Steppingstones To Space: Humanitie’s expansion, #1

By Daniel D. Bate

Earth is a fragile haven. But when one woman tries to make humans a multi-planetary species, will blastoff prove fatal?

 

Dr. Elizabeth Reacher refuses to take no for an answer. So when the ambitious academic witnesses yet another terrorist attack on a program that would have made space travel far more accessible, she channels her despair over the waste into fierce passion. But as the introvert pushes herself out of her comfort zone to find support for her new cause, she attracts unwanted attention from dangerous extremists.

 

Trying to balance global politics with a mission that transcends borders, Dr. Reacher travels to Russia to train for her next move. But when she's freed after being kidnapped by foreign interests, the Special Forces team behind her extraction feels like it has more foes than friends.

 

As the endless barrage continues, will her quest to expand humanity's reach further into the cosmos flameout in the crossfire?

 

An adventurer who longed to know what was beyond the night sky before losing his sight, Daniel D. Bate weaves scientific fact with thrilling fiction as he ponders the vast implications of journeys away from our home planet. And as he shares insights into the deep human dream to explore and soar among the stars, he offers a glimpse of infinite opportunity and terrifying possibilities.

 

Stepping Stones to Space is the thought-provoking first book in the Humanity's Expansion science fiction series. If you like edge-of-your-seat suspense, exploring new frontiers, and questioning life's mysteries, then you'll love Daniel D. Bate's insightful vision for our destiny.

 

Buy Stepping Stones to Space to take the next giant leap today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel D. Bate
• Release date: Jan 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224799749

Book preview

Join my author newsletter

If you want to know what happens next in the humanities expansion series, as well as get free and exclusive goodies, including being the 1st to find out when I have new releases, then please join my author newsletter

Pleas join us here!

Chapter 1

The camera panned down the length of the spaceplane, showing off the marvel of engineering in all its glory.

Jesus, can you see those dots, Jacob said, pointing at the picture on the pad. They are actually people. That is a monster. It must be as big as the Airbus A380 at least.

It does look amazing, doesn’t it, said Elizabeth quietly, but have you seen the size of those engine intakes?

I think they must be about three times the size of jumbo jet engines, said Jacob.

The spaceplane taxied around to the end of the runway and then the camera panned further down, looking off into the distance following the length of the runway.

I heard the runway is five miles long, said Elizabeth.

Jacob pointed at the engines again. Those engines are mounted in a strange place.

I heard it was for the structural integrity of the plane, Elizabeth said. The engines are between the fuselage and the wings like that because of the way the forces act on the plane. If there were four engines hanging down from the wings like with a normal plane, it would probably rip them off the body, and if they were to put one on the tail it would be even worse, from what I’ve heard.

They were both watching the live stream from the BBC on the iPad, as were many of the other students in the canteen at the university. In fact, Elizabeth briefly looked around and didn’t think there was a table without anyone watching the stream of the new spaceplane. The BBC reporter then came on.

"I’m here today at the spaceplane facility here on the Welsh coast, and if indications are anything, the world’s latest spaceport, where you will witness a leap forward in space technology. This spaceplane is a marvel of man-made technology, allowing for single-stage orbit access at a vastly cheaper cost than anything that has come before it. This spaceplane can lift fifty-seven tons of cargo into orbit, and due to its modular design, it

has, at maximum, a three-day turnaround for orbital flights and a matter of minutes for suborbital flights, allowing for extremely rapid launch cycles. The spaceplane you see behind me is one of the largest aircraft that has ever been made. It is slightly larger than the old Airbus A380. Not only that, but it is the fastest commercial plane in the world. The plane can get anywhere in the world within three hours."

The spaceplane’s engines started slowly accelerating down the runway. The few people who weren’t watching a live stream in the university canteen actually turned around and had a look to see what the noise was, it was that loud. There were so many other people in the canteen watching it that the sound actually filled the canteen. The BBC edited the live stream, making it easier to hear, but the reporter on location still couldn’t be heard now. A disembodied voice came over the stream saying, Sorry for that, we seem to be having technical difficulties. Further commentary will be done from here in the studio or text updates along the bottom of your screen.

Ha, ha, ha, those engines are really monsters, Jacob said, laughing.

Elizabeth nodded as well, smiling as she watched the spaceplane accelerate into the distance, getting faster and faster, and eventually taking off into the sky. It was visible for a few more minutes before disappearing into the distance. Now we have cheap access to space, we may actually do something again— Elizabeth said.

She was then cut off as the voiceover came back on the live stream, saying, News just in, there has been an explosion at the facility that builds the new spaceplanes. So far there have been three people confirmed killed in the explosion. We do not have any confirmed reports at the moment, with the exception of those three casualties, but early information says that the explosion was quite substantial. We will keep you updated on the story as it progresses.

Jacob sat there with his mouth open.

Elizabeth banged her head on the table. What the hell is wrong with this world? I’m starting to wonder that if we don’t like something we just stick our heads in the sand and ignore it as a species. We are so stupid, utterly stupid. What the hell is wrong with us?

Just sit down, would you, Jacob said, pulling on the sleeve of her jacket.

She realised with some surprise that she was already on her feet and allowed Jacob to pull her slowly back down into her chair. It’s just so wrong. We now have cheap access to get into Earth orbit, she said with tears of frustration in her eyes. We should be doing so much more. It just seems so many people in power or those who have the ability to do this kind of thing just want to put their head in the sand and ignore it. There are even those, she said, gesturing at the tablet, that want to actively sabotage it. Those people are just ignorant, stupid bastards.

I know, I know, okay, Jacob said, looking around at the other tables nervously. I agree with you.

It’s just so wrong. There was more done between 1940 and 1972 than has been done between 1972 and today. We’re more than fifty years on, Elizabeth said, snarling.

Why those dates? Jacob said, frowning slightly.

In 1942 the first V2 rocket was launched. It was the first real rocket to get to low orbit. Yes, von Braun sold out to the Nazis to build it, but some mad scientists are just like that. Some people call it justifiable and other people say the ends don’t justify the means. Then the Russians launched Sputnik on the fourth of October 1957. Arguably they got there first because they got some of the German scientists at the end of World War Two and they got the most up-to-date rocket technology. Then the Americans launched the Redstone Juno I variant in 1958, which lifted the first American satellite into orbit. I’m a bit surprised, however, that the Americans weren’t first. They got the majority of the rocket scientists and especially von Braun himself. Then the space race really started to heat up, for the dogs and chimpanzees as well as eventually humans. But then on the twelfth of September 1962, the very best thing in the history of man was announced. JFK did his famous ‘We choose to go to the moon’ speech, and then in 1969 they did! The Apollo missions were by far the best thing that ever happened to the human race. That dream, that beautiful dream, of human spaceflight, came to an end in 1972 with Apollo 17, and we’ve never been back again since, she ended, with tears of frustration in her eyes.

I’m not defending them, said Jacob, but NASA and the other space agencies have done quite a bit since then as well. They’ve mapped the whole surface of the moon, and Mars, as well as sending plenty of probes to the inner and outer solar system, and we do have a space station in orbit.

Yes, I know, but manned spaceflight did die that day. Well, at least anything beyond low-Earth orbit. We still go to the International Space Station I suppose, said Elizabeth. Jacob just nodded in agreement. Elizabeth continued, saying, And what’s even worse, the private space industry has been long on promises and short on results. At least with anything beyond Earth orbit.

It’s strange. I never noticed before, but it almost seems like we’re trapped on this planet and low-Earth orbit, when you say it like that, Jacob said, musingly. There are loads of people in the world who want this to happen, but somehow each new venture seems to keep getting sabotaged.

At that moment the BBC presenter’s voice came back over the live stream. Breaking news just in. With the exception of five orders for this marvel of modern-day technology, the over five hundred other orders have been cancelled for the new spaceplane. At present we have no further news on this story, but we will keep you informed as it develops… Excuse me, further to that last notification, several groups have filed lawsuits against the company that has developed the new spaceplane.

Elizabeth crossed her arms on the table and rested her head on them. Jacob reached over and put his hand on her shoulder. What is wrong with us? she said, mumbling. There are so many things in the world we could set to rights. Instead, you have stupid, ignorant bastards doing things like that. I know what I just said about the private space industry, but there are a few that do try, and when they do, things like this happen. She waved towards the display on the pad. Jacob leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes in despair.

It’s not like we can do anything about it.

What did you just say? Elizabeth said quietly.

I said it’s not like we can do anything about it. As you’ve just said, other people are trying to do something about it and are still being stopped in one form or another, Jacob said.

How much do you care about your career? Elizabeth said, sitting up slowly.

Ha, ha— he laughed, before his face started to fall. You’re not joking, are you?

Elizabeth shook her head slowly, staring at him.

What in the world do you think we could do? Jacob said in exasperation. We’re a pair of postgraduate students that literally have just got our PhDs. We don’t even have a job yet.

That’s precisely why we can do this. I’ve got a master’s degree in physics and engineering and you’ve got a master’s degree in engineering and business management, said Elizabeth.

Wo, wo, wo, slow down, what are you talking about? said Jacob.

The subjects we’ve studied means we know exactly that space travel, at least around our solar system, is possible, said Elizabeth. There are other people we would need to bring on to the team, but I think our first port of call should be to go and see Professor Roberts.

Why Professor Roberts? said Jacob.

You know he worked on the Apollo programme, Elizabeth said. Come on, let’s go. Pick up that tablet and we’ll go and see Professor Roberts.

Wait, just wait one minute, what did we just decide? said Jacob.

We just decided to put our feet on the road to confrontation. We’re going to make the rest of the human race take its first permanent stepping stones to space, said Elizabeth.

A few moments later Elizabeth was making her way to Professor Roberts’ residence on the university campus. She was storming along like an unstoppable force, with Jacob trailing behind her and the Sun setting on the horizon. Elizabeth knocked firmly but politely as Jacob staggered up behind her shaking his head, wondering what the hell he’d got himself into. The door opened and an elderly jovial white-haired man stood in the doorway.

Greetings, my former students, how are you on this momentous day? said Professor Roberts.

Good day, Professor. To be honest, we, or at least I am, are very frustrated, said Elizabeth, glancing back at Jacob.

Oh dear, my young friends, please come in… come in and tell me all about it. Has it got anything to do with the direction your lives are going to take from now on? said the professor.

What do you mean, Professor? said Elizabeth. She blinked at him a few times in confusion as she was derailed from her original thoughts.

You are at something of a crossroads at the moment, said the professor. Do you continue your research here at the university, or do you start your non-academic careers and go into the workforce?

To be honest, Professor, I’m considering taking a third path, said Elizabeth.

Oh, and what would that be? said the professor.

Before I get into that, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind telling us a little bit about your time at NASA? said Elizabeth.

It was truly an incredible time. We were doing magic, or at least that’s how it felt, the professor said, looking off into the distance. I was part of the draft design approval board for the Apollo 16 and 17 missions. He shook his head and came back to himself. Forgive me, please forgive me, where are my manners. Would you like some tea, coffee, or another beverage? the professor said. He led both of them into his living room. The live BBC stream they had just been watching on the tablet was also being viewed by the professor, but this was on a large screen covering most of one wall in his living room. Elizabeth and Jacob continued watching the live stream as the professor bustled into the kitchen.

Could I have a Pepsi please, Professor, said Elizabeth.

And could I have a strong coffee please, Professor, said Jacob.

After a few moments the professor brought out the drinks, as well as a coffee for himself. My young friends, today is a momentous occasion, the professor said, nodding towards the screen. Cheap access to get into Earth orbit. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see it in my lifetime. It’s one hell of an improvement on the old Saturn Five rocket. Although admittedly they were designed to go all the way to the moon and back.

I assume, Professor, you’ve seen the news about the cancellations of most of the spaceplane orders, as well as the lawsuits and the bombings? said Elizabeth, looking down at the can of Pepsi.

Yes I did, my dear, said the professor, and his face darkened for a moment, before resignation took over his face. It is a shame that there are so many forces working against humans going beyond this world.

What do you mean, Professor? I’ve seen some of the stuff on the BBC broadcast today and I have suspicions about others, but could you give any more details? said Elizabeth.

"My dear, where do I start? At the height of the Apollo programme there was over half a million people working for it both directly and indirectly, including myself. However, towards the end of the Apollo programme there were many political forces acting against us within the government, and eventually NASA’s budget got cut drastically. If anything, since then, that political resistance has done nothing more than gathered momentum, making the situation worse. Unfortunately, these days NASA has become strangled by bureaucrats. They have to do assessments on the preliminary funding requests, then assessments on the efficacy and accuracy of those requests. Only if all that is approved do you then need to do the actual funding requests, and then, after all that, the funding can be removed at the drop of a hat. In other words, it takes the issue of filling paperwork out in triplicate to a whole new level. At least the European Space Agency budget for the full cost of the project, and doing it the European way you know you’re going to have enough money to last till the end of the programme here in the West. However, in the East it’s a completely different story. They’ve actually been doing more in space, but they’re trying to do it on the cheap, and will probably do nothing more than get a lot of people killed. Other than the political side of things, there is also the economic side in particular. There has actually been a lot of investment in orbital space infrastructure. However, that’s because it’s profitable and big business. It just doesn’t see a profit in the short term. There’s also a very large upfront capital cost as well. In the long term, space would be incredibly profitable, but that’s not how big businesses with shareholders generally like to work. Last, and most dangerous, at least in my opinion, are the Luddites, terrorist groups, borderline terrorist groups and the anarchist groups. For example, the nihilists, the technology Luddites and the ultra greens respectively. One of the other major problems is engagement by the general public. They’re just not involved like they used to be. One of the things about the Apollo programme was that when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon everyone who watched it at home felt like they were part of history, and it’s the sort of thing that you remember where you were and what you were doing at that time.

Anyway, my young friend, you know most of this already, studying what you have and being in my lectures. Why would you want to hear the ramblings of an old man?

Jacob sat back in his chair, looking at Elizabeth. She sat there with her head down staring at her can of Pepsi, turning it slowly. Professor, given all those groups arranged against humans going into space, do you believe it could be possible to overcome them? said Elizabeth quietly.

After working on the Apollo programme I can say that almost anything is possible if – the professor said, holding up one finger – there is more force working towards the goal than against it.

Elizabeth looked up directly into the professor’s eyes. Professor, I want to get humans back into space. I want us to become a multiplanetary species… or even more.

The professor nodded slowly and then said, They are very noble goals, but how do you expect to overcome the resistance arrayed against such an endeavour?

Honestly, Professor, at the moment I don’t know, but I would like your help with it, said Elizabeth.

The professor sat back in his chair and stared up at the ceiling for a few minutes. Elizabeth glanced nervously at Jacob, but he was staring at the live feed showing the spaceplane’s ongoing flight to the International Space Station. She looked back down at her can of Pepsi, starting to turn it faster and faster. The cold and moisture of the can was making her hands slippery.

Yes, I’ll help you, said the professor.

Elizabeth was so surprise she jumped, but she managed to catch her can before spilling it. The relief that spread through her was like a wave of heat, and a loosening of pressure that she didn’t even realise was there.

But you need to be far more specific in your goals, said the professor. What exactly do you want to achieve?

I want the human race to colonise the solar system and eventually beyond, said Elizabeth.

Okay, but think of something a little bit more short term and closer to home, As well as being on a bit smaller scale, said the professor.

What about colonising Mars? said Elizabeth.

Mars is a good option, but there are issues with that. There will be issues with every option, to be honest, but Mars is a little bit far away if anything goes wrong with our current level of technology, said the professor.

Jacob pointed at the live stream. What about there?

The professor and Elizabeth turned to look at the moonrise appearing on the live stream.

As we already have a space station in orbit, the moon would be perfect, said the professor.

The very long-term aim would be a colony or colonies with populations numbering in the millions or more. In the short term though, we need a permanent manned small-scale moon base to begin with. Then we can expand as we go, but we would just have to take that into account in the designs, said Elizabeth.

So now we know what we want to achieve, which is apparently a manned small-scale moon base. This base will also have the capability of expanding and eventually becoming self-sufficient, said the professor. Do you both agree?

The pair of them nodded in shock. Then they started to smile. We’re actually going to do this, aren’t we? said Jacob.

Indeed we are, said Elizabeth, a big grin appearing on her face.

Yes, my young friends, we are going to do this. Now we know what we want to achieve, we now need to work out how we are going to go about achieving it, said the professor.

Eventually we want this moon base to become self-sufficient and even profitable. With that in mind we will probably have to set up an LLC, a limited liability company, said Jacob.

Elizabeth shook her head in annoyance. Do we really have to go down the corporate route?

I’m sorry, my dear, but Jacob is correct. This path will be a fairly expensive one, and to get the investment, we need to make this venture profitable in the end. We will have to create an LLC, said the professor.

Fine, she said, the smile sliding from her face. Which one of us is going to sort that out then?

I will, and I’ll also find solicitors, accountants and managers, said Jacob, sighing.

The thought doesn’t please you either, does it? Elizabeth said, chuckling.

It’s not really my forte, said the professor, but along with getting a lawyer for specialising in corporate law, you should also get someone specialising in space law as well. I would recommend you get a graduate of the International Space University. We will also call upon our own university during our enterprise.

And I’ll go and visit some friends at UCL, Southampton University and the University of Hamburg, said Elizabeth.

I’ll come with you, my dear, and after we visit those, would you mind if we visited my own homeland? I believe there are some colleagues of mine that may be able to help us at Harvard, MIT and Caltech, said the professor.

I think we’ll need two teams. The first should stay here on Earth, which will include the corporate candidates, and the second team should be our first colonists on the moon.

What about funding? said Jacob. I suppose we can issue shares, possibly loans and bonds, but I really don’t want to float it on the stock market, if that can be avoided.

We could go to governments and ask them for money, said Elizabeth.

Government funding generally means government oversight, unfortunately, said the professor dryly, before then continuing, A lot of what we’ll be doing at first will be scientific experiments, so how about getting funding from the universities?

There is also crowdfunding, said Jacob, especially if we can get the public enthusiastic about this.

I agree with you on not floating the company on the stock market, but if we issue shares we’ll be giving control to other people, said Elizabeth.

Jacob shook his head. No, if we do it right we can still have the controlling interest in the company. For that matter, we don’t even need to issue shares that have voting rights, other than to ourselves of course. Unfortunately, a lot of our funding will probably come from big corporate organisations. It may even be worthwhile setting up a holding company.

Well okay, I’ll leave all that wonderful stuff to you, Elizabeth said sarcastically.

We are also going to have to lobby governments for changes in the law, said the professor. At the moment there could be an issue with us building a privately owned, built and run moon base.

What do you mean? said Elizabeth.

Due to the space treaty, no government can own land in space, said the professor.

That really creates a large problem, said Jacob. We need to be able to use the resources in space to make this profitable and therefore self-sustaining.

Precisely, said the professor.

Jacob shook his head in annoyance. I hate lobbying.

Yes, so do I, but that’s the nature of the beast in things like this. It certainly was when we were doing the Apollo programme, said the professor.

All that is well and good, said Elizabeth, but what happens if we discover that we don’t have the technology to actually do this? I do believe we can do it, but what happens if we can’t? Then there’s no point getting the financial, economic or the political backing.

Okay, said the professor. I believe there are two main options we could take in getting to the moon. The first one is an all-in-one rocket like the Saturn Five, and while I believe we could make alterations to make most of the rockets reusable, especially with modern-day technology, the downside is it would severely limit our cargo carrying capacity on any one trip. The way around that, of course, is to do multiple trips, but I believe that would make it excessively, even exceedingly, expensive and not cost-effective. The second way, and I believe the far more preferable option, is to use the new spaceplane. The professor pointed at the display with his chin. To do multiple trips into low-Earth orbit and build a space-only craft. This would have several main advantages. The ship will be able to carry far more cargo than anything that needs to launch from the ground, and it would use much less fuel as it is already beyond most of the Earth’s gravity and would only have to break orbit and slide into a lunar orbit. I will admit to having a certain fondness and nostalgia for the old Saturn Five rocket, but saying that, I do believe the second option is the best one, especially given that if we build it right you may be able to use it for other missions… like to Mars, said the professor with a big grin on his face.

I think we should wait until we have the rest of the team before we discuss any more of the designs, said Jacob.

The professor nodded. Yes, I agree. But there is one thing I should show you. The professor turned to his computer and minimised the live stream playing on the projector. He then logged into the university’s database and used his credentials to get through some security checks. This is what I think you should look at, said the professor.

That’s a 3-D printer, isn’t it? said Elizabeth. But it’s been very heavily modified from what I can tell of the designs.

Yes it is, my dear, said the professor. It’s been designed to work in normal gravity, low gravity and microgravity, as well as being able to work in many different types of environment, for example from five atmospheric pressures all the way down to no atmospheres. It’s also been designed to use materials including those found on the moon, as well as numerous other handy features.

That’s why you decided to help us, wasn’t it, Professor? said Elizabeth.

Honestly, my dear, yes it was one of several reasons, said the professor.

That’s good to know at least… I think. I also think we have done as much as we can for the time being. We need to get the rest of the team together before we go any further, said Elizabeth as she stood up. Professor, I’ll see you tomorrow at the train station.

Tomorrow it is, my dear, said the professor.

Elizabeth turned around and walked out, waving goodbye at the other two as she did.

I know this is absolute madness, but it’s going to be brilliant, said Jacob shaking his head. He had a massive grin on his face as well.

Yes, this is mad and dangerous. Far more dangerous than I think you or your friend realise, but she is going to need all your help in the coming days, weeks and maybe even years, said the professor.

What? Why? said Jacob.

Because she is going to be the one to bring all this together. But if it does actually happen it will be because of her not anyone else, said the professor. All we are is just cogs in the machine, or tools if you prefer, but we need to be the best tools if we are to help her achieve this goal.

I’ll do everything I can to help her. I want this as much as she does, said Jacob.

I don’t think you still get it. You want it. She needs it, said the professor.

Needs? said Jacob, frowning slightly.

Yes, needs it. If she doesn’t achieve this, then I don’t think she will survive it, said the professor sadly.

What? said Jacob loudly.

Keep your voice down, said the professor through clenched teeth. You don’t understand. I don’t know if you ever will fully, but just go and help your friend.

Jacob got up slowly and nodded at the professor. I swear I’ll do everything I can. Then he turned around and walked out.

I only hope it’s enough from all of us, whispered the professor. He sat there for a few minutes staring off into the distance, before slowly moving his computer on to the coffee table. Sitting up straighter and taking a deep sigh, he then leaned over and picked up an old-fashioned corded phone and dialled a number he knew well. The phone rang a few times before being picked up. Before the person on the other end of the line could say anything, the professor said, Hi Jeff, how are you doing?

Hi, I’m not too bad thanks, said the voice on the other end of the line.

I know it’s late, but would you mind coming round? I might have something for Project Hephaestus.

Really? I’ll be there shortly, said the voice on the other end of the phone line.

I’ll have the whisky ready when you get here, said the professor.

That sounds good to me, old friend, see you soon, said the voice on the other end of the line.

The professor put the phone down and sat there for a moment again looking off into the distance, before his face turned hard. He picked up the phone again and dialled another number that he hadn’t used for many years.

Hello Major Townsley, it’s been a long time, said the professor. Are you still in the trade?

It would depend on who’s asking. Seeing as it’s you, then yes I am, said the Major.

That’s good. would you be willing to help an old friend and do some close protection detail for a while? said the professor.

How dangerous? said Major Townsley.

It could be very dangerous. If you want to talk turkey, I’m down your neck of the woods tomorrow. I know that’s a bit short notice, but events are moving quickly, said the professor.

Fantastic, tomorrow it is then, see you soon, said Major Townsley just as the line went dead.

The professor leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling and whispered to himself, God helps those who help themselves, and may we truly help each other.

Jacob followed Elizabeth part way down the hill until he found her leaning against the railings overlooking the university campus. Despite the lights of the campus spread out below her, the stars were out and it was a spectacular night sky. It’s absolutely beautiful, said Elizabeth, and you can understand why so many religions are focused on the heavens above us.

Yes I can, said Jacob sighing.

They truly are beautiful. They’re like diamonds twinkling in the midnight-black firmament, said Elizabeth. It’s funny that we’re so full of contradictions as a species. Some of the best scientists in history have been very religious people, but if it wasn’t for things like the Dark Ages we would already be out there among the stars.

Jacob looked down at the university campus. I didn’t want to say anything in there, because I thought it would make our position weaker in front of the professor, but why, if you feel so strongly about this, don’t you help an already existing organisation?

Elizabeth glanced at Jacob before returning her gaze to the stars above. I could go and help an existing organisation, and there are quite a few out there where I wouldn’t mind doing exactly that. I even agree that the more people that get behind one wheel, one direction, and help push, the better. The reason why I’m not joining one of those existing organisations or groups is… I’m not sure if I can fully explain it. I know that’s not really an answer, but it’s more of a feeling and many small reasons. There are many people in the world that want us, both individually and as a species, to explore beyond this earthly realm, said Elizabeth. She then looked straight at Jacob. The problem is what the professor said back in there. There are so many vested interests against these sorts of endeavours.

But what makes you think we will succeed against those vested interests? whispered Jacob.

Honestly, I don’t know if we can do it. I just have to believe that we can, or someone else eventually will make it happen, said Elizabeth. If we don’t go beyond this beautiful blue and green world then eventually the human race will become extinct.

Elizabeth looked back up at the stars and Jacob saw them reflected in her eyes, before looking down across the university campus again. It was a warm humid spring night, with the crickets quietly making their music into the night. As he watched, Jacob saw the odd person passing from one island of light to another as they went on their way, and the night felt peaceful. This is not really a night for such momentous decisions to be made. You kind of expect thunderstorms or something, thought Jacob. Well, Elizabeth, I’m with you all the way to the very end, wherever that might take us, said Jacob.

Elizabeth reached out and squeezed his forearm gently before saying, Thank you. That means a lot to me, and we will do it.

I know we will, said Jacob.

Chapter 2

The next day, Elizabeth stood on the platform as the train came in. She stood to one side of the door, leaving room for those getting off. She shook her head in annoyance as a crowd of people wanting to get on the train hindered those trying to get off. Some people really are sheep, and sometimes I think real sheep have more sense than humans, Elizabeth thought to herself.

A moment later her phone vibrated in her pocket. A message came up displayed on the lenses of her sunglasses. It said, Meet me in carriage A, Professor Roberts. Elizabeth waited for the pushing and shoving crowd to fade away. She then climbed up into the train just before it started to move and made her way down the carriages. She got on carriage C, then made her way into carriage B, squeezing around people who were putting their luggage away and other people who didn’t seem to know which way to go. She got to the end of carriage B, where there was a sign saying Carriage A First Class. She shook her head in confusion. That can’t be right, Elizabeth thought to herself. She got the text message back up on her lenses again and confirmed that it was indeed carriage A. She made her way through the carriage and almost straight away she saw Professor Roberts leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed. She made her way up to the chair on the other side of the table from him. Good morning, Professor, how are you?

The professor opened one bloodshot eye and then closed it again before saying, Greetings, my dear, but whether or not it is a good day is yet to be seen.

Did we have a rather late night, Professor, said Elizabeth, chuckling. She sat down, and then a few minutes later she rocked slightly as the train accelerated out of the station on its way to London.

My dear, I probably should let you know, said the professor, continuing to lean back in his chair with his eyes closed, I dropped Jacob an email this morning. I’ve just let him know that I’ll be willing to transfer ten thousand pounds for my share in the business venture as part of its start-up capital. As well as a rough summary of what we discussed yesterday.

Elizabeth winced. Professor, that’s an awful lot of money. I’m not sure I can contribute the same amount. Elizabeth hated herself for not being able to contribute as much.

Don’t worry, that’s okay, my dear, said the professor. How much do you think you can contribute? However, bear in mind that I know we are going to try and get outside investors and use some of those things Jacob spoke about yesterday. But we are going to need some start-up capital to get the ball rolling.

Off the top of my head I’m not entirely sure, but about five thousand pounds maybe, said Elizabeth, still blushing.

The professor opened one eye slightly. It’s nothing to get angry about, he said, completely misunderstanding.

I’m not angry, Professor, at least not at the money, or anything else. It’s more at myself really. I like to be able to pull my own weight, said Elizabeth.

The professor reached across the table and patted the back of her hand before then saying, Five thousand should be enough. He then continued, So, my dear, don’t get so upset. We will be put through more than enough trials to prove how much weight we can pull. Anyway, I’ve worked with you for years and I’m fully aware that you do pull your own weight and much more.

Just at that moment, Elizabeth got another message that started scrawling across the inside of the lenses of her sunglasses. Have you seen the professor’s message? Ten thousand pounds! Does the professor think we have money to burn? said Jacob in his message.

Elizabeth smiled. I’ve just had a message back from Jacob, and I think he has the same problem as me.

Okay, how much can he contribute? said the professor.

I’ll ask him, said Elizabeth. With her sunglasses still on, she looked down at the tabletop through her glasses. Glasses, display keyboard. On the table in front of her a full-size keyboard appeared using the augmented reality capabilities of her glasses. She started typing away, replying to the message Jacob had sent her. The message appeared on the lenses of her sunglasses above the keyboard as if she was sitting at a computer with a monitor in front of her as she typed.

The professor shook his head. I’ll never get used to that. It just looks so wrong. People just typing in midair without anything there is just not right.

Good, I think I’ve sorted it now, said Elizabeth several messages later. We are going to try and contribute five thousand pounds each for twenty per cent of the company. Unfortunately, Professor, we are going to have to water down your shares to be worth half of what me and Jacob are investing so we can all have equal ownership. That leaves forty per cent left for any potential investors and gives us a controlling majority.

Tell Jacob to hold off on finalising that just in case, said the professor.

Why? You’re not upset about the watering down of your shares, are you? Me and Jacob could also have our shares watered down if necessary as well? said Elizabeth with a little bit of concern in her voice.

Not at all, my dear, said the professor, patting the back of her hand. It’s just in case we need to modify anything if we have any problems with the people we want to join the team.

Elizabeth passed on his message and then got a reply. He said he will try to hold off on it as long as possible, but he does need to get the ball rolling.

I understand, and I’m sure he will do his best, said the professor.

Sometime later the train pulled into London Euston station. The pair of them stood up and made their way off the train while being knocked repeatedly in the hustle and bustle. They joined the even bigger crowds going this way and that inside the station.

Where are we meeting your friend? said the professor.

Let’s just get out of the station first, said Elizabeth, as she was being knocked and jostled. She tried to keep up with the professor, and they got on the escalator standing to the right, out of the way of the people barging past. This is why I hate coming to London, said Elizabeth as she got knocked again. It’s such a rat race here. People are rushing around like headless chickens.

A tall man was leaning against the wall as he watched an old man and a young girl get off at the top of the escalators. He then watched them try and make their way across the concourse and out of the station. He peeled away from the wall and slipped into the crowd, disappearing in mere moments.

Elizabeth and the professor stood outside again. Elizabeth put her hand up to shield her eyes from the bright sunlight, as someone bumped into her again, causing her to grind her teeth in annoyance. She pointed across the road with the arm that she’d been using to shield her eyes. Over there, that’s UCL, and we should be meeting Matthew just over there, Elizabeth said as she pointed at a coffee shop on the other side of the road and a bit further down from the university.

Elizabeth and the professor made their way through the flow of humanity, as they crossed the road and sat down at a table just outside the cafe.

A waitress came up to the table and asked them, Can I take your order please?

Hello, Elizabeth said, smiling. Can I have a Pepsi please.

May I have a coffee, milk and two sugars, please, said the professor.

No problem. Would you like anything with that? said the waitress.

Elizabeth glanced at the professor, who shook his head slightly. No thank you, that’s everything, said Elizabeth.

That’s wonderful, I’ll be— said the waitress, cut off abruptly as she was pushed aside by a young man who sat down at the table.

And I’ll have a Pepsi, said the young man.

Hello, Matthew, said Elizabeth, trying to keep the distaste out of her voice.

Yes, sir, I’ll be back with all of your order shortly, said the waitress, before darting off.

Matthew, this is Professor Cameron Roberts, said Elizabeth. He’s a professor of astronautical engineering at the University of Cambridge.

Oh, hi Professor, I’m Doctor Matthew Brown, he said in a crisp upper-class accent. Matthew crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair, rocking back and forth on the two back legs.

Hello, Doctor Brown, I have heard many things about you, said the professor.

I’m quite sure you have, said Matthew, smirking.

Just then the waitress came back and handed them their drinks.

Thank you, said Elizabeth and the professor. Matthew just nodded.

So, as good as it is to see you again, said Matthew, what do you want with me?

Despite the lovely day, the blue sky and the sun’s warm rays shining down on them, Elizabeth’s stomach