Mission Titan

CH-4

After one phase of warm-up exercises, the crew went through the targeted training. It included intense swimming, cycling, high speed treadmill room, weight lifting etc. The most difficult part was the 'Simulated anti-gravity workout', by exercising in high density liquid tanks. Though these exercises were part of their daily routine, but one never gets accustomed to such severe training. Hence all of the crew members were out of their breaths, all except Bill.
"Damn you Bill! Don't you ever get tired?" Katie exclaimed while panting on the couch.
Bill smiled at her and replied. "Hey, don't disappoint yourself. I've gone through much worse in the military training. And as for the special forces training, this might even be the warm-up". Saying this Bill turned his head towards Robert, who was continuously staring at the wall, lost in some thought. When he saw Bill looking at him, he turned and smiled.
Their conversation was cut down when their lead scientist Dr. George Bougart came in. He was in his mid-fifties, average heighted and had a lean built. His eyes were covered under  heavy spectacles and he was wearing his lab coat. He was a very generous, far-sighted and an intelligent person. He was also good friends with Bill and was the main reason that Bill was made the CIC(Commander in chief) for the mission.
Following him was Mr. Flores. He was strong, lean and bald. He was the H.O.D or more precisely the political head for the mission. He showed his authority well, by his rude behaviour. He and Dr. Bogart were both at the same level for decision making in the center, which allowed a better balance in power.
Dr. Bogart looked towards them, "Ok crew, today's session ends here. Now we've got some important talk to do. You all know of tomorrow's meeting with the director, yeah?—"
They all nodded
"—Good, now the new information is that the President himself is also going to be virtually present for the meeting. So you all need to be prepared even better. And, Bill……….."
"..........I think the file 247-B Plan GH97 is still in the backlog?" "Yes sir, it is yet to be done. But I assure you that I'll discuss it thoroughly with Robert, immediately after the meet" Bill replied reassuringly
"Ok no problem………" but before Dr. Bogart could reply Mr. Flores cut him up
"Mr. Watson this is ridiculous! All the plans should have been discussed long ago. I think the CIC should be better disciplined and aware of their responsibilities"
Flores always talked to Bill in this rude tone. This was partly because he did not like the idea of letting an 'outsider' gain up so quickly in the ranks at the center. But the real thing was the fact that for some reasons best known to himself, Flores kept a personal grudge against the military and military- men like Bill. Bill knew this, so he calmly replied.
"I again assure you sir that tomorrow I'll have it done with VC(Vice Commander) Robert….." Flores banged his fist at the desk.
"Aggh! To be in hell with your assurance and excuses. But it's not your fault. The truth is, your goddamned military discipline schools haven't taught you anything, except for making excuses."
Bogart immediately turned towards Bill, whose hands had closed into a fist. But as soon as Bogart opened his mouth to speak, Bill clutched his hand. Although fire was raging through his blood, but still in a very composed and calm manner, Bill moved closer to Flores.
"Yes sir,  think that you are right. Military has indeed taught us to make excellent excuses. Actually it had to. This is because some 'discipline rich' political schools have been teaching the hollow minded politicians to first cause immense trembles among the public and then to put the blame on the military officials and generals, who are forced to employ these 'excuses' to save themselves for something they never really did……."

                   * * *
The next day all of them were seated in the main hall as the Director of NASA gave his speech. Later The President of the United States interacted with them via holographic live call. Bill was sitting in the third last row, on the second seat from left. He was sitting directly behind Robert. Diagonally behind him was Sophia. Behind the seats, all the working staff stood for some time, with Kisrsken standing in the front. Later they all went to their duties, all except him. He stood there for a moment, smiled and then saluted the US flag, before moving out.
On his left and right were Katie and Dr. Bogart. After the last day's conversation had become intense, Dr.Bogart stepped in and silenced all, making Flores to leave the room grunting loudly. But when Bill looked at Dr. Bogart, he acted as if nothing had happened.
Throughout the meeting Bill gave very little attention to the speeches, because everything that was being said was already in his brain. The only thing that got him up was the part telling about how delicate the mission was. This part was really true and it sent shivers down his back.
The reason for the project being so delicate was the fact that in recent years the US had been facing a threat to its global authority, from the recently developing Asian Superpowers. Even its space dominance had been compromised when NASA and ISRO had to collaborate, to succeed for the first human touchdown on Mars. So, to regain its dominance, NASA and the government together came up with The Titan Mission. Even though many experts termed the mission as a 'suicide mission', the government decided to move on with it, which caused public outrage.
Although the government was able to stop the revolts, yet it knew that if the mission went even a bit off the mark, it could spark major uprisings, that could even lead to dissolution of the government and cause dire consequences- Dictator rule and Terrorist's take over of power being the most probable. Hence in a way the future of  humanity lied on Bill's shoulders, the very thought of which made him extremely cautious.
His thoughts were interrupted when Robert immediately stood up. Bill looked at him questioningly.
"Just going out to get some air." saying this he went away.
"He's been acting strange since the last month." Bill said to Dr. Bogart while looking at Robert, exiting the hall.
"Yeah, even I had noticed this last week during the training."
Katie spoke up "I think being the VC of the mission has taken up to his head."
They all nodded and decided to wait for him to come. When he didn't showed up even after twenty minutes, Dr. Bogart exclaimed-
"I think that as the VC, Robert should not remain absent in the meeting for this long.  Sophia you should go to get him in Bill's place, because I don't want both the VC and the CIC to be missing from here."
Sophia stood up and went towards the back compound's door. A few moments later they all heard her scream and cry out loud. Everyone in the meeting became silent. Bill jumped up from his chair and ran towards the door. As soon as he entered the compound, he saw Sophia wailing, while lying on the floor. Her hand was raised and her fingers were pointed towards the opened storage door. Bill got in front of it and was shocked. On the floor was blood, bouts and bouts of blood. But what he saw next, was something his eyes really couldn't believe- lying out on the ground, looking straight, was Kisrsken, his lifeless mouth having breathed the last breath……..the last breath his life