Into the Core: Joshua Keyes

Elizabeth Aiken

Disclaimer: I do not own "The Core" or any related characters.

Author's Note: This idea came to me while writing a blog as Josh. So, instead of writing the blog, I'm going to turn it into a story. This is going to start from the time Virgil was launched till after the Terrornauts returned from the journey. I'm also going to be changing this story line around a little bit. People may or may not die. We'll just have to find out.

Chapter 1

Virgil Launched

Part one of two

We set off to the Marianas Trench, in the South Pacific today. Today, we were going to launch into the Earth After three months of building the ship and training. We're ready to set off into the Earth. Damn. That's right. We're going into the Earth. It's a miracle.

Just doing this is a miracle to me. After studying geomagnetism for all these years, I'm going to travel into the center of the Earth. This is remarkable.

I looked down at the landing pad as the helicopter lands. Iverson and Beck got off and I followed. I watch as Serge, Braz, and Zimsky get off after me. The rain was coming down hard on us. "Ah, summer on the Pacific" I hear Zimsky say from behind me.

"Yeah, the world's inside out." I told Zimsky, keeping my eyes in front of me.

For the first time I'm seeing this ship for what it really is, magnificent. Seeing the ship like this sends a feeling through my body. Everything is going to be okay.

My gaze tares away from the ship as I hear Serge start to speak, "I was saving this for later." He began. He turned to the circle that the six of us happened to form. "But this is the time for…" He trailed off as he pulled out a bottle of wine.

I laughed. Yeah, that's the Serge I know.

"Josh do you mind?" He asked me. "No not at all. Yeah." I say as I take the bottle from my friend. I twisted the cork and held it up for all who were ready. "We should have a name for this baby."

"Oh, she's Virgil, actually" Braz stated as he held out his paper cup and adjusted the bag on his shoulder. "Virgil-the poet who lead our men into hell?" I ask.

"That's it" Braz replied nodding.

"That's appropriate" I say as I continue to pour the drinks. "Well's here's to Virgil." I say, raising my cup.

"For the planet" Serge said, raising his cup. I watched as everyone raised their cups in turn.

"To Virgil"

"To Virgil"

Each of to a drink, then took a long look at the ship. I watched as Commander Iverson finished off his drink and shook his head. "No flashbulbs, no press, no cheering…it's weird." I looked at him. As did everyone else. "Let's go" He finished.

We all moved towards the ship, knowing very well that this trip might lead to our doom.

Author's Note: This is where I'm going to end part one. I'll probably have the second part of it up tomarrow or something. Review Please!