The Before Short Story Series. Part 1 - Иван Перепелятник

is coming up. Over ten years, we would expect that spaceships will take off at least once per hour. That is, it will double. Taking into account the need for backup strips, we will put into operation at least another one, plus these which construction has already started. Such indicators as the number of projected launches, the overall increase on the load of the spaceport, imply putting into operation new terminals.

Here, on the site to the right, below us,’ Bo pointed at the vacant plot already prepared for construction under the drone, ‘the fifth terminal for servicing tourists will be built in the very near future. Moreover, I am glad that I can tell you about one of the new and unique projects that our company is currently developing. Work is underway at the final stage now, to launch a new route: Earth–Venus! Just imagine an amazing space trip to our sister Venus!’ Bo said solemnly.

‘The guy is overacting a little…’ Meryl thought and answered:

‘Bo, by this time I will probably be another exhibit in the family columbarium. And on the other hand, you can’t land on Venus. What will tourists do there?’

Mrs Stern, I have no doubt that after the lunar program, you will definitely decide to fly to Mars and Venus when this new amazing travel destination is opened. We would expect this route to provoke no less interest than flights to Mars. As for the travel program, you are right, it really will not work to land on the surface. But to observe the atmosphere of the planet with your own eyes, to see its surface from the orbit with the help of scientific instruments, to take part in a number of unique experiments—all this is very much in demand now with our space travellers. In addition, the program of the flight to Venus will include the study of our star—the Sun. The orbit of Venus comes much closer to the Sun. It will be a unique experience.

‘Thank you, Bo, for your optimism and for the advertising. Who knows, maybe Lewis and I getting on in years will really become active space explorers of the solar system. Let’s see how our first lunar journey ends.’

Off we go!

A signal, preceding an announcement sounded in the cabin:

‘Dear passengers, we are ready to start. The flight will start in a few seconds. Please make sure that your seat belts are fastened, that you have put your hand luggage on the shelf above your seat. All your belongings must be put away and securely fixed.’

Meryl took Lewis’s hand (he was sitting to her right, by the aisle between the passenger seats) and squeezed it hard. Lewis was no less tense.

‘Meryl, don’t worry. It’s okay,’ he whispered in her ear. ‘Statistics show that yet there hasn’t been a single incident related to the new generation of spaceships. And they have been flying for over 10 years now.’

‘You’ve found the words to calm me down, Lewis. There hasn’t been yet—we can be part of that very first case.’

‘Everything will be fine.’

The whole machine suddenly began accelerating. Fastened with five-point seat belts, they were pressed into their seats. A few seconds and they felt lifting off the ground. In the porthole, the earth was rapidly moving away. A couple more seconds and the clouds were also left behind. The monitor flashed the current speed and altitude indicators, the number of seconds since the start. The scheme on the screen displayed the current stage of the flight: on the monitor, the spacecraft quickly passed the blue zone, approaching the next, saturated blue—the Stratosphere. Bang! A strong push in the back! Everything was shaking and buzzing. Meryl closed her eyes. Her lips moved soundlessly. Hands wet. The ship was breaking out of the grip of the Earth’s gravity.

Lewis looked out the cabin window: ‘Everything is getting black. Somehow I feel bad…’. He wanted to raise his hand to look at the watch—to check the pulse and blood pressure—but he couldn’t. Hands of stone. Would not lift. We’re going out into space! Oh, my God, my God! How scary!’

Everything began to quiet down. The windows went almost black. They were lifted up from their seats. Everything and everyone calmed down. Lewis would love to change. He was sweating all over.

‘Dear passengers, Ezo-4 is reaching outer space. From this moment on, you are astronauts officially! Congratulations to you!’

A calm, pleasant female voice out of the loudspeakers was reassuring the excited passengers:

‘The flight is nominal. The approach time to the international space station Federation and docking will take no more than one hour. You can move freely around the cabin and enjoy the views of the planet Earth. We ask you to be careful when moving around the cabin of the ship in zero gravity. Please show respect to other passengers and maintain order.’

Bucked up everyone, and a commotion began. Having unbuckled from the seats, people began to flounder in zero gravity, trying to move away from their seats. Most of the passengers were adults, but there was no difference from children now.

Launch acceleration, fear and anxiety were replaced by delight, joy and laughter. Someone let water run through the cabin of the ship, which scattered in all directions in transparent, shapeless balls. A boy floated over the heads of Lewis and Meryl, casting mischievous glances at them. Meryl also came to her senses and looked out the window at the amazing beauty of the views of the planet: ‘It was worth flying for this.’

Lewis called the steward:

‘How can I help you, Mr Podger?’ hovering over Lewis’ head, the young man asked.

‘John,’ Lewis read his name on the badge, ‘do you have a spare set of clothes to change for me?’

‘Yes, of course, sir. I’ll get everything ready for you and invite you to the bathroom in a minute.’

‘Thank you, John.’

‘Mrs