CODE:JK97 | Taekook

CH3: Mars Landing

9 months later

Taehyung leapt out of bed this morning. He is now sitting in the lab with a hot cup of coffee—that Hoseok kindly made for him—jittering with excitement. Today is the day the rover makes its landing on Mars. The last 9 months dragged on like they were 9 years. He was driving Hoseok insane, updating the boy every hour on where the shuttle was located. They have a new intern working in the team assigned under Taehyung's wing; today is the boy's first day.

"It will be easy to remember the day you started work knowing what is happening today," Hoseok says to the intern.

The intern smiles nodding. "I'm honoured to be a part of something historical like this. I remember watching on TV when it first launched."

"What's your name again?" Taehyung asks, maybe a little too bluntly.

"Tae! Don't be so forgetful. You will hurt Jimin's feelings," Hoseok scolds.

"Oh, Jimin! I'm sorry. I have so much on my mind right now," Taehyung apologises. It's not an understatement. The last time he felt this way was back when it first launched. Anything could happen during the landing, like crashing, exploding, etc.

"It's okay," Jimin says, smiling cheek to cheek.

"You should be more polite; even though he is the new intern, he's still older than you," Hoseok says.

Taehyung's eyes widen. "You are?"

Jimin nods. "Don't worry about age here; we are all equals in my eyes."

"Everyone get into position; JK97 is breaking orbit," Yoongi calls out behind his computer.

Taehyung doesn't need to be told twice. He sits down and looks up at the big monitor on the side of the wall, watching the shuttle break down into Mars' atmosphere.

"Are you freaking out yet?" Hoseok teases Taehyung.

Taehyung shakes his head. "I've been training myself not to think the worst after the last time." Unfortunately, the training didn't work.

"It all looks clear here," Yoongi says into his headset.

They all watch as the shuttle positions itself for a safe landing and slowly descends onto the ground.

As it touches down, Taehyung leaps out of the seat in joy. "We've done it!"

"You remind me of the old Taehyung in primary school," Hoseok says out in admiration.

"I feel like a child again," Taehyung says, chuckling. He sits back down and opens the control panel. He looks over to Yoongi and waits for his signal before activating JK97.

"What's that big red button there," Jimin asks, sitting beside Taehyung.

"It's the self destruct button," Taehyung says.

"W–What, really?" Jimin gasps.

Taehyung laughs wholeheartedly. "No, it's the button to turn the camera on so we can see through JK97's eyes."

"All is clear," Yoongi calls out, giving Taehyung the thumbs up.

Taehyung takes a deep breath and clicks activate. It's happening. It's really happening.

"Can I press the red button?" Jimin asks.

Taehyung nods, moving aside for Jimin to press. Jimin presses down on the button, and the video feed from JK97's eyes flash up onto the big screen.

"That's it?" Jimin asks.

"Taehyung?" JK97's voice comes through the speakers.

"How does he already know your name?" Hoseok asks, furrowing his brows.