Crossing the Finish Line

[Seiben 0]

"Crossing the Finish Line"

Log entry 11: 26 August, 2154

 

Pop! The sound of a champagne bottle opening marking one glorious occaison. The GE work team let out a cheer as confeeti showered down on top of them. But finally, their work is done. As of today, work on the warpdrive project for the Challenger has been completed, after three long exhausting months. Preliminary testing on the warp drive were flawless, and everything worked down to the most acurate detail.

 

Now, Seiben and his team were celebrating at the pub on the Mars Colony. Loud music, dancing and laughter replacing the sounds of welding, hammering and barking of orders. At the head of thei table, Seiben poured himself a glass of champagne and raised his glass. The other workers quickly followed suit.

 

"Hey guys.. I'd just like to propose a toast to you guys. We've been through so many setbacks, so many delays, and yet, we managed to finish this monumental project two weeks ahead of schedule! But we couldn't have done it, without each and every one of you guys. You're the heart of this warpdrive.. whenever it is activated it'll be because of you.

 

"Now, this may be General Electric's last hurrah, but at least we manage to restore a little bit of our company's tarnished reputation. Guys, I'll be frank. I don't know how much longer GE will last, and the vast majority of us, will move on to bigger and better things. But remember.. even though we'll be apart physically, we'll always be a team and a part of each of us will forever be in our memories and hearts.

 

"So here's to you guys.. the finest Warp Engineers in the industry!" Seiben raised his glass high. The others cheered and applauded and clinked their glasses with each other. Again, loud, upbeat music filled the pub. The workers danced, ate and revelled in their accomplishment. "Good toast, sir." said Joe Roland, Seiben's Assistant Chief. "Thanks.. took me an hour to think that up" Seiben replied. "Sure am gonna miss you guys, present company included" said Seiben.

 

Roland smiled. "Thanks Gunter, same to you" Seiben picked up a chicken leg, and bit into it. "Hey, go enjoy the party, Joe.. I'm feeling a bit tipsy, so I'm gonna take a little stroll" Joe nodded, as Seiben walked out of the pub. Maybe he had one too many glasses of champagne.. Seiben thought to himself. He grabbed a bottle of Coke from the cooler, just before leaving the pub.

 

Seiben walked out to the street of the colony, which by now was bustling wth urban night life. Techno type music, and large neon signs luring him to vist one nightclub or the other. Seiben pushed his way through the crowds, and into a waiting GE Shuttle. After giving the driver directions on where to go, the craft lifted off into the Martian landscape.

 

Soon, it exited the colony, and the Martian atmosphere back into outerspace. The now complted Challenger emerged soon afterwards, at first just as an undistinct grey blob, but getting bigger and bigger as the shuttle draws closer. The shuttle docked with the Challenger, and Seiben got out and walked around the ship, after presenting his ID card to one of the security guards. Everything looked so clean and prestine, and even the smell of fresh paint enterd his nose.

 

Seiben entered a lift, and took it down to Engineering. He smiled as he saw the big brown warpcore. Seiben sighs knowing this might be the last time he'll ever see it. The Challenger is now accepting crew applications, and he wondered just who will be onboard to accompany her through her voyages, and definately who will take care of the engine.

 

It shouldn't really be any of Seiben's concern, but when one puts three months of blood and sweat into something, one would want it to be treated with the care and respect it deserves. Hr would like to make sure, this Chief Engineer knows what they're doing.Taking one last look around, Seiben walks back to his shuttle. The craft takes him back to Mars.

 

Feeling a bit better from his binge drinking, Seiben returns to the party still in full swing. "Hey Chief! We're just about the start the dance contest!" a worker said. "Alright, I'm there!" he replies. Seiben meets up with a cute brunette chick and dances the night away. Still wondering what he'll do now. But his future is bright and limitless, but for now, the night is young, the beer kegs are full , the music is blaring, and Seiben intented to make this party count.

Edited August 26, 2004 by Seiben