The Goldilocks Venture

“Can’t believe today’s the day!” says Arla, my closest colleague during our training. We had an instant affinity, maybe because we are the same age and both former military.

“I know and it is almost time!” I answer excitedly in a French Quebec accent.

“Tempting to stay here.”

“Do not back out on me now,” I say, knowing she wouldn’t. Because of her leadership training, I had chosen her to be my second, and I would be very disappointed if she didn’t go.

“That’s not what I meant. It’s too awesome an opportunity.”

“For sure, it can change life as we know it.”

I can see the portentous NASA minibus arriving as planned, at noon, in the sandy parking lot of Cocoa Beach, Florida. We, the fourteen female astronauts, have been staying here the past year. Our anxious extended families have visited intermittently, and most are here for our last day before launch.

Gazing out over the vast ocean, I take in the beauty of the picturesque cotton ball clouds hanging above the glistening ocean water, an impressionist’s dream of turquoise blue by the shore with streaks of the darkest blue and navy blue at the horizon. A few fast-moving sailboats and wind surfers quicken by, leaving white streaks, like comets, behind them. I feel the gentle wind and note, high above, thin wispy clouds—perfect for our flight.