The Mission to the Moon

The spaceship Lunar One, led by Captain Joseph Walters, was headed to the moon with a crew of five. This would be the first manned mission to the moon since Apollo 17 in December 1972. NASA has planned six missions to the moon over the next two years as a step towards a mission to Mars.

Alarms and sirens were blasting all over the spaceship Lunar One as it descended toward the moon's surface. Captain Walters ordered first officer Tom McKenzie to turn off the alarms, and he complied quickly.

"Captain thrusters are not engaging, and we are picking up speed as we descend towards the moon." Said, Tom

"Do what you can to get them restarted!" Shouted the Captain

"4000 meters to the surface and falling fast!" Shouted Janet Wilson, the helmsman.

"Speed is 120 meters per second; at this rate, we will touch down in about 33 seconds." Shouted Richard Jenkins, the engineer

"Captain, I can't get our computer systems back online. I need to reboot the system, but that will take a few minutes." Says Sheila Harrison, the computer specialist.

"We don't have a few minutes, Sheila; we have only have half a minute," the Captain said.

"26 seconds!" Shouted Richard

Captain Walters ignored the last comment and shouted, "Where are my thrusters, Tom?"

"I have tried everything in the book, and I can't get them restarted," shouted Tom

"Fuck the book; you know these engines inside and out; get those engines restarted, or we all are going to die!" Shouted Captain Walters

"I will do what I can," said Tom calmly

"2400 meters and falling," stated Janet

"Speed is now constant at 125 meters per second," said Richard

"Captain, I have managed to contact Mission Control. Do you want to talk with them?" Asked Sheila

"There is nothing they can do to help now, so no, I don't want to speak to mission control." Stated Captain Walters. "Tom, where are my thrusters?"

"Sorry, but I think our thrusters are dead, and there is nothing I can do." Stated Tom

"Keep trying!" Shouted Captain Walters

"1200 meters to the moon's surface." Stated Janet

"Nine seconds to touchdown," said Richard

No one said anything as the spacecraft fell to its doom, except Richard, who continued the countdown. "Seven ... six ... five ... four ... three ... two ... one."

"The Spacecraft Lunar One has suffered catastrophic damage on its moon landing. The mission outcome is a failure. Computer simulation is ending. Have a nice day." Stated the computer.

The lights came back on, and a voice was heard over the intercom. "Sorry, Joe, we thought we would throw you a curve by having every system go down in this latest simulation."

"Yeah, well, thanks for the thrill ride. Can we do another simulation, this time without all the fuck-ups." Stated Captain Walters

"Sure, Joe, just give us a few minutes to set everything up."

"Is everyone OK with another run-through, or do we need to take a break?" Asked Captain Walters

"I am ready for another run. Hopefully, one that is a lot smoother." Stated Tom

"I'm ready, Captain." Stated Sheila

"Yes, I am ready; let's get it right this time." Stated Janet

"I'm ready, too." Said Richard.

"OK, crew, let's be prepared for anything this time, as I am sure these clowns will throw more curves at us," said Captain Walters

"Yes, Sir, you know I never did like baseball." Said, Tom

"Or the circus," said Sheila

As the crew laughed, Captain Walters said, "OK, let's get serious now and get ready to land this ship safely on the moon."

Everyone nodded and put on their serious face to prepare for the next simulation.