This is the first story I've ever written publicly, so I hope it turns out okay. In this chapter, I'm just explaining some of the science behind the engine and why some things can or can't be done so that takeoff is less confusing, as well as introducing the main character. Any similarities to private, commercial, or government projects are purely coincidental.
"The light speed engine is a very experimental piece of technology, which means it might not work at all. The engine functions of of two common elements, which are kept in two separate chambers until the burn sequence is initiated. They are then put through a nuclear fusion reactor to create a third, extremely rare and combustible element. Once this element is created, it is sent into another chamber until the signal to burn is sent. The third element is then burned, releasing large amounts of heat and radiation. This is captured and used to power the ship and as propulsion for the light speed travel, which is why we call it the burn sequence. "
Before the rocket can burn, all plasma cannons need to be retracted inside the rocket and all breaches sealed so that you don't lose all of your breathable air. Because the rocket is traveling at light speed, physics and time are very unpredictable. We predict that during the burn, there will be an artificial gravitational field inside the rocket, but there may not be, and other things might happen as well. During the burn, the Atomic Diverter will need to be engaged. Do not burn if the Atomic Diverter is damaged or destroyed! A single atom of Hydrogen colliding with your rocket at light speed would destroy the rocket and kill everyone on board. The Atomic Diverter will redirect any molecules in your way around the rocket and should reassemble them almost exactly the same way they were before you passed through their position. "
Each rocket has a crew of 50 and another 100 in the main cargo hold in suspended animation. They will automatically be woken up once you exit the burn. When you enter the rockets tomorrow, they will already be in there. The rockets have a cloaking shield on them, but you can't take off while they are active. When you take off, the cloaking shield needs to be off, shields should be fully charged, plasma cannons should be good, and everything needs to be operational. The plasma cannons can detach from the hull of the rocket and have four two joint legs that can extend out to walk, or use hoverdomes to float around in gravity. In the event that your landing gear is broken or destroyed, the rocket has three shuttles in a hangar, each capable of carrying 50 people into the atmosphere of whatever planet you choose to land on. "
If you burn in the atmosphere, the atomic diverter will be overloaded with too many atoms too quickly, so you need to enter space to burn safely. "
I yawned. These kind of talks had been happening for a week for the crews of Resilience, Hope, and Willpower, the three rockets that would take us away from here and to a new beginning. I knew I should be paying attention, but I had heard this talk several times, and the speaker this time was extremely monotone. I was the commander of the rocket Hope, a crew of 50, and a cargo of 100 people. Our launch tomorrow was going to be quick and easy- or so they said.
It had been a shock to the whole world when the Mundars- aliens from another galaxy- arrived on the planet. They started their conquest in the southwest and quickly took over most of the world. The city we were in right now was one of the last on the planet. I had fought the Mundars on several fronts, and nearly died each time. I lost all my comrades, squadmates, and commanders each time because of them. Now, I had to command 50 people on riskiest mission ever, with no retreat, no backup, and no second chances, because this mission was our second chance.
I had been chosen for this mission a week ago because I was very good at leading and shaping water-the power all atlanteans had. I was better and faster than most other Atlantians, and that was what had kept me alive each time I fought the Mundars. Now that the population was a lot lower, Atlantians were able to control water in ways we hadn't been able to before. We could change it into ice and steam, control its temperature, and even make precise machines. Two weeks ago, I had made a functioning rifle without realising it after my combat rifle had broken.
I just hoped that this plan worked, or the population would get a whole lot lower.