breath20k
As I explained in response to KazamaFam2006's review for Chapter 46, I don't constitute a cannon as a way to go to the Moon. It's too cartoony, in my opinion.
LiamTheYoshi
Don't worry. Mario and Luigi won't ever think of biting into the Moon.
mariobroultimate
You just gave me an idea. When Mario and Luigi are in space, I might make a few references to Super Mario Galaxy. After all, space is endless. You could see everything.
To acknowledge your bafflement of villains not knowing about the real world and/or attempting to conquer it, there are a small number of bad guys that have the intention of conquering a universe. Count Bleck and Tabuu, to name a few. When it's time for my Super Paper Mario and Subspace Emissary adaptations, maybe both villains will want to conquer ALL universes including the Real-Life Universe. They can't target just one.
I've always had a passion for space since I was a little kid, and this part of the story is one I've been planning ever since I started writing it.
The Moon in the Mushroom Universe is WAY closer to Earth, so it'll take a half day to get there, as it was said in the board meeting. But you never know; maybe the trip might be a bit quicker depending on how the launch goes.
...
Chapter 47: The Last Conversation
"There's a lot of activity going on right now for tomorrow's launch," K.C. said.
"I can imagine," Luigi agreed.
The Mario Bros were being driven in K.C.'s car to their next destination.
Mario had already sent Jeremy into his Partner Collection Band and was meditating, trying to get his mind off the worst.
"Pat and her mission control team will go on console really late tonight, VIP guests will be crowding up the viewing stands, and the news media's gonna cover every bit of the event. Mainly starting after you wake up."
Mario slowly snapped out of his trance, feeling refreshed. "What time should we be in bed?"
"Several hours from now," K.C. replied. He looked at the clock on the car's front panel. "It's almost a quarter to 3, and the launch is at 7:12 tomorrow morning, so I'd say between 7 and 8 tonight. You'll have to get up at around 4:30."
"Wow. That's early," Mario remarked.
"Yes, indeed."
...
About 20 minutes later, the group arrived in front of a long three-story building.
After everyone got out of the car, K.C. showcased the front of the building. "This is the Crew Operations Facility. It's where astronauts reside prior to their next spaceflight and get suited up before leaving for the launch pad."
K.C. approached the front door and took out a personalized badge; he used the badge to scan a sensor that unlocked the door. He beckoned the Mario Bros to follow him inside.
The lobby of the facility resembled a museum entrance for the most part. A 1:30-scale Space Shuttle model stood near the left wall with four unmanned rocket models in a line next to it. There were also five posters on the right wall, each paying tribute to NASA's manned space programs starting from the 1960s.
"Pretty cool, huh?" K.C. asked. "At first glance, it's like entering a museum. But there's a lot more beyond the lobby."
K.C. used his badge again to activate one of three turnstiles, allowing himself and the Mario Bros to enter the next part of the building.
"Next, we'll make our way to the third floor," K.C. stated. The main elevator on the left didn't have a security sensor, so anyone could use it.
After making it up to the third floor, the group hung a left.
"A lot of these rooms are restricted areas, so unfortunately, even I can't explore the entire facility."
"Oh well," Mario said with a shrug.
After a few more turns, K.C. and the Mario Bros entered a big cafeteria that no one occupied. It was justified because dinnertime for all employees wouldn't be until 5:30. However, the chefs were working on all the meals in the kitchen.
"If you haven't eaten since this morning, now's a good time to have a late lunch," K.C. said.
"Okey-dokey," Mario replied. He found a table in the middle of the cafeteria and sat down with Luigi on his right.
Then, K.C. took out a contract written on a piece of paper and placed it on the table with a blue pen.
"While you have your lunch, if you could read this contract and sign your names on the bottom," K.C. instructed the Mario Bros. "It's mandatory for astronauts to sign a contract prior to beginning their two-year training period. But in your case, guys, this signing will be before your spaceflight. In addition to your signatures, you have a choice of what flight crew position you'd like to serve: commander or pilot. Write your crew position next to your signatures. I'll be back in 30 minutes to retrieve the contract."
"Thanks," Mario thanked K.C., who walked off.
"What do you feel like eating, Mario?" Luigi asked.
"I don't have a big appetite," Mario replied. "Maybe a bowl of soup."
Mario stood up and walked to the kitchen with Luigi following him. Since it was an all-you-can-eat area, they ordered their own meals. Mario got a bowl of tomato soup with grilled cheese while Luigi got a bowl of chicken noodle soup with unsalted saltine crackers.
While savoring their food, Mario and Luigi read the contract thoroughly just like when they read the Glitz Pit contract back then.
"Mario, remember when you let me be the Keelhaul Key captain?" Luigi asked after both reached the end of the contract.
"Yes."
"How about we take turns this time? You be Shuttle commander."
"Hmm..." Mario wondered. "I guess it makes sense because we even it out. But commanding a Space Shuttle sounds like a big responsibility."
"It is a big responsibility," Luigi agreed. "The pirate ship is one thing, but this takes the cake."
With that, Mario and Luigi signed their names on the bottom of the contract and wrote their choices of crew positions. Mario wrote "Commander" next to his signature while Luigi wrote "Pilot".
...
A few minutes later, K.C. approached the cafeteria table again.
"How's lunch, guys?" K.C. asked.
"It was good," Luigi answered as he handed K.C. the contract. "We got the contract signed too."
"All right. I'll turn this in to the training center later tonight. You finish your meal and we'll go to the crew quarters."
It took the Mario Bros a short while to finish eating before they were ready to go. Leaving the cafeteria, they were led down the hall once more.
Passing another elevator and making another left, the group eventually stopped under a sign that read, "Crew Quarters".
K.C. opened the door, allowing Mario and Luigi inside first before entering last.
The main room of the crew quarters was like a "hub" of some sort. The left door led to the bedroom with two bunk beds and a magazine shelf. Straight ahead was the living room with a widescreen TV and a board game cabinet; the bedroom connected with the living room. The right door led to the restroom complete with two shower stalls.
"A typical Space Shuttle crew comprises four astronauts, and the quarters was built to have just enough space for four people," K.C. explained while showing the Mario Bros around. "You got plenty of time to settle in, so feel free to do what you want. You know, watch TV, play board games... But remember to wind down for bed at around 7. Like I said during the car ride, 4:30 is when you get up."
"Okey-dokey," Mario replied. "Thanks for your explanations, K.C. We're looking forward to tomorrow."
"You're welcome, Mario," K.C. said while shaking Mario's hand. He shook hands with Luigi too. "We'll give you a wake-up call when it's time. Until then, you enjoy yourselves."
With that, K.C. exited the crew quarters, leaving Mario and Luigi by themselves.
...
It's 6:50 PM. Mario was in the living room watching the Mushroom Kingdom News Network on TV while Luigi got ready for bed ahead of time. There were two sets of night clothes in the bedroom, one of which was taken by Luigi earlier.
"Hey, Mario," Luigi said as he entered the living room.
Mario turned to his younger brother. "Hi."
"What's on TV?"
Luigi sat next to Mario, who turned down the volume.
"Just watching the news," Mario answered. "Trying to see if they're talking about the Shuttle launch."
"I don't think until early tomorrow morning," Luigi said. "Maybe at 6, they'll start covering the launch."
"You're right." Mario looked back at the TV briefly. "People don't really watch the news nowadays. It's the same stuff all the time: politics, inaccurate weather forecasts, controversial court trials, sad stories, anything they show to educate viewers. How often do you watch the news?"
"A couple days a week," Luigi answered. "Once in a while, you gotta see what's going on both in the Mushroom World and the Real-Life Earth."
"I'm not one of those news-watchers," Mario commented. "I just watch movies and play video games on my TV at home."
"Hey. It's what you like to do in your spare time." A moment of silence passed before Luigi thought of something else. "So, on the night before we arrived at Poshley Heights, you know, you were asleep and I stayed up for a few more hours..."
"Yes."
"Just before I went to bed, I was thinking about when you said you don't like change, but yet you're willing to improve at the same time. I don't get it. Why don't you like change?"
Mario tried to think of a good answer. He didn't want to make any excuses. "Will you not judge me for bringing up something from the past?"
"I won't. If you want to revisit a topic we've discussed already, we can talk about it again," Luigi said.
"Okay." Mario sighed before beginning to answer Luigi's question. "I also thought of what I said during our talk on the first Excess Express night, mainly the word 'change'. I mean, what change is it? To feel a certain way? It's like if someone's pushing my buttons, I act as if it's not a big deal and I kindly accept how they treat me. But I don't want to not be angry. I don't want to let the things I hate bother me. It's just not right."
"Mario, change has nothing to do with putting on a facade just to show you're a completely different person," Luigi explained. "That's bordering along the lines of 'being perfect'. Like Pennington told you, being angry is a normal feeling. It's not out of the ordinary to feel that way."
"I didn't say, 'I'm not perfect' because I was aware of what I did wrong. I said that because I didn't like when you said I did great while talking with Pennington."
Luigi became perplexed. "What's wrong with me complimenting you? You should accept someone's praise if they see you making progress of any kind."
"But I didn't want to be complimented," Mario calmly complained. "I just wanted to talk to Pennington and move on."
"I know you wanted to move on, bro. But when you take a course of action, listen to someone's observation and be appreciative of their feedback."
"Why?"
"It's the best way to go about life," Luigi replied. "Someone either says you did good if they like whatever you tried to solve the problem, or you're reminded of what you need to work on if it's the opposite. All your friends including me have given you advice in life, and our intention is to help you keep it in mind. Don't take action immediately. Just write what we tell you on a piece of paper and look at it in your free time."
"Let's face it: at the end of the day, it's your choice on how you want to handle difficult situations," Luigi went on. "You can take the advice we give you and see how it works, or you can handle it yourself and most likely learn the hard way. You don't want to learn the hard way, do you? Be honest with me."
"Sometimes, yes," Mario said without hesitation. "There are some situations where I want to see what the hard way is like."
"Well, I suggest you don't consider learning the hard way," Luigi advised his brother. "You'd hate yourself for a long time if you choose that path. Does that make sense?"
Mario nodded his head yes.
"Look, I'm not trying to persuade you or force you to do anything, but I'd like for you to consider trying whatever suggestions we give you if you're in a tough spot. If one way doesn't work, you try the other ones and decide what you agree with the most. How about that?"
"Okay."
"Or if you don't want my help anymore, I won't get pissed at you," Luigi offered. "Just stop by my mansion if you want and say, 'Hey, Luigi. I want to live my life the way I want. I don't need anyone's help.' And you know what? I'll be supportive of your decision."
"But I want your help, Luigi. I can never do without you," Mario said, a slight hint of desperation in his voice. "I've looked up to you for advice."
"I know. And I want to help you as much as I can. I try every day even if I don't know what to do. Just like how you don't give up, I keep pushing myself to not give up either."
"And you haven't."
"No. And I won't ever," Luigi agreed. Then, he came up with an idea. "Oh. Remember when I suggested you go somewhere else to calm down?"
"Yeah."
"If you really want to scream your head off, that's your chance. Try to find, for example, the nearest restroom and lock the door. Replace your reflection in the mirror with who you think deserves to be yelled at and let everything out. Even all the swear words you can think of. But don't break anything, is all I ask."
"What if someone knocks on the door and asks if I'm okay?" Mario asked.
"Just tell them you're fine. That's it."
Then, Mario slowly pulled out his cell phone from his overalls pocket. He stared at the phone.
"What are you doing?" Luigi questioned.
But Mario didn't answer.
"Do you want me to call someone for you?"
"Um..."
"Name any friend of ours and I'll give them a ring," Luigi suggested.
Mario put his phone down and thought of who to talk to. Obviously, not Peach because her phone was broken.
After a few more seconds, Mario made his decision. "Daisy."
"Okey-dokey. Daisy, it is." Luigi took out his phone and started to dial Daisy's number.
"Don't tell Daisy about the 'change' thing," Mario requested.
"I won't. We'll keep it between the two of us."
After pressing the "Call" button, Luigi put his phone on speaker and set it on the table in front of the sofa.
It took three rings before the call was answered. "This is Princess Daisy speaking."
With a smile on his face, Luigi returned the greeting, "Guess who's speaking to you."
"Luigi!" Daisy exclaimed with excitement. "It's so great to hear your voice! How are you, sweetie?"
"I'm doing great. In fact, I'm here with the best brother ever." Luigi hugged Mario close, making the latter giggle.
"Hi, Mario!" Daisy greeted Mario.
"H-hi...!" Mario chuckled. "Little b-bro's being t-too nice...!"
"Hey! Leave my friend alone, green bean!" Daisy shouted with exaggerated anger.
Both Mario Bros laughed at Daisy's banter.
"Sorry," Daisy apologized before joining in on the laughter.
Luigi let go of Mario as everyone stopped laughing.
"I just love the brotherly bond between you two," Daisy remarked. "It always makes me smile."
"So, princesses first, Daisy," Luigi said. "What's up with you?"
"I'm feeling very excited because my friend Azalea's throwing a party at her underground cavern in Easton," Daisy stated. "She literally lives inside a giant cave! It's almost as big as my pyramid."
"Who's Azalea?" Mario asked. He had never heard of that name before.
"She's the best golfer in Sarasaland. Azzy and I are very close friends, and I like to think of her as my cousin."
"What's the occasion?" Luigi wondered.
"It's just one of those wild parties you see on TV," Daisy replied. "We're talking over a hundred guests, 300 Coins worth of pizza, music performances, donuts for breakfast, anything you can expect at a party."
Luigi's face lit up. "Do they have gambling too?"
"You betcha!"
"Aw, I wish I could come! Dang it!"
"It's okay, Luigi," Daisy reassured Luigi. "Azzy has a New Year's Eve party planned this year. And she says it'll be bigger than tonight's party."
"Then expect to come in with me at your side," Luigi said.
"I will, for sure! What's going on with you boys?"
"I'll tell you," Mario answered. "Me and Luigi are seeking these treasures called Crystal Stars. There are seven of them, to be exact, and we found six so far."
"Ooh! That sounds fun!" Daisy said with glee. "Where's the seventh Crystal Star?"
"You're never going to believe this. Where else would it be but the Moon?"
Daisy gasped. "The Moon?! Are you for real?!"
"Yes. It's hidden in this fortress on the Moon," Luigi explained. "Me and Mario plan on infiltrating the fortress, which is operated by a group of soldiers called X-Nauts."
"Oh, I'm so jealous!" Daisy exclaimed. "You get to blast off to space on a rocket!"
"Yeah. It's gonna be a crazy ride," Mario commented. "It should take about half a day to get to the Moon."
"What time's the launch tomorrow?"
"7:12 AM," Luigi replied. "Are you gonna be up to watch it?"
"Yes, I will. Azzy's party's lasting all night long until tomorrow morning," Daisy stated. "Hence why I've been sleeping during the daytime for the last few days. I'll tell Azzy about the Moon rocket launch and we'll all watch it on her giant TV."
"We have to get up at 4:30, so we'll be going to bed soon," Mario said.
"All right. You go get your sleep. I'm going to Azzy's in a few minutes to help set up for the party."
"Will you promise not to overdrink yourself?" Mario asked.
"Mario, I'm only having one beer tonight. I'm not gonna play the '20 Shots' game," Daisy promised Mario.
"Okay. I trust you."
"It was great talking to you, Daisy," Luigi said.
"Any time, sweetie. I'm always available if you want to talk to someone. And Mario?"
"Yeah?"
"If you ever need to get away from the Mushroom Kingdom, be it a couple days, a week, whatever; my pyramid is your pyramid," Daisy offered.
"Thank you," Mario thanked Daisy. "Good night, Daisy."
"Good night, Mario."
"Have a good night, my flower," Luigi told Daisy.
"Good night to you too, Luigi. Give Mario a big hug for me, okay?"
"I will."
Luigi ended the call and put his phone away.
"How did that make you feel?" Luigi asked Mario.
"I feel happier than earlier."
"That's my bro." Luigi patted Mario on the shoulder. Luigi stayed in the living room for now while Mario started getting ready for bed.
...
Minutes later, Mario and Luigi were about to get in one of the bunk beds.
"We'll work everything out when we get home," Luigi told Mario. "How about I go with you to your next therapist appointment?"
"That'd be nice," Mario replied.
"Yeah. Then Dr. Reilly and us will come up with a plan. For now, don't worry about the 'change' thing. Everything's fine," Luigi said.
"Okay. I guess it's my turn to take the top bunk."
"Yup. I had my turn last time."
Luigi gave Mario a big hug.
"Good night, Mario."
"Good night, Luigi," Mario said softly. "I love you."
"I love you too."
And so, Mario climbed into the top bunk while Luigi turned off the lights.
...
It's 10:59 PM. Out at Launch Pad 1, the Space Shuttle Atlantis stood ready to go in just over eight hours' time. The large external fuel tank was being filled with supercold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen while a small team of technicians roamed the launch platform to check for any foreign object debris.
In addition, another team of technicians called the Closeout Crew readied the Orbiter Access Arm's White Room: a small area at the end of the arm that connects to the orbiter's hatch. Both pad crews would depart the launch pad shortly after Mario and Luigi wake up.
...
At the same time, 27 flight controllers led by Patricia McJay were seated in the Flight Operation Facility's mission control room, located on a separate island west of the Equashroom Space Center. Half of the controllers would monitor the flight of the shuttle while the other half watches over the lunar landing.
"Attention all stations on Net 1," Pat announced. "Man consoles for countdown to launch. Pad Leader, FLIGHT. Fueling status."
"FLIGHT, Pad Leader..." a voice spoke through Pat's headset. "...ET LOX and LH2 tanks are both at 30% capacity. Should be completed at T-6 hours followed by topping."
"Copy that."
Next to Pat at his console as spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM), Erik Sandel configured his headset so that he would be able to talk to Mario and Luigi during their spaceflight.
"It's gonna be a long day and night, Pat," Erik said.
"Yes, long. But exciting too," Pat pointed out. "Let's just hope everything goes right. It all has to go perfectly. No room for error."
"On top of this being the first Shuttle launch since Columbia," Erik added in.
Pat nodded her head before turning back to her computer screens.
...
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Made a small edit to Mario's dialogue during his conversation with Luigi.