Caught in the Cretaceous

Chapter 1: Crash Landing

Valkyrie is sitting on her bed, leaning against the headboard, her legs crossed in front of her, reading. Mars, the family Australian red cattle dog, is laying on the bed by her, she absentmindedly scratches his head while she reads. Next to her bed a lamp and picture of the family, and crew of the ship, rests. Along one wall are built in shelves full of books and trinkets. Across from the shelves along the wall are her dresser and small closet. On the floor by her bed is a bed for mars and next to it are his food and water dishes, under her nightstand is a bin for his toys. Along one wall is also a small desk and chair. It is a modest room, like everyone else's on the ship, but she did what she could to make it her own. Valkyrie prepares to turn the page in her book when the sound of the intercom interrupts her. 

"Everyone needs to suit up and report to the flight deck for take off. We're leaving in under ten minutes." The decisive voice of her mother, Artemis, says before the intercom turns off. 

Valkyrie sighs and closes her book with a snap after marking her place. "Well Mars, the quiet was nice while it lasted. Guess we better get going." Mars just tilts his head and looks up at her. She gets off her bed and walks over to her closet. She opens the door and pulls out her flight uniform and puts it on quickly over her shorts and tank top. She braids her waist length wavy chestnut hair into a tight French braid and uses a cloth tied headband to keep loose pieces out of her face. She looks over at Mars after putting on her boots, "Ready?" He opens his mouth in a toothy grin. "Let's go." 

They head down the hall towards the flight deck together. Artemis, Alexander, and Apollo (her mother, father, and uncle) were already there and in their seats and preparing for take off. Valkyrie put Mars in his protected kennel before heading over to her seat and going through her pre-flight check list. A minute later her cousin Will enters and sits in his seat, closely followed by Meghan who runs in out of breath and sits at her seat and starts to go through her pre-flight checklist. 

"Cutting it a little close there, Meg?" Apollo comments. 

"Not all of us wok just down the hall and just have to lock some cabinets to prepare Sunny," she quips back at him. 

Valkyrie rolls her eyes. "Did everyone shut off all non-essential electronics?" 

"Isn't it your job to check that, you know as the tech?" Will points out. 

"Isn't it your job to make sure all the cargo is secure?" Valkyrie retorts. 

"Settle down, everyone," Alexander cuts in, "everyone has a job to do and it's all equally important. Stop getting on each others backs and do your part. If we don't stand together-" 

"We'll fall alone." Everyone finishes for him, then laughter echoes around the room. 

"Well, if we're all done arguing, and getting lectured, are all the check done?" Artemis asks from the pilot chair. A chorus of 'yes' is her response. "Alright. Buckle up everyone and prepare for take off." Clicks were heard as everyone buckled into their seats. 

"Where're we going this time, Mom?" Valkyrie asks. 

"It's a surprise." The smile in her voice is evident. 

"Not even a clue?" 

"Where's the fun in that?" Alexander retorts. 

Artemis flipped a few switches then pushes the accelerator and they take off. Everyone watches their monitors, occasionally glancing up towards the tinted windows at the time-space tunnel/vortex. It is smooth sailing for a little while, which is how most flights go. Apollo breaks the silence though. 

"Everything alright meg? Your heart rate just jumped on my monitor." 

Meg gives a frustrated grunt and pushes a few buttons at her station. "Artemis, everything still running smoothly?"