Ground Control to My Heart: a 250 Miles above Love Story

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

GROUND CONTROL TO MY HEART: A 250 MILES ABOVE LOVE STORY

First edition. October 23, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Andrea Febrian.

Written by Andrea Febrian.

Ground Control to My Heart:

A 250 miles above Love story

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Launch

Chapter 2: Stargazer's Journey, Dr. Stella Nova

Chapter 3: Earthbound Dreamer  Jack Hudson

Chapter 4: Routine Communications

Chapter 5: A Moment of Vulnerability

Chapter 6: Growing Curiosity

Chapter 7: The Space Emergency

Chapter 8: Blurring Lines

Chapter 9: The Care Package

Chapter 10: Doubt and Distance

Chapter 11: The Rival

Chapter 12: Confessions in the Cosmos

Chapter 13: Earthbound Longing

Chapter 14: The Return Plan

Chapter 15: Touchdown of the Heart

Chapter 1: The Launch

Dr. Stella Nova's heart raced as she climbed the towering gantry, each metallic step bringing her closer to the gleaming white spacecraft that would be her home for the next six months. The Florida sun beat down mercilessly on her back, its scorching warmth a stark contrast to the chill of anticipation running through her veins. She paused briefly, her green eyes sweeping across the launch pad bustling with activity, technicians scurrying about like ants preparing for a great journey. The enormity of the mission ahead weighed on her shoulders, but Stella steeled herself, drawing on years of training and the quiet determination that had propelled her from Air Force cockpits to the threshold of space.

As she ascended, the familiar scent of fuel and ozone filled her nostrils, a potent reminder of the raw power contained within the massive rocket beneath her. Stella's athletic frame moved with practiced efficiency, her short dark hair barely stirring in the humid coastal breeze. She allowed herself a moment to reflect on the long journey that had brought her here - countless hours of study, rigorous physical conditioning, and the relentless pursuit of her dreams among the stars.

The gantry creaked and swayed ever so slightly, a disconcerting sensation that Stella had long since learned to ignore. Her mind wandered briefly to the classical piano piece she had been practicing in her scarce free time, her fingers twitching involuntarily as if playing phantom keys. It was a coping mechanism, a way to channel her nervous energy into something productive and beautiful. As she neared the top of the gantry, Stella took a deep breath, pushing aside her personal doubts and insecurities. Here, on the precipice of history, she was Dr. Stella Nova: astronaut, scientist, and explorer of the cosmic frontier.

Final checks, Dr. Nova, a technician's voice crackled through her headset, the slight distortion a reminder of the complex systems surrounding her.

Stella nodded, her movements automatic after months of rigorous training. She ran her gloved hand along the smooth exterior of the Orion capsule, a gesture both professional and oddly intimate. This vessel would cradle her life as she hurtled through the void of space, and she needed to trust it completely. The cool metal beneath her fingers seemed to pulse with potential energy, waiting to be unleashed.

Roger that, she replied, her voice steady despite the flutter in her stomach. Initiating pre-launch sequence. Her fingers danced across the control panel with practiced precision, each switch and button a step closer to the stars.

As Stella settled into her seat, securing the multitude of straps and buckles, her mind drifted to the briefing from the previous day. Dr. Elena Rodriguez's stern face swam into view, the Mission Director's piercing gaze seeming to bore into Stella even in memory. Elena's words echoed in her mind, a mixture of caution and barely concealed excitement for the historic journey ahead...

24 hours earlier

Dr. Nova, I trust you understand the gravity of this mission, Dr. Rodriguez said, her sharp eyes fixed on Stella from across the conference table. The fluorescent lights overhead cast harsh shadows across the Mission Director's face, emphasizing the intensity of her gaze.

Stella straightened in her chair, meeting the Mission Director's penetrating stare with unwavering resolve. Yes, Dr. Rodriguez. Six months on the International Space Station, conducting critical experiments on long-term space habitation and deep space communication systems. She recited the mission parameters with practiced ease, her voice steady and confident.

Dr. Rodriguez nodded, a hint of approval softening her otherwise stern features. Correct. But I'm not just talking about the scientific objectives. She leaned forward, her voice lowering to a near whisper, as if sharing a secret. This mission is as much a test of psychological endurance as it is physical and intellectual. The challenges you'll face go far beyond the realm of astrophysics and engineering.

Stella felt a twinge of uncertainty flicker through her, a momentary crack in her usually unshakeable composure. She swallowed hard, pushing the feeling aside. I've passed all the psych evaluations with flying colors, Dr. Rodriguez. My mental preparedness has been thoroughly vetted.

Indeed you have, Dr. Nova. Your scores are exemplary, some of the highest we've seen in years. Dr. Rodriguez paused, her fingers steepled beneath her chin as she seemed to choose her next words carefully. But numbers on a page can't fully prepare you for the reality of isolation in space. The loneliness, the disconnect from everything familiar, the sheer vastness of the void surrounding you – these are experiences that no simulation can truly replicate.

Stella's mind flashed to her father, Marcus, and the proud tears in his eyes when she told him about the mission. She thought of the engagement ring she'd returned two years ago, choosing her career over a life that felt too small for her dreams. I understand, Dr. Rodriguez. I'm prepared for the challenges.

Dr. Rodriguez's expression softened further, surprising Stella. I believe you are, Stella. But remember, it's okay to lean on others. Your crew, your family... and the team at Ground Control.

Something in Dr. Rodriguez's tone made Stella look up sharply. There was a knowing glint in the older woman's eye that Stella couldn't quite decipher.

Speaking of Ground Control, Dr. Rodriguez continued, your primary coordinator will be Jack Hudson. He's one of our best – calm under pressure, quick-thinking, and he has a way of... connecting with our astronauts.

Stella nodded, trying to ignore the sudden warmth in her cheeks. She'd heard of Jack Hudson – his reputation in the space program was stellar. I look forward to working with him, she said, keeping her voice neutral.

Dr. Rodriguez smiled, an expression that transformed her usually stern countenance. I'm sure you will, Dr. Nova. Now, let's review the launch sequence one more time...

The memory faded as Stella refocused on the present. The capsule hummed with energy, systems coming online one by one. Through the small window, she could see the last of the ground crew retreating to a safe distance.

Orion, this is Mission Control. All systems are go for launch. T-minus 60 seconds, a calm male voice came through her headset.

Stella took a deep breath, centering herself. This was it. Years of training, sacrifice, and determination had led to this moment.

Roger that, Mission Control. Orion is ready for launch, she responded, her voice clear and steady.

As the countdown began, Stella closed her eyes briefly, allowing herself one last moment of reflection. The face of her father flashed in her mind, his weathered pilot's hands pointing out constellations to her as a child. The memory of her ex-fiancé surfaced briefly, but it no longer carried the sting it once had. This – the cusp of space, the frontier of human exploration – this was where she belonged.

Three... two... one... ignition!

The world erupted into motion and sound. G-forces pressed Stella back into her seat as the rocket engines roared to life. The vibrations rattled through her body, and for a heart-stopping moment, everything seemed to hang in balance.

Then, they were moving.

Stella's breath caught in her throat as the spacecraft lifted off the launch pad with a thunderous roar. Through the reinforced window, she watched in awe as the ground fell away at an astonishing rate, the familiar landscape shrinking rapidly beneath them. The vibrant blue sky began to fade, deepening to a rich indigo that seemed to stretch endlessly above. Then, in a transition that took her breath away, the atmosphere gave way to the vast, star-studded blackness of space.

A maelstrom of emotions welled up inside her – exhilaration coursed through her veins like electricity, pure awe at the majesty unfolding before her eyes, and a tinge of primal fear at the sheer enormity of what they were undertaking. But above all, an overwhelming sense of achievement washed over her. Years of grueling training, sleepless nights, and unwavering determination had led to this moment. As the gentle curve of the Earth's horizon came into view, a sight few humans had ever witnessed firsthand, Stella felt hot tears prick at the corners of her eyes. The sight was more breathtakingly beautiful than she had ever dared to imagine, even in her wildest dreams. She blinked rapidly, not wanting to miss a single second of this extraordinary view, knowing that this moment would be forever etched in her memory.

Orion, this is Mission Control. Confirm successful launch and separation, the same calm voice came through, pulling Stella back to the task at hand. The familiar crackle of the radio grounded her in reality, reminding her of the monumental undertaking she was now a part of.

She quickly checked her instruments, professional training taking over with practiced ease. Her eyes darted across the array of screens and gauges, absorbing the flood of information. Mission Control, this is Orion. Confirming successful launch and separation. All systems nominal. Trajectory is on point, and life support is functioning at optimal levels.

Excellent work, Orion. Your performance is impeccable. Standby for your primary coordinator. The voice from Mission Control exuded a sense of quiet pride.

There was a brief pause, filled with the soft hum of the spacecraft's systems, and then a new voice filled Stella's headset. Deep, warm, with a hint of amusement that immediately put her at ease, it cut through the sterile atmosphere of the capsule like a ray of sunshine.

Dr. Nova, this is Jack Hudson. Welcome to space. You've just joined a very exclusive club.

Stella couldn't help the smile that spread across her face, her professional demeanor softening for a moment. Thank you, Mr. Hudson. It's quite a view up here. I don't think any simulation could have prepared me for this.

I bet it is, Jack replied, and Stella could hear the grin in his voice. How are you feeling? And I mean really feeling, not just the textbook response.

The question caught her off guard, causing her to pause momentarily. It wasn't part of the standard post-launch protocol, but something about Jack's tone made it feel natural, almost intimate. It was as if he had opened a small window into a more personal conversation amidst the technical jargon.

Honestly? Overwhelmed. Excited. A little terrified, Stella admitted, surprising herself with her candor. She felt a slight flush creep up her neck at her unexpected openness. It's like every emotion is amplified up here.

Jack's chuckle was rich and comforting, washing over her like a warm blanket. Sounds about right. Don't worry, we've got your back down here. Every step of the way. And please, call me Jack. We're going to be talking a lot over the next few months, no need for formalities.

Then I insist you call me Stella, she replied, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the spacecraft's life support systems. There was something in Jack's voice that made the vastness of space feel a little less lonely.

Alright, Stella, Jack said, and she could swear she heard a smile in his voice. "Let's run through the post-launch