Into The Abyss

Chapter 1: To Space and Beyond

         On a far, far away on a planet called Luna, it was a big day. Today was the first launch of the planets new and improved space ship. The planet is very ahead of its time and has many things developed for space exploration. Today, Terry Jones and Bain Rogers strutted into the International Space Exploration Station with grins on their faces. Terry Jones is a stocky man, wearing glasses, a red collared shirt and blue jeans. Bain Jones was a slightly on the shorter side, who wore black shades, a black leather jacket, and blue jeans. 

         "Today's the day, Jones." Bain said, looking over to his friends as they passed by workers upon workers. "Today's the day we get to do something more meaningful with our lives, five years of grinding and working hard and look where it got us, we're the big shots now."

         "Yeah, it's awesome." Terry smiled. "I've never been in charge before, have you?"

         "Nope, and I wasn't going to turn it down. Thank god those twins got sick and decided they couldn't lead the Freedom2 exploration mission." Bain chuckled, almost choking on his bubble gum from laughter. 

        As Bain calmed down Terry pointed out of a huge glass window. "Hey, there's the Freedom2 launch pad!" 

       Terry and Bain looked to see the spaceship was being put into position. As they lowered it onto the space pad it made a huge bang, shaking the entire building. It scared many of the workers who crowded the tight halls of the station.

      "I've never seen something so big." Bain said, blowing a bubble until it popped. "I reckon we better head down there now and be early. We gotta make good impressions on the crew. Remember, no funny business."

      "Agreed, and same for you." Terry laughed. "I think the stairs are to your right."

      The two men headed down and entered the Freedom2 Space Station. As they entered the room, they were immediately escorted to the director's office. The men greeted the director and started to chat about the mission.

      "So," The director said, "as you know, you will be exploring three different planets far away from here."

      Terry and Bain nodded.

      "Alright, now we must inform you of who else will be joining you on your mission; there will be ten other people. Your crew members will consist of two mechanics, two doctors, two scientists, two archaeologists, one astrologist and one member of our floor team who will check over the ship to make sure it's in shape."

      "Wow." Bain exclaimed. "We're in charge of them, correct?"

      "Indeed Mr. Rogers. These ten crew members are more of your support team. These members do not have to come off the ship with you, but they could if you wanted them to. I think it's better if you keep them on the ship, remember, they are simply there to keep you all safe."

      "Of course." Terry answered. 

      All of a sudden the directors walkie talkie went off. "Ready."  The voice chirped. 

      The director answered that the two men would be there shortly.

      "You boys need to head onto the ship now, and remember, you must take pictures, document, and record anything you see that's helpful to our database."

      The director escorted them out and led them to the launch pad where the ship rested. 

      "Alright, any questions before you head out boys?" The director said, clenching his walkie talkie in his hand.

      "I'm sure we'll learn everything we'll need to know once we've boarded the ship, thank you sir." Terry said.

      The director smiled, nodded, and waved them goodbye. Terry and Bain then entered the ship were they were greeted by the ten crew members. They all chatted and talked about how they got to where they were today. 

      "We served in the academy and ranked up over time." Bain said. "What about you guys?"

     "We all have degrees and we took a one-year space exploration course at the same academy." One of the scientists answered.

      The conversations between the two men and the crew members went on until they were interrupted by a member of the floor team. He stuck his head in and swiftly said, "The fire proof and freeze proof suits are at the back of the ship. Don't forget what you'll need to wear on what planet. Have a save trip." He then slammed the door and sealed it shut without hesitation.

      Terry and Bain braced for take off. 

      "Alrighty, don't be scared Jones." Bain chuckled. 

      "Likewise." Terry laughed.

      The twelve astronauts buckled themselves into their chairs and braced for takeoff. After a couple seconds they heard the spaceships built in walkie-talkie turn on. 

      "The ship will be taking off momentarily." A mans voice said. "Remember, if you need report anything to the director or us, press the button with a picture of a walkie talkie on it." The voice said before abruptly disappearing. 

      Thirty seconds later they heard the engines of the spacecraft roar. Then they felt as if they were rising out of their own bodies. The spaceship then soared out of the station and up into the atmosphere. 

      "We did it!" One crew member cried. 

      "It worked! We're in space!" A different member yelled cheerfully.

      Terry and Bain looked to each other before Bain smirked and said, "Lets head on to our first stop; the ice planet Lattis."