Novel: Bad press calls for desperate measures. For the Interstellar Forces, sending a small crew to Neptune was the bet they were willing to make - at the risk of losing what little respect they have left (and maybe some lives).
A roll of dice and a lack of options led to the selection of the Celestion-5’s crew, a collection of inexperienced astronauts ranging from space-loving dreamers to cynics only in it for the money.
It’s them against the universe, and their odds are a gamble at best. Learning how to live together can only help. Though with the crew’s pervasive personal problems, that might be the real journey.
New Chapter: All seems well again on the Celestion-5, but Emil can't help but feel the weight of his decision.
Sample:
“What’s that behind your back?”
“Oh!” He forgot about the box he’d been holding. “I was planning to keep this a surprise, buuut,” but Leon could use something to cheer him up, “you can have a sneak peak.”
Leon gasped almost as soon as Emil set the box in his hand. “A model spaceship kit?” His face lit up. “He’ll love this!”
“I sure hope so.”
“No, seriously!” Leon examined the box. “This is one of the best gifts you could’ve gotten him! How do you keep knowing these things? I was just talking to Ángie about it. It’s like you’re magic!”
“M-Magic??” Something about the sincerity of Leon’s words and the sheer wonder in his eyes sent Emil into a fit of giggling. He really had to get used to these compliments, or else Leon might get the wrong idea. “Sorry, sorry, I’m not laughing at you, I swear!”
“It’s okay, I know it sounds silly.” Leon took it in stride. “But you might as well be!”