Jérémy Chapi
I was positioned perpendicular to one face of the Eiffel Tower.The goal was to use the Iron Lady as a launch ramp.Sunk into my seat, I had an unobstructed view of the tower's illuminated tip and the starry sky.Below, a massive crowd had gathered, waiting for what would happen next.Several military helicopters were flying around me, but I paid them no attention.
I took advantage of this pause to observe what was happening around the barn via the video feed.My daughter had shown admirable self-control—far better than mine when faced with those oddballs.I would deal with that later.For now, I kept an eye on the Live while preparing for takeoff.I put on my helmet, activated the life-support systems and the air recycler, as a pressure rose within me at the sight of the star-filled sky.
"I'm ready on my end, my daughter.""See you in a bit," she replied."Yes, see you in a bit. I'll let you—and the audience—do the countdown for launch."
I tightened my grip on the levers.
"You heard him, everyone? With me, all together: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6!"
I could hear the crowd chanting the countdown in unison.My heart pounded harder as the tension mounted.
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0!"
I pushed the engines to full power.The Liberty tore away from the tower while the helicopters veered off to avoid the turbulence.Deep down, I recited my mantra: "Let's go… beyond our dreams!"
I lost sight of the Eiffel Tower's tip and now could orient myself only by the stars to adjust my trajectory.The thrust of the engines made the whole craft vibrate, shaking me to the core.The city lights gradually disappeared behind me, giving way to absolute darkness.Then a light dazzled me: the magnificent curvature of the Earth took shape before me, bathed in an orange glow—the promise of sunrise over Europe.
It was a breathtaking moment.I was slowly leaving my one and only home.As the Earth shrank in my field of view, I began the deceleration procedure to stabilize the flight.My body felt light, my arms floated freely, only the harness straps keeping me in place.
When the Liberty's acceleration ceased, I began rotating the ship so I was facing the planet.Night and day split its surface: on one side, the lights of the cities shone like inverted constellations; on the other, daylight revealed oceans and lands in all their splendor.I could make out forests, deserts, scattered clouds… everything that forms the beauty and fragility of our world, suspended in space—and my daughter still down on Earth, waiting for me.
A tear slid down my cheek.I was moved by this unique spectacle and by the personal achievement of finally being in space.Around me, a few objects floated: a flyer, my phone, a tool kit.I stowed them methodically in the glove compartment before depressurizing the cabin to step outside and stretch my legs.
"Father, what are you doing?"
I had completely forgotten the Live.
"I'm just going to step outside. I need to move a little. Is the connection good? Can everyone see the Earth clearly?"
I prepared my lifeline, a strap about twenty meters long attached to my belt and to a point inside the ship.My daughter took a few seconds to answer.
"Be careful! The audience is blown away by the images… and by the face you were making a moment ago!"
I couldn't help smiling.Remaining impassive before such a sight was impossible.
"I'm going out. How long before our target arrives?""Approximately fifteen minutes if you keep this speed.""Copy. Don't forget the three-second delay between our communications.""Received, Father."
I opened the Liberty's hatch.Looking down, a wave of vertigo washed over me.The infinite void, thousands of stars shimmering all around…Acid bile rose in my throat, which I forced back to avoid an incident in the helmet.I fixed my gaze on a point inside the ship, breathed deeply, then drifted slowly out of the cabin.
Space engulfed me.No more solid contact.Only silence—endless.I floated, completely free, connected only by my lifeline.I felt as if I were in a sea of stars.The absolute calm stood in stark contrast to Earth's frenzy.The strap tightened slightly, bringing me back to reality.I had no idea how much time had passed—perhaps a minute, perhaps an eternity.
"So, Father, what is space like?""It's… soothing. There's no noise, no gravity, no pressure. Only immensity. It's a waking dream.""I believe you, but you're going to have to get ready. Our target is approaching."
I slowly opened my eyes: I was in a slow rotation, which triggered another wave of nausea.I pulled hard on the strap to draw myself back to the Liberty and slipped inside.Once aboard, I took a few seconds to steady my breathing before speaking again.
"Can you put our target's position on the dashboard, sweetheart?""Yes, I'm on it right now. Get ready to set off in pursuit."