The World We Lost

CHAPTER ONE: THE LAUNCH

   14th AUGUST, 2016

      "Commander, we are all set for the launch" The first engineer, Mr. Schneider looks at me with eloquence.
   
     I nod back at him.

    All five members of our crew sits inside the cabin of GSAT-90. This rocket was meant to launch about a month ago, but it kept on getting delayed until today.

   I prayed the entire day for my safety and of the crew and well being of my family's. But nothing can totally diminish the anxiety before a launch.

   As the main engine ignites, the entire orbiter clatters and shakes like skyscrapers swaying in an earthquake. Peril starts to build up, 'But there is no turning back now'.

    The countdown begins and as it reaches 'T-minus-zero', the rocket booster ignites with a massive thrust and we get blasted off the launchpad.

   One after the other, the empty boosters starts to flay away and the launch seems like a success.

   "Yes! We have made it" comes the enthusiastic voice of Mr. Derek (the second engineer of our crew).

    Slow claps and relieved voices starts to fill the air of the cabin.

     Mr. Schneider looks at me and starts nodding, "Well done comma...." when he stops midway. "Did you hear that sound?" He asks with distress eminent in his voice, his eyes dilates, brows raise and wrinkles his forehead.

      "Uh-huh, yes! I hear something" I reply, eyes still gazed at his; both afraid of the uncertain.

Then comes a sudden rattle, not something usually heard after the launch. A moment of silence. All of us look at each other. Then comes the shake, which sends me crashing into the walls. I have my space suit on; but still the thrust was heavy and I can feel my muscles colliding my bones.

     Before I can get up, the orbiter starts shaking again. The cabin which was filled with cheers a moment ago is now engulfed with fear and shouts of everyone inside.

    I look at Mr. Derek; he is trying to get up. As I stretch my hand forward for him to catch, the sound of a huge explosion tears through all my senses.

      I look back at Mr. Derek, I can't hear him but he is saying something. His lips are moving with fear in his eyes. I try to read his lips, 'Put it on' is what he has been saying; and throws a helmet towards me. My hand barely reaches it. But I somehow manage to put it on.

    Now flames have started to cover the cabin.

  I look towards the right, where the door to the emergency exit is.

I look back at Mr. Derek and signal with my hands, "I am going to come back for you" and dash towards the door on the right. But before I could catch the handle, I hear another explosion and the entire orbit rotates upside down.

    I turn around and see a huge mass of flame running towards me, cutting away the smoke billowing inside the orbiter.

     I push the door with all my weight, but it won't budge. I push again; and again and again until I see flames all around me. I cry out with the last bit of hope leaving my body.

     The door is getting away; my eyes can see only red and orange in-front. The red is getting redder. The flames have engulfed me. But I don't feel any pain, only a sense of nothing. I feel dizzy; the red in-front has started to get darker.

I don't hear the shouts anymore, only a breeze of silence. My eyes are getting heavy and the darkness has won over the red. Everything has gone black, I am going to die !