The Project Plantier Files

Before The Launch | The Project Plantier Files

A letter was waiting for me at the postal center that I ought to have retrieved before heading out to the Space Deck. I decided against going to get it. My alarm clock rang off at 06:05 AM, but I chose to sleep in late and sacrifice breakfast in the meantime.

I sprang out of my bed and darted straight to the mirror. I studied my face. Strength. That's what I saw. It was my first day as part of the G-002 Special Operations Unit. There were whispers back at the academy regarding my unit. Of all the mumbles and conspiring, I was looking forward to learning about the assignment.

Speculating was something I left in boyhood. Pa taught Benny, Fudge Boy, and I to stick to the facts.

"Go with our guts," I heard his deep voice belt out.

I'd find out what it was all about when I got out there.

All the folks in my platoon had already made their beds and was off on their way. Specialist Peralta mentioned in the mess hall yesterday we'd be out there for about a day or so. I packed two pairs of everything: socks, pants, t-shirt, and underwear. Looking at the clock, I had to make my way to the launch deck otherwise I could kiss day one of this mission goodbye.

As I made my way to the door, I turned toward the desk. Should I take the letter or not? If I left it here, then I'd have something waiting for me when I returned from the mission. Another part wanted to see who had decided to write to me and the nature of such a correspondence.

After a back and forth, I decided to take the letter with me. I would read it once I got to the Space Deck.

We were told in training that the Norman E. Plantier Space Deck was a massive 348-acre space observatory located on a top secret base. The members of my infantry all signed non-disclosure agreements to be officially enlisted and assigned. Those who went to the Deck couldn't discuss the nature of the facility, outside of general facts, was returning to Earth.

By the time, I got downstairs, everyone was still filing into the bus. I joined the back of the line and bumped into Specialist Jackson.

"We missed you at breakfast," he said over his shoulder.

"Aw, you're getting sentimental on me," I shot back.

He chuckled.

Jackson was a real friend to me on this whole journey. From basic training till now. I appreciated his camaraderie.

Sargent Miller was checking off the list as soldiers loaded onto the bus. He was a real pain in the ass. When I got to him, he sized me up and down.

"There just letting anybody go to space these days, huh?"

I had a one-liner queued up for him, but kept it to myself and offered a salute instead.

He rolled his eyes and checked me off the list.

I plopped a seat next to Jackson in the middle row, shoving my backpack under the seat. The conversation on the bus was lively until Miller stood up at the front.

"Alright, soldiers look like we're headed up to the great beyond today, so listen up."

"We're going to be taking the shuttle to the Plantier Space Deck, which is about (xxx) miles outside of Earth's atmosphere. Once we land on the deck, you'll be split into two groups.

He pointed to the right side of the bus, "You folks to the left are in Group A, and you folks to my other left are Group B."

"Group A, I'll be tagging along with you guys, which means Group B, you better be on your Ps & Qs out there."

"Geez, Sarge, didn't know you doubled as an English teacher," Specialist Barnes called out from the front.

The entire bus, including Sarge, laughed.

"Very funny, Barnes."

"Ok, ladies and gents, once we get to the shuttle launch pad, you are to immediately drop off your purses at the loading dock, head to the suiting station and get your gear on. Any questions?"

The bus was dead silent.

"Alright, well if there aren't any questions, let's go!" Sarge turned to the bus driver, who promptly shut the doors and off we went.

"What do you think is out there," Jackson asked in a low tone.

"Couldn't say," I replied.

To be honest, I hadn't given it much thought. Some said they heard it was a prison. Others said it's just a regular facilities.

"Wouldn't surprise me if it was a prison out there," Jackson said while looking out the window.

"I ain't join the Army to be no prison guard."

I didn't want to speculate, but what if it was a prison? What would our jobs be? Who would have been the prisoners? I couldn't bring myself to ask Jackson these questions. It may open a can of worms I wasn't interested in exploring right now.

We were about 5 miles out from the launch station, and by the end of today, we would know the truth about Plantier.

Under the calm mask I wore all the while being on the base, I had missed the familiar country town I came from. Pick-up trucks, cornfields, small diners, and local hospitalities.

I couldn't help but think of Jeanine while we rode out to the base. The last time I was on leave, I had spent a great amount of time with her. We spent those three weeks sitting by the river, talking about the future.

Those conversations played like a broken record in my mind.

An hour and some changed had past, and we were coming up on the launch station. The massive shuttle we were to board stood proudly before us.

"Look at her," someone said in awe.

"You mean him," another followed up with.

"Eww," a female voice replied.

"Alright, brave folks, let's go get 'er," the Sarge interrupted.

We hopped off the bus, and followed the Sergeant's orders: load our backpacks onto the dock, and head to the suiting station to get our space suits ready.

I had never been to space before, but always wanted to. I had watched space missions of all types growing up, and now it was happening.

One by one, we climbed aboard the shuttle and took our seats. I buckled my seat belt and squirmed a bit. Sgt. Miller took a seat next me, giving me a thumbs up after buckling in.

"Nervous?" he asked.

I shook my head, no, though, my heart was pumping wildly under the suit and my uniform.

"Testing, 1, 2. Testing, 1, 2," we heard the announcer over the intercom.

"Welcome aboard the Genesis Shuttle," the voice continued.

I wondered if there was a person actually announcing things. There was a tiny window to the left of me, where I could see the sun in the distance.

Closing my eyes, I could see Jeanine's face behind my lids. I said a quiet prayer, hoping to see her beautiful round face again. I thought of kissing her deeply while watching the sunset a few times when I was at home. I couldn't wait to see her again.