CODE:JK97 | Taekook

CH2: History in the Making

Tomorrow is the big day. Taehyung has been working overtime on a new program that he now calls JK97's heart. This program is designed to allow JK97 to communicate with Taehyung through 0's and 1's after JK97's communication battery runs flat. He hasn't alerted anyone from the team about it and tonight is when he will install it on JK97's memory drive. Yes, it may seem pointless, but this has always been Taehyung's baby. This project will always have a place in his heart, and he wants to grasp on anything that will keep this project in his life forever, as it will forever be a part of Taehyung.

He looks over at JK97 longingly. "Tomorrow, you will be going on your big journey," he says proudly. He lifts up the USB and plugs it into JK97's USB socket, placed behind his ear. "I have a gift for you."

Sitting back at his desk, he opens up JK97's control panel. "Now, all I have to do is click install."

Finally, he clicks the install button and sits back in his chair, watching JK97. "I can't let you die."

Install complete

Taehyung grins widely and walks over to JK97. He pulls out the USB, plopping it back into his pocket for safekeeping. "Should we give you a test run?" Taehyung asks, putting an ear up to the rover. "Was that a yes?" He further questions, giggling cheekily. "I'll take that as a yes."

He pushes the on-button behind the other ear and again walks over to the control panel.

Initiating startup

He turns to JK97 and watches the rover come to life. JK97 opens his eyes and starts to scan the room until he locks eyes with Taehyung. Taehyung almost cries at the sight in front of him; he dashes to JK97 and grabs his two hands, holding them close to his chest. "My name is Kim Taehyung, and you are JK97."

JK97 tilts his head but remains eye contact.

"We will be working closely together," Taehyung continues.

"Hello, Kim Taehyung," Jungkook says, straightening his head. "JK97 will look forward to working with you."

Taehyung chuckles, not believing what is happening in front of him. His whole life has led up to this moment.

"I will see you soon. Unfortunately, I have to turn you off for now," Taehyung says sadly.

Jungkook tilts his head again. "Why so soon?"

"I know, don't worry. You'll be up and about in no time," Taehyung says, looking deep into the rover's eyes. It seems too real, almost like the bot has a mind of its own.

"Will I see you when I wake up?" JK97 asks.

Taehyung nods. "You'll remember my face."

"Noted." JK97 puts a thumb up to Taehyung's surprise, straightening his head. "It was nice meeting you, Kim Taehyung."

Taehyung smiles goofily at the remark. "You can call me Taehyung."

"Okay, Taehyung," Jungkook replies.

Taehyung must not let others know about this. Turning JK97 on will take away valuable time and productivity as it shortens its lifespan. "A few minutes never hurt anyone," he says.

Taehyung reaches out and brushes JK97's hair behind his ear lovingly before pressing the off button. He watches as JK97 close his eyes and sighs. "I wish I could go with you."

🤖

"All things ready for lift-off?" Taehyung asks as he makes his way to the window.

Hoseok nods, "They will be initiating lift-off sequence in 10."

"Turn the TV on," Taehyung asks, pointing over at the remote.

Hoseok nods, walking over to the remote, turning the TV on.

"I wish I could be there with the rest of the team. Why do we have to be stuck here to watch from afar?" Taehyung asks.

"It's their speciality," Hoseok explains. "And our speciality is to monitor the rover when it's up and running."

"10 minutes to lift-off and counting."

"I'm nervous," Taehyung says, tapping on the window, trying to cope. "What if the launch goes wrong?" This will be the longest 10 minutes of his life.

"That is a possibility," Hoseok deadpans.

Taehyung scowls at Hoseok. "You are meant to comfort me!"

"Oh— It should be fine! Nothing to worry about."

Taehyung scoffs. "Yes, nothing to worry about. Nothing at all."

"8 minutes on the clock."

"Like the engines could just implode or—"

"You should be excited," Hoseok says, cutting Taehyung off.

"Excitement is one of those emotions buried deep beneath my fears right now," Taehyung replies, staring outside the window.

"History is in the making; we have 7 minutes on the clock and counting."

"It's finally happening," Hoseok says. "After this, we will have to wait another nine months."

"That is if it doesn't crash and burn."

"5 minutes till the life on Mars mission takes off."

"3 Minutes and we have confirmation that the main cabin has been fully pressurised."

"2 minutes and 31 seconds till lift-off."

"We are approaching the 60-second mark till lift-off."

"Holy shit, it's happening," Taehyung panics, grabbing hold of Hoseok's arm and crossing his fingers. A billion different outcomes flash through Taehyung's mind.

"We are approaching the ignition sequence at 8 seconds, right now at 31 seconds and counting."

"10."

"9."

Smoke starts to trickle out the sides of the rocket. He prays for a safe take-off, for his and JK97's sake.

"Ignition sequence starts."

The rocket shrouds in a mist, the sound roaring through the building.

"7."

"6."

"5."

"4."

"3."

"2."

"1."

"0."

"All engines running."

"And lift off."

Taehyung watches in awe as the rocket blasts off from the ground, leaving behind the large plume of smoke, and creates a new trail in its path. He watches as the rocket leaves sight, breaking into orbit.

Taehyung turns and gives Hoseok a hug. "We did it!"

"Ladies and gentleman, we've made history."

🤖