Ares shuttle Launch Center
Behind the main stage six soon to be famous astronauts wait nervously for their introduction. NASA's head of communications preps them checking their microphones are working and everything is in order. The master of ceremonies introduces Charles Bolden, Head of NASA, then the astronauts. All seven sit on a long table on top of a raised stage overlooking media and guests.
The presentation begins with Charles Bolden, head of NASA, describing what a momentous occasion this is, the first humans to set foot on the red planet. "The Ares Shuttle 4 mission will take the widest variety and most in-depth analysis of Mars' surface, and give us the most in-depth understanding of Mars' history, present and its future for human settlement." There is huge applause from the crowd.
Bolden continues, "This project is only possible due to four factors, firstly the new X-engine designed by Dr Reed Richards and Victor Van Damme, reducing the travel time to Mars dramatically."
The crowd applauds as the two men raise their hand in appreciation, "Secondly, another of Richards inventions, the new electro-magnetic radiation dampeners, capable of repelling the worst varieties of radiation, along with any space junk that might get in the way" the crowd laugh at Bolden as he mimics avoiding space junk.
"The last technological breakthrough that's really made this possible is the Oscorp bio-synthetic space suits. These marvels of science will enhance the astronauts physical abilities, allowing them to function for extended periods in zero gravity as well as protecting them from any low level radiation."
Charles looks across to the Oscorp assigned section but Norman Osborn is not present, only some mid management and scientists who wave their hands in appreciation of the applause they receive.
"Lastly, this project wouldn't be possible without the financial support of J. Jonah Jameson, Owner of New York's own Daily Bugle and the 21st Century Entertainment Network." Jameson waves to the audience with a broad smile, enjoying the attention he's receiving.
Charles now introduces the six astronauts that will be making the historic first trip to Mars.
"First our senior pilot Ben Grimm. Ben has a broad experience flying multiple missions for NASA, and has been the main test pilot for our new shuttle over many years."
After the crowds applause dies down Charles continues, "Assisting Ben as co-pilot will be one of the youngest and most talented astronauts in the history of NASA, John Jameson." J Jonah Jameson claps and cheers loudly, quickly followed by those around him. Backstage the head of NASA communications comments to her colleague, "You know he's only on this Mission because his father is playing the bills."
Charles now introduces the head of Geology, "Susan Storm is a leader in extra-terrestrial geology and the foremost expert in martian asteroids and geological formations."
"And it seems that geology runs in the family as our assistant geologist is none other than Susan's brother Jonny Storm. He has worked with her over the last few years in preparation for this mission." Johnny waves to the crowd, winking at reporter Christine Everheart in the front row.
Backstage the NASA communications Woman shakes her head in embarrassment, "He only got in because the psychologists advised that the only female on board needs to have a familiar face, someone they can trust." Her colleague is stunned, "He's flying to Mars purely because a woman needs someone to talk to?" she replies with disgust.
"Not quite, the long journey results in a type of cabin fever, the team was assembled in order to ensure mental harmony… Ben Grimm isn't NASA 's best pilot, not even close, but he's Richard's best friend."
"For such an important mission we decided to send the best in robotics engineering, Victor Van Damme, is one of the leading minds in robotics, having designed previous Mars Lander Rovers, the new shuttle engines and many of the systems on this mission." Charles again waits until the applause dies down, "Victor is vital to this mission, if anything were to go wrong, so far away from contact with earth, we can be confident he'll find a solution."
Behind the curtain the head of NASA communication listens as her colleague asks, "So who on this mission is Victors mental harmony person?"
"During profiling they found him to be extremely narcissistic, slightly autistic and 100% psychopathic. He doesn't need mental harmony or the company of others, he only cares about himself."
"Then why did they let him on the mission?" she replies, "he wanted to be the first person to walk on Mars, and he wouldn't build the robots and engines they needed unless he could."
"As Victor's understanding of the shuttle and it's robotics is essential, so is the leader of the mission, his understanding of… well pretty much everything will be priceless to this mission. One of the most brilliant minds on earth… but not for long," the crowd laughs, "the world's leading astrophysicist, designer of many of NASA's finest technology, Dr Reed Richards." The crowd erupts in applause as the group take some questions from the media.
The first question comes in "Can I ask the panel, what is it like to be on the first manned mission to Mars," immediately Sue protests "What am I invisible?" which brings laughter from the crowd.
Next Christine Everheart asks, "Has it been decided who will be the first man… umm I mean person to walk on Mars?" Victor opens his mouth to speak but Reed answers the question before he can utter a word, "We don't want to ruin this momentous occasion by letting out any details, you just have to wait and see," Victor glares at Reed.
Christine continues with her questioning, "Ben, who do you think will be the first person on Mars, will it be Victor or Reed?" Ben looks at the men seated either side of him, "Well you've put me between a rock and a hard place there, you'll have to wait and see as Reed said."
"Is it not true that one of the conditions of Reed being part of the project was to be first off the shuttle?" she continues, "Miss Everheart now that's a stretch, there have been no promises made, perhaps we'll flip a coin." The audience again break out into laughter, Victor's face turns ice cold, devoid of emotion.
"What will you do for entertainment?" Johnny answers, "We have the new iPad from Apple, packed full of games, though we have to keep it in airplane mode, wouldn't want the shuttle to go up in flames."
Ned Leeds from the Daily Bugle then asks John Jamison a question, "My question is to John, How does it feel to be the youngest ever astronaut in NASA history?"
John answers with a long winded account of the hard work he's put in to get where he is, to encourage young people to follow in his footsteps and chase their dreams, Then finishing by thanking his father who's always supported him in everything he does.
Lastly a question comes from Ben Ullrich from the New York bulletin "Can I ask the panel, what do they think the likelihood of a safe return is? My research indicates large amounts of cosmic radiation over long periods can cause irreparable damage to living organisms. " The panel shift uneasily until Victor answers, "That's a very doom and gloom way to look at it, what we are interested in is discovering new frontiers, understanding our galaxy no matter the cost, this is our sacrifice to science."
The six astronauts are escorted from the stage and out through the rear entrance two a waiting van. As the van begins to drive Johnny peers out through the back window noticing a shadow figure climbing up the side of the building onto the roof, "Hey did you go to see that it looks like Spider-man climbing that building." The other astronauts rush to get a glimpse but see nothing, "Stop fooling around Johnny, its time to be an adult," Ben grumbles at him. The van drives out of the complex heading north towards the launch site, behind them security vehicles and lights swarm around the building," I wonder what's going on back there?" Johnny asks as the van heads down the freeway escorted by police.
Shuttle Launch Pad - Upper New York State
The next day is launch day, the six astronauts prepare for launch when they hear the morning news describe a giant green monster labelled the 'Hulk' battling another giant monster in Harlem. The astronauts and all their support personnel drop what they're doing to watch the footage of these two creatures battling, Reed however is more focused on the mission and doesn't pay attention. Sue looks into Reed's eyes detecting a distinct lack of surprise when the battle and green monster is shown. "Hey Reed aren't you interested in this Monster battle?" Reed shakes his head, "Did you already know these creatures existed? Is this part of the work you do when you're not here with us?" Reed laughs off her suggestion awkwardly, "I deal with astronomical phenomena not big green men." Reed shakes his head, "I'm focussing on the mission, which is what we all should be doing" Reed replies loudly.
All six astronauts get into the shuttle which launches into orbit without any disruptions. The shuttle detaches from it's rockets and attaches to the international space station where it is connected to the X-engines. The X-engines have been constructed in orbit over the last year-and-a-half with help from the international space station. The engines design allows it to be used multiple times back and forth to Mars and other planets, generating great speeds not possible with fuel propelled engines, but they are unable to enter a planets atmosphere, negating the need for protection from re-entry. Once both the shuttle and main vessel are ready they take off on the journey.