50

Thank you so much for continuing to read along and enjoy never saw this getting to 50 chapters but there you go, turns out origin stories require depth! The Tracy's back stories ;-)

Jeff, Alan, John and Brains were suiting up in the lower deck. Jeff checked each of them over ensuring the seals were tight and helmets on properly before he nodded satisfied. Alan was so excited; he didn't think he would get to experience space until the eight-month stint they were due to start as part of their course in January. Once they were out of the atmosphere his father had promised he could lead on the piloting to give him some first-hand space flight experience. Alan had obtained his pilot's licence months ago and had been flying some of the fastest private jets on the market in his free time but space flight was a whole different skill set and one that he had only tested in a simulator so far. He wanted to prove to his father what he was capable of.

John was quiet (even for him) lost in deep thought at the anticipation of finally seeing the cosmos in all her glory from space, he'd seen pictures of Earth from up there but to see it with his own eyes? It was going to be beyond special. To look at the galaxy without the need for a telescope; It's what all his dreams had been made of as a boy, now they were going to be a reality. Would it live up to his expectations? He pondered as he double checked his suit. The shuttle had the air and life support systems for them to travel without needing to gear up in a space suit but as this was her maiden flight they wanted to check she did actually work prior to trying it out.

Brains couldn't believe he was being given the opportunity of a lifetime, despite great advancements being made in space travel it was still an uncommon occurrence. Mostly due to the extortionate costs involved in sending even a small crew into space.

"Right boys! We've conducted the pre-flight checks, assembled and tested our suits and loaded supplies for two months in case of any disasters. We've also packed all the equipment we'll need to outfit the satellite with."

"Yep, does that mean we are ready to launch father?" Alan couldn't hide the glee that radiated from him.

"It does indeed. John, Brains - you strap in down here and monitor the radar and trajectory. Alan you come with me to the flight deck."

"Yes sir!" Alan stood in the elevator once their father had gone. "See you in space!"

John grinned as strapped himself in. "See you soon."

Alan walked through the sliding door onto the flight deck and took his place in the co-pilot seat, his dad was going to handle the launch and if that went well then Alan could take over.

Jeff clicked the intercom. "This is Jeff Tracy to base."

"Base is receiving you." Virgil's warm tone replied.

"Commencing launch sequence, are we clear to launch?"

"No reported air traffic or activity in nearby shipping lanes, you are clear to proceed. Commence launch."

Jeff pressed the ignition; they felt the rumble as the thrusters engaged. "Commencing in 5….4…..3…..2….1 Blast off!" Jeff slipped the lever downwards towards him.

The downward thrust of the force was instant as they were propelled upwards, John could feel the forces pushing him into his seat, he couldn't turn his head the pressure was so great he could only look forwards. He gripped onto his seat as they rocketed away from the island. This was it!

Brains didn't like the feeling of being pinned under such an immense force that was beyond his control, thankfully he had been told that the feeling didn't last long. He couldn't say the launch or indeed re-entry was going to be his favourite part of the trip.

Alan gave a whoop of pure elation enjoying the thrill of a successful launch. Jeff was used to the sensation although he could really feel the forces at play grating on his older limbs, he was sure to have a few aches later but it was worth it to get to go to space for perhaps his last ever time. To be given a second opportunity after so long really was one of the best moments of his life. He had forgotten the thrill of leaving the atmosphere and was looking forward to looking down on Earth from above one more time. It never got old. To be able to take his own sons into space as they followed in his footsteps was a momentous moment and one that Jeff would remember for many years to come with fondness and pride.

Once they broke the atmosphere, Jeff deferred the controls to Alan, he wanted to see how he would handle a space flight. Jeff kept a watchful eye out for any potential hazards whilst his son took the helm. "So how does it feel to be in space for the first time?"

"Honestly? Its awesome! I mean the simulator is pretty realistic but its just not the same, this is unbelievable and this thing really does fly. I doubt we'll get anything this fancy for our moon base mission."

"This is by far the most advanced space shuttle I've ever flown, she's pretty unique thanks to Brain's genius. So far, she's performing well to but to be fair I'd be pretty annoyed with myself if there were any major issues, I've been made a living from aerospace technology after all. I like to think I'm pretty good at it by now.

Alan smiled. "Don't worry dad, I think your reputation is still intact."

A call came through the comm. "On final approach to the satellite Father."

"Thanks John. Right Alan, do you want me to do this or are you happy?" Jeff was nervous, the satellite had just finished being constructed the last thing he needed was for it to be damaged on docking but the boys were going to have to do this on their own soon, he needed to make sure they got as much practice as possible and the confidence to do it for themselves. It was just like when he took Alan for his first driving lesson except their lives and a good million pounds worth of equipment were at stake. Jeff hovered over his co-pilot controls and the override just in case.

"I'm happy. Engaging docking protocol now." Alan reduced the speed and lined up before allowing the automatic traction to line them up with the portal. The top section of the rocket smoothly docked with the satellite's rimmed circular airlock. There was a large metallic clunk as the two met. "Well done Alan that was textbook." Jeff smiled as Alan beamed back pleased with the praise. They headed back down onto the launch deck where they found Brains and John popping their helmets back on. "T-the life support systems were active throughout the flight with no problems, w-we were err - able to removed our helmets just after launch with no reported disruptions to oxygen levels." Brains concluded his report.

"Excellent, Well lets go and see this satellite and check it's in functioning order then we can begin the additional modifications." Jeff pressed the button on the door to give them access to the airlock. Jeff had applied for a licence for the satellite but in order to maintain secrecy he had registered it as a space observatory which was the perfect cover story especially with John's background. Therefore, the team assembling the satellite had outfitted it with the standard fittings and fixtures of a manned satellite and didn't know its true purpose. Today they would be adding the modifications themselves which included advanced radio scanners, military/ government grade satellite imagery and specialised GPS locators as well as high spec computer software that would not only manage the multiple rescue calls but also have cutting edge security features that would protect the sensitive data that the satellite would be gathering.

Once the airlock had pressurised the door released allowing them into the next section of the satellite, the lights came on automatically at their presence lighting up the long circular corridor. Jeff checked the panel next to the airlock. "Life support systems are online and so is the gravity field. Ok we can remove our helmets." They took them off, John placing his in the crook of his elbow as he got to take in the first sights of what would become his new home from home. There had been this small nagging doubt building at the back of his mind, what if he didn't like the true sensation of space or living on the satellite? It was one thing to take part in a controlled simulation on earth but quite another to actually experience it. He pushed the thought to the back of his mind; his whole young adult life had been dedicated to astronomy and physics how could he not love living in space?

He walked over to the control panel next to his father's shoulder. Jeff showed him how the levels should look if they were functioning properly and pointed out how the gravity field could be de-activated and re-activated. "Want to try son?"

"What to experience actual zero-G? Yes sir!" John wanted the proper space experience.

"Ok grab onto something until you get used to the sensation." Alan and Brains stowed their helmets in the lockers on the wall and grabbed a handle each which were installed at intervals for this very reason.

Jeff signalled to John to go ahead as he toggled the settings. The light turned red and the next minute John was literally floating on air. He laughed as he relaxed into it and did a little forward's flip. He gracefully pushed off from the corridor room and floated towards where he knew the main control was from was from the specs he'd studied. He hadn't had this much freedom of movement since his leg was busted from the bear trap it felt good to move so freely again.

Jeff having spent many years living in such a setting found the lack of gravity quite comfortable and very much second nature to him. He was also revelling in the weightlessness of the atmosphere. Alan pushed off with gusto and found himself smacking up on to the ceiling "Woooaaahhh" he panicked as he spun and hit the roof. Jeff gently pulled him back down. "Alan you don't need much propulsion here, just take it nice and easy. Remember your training."

"Sorry dad." He managed to straighten himself out. Jeff looked to Brains still clinging to the handle. "Brains, hold onto my arm."

"Err…. Ok t-thank you Mr Tracy"

They followed behind John who was gliding confidently ahead through to the control room. When he got there, he saw the huge panoramic window which overlooked the most magnificent view he had ever seen. He pulled himself forwards and touched the glass, palm spread against it whilst holding himself still. Alan sailed past behind him unable to stay still, grumbling. John quirked a small smile at Alan's reflection before focusing on view again. She looked like a blue sapphire under a spotlight in a dark room surrounded by a gold halo and diamonds with specs of green and white like you might see in an opal. The earth was so beautiful never had he felt so insignificant yet so honoured to be in the presence of something truly extraordinary. It took his breath away. "Pretty special huh?" Jeff joined him having deposited brains at the desk nearby. "Sure is! I just can't even comprehend how I feel. I've always wanted to see this." John stared on stumped by the view, the earth refracted in his blue eyes. Jeff smiled at the wonder on his son's face and the way it accentuated his already handsome features.

Alan joined him on the other side. "That's a pretty cool view." He swayed a little still not able to hold his position.

"I'm glad to have had the chance to take you on your maiden space voyage boys. Now what say we get to work with unloading three and installing these systems?"

"Yes sir"

John flipped backwards and propelled over to the controls that he knew were situated in every room of the satellite. Alan tried to flip but ended up upside down instead, spinning off into his dad who caught him around the waist and up righted him. "Why is this so hard and how come you two make it look so damn easy?" Alan frowned his forehead bunched together in a way that was not becoming for such a young man.

"Practice" both his dad and brother called at the same time, making him scowl even more. They all held on to something before John flicked the switched and they felt the gravity come back full force. Jeff remembered to bend his knees a little to compensate, the others were young enough not to have to worry.

Brains was very pleased to have his feet back on the ground and immediately offered to help Alan get the kit needed whilst John took a quick tour of the living facilities including a small kitchenette, bed cabin, bathroom and a living area. There was also a small study and a space for his most beloved telescope along with one sofa and a TV. The main control room was quite large and currently very empty looking with just blank desks and storage with a lone chair in the middle. "What do you reckon son, think you'll be comfortable here?" Jeff set down the toolbox he had brought in.

"I'd say so, certainly spacious enough and I will have plenty of work and my main hobby to keep me busy. I've already got an idea for my first study into planetary nebulae." John started to rifle through the toolbox for what he needed.

"Well we'll make sure once we are operational that you are on a regular rotation with Alan as much as I'm sure you would like to; you can't live in space permanently. It's not good for the immune system. Zero G is also a problem health wise hence why you should try to have the gravity field in place as much as you can."

Brains had come back in with Alan carrying a large cargo box with the new radio system. "Y-y-you know there was an interesting s-study conducted in 2015 to 2016 with the K-kelly twins. One lived in s-space for eleven months and the other on earth. They found s-subtle changes such as the thickening of the skin on S-Scott's forehead along with the lengthening of his telomeres due to his time in space."

"Teleo – what?"

"Telomeres Alan, the tiny structures that can be found at the end of your chromosomes linked to aging. They shorten progressively throughout your life but in space Scott's actually lengthened." John interjected. He knew the study well.

"Wait, so he stopped aging?" Alan asked surprised. That would be a cool side effect.

"N-n-n-o more like slowed down slightly however within six months of being back on earth these changes reverted back to normal. It was the f-first study of its kind and fascinating." Brains pulled up the specs for the radio installation.

"Don't worry; as fun as it is in zero G, I'm sure the novelty will wear off in time." John smiled looking up at his dad.

"I don't know I kind of miss it." Jeff looked wistful, memories of his younger years flooding back.

"I'm glad you got to come back one more time dad."

"So am I son, so am I."