Galactic Transportation

Paul Bailey breathed in a lung full of fresh air, as he relaxed by the beautiful luxury swimming pool, at his expensive mansion in Beverly Hills, California. The 24-year-old was the most famous actor of his generation and the young man was riding the wave of popularity, while it lasted. Except the American had discovered an opportunity to become the biggest celebrity in history. It was something that the famous man had dreamt of since he was a boy, and now he was getting the chance to make his dreams come true. People have always said," Money can't buy you happiness!" Well, that was until N.A.S.A, the space agency, for the United States of America, helped build a private company to take the rich and famous to the stars, in a purposely built rocket. They would blast off from a purposely built spaceport that was located just outside of Boston, in the American state of Massachusetts. It would dock with the International Space Station, for a tour and then travel once around the Earth, and afterwards return to the spaceport.
When the news hit the street and the internet, the new intergalactic space corporation was bombarded with phone calls, emails, faxes and letters, all wanting to be the first non-man or woman astronaut to go into space. Paul Bailey knew everyone and he was the first person to hear of this remarkable news, so he worked hard digging out all his contacts, to discover the company offering this remarkable undertaking. The Californian told all his famous friends and associates to release a blank cheque, to these people giving away the greatest adventure In human history. Well before the rest of the world had time to catch up, and hear about the tickets to the stars, Paul's name was at the top of the first list, for blasting off in just two weeks.
This company was partly owned by the government and the richest man in the world; Austin Hill, the 45-year-old man from Florida was an unknown in the public eye, but his family had built the very first movie studios in the world, and all the producers and actors used his facilities to make their motion pictures.
Austin had gotten bored of the big lights and fame and had other ambitions, for he wanted to reach the stars. He dedicated five long years to persuading the president of the U.S. to commission a private rocket for individuals, at the right price.
Well the president-elect, when Austin first began his remarkable notion, hated the idea and told the studio owner that he was living in the movie world too much, and the American people would never want anyone, but the National Space Agency to venture into space. This however didn't hinder the ambitious man's dreams and brought some land to Boston, he built his rocket and facility to send it into orbit. It took another five years for a change of president, and then Austin was granted his grand scheme. The new man in power was all for making money for the American public and loved things commercial, so with the help of NASAS's technology, Austin's future space travel company was given the green light.
The day of the launch was finally here and the world's media had gathered, along with most of the capital of Massachusetts too. As the final checks were being made to the brand-new rocket, Paul Bailey stood up on the runway with his wife and two children, as well as his close friends. He gave a massive hug and kiss to his wife of 13 years; Iris and his children; Polly 3 and Starbuck who was just one year old. They were all in tears and didn't want him to go on this dangerous mission, but were used to his absence with his constant film making, however, this was different, for they were scared. The five-foot-three-inch muscular man with short black hair, who was quite reserved, tried to reassure his family that all would be triple-checked and checked again, before setting foot on this big tin can. He explained there would be three real astronauts accompanying him on this historic mission, and they would be the ones flying the space vehicle. The actor suddenly heard a voice in his ear," 5 minutes to countdown, so say your farewells and get strapped in!"
Paul looked deep into his beautiful wife's eyes and kissed her on the lips, then he whispered gently in her ear," Don't worry Iris I will be safe and we'll become the most famous family in the world, the first space tourist. I have been dreaming of this my whole life and will relish every second. I am so lucky to have you and our children and I know I make you proud, with all my movies, but this is real life and it's something I'll tell our grandchildren that I went into space." The man of the moment bent down and hugged his two wondrous children and said to them," Look after mummy and look out for me because I'll be waving to you when daddy blasts off into space!" He gave them a huge kiss and shouted," see you soon!", as the brave American headed for the Hills cosmic space shuttle. It was slightly different to the standard upright rocket, except designed like an aeroplane. It had five hundred thousand propulsions, per minute, faster than the Apollo machines. The actor climbed up a ladder on the side of the flying machine and climbed into a red leather seat, that he would be confined to, for the next 12 hours. While the technicians secured Paul in tight, the young actor made a heartfelt goodbye to his family, from the window. Two minutes later he could hear Austin's voice in his earpiece and the man who was granting Paul's wishes said'" I hope you love this once-in-a-lifetime mega-adventure flyboy,! Hold on to your seat, for 3. 2. 1 go!!!!"
Buckled in tight and blasting off, Paul was extremely excited to be the first member of the public to reach the stars and witness Earth from space. The supersonic engine ignited and Cosmic 1 tilted upon its back wheels, it then shot off like lightning into space. The entire audience gathered was shocked and amazed at this awesome sight, for it was a truly remarkable feat of engineering. The press, celebs and the general public couldn't believe how much quieter and safer the whole process was.
Austin Hill was gazing at the monitors in the command centre that had been constructed several feet away and was watching history in the making. He was beside his wife; Ava and 15-year-old son; Lenox. He smiled at them and said," Well my lovely family, I have managed the impossible and sent a commercial flight into space. I only wish I could have taken the trip instead, darn those Drs in stopping me at the last minute, but it's better watching it with my loved ones and who knows, maybe one day eh?" Ava, who had an immensely beautiful complexion and bright wavy red hair, looked into her husband's happy eyes and began to speak softly," my darling Austin, you have accomplished such an astonishing thing for mankind here today, and everyone will pay you big bucks to have an epic trip to the stars! Who knows where it will lead? Maybe you'll even have a moon base, and people will pay you to have intergalactic vacations?" Austin gave his wife a large kiss held her tightly and witnessed his space vehicle disappear over the horizon.
Rex Murray, Taylor Downing and Francis Twelves all sat in the control room of the new impressive spaceship and began to plot a course; out of the Earth and into space, then up towards the international space station and off around the planet, afterwards back to terra firma. Captain Murray pressed several buttons on the impressive console, while the famous actor sat fixed tightly into his chair, as Cosmic 1 flew higher out of Earth's atmosphere and into space. Paul couldn't quite believe this was taking place he felt like the luckiest human on the entire planet, and his dreams had well and truly come true! Rex pressed a tiny red button that was over his head, and the afterburners kicked in, which made the supersonic engine return to a steady pace. The astronauts manoeuvred what was now their home for the next 12 hours into orbit above the planet, and then put the rocket into autopilot. The captain stayed in his seat and calculated the trajectory to the international space station, while Taylor went in to examine their only passenger and make the most famous man more comfortable.
Paul Bailey was trying to relax while looking out the expensive window when the Earth calmly materialised right in front of him. The man felt his jaw open and land on the metal floor, for this moment in the young actor's life would change him forever. He was in complete awe at his home planet and it was a mesmerising sight! Paul thought to himself," I understand now what life means! How guilty do I feel right now? I get paid millions of dollars just to say a few words in front of a camera, and billions are poor and will never see this remarkable sight, in their lives. We should all come together to make our world a better place! There are evil wars and crimes on every continent around the world, why? I am 100% sure that if every man, woman and child could witness the Earth from space, they would put their differences aside and peace would reign for sure!"
The American continued to bask in the presence of the magnificent pleasure of the Earth and all her splendour when an exceptional notion struck Paul like a message from God himself! The action hero film-maker knew for the first time in his life, what his purpose was! He had to get back down to his home to carry out this outstanding proposition.
Except before Cosmic One even reached the ISS; for a brief tour, 11 rockets emerged out of thin air and began firing upon Austin Hill's dream vehicle and sending it out of control. Rex was stunned and it took the 45-year-old, English man several moments to gain his bearings, and realise what was taking place, and why was some cretin using deadly force upon a civilian space plane?
These rouges, who had set off the rockets were carrying out a new space race, and they wanted to be the first to send a commercial rocket into space. They all wanted to destroy Cosmic 1 before the Austin Hills team had barely gotten out of the Earth's orbit. Taylor saw a jolt of fire smash into the side of the ship, as the New York co-pilot floated towards his famous guest. The short man, with curly blond hair, screamed into his communications device, which had been sewn into his futuristic-looking space suit and said," Get out of here now Rex! Fly us back to Earth before they blast us to pieces!"
Paul sat frozen and helpless, strapped to his chair and now felt more determined to carry out his remarkable idea, when he saw all the rockets flying towards the ship. The thespian shouted at the astronaut,
" Don't worry about me Mr Downing, just get this sardine can of a spaceship back on planet Earth now. I need to stay alive for God granted me an important mission!"
several days later. . .
Paul sat in a large modern building in the centre of New York and contemplated over the few hours he'd spent in space, and seeing the glorious Earth. He was at the sphere news studio to relive the whole experience, and ready to tell the entire world and share his new exciting proportion. Suddenly the most important man in America entered the room, along with Austin Hill. Rick Dickinson, the president-elect was there to also talk about the mission. Rick shook Paul by the hand and congratulated him for becoming the first space tourist to travel commercially into space. He said a few words, while the technical department was ready to broadcast across the world. Austin also began to talk to Paul, however, the owner of Cosmic 1 looked frail and nervous to speak a word. He grabbed Paul firmly by the hand and said reassuringly,
"I am so very sorry for putting your life at risk Mr Bailey, and as a token of my sincerity, I shall return all your money and put you on the next mission, if you still want to go into space. I completely apologise for my lack of knowledge of what the rouge nation was attempting. Why do people think everything has to be a bloody competition and try to copy what genuine honest and hardworking folk try to accomplish? I just hope those selfish and dangerous crazes didn't spoil your experience of it at all! Thank you for choosing my company to take you to the stars!"
The actor put his hand on the movie studio man's shoulder and began to explain how the space tour had made him feel,
"Listen, Mr Hill, I don't blame you at all for what other individuals consider reasonable behaviour! I went up in a spaceship to the stars because of you, this has utterly changed my life forever and has opened my eyes to what's important, and how I can make the world a better place!"
The news company informed the special guests that it was just minutes before the live transmission, and they should get ready. So Paul, Rick and Austin went through their speeches and a young studio hand counted down from 5 to 0, after the producer said in a whisper," On air!"
The president took a sip of strong coffee and began, "Welcome my fellow Americans, and to all the citizens that are watching around the world. I am here today with the visionary who created the space plane and sent our most famous actor to the stars. We all know what transpired by a few crazed individuals, but I am here to congratulate Mr Hill and Mr Bailey on a successful launch and voyage. May this space company be rewarded for its efforts in the future, and take other citizens to the stars."
Austin looked even more concerned after that warm and heartfelt speech, but he took a slow deep breath and began his little talk." Hello, I hope everyone is well today! Please excuse me for I am not used to making public speeches, I will say a few words and then let the real star say his statement about his experience to the stars. I'd just like to thank my supper technical team for helping make my dreams come true. I hope our president can discover the evil destructive villains and make them understand their actions!" Austin sat back down and breathed a sigh of relief for getting out his words to the nation.
Paul got to his feet, picked up a microphone and began to address the gripped audience," Hello everyone watching around the planet and thanks for tuning in. In. Firstly I would like to thank Austin for building Cosmic 1 and putting my name first, which has made my wildest dreams come true. I would like to reassure him and the world that I am well, after the shocking incident, just a little shaken up. I spent three days recuperating in a hotel room before this press conference, and as I said to our genuinely friendly leader and Austin, I have no animosity towards those wicked people who tried to destroy our historic mission. I would like to tell you of the revelation that struck me, as I gazed out of the spaceship's window. Our beautiful and glorious planet emerged and within seconds I was transfixed and in awe of our remarkable world. I felt humble and genuinely guilty for being the first person to travel to the stars when there were lots of less well-off than myself, who really desired the grand opportunity. It also made me realise how unique a species we all are and the wars, crime, poverty and hate are pointless and as intelligent people, the human race should come together to make the planet a better place! Also while gazing at our epic world, I believe God whispered his divine plan to me, and he knew I could share it with every man, woman and child. I was told by our lord that I have the power to bring the human race together elevating everyone to the stars, and witness our remarkable planet. God also told me to seek out the correct people to help build a vast mechanism to the stars; a Galactic Elevator. It would be a large plexiglass lift and could transport 100 people up to a platform, to view the Earth. People would see our unique home and come together for the sake of all mankind. I ask all the scientific community and the governments around the world, to come together to construct such an epic machine. I advise building it in the Atlantic Ocean and that way, no one nation would claim it for themselves. We could assemble this monumental contraption on 30 oil rigs, and all the special material from NASA would be winched by privet aeroplanes. I have thought hard and we could use the substance that the National Space Agency uses to protect its shuttles from burning up in the Earth's atmosphere, this could be used upon the elevator's outer shell. The hoist that would keep it all in place would be concreted deep in the sea bed, while the other end securely fastened, on the moon. I know this is one of the greatest endeavours that could be engineered and it might take trillions of dollars and an infinite number of man-hours to build, but the rewards would be monumental, in bringing the human race together in peace! Thank you for listening to me and I honestly hope we can all come together on this epic venture!"
Well, the newsroom erupted in a loud applause, for the actor's grand speech and proposition. The president smiled at Paul and shook his hand, congratulating him on such an epic proposal. He promised the actor that he'd talk with all the nations of the world, and put it on top of his agenda!

Twelve years later. . .

Paul Bailey, Rick Dickinson and Austin Hill all stood onboard one of 50 cruise liners sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, some 25 miles from New York. The day had arrived when Paul's remarkable elevator was ready to be launched upon the world and every man, woman and child would be able to view the Earth from space. It had taken a long twelve years to reach this point because of logistical problems of having the elevator at sea and building the 30 new oil rigs.
The first 97 people were chosen at random from a huge computer database, as well as the first space tourist; Paul Bailey, the American president; Rick Dickinson and the creator of Cosmic One; Austin Hill, were all ready to take the first voyage in the elevator up to the newly built platform to witness the Earth from space.
Special heat-resisted space suits had been designed to withstand the colossal atmospheric temperatures, as the lift exited the Earth's orbit.
Journalists, celebs and 500 general public had gathered on the other vessels to witness Paul's elevator lift off to the stars. They were all just as excited to see where this remarkable feat of engineering would take the human race into the future and bask in its magnificent undertaking.
As Paul, Rick, and Austin; along with the first, 97 citizens of the planet were docket at the new Hyperloop technological Gateway to the stars, everyone gathered was feeling super excited about man's next advancement and where it would lead and could mankind finally reach deep into the cosmos?
They climbed from the deck of the ship onto the steps of the oil rig and walked to the scientific and engineering people who had miraculously built the magnificent Hyperloop elevator technology and were given their Space suits too. As each person embarked upon the oil rig they gasped in awe at the remarkable feat of engineering that over 2000 men and women took 12 years to build.
Now it was time to board the elevator to the stars, but first Mr. Dickinson, the President, who was still in office after all these years, unveiled the grand machine by saying a few words in front of an array of journalists from across the globe. They were to beam live to every man, woman and child watching around the world and on the International Space Station to witness this phenomenal feet of engineering on its maiden voyage. The 45th president addressed the cameras saying,
“Good morning, my fellow Americans and everyone on Earth, thank you for joining us at the Pretipis Of mankind’s elevation to the stars. As I board the elevator now, I am doing it for all of you and hope that every single one of you gets the chance to ride this new transportation device. Thank you and God Bless all those remarkable men and women who helped build this machine and to our famous actor Paul Bailey for his absolutely fantastic concept of bringing all humans together, to hopefully bring about peace and harmony to the human race by giving us the opportunity to witness the Earth from space, First hand. I really hope this is a fundamental turning point in our history and war And hate will be eradicated forever, oh please God Let it be this way. We won’t film the actual view from space that is your opportunity and what this is all about. Please remember it is free but I would emphasize the cost it took to build and all the man hours so please give a donation. It will go to the families of men and women plus charities around the world. I will stop waffling on and my fellow humans gathered here will board this sensational contraption.
I bid you farewell and will see you all again in the next three hours once we have returned back to the oil rig, so the rest of the human race can have your turn, but remember it’s only 100 people at a time so please be patient be prepared to wait. Fond farewells my friends!”
Paul Bailey and Austin Hill waved to the cameras as they emerged in their space suits I walked inside the spacious elevator into space, along with the other first attendees. The engineers and scientists went over the calculations and triple-checked everything was working before they were allowed to send the chief of America into space on an hour-and-a-half journey up and back.
Except before The president could venture off on the thrill of the new space vehicle, one of the security staff bellowed frantically,
“ This is against everything God stands for and I will never allow it! I stand for what is right in a broken world!”
Ben Harris threw a grenade at the Hyperloop device but the naive 23-year-old forgot to pull the pin out of the weapon. So instead of a sonic boom and an explosion of fire, it caused pandemonium and mayhem all over the rig and on the boats where the members of the public and journalists were docked. On this momentous day. Security guards sprung at Ben jumping on top of him to stop the madman any further.
So while everyone calmed down and began again to launch the Hyperloop, four security guards removed Mr. Harris. and placed him on a single boat, sailing back to the mainland to be charged with terrorism. Mr. Dickinson, after recovering from a heart attack. Slowly emerged into the elevator contraption along with the 99 other men and women, that oh fearful, but eager to go.
All the ground crew engaged the controls together and the elevator moved upwards Watching everyone around the world and at the oil rig 20 miles from New York, cheered in celebration of this momentous occasion. The temperature of the elevator Would get severely hot as it reached the Earth's atmosphere out into space NASA had supplied their shuttle technology to prevent any damage.
Paul’s vision was about to unfold as the elevator docked with the International Space Station at the very top of the Hyperloop. As soon as the Earth came into view the men and women gasped with open mouths at their glorious home, properly for the first time and tears streamed down every 100 people who had without fault been living in absolute blissful Ignorance of just how majestic the planet Earth truly is. They instantly realised how important their home is and how incredibly delicate the human race really is. From that day onwards the human race, once 4.5 billion people had taken the mighty trip to the stars, had truly come together in peace and harmony, to certainly make the Earth and all its inhabitants a healthy and safer place to live forever!!
As the 3 famous passengers basked in the delights of the Earth and space; Paul, Rick and Austin saw something emerge from behind the International Space Station. it was an unidentified flying saucer and were watching this momentous occasion transpire. All humanity united at last and ready to properly join the space race.
The alien vessel was known as the Valerian people and they told the American present they lived on a planet just outside the solar system and had been waiting and watching for millennia for the human race to come together in peace so could make the first contact.
These orange and blue creatures invited the president, the actor and the space tourism businessman to discuss a vast hyperloop throughout the universe to harmonise every species because the universe is full of life and they all wish to cross our path in friendship!