Mike works as the lead engineer on propulsion systems in NASA. As diplomatic relations open up, he is cast into a new world, meeting two eager minds to explore the stars and the heavens beyond. Initially reluctant, Mike takes the situation in stride. Surprisingly, he finds himself enjoying the company. As he bears the torch of science for humanity, he somehow finds it more fitting to pass it on...
A story based on Xenomorpher's prompt: Princess Luna and NASA join together to make a Equestrian NASA launch facility.
Didn't really go into a launch facility, but I thought this a bit more appropriate.
P.S. After going through some stories that have surprisingly cynical views of humanity and our future, I can only hope that for some, this rekindles a small amount of faith.
Liked on the premises alone. I shall read this first chapter later, but for now, I think I'm going to enjoy this...
As a rocket scientist in training, this really warmed my heart.
But as a wise man once said...
"A good rule for rocket experimenters to follow is this: always assume that it will explode."
I always love your quick, short stories. Never stop!
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Thank you all, it really means a lot to me that the story is appreciated.
Nicely done. I'll be sure to give your other stories a look.
Sweet and adorable. I love it. Well done!
It was an amazing story
That cover art got me squealing in cute!
*sigh* It is so satisfying when I find a story with such a hopeful aire to it.
I'm not even really sure what to call it... Not adventure, because there are plenty of stories which don't convey the correct feel. Not speculative fiction or sci-fi, because they can both be bland or cynical... things like the end of chapter 1 of this and various moments in Arrow 18 which capture sort of a sense of professional optimism in our ability to peacefully strive for a better tomorrow.
Given that they're definitely correlated with sci-fi, I really should bite the bullet and get back into committing 6-hour blocks of time so I can get back to reading novels. I think this fandom is the only place I've ever managed to find this sort of thing on the fanfiction side of things.
On another note, this reminded me of a couple of verses from Lucifer by Don Simons and Leslie Fish. (Probably because I put so much thought into it when using it as an example recently)
Specifically, "A creature's sight should outrun its might, or what are the heavens for?" and "A creature's reach should exceed its grasp. What else is heaven or hell?"
That was excellent. While the politics you mentioned seemed unreasonably optimistic to me, it was not important and fit well with the tone of the rest of the story which was a beautiful exploration of the power of cooperation and learning.
Hard to say if this...
great story
I like the concept, and the story itself is pretty good... But some of the details.... I mean, they just toss a NASA engineer through without diplomatic training? He's so ignorant that he doesn't even recognize the rulers of an alien nation? Or know the proper address / behavior around them? And then the first thing he does is start building a rocket... A pretty big one considering the amount of welding and wiring he's doing. And then he just... Launches it? With only one observer / witness? And, even worse, no idea where it might come down?
All I can see it tomorrow's headline...
Alien Device Crashed Into Canterlot Castle!
Celestia's Cake Storage Destroyed!
Diplomatic Contact with 'Earth' To End!
Also, Prince Blue Blood Killed By Falling Debris
Subject of Equestria Rejoice!
This is a great story.