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Mission Critical

Summary: Commander Ava embarks on a groundbreaking historic mission into uncharted space. Amidst the hurdles and unforeseen dangers that lie ahead, the young commander finds unexpected solace through messages with a mission control agent about 238,855 miles back on the ground but who's counting? 

******This is a Patreon Exclusive Original work. Meaning the full story will continue solely on Patreon. This is a teaser of the first chapter. The full work will be  exclusive to my patreon Early Access Readers*** ***

                                                          Chapter 1

~36 hours to the launch~

Ava was inside the spaceship. She was sitting in her quarters scribbling mindlessly on her journal

"How are you feeling Ava?" The psychologist Phil asked cutting through the momentary silence

The dark haired woman looked up at the monitor in front of her

"Uh you know everything is good here. The repairs are... a work in progress. I'm confident we will remain on schedule and be good to launch still," Ava says

"That's not what I asked. I'm asking about you, not the ship," Phil replies

Ava's mind went wild with flashes of the incident in question. It was almost like it was happening all over again. Like she was back in that moment. She could still hear the loud alarm blare. Her name being called from behind as she tried to warn the other up above. How she almost lost her footing up the stairs before being abruptly thrusted into the air from the blast. It all happened so quick. Her heart raced wildly.  

"Ava?" he asked

Her mind snapped back to reality and she cleared her throat "I'm good... i'm fine really," Ava says not so reassuringly 

Phil looked very apprehensive of her answer. It was clear she was shaken up by the incident.

"Look, I already debriefed command. I have a long list of things to check before tomorrow. I have to go," Ava says to the computer screen

Phil sighed "Alright, let's check in tomorrow," he says

Ava put on a forced smile and nodded before clicking the video feed off. 

~Three weeks earlier~

Ava made her way through the crowd apologizing as she scooted by. 

"You're late," Her mother says

"Has she already gone?" Ava asked

"That's not the point," He mother Cecile replied

Her niece's name was called and they all hollered and cheered for her. 

"She grew up so quick," Ava says

"They always do," Sarah replied 

Ava gave her sister an apologetic look and Sarah rolled her eyes before pulling her in for a hug and laughing 

"Some things never change with you huh?" she asked

"I'm here aren't I?" Ava asked

Sarah nodded but held her grip on her younger sister. 

"It'll be fine." Ava says 

Her family was always so worried about her when she was off in space. She had done quite a few missions over the years. But the fear never eased up for her family while she was away. They knew this one was different. Ava and her crew were aiming to make history. Her family feared it would end tragically though. Something never before done didn't give them peace of mind.