INT. NASA - MISSION CONTROL - NIGHT
Lewis said over comms, "Mission control, this is Hermes actual. We are go for launch, and will proceed on schedule. 10 seconds to launch... mark."
INT. HERMES - FLIGHT DECK - SPACE
Martinez said, " Main engines start."
Johanssen began counting down. "8... 7... mooring clamps released..."
"About five seconds, Watney, Beck," Lewis told them. "Hang on."
INT. MAV - DAY
Mark and Mackenzie tensed in anticipation. "See you in a few, Commander."
Johanssen said over comms, "4... 3... 2... 1... Liftoff."
Mark and Mackenzie were slammed back into their acceleration couch.
EXT. LAUNCHSITE - DAY
The MAV launched upward with incredible force.
INT. MAV - DAY
Mark and Mackenzie couldn't even gasp -- the wind knocked out of them -- they struggled to remain conscious as the ship shook violently.
Mark and Mackenzie were staring forward, at the Hab canvas, which now had patches where the nosecone used to be.
As the ship accelerated, the canvas began to rip.
INT. HERMES - FLIGHT DECK - SPACE
"Velocity 741 meters per second," Johanssen said. "Altitude 1350 meters..."
"That's too low-" Lewis realized.
"I know," Martinez answered. "It's fighting me-"
"Velocity 850, altitude 1843-" Johanssen informed.
"Watney? Beck?" Lewis called. "Watney, Beck, do you read? Can you report?"
INT. MAV - DAY
Mark and Mackenzie were barely conscious -- their eyes were drifting from terrified to serene.
The canvas ripped free, revealing the Red Planet.
As it thinned, the red gave way to the black.
That was the last thing Mark and Mackenzie saw before they fell unconscious was the stars.
INT. HERMES - FLIGHT DECK - SPACE
"They're well below target altitude," Johanssen warned.
"How far below?" Lewis asked.
"Working on it -- Main shutdown in 3...
2... 1... Shutdown."
"Back to automatic guidance," Martinez said. "Confirm shutdown."
"Watney? Beck?" Lewis called. "Do you read?"
INT. HERMES - AIRLOCK 2
"Did she say 68-" Beck began.
INT. HERMES - FLIGHT DECK
SPACE
"-kilometers?" Beck finished. "Kilometers?"
SPACE
Beck said over comms, "They've probably passed out. They pulled 12 G's on the ascent. Give them a few minutes."
"Copy," Lewis replied.
"I have interval pings," Johanssen informed. "Intercept velocity will be 11 meters per second..."
Beck spoke over comms. "I can make that work."
"Distance at intercept will be-" She went pale. "We'll be 68 kilometers apart."
"Oh my god," Martinez muttered.
YOU ARE READING
Til the Stars Turn Blue // Chris Beck
Science FictionMackenzie and Chris are newly married when they embark on a journey to the stars. But a coming storm makes one fear the worst and one, once finding out the truth, vows to rescue their significant other no matter what it takes. *I don't own The Mar...
