The hours leading up to the flight had been pretty rough just sitting there strapped in. It got really uncomfortable since I had to go to the bathroom too, and pushing 55 these things have become much more urgent.
I could tell from the crew's muffled voices that we were getting close to our departure. I had followed this procedure so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I had always been safely tucked away in the control room on the station. I've only heard descriptions of what the flight itself is like. I started to get nervous. My instinct was to let them know I was there and to end this childish game.
Ultimately I was frightened in both directions. If I reveal myself, I couldn't imagine the consequences, but if I stayed I was venturing into the unknown, which is much more frightening.
I decided to stay. The docking clamps released and the thrusters were firing to position us in the acceleration ring.
Here we go.
