exploration of the technology in the city had shifted their view from the initial landing. They were starting to believe some of the things I was telling them. I may have won them over.
We took turns piloting the chopper as I was already exhausted from the flight up there.
We were trying to determine if we would need a pilot to control the ship in person, or if there was some way we could remotely manipulate it from the planet's surface.
We all knew what was at stake, but going in the machine would be risky, and it scared all of us.
After a couple days of flight we finally returned to the machine. The entire crew was in awe, and needed some time to take it all in, but we didn't have it. We landed near the tower at the end of the floating road and began unloading the craft and moving it onto the elevator.
We had some serious planning to do.
The chopper was quiet enough that we could discuss our plans for the asteroid. There was a definite shift in the tone of the crew. Their exploration of the technology in the city had shifted their view from the initial landing. They were starting to believe some of the things I was telling them. I may have won them over.
We took turns piloting the chopper as I was already exhausted from the flight up there.
We were trying to determine if we would need a pilot to control the ship in person, or if there was some way we could remotely manipulate it from the planet's surface.
We all knew what was at stake, but going in the machine would be risky, and it scared all of us.
After a couple days of flight we finally returned to the machine. The entire crew was in awe, and needed some time to take it all in, but we didn't have it. We landed near the tower at the end of the floating road and began unloading the craft and moving it onto the elevator.
We had some serious planning to do.
Chapter 36 - Trouble
The crew finally returned in their vehicle. They would have been better of stealing one of the local vehicles, but their protocol was to leave that alone and use our own gear.
I normally had a good relationship with the captain, but he was yelling at me like I just smacked his child. After he finally cooled off I had a chance to explain the situation. He seemed really apprehensive to believe me after the stunt I pulled. I pulled out my digital camera and showed him some of the technology I documented, and explained that I had no reason to lie to him. Why would I take him on a wild goose chase when I was already in enough trouble.
After a lot of work I was able to convince him to fly the craft down there in the chopper. We still had a few days to return if he didn't believe me.
I still had a lot of explaining to do, but it could wait till we were in the air.
I normally had a good relationship with the captain, but he was yelling at me like I just smacked his child. After he finally cooled off I had a chance to explain the situation. He seemed really apprehensive to believe me after the stunt I pulled. I pulled out my digital camera and showed him some of the technology I documented, and explained that I had no reason to lie to him. Why would I take him on a wild goose chase when I was already in enough trouble.
After a lot of work I was able to convince him to fly the craft down there in the chopper. We still had a few days to return if he didn't believe me.
I still had a lot of explaining to do, but it could wait till we were in the air.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Chapter 35 - Angry
This helicopter was slower than the first one. It had to move a lot more weight. I followed the coast line for as long as I could that day. I was very reliant on day light as I couldn't miss the point I marked on the coast for returning to Washington D.C.
After a restless night I jumped back into the chopper and continued along the coast. I approached Chesapeake Bay again, and turned to head due west. It didn't take long and I was over the river going through the city. I followed it north to return to the airport. I could see our craft.
I brought the chopper in for a landing near the craft, but there was no one in sight. They must have been out on an exploratory mission. I'm not sure where they were, but I had to get them back as soon as possible.
Climbing into the craft I grabbed the radio and started calling for one of them to pick up. After trying for about a minute the captain finally picked up. He demanded to know who I was, and where I was contacting him from. After a quick explanation he told me not to move and that they would return. They were going to be very angry.
After a restless night I jumped back into the chopper and continued along the coast. I approached Chesapeake Bay again, and turned to head due west. It didn't take long and I was over the river going through the city. I followed it north to return to the airport. I could see our craft.
I brought the chopper in for a landing near the craft, but there was no one in sight. They must have been out on an exploratory mission. I'm not sure where they were, but I had to get them back as soon as possible.
Climbing into the craft I grabbed the radio and started calling for one of them to pick up. After trying for about a minute the captain finally picked up. He demanded to know who I was, and where I was contacting him from. After a quick explanation he told me not to move and that they would return. They were going to be very angry.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Chapter 34 - Plan B
I ran out of the building and down to the chopper. Our craft wasn't designed to fly within the atmosphere for long periods of time, getting it to the transporter would use up far too much fuel. I had to find something that we could use to get it here.
I flew the chopper to the hanger near the runway. After landing I ran inside to find something that could carry the craft. Inside there were several triple bladed cargo choppers. This should do the trick. I was banking on the hope that their power cell could hold enough juice to get to Washington and back.
Having duplicated the procedure I used to power up my first chopper I replaced the power cell in the cargo chopper. Using the small tow vehicle outside I brought the cargo chopper out onto the runway.
After spending about a half an hour looking over the controls I was ready to go.
The three blades got up to speed and I achieved lift.
I flew the chopper to the hanger near the runway. After landing I ran inside to find something that could carry the craft. Inside there were several triple bladed cargo choppers. This should do the trick. I was banking on the hope that their power cell could hold enough juice to get to Washington and back.
Having duplicated the procedure I used to power up my first chopper I replaced the power cell in the cargo chopper. Using the small tow vehicle outside I brought the cargo chopper out onto the runway.
After spending about a half an hour looking over the controls I was ready to go.
The three blades got up to speed and I achieved lift.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Chapter 33 - Close
Time dragged and dragged by. Finally the satellite terminal showed the bus as a spec on the display near the asteroid. It arrived at exactly the right coordinates. The accuracy of this technology was incredible.
It seemed like it was close enough to have an effect on the asteroid, but the computer needed a second point on the path to see if it had changed enough to miss the Terra Durom. For this I had to wait a few more hours.
I tried to stay occupied to keep from getting too anxious, but that was very difficult. I tried to stay away from the terminal to keep my adrenaline down. I continued to take photos of the various terminals, but the quality of my notes had dropped significantly due to my preoccupation.
Finally after about 2 hours I went back to the terminal. The path seemed the same to the naked eye. I had the computer show the path prior to the transport of the bus. It looked the same. Then I realized I was looking at the asteroid, any change would almost be insignificant. I fast forwarded the simulation to view the point where it would either strike or pass by Terra Durom.
Here I could definitely see a change, but it didn't look like enough. It appeared that the asteroid would still strike somewhere in Europe instead of north america. This was still going to be a problem!
It was great to know that we could use gravity to move the asteroid, but it wasn't enough. We needed something that we could control so that we could coax it further off it's path, but there wasn't anything in this facility designed for that.
Then I remembered our space craft back in Washington. It had the maneuverability to do what we needed. The only problem was I would have to confront the crew and somehow get them to bring the craft down here.
It seemed like it was close enough to have an effect on the asteroid, but the computer needed a second point on the path to see if it had changed enough to miss the Terra Durom. For this I had to wait a few more hours.
I tried to stay occupied to keep from getting too anxious, but that was very difficult. I tried to stay away from the terminal to keep my adrenaline down. I continued to take photos of the various terminals, but the quality of my notes had dropped significantly due to my preoccupation.
Finally after about 2 hours I went back to the terminal. The path seemed the same to the naked eye. I had the computer show the path prior to the transport of the bus. It looked the same. Then I realized I was looking at the asteroid, any change would almost be insignificant. I fast forwarded the simulation to view the point where it would either strike or pass by Terra Durom.
Here I could definitely see a change, but it didn't look like enough. It appeared that the asteroid would still strike somewhere in Europe instead of north america. This was still going to be a problem!
It was great to know that we could use gravity to move the asteroid, but it wasn't enough. We needed something that we could control so that we could coax it further off it's path, but there wasn't anything in this facility designed for that.
Then I remembered our space craft back in Washington. It had the maneuverability to do what we needed. The only problem was I would have to confront the crew and somehow get them to bring the craft down here.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Chapter 32 - Waiting
Everything seemed to be in order. The bus was on the pad. The sphere was powered up. As far as I could tell everything was in working.
The satellite system was monitoring the asteroid. Unfortunately there was about a 40 min lag time. That was going to be the longest 40 minutes of my life.
I took a last look over the documentation I could find. It seemed ready to go. There was a 10 minute count down as the system had to works its way through about 50,000 operations prior to launch. Each one small but important.
An hour later I started the count down. I'm not a religious man, but I said a prayer that everything would go according to plan, despite the fact I was doing this alone and I had never been officially trained on this machinery.
Despite a long 10 minutes, everything went according to plan.
Each of the bridge arches systematically powered up in preparation for accelerating the bus.
I thought the simulation I had watched a few days earlier was in real time. I was wrong. It went from stationary to full speed in the blink of and eye. There was a bright flash as the nested spheres discharged their energy into the bus. Then it was gone. No big bang, just a flash of light and gone.
I ran to the satellite terminal and waited.
The satellite system was monitoring the asteroid. Unfortunately there was about a 40 min lag time. That was going to be the longest 40 minutes of my life.
I took a last look over the documentation I could find. It seemed ready to go. There was a 10 minute count down as the system had to works its way through about 50,000 operations prior to launch. Each one small but important.
An hour later I started the count down. I'm not a religious man, but I said a prayer that everything would go according to plan, despite the fact I was doing this alone and I had never been officially trained on this machinery.
Despite a long 10 minutes, everything went according to plan.
Each of the bridge arches systematically powered up in preparation for accelerating the bus.
I thought the simulation I had watched a few days earlier was in real time. I was wrong. It went from stationary to full speed in the blink of and eye. There was a bright flash as the nested spheres discharged their energy into the bus. Then it was gone. No big bang, just a flash of light and gone.
I ran to the satellite terminal and waited.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Chapter 31 - Go Time
Now we needed something to transport into space to bend the path. A facility like this must have several vehicles that should be about the right size. I had to find this next in order to complete the calculations necessary to decide where to transport the object. I needed to know the objects mass, so I headed outside and down to ground level.
There were several vehicles, trucks and buses parked near the end of the floating road. The buses must have been used to bring the people here prior to transport off of Terra Durom. A bus was the largest thing I could find so I climbed inside and drove it to the large elevator at the end of the roadway. Their technology never ceased to amaze me, the fact that the elevator still had power after all these years was incredible.
Once at the end of the road I drove the bus onto the platform, and then walked back to the sphere control room.
The platform holding the bus had an extremely accurate scale build into it for calculating the mass of its cargo. This was extremely helpful.
It was getting late, but I was driven by the adrenaline of the situation. I ended up staying up all night feeding data into the computer and running various simulations to ensure that the bus would have enough mass to bend the path of the asteroid.
Everything seemed like it should work. I had to work the controls to align the roadway so that it was pointing in the right direction, parallel to the path of the asteroid. My goal was to shoot the bus into the transporter so that it would come out near the asteroid, fly beside it and the gravitational pull of the bus should be enough to pull it off its path.
Go time was going to be around 2:00pm tomorrow.
I had to get some sleep.
There were several vehicles, trucks and buses parked near the end of the floating road. The buses must have been used to bring the people here prior to transport off of Terra Durom. A bus was the largest thing I could find so I climbed inside and drove it to the large elevator at the end of the roadway. Their technology never ceased to amaze me, the fact that the elevator still had power after all these years was incredible.
Once at the end of the road I drove the bus onto the platform, and then walked back to the sphere control room.
The platform holding the bus had an extremely accurate scale build into it for calculating the mass of its cargo. This was extremely helpful.
It was getting late, but I was driven by the adrenaline of the situation. I ended up staying up all night feeding data into the computer and running various simulations to ensure that the bus would have enough mass to bend the path of the asteroid.
Everything seemed like it should work. I had to work the controls to align the roadway so that it was pointing in the right direction, parallel to the path of the asteroid. My goal was to shoot the bus into the transporter so that it would come out near the asteroid, fly beside it and the gravitational pull of the bus should be enough to pull it off its path.
Go time was going to be around 2:00pm tomorrow.
I had to get some sleep.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Chapter 30 - Power
I had to get something out there, but I had no ability to launch anything into space. I had to learn to use the transporter, it was the only way.
Since the computers were still powered up after all these years I figured the power station the transporter was connected to must still be working.
I went to the main terminal to try and get a better understanding of the power level necessary to transport something into space. The power required was quite high, but it seems the power station had stopped running when the people had left this world.
Damn it. There must have been a way. If everyone left Terra Durom, they would have had to have enough power stored up to finish the last few transports without having anyone to run the station.
I went to the computer terminal that seemed to be the master for power output. From the looks of it, there was still enough power stored in capacitors for 4 transports. This must be what the control room had been running on all these years. I guess the people had finished their last transport with some sort of automatic function, since there would have been no one here to run the controls.
So the first step was done, we had enough power.
Since the computers were still powered up after all these years I figured the power station the transporter was connected to must still be working.
I went to the main terminal to try and get a better understanding of the power level necessary to transport something into space. The power required was quite high, but it seems the power station had stopped running when the people had left this world.
Damn it. There must have been a way. If everyone left Terra Durom, they would have had to have enough power stored up to finish the last few transports without having anyone to run the station.
I went to the computer terminal that seemed to be the master for power output. From the looks of it, there was still enough power stored in capacitors for 4 transports. This must be what the control room had been running on all these years. I guess the people had finished their last transport with some sort of automatic function, since there would have been no one here to run the controls.
So the first step was done, we had enough power.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Chapter 29 - Field
If only we could send some sort of signal to earth so that they could prepare for the event. A lot of people would die, but perhaps a portion of humanity could be saved.
I decided to see if the satellites were only for receiving. Maybe there was some way I could send a message.
The more I burrowed into the various sections of the computer, the more confusing it got. The satellite data was layered in a very intricate way. It seems almost everything was being used for gravity field detection. This I could understand, but it seemed like field after field was being layered on top of one another. I could see a single planet, but multiple gravitational fields.
Where were these other fields coming from?
Then it hit me. It was the gravitational field from earth and other copies of it. It seems lime the multiple universes are somehow layered directly on top of one another. Almost like they are existing in the same space and time but invisible. This could potentially completely change everything we thought we knew about gravity.
Is it possible that the gravity from these different versions of the earth could be effecting one another? Somehow keeping them in sync with each other?
What if the asteroid in each universe is effecting each other with each of their gravitational fields. Could we use that somehow to kill two birds with one stone?
If we could somehow get something by the asteroid in this universe would the objects gravitational field be enough to pull this asteroid as well as the one in our home universe off onto a new path?
Seems like it would make sense. But how the hell am I supposed to do this from Florida?
I decided to see if the satellites were only for receiving. Maybe there was some way I could send a message.
The more I burrowed into the various sections of the computer, the more confusing it got. The satellite data was layered in a very intricate way. It seems almost everything was being used for gravity field detection. This I could understand, but it seemed like field after field was being layered on top of one another. I could see a single planet, but multiple gravitational fields.
Where were these other fields coming from?
Then it hit me. It was the gravitational field from earth and other copies of it. It seems lime the multiple universes are somehow layered directly on top of one another. Almost like they are existing in the same space and time but invisible. This could potentially completely change everything we thought we knew about gravity.
Is it possible that the gravity from these different versions of the earth could be effecting one another? Somehow keeping them in sync with each other?
What if the asteroid in each universe is effecting each other with each of their gravitational fields. Could we use that somehow to kill two birds with one stone?
If we could somehow get something by the asteroid in this universe would the objects gravitational field be enough to pull this asteroid as well as the one in our home universe off onto a new path?
Seems like it would make sense. But how the hell am I supposed to do this from Florida?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Chapter 28 - Identical
We had a small window of a few weeks to get something out there to redirect the path. Based on the observational data, it wouldn't even need to be that large. Something the size of a pick up truck might be enough, providing it was at the right distance from the asteroid, and the asteroid was far enough away from other planet's gravitational forces.
Even if we couldsomehow do this, we'd have to do it twice. Once to save Terra Durom and once to save Earth. We don't have enough time to get back to Earth and complete a mission, but there is practically no one to save on Terra Durom.
Two problems that are virtually identical. How to solve both at the same time?
Even if we couldsomehow do this, we'd have to do it twice. Once to save Terra Durom and once to save Earth. We don't have enough time to get back to Earth and complete a mission, but there is practically no one to save on Terra Durom.
Two problems that are virtually identical. How to solve both at the same time?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Capter 27 - Timing
Time was running short. I had to come up with a solution soon. How incredibly frustrating. If I was at home we could get a think tank working on this, we could probably bang out a solution in a month, but even then we wouldn't have enough time to implement it.
I picked up a loose piece of pipe and hurled it out into the swampy area. It's smooth long arch carried it down into the brush.
If it wasn't for the damn gravity, we could fly out there without using up all our fuel for lift off and get to it while it's far enough away. Then we could somehow use our engines to redirect it.
That got be thinking. Was there someway we could use gravity to our advantage. We did it all the time on all kinds of space flights. We used the gravity of the moon to sling our ships back to earth. Why couldn't we do something similar here?
If we had something big enough near the asteroid it's gravitational pull might be enough to bend the path of the asteroid and redirect it away from Terra Durom.
Crazy enough, it just might work. I ran back to the satellite terminal to figure out the timing of the event.
I picked up a loose piece of pipe and hurled it out into the swampy area. It's smooth long arch carried it down into the brush.
If it wasn't for the damn gravity, we could fly out there without using up all our fuel for lift off and get to it while it's far enough away. Then we could somehow use our engines to redirect it.
That got be thinking. Was there someway we could use gravity to our advantage. We did it all the time on all kinds of space flights. We used the gravity of the moon to sling our ships back to earth. Why couldn't we do something similar here?
If we had something big enough near the asteroid it's gravitational pull might be enough to bend the path of the asteroid and redirect it away from Terra Durom.
Crazy enough, it just might work. I ran back to the satellite terminal to figure out the timing of the event.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Chapter 26 - Another Way
Even if I returned to the crew and we went back through the rift immediately, we wouldn't have enough time to return to earth and develop a strategy for redirecting the asteroid.
There just wasn't enough time.
We had to redirect it soon. It was still far enough away that if we make even a slight change it it's path. it could miss Terra Durom entirely. Unfortunately we don't have anything with enough range to get out far enough and intercept the asteroid. By the time we got to it, any change in trajectory would be insignificant and it would still strike the earth.
This has been an event that we have speculated on back home. We have developed different strategies for dealing with such an event, but nothing seemed like it would do the trick. Blowing it up wouldn't work, we would just have several hundred asteroids falling to earth instead of just one, plus radiation from the blast. Redirection was the only way.
The problem with that was we would have to land on the asteroid and use some sort of engine to propel it off of it's course. But where would we get the fuel to do so. We would probably use all of it up just getting there.
There had to be another way.
There just wasn't enough time.
We had to redirect it soon. It was still far enough away that if we make even a slight change it it's path. it could miss Terra Durom entirely. Unfortunately we don't have anything with enough range to get out far enough and intercept the asteroid. By the time we got to it, any change in trajectory would be insignificant and it would still strike the earth.
This has been an event that we have speculated on back home. We have developed different strategies for dealing with such an event, but nothing seemed like it would do the trick. Blowing it up wouldn't work, we would just have several hundred asteroids falling to earth instead of just one, plus radiation from the blast. Redirection was the only way.
The problem with that was we would have to land on the asteroid and use some sort of engine to propel it off of it's course. But where would we get the fuel to do so. We would probably use all of it up just getting there.
There had to be another way.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Chapter 25 - Time
That would mean that there could be an asteroid in our home galaxy heading on the same trajectory. But why wouldn't we have detected it?
The satellites on Terra Durom were much more powerful than on our world. Maybe that is why they had been able to track it when we could not. How likely is it that our universes mirror each other in that way?
From what I could tell, the two world's were pretty much identical until sometime around the 1940s. How identical though? The only thing I have based my reasoning on is their technology.
Perhaps they were a little too identical. Maybe they were the same up until that point. Maybe there was something that happened on an astronomical scale that caused our two universes to split and each go off in their owndirection, but having the same starting point.
If this were the case I could see why the human culture had changed so much when compared to our own. But larger bodies and motions would probably remain the same.
This was all theoretical, but it seemed that both Earth and Terra Durom were tied together. Both in their location and speed within their respective universes. Maybe over enough time our two universes would start to go out of sync, but since it has only been a few decades since the split, they are probably close to being identical.
We had to do something. To save this new paradise, our home and everyone on it. But how could we have enough time?
The satellites on Terra Durom were much more powerful than on our world. Maybe that is why they had been able to track it when we could not. How likely is it that our universes mirror each other in that way?
From what I could tell, the two world's were pretty much identical until sometime around the 1940s. How identical though? The only thing I have based my reasoning on is their technology.
Perhaps they were a little too identical. Maybe they were the same up until that point. Maybe there was something that happened on an astronomical scale that caused our two universes to split and each go off in their owndirection, but having the same starting point.
If this were the case I could see why the human culture had changed so much when compared to our own. But larger bodies and motions would probably remain the same.
This was all theoretical, but it seemed that both Earth and Terra Durom were tied together. Both in their location and speed within their respective universes. Maybe over enough time our two universes would start to go out of sync, but since it has only been a few decades since the split, they are probably close to being identical.
We had to do something. To save this new paradise, our home and everyone on it. But how could we have enough time?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Chapter 24 - Pay Dirt
Finally, pay dirt. I was able to find some data outlining the transporter theory. It strengthened my understanding of how the gravitational fields effect the transporter grid. This was essential.
It seems using this transporter to go anywhere outside of this solar system would be extremely difficult to with any level of accuracy. Our data on gravitational fields outside of our solar systems is good in some cases but it is no where near the level of understanding that we would need to go a greater distance. This seemed to put a hole in my theory that this machine was responsible for the populations disapperance from Terra Durom. Where would they go if they couldn't leave the solar system? But I couldn't focus on that right now.
It seems we'll still need to stick with a lot of hard science and invest a lot of money into computer power in order to organize the data, and make the necessary calculations.
My first impression was that distance would be related to power output. But that didn't seem to be the case at all. According to the theory, it takes the same amount of power to transport something anywhere in the galaxy. It's the accuracy that is the hard part.
The theory seemed to indicated a relationship between gravity and parallel worlds. This would probably explain why we were able to find an earth like world so easily after coming through the rift. Our two planets are tied to each other somehow through gravity. The rift is in the same position relative to the sun in both our universes. The rift is also in the same position relative to each of our planets. The observational power of their instruments is incredibly advanced.
Everything is tied together. But that would mean.....
It seems using this transporter to go anywhere outside of this solar system would be extremely difficult to with any level of accuracy. Our data on gravitational fields outside of our solar systems is good in some cases but it is no where near the level of understanding that we would need to go a greater distance. This seemed to put a hole in my theory that this machine was responsible for the populations disapperance from Terra Durom. Where would they go if they couldn't leave the solar system? But I couldn't focus on that right now.
It seems we'll still need to stick with a lot of hard science and invest a lot of money into computer power in order to organize the data, and make the necessary calculations.
My first impression was that distance would be related to power output. But that didn't seem to be the case at all. According to the theory, it takes the same amount of power to transport something anywhere in the galaxy. It's the accuracy that is the hard part.
The theory seemed to indicated a relationship between gravity and parallel worlds. This would probably explain why we were able to find an earth like world so easily after coming through the rift. Our two planets are tied to each other somehow through gravity. The rift is in the same position relative to the sun in both our universes. The rift is also in the same position relative to each of our planets. The observational power of their instruments is incredibly advanced.
Everything is tied together. But that would mean.....
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Chapter 23 - Month
The next day I continued my research of the facility. It was another beautiful day. I found myself becoming increasingly attached to Terra Durom.
I began to wonder if I gathered enough information, I could use it to leverage me out of the predicament I got myself into by stowing away. One can dream, but it was definitely extra motivation to keep working.
I drove back out to the chopper that morning. I had cleared a landing spot near the sphere. I wanted the chopper close by in case I had to get away for whatever reason.
It was nice to have all my food supplies close at hand again. I found I got lost in my exploration and didn't realize that I was hungry until I was really hungry.
I continued my systematic research. I started exploring their satellite terminal. It seems that their network of satellites was much more intricate than our own. I assumed it was because the data they gathered was essential to transporting anything to the correct location.
Some of the satellites had strange names. They looked like commercial gps satellites. Strange that these would be a part of this network. I wondered if they began incorporating them for extra data for some reason. This may explain why the choppers gps was acting so weird.
The long range satellite terminal seemed to be used for tracking different objects on the outskirts of the solar system. With a few key strokes I was able to find the asteroid that was coming towards Terra Durom. I don't know if I was reading it correctly , but it seemed like it would intersect Terra Durom's orbit within the month. That was a little distressing.
I decided that I needed to speed up my research and get back to the crew.
I began to wonder if I gathered enough information, I could use it to leverage me out of the predicament I got myself into by stowing away. One can dream, but it was definitely extra motivation to keep working.
I drove back out to the chopper that morning. I had cleared a landing spot near the sphere. I wanted the chopper close by in case I had to get away for whatever reason.
It was nice to have all my food supplies close at hand again. I found I got lost in my exploration and didn't realize that I was hungry until I was really hungry.
I continued my systematic research. I started exploring their satellite terminal. It seems that their network of satellites was much more intricate than our own. I assumed it was because the data they gathered was essential to transporting anything to the correct location.
Some of the satellites had strange names. They looked like commercial gps satellites. Strange that these would be a part of this network. I wondered if they began incorporating them for extra data for some reason. This may explain why the choppers gps was acting so weird.
The long range satellite terminal seemed to be used for tracking different objects on the outskirts of the solar system. With a few key strokes I was able to find the asteroid that was coming towards Terra Durom. I don't know if I was reading it correctly , but it seemed like it would intersect Terra Durom's orbit within the month. That was a little distressing.
I decided that I needed to speed up my research and get back to the crew.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Chapter 22 - Gravity
I had my digital camera with me. I tried to photograph everything that I could. I found a notebook and drew a map of the location and wrote down as much as I could about various details and my theory on what this technology was being used for.
I tried to work my way through the control room in a systematic way to ensure I didn't miss anything. Perhaps if I gathered enough information we would be able to duplicate some of this back home. It was a long shot, but it could bring the human race a hell of a lot closer to exploring our galaxy.
My understanding of the machine grew in leaps and bounds. It seemed that much of the theory was based on gravity and it's relationship to space time. The transport coordinate system seemed to be based on this. It created a grid using the major gravitational pulls in the solar system. In this case it was the sun and jupiter.
This seemed to be their starting point, as it would have to also take into account the various gravitational pulls of all the other planets in the solar system. It seemed each planet layered another level of complexity on the machine. Not only that, but it would also have to take into account the motions of the planets. I would assume to even transport something from here to another place on Terra Durom would have to take the orbit speed and rotation into account, to prevent the object or person from ending up in outer space or deep underground.
Exploring this "alien" technology was the most rewarding thing I had ever done.
I tried to work my way through the control room in a systematic way to ensure I didn't miss anything. Perhaps if I gathered enough information we would be able to duplicate some of this back home. It was a long shot, but it could bring the human race a hell of a lot closer to exploring our galaxy.
My understanding of the machine grew in leaps and bounds. It seemed that much of the theory was based on gravity and it's relationship to space time. The transport coordinate system seemed to be based on this. It created a grid using the major gravitational pulls in the solar system. In this case it was the sun and jupiter.
This seemed to be their starting point, as it would have to also take into account the various gravitational pulls of all the other planets in the solar system. It seemed each planet layered another level of complexity on the machine. Not only that, but it would also have to take into account the motions of the planets. I would assume to even transport something from here to another place on Terra Durom would have to take the orbit speed and rotation into account, to prevent the object or person from ending up in outer space or deep underground.
Exploring this "alien" technology was the most rewarding thing I had ever done.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Chapter 21 - Newspaper
Well that seemed urgent.
That would put the asteroid here in the next few months. I couldn't believe their foresight in getting off of Terra Durom. They must have been really well organized and put a lot of faith in their scientists that they had their math right. I can't imagine a world more opposite to my own. I could almost guarantee there would be wars fought over leaving versus not leaving.
I began to hope that the calculations in this newspaper were correct. If our calendar was right then I still had some time to get off of Terra Durom with the rest of the crew. Our organization would be sorely disappointed that the colonization of Terra Durom would not go through, but what could we do?
That didn't give us much time. Perhaps if we returned quickly we would have time to come back for one last mission before the impact?
I decided to go outside to get some fresh air. This was old news for this world, but the earth was shaking to me.
The sun was on its way down to the horizon. There was a nice cool breeze and I got another whiff of the air. I couldn't believe how clean it was. This place was just like our world, but better. They had figured out ways to live more efficiently, yet they were still forced to leave this paradise.
I figured that we might not get another chance to view this technology, and I will most likely face some sort of penalty for stowing away in the first place. So I went back inside and started to take some notes on my surroundings. I only had a few days to get as much out of this place as possible, before I would have to return to the crew.
That would put the asteroid here in the next few months. I couldn't believe their foresight in getting off of Terra Durom. They must have been really well organized and put a lot of faith in their scientists that they had their math right. I can't imagine a world more opposite to my own. I could almost guarantee there would be wars fought over leaving versus not leaving.
I began to hope that the calculations in this newspaper were correct. If our calendar was right then I still had some time to get off of Terra Durom with the rest of the crew. Our organization would be sorely disappointed that the colonization of Terra Durom would not go through, but what could we do?
That didn't give us much time. Perhaps if we returned quickly we would have time to come back for one last mission before the impact?
I decided to go outside to get some fresh air. This was old news for this world, but the earth was shaking to me.
The sun was on its way down to the horizon. There was a nice cool breeze and I got another whiff of the air. I couldn't believe how clean it was. This place was just like our world, but better. They had figured out ways to live more efficiently, yet they were still forced to leave this paradise.
I figured that we might not get another chance to view this technology, and I will most likely face some sort of penalty for stowing away in the first place. So I went back inside and started to take some notes on my surroundings. I only had a few days to get as much out of this place as possible, before I would have to return to the crew.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Chapter 20 - Strike
My guess was this machine was being used to transport the satellites into space. I figured the road was used to give the object momentum prior to teleportation. This would help it start to maintain its orbit, otherwise it would just fall to earth as soon as it arrived in space.
I imagined there must be a lot of calculations involved in this. They would have had to keep track of the rotation of the earth, our orbit of the sun and various gravitational forces.
I started to wonder what would be involved in using a machine like this. Is the universe like a vast grid that you just punch in coordinates and send it on its way, or do you need send the objects based on the relative position to something with a strong gravitational force like a sun?
It's possible that this device may have had something to do with the disappearance of all the people. But what could possibly influence the people to do so? Even with such amazing technology it would take quite a few years to transport people off Terra Durom, and to where?
What a logistical nightmare. Unless there were a lot more machines elsewhere on Terra Durom, or some other means to access them besides being on the pad itself.
I decided to find out more information before jumping to anymore conclusions.
I headed to the tower on the outside of the sphere. There was various labs and offices. I ducked into one of them and found a newspaper. The date was 30 years ago. To have this technology 30 years ago was incredible, considering how hard we have worked to travel any distance from the earth. There must have been a significant difference in how their technology developed, either they stumbled on something we missed or there is something different about these "humans".
All of the news seemed to involve information about an evacuation. It had a basic outline of the plans to systematically get all the people off of Terra Durom. There were several ads in the margins explaining where you could pick up your evacuation manual. Supposedly this manual outlined what a person should take and what to leave.
It was amazing that all the governments 30 years ago could unite in such a way. What could possibly bring everyone together like this.
As if someone was listening for my question, the next page had an answer. An asteroid was heading for earth. They had managed to track its orbit the 2 previous times that it had entered the solar system. A computer simulation predicted that it would strike the earth in 31 years.
I imagined there must be a lot of calculations involved in this. They would have had to keep track of the rotation of the earth, our orbit of the sun and various gravitational forces.
I started to wonder what would be involved in using a machine like this. Is the universe like a vast grid that you just punch in coordinates and send it on its way, or do you need send the objects based on the relative position to something with a strong gravitational force like a sun?
It's possible that this device may have had something to do with the disappearance of all the people. But what could possibly influence the people to do so? Even with such amazing technology it would take quite a few years to transport people off Terra Durom, and to where?
What a logistical nightmare. Unless there were a lot more machines elsewhere on Terra Durom, or some other means to access them besides being on the pad itself.
I decided to find out more information before jumping to anymore conclusions.
I headed to the tower on the outside of the sphere. There was various labs and offices. I ducked into one of them and found a newspaper. The date was 30 years ago. To have this technology 30 years ago was incredible, considering how hard we have worked to travel any distance from the earth. There must have been a significant difference in how their technology developed, either they stumbled on something we missed or there is something different about these "humans".
All of the news seemed to involve information about an evacuation. It had a basic outline of the plans to systematically get all the people off of Terra Durom. There were several ads in the margins explaining where you could pick up your evacuation manual. Supposedly this manual outlined what a person should take and what to leave.
It was amazing that all the governments 30 years ago could unite in such a way. What could possibly bring everyone together like this.
As if someone was listening for my question, the next page had an answer. An asteroid was heading for earth. They had managed to track its orbit the 2 previous times that it had entered the solar system. A computer simulation predicted that it would strike the earth in 31 years.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Chapter 19 - Control
Their control room looked a lot like mission control. It was strange that this would be so close to this machine. You would think that they would want it to be far away for safety. The same way our mission control is a few miles from the launch pad. Of course that is assuming that there is some sort of danger to be wary of.
I hadn't noticed any fuel lines, or fuel tanks inside or outside of the building. Maybe there is no need to fear an explosion.
All the computers seemed to be running still, although they looked dusty and old, they seemed to be in good condition.
I found what I thought was the main computer unit. All the cylinders containing the various cables ran from the machine to this unit as well as from this unit to all the other computers in the control room.
I moved the mouse around and I was immediately confronted with a graph. It seemed to be some sort of probability wave. This was very similar to the wave I used in my calculations to stabilize the structure of our space craft.
I clicked the menu and found something in reference to a simulation. I clicked it, the large monitor at the front of the room lit up and began to display an animation of the sphere. It showed the road and doorway positioning itself at a specific angle. Then a small platform at the end of the road began to move forward towards the sphere. As it passed under each of the arches on the roadway it's speed seemed to double. The simulated platform hit the middle of the sphere and then the simulation showed a beam passing from the 12 internal spheres to the satellite dish on the top of the building.
All I could think of was "Beam me up Scotty"
I hadn't noticed any fuel lines, or fuel tanks inside or outside of the building. Maybe there is no need to fear an explosion.
All the computers seemed to be running still, although they looked dusty and old, they seemed to be in good condition.
I found what I thought was the main computer unit. All the cylinders containing the various cables ran from the machine to this unit as well as from this unit to all the other computers in the control room.
I moved the mouse around and I was immediately confronted with a graph. It seemed to be some sort of probability wave. This was very similar to the wave I used in my calculations to stabilize the structure of our space craft.
I clicked the menu and found something in reference to a simulation. I clicked it, the large monitor at the front of the room lit up and began to display an animation of the sphere. It showed the road and doorway positioning itself at a specific angle. Then a small platform at the end of the road began to move forward towards the sphere. As it passed under each of the arches on the roadway it's speed seemed to double. The simulated platform hit the middle of the sphere and then the simulation showed a beam passing from the 12 internal spheres to the satellite dish on the top of the building.
All I could think of was "Beam me up Scotty"
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Chapter 18 - Dish
At the top of the sphere was a small hatch, just big enough for me to get out.
I climber out and I could see the large satellite dish that I had spotted outside angled towards the sky.
This whole thing seemed like a mystery wrapped in an enigma. What was all this for? I decided to carefully climb back down again, and think about some of these clues.
They have satellites, but no ships. There technology seems much more efficient than our own.
It seems like this world was concerned with living their lives in an efficient way. The fact that there was so little visible impact on the planet would definitely suggest that.
Why wouldn't they make a ship if they have satellites? Unless there was something wrong with a ship?
I wanted to try a speculate about why a ship wouldn't have come about. They were obviously adapt and knowledgeable of the universe beyond their galaxy.
Maybe they didn't want to find the fuel to power a ship. How else could you get something into space?
I decided to go to the control room to look for more clues.
I climber out and I could see the large satellite dish that I had spotted outside angled towards the sky.
This whole thing seemed like a mystery wrapped in an enigma. What was all this for? I decided to carefully climb back down again, and think about some of these clues.
They have satellites, but no ships. There technology seems much more efficient than our own.
It seems like this world was concerned with living their lives in an efficient way. The fact that there was so little visible impact on the planet would definitely suggest that.
Why wouldn't they make a ship if they have satellites? Unless there was something wrong with a ship?
I wanted to try a speculate about why a ship wouldn't have come about. They were obviously adapt and knowledgeable of the universe beyond their galaxy.
Maybe they didn't want to find the fuel to power a ship. How else could you get something into space?
I decided to go to the control room to look for more clues.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Chapter 17 - Interior
After climbing the tower at the end of the floating road I started my long walk towards the giant sphere. About every 50 meters or so there was an arch over the road with what looked like several thin florescent lights inside of them.
It took me about 20 minutes to walk to the sphere. It was covered in different moss and birds nests. It looked like no body had taken care of these place in a few decades, yet there was no sign of rust. It seemed with a good cleaning and everything would look as good as new, providing you had enough janitors.
As I walked through the big door I could see that the walls of the sphere were a good 3 meters thick. I pulled out my pocket flashlight so that I could take a look around.
It was hard to see, but it seemed that there were several sets of spheres nested within spheres. They were made out of some sort of wire mesh so you could see through them. I walked a little ways into the interior, there looked to be about a dozen of them.
Once I got to the center I looked straight up. Tt was a hollow cylinder, about 50 feet wide all the way up to the top. At the roof I could see a ring of light from outside.
On one wall of the cylinder was a ladder. Despite my better judgment I decided to climb my way up.
It took me about 20 minutes to walk to the sphere. It was covered in different moss and birds nests. It looked like no body had taken care of these place in a few decades, yet there was no sign of rust. It seemed with a good cleaning and everything would look as good as new, providing you had enough janitors.
As I walked through the big door I could see that the walls of the sphere were a good 3 meters thick. I pulled out my pocket flashlight so that I could take a look around.
It was hard to see, but it seemed that there were several sets of spheres nested within spheres. They were made out of some sort of wire mesh so you could see through them. I walked a little ways into the interior, there looked to be about a dozen of them.
Once I got to the center I looked straight up. Tt was a hollow cylinder, about 50 feet wide all the way up to the top. At the roof I could see a ring of light from outside.
On one wall of the cylinder was a ladder. Despite my better judgment I decided to climb my way up.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Chapter 16 - Sphere
I headed out to where our launch complex 39 should be.
They still had similar giant twin roads. Not quite the same material, but of a similar size. So obviously they intended to move something big out here.
It really did feel like being back home. I had spent so much time on location here , that it was my entire life. My apartment was just where I slept.
As I got closer I could see that the launch platform was not there. In it's place was a giant metal plated sphere covered in scaffolding. About halfway up the sphere was a large doorway, this had an elevated metal road sticking out of it parallel to the earth. It looked like half a bridge shoved into a ball. For some reason there was a large satellite dish placed on top of the sphere.
As I got closer I could make out the shape of the panels on the sphere. It appeared like the door could be positioned on any side of the sphere, and the floating road could be repositioned with it. The end of the road was resting on a tower that appeared to be on a train track that made a wide circle around the sphere.
What the hell is that thing?
In the distance where complex 39b would have been was something that I could only describe as a nuclear power plant. It had similar towers, but there was something distinctly different about it.
I could only imagine this was meant to power this machine somehow.
I thought I was going to be investigating a world the same as our own, and although it appears they were human, this technology seems to make them quite alien to us.
They still had similar giant twin roads. Not quite the same material, but of a similar size. So obviously they intended to move something big out here.
It really did feel like being back home. I had spent so much time on location here , that it was my entire life. My apartment was just where I slept.
As I got closer I could see that the launch platform was not there. In it's place was a giant metal plated sphere covered in scaffolding. About halfway up the sphere was a large doorway, this had an elevated metal road sticking out of it parallel to the earth. It looked like half a bridge shoved into a ball. For some reason there was a large satellite dish placed on top of the sphere.
As I got closer I could make out the shape of the panels on the sphere. It appeared like the door could be positioned on any side of the sphere, and the floating road could be repositioned with it. The end of the road was resting on a tower that appeared to be on a train track that made a wide circle around the sphere.
What the hell is that thing?
In the distance where complex 39b would have been was something that I could only describe as a nuclear power plant. It had similar towers, but there was something distinctly different about it.
I could only imagine this was meant to power this machine somehow.
I thought I was going to be investigating a world the same as our own, and although it appears they were human, this technology seems to make them quite alien to us.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Chapter 15 - NTSA
I decided to go the rest of the way on foot. I was sure there wasn't anyone there to mess with my chopper. I had to be careful, there were a lot of gators in Florida, and this area was was swamped with them.
I continued down the side road to where the Vehicle Assembly Building would have been. It doesn't seem so far when you are riding around in cars and buses all the time, but it was a good walk.
I saw a bald eagle fly by. The wild life seems similar enough to ours, another sign that our world's came from the same origin.
The area had a lot of different buildings. I went in and out of each of them and they were filled with technology I'd never seen before. The focus of this place was not the same as our world.
There were space type suits, but in no way the same as what our astronauts at home would wear. These seemed to deal more with radioactive protection then with zero gravity, zero atmosphere environments.
I found it very strange that I could find a lot of gear that you could loosely define was for space travel, but there wasn't anything that suggested the construction of a vehicle for getting into space.
I started to wonder if they hadn't moved into the frontier of space when they left. But that didn't explain the satellites that are in orbit around Terra Durom. How'd they get up there without a space program.
Upon further exploration I found a factory where satellites were being assembled. This really didn't make any sense. Why build satellites with no means to get them into orbit.
Many of the buildings had an NTSA logo on them. I could only guess what that meant.
So similar yet so different.
I found a maintenance vehicle outside of one of the labs. This place was huge so I figured it would be better to drive than hot footing it around.
I decided to take a trip down to where the launch pad would be on our world. I had to see for myself how different this NTSA was from our NASA.
I continued down the side road to where the Vehicle Assembly Building would have been. It doesn't seem so far when you are riding around in cars and buses all the time, but it was a good walk.
I saw a bald eagle fly by. The wild life seems similar enough to ours, another sign that our world's came from the same origin.
The area had a lot of different buildings. I went in and out of each of them and they were filled with technology I'd never seen before. The focus of this place was not the same as our world.
There were space type suits, but in no way the same as what our astronauts at home would wear. These seemed to deal more with radioactive protection then with zero gravity, zero atmosphere environments.
I found it very strange that I could find a lot of gear that you could loosely define was for space travel, but there wasn't anything that suggested the construction of a vehicle for getting into space.
I started to wonder if they hadn't moved into the frontier of space when they left. But that didn't explain the satellites that are in orbit around Terra Durom. How'd they get up there without a space program.
Upon further exploration I found a factory where satellites were being assembled. This really didn't make any sense. Why build satellites with no means to get them into orbit.
Many of the buildings had an NTSA logo on them. I could only guess what that meant.
So similar yet so different.
I found a maintenance vehicle outside of one of the labs. This place was huge so I figured it would be better to drive than hot footing it around.
I decided to take a trip down to where the launch pad would be on our world. I had to see for myself how different this NTSA was from our NASA.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Chapter 14 - Changes
Flying down the coast I couldn't believe how beautiful everything was. I would stop occasionally to rest, this gave me a little time to get a breath of fresh air. The air was so much cleaner than back home. My only conclusion was either the people here had found a much cleaner power source, or they had found a way to get their pollution off of Terra Durom.
I stopped off in Myrtle Beach to get some food supplies and sleep the night. The sun rise the next morning was incredible, so peaceful.
I didn't have much time to waste so I took off yet again. I found it hard to believe that the fuel cell was empty when I found this chopper. Up till now I'd barely used up an eighth of the cell and I had already come a long way.
I was starting to get close, I had just passed Jacksonville. I would be getting there within an hour.
Still no sight of anyone.
I approached the thin body of land at the north end of Dummit Grove. I was getting really close to the secret hanger we had been using to develop the new space craft. But as I got closer I could see that it wasn't there. Didn't seem too strange considering the differences I had already observed.
I decided to come in for landing on the landing strip used for the space shuttle program back home. But as I got closer I found the strip wasn't there. At least not the super long runway I was accustomed to. There was a small commercial sized air strip.
As I came in and landed on the south end of the strip I found that I couldn't see the Vehicle Assembly building used to build the Apollo rockets and the Space Shuttle. That thing was huge and dominated the horizon, I should have been able to see it.
Maybe this wasn't such a good place to come.
I stopped off in Myrtle Beach to get some food supplies and sleep the night. The sun rise the next morning was incredible, so peaceful.
I didn't have much time to waste so I took off yet again. I found it hard to believe that the fuel cell was empty when I found this chopper. Up till now I'd barely used up an eighth of the cell and I had already come a long way.
I was starting to get close, I had just passed Jacksonville. I would be getting there within an hour.
Still no sight of anyone.
I approached the thin body of land at the north end of Dummit Grove. I was getting really close to the secret hanger we had been using to develop the new space craft. But as I got closer I could see that it wasn't there. Didn't seem too strange considering the differences I had already observed.
I decided to come in for landing on the landing strip used for the space shuttle program back home. But as I got closer I found the strip wasn't there. At least not the super long runway I was accustomed to. There was a small commercial sized air strip.
As I came in and landed on the south end of the strip I found that I couldn't see the Vehicle Assembly building used to build the Apollo rockets and the Space Shuttle. That thing was huge and dominated the horizon, I should have been able to see it.
Maybe this wasn't such a good place to come.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Chapter 13 - Take Off
After take off I had to try and keep the chopper really low, amazingly the engine was very quiet. I had to get out of the area before gaining altitude, otherwise the crew would notice me.
Unfortunately they were due south of me, and so was Florida. I had to fly due east a ways before turning south. The chopper seemed to have a GPS system, but it would go on the fritz regularly. This meant there must have been working satellites in orbit. From our early orbits we thought that they were all space junk, but of course we didn't have time to check all of them, there must be hundreds up there. The GPS must have been getting partial readings.
This could be a big problem, I had to pay really good attention to my bearings if I was going to be able to return in time for our take off in 10 days. I thought it would probably be easiest if I flew to the east coast and then followed it straight south. That way I could take note of my northern position when I intersected the coast, then use this to return to Washington in a few days. Seems like a plan.
I never thought I would be a stow away and a thief at 55. In the end I think I would regret it more if I hadn't come, but I had to wonder about the repercussions after my return. I'd probably go to jail or something.
It didn't take me long and I was at the coast. I was right above Chesapeake Bay.
Judging by the fuel gauge I had barely touched my supply. So far so good.
Unfortunately they were due south of me, and so was Florida. I had to fly due east a ways before turning south. The chopper seemed to have a GPS system, but it would go on the fritz regularly. This meant there must have been working satellites in orbit. From our early orbits we thought that they were all space junk, but of course we didn't have time to check all of them, there must be hundreds up there. The GPS must have been getting partial readings.
This could be a big problem, I had to pay really good attention to my bearings if I was going to be able to return in time for our take off in 10 days. I thought it would probably be easiest if I flew to the east coast and then followed it straight south. That way I could take note of my northern position when I intersected the coast, then use this to return to Washington in a few days. Seems like a plan.
I never thought I would be a stow away and a thief at 55. In the end I think I would regret it more if I hadn't come, but I had to wonder about the repercussions after my return. I'd probably go to jail or something.
It didn't take me long and I was at the coast. I was right above Chesapeake Bay.
Judging by the fuel gauge I had barely touched my supply. So far so good.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Chapter 12 - Chopper
In the back I was able to find something that resembled a Bell 204 chopper. I figured I had the duration of the 10 day mission to get around a bit before I had to get back to the craft and return home one way or another. Luckily for me communication through the rift wasn't possible yet, and the crew wouldn't have received word that I was missing.
I decided to head south to Florida. I wanted to know where the people went and why they left, and I figured if they had something like NASA then that might be a good place to start. First I had to get this helicopter running. It was on a pad so it looks like it was used regularly when there were people here. Hopefully there was some sort of fuel on board.
Upon crawling into the cockpit I found the instrumentation was similar to what we used back home. I guess if they are developing their technology in a similar environment in parallel to our own, then there is no reason that they wouldn't come to some of the same conclusions. Especially since it appears that our world's began from a similar starting point.
The fuel gauge seemed to indicate it was empty. I wonder where I could find something to get this sucker flying. The technology seemed slightly more advanced then our own, and the exterior of the chopper seemed close to a docking station of some sort. I figured if it was electrical, I may not need to find a fuel truck.
I climbed out and to look at the control panel by the widest part of the tail. Seemed to still have power. I wondered how their electrical infrastructure could still be working after all of this time. I started playing with some of the keys. The unit appeared to be some sort of battery swap unit. Simultaneously a panel opened on the side of the chopper and on the side of the box I was working at.
What I could only assume was a fuel cell slid forward out of the chopper, an electric arm reached out and clasped it, retracted then replace it with a new fuel cell from somewhere inside the box.
I wonder what kind of range this will get me?
I decided to head south to Florida. I wanted to know where the people went and why they left, and I figured if they had something like NASA then that might be a good place to start. First I had to get this helicopter running. It was on a pad so it looks like it was used regularly when there were people here. Hopefully there was some sort of fuel on board.
Upon crawling into the cockpit I found the instrumentation was similar to what we used back home. I guess if they are developing their technology in a similar environment in parallel to our own, then there is no reason that they wouldn't come to some of the same conclusions. Especially since it appears that our world's began from a similar starting point.
The fuel gauge seemed to indicate it was empty. I wonder where I could find something to get this sucker flying. The technology seemed slightly more advanced then our own, and the exterior of the chopper seemed close to a docking station of some sort. I figured if it was electrical, I may not need to find a fuel truck.
I climbed out and to look at the control panel by the widest part of the tail. Seemed to still have power. I wondered how their electrical infrastructure could still be working after all of this time. I started playing with some of the keys. The unit appeared to be some sort of battery swap unit. Simultaneously a panel opened on the side of the chopper and on the side of the box I was working at.
What I could only assume was a fuel cell slid forward out of the chopper, an electric arm reached out and clasped it, retracted then replace it with a new fuel cell from somewhere inside the box.
I wonder what kind of range this will get me?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Chapter 11 - Smithsonian
There were still vehicles parked on the street. They weren't a brand I could recognize. Similar to our design but still different. It was so strange, this place made me feel like I was looking at an evolutionary tree. Like our world and this one shared a not too old common ancestor.
I decided to "borrow" a truck from the street. Strangely enough there was no spot for a key. There was merely a button to start the engine. It seems that the people here weren't too concerned with theft.
I took off north and crossed the river. I wanted to see something I would be familiar with, propulsion. So I headed towards the Smithsonian museum.
As always there wasn't a person in sight. It was very eerie. There was something else rather strange. I didn't smell any exhaust from the truck I was driving. I wonder if that is was one of the reasons we detected so few pollutants in the atmosphere.
After parking the truck. I headed in through the lobby and straight through to the planes that they had displayed inside. I couldn't recognize any of them. At least not anything that looked like it would been made after 1940s. Similar design elements, but nothing combined into anything that would looked familiar.
It seems around 1940 there was some sort of change that made their world develop differently from our own.
I decided to "borrow" a truck from the street. Strangely enough there was no spot for a key. There was merely a button to start the engine. It seems that the people here weren't too concerned with theft.
I took off north and crossed the river. I wanted to see something I would be familiar with, propulsion. So I headed towards the Smithsonian museum.
As always there wasn't a person in sight. It was very eerie. There was something else rather strange. I didn't smell any exhaust from the truck I was driving. I wonder if that is was one of the reasons we detected so few pollutants in the atmosphere.
After parking the truck. I headed in through the lobby and straight through to the planes that they had displayed inside. I couldn't recognize any of them. At least not anything that looked like it would been made after 1940s. Similar design elements, but nothing combined into anything that would looked familiar.
It seems around 1940 there was some sort of change that made their world develop differently from our own.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Chapter 10 - Escape
We touched down at the Ronald Reagan airport near the river. At first I calmed down because I thought it was done, but then I realized I had to get off of this ship without being spotted by the crew, or else they would surely detain me which would completely defeat the purpose of stowing away in the first place.
During NASA's past voyages to the moon preparation to exit the space craft took several hours. I can't imagine the amount of self control those astronauts had. It must have been difficult not to rush through procedure so that you could walk on the moon already. But here it was just like earth. You could exit the craft immediately and take a look around. Past missions here had already established that the air was safe to breath, otherwise we wouldn't be preparing to colonize this place.
So when the crew ran out to get a look at their surroundings I manage to sneak off as well. The crew was staying fairly close to the ship so I hid behind one of the terrestrial trucks we found here. It kind of looked like a baggage trailer.
While the crew was assembling their ground transport vehicle I took the liberty to disappear into the airport.
I could finally let my guard down just a little. It was like all the reports said, this place had everything that a city should, except the people.
I exited out the front door of the airport. I couldn't believe how clean the air smelt.
During NASA's past voyages to the moon preparation to exit the space craft took several hours. I can't imagine the amount of self control those astronauts had. It must have been difficult not to rush through procedure so that you could walk on the moon already. But here it was just like earth. You could exit the craft immediately and take a look around. Past missions here had already established that the air was safe to breath, otherwise we wouldn't be preparing to colonize this place.
So when the crew ran out to get a look at their surroundings I manage to sneak off as well. The crew was staying fairly close to the ship so I hid behind one of the terrestrial trucks we found here. It kind of looked like a baggage trailer.
While the crew was assembling their ground transport vehicle I took the liberty to disappear into the airport.
I could finally let my guard down just a little. It was like all the reports said, this place had everything that a city should, except the people.
I exited out the front door of the airport. I couldn't believe how clean the air smelt.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Chapter 9 - Landing
There was a sudden decrease in pressure and everything went black.
I could see little pin pricks of light. The blackness drifted away from my sight like dark clouds moving away in all directions.
I looked down and my leg was all wet, I must have pissed myself when I lost consciousness, and to think I wasn't uncomfortable enough already. I really wanted to cut myself loose, but I was so out of the loop I didn't dare. I had no idea when we would be making our approach to land on Terra Durom, and I couldn't take any chances, especially with the crew not knowing that I was on board. I had to wait.
Gradually at first I started to feel the pull of the Terra Duorum's gravity, then we started to come in. I always hated reentry, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the ride through the rift, I never thought this would feel like a walk in the park.
If everything was going according to plan we were going to try and land near their equivalent of Washington D.C. We had already mapped out Terra Durom on previous missions and found that it was almost identical to ours. Major cites were located in the same places, and everything had a very similar look to it. This mission was intended to delve into their archives to learn more about them.
The mission itself was a bit of an afterthought. Back home they were already making a big push with the Earth Claim Program to build larger transport ships so that they could start colonizing this Terra Durom. This mission was to see if there was any record of anything that caused these people to disappear.
Kind of funny, the people in control had already moved things so far along back home, I bet that even if they did find something dangerous, they wouldn't stop the colonization procedure.
It's like the new world all over again, who can say no to discovery.
I could see little pin pricks of light. The blackness drifted away from my sight like dark clouds moving away in all directions.
I looked down and my leg was all wet, I must have pissed myself when I lost consciousness, and to think I wasn't uncomfortable enough already. I really wanted to cut myself loose, but I was so out of the loop I didn't dare. I had no idea when we would be making our approach to land on Terra Durom, and I couldn't take any chances, especially with the crew not knowing that I was on board. I had to wait.
Gradually at first I started to feel the pull of the Terra Duorum's gravity, then we started to come in. I always hated reentry, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the ride through the rift, I never thought this would feel like a walk in the park.
If everything was going according to plan we were going to try and land near their equivalent of Washington D.C. We had already mapped out Terra Durom on previous missions and found that it was almost identical to ours. Major cites were located in the same places, and everything had a very similar look to it. This mission was intended to delve into their archives to learn more about them.
The mission itself was a bit of an afterthought. Back home they were already making a big push with the Earth Claim Program to build larger transport ships so that they could start colonizing this Terra Durom. This mission was to see if there was any record of anything that caused these people to disappear.
Kind of funny, the people in control had already moved things so far along back home, I bet that even if they did find something dangerous, they wouldn't stop the colonization procedure.
It's like the new world all over again, who can say no to discovery.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Chapter 8 - Colours
I could hear the station crew talking to the ships crew in muffled radio speak. They were going through the go/no go checklist. This was it!
There was a minute long silence before a sudden increase in momentum due to the acceleration ring boost. All I heard was "fifty kilometers till entry", I'd hear numbers here and there as we go closer. 37 kilometers, 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 2 kilometers.
The ship was shaking really hard now. It was so different being here in person. I had always assumed from the data that my ship design had made the ride so much smoother, I can't imagine what this journey would have been like if my team hadn't been formed.
I wish I could have been looking out a window, but they didn't build the storage area with that in mind. The make shift seat belt was cutting into my shoulders and hips, but the ship was shaking so much I was tempted to ratchet them a little tighter anyway.
I started to see shifts in the colours of my surroundings. I was trying to figure out if I was hallucinating or if this was really happening. I could hear little bends and creaks all around me from the intense gravity of the rift. I was sweating so much and I wanted to wipe it from eyes, but the forces all around me made it almost impossible to make my limbs respond the way I wanted.
The colours intensified. Was my brain going to get pulled out of my skull, this was too much for me to handle. I need to go home, but it was too late for that.
There was a minute long silence before a sudden increase in momentum due to the acceleration ring boost. All I heard was "fifty kilometers till entry", I'd hear numbers here and there as we go closer. 37 kilometers, 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 2 kilometers.
The ship was shaking really hard now. It was so different being here in person. I had always assumed from the data that my ship design had made the ride so much smoother, I can't imagine what this journey would have been like if my team hadn't been formed.
I wish I could have been looking out a window, but they didn't build the storage area with that in mind. The make shift seat belt was cutting into my shoulders and hips, but the ship was shaking so much I was tempted to ratchet them a little tighter anyway.
I started to see shifts in the colours of my surroundings. I was trying to figure out if I was hallucinating or if this was really happening. I could hear little bends and creaks all around me from the intense gravity of the rift. I was sweating so much and I wanted to wipe it from eyes, but the forces all around me made it almost impossible to make my limbs respond the way I wanted.
The colours intensified. Was my brain going to get pulled out of my skull, this was too much for me to handle. I need to go home, but it was too late for that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)