Impact (Fuzed Trilogy Book 1)

by David E Stevens

  As he stepped out of the elevator, he was breathing more normally and saw the clock behind Musk’s receptionist read 5:30.

  Noticing his dripping clothes, the receptionist gave him a questioning look.

  He shrugged. “Water balloon fight in the lobby.”

  She smiled. Pointing to a large, ornate door, she said, “He’ll see you now, Commander Fuze.” She winked and said, “I’ll get you a towel.”

  He thanked her and went into the office. As he entered, he had a breathtaking view through floor-to-ceiling windows of a lightning-illuminated Manhattan. Beautiful dark cherry wood covered the walls and ceiling with rich maroon carpet underfoot. Books completely dominated one wall. The office was an interesting mixture of old world and new technology with multiple state-of-the-art monitors sitting on his massive cherry desk.

  Behind it, stood Elton Musk, looking just like the newspaper pictures. “Good to meet you, Commander Fuze.”

  For some reason, he wanted to say, “Bond, James Bond.” Instead, still dripping, he said, “Do you need any of your plants watered?”

  Smiling, Musk came around his desk as the receptionist came back with a large towel. Wiping his face and hands, Josh offered one relatively dry hand. “It’s Josh, and it’s an honor to meet you, sir.”

  He’d never shaken the hand of a multi-billionaire before. Josh continued, “I admire what you’ve accomplished, both in the business and engineering world.”

  “Thank you.” Musk paused. “I did a little checking after Sheri set this up. To be honest, my people couldn’t find anything on you at all. That’s extremely unusual but it also increased my curiosity. Who do you represent?”

  “I’m a naval officer, but I’m on loan to another agency, one that I am not at liberty to discuss right now.” He continued, “I know your time is valuable, but I believe we have something you will find very interesting. Before I share it, do you mind telling me a little bit about your long-term goals and what you’re passionate about?” Josh knew he could use words like passion with successful people like Musk.

  Musk started laughing. “So you haven’t read the tabloids?”

  Josh smiled. “I wanted to hear what your vision really is and see if it intersects with our project.” He thought he knew what Musk was passionate about but needed to hear it from him. He also knew the best way to build a relationship was to take a genuine interest in what others are interested in.

  Musk looked at him carefully, as if assessing his seriousness, and then motioned him to a seat. Josh sat on the towel as Musk perched on the edge of his desk. Musk shared some of his long-term business and humanitarian goals, emphasizing that if humanity were to survive, they would have to expand beyond the earth. He talked about his Mars colonization plan and the ridicule he had received from some of the media.

  Josh asked him why he thought it so important to make humanity an interplanetary culture. After Musk explained his concerns about potential global disasters, Josh knew Musk was his man, if he could convince him. “Sir, I appreciate what you are trying to do more than you know. If I share something with you, will you promise not to divulge it to anyone?”

  “Yes, and call me Elton.”

  Josh pulled out the damp folder with the security paperwork in it. Getting Musk cleared into the program would draw too much attention. Since Musk would never attend meetings at Boeing, no one but Josh would know that he didn’t have a project clearance. Accurately, Josh said, “This is just a formality. I know you’re a man of your word.”

  As Musk read over the paperwork, pen in hand, Josh continued, “With knowledge comes responsibility and with great knowledge comes great responsibility. What I tell you today may change the course of your life and business.” He knew that people like Musk responded to challenge and adventure. Security and even safety were often secondary considerations.

  Musk signed the paper and handed it back.

  Josh asked, “Is this office secure from electronic eavesdropping?”

  Musk pressed a button on his desk and said, “It’s as secure as our current technology can make it.”

  A half hour later, Musk was excitedly nodding his head. “I knew something like this would happen someday. I feel like screaming, ‘I told you so!’ We should have been planning for this decades ago. Our space program would have been light-years beyond where it is today.”

  Josh nodded. “I know.”

  Musk shook his head. “But I didn’t think it would happen this soon.” He stood silent for a moment and then looked at Josh. “This has so many implications. Your source....” He stopped and then continuing softly, said, “I’m guessing ... we’re not alone?”

  “I’m sorry.” Josh shook his head. “I’ve said more than I should have. The question is can you help us? We’re asking you to convert your mission and resources from commercial space access, to protecting the earth from a comet. As if that’s not enough, you’ll have to do it in total secrecy for a while. I can’t even guarantee you’ll be fully compensated.”

  “If what you say is true, it’s a simple decision. The alternative is the death of millions or billions including my family.” He paused. “I’ve always known I had a critical purpose and as corny as it sounds, this feels right.” He looked back at Josh meaningfully. “If I were convinced this is real, I’d have no problem committing my business and personal wealth, but there are a couple things that don’t make sense. First of all, why do you need my help? Surely, the U.S. government has sufficient resources.”

  Josh asked, “What do you think will happen when this goes public?”

  “Maybe wars will stop and we’ll all work together.”

  “And maybe the world’s stock markets will collapse overnight,” Josh countered.

  Musk looked out the window toward the skyline and nodded. “That’s possible.”

  Josh said, “Only a handful of people know about this. As we speak, experts are trying to figure out how to introduce this to the public without causing panic or economic collapse.”

  Musk nodded. “Of course! That’s why Sheri Lopez is involved.”

  Josh nodded. “Plus, no matter how many resources the government brings to bear, you know more than anyone, they can never act as fast as private industry. We’re trying to install a nuclear reactor and humongous laser at the South Pole—”

  Musk interrupted, “And if Commander Fuze and the U.S. military are tied to a project involving a nuclear reactor and what looks like a giant weapon in Antarctica....”

  Josh nodded. “It could create serious international confrontation. By keeping the funding source private for the Antarctic part of the operation, we have a better chance of maintaining our cover story.”

  Musk nodded. “I guess that makes sense.” He paused. “So — hypothetically — what would you need from me?”

  “Your engineering expertise and several hundred million dollars to start building the polar base.”

  “Josh, one of my hobbies is mountain climbing, and I even climbed one in Antarctica. You’ve picked one of the toughest places on Earth to build something.”

  Josh shrugged. “No choice.”

  “If I fund this, am I going to be the fall guy if the U.S. denies involvement?”

  Josh shrugged again. “Probably.” Then he added, “But even if the comet information is wrong, I think history will treat us well for building the first planetary defense system.”

  “No offense, Josh, but I would’ve expected a higher-ranking government official, like maybe the President, to have made this request.”

  Josh smiled. “No offense taken, but you can see the risk involved with a high-ranking official talking to you directly. Because of the incredible sensitivity, few in the government are aware, even at the highest levels.”

  Musk frowned and then said wryly, “Makes it a bit difficult to confirm.”

  Josh had an idea. “Do you know of Dr. Ken Katori from Boeing?”

  “Yes, he’s one of my primary competitors.”

 
“How about Dr. Victoria Chandra?”

  “Chandra? Yes, of course. Everyone in the space community knows her or her reputation.”

  “Ken is our chief engineer, and Dr. Chandra is our chief scientist.”

  Musk nodded slowly, and then stared out the window gently drumming his fingers on the desk. After several moments, he turned back to Josh and blew out a lungful of air. “Josh, can you give me a minute? I need to make a quick call.”

  “Of course.” Josh stepped outside his office, and tried not to pace.

  After a few minutes, Musk came out and asked Josh to follow him. They got on the elevator and on the way down, Musk said, “I’ve scheduled a face-to-face meeting with Dr. Chandra. If this checks out, I have two hard requirements. I want to be part of the Antarctic operation, and I want Christoff Bobinski on your leadership team.”

  “We need your expertise in Antarctica. You’ll have full access there.” Frowning, he asked, “But who’s Christoff Bobinski?”

  “A trusted Russian business partner, he is to arctic construction what Red Adair was to oil well firefighting. You’ll need him.”

  “We can use all the help we can get. I’ll run him through our system, and we’ll figure out how to get him cleared onto the project.”

  Musk added, “By the way, I am going to get some serious tax breaks with this project, aren’t I?”

  Josh shrugged. “Doubtful. The IRS hasn’t been read into the program.”

  “Josh, you’re not a very good salesman.” Laughing he said, “Come on. I’m taking you to my comptroller where you can work out the account details so we’ll be ready to hook your system to ours. By the way, do not tell her that there are no tax breaks; she’ll have a nervous breakdown.”

  They arrived at his comptroller’s office, and Musk quickly introduced them, and then said, “I have to go.”

  As he was leaving, Josh looked at the time and said, “I’m sorry. I made you miss your flight.”

  Looking back over his shoulder, Musk winked. “Josh, I can’t miss my flight. I own the airliner.”

  Musk’s comptroller looked like his grandmother. He sheepishly confessed he had little understanding of how government accounting worked. She smiled and assured him that she had worked with the government and knew what to do. All she needed was a point of contact. He promised he’d get all the information she needed as soon as he returned to St. Louis.

  As he was about to leave, she handed him what looked like a credit card and a Post It with a handwritten number. She said, “Mr. Musk told me to set up a petty cash fund for quick response needs until we get the final clearance.” Looking a little stern, she added, “You can use it as a debit card for whatever you need, but there’s only $100,000 in the account.” Smiling again, she said, “If you lose it or need the funds replenished, just give me a call.”

  Like a boy given a puppy by his grandmother, he thanked her profusely.

  As soon as the elevator door closed, he did a football touchdown dance. This was exactly the outcome he had pictured, except for the petty cash fund. He’d just been hoping for bus fare. He also realized he could pay Elizabeth back. As silly as that was in the scheme of things, it bothered him to borrow money from her. What he really wanted to do was treat her to a fancy dinner as soon as he got back to Kansas City and buy her a nice gift. He’d be careful with his funds, but he owed her that. None of this would have been possible without her.

  As he got back to the airport, he made a call.

  “Carl, can you do me a favor? I need to have an individual checked out before inviting him on the team.”

  Carl said, “Sure. Where are you now?”

  “New York City.”

  There was a pause. “Can you stop by D.C. on the way back?”

  Josh understood. They really couldn’t talk about sensitive information over the phone, and Carl hadn’t been able to attend the team meetings in person. “Sure, I’ll change my flight and can be there tomorrow morning.”

  “Great. If we don’t have to talk details, let’s grab lunch at J. Gilbert’s around twelve. Do you know where that is?”

  “No, but I’m sure I can Google it. See you there.”

  Josh used his new charge card to change his flight to D.C. He could fly first class now, but wouldn’t. He wasn’t against having nice things or bothered by people who did. If things worked out, he planned to have some fun, but not now, not yet. He would continue living at his current level, not just to be a good steward of the funds, but because he didn’t need distractions. He knew distractions came in many shapes ... the most dangerous had two legs.

  23

  REUNION

  J. Gilbert’s was an elegant steakhouse with rich, dark wood, brick and soft lighting. Before Musk’s debit card, even buying a hamburger there would have been a financial stress.

  Josh saw Carl sitting at a table with his back to the wall. Classic position for an intelligence guy.

  After joining him and ordering drinks, Carl said softly, “Been thinking about the Antarctic site. There was a treaty created in the late 1950s, now signed by over 40 countries including the U.S. Basically, it set aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, established freedom of scientific investigation, and banned all military activity on the continent.”

  Josh had looked this up as well.

  Carl continued, “Our program would certainly qualify with both the letter and the spirit of the law....”

  Josh asked, “But?”

  “But, trying to get 40 countries to agree on anything is next to impossible, and certainly not in the time we have.” Carl smiled. “This is one of those rare times when I think history will vindicate us for being sneaky.”

  Josh whispered, “What type of story would raise the fewest eyebrows?”

  “This may sound funny coming from our agency, but honesty is the best policy.” He smiled. “It reduces the number of lies you have to remember.”

  “Roger that.”

  Carl asked, “What will the equipment look like?”

  “Not really sure but it will be very big with a large optical telescope for tracking.”

  “Off the top of my head, I’d go with an astrophysics project.” He paused. “Which, come to think of it, it is.”

  Josh smiled. “Sounds good.”

  After their drinks arrived, Carl said, “So who do we need to check on?”

  “He’s an arctic construction expert, but he’s a naturalized American citizen.”

  “Where’s he from?”

  “I’m afraid it’s Russia. His name is Christoff Bobinski.”

  “Actually, Russians are usually easy to check on. Tim can run the background check. That’s one of his specialties.”

  “I’m sorry, Carl. It never even occurred to me to ask him. I’m embarrassed to say I forget he’s even there. He’s like a shadow.”

  Carl smiled. “Being invisible is one of his specialties. If you were aware of him, he wouldn’t be as effective.”

  Josh nodded. “We’re also considering working with Elton Musk.”

  He frowned and then shrugged. “Makes sense; he’s the ultimate space entrepreneur.”

  Josh added, “And he has construction infrastructure. In fact, Bobinski was his idea.”

  Carl nodded. “This could actually be beneficial. It wouldn’t seem odd if he was supporting a space science project in Antarctica.” He paused. “Josh, is there any way we could route some of the government funds through him to make it look like he’s funding the Antarctic part of the program?”

  Josh, trying not to smile, said, “I don’t see why not.”

  Carl smiled. “Great. Then I don’t see a problem.”

  Josh was congratulating himself when Carl looked up over Josh’s head and said, “Hope you don’t mind. I invited my wife, Kelly. Thought you guys might like to meet, having known Andy Logan so well.”

  Time slowed as he turned around and their eyes met. As he stood, adrenaline flooded his bloodstream, creating a flash of anxiety that
almost made his knees buckle. She looked exactly as he remembered her, down to her clothes and hairstyle. Kelly was an incredibly cute, fair-skinned redhead with a light dusting of freckles. She had beautiful, intense green eyes that matched her passionate personality. They could stare a hole right through you when angry. Caught between conflicting compulsions, he wanted to run away ... and hold her tightly.

  She offered her hand.

  Speechless, he took it, as Carl said, “Kelly, this is Josh Fuze.”

  Looking directly into his eyes, she said, “Hi, Josh. Glad to meet you. So you knew Andy?”

  Jesse’s words echoed painfully in his mind. “No one can ever know you’re still alive.” He managed a nod and a “Good to meet you.” Even in his state of shock, he thought that this was just like her, always to the point. Just when he thought it couldn’t get any worse, he caught her scent. She was wearing the same perfume, light but unmistakable. It threatened to send him into a memory spiral. Clearing his throat to give him a few precious seconds, he said, “Yes, we worked on some programs together.”

  Kelly said, “I’m sorry, I don’t remember him talking about you, but I know he worked on a lot of those secret squirrel things.” She kissed Carl as she sat next to him.

  As Josh sat back down, he thought, This can’t be happening! He knew about Carl and Kelly but this ... this face-to-face reality. He felt like he was suffocating. With huge effort, he tried to compartmentalize his emotions and maintain his composure. His intellectual mind resurfaced, and he suddenly had a thought. Maybe this surprise meeting was exactly that, but Carl was a brilliant strategist and skeptical by nature. This might be a test, a test to see if he really knew Andy Logan. Good! He needed a challenge to deal with, anything to keep his mind off ... them. He had to tread carefully, but he had an advantage. He knew as much about Kelly as any man could ever know about a woman.

  Before he could come up with a plan, Kelly asked, “Are you married or have any kids?”