Reading excerpts from the time-warped Chinese press release about the launch of Shenzhou 7, I was reminded of the strange similarity between their official propaganda and – of all things – bodice-ripper romance novels:
After this order, signal lights all were switched on, various data show up on rows of screens, hundreds of technicians staring at the screens, without missing any slightest changes …
‘One minute to go!’
‘Changjiang No.1 found the target!’…
The firm voice of the controller broke the silence of the whole ship. Now, the target is captured 12 seconds ahead of the predicted time …
‘The air pressure in the cabin is normal!’
Ten minutes later, the ship disappears below the horizon. Warm clapping and excited cheering breaks the night sky, echoing across the silent Pacific Ocean.
Hmmmm…
He raised his trembling hand over the warm, smooth console. His heart fluttered but his body was still, poised for action. The gaze from his bottomless black eyes traced the gentle curve of the status display panels like a lover’s caress, watching, waiting for the subtle signs of readiness he knew so well.
There – right there. The wink of a light. The subtle shift of an indicator. The unmistakeable signal: she was ready at last.
With a violent thrust, he pressed his finger to the glowing red button.
From what seemed like miles away came a deep, throaty groan, the dangerous but rapturous echo of barely-restrained energies being released at long last. The sweat of overwhelming anticipation dripped from his brow as the long, firm shaft rose into the sky.
“Liftoff!” the flight controller cried out in ecstasy. “Oh, God! Yes! Liftoff! Liftoff!”…
Oh, this is just too disturbing. You might have some issues that need to be explored a bit further. Tell us; Do you love your job?