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masked-fox-creations · 7 years

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When the Strangers Blew In- Ch. 12

A day late but here we are, the ending of the fair! I managed to sneak some Susan/Abuelita (who I named Juana) in here, too.

Summary: Stanford and Stanley Pines dream of a different life. One where they’re not just tidying their pa’s shop or helping ma take care of the baby. Where they can live freely as the men they know they are, instead of pa hounding them to marry before they become spinsters. They get a taste of that possibility when two strangers blow into town, but with them comes a heap of trouble.

Pairings: Rick/Stan (stanchez); Fiddleford/Stanford (fiddauthor)

Warnings for this chapter: A bit of sexual innuendo from (unsurprisingly) Rick, a brief line from Stanley that may hint at transphobia he's endured, and some self doubt about his manhood from Stanford.

ao3 link

Chapter 12— Beneath Those Lonely Stars

Bud and Preston had already slunk off when the twins came back, probably to lick their wounds. In their place was the trio Susan had been dancing with. Tyler in particular was gushing over Rick and Fidds’ performance, while even Shandra admitted they weren’t half bad. Better than the men who had resumed the same bland ditty that had been playing earlier.

“Well, girls, you have fun,” ma said, gently pushing them towards their respective man. “Filbrick and I are gonna grab a bite to eat. It’s about time for my little man to get some grub, too.”

Martha scooped Shermie up, then the three of them disappeared into the crowd. Before the twins could open their mouths Carla tossed an arm around either one.

“Dancing time!”

There were some adamant agreements, from Susan and Tyler especially.

“Maybe later. I’d prefer a small walk,” Stanford sheepishly spoke up. “The fair has gotten quite loud.”

“Yeah, you all have fun without us. We’re just gonna take Rick and Fiddlesticks—”

“Oh no you don’t, Lee.” Carla shoved Stanford into Fiddleford’s arms, then latched onto Stanley so he couldn’t get away from her. “Fiddsy can escort Sixer by himself. But you two gotta dance. Have you forgotten the competition?”

Stanley started to protest but Rick cut him off, snaking an arm around his waist and pulling him close.

“No use arguing with her. I-I’ve learned that’s a conversation without reward.”

Carla patted his cheek, earning her a scowl. Then she turned back to the other pair and shooed them away.

“Git, before I change my mind.”

They hurried off towards the end of the fairgrounds. Tyler and Susan whistled as Fiddleford linked their arms together, and both turned beet red.

Fiddleford took lead, taking Stanford as far away from all the noise as he could without leaving the fairgrounds. All the sounds and people were still overwhelming, but it did help a little. Stanford just tried to breath evenly; he hadn’t just been looking for an excuse for them all to sneak off—this happened every year at some point. Stanley was the social twin, Stanford was better suited for the forest.

Though here was nice, too, Stanford decided as he glanced at his companion.

Fiddleford didn’t speak as they strolled along. He did hum an unfamiliar tune which Stanford focused on instead of the buzzing carnival. It was much more pleasurable than the yells of rambunctious children or the various noise of the games.

Stanford let himself drift off into thought as he gazed around. He felt a not unusual pang of envy at all the men freely walking around as themselves. A bit of that envy even extended to Rick and Fiddleford. Desperately he wanted to know what it was like to walk around freely as the man he was in broad daylight, instead of hiding the truth. The portal gun was his beacon of hope.

Even if he didn’t exactly make the best man. He certainly made a worse woman.

“Everything alright there, Stanford?”

Stanford snapped his attention back on his companion. Just a little too exuberantly he replied, “Of course!”

“Are ya sure, dear? That sigh sounded awfully sad.”

“I wasn't aware I had sighed.” Fidds nodded, giving him a worried look over. Stanford bit his lip and glanced away.

“Stanford, I know we only met a bit ago, but I’m hear if’n there’s something you need to get off your chest.” Stanford snorted. “I didn’t mean it like that, I swear.”

“You’re not far off the mark, honestly.” Fiddleford made a small sound of understanding. “Thought it’s not quite that. Well, perhaps it is.” He paused a moment. Fiddleford didn’t interrupt him and the silence urged him to continue. “It’s hard to describe, but… Well, I know I’m not a woman. But at the same time I don’t feel , well, manly enough to be a man.”

“How do you mean?” Fiddleford gently prodded when Stanford didn’t continue.

“I mean, men are supposed to be a certain way, correct? To think a certain way, to want certain things. People like pa value strength in a man. Men are supposed to have muscles. They should be able to defend themselves and, especially, their families. They’re not supposed to be the ones being protected.

“And men are supposed to want…things. They want to, er, make their own families, so to speak. To know someone intimately. To, ah, feel…”

“Do you mean sex?”

Stanford cleared his throat.

“Yes. Yes, men are supposed to want sex. Irrefutably. It’s part of manhood, after all. Desires and whatnot.”

“And you’re worried you’re not quite man enough?”

“Exactly,” Stanford said, voice hardly above a whisper. Louder he added, “I don’t feel all the things a man should feel. I’m not strong, and I have no urge to be. I know I’m weak, and Stanley always has to protect me, which I’m grateful for. And I don’t have any desire to act like any of these other men, drunk all the time or awful to their wives and children. Or the men who just abandon their loving families. Though maybe that’s better than the ones who stay and hurt them. I don’t want to be that type of man, either.”

Fiddleford reached over and took Stanford’s hand in his own, squeezing tight. Stanford gazed down at where they were connected now and took a took breath.

“And, I don’t feel the sexual desires other men do. Not at all and, quite frankly, I hope I never do.”

Stanford bit his lip again, peeling a bit of skin he had bitten loose earlier farther. He didn’t stop even as it stung terribly.

“Stanford, You get to decide if you’re ‘man enough’. Not yer pa or society, or even me. Besides, there are so many different types of men. I’m not exactly what you’d consider a manly man, even if I do have a bit of strength from working on the family farm. And I admit I’ve got a bit of a protective streak, but heck Rick’s saved my bacon plenty of times. Or gotten my bacon almost fried. Speaking of Rick, is he the picture of ‘manhood’? Not to be rude, he’s a fine fellow, mostly, but, well, what I’m getting at is that it takes all kinds. What matters is that in yer heart, you know you’re a boy. And, and even if one day you decided that you weren’t a man after all, well, I’d feel no different towards ya, Stanford.”

Stanford turned back to his companion, taken aback at the conviction in his voice.

“I mean it.”

Slowly Stanford smiled at the other man. Fiddleford returned it, and for a minute they simply staid like that, hand in hand. Stanford noticed, however, how nervous he started to appear after a moment.

“Fiddleford?”

He took a deep breath and asked, “Stanford, would it be alright if I kissed you? You don’t have to say yes, of course! I just, well…”

“Oh! Well, I wouldn’t be opposed if you did.”

So, Fiddleford kissed him.

It was brief, and Stanford didn’t quite know how to describe the sensation of their lips meeting. Other than pleasant.

“I’m sorry, I just had to ask.”

“No need to apologize. That was actually enjoyable.”

Fiddleford chuckled and said, “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Oh, you should,” Stanford hurriedly assured. “If you’d ever like to kiss me again I think I might enjoy it even more the second time.”

Cheeks reddening Fiddleford replied, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

——

Stanley smacked Rick’s arm and motioned towards his twin and Fidds. Rick’s grumble quickly morphed into a whistle.

“Damn, did, didn’t think he’d actually do it.”

“Me neither.”

Grinning, Stanley leaned against his partner, careful not to use too much weight and topple the lanky man over. He was proud Stanford had found the nerve. And, heck, he was proud of Fiddlesticks, too.

“I won a bet. I-I-I knew Stanford had a thing for him.”

“Did you convince Fidds to make a move?”

“H-hell yeah! You think he’d have the nerve on his own?” Stanley snorted at the thought. Fidds was about as likely as his brother to make a move without some prodding.

“Are you two slacking over here?” Carla demanded.

“It’s called a break, you pushy—”

Stanley cleared his throat loudly, covering Rick’s insult. Carla still leveled him with a sharp look.

“We figure it’s best to save our energy for the competition. After all, we gotta show everyone else up, right?”

“This is true. I suppose you can spare a few minutes to—”

“Listen up, everybody! Ladies grab yer fellas, it’s time for the dance competition! Prepare to show off your moves!”

Stanley sighed as Carla squealed. She eagerly grabbed them both and started for the dance platform, shoving Stanley up first. Before she let go of Rick, however, she pulled him down and stared him straight in the eye. “Now you listen to me, Sanchez. I’m allowing ya to dance with my Stanley, and I expect you to not let him down. Each year we dance with each other and each year we win. Keep up his winning streak, or else.”

“This is what you threaten him over? No warning not to break my heart or nothin’ like that?”

“Which do you care more about?”

“True.”

“Will you let go of me now?”

Carla did, pushing him up the stairs. Rick stumbled but Stanley swooped in to catch him. He flashed Rick an almost apologetic smile and pulled him into place.

“Alright, you young lovebirds and gal pals! Let’s dance!”

The music started up and everyone started moving. It began slow, easy, partners walking around each other with only one hand touching. As the beat got faster so did their feet. The couples had all been in sync, but now each was dancing their own jig.

Tyler and Boyish Dan were on one side of them, Carla and Susan on the other. Dan was doing his best to keep up with his partner’s exuberant movements but having a hard time of it. Not that Tyler seemed to mind, laughing and encouraging the other boy.

Carla and Susan meanwhile had their hands linked and were twirling around, skirts spinning out wide. Judging by their giggles they were having a grand time; Stanley was impressed that Carla was holding back her competitive streak, probably a mixture of Susan only being in this for the fun and the expectation that Stanley would win. Which he fully intended to do.

Rick was light on his feet, that was for sure. His body was like water and Stanley grinned as he matched Rick’s pace. They danced unhurried, twisting around each other and using every chance to touch.

After a bit, though, Stanley couldn’t help but grab Rick, spinning him around. The other man let out a surprised laugh. He let Stanley take the lead, falling eagerly back into his arms. They danced the rest of the song like that, with Stanley spinning and guiding Rick around the platform. He seemed to have no qualms with this role, if the grin fixed on his face was anything to go by.

As the song neared its end Stanley spun Rick out once more, then when he reached the end of Stanley’s arm pulled him back and dipped him for a deep kiss.

He was dimly aware of cheering and hooting, but too focused on Rick’s lips against his and the arms the other man was now draping around his neck. Rick’s musk filled his nostrils; the only way he could describe it was playful and adventurous yet scientific, even as he knew that didn’t make much sense. Either way, it was as tantalizing as the rest of Rick.

“You two sure can hold your breath for a long time,” Susan commented in awe.

“Susie, they’re breathing through their noses.”

“Oh! That makes sense.”

Rick pulled his head back, grinning upside down at the girls. “Y-you kidding me? This guy left me breathless!”

Stanley wondered if he could blame all the dancing on his reddened cheeks.

Someone clapped him on the back and Stanley turned; it was Sheriff Powers, and behind him were the other judges. He nodded at the pair.

“Congratulations, Miss Pines, you and your partner are this year’s winners.”

“Thanks, sheriff. Heh, knew you had it in ya, Rick.”

Stanley glanced back at his partner and realized he was still dipping him. He quickly helped Rick stand upright. It wasn’t lost on him how Rick stood closer to his side and a little behind, as though trying to shrink away from the sheriff.

Sheriff Powers handed Stanley two horseshoes melted together: the trophy.

“Ladies and gentlemen, once again we have our winners—Leah Pines and her partner!”

“Rick Sanchez,” Stanley supplied as the crowd cheered.

Sheriff Powers hummed, eyeing Rick in an inquisitive manner. The other man matched his gaze with a defiant one of his own. Starting to get nervous for a reason he couldn’t explain Stanley inched forward just a bit as if to shield him from the eye of the law.

“I’ll have your names engraved on the trophy. If you don’t find me again before returning home this evening I’ll have my deputy run it over.”

“Thanks, Sheriff.” Stanley handed the trophy back and trapped Rick around the waist. “Let’s go.”

He winked at Carla and Susan, and the girls winked back as he zoomed past.

When they were at the edge of the fairgrounds, away from most other carnival goers, Stanley slowed and linked their arms. He glanced up at Rick who didn’t seem particularly perturbed at being dragged off. Like Stanley figured he might, Rick seemed more at ease now that there was distance between them and the sheriff.

They walked in amiable silence for a while. Stanley keep stealing glances at his partner. A smile rested on his face and he seemed lost in thought. Rick was beautiful like that. He had been beautiful swinging around the dance floor, too. Hell, Rick was just beautiful.

“Thank you.”

Snapped out of his reverie, Rick looked down at him. Proudly he replied, “It wasn’t hard to dance circle around those kids and old busybodies.”

“Nah, not for dancing—but yeah you were something else up there.”

Stanley fell silent, and Rick quirked his eyebrow.

“Wh-what’s on your mind, Lee?”

Stanley looked forward, watching some of the townsfolk still milling about playing games or strolling around like they were. The sun was lowering in the sky and not too much daylight was left. The crowd was thinning, and soon it would be night. The carnival would be over.

“Lee?”

“Thanks for seeing me like a man.” Rick didn’t say anything anything, just looked expectantly at him, and Stanley hurriedly continued before he lost his nerve. “I’ve just never really had that, y’know? I mean, yeah, Sixer and the girls, but I’ve never, ah, been with someone who saw me for who I really am. I mean, Carla yeah. She’s seen my body, all of it, and still saw a guy. All my curves, my chest, my—you know… None of that’s ever mattered to her. When we slept together she knew she was sleeping with a man. None of the guys I’ve ever been with I could exactly tell. I mean, one I did. It…it didn’t go how I was hoping. But with you it’s different. Heh, I guess it helps that you’re the same way. Still though, it means a lot. Especially ‘cause you let me be a man. In the little things, I mean. Big things, too. I don’t really know what I’m saying. Just…thanks, Rick.”

“Lee?” Rick said softly. Stanley looked up. “You’re a-a-ah sap.”

Stanley yanked the brim of Rick’s hat over his eyes.

“What, and now you can’t take a joke?” Rick teased with a laugh.

“Of course I can. How else could I put up with you?”

Rick lifted his hat and grinned at Stanley. Stanley returned the grin then slapped the hat out of his hand. Both burst into laughter.

“Well aren’t you two having a good time, by the looks of it.”

Rick and Stanley turned. Stanford was shaking his head fondly while Fiddleford smiled at them.

“Heh, we weren’t the only ones enjoying ourselves.”

“How was your little stroll?” Rick asked suggestively, picking up and righting his hat.

The other men turned an impressive shade of red in an instant. They both started talking at once, stumbling over reach other’s and their own words. Rick and Stanley shared a look and again burst into laughter, making the other pair clamp their mouths shut and blush all the harder.

“Aren’t they cute together, Rick?”

“Precious.”

Stanford rolled his eyes as Fiddleford huffed.

“Yes, well, no reason to act so childish.” In tandem they blew raspberries at him.

“Ignore them, darling. We have more important things to discuss.”

“Like your wedding?” Stanley teased.

“Like the portal gun,” Stanford snapped. Rick and Stanley sobered.

“That’s right, we never did get the chance to work on it. Almost like a couple of idiots were too busy trying ta show off.”

“With mixed results,” Stanford added.

Rick grumbled something incomprehensible; Fiddleford had the decency to look sheepish, at least.

“Well, what matters now is that it’s too late to sneak off. Pretty sure we’d be noticed.”

“We’ll just have to meet up tonight,” Stanford said.

“Unless our champions are too tuckered out,” Fiddleford commented with a grin.

Slinging an arm around Stanley Rick assured, “Oh trust me, we can go for hours.”

“Why are you like this?” Stanford groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

They walked around the dying carnival a little longer, the twins linking their arms with their respective man. A pleasant lull had settled over the fairgrounds and the tranquility was contagious.

They ran into Tyler, Dan, and Shandra who were on their way out, and the former captured the twins in a tight embrace. Stanley assured him that if he ever needed anything they were there. He wasn’t sure for how much longer, but if they could do anything for the kid he wouldn’t hesitate. No reason for anyone else to be as lost as Stanley and Stanford had been years ago.

After that they found Carla at the dance platform strumming a little tune on Delilah. Susan was dancing with another girl, Juana Ramirez. Both were laughing gayly as they spun each other around, and Stanley saw stars in their eyes.

“Our little Susie Q is growing up,” Stanley mused, siding up next to Carla.

Without missing a chord she nodded, happy little smile on her face.

“Oh, she’s got an inclination towards ladies?” Fiddleford asked.

“She has an inclination towards anyone pretty,” Carla corrected. “When she was a kid she was sweet on Stanley. Used to follow him around everywhere. It was adorable.”

“She just liked my jokes.”

“A very rare thing indeed,” Stanford deadpanned. Stanley flipped him off.

“Girls!”

The twins turned. Ma and Filbrick came over, sleeping baby in her arms. While she was smiling the twins noticed the sheen of worry still clouding her face, and the way she carefully looked between them and their men.

“Hey ma, hey pa.”

“Is it time to head home now?”

“We are. Though I’m sure yer father will allow your young gentlemen to escort you home in a bit.”

He grunted and the twins beamed.

“Thanks, pa!” they said in unison.

“We’ll see them home safely, Martha, no worries.”

Ma chuckled to herself before leaning in and, giving both twins a kiss, softly saying, “Remember what I told you.”

They nodded as she pulled away, for all appearances a giddy mother. She winked at Rick and Fiddleford, tossed a goodbye towards the girls, then led Filbrick away.

Done dancing, Susan and Juanita came over to sit at the edge of the platform, feet dangling over the side. They were panting and smiling, and sitting awfully close. Stanley gave them a knowing grin, causing Susan to blush and look away.

“How ya doing, Juanita?”

“You two sure were dancing yer feet off,” Fiddleford commented. Susan giggled shyly.

“Muy bien—ah, good. And yes. Susan is a fun dance partner.”

“Oh you.”

For a bit longer they hung around with the girls as the rest of the patrons dispersed around them. Soon it was just them and a few people taking down their booths.

“Golly, I better get home soon,” Susan said.

“I will walk with you,” Juanita offered, and Susan blushed.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Stanley teased as the pair started off.

“Lee.”

“That leaves us with plenty of options,” Juanita tossed back, and the look on Susan’s face was priceless.

“We’d better get you both home, too,” Fiddleford commented. “Carla, be a dear and put Delilah right back where ya found her.”

“Aye aye, captain Fiddlefool.”

He gave her a dry look.

After the twins gave their own goodbyes they headed towards home. Again they all fell into a pleasant silence. Fiddleford entwined his and Stanford’s fingers; Rick wrapped an arm around Stanley’s waist. Neither fought the affection.

“This was fun,” Stanley said as their home appeared far too soon for his liking.

“Thank you again for the owl.”

“It was my pleasure, darling.”

“Yeah, thanks for showing up those jerks,” Stanley agreed.

“And Rick.”

“Fuck you, Sixer.”

“Let’s not ruin this perfect evening, now,” Fiddleford chastised, though there were hints of smugness peppering his words.

“Yeah, let’s focus on the good. So ya couldn’t win me a decent prize—” Rick scowled; it looked suspiciously like a pout. “You sure know how to dance.”

Stanley nudged his partner who begrudgingly grinned back.

“And I can’t forget yours and Fidds fantastic performance.”

“You two do play well together,” Stanford complimented.

“Y-years of having nothing to do but sing and try not to smash our various prototypes.”

Finally they reached the front porch, the quartet falling silent once more. This time reluctance hung in the air. They milled about awkwardly, no one wanting to say goodbye yet even if it would be just for a few hours. Ultimately it was Rick who broke it.

“W-well, you better go in or else why did we even bring you home? It would have been easier to just kidnap you.”

“You’re a real romantic, Rick.”

Before he could defend himself Stanley pulled him down for a kiss.

Fiddleford chuckled, and Stanford stole a glance at him. Steeling his nerves, he leaned up and pecked the other man quickly on the cheek.

Shocked Fiddleford turned to him. Stanford started to babble, unaware of what he was even saying. Fiddleford just smiled and brought the hand still joined with his up to his mouth, gently brushing his lips against Stanford’s knuckles. The inane stream of words stopped.

“We’ll see you boys soon. Don’t go missing us too much.”

“I—” Stanford’s voice cracked. “I’ll try not to.”

“Don’t make us wait too long, though,” Stanley said. “Seeing that motor work’s gonna make this night as good as today was.”

“Just don’t fall asleep on us.”

“Yeah yeah, get out of here.” Stanley slapped Rick playfully on the ass, getting a wink in return.

The twins watched them disappear down the road. A few minutes later they forced themselves to go inside before pa came looking for them.

——

A pebble hit their window. Then another while the twins glanced at each other questioningly. They went over and saw a figure in the shadows. The moon was on the other side of the house, but the bright stars and lamp she carried were enough to reveal Carla.

Stanley opened the window then Stanford let down a rope. In a moment she had hoisted herself into the room.

“What are you doing here?” Stanley whispered.

“What’s the matter, got somewhere to be?” Carla teased. “Don’t worry, your boys are still in their room. I thought they had left, but they must have forgotten something because I heard them rushing about in there.”

The twins shared a look, knowing the same thought was running through both their minds: they better not have lost the motor.

“Enough about Rickie and Fiddsy, let’s talk about you.”

“Us?”

“You,” she corrected, vigorously grabbing Stanford’s hands. “What was it like?”

“The fair? Pleasant enough.”

“Don’t play stupid with me, it doesn’t suit you. What was it like to kiss Fidds?”

It was impressive how quickly Stanford reddened. He glanced at Stanley for help but his brother simply shrugged.

“I don’t know what to tell you. Our lips touched. It was surprisingly soft, a little moist, not altogether an awful experience.”

Carla rolled her eyes.

“I mean emotionally. Ya gotta give us more than that, Stanford.”

With a defeated sigh Stanford adjusted his glasses and told them, “It felt…nice. Warm. Kissing is quite pleasant, if a bit oversold. I can see why you both have done it so much with so many different people. Of course, I can’t imagine kissing anyone other than Fiddleford.”

Carla howled with laughter and had to clamp a hand over her mouth.

“Wow, Sixer, what a way to word that.”

“I swear I didn’t mean it despairingly. It’s just a matter of fact you’ve had your lips on numerous people.”

“Was that any better?” Stanley wondered.

“Nope.”

“There’s nothing wrong with your numerous escapades as long as you’re enjoying yourselves. That’s simply…not for me.”

“Except you don’t mind kissing Fiddleford,” Carla pointed out with a wide grin.

“Ah, well, ahem. No, I suppose not. But nothing more than that.”

“As long as you’re enjoying yourself,” Carla told him, and the smile on her face now was full of understanding.

“Alright, enough of this mushy stuff,” Stanley spoke up.

“Right, you gotta go meet your men for some more mushy stuff.” Carla winked and slung her legs out the window. “Don’t stay out too late now. That would be unseemly.”

As soon as she was gone the twins finished getting ready. Maybe they had been a bit riskier than advised lately, keeping extra trousers and shirts in the house. They had repeatedly staid out so late with Rick and Fidds that there wouldn’t have been time to sneak back into the saloon then home, or even time to change in the woods. If pa ever decided to poke around in their room they were dead. That was the furthest thing from there minds right then, though.

The woods were quiet. There was the occasional howl or screech, but nothing unsettling. So the brothers settled in to wait.

And wait.

“What in hell is keeping them?” Stanley groused, snapping a twig. He picked up another one and twirled it between his palms.

Stanford furrowed his brow at the sky. Night was almost over. They’d have to head home soon before the sun came back up. Meaning that even if the other men sowed up right that second there’d be no time to test the motor.

The decided to leave, Stanley promising to give both Rick and Fidds an earful in the morning.

#What could be keeping those two? Guess we'll just have to wait and see :D #stanchez #fiddauthor #Rick and Morty #Gravity Falls #fanfiction #trans bandito quartet au #Fox made this #trans

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baovietnamnet · 5 years

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Ngày 1/2/2003, tàu con thoi Columbia của Mỹ đã nổ tung khi đang trên đường trở về Trái đất, khiến cả 7 thành viên phi hành đoàn thiệt mạng.

Đây là thảm họa tàu con thoi thứ hai xảy ra sau khi tàu Challenger nổ tung lúc rời bệ phóng vào năm 1986, khiến toàn bộ 7 phi hành gia đang trên đường bay vào không gian tử nạn. Các sự cố thảm khốc buộc Cơ quan Hàng không vũ trụ Mỹ (NASA) phải siết chặt lại quy định về an toàn bay, cũng như đưa ra những quyết định sống còn về số phận đội tàu con thoi của nước này.

Ảnh: Wikimedia

Tàu con thoi Columbia, số hiệu OV-102, là chiếc đầu tiên và cũng là lá cờ đầu trong đội phi thuyền con thoi có khả năng bay vào vũ trụ của NASA. Quá trình đóng tàu bắt đầu từ năm 1975, chủ yếu ở Palmdale, bang California và đến năm 1979 thì hoàn thành.

Ảnh: History.com

Tàu được đặt tên theo tàu biển Columbia của thuyền trưởng Robert Gray, người đã thám hiểm tây bắc Thái Bình Dương và cũng là người Mỹ đầu tiên đi vòng quanh thế giới. Tên của tàu con thoi Columbia cũng nhằm vinh danh khoang điều khiển của phi thuyền Apollo 11, tàu vũ trụ có người lái đầu tiên từng hạ cánh xuống một thiên thể khác.

Ảnh: Wikimedia

Tàu con thoi Columbia thực hiện chuyến bay đầu tiên (STS-1) vào ngày 12/4/1981. Sứ mệnh bay thứ 28 của tàu, mã hiệu STS-107 ban đầu được lên lịch khởi hành vào ngày 11/1/2001 nhưng bị trì hoãn nhiều lần, vì các lí do khác nhau gần 2 năm sau đó.

7 thành viên phi hành đoàn thuộc sứ mệnh STS-107 cuối cùng của tàu Columbia. Ảnh: NYT

Mãi tới ngày 16/1/2003, tàu Columbia mới bắt đầu chuyến bay STS-107 lên Trạm vũ trụ quốc tế (ISS), chở theo 7 phi hành gia gồm Rick Husband, Chỉ huy sứ mệnh; Michael Anderson, phụ trách tải trọng; William McCool, phi công; David Brown, chuyên gia sứ mệnh; Kalpana Chawla, chuyên gia sứ mệnh và cũng là nữ phi hành gia đầu tiên sinh ra ở Ấn Độ; Laurel Clark, chuyên gia sứ mệnh và Ilan Ramon, chuyên gia tải trọng thuộc Cơ quan Hàng không vũ trụ Israel.

Ảnh: NYT

80 giây sau khi rời bệ phóng ở Trung tâm vũ trụ Kennedy, một mảnh xốp cách nhiệt đã vỡ ra từ thùng nhiên liệu của Columbia và đâm mạnh vào rìa cánh trái của tàu con thoi này. Các máy quay tập trung ghi lại quá trình phóng tàu đã hé lộ vụ va chạm, nhưng các kỹ sư không thể xác định được vị trí cũng như mức độ hư hại.

Ảnh: AP

Mặc dù các sự cố tương tự từng xảy ra trong 3 lần phóng tàu con thoi trước đó mà không gây tổn hại nghiêm trọng nào, nhưng một số chuyên gia NASA tin, hư hỏng ở cánh có thể dẫn đến trục trặc lớn. Họ thúc giục nhà chức trách phải có ảnh chụp cận cảnh phần cánh gặp sự cố của Columbia trong quỹ đạo. Bộ Quốc phòng Mỹ thậm chí sẵn sàng hỗ trợ bằng các máy ảnh do thám ngoài không gian của cơ quan này. Song, các quan chức phụ trách sứ mệnh của NASA đã từ chối những kiến nghị nói trên, vì theo họ, ngay cả khi va chạm gây hỏng hóc lớn, họ cũng không thể làm gì để khắc phục tình hình. Thực tế, không có điều gì nghiêm trọng xảy ra với tàu Columbia trong 2 tuần sau đó.

Ảnh: Wikimedia

Vào thời điểm ấy, chương trình tàu con thoi của Mỹ tập trung vào việc xây dựng trạm ISS. Song, sứ mệnh bay thứ 28 của tàu Columbia lại có mục tiêu nhấn mạnh vào quá trình thuần túy nghiên cứu.

Một bức ảnh chụp các nhà du hành vũ trụ tham gia sứ mệnh thứ 28 của tàu Columbia trong không gian. Ảnh: Word Press

Trong 16 ngày của sứ mệnh, phi hành đoàn đã chia thành hai ca để thực hiện các thí nghiệm khoa học trong không gian suốt 24 tiếng mỗi ngày. Theo trang Space, họ đã tiến hành khoảng 80 thí nghiệm về sự sống, vật liệu, chất lỏng, …

Một trong những tấm ảnh chụp chung cuối cùng của toàn bộ phi hành đoàn. Ảnh: Reuters

Tàu Columbia hoàn thành nhiệm vụ và quay trở lại bầu khí quyển Trái Đất vào sáng 1/2/2003. Lúc khoảng 8h53 theo giờ miền đông nước Mỹ, khi tàu con thoi ở độ cao 70,4km so với bờ biển California và đang di chuyển với tốc độ gấp 23 lần tốc độ âm thanh, các dấu hiệu trục trặc bắt đầu xuất hiện. Qua màn hình theo dõi tình trạng tàu Columbia, các chuyên gia NASA dưới mặt đất nhận thấy áp suất trên tàu giảm rất nhanh. Không đầy 10 phút sau, lúc khoảng 9h, họ mất liên lạc vô tuyến với tàu.

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Báo cáo điều tra sự cố, được NASA công bố vào cuối năm 2008 hé lộ, thảm họa xảy đến với tàu Columbia rất nhanh trong ngày định mệnh. Vụ va chạm với miếng cách nhiệt cách đó hơn hai tuần đã tạo ra một lỗ thủng trên cánh trái của tàu, khiến nhiệt và khí từ bên ngoài tràn vào trong.

Phi công William McCool (trái) và chỉ huy tàu Rick Husband (phải) đang điều khiển tàu Columbia trước thời điểm xảy ra tai nạn ngày 1/2/2003. Ảnh: Reuters.

Phi hành gia McCool đã vội vàng nhấn nhiều nút trong lúc con tàu lao xuống một cách mất kiểm soát. Anh không hề biết nỗ lực của mình chẳng mang lại bất kỳ kết quả nào. Trong khi đó, phần lớn phi hành đoàn đang chuẩn bị cho chuyến quay trở về Trái đất nên không phát hiện điều bất thường để đối phó. Một số không đeo găng tay bảo vệ và vẫn mở nắp kính trên mũ. Thậm chí một người còn đang ngồi ở tư thế không thắt đai an toàn.

Chỉ trong vài giây kể từ khi tiếng còi báo động đầu tiên vang lên, áp suất trong khoang chứa các nhà du hành vũ trụ sụt giảm nhanh, khiến họ bị ngất ngay lập tức. Các luồng khí cực nóng từ bên ngoài tràn vào giết chết toàn bộ phi hành đoàn và nung chảy các thiết bị.

Khoang chứa phi hành đoàn tách khỏi tàu và xoay tròn rất nhanh. Các điều tra viên nhận định, nếu các nhà du hành không mất mạng vì những luồng khí nóng, thì họ cũng không thể sống sót sau khi cơ thể bị xoay tròn như chong chóng cùng với khoang chứa. Nói cách khác, 7 phi hành gia trên tàu Columbia không có cơ hội sống sót trong sự cố.

Hình ảnh tàu Columbia nổ tung trên bầu trời Texas. Ảnh: Reuters.

Các đoạn băng ghi hình của NASA cho thấy, tàu Columbia nổ tung trên vùng trời Texas, ở độ cao khoảng 63km so với mặt đất. Các mảnh vỡ của tàu rơi xuống, vương vãi khắp một vùng diện tích rộng hơn 5.100km2, kéo dài từ ngoại ô Dallas đến khu vực Tyler thuộc bang Texas và một số địa điểm thuộc bang Louisiana.

Hàng ngàn mảnh vỡ thu hồi được sau vụ nổ tàu Columbia được trưng bày tại Trung tâm vũ trụ Kennedy. Ảnh: NYT

Các nhà điều tra đang xem xét những mảnh vỡ ngày 13/5/2003. Ảnh: Time

Các binh sĩ Mỹ khiêng quan tài của một phi hành gia tử nạn lên máy bay. Ảnh: Time

Đám đông tới đặt hoa tưởng nhớ các phi hành gia thiệt mạng tại Trung tâm vũ trụ Johnson của NASA tại Houston, Texas. Ảnh: FBI

NASA đã quyết định ngưng mọi chuyến bay của các tàu con thoi suốt hơn 2 năm sau đó, trong khi tiến hành điều tra thảm họa. Sự cố cùng với vụ tai nạn năm 1986 của tàu Challenger là nguyên nhân trực tiếp khiến NASA rốt cuộc cho đội phi thuyền con thoi nghỉ hưu vào năm 2011. Kể từ đó, NASA đã phải thuê các tàu vũ trụ Nga đưa các phi hành gia Mỹ lên trạm ISS trong khi chờ các công ty hàng không vũ trụ Mỹ, được họ tài trợ, phát triển dịch vụ vận chuyển thương mại trong không gian.

Tuấn Anh

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hittveu · 6 years

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24 Stunden von Daytona eröffnen nordamerikanische IMSA-Serie

Intercontinental GT Challenge beginnt mit 12 Stunden von Bathurst in Australien

Der neue Audi R8 LMS GT4 startet zwei Wochen nach dem Doppelsieg beim 24-Stunden-Rennen in Dubai nun in Nordamerika. Das Publikum erlebt den Kundensport-Rennwagen dort erstmals am 27. und 28. Januar beim traditionellen Eröffnungslauf der IMSA-Serie in Daytona. Nur eine Woche später, am 4. Februar, beginnt die Intercontinental GT Challenge in Australien.

Mit seiner Produktoffensive stärkt Audi Sport customer racing die Präsenz im internationalen Rennsport. „Während der Motorsport in vielen Serien zu Jahresbeginn noch ruht, starten unsere Kunden bereits bei drei internationalen Veranstaltungen“, sagt Chris Reinke, Leiter Audi Sport customer racing. „Besonders freut uns, wie beliebt unsere neuen Modelle schon sind. Die GT3- und GT4-Version des Audi R8 LMS und der Audi RS 3 LMS sind international sehr gefragt.“ In Dubai haben insgesamt 13 Fahrermannschaften auf einen dieser drei Rennwagen vertraut. Auch in Daytona starten der Touren- und die beiden GT-Sportwagen. Der Audi R8 LMS GT3 fährt beim 24-Stunden-Rennen um den dritten Sieg für Audi in der GTD-Klasse nach 2013 und 2016. Das Team Magnus Racing siegte vor zwei Jahren und kehrt mit einem Audi R8 LMS zurück. Das Cockpit teilen sich die drei Amerikaner John Potter, Andy Lally, Andrew Davis und der deutsche Audi-Sport-Pilot Markus Winkelhock. Das Team Montaplast by Land-Motorsport verpasste den Sieg 2017 nur um 0,293 Sekunden und startet mit den beiden Audi-Sport-Piloten Christopher Mies und Kelvin van der Linde sowie dessen Bruder Sheldon van der Linde und Jeffrey Schmidt.

Im Rahmenprogramm des 24-Stunden-Klassikers erwarten die Zuschauer ein starkes Starterfeld und spannende Kämpfe in der Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. Dort sind erstmals TCR-Rennwagen zugelassen. Fünf Teams aus dem Kreis von Audi Sport customer racing setzen in der Rennserie insgesamt sieben Audi RS 3 LMS ein. In der GS-Klasse debütieren drei Audi R8 LMS GT4, verteilt auf zwei Teams. Beide Klassen bestreiten ein gemeinsames 4-Stunden-Rennen. In Australien geht es für Audi sieben Tage später um den Gesamtsieg. Bereits 2011 und 2012 gewannen von Audi Sport customer racing unterstützte Kundenteams mit dem Audi R8 LMS den 12-Stunden-Klassiker auf der Rennstrecke von Bathurst. Die anspruchsvolle Berg-und-Tal-Bahn 200 Kilometer westlich von Sydney eröffnet die Intercontinental GT Challenge 2018. Läufe in Europa, Asien und Nordamerika komplettieren den Kalender. Audi war 2016 und 2017 Gesamtsieger in der Fahrer- und Markenwertung. In diesem Jahr treten die Vier Ringe an, um beide Titel zu verteidigen.

Acht GT3-Rennwagen stellen sich der Herausforderung in Australien. Das Team Valvoline Jamec Pem Racing ist mit den fünf Audi-Sport-Piloten Kelvin van der Linde, Frédéric Vervisch, Christopher Haase, Christopher Mies und Markus Winkelhock sowie dem einheimischen Tourenwagen-Ass Garth Tander dabei. Erstmals bestreitet das Audi Sport Team WRT ein Rennen in Australien. Eines der beiden Cockpits teilen sich die Audi-Sport-Piloten Robin Frijns und Dries Vanthoor mit Blancpain-GT-Sprint-Champion Stuart Leonard. Am Steuer des zweiten WRT-Audi sitzen die FIA-WEC-GT-Am-Trophy-Gewinner des Vorjahres Mathias Lauda, Paul Dalla Lana und Pedro Lamy zusammen mit Lokalmatador Will Davison. Drei private Teams aus Australien und eines aus Neuseeland komplettieren den Kreis der Kundenteams von Audi in Bathurst. „Damit sind wir in Amerika und in Australien für die beiden nächsten Langstreckenrennen gut aufgestellt“, sagt Chris Reinke, Leiter Audi Sport customer racing.

Fahreraufgebote

Daytona GT3

Magnus Racing Audi R8 LMS Andrew Davis/Andy Lally/John Potter/Markus Winkelhock (USA/USA/USA/D)

Montaplast by Land-Motorsport Audi R8 LMS Kelvin van der Linde/Sheldon van der Linde/Christopher Mies/Jeffrey Schmidt (ZA/ZA/D/CH)

Daytona GT4

GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS GT4 Daren Jorgensen/Cameron Lawrence/Rick Parfitt Jr. (USA/USA/USA)

GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS GT4 Andrew Davis/George Kurtz/James Sofronas (USA/USA/USA)

CarBahn Motorsports Audi R8 LMS GT4 Sameer Gandhi/Tyler McQuarrie/Mark Siegel/Jeff Westphal (USA/USA/USA/USA)

Daytona TCR

eEuroParts Audi RS 3 LMS Lee Carpentier/Kieron O’Rourke (USA/USA)

Compass Racing Audi RS 3 LMS Rodrigo Sales/Kuno Wittmer (USA/CDN)

Compass Racing Audi RS 3 LMS Roy Block/Pierre Kleinubing (RA/BR)

Compass Racing Audi RS 3 LMS Britt Casey Jr./Tom Long (USA/USA)

JDC Motorsports Audi RS 3 LMS NN

Murillo Racing Audi RS 3 LMS Matt Fassnacht/Justin Piscitel (USA/USA)

RS Werkes Audi RS 3 LMS Don Istock (USA)

Bathurst GT3

Valvoline Jamec Pem Racing Audi R8 LMS Kelvin van der Linde/Garth Tander/Frédéric Vervisch (ZA/AUS/B)

Valvoline Jamec Pem Racing Audi R8 LMS Christopher Haase/Christopher Mies/Markus Winkelhock (D/D/D)

Audi Sport Team WRT Audi R8 LMS Robin Frijns/Stuart Leonard/Dries Vanthoor (NL/GB/B)

Audi Sport Team WRT Audi R8 LMS Paul Dalla Lana/Will Davison/Pedro Lamy/Mathias Lauda (CDN/AUS/P/A)

Supabarn Audi R8 LMS James Koundouris/Theo Koundouris/Duvashen Padayachee/Ash Walsh (AUS/AUS/AUS/AUS)

Hallmarc Audi R8 LMS Marc Cini/Dean Fiore/Lee Holdsworth (AUS/AUS/AUS)

ASR Audi R8 LMS Daniel Gaunt/Ash Samadi/NN (NZ/AUS)

International Motorsport Audi R8 LMS Richard Bagnall/Matt Halliday/Jonny Reid (NZ/NZ/NZ)

Quelle: Audi Motorsport

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Audi Sport mit starken Kundenteams beim Saisonbeginn 2018 in Amerika und Australien 24 Stunden von Daytona eröffnen nordamerikanische IMSA-Serie Intercontinental GT Challenge beginnt mit 12 Stunden von Bathurst in Australien…

#Audi #Deutschland #Germany

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junker-town · 7 years

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Wells Fargo Championship 2017 live stream: Tee times, TV schedule, and how to watch Thursday online

The Wells Fargo Championship is one of the premier stops on the PGA Tour and this year we’ll get a look at a new venue.

May can be a tough month on the PGA Tour calendar. It’s sandwiched in between a bunch of months with major championships. Granted, there’s The Players, which everyone plays if they have an exemption. But it’s also a stretch where players feel they can pick and choose a bit, especially before the summer sprint really starts in earnest. So you can get a lull between the Masters and the end of May.

One of the premier events during this stretch, and really on the entire PGA Tour schedule, is the Wells Fargo Championship. The tournament’s identity and appeal largely come from its venue, Quail Hollow in Charlotte. It’s an excellently maintained track, long, and with major championship bones. This year, however, Quail is actually hosting a major, the PGA Championship in August. So the annual May stop for the Wells Fargo was a no go, taking some appeal away for the players that have always put it on their schedule because of the course.

This year’s Wells Fargo moves across the state to the Wilmington area and Tom Fazio’s Eagle Point. From all early accounts, the place is absolutely pure. The conditioning of the course is what we’ve heard the most about so far, with Augusta-esque perfection from tee to green. While it’s not Quail Hollow, this might be a nice change on the schedule and a good opportunity to see some of the best in the world on a new track.

While the course looks like a strong replacement for Quail, the field took a bit of a hit this year. As I noted last week, some of that could be due to the boost in popularity of the Zurich Classic. The interest in that new two-man team format may have made the weeks preceding it and this week an easier pass for some of the bigger names (13 of the top 30 played last week in NOLA, which had 3 of the top 30 last year). Rory McIlroy, a staple at the Wells Fargo, also got married and is taking a break until next week’s Players. Andy at the Fried Egg ran the numbers and after 14 of the top 25 committed to last year’s Wells Fargo, only 6 showed up this year at Eagle Point.

The field may be down, but that doesn’t mean this won’t still be a good watch. The new course is worth checking out and old friend Phil Mickelson will be back in action, making his first start since the Masters. The world No. 1, Dustin Johnson, is also back, making his first start since the WGC Dell Match Play. That’s who everyone will want to see, especially with The Players coming up next week. DJ says he’s healthy and ready to go again after his fall at the Masters. We’ll get a look early on Thursday, when he’s playing in one of PGA Tour Live’s featured groups streams before 8 a.m. ET. Here’s the full media schedule for the opening round:

Thursday’s first-round coverage

Television:

2 to 6 p.m. ET — Golf Channel

7 p.m. to 11 p.m. — Golf Channel replay

Online streams:

7 a.m. -- PGA Tour Live starts with coverage from range and opening holes

7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. ET — Free PGA Tour live stream on Twitter

Featured Groups (PGA Tour Live subscription required)

7:45 a.m. — Patrick Reed / Adam Scott / Jim Furyk

7:56 a.m. — Dustin Johnson / Davis Love III / Bill Haas

2 to 6 p.m. — PGA Tour Live featured holes coverage (No subscription required)

2 to 6 p.m. — Golf Channel simulcast stream

Radio:

Noon to 6 p.m. — PGA Tour Radio on Sirius-XM (Ch. 92/208 and streamed here)

And here’s the full tee sheet for the opening round at Eagle Point.

Thursday’s Tee Times

Off No. 1 tee:

6:50 a.m.: Rory Sabbatini, Stuart Appleby, Kyle Reifers

7:01 a.m.: Chesson Hadley, Charlie Beljan, Ricky Barnes

7:12 a.m.: Carl Pettersson, Dominic Bozzelli, J.T. Poston

7:23 a.m.: Mackenzie Hughes, Hunter Mahan, Retief Goosen

7:34 a.m.: Shane Lowry, Zach Johnson, Ben Martin

7:45 a.m.: D.A. Points, David Lingmerth, Brian Gay

7:56 a.m.: Pat Perez, Peter Malnati, Alex Cejka

8:07 a.m.: Bryce Molder, Willy Wilcox, Byeong Hun An

8:18 a.m.: Scott Stallings, Martin Laird, Spencer Levin

8:29 a.m.: Francesco Molinari, Shawn Stefani, Patton Kizzire

8:40 a.m.: Brandon Hagy, Ryan Brehm, Curtis Luck

8:51 a.m.: Sam Saunders, Ryan Armour, Chase Koepka

9:02 a.m.: Andrew Johnston, Joel Dahmen, Justin Lower

12 p.m.: Matt Jones, Chez Reavie, Chris Stroud

12:11 p.m.: Camilo Villegas, Morgan Hoffmann, Whee Kim

12:22 p.m.: Seung-Yul Noh, Cameron Tringale, Mark Hubbard

12:33 p.m.: Kevin Kisner, Emiliano Grillo, Stewart Cink

12:44 p.m.: Billy Hurley III, Daniel Berger, Steven Bowditch

12:55 p.m.: Wesley Bryan, Jon Rahm, Paul Casey

1:06 p.m.: James Hahn, J.B. Holmes, Phil Mickelson

1:17 p.m.: Brian Harman, Jason Bohn, Chad Collins

1:28 p.m.: Kevin Streelman, Derek Ernst, Martin Flores

1:39 p.m.: Brendon de Jonge, Tag Ridings, Steve Wheatcroft

1:50 p.m.: Steven Alker, Julian Etulain, Brett Drewitt

2:01 p.m.: Mark Anderson, Bobby Wyatt, Zack Sucher

2:12 p.m.: Tyler Aldridge, Nicholas Lindheim, Blake Kennedy

Off No. 10 tee:

6:50 a.m.: Michael Thompson, Andres Gonzales, Soren Kjeldsen

7:01 a.m.: Bob Estes, Shane Bertsch, Harold Varner III

7:12 a.m.: Ryo Ishikawa, Tim Wilkinson, Patrick Rodgers

7:23 a.m.: Nick Taylor, Ernie Els, Alex Noren

7:34 a.m.: William McGirt, Smylie Kaufman, Webb Simpson

7:45 a.m.: Patrick Reed, Adam Scott, Jim Furyk

7:56 a.m.: Dustin Johnson, Davis Love III, Bill Haas

8:07 a.m.: Ken Duke, Roberto Castro, John Peterson

8:18 a.m.: Brendon Todd, Scott Brown, Zac Blair

8:29 a.m.: Angel Cabrera, Cameron Percy, C.T. Pan

8:40 a.m.: Bryson DeChambeau, Max Homa, Rick Lamb

8:51 a.m.: Richy Werenski, Trey Mullinax, Robby Shelton

9:02 a.m.: Tom Hoge, Miguel Angel Carballo, Carter Jenkins

12 p.m.: Harris English, Mark Wilson, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano

12:11 p.m.: Chad Campbell, Jason Kokrak, Tyrone Van Aswegen

12:22 p.m.: Geoff Ogilvy, Boo Weekley, Greg Owen

12:33 p.m.: Fabian Gomez, Chris Kirk, Kevin Na

12:44 p.m.: Vaughn Taylor, J.J. Henry, Vijay Singh

12:55 p.m.: Hudson Swafford, Graeme McDowell, Nick Watney

1:06 p.m.: Greg Chalmers, Troy Merritt, Robert Streb

1:17 p.m.: Will MacKenzie, David Hearn, Luke List

1:28 p.m.: Johnson Wagner, Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Ryan Blaum

1:39 p.m.: Lucas Glover, Derek Fathauer, Brett Stegmaier

1:50 p.m.: Brad Fritsch, Jonathan Randolph, Seamus Power

2:01 p.m.: Kevin Tway, Grayson Murray, Brian Campbell

2:12 p.m.: Xander Schauffele, Sebastian Munoz, Savio Nazareth

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