11

Rheita takes a deep breath. "If that thing hits the rockets, it's not just the mission that's dead," she says, "it's the millions of people on Luna that'll die when the shrapnel bursts a dome. We've got to get it before it gets us."

It's terrible, but the only way to stop the mining vessel is to launch one of your supply rockets at it.

Launch Laelaps. The ground vehicles aren't essential.

Launch Talos. We can live without satellites.

Launch Javelin. We'll have to make do with the materials we can bring in the Asterion.

Next

The construction materials would have sped up the expansion of the new colony, they wouldn't add anything unique. Or so you tell yourself. You give the order and the team scrambles to comply.

Kosmo and Rheita Petavius stay with you in the viewing booth as the rocket is launched prematurely. You watch as it lights up and silently soars through the endless night sky with perfectly programmed precision. When it strikes the vessel it's just a speck in the distance but the light of the explosion is clear for everyone to see, both on Luna and down on Earth.

"I don't care what it costs, we've got to find the bastards who did this."

"I'd sacrifice a lot more than a rocket to get to Europa."

"Is everyone alright?"

Next

"We're going to make history," agrees Kosmo. "Those sad sacks down on Earth can't stop us."

Over the next few months, you throw yourself into the mission, staying up late each night and focusing on every detail. Worldly concerns drop away as you turn your activities solely to Europa.

The days blur together in a haze of meetings and training, punctuated by minor setbacks. The two intact rockets are sent off without further harm.

Eventually, in the brief window where the distance between Earth and Europa is at its shortest, the day of launch arrives.

Next

You are strapped in at the bridge of the Asterion. The walls are displaying a countdown. The eyes of the world are on the launch.

The rocket engines roar, the g-forces push you back into your chair, and your eyes sink back into your skull.

"We're free!" cries Kosmo.

Steadily the force eases off. You are free of Luna's weak gravity. Free, but confined to the ship for eighteen months.

First Interlude

Interlude One: The Asterion

You, 1,399 other people, and crates upon crates of advanced robotics have to make the Asterion home. Eighteen long months stretch out before you, stuck within the cramped confines of the ship. The crew clumps into groups around profession, nationality, and special interests. Who do you spend your time with?

[Two actions remaining.]

I work through keeping cool in disaster scenarios with Kosmo.

I look for defects in the plants with Florence Palmer.

I work on low-gravity strength training with Rheita Petavius.

I help patch together broken equipment with Virginia Rein.

I take a systematic approach to the colony layout plans with Sungura Kikwete.

I draw up research plans with Professor Li.

Next

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***