Gateway

By Catrina Taylor

Astronauts Lost in Time

Neil McClaude and John Torlin's routine mission to the International Space Station takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves transported 50 years into the future.

 

Stranded in the year 2075, Neil and John grapple with adapting to a world transformed by technological advancements and societal shifts. As they navigate the challenges of this unfamiliar future, they discover a startling revelation — the same mysterious forces that propelled them forward in time will strike again.

 

Will Neil endure the challenges of a world he never expected? Can John find a way to reconcile with the future that beckons?

 

Jump into the action today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: InExhaustible Media
• Release date: Mar 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9781633100589

Catrina Taylor

Prolific Author, Mother, and Scifi Enthusisuts, Catrina Taylor has enjoyed ten years of playing in the world of her own creation. Every day is a new adventure. 

Book preview

Gateway

The sight of the rocket on the launch pad captivated John as he and Neil rode the elevator up to the entry hatch. The culmination of years of dreaming, working hard, and staying focused had brought him to this moment. As they rose higher, he reflected on how this was the realization of his deepest ambitions. No longer would he just imagine the possibilities of space. Soon he would embrace the reality of becoming an explorer among the stars.

John followed Neil onto the access arm leading to the hatch. Around them, the closeout crew made their final checks before departing the shuttle. As they stepped across the threshold into the cockpit, both men turned and waved one last time at the launch team below. A cheer rose up from the crowd gathered to see them off.

Settling into their seats, John and Neil strapped themselves in tightly. The closeout engineer gave a thumbs up before sealing the hatch with a resounding click that echoed through the cabin. As the countdown commenced, John closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath in an attempt to calm his nerves.

First time riding a controlled explosion into orbit, right? Neil said, flipping switches to ready their systems.

John nodded, not yet trusting his voice.

The good news is, the hard part happens right at the start. Once we're off the ground, it's smooth sailing all the way to docking.

John smiled weakly, drawing on his training to manage his anxiety.

Of course, the mix of excitement and mortal terror lingers a bit longer, Neil added with a chuckle.

John laughed under his breath, grateful for the veteran astronaut's composure. Over the radio, the countdown proceeded, each digit ratcheting up the anticipation. When the final 3...2...1... echoed through the cabin, John braced himself.

With an ear-splitting roar, the engines ignited and the rocket surged upwards on a plume of fire. The intense G-forces pressed John deep into his seat, making even the smallest movement impossible. A violent shudder passed through the cabin as the shuttle pierced the sound barrier.

Regaining his breath, John gazed out the window in awe at the incredible view - the Earth's graceful curvature, the blackness of space studded with stars. The next two hours felt endless as each moment crawled by. Neil calmly checked instrument readings and relayed data, while John floated in disbelief that he was actually fulfilling his lifelong mission.

John verified information where he was requested to. He took a couple of photos as they passed different points in the orbit. The whole event, despite knowing it would be this simple, felt tedious. Each moment agonizingly dripped by until they finally came in sight of the ISS. 

At last, the gleaming form of the space station emerged from the darkness. John's pulse quickened. Their journey into the unknown had just begun.

As the rocket moved closer to the space station, John noticed something strange. The station looked different. It was much larger and more intricate, with sleek lines and additional sections he couldn't recall from training.

The rocket indicated the correct docking port. While the rocket docked with the station, John unbuckled his seatbelt. A few