Torus: Chapter 8

Steve jolted awake to the sound of his alarm clock. His heavy hand found the snooze button and the noise ceased. Normally, he'd wake up to his stomach grumbling or when his body is well rested and the afternoon sun is up. Puzzled, he stared at his alarm clock and wondered why his wife, Tracey Ludavic, set his alarm to 6:55 am. His mind started to clear and he remembered. His wife didn't set the alarm, he did. Today was the special day where S.P.A.C.E. would be launching the Wubble. Today, the world would be saved. Steve splashed his face with cold water and smiled. He wasn't going to be late and delay this occasion.

As he entered the launch room, he was dismayed to see that everyone was up and waiting for him, although he woke up extra early.

"Steve, we’re ready for dispatch," Joe Chipman said. "Your seat is here, beside Viktor Conti, Head Launch Administrator, in charge of this launch."

Steve followed the direction of Joe's finger and located an empty seat next to a young Italian man. The two shook hands and took their seats. Conti reached for his earpiece and began speaking rapid Italian.

"Preparare il lancio cuscinetto!"

With the little Italian Steve knows he knew that they were preparing to launch. He also noticed how one section of the operators began clicking buttons and pulling switches. Each had an earpiece and communicated with short code lines. Around him was a few of the most important administrators and managers of S.P.A.C.E here to monitor the launch. Finally, over the intercom, Steve heard:

"Ready to launch, sir"

Steve's stomach fluttered in anticipation. This launch was to be kept a secret until it was successful. He could even see himself in the paper, giving his already thought out speech on how he saved the world. Almost everyone in S.P.A.C.E. was watching the Wubble being launched. Steve imagined the crowd being his interviewers but was soon snapped back into reality by a heavily accented English.

"Launching in 5, 4, 3 …"

Steve rested his chin on his hand as his brows were knit together.

" … 2 …"

Everyone leaned forward.

" … 1! Launch!"

Viktor's hand firmly pressed the red launch button.

The roar was deafening. In just 5 seconds, the Wubble already gained a speed of 100km/h and was continuing to increase. A live feed appeared at the front of the room. It showed the Wubble getting higher and higher. 2 minutes later, it was out of Earth's atmosphere and hurling it's way towards Theio.

Everyone sighed as the burden of the world lifted. Then they cheered and clapped. People crowded around Viktor, partially forgetting Steve, but he didn't care. He knew that he would finally have a good night's sleep.



Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8