Earth had undergone a massive reorganization after the 2025 World Terrorist Conflict. Although no Government officially sanctioned or appeared to be actively involved in this conflict terrorists both religious and economic fought with each other on such a global scale that their actions shattered economies and destabilized political infrastructures worldwide. Oil stocks were at an all-time low, with the result that more reliance was being placed on thermonuclear power. Individual governments of the world threw more and more effort and assets into ending the multifaceted terrorist activities often to the detriment of their own people. Responsibility to maintain basic civil infrastructure including energy supply was gradually subcontracted from government agencies to huge multinational contractors. The multitude of conflicts finally ended after a series of thermonuclear mega power station accidents threatened global survival with an overwhelming radiation fallout affecting two thirds of the globe and threatening the very existence of life itself. A hundred million people perished within one month. The shuttle sat hovering just above the surface of the guide rail, suspended on its super-conducting magnetics. The pilot yawned, having just completed his pre-flight check. Throwing his arms wide and stretching he spoke into his helmet, "Traffic Control, permission to launch?" The craft was rapidly approaching the launch point, travelling at about 1.9 klm/sec. For a brief moment it appeared to hang in the sky, then pitched nose down as the emergency rockets fired ... too late! The seat restraints parted and the pilot was smashed face first into the console as the shuttle powered into the lunar surface, in a tangle of wreckage and exploding fuel tanks.
About the Author: Cyril Peter Hind was born in the United Kingdom in 1945. He emigrated to Australia and joined the Australian Army in 1965. He served in the Australian Army from 1965 to 1970 as a Field Medic and later as a Medical Laboratory technician. He saw active service in Vietnam and other parts of South East Asia. In 1970, he transferred to the Australian Air Force as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and again served in many areas of South East Asia up until 2012. One highlight of his career was when he ran a research unit and Advocacy office for military personnel that were exposed to toxic fuels and solvents during the F-III aircraft fuel tank maintenance program, for this service he was awarded the Order of Australia. Peter is now retired and living in Bali.