The Red Flight

Prologue

A cold breeze swept over the figures.  It was a harsh icy breath, but not very strong.  The astronauts approached the launch tower looming ahead.  Casting a shadow over them, the shuttle attached to its rockets faced the sky…beyond the sky.  Beyond.

 The shuttle was a relatively new design, constructed in 2006.  It was the first, and presently the only, space shuttle in the British Space Exploration service.  Like a giant remora, the grey shuttle hugged the rockets.  It was emblazoned very patriotically with a Union Jack on the main body of the craft.

 The astronauts moved slowly in their black suits, pacing towards the elevator, up to the door and inside.  Their helmets a chrome black with a touch of silver, gunmetal coloured, were at their sides as they entered the tower.

 As they arrived high up in the air, they moved across into the cockpit.  Each one took their positions and strapped their suit in.  They placed their helmets on their heads and now they were only distinguishable by their surnames atop their foreheads in white block letters.

 The countdown started.  The astronauts readied themselves for the great push to the stars.  It never came.  Instead of being forced back into their seats, they felt heat.  The last thing Victoria Watson saw before being engulfed in flames was the logo on her left breast.  It looked like earth…yet it was red.  Mars.  They were going to Mars…