A New Dawn

By Akira Varma

Mission Commander Nancy Phillips had always dreamt of going into space. Now, she got to realize her dream by being the first human to set foot on Saturn's moon, Enceladus. Without realizing the danger she and her team were in, that was.

Kai Morrison always thought his sister was a pain. Completely unbearable and utterly insuffe

• Language: English
• Publisher: Akira Varma
• Release date: Sep 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088127247

Book preview

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A New Dawn

Book 1 of A New Dawn Duology

Akira Varma

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to the actual events, locales, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. 

A NEW DAWN Copyright © 2023 Akira Varma

Cover by Selkkie Designs

All Rights Reserved

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the authors, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

First off, I’d like to thank every single one of you for helping me through this process. To my dear readers, I hope you enjoy the story!

Second off, I am so, SO sorry…

… actually, not really.

I am sorry for not being sorry though. Hope that helps…

Content Warning

Please read the following content warning before reading the story.

There’s just a lot of trauma that I put my characters through in this book. Major characters death, human experimentation (both on and off the pages), and bloody violence. Yes, it’s going to get more gruesome as the story goes on. 

Basically, what I’m trying to say is, don’t get too attached to the characters, if that’s possible. 

Just saying. 

The story also ends in a cliffhanger!!!

If you don’t like cliffhangers, Book 2 that comes out in March 2024.

Contents

Part One: History in the Stars

1.One Small Step for Man

2.Not Always the Destination. It's the Journey.

3.The Vast Emptiness of Space

4.Time to Explore

5.Something's Wrong- Very Wrong

6.How Bad Could It Get?

7.We're Coming Back Home

Part Two: The Forgotten

8.Summer Vacations Are The Worst

9.Labs Deserve A Special Place in Hell

10.This Was Not How It Was Supposed To End

11.Life Goes On

12.I am...

Part Three: The Beginning of the End

13.For Better or Worse

14.Breaking The News

15.Happily Ever After is Not Long Enough

16.They Will Pay

17.Small Tasks Weren't Exactly...Small

Part Four: Escape

18.Freedom!

19.Spoke Too Soon

20.Freedom Tastes Good

21.Is it True This Time?

22.How Does One Make A Good Thing Last?

Epilogue

Author's Note

Acknowledgements

About Akira Varma

Also By

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One Small Step for Man

September 12th, 2160

The $2.5-Billion space shuttle has finally come to fruition. NASA, Europe’s ESA, India’s ISRO, China’s CNSA, and Russia’s Roscosmos were at the forefront of getting this project started and to where it is right now. The shuttle is currently in the launch pad, waiting for the astronauts to board. The reporter waved her hand to the space shuttle behind her in excitement before turning back to the camera and continued. In just a few hours, the much-anticipated lift-off can be seen from the site. Hundreds of people have gathered to watch the historic launch. Some have even been camping since the night before.

The camera panned over from the space shuttle to the crowd. The sun peaking over the horizon only made the silhouette of the space shuttle visible in the glowing morning light. With the cool early morning breeze, everyone on site covered in a blanket and huddled together for warmth. Excited murmurs only got louder as the morning passed. 

The reporter continued with her report when the camera was pointed back at the report.

A new propulsion system called the Advanced VASIMR is being used for this launch. She said, brushing the hair blowing on her face from the chilly morning breeze. The team had already used this system for previous interplanetary robotic missions to Mars and Jupiter’s moon Europa seven years ago. All the previous missions had been very successful. The scientists working on this spaceship seem to be very confident on how this mission will turn out. This will be the first time humans have ventured this far into space. Let’s all wish the astronauts a successful and safe journey.

The reporter continued with her report, occasionally gesturing to the spaceship standing on a small man-made island raft at a distance behind her. Her excitement was mirrored by the thousands of people that had come to watch the launch of the shuttle.

The cool breeze of the morning carried with it the music that some people had out. It was still early enough in the morning that people were just coming out of their tents. Some already had their barbecue stands ready, while the others had their children sitting on their shoulders as they swayed to the music.

Dr. Nicolas Morales stood a few feet behind the cameraman, looking at the reporter. He gazed back at the space shuttle being prepped in the distance. His chest puffed as he beamed with pride at the attention his project was getting. He pursed his lips, trying to contain the giddy smile that threatened to spill.

Dr. Morales – or rather Nick as he liked his close friends or loved ones to call him – looked at his watch. It was almost time for him to head back. Nick took in a couple deep breaths, cherishing the jubilation from the crowd for a couple minutes longer. With a satisfied smile, Nick left for Mission Control.

He rushed to the nearby building. Holding up his ID to the security standing by the door, Nick entered the tall building. A couple of card and retinal scanners later, the quiet hallway Nick walked through made way to the bustle of the Control Room. 

Nick stood on the Observation Deck, observing the chaos of the mission operations below. 

The stress was palpable. People rushed around the Mission Control room sharing their data and charts – all of which contained the last-minute checks before the final countdown for the shuttle flight. Not one person took notice of Nick entering the Control room. 

Nick walked down the stairs and into the pandemonium.

You’re a bit early, Nick. A voice came up behind him. 

Nick turned around to find his Mission Co-Direction Dr. Steven Ambrose, a man Nick had come to consider his close friend throughout this mission, standing behind him.

I wanted to see the kids one last time before they left. Nick said, smiling widely as he thought of the astronauts going on this mission.

Steve couldn’t help but smile. His eyes turned misty along with Nick’s. The astronauts had been training for the past decade for this mission. A decade ago, the astronauts were only a small rag-tag team of seven twenty-six year olds from all over the world with a small dream of embarking on humanity’s first adventure to a different moon in the Solar System.

Nick and Steve were their Mission Directors.

And with the both of them being almost forty years older than the trainees, it was hard for Nick and Steve to not look at the astronauts as their children. Almost to the point that there was even a running joke within the trainees calling Steve and Nick, Dads. 

The astronaut’s grueling training only seemed to bring them closer. They were the closest to a family Steve and Nick ever had.

You really need to stop calling them kids. They’re going to space. They’ve grown up now. Steve joked.

Nick waved his friend off, scoffing and shaking his head.

Did you have time to talk to them? Nick asked.

Yeah, they seemed to be even more excited than last week. Honestly, I did not know that was even possible. They were acting like excited children! Steve chuckled before turning serious. Don’t tell them I said though. I’d never hear the end of it.

Nick laughed and patted his friend’s back, before heading out of Mission Control.

He walked dreamily, humming the tunes of his childhood, as he wound down the corridors to reach the astronauts. Nick scanned his badge. With the telltale hiss of the door opening, Nick entered the commotion inside.

The room turned quiet as seven sets of curious eyes turned to Nick as he walked into the room. That quiet only lasted for a moment, however. Cheers erupted as Nancy Phillips, the shuttle commander, waved Nick closer.

All 5 feet 3 inches of spitfire, she had the same determination and innate authority today as she had when she first entered the Johnson Space Center. Nancy had already worn her suit. A white, puffy outer garment covered in dark gray patches on the shoulders, elbows, and the sides of the legs. There was no difference between any of the astronauts' clothing, save for the names printed to the left of their chest. 

Of all the astronauts flying out, her training was the hardest. She had to be the shuttle commander. She was going to be the one making all the decisions – hard or not – when the shuttle was no longer in contact with Earth. And in all that time, Nick had only seen her break once. Even that was only because of the death of her father.

Nancy looked up from placing the cap on her curly hair. Her smile widened as Nick got closer to them.

You’re here to send us off, Nick? She asked loudly.

Well, I can’t let my favorite children leave without saying goodbye to them. Nick said, shrugging.

What are you talking about? Mike shouted from the back. We’re your only kids.

Mike was the first one to change into his suit. He waddled a little to get to Nick. Mike fished out an envelope, handing it over to Nick. I forgot to give this to Steve. Could you hand this over to my family?

With a reassuring smile, Nick pocketed the envelope. He patted his pocket as confirmation before turning around to fuss over the others. Nick’s words of encouragement turned into words of caution for their every action. It was only when Nick was satisfied that he looked around at his seven children, beaming with pride.

Nick spent the rest of the time with them as they continued changing into their gear. When it was time for the crew to leave for the shuttle, all of them said their last goodbyes. The crew were escorted to the door leading them out of the room.

The astronauts stood in a ‘V’ formation led by Nancy Phillips.

As the door opened, the morning rays of sunlight flowed into the room, illuminating the astronauts with the bright morning rays. As each of them stepped out, the quiet morning air was quiet no longer.

Thunderous applause of the surrounding people filled the air as Nancy walked out.

Behind her stood Aanya Patel, their Systems Operator, and Ryan Thompson, their Command Pilot. 

There was supposed to be an announcer introducing all the astronauts as they walked out of the building. But with the commotion of the public cheering in front of them, no one could even hear the announcer properly.

Shouts turned into whoops as the distant excited voice of the announcer tried to introduce the next four astronauts.

And now, we have Michael Banner, our Chemist, Michael walked out, performing a Royal curtsey. That earned him a couple wolf whistles making him smile wider. Shannon Clark, our Geologist, Shannon walked out, blushing as she gave everyone in the crowd a small wave. Bao Jingyi, our Astrobiologist, Bao’s smiles could have lit the entire town as he bowed to the crowd in front of him. And last but not least, Dmitri Vanlentinovich, our doctor. Dmitri punched the air as he walked out.

The thunderous shouts from the people were only punctuated by the clicks of the cameras by the photographers swarming in front of them.

Nancy could see her mother and sister holding onto each other. Her brother-in-law held onto her niece, waving the baby’s tiny arm at Nancy. Her mother held up a sign with a picture in front of her. Nancy squinted, stepping forward a little to see what it was. When she did, all Nancy could do was gasp as she gave her mother a tearful smile, grateful that her mother brought a picture of her father holding onto a baby Nancy.

Aanya’s and Michael’s families seemed to have a party of their own as they waved at them. Bao’s family stood beside them with their own drinks at hand. They held their drinks up in a toast to their son and all other astronauts. Shannon’s father almost looked like he was about to cry while her mother soothed him.

Ryan’s wife, on the other hand, struggled to contain their son’s excitement. He’d been telling all his friends in school for the past few months that his father was a superhero. Dmitri’s wife rubbed her protruding belly as she leaned into his mother.

All seven of the astronauts beamed at their families, waving at the crowd in front of them one last time before walking towards the bus.

The bus would carry them to the space shuttle launch pad. With bittersweet smiles, all the astronauts waved to their families as they boarded the bus.

They could still hear the hoots of the crowd outside as the bus doors closed. The atmosphere in the bus, however, was completely different. None of the seven astronauts spoke to one another. They clasped their hands together in anticipation, counting down the minutes to their launch. 

Shouts from the crowds lingered long after the bus had left. Even though the crew were all but little specs in the distance while boarding the shuttle, the shouts persisted.

There was still a little more than an hour left for launch.

Nick heaved a deep sigh as he watched the bus leave the building. His pride for his children knew no bounds watching his children achieve what they’d come to do.

It was now time for Dr. Nicolas Morales to ensure the astronauts had a safe journey.

Nick opened the doors to Mission Control once again. He saw a couple of men in dark suits and tinted glasses standing in the corner of the Control room. Nick didn’t pay them any mind, however. Walking down the steps of the Mission Control, Nick gave Steve a small smile in acknowledgement.

With a nod from Dr. Steven Ambrose, the final calculations began. Time flew as the engineers checked their parameters one last time.

Only one hour left for launch.

Nancy and her team’s voices rang in the Control Room as they voiced their confirmations. It was almost time for them to launch. Although the tensions were high within the space shuttle, the astronauts kept a brave and calm façade.

The Mission Control, however, was a buzz.

Everyone moved from one station to the other within the room – trading their data. This was their last time to make sure everything was under control for the launch to proceed. Nick and Steve moved around, helping wherever they were needed.

Nick looked at the time on the clock hanging above the Mission Control door.

Fifteen minutes to launch.

Both Steve and Nick glanced at the weather control station. With a thumbs up from the meteorologists, both of them gave their go-ahead for the launch. Voices started firing off their checks as both Steve and Nick alternated between each equipment.

Atlas Systems. Nick raised his voice.

Atlas Systems is a go. After looking over their data one last time, one voice shouted back.

Ten minutes to launch.

Propulsion. Steve asked.

Propulsion is a go. Another voice from a different part of the Mission Control shouted back after a minor pause.

Hydraulics.

Hydraulics is a go.

Pneumatics.

Pneumatics is a go.

Five minutes to launch.

Backup LO2.

Backup LO2 is a go.

This seemed like any drill that they practiced multiple times over the past few months. But this time, they had the life of seven astronauts they had to safely lift off. The final checks for the remaining parts of the space shuttle came in.

Weather. Nick asked again. One final time.

Weather is a go. We are clear to proceed.

That was it.

That was the last check. It was time for them to wait for lift-off.

The countdown clock stopped ticking for a moment. T-minus-1 minute 50 seconds to launch. The mechanical voice said.

There were no other people remaining near the launch pad except for the crew in the space shuttle, making their final adjustments on their panels.

Everything’s good on our end. Nancy’s voice came through in Mission Control. It was only after Nancy gave her affirmation that the countdown resumed.

Remembering the Challenger, Godspeed Thunderbolt. T-Minus-10 seconds. Nick said.

The small smiles on the crew’s faces were enough for him to know that they knew it was him that was speaking now. His voice would be the last one they’d physically hear on Earth.

We are a go for main engine start. The mechanical voice said, counting down the numbers. 7, 6, 5…

A deep guttural rumble vibrated along the shuttle. Even from this distance, Nick could still feel the vibrations. He could see the crew cabin shake intensely through the camera feed. All seven astronauts maintained their composure though. Their health and vitals were being monitored back on ground control. 

4, 3, 2, 1. We have a lift off.

The engines roared to life as the spaceship lifted off.

Joyous shouts from the spectators in the hill nearby were drowned by the thunderous sound of the shuttle leaving the launch pad. Confetti was thrown around as people shouted. Reporters struggled to get a word in through the celebrations and had given up, motioning to pan the camera to the spaceship instead. 

As excited as the people outside were, everyone was still anxious in Mission Control and the space shuttle.

They knew the danger wasn’t over yet.

Solid rocket booster separation initiating. A voice said in the control room and everyone, including the ones in the space shuttle, held their breath. On the screens, they could see two orange rockets separating from the spaceship falling back into the earth’s gravity. 

And the beauty of a spaceship flew. 

Even with the bated breath, they awaited for confirmation that the launch was successful. But in the meantime, they enjoyed the view. The spaceship carrying its humans. Like a speck of a fireball in the clear blue skies. 

Solid rocket booster separation successful. The words that broke the spell. The quiet room erupted into a pandemonium. There were screams all around. People hugged each other and patted their backs with tears in their eyes.

The space shuttle was successfully in earth’s orbit for now. Their first step was complete. No one could hear Steve quietly say into his microphone, The mission is now handed to you, Houston. Godspeed.

Nick hugged him. This was it. They had done it. They had finally done it.

They’d successfully sent their kids to space. Now it was up to Houston and the seven astronauts to continue the mission. Nick and Steve would be back in Mission Control when the astronauts return to Earth. But for now…

The date was September 12th, 2160, and this was the first manned mission to Enceladus. 

The moon orbiting Saturn that was proven to contain microscopic life.

Not Always the Destination. It's the Journey.

The astronauts’ chuckles died down as they successfully exited the Earth’s orbit. 

Houston, confirm path stability. Nancy called out. 

Thunderbolt, slight deviation noted. We’re sending you the modified flight path. Change your course. a voice from Nancy’s headset spoke out.

After stabilizing the spaceship path and confirming it with Houston Ground Control once again, Nancy engaged the gravity controls. 

Aanya and Ryan sat on her sides, while the rest sat behind Nancy. Nancy released the belts. Everyone behind her scattered from their seats. Some left the Command Center, leaving Nancy, Aanya, and Ryan to command the controls. A couple of them stood in the corner. Nancy stood up from her chair and looked around. The sleek white walls of their spaceship’s Command Center stared back at Nancy. Buttons and panels were littered in front of the three of them. The gentle hum of the spaceship was the only sound they heard. 

Aanya, check the ignition– Nancy ordered, pointing to the door leading out of the Command Center –Ryan, controls– She tilted her head to the controls behind her. Nancy fired off a couple more orders to her crew before walking past the both of them. She lifted the phone and clicked a button to call ground control.

Houston, this is Thunderbolt. Slingshot successful and we are on route to Mars. She said, holding the phone close to her face.

That’s a copy, Thunderbolt. There is no deviation. Safe travels. Ground control radioed back.

Nancy hung up the phone and turned around to find a few of her crew mates still in the room with her. Ryan was focused on the controls in front of him with a notebook and pen in hand. He bit on his pen in thought as his blue eyes glazed over the numbers on the pad. 

Well, Nancy thought. I’m not using that pen anymore. She walked back to the crew cabins, shaking her head. 

Shannon and Bao stood in one corner of the Command Center. Their faces were scrunched in concentration. Or was it confusion? So much so that they didn’t notice Nancy walk past them. Nancy saw Shannon point to the geographic locations in her notes while checking Bao’s book for microscopic organisms. 

Nancy didn’t want to disturb them. She could ask them later. They had a month-long trip, anyway. If it were serious, they would notify her immediately, anyway.  

Walking past them and out of the Command Center, Nancy entered the small electrical space. There, she saw Aanya working on the electrical. Nancy left her alone – knowing how Aanya would get when she was disturbed. Nancy walked quietly past Aanya and out of the electrical space.

She entered a passageway that had two labs on either side. The bigger of the two labs on the right-side housed Michael’s chemicals in one corner, Bao’s bacterial and viral specimen in the other corner, and Shannon’s moon ice samples in the middle. The smaller left side of the passage contained Dmitri’s medical equipment. 

Nancy saw Michael hunched down on his lab table. Not wanting to disturb him, Nancy walked past the labs. 

The area from the Command Center to the crew’s labs was segregated from the rest of the spaceship. With all the imagination of the world put together to name the two parts of the spaceship, they still called