"First Group"
My excitement was palpable as I packed. I was to be with the first group of regular earth dwellers to travel to outer space. I was so excited!
We were allowed one bag and it had to fit in a specified compartment, so 16 inches square and 4 inches deep. I knew the things I must have: Burt's Bees lip balm, moisturizer and photos of the kids. I was taking a change of clothes and a comb, for my hair had been styled into a pixie cut for ease of care. Everything else was provided. I filled the extra space with writing paper, pens, and a few paperback books.
They picked me up on Thursday, before the Monday launch. We all had to have a special diet and more tests done.
While sitting in the cafeteria, I asked others what they had packed.
The younger woman gave a list of cosmetics and hair care products, plus fancy underwear. Oh my...
Both men were as practical as I was and we smiled at each other. I did like the idea of a chess game, magnetized, which the older man was bringing. I felt like we were never coming back and were going to travel forever, but we would be back in a few days.
***
Take-off was a breeze and my stomach behaved. I had accepted a dose of anti-nausea medication though. Weightlessness was not very enjoyable, so I made sure I was fastened snugly and looked for a great view... nothing yet.
Space attendants were walking in magnetized boots and smiling just like on a commercial flight. Our fare was a bit higher though, $1,000,000 each. My children were not very excited at the loss of their inheritance but I wouldn't be around that much longer, so I was going to enjoy it.
We all dozed, for some reason, fighting to stay awake. Even the attendants strapped themselves in to doze. Something was wrong.
I looked into the cabin through the CCTV and the pilots seemed fine, talking and sipping from pouches. Maybe we were just exhausted. I dozed, but didn't sleep soundly like the others. I wondered why.
Heck, I was over sixty, with a few problems, so I should have been the first one asleep. I felt a disturbance and something told me to appear to be asleep.
Two space-suited men walked down the aisle from the kitchen area and checked each guest. I made myself relax totally and after a quick check, they moved on.
I looked through my lashes and saw them try to enter the flight cabin. They couldn't get in. Weapons were pulled from pockets and they began blasting the door, but nothing happened. They were frustrated and began to bang and kick the door. That didn't last long, or in a matter of moments, they were vented outside. The pressure was intense and I couldn't breathe, but stayed calm for I knew they would remedy the situation rapidly.
The door sealed again and the cabin began to re-pressurize and I tried to catch my breath. One of the pilots came into the cabin with a weapon and checked every area and passenger as they walked by. I smiled and nodded.
The pilot pulled out a device and did a quick blood test on everyone and nodded. He stopped by me and said he would be right back.
After administering a drug reversal, everyone awakened with headaches, but otherwise fine.
"Why didn't you fall asleep, Ma'am?"
I shook my head. "I have no idea, but maybe one of my daily pills helped me." They nodded.
There was talk of going back to earth, but we hadn't seen anything yet, so I was against that idea.
The men's bodies were grabbed by grappling bots and secured in the hold. I wondered who they were and what they were after. Our money was on earth, so couldn't be that and how were they going to get back off? How did they get on in the first place?
I always had questions! I drove most folks crazy. My flight mates were listening though.
The Captain came into the cabin. "We have to go back, but your money will be refunded or you can reserve another flight."
***
Back on earth, we were still celebrities. We were wined and dined and sought after for talk shows and books. I accepted everything and I still had my million to play with as well.
***
The men were found out to be from the rival space travel company and were sent to find all they could and to eliminate us and destroy our ship. No one said how they got to us or how they planned to get back.
Interesting and worth more thought and many questions...
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