Man's Hope

by Zellmann, William

  He looked directly into the camera. "I would like to give everyone watching my word. Man's Hope International has absolutely no connection with any company with which I am involved. If one of my companies should make a deal with Man's Hope International, the contract will be a public record. Man's Hope International is a nonprofit organization chartered by the United Nations to promote the exploration and exploitation of space. As such, our books are public and you, or your attorney, or your accountant, are free to come to our main office in Brasilia, Brazil, and examine them."

  The host's smile turned cold. "'Exploitation'. Does that mean you plan to exploit space?"

  Frank grinned. "Of course. By all means. If there is no profit in spending the large sums required to go into space, no one will go. I assume this broadcasting company owns communication satellites?"

  The host frowned. "Of course. There are thousands of communication satellites in orbit."

  "Exactly," Frank replied. "This company realized that it could make a profit by launching a satellite. They are exploiting space for a profit. As will I.

  "I have lied to no one. In the speech at which Man's Hope was dedicated, when I explained our true mission, I mentioned that we hoped to bring home millions of tons of metals and minerals. I have never denied that I planned to make money in space. But not a penny, not a centavo of the money donated by generous people around the world has been used for any purpose but the promotion of space. I know that there are people who feel betrayed. I'm not sure why, but I'm aware of it. To them I say I'm sorry you feel that way. But I have dealt honorably with you from day one, and will continue to do so."

  Other interviews were similar in tone and content, but still, contributions to Man's Hope fell off. Editorialists and talking heads accused him of "arrogance" and "deceit," "Claiming to be working for the benefit of mankind when he was really only working for the good of Frank Weatherly," in the words of one prominent editorialist. Even his public relations firm's pro-Weatherly campaign met with only limited success. It was proof of the old adage that the truth can never catch up with rumor - especially if the rumor is juicy and scandalous.

  Finally, Frank gave up and just shrugged it off. He was accomplishing what he set out to do – revitalize the conquest of space. He decided he didn't really need popularity, too.

  Susan was not so philosophical. She was in a permanent state of fury now, firing off "letters to the editor" whenever she discovered an anti-Weatherly editorial, and sending Frank's lawyers after every accuser she felt maligned Frank. With her computer research skills, she was finding a lot of them.

  One morning she came storming into Frank's office. "Have you heard about this idiot from Yemen?" she demanded. "The fool stood up in the UN yesterday and accused you and Man's Hope of 'stealing' Eros from the people of the world!"

  Frank nodded, "I heard about it. It doesn't mean anything. He's just trying to divert attention from their political troubles."

  Susan frowned. "I'm not so sure. There are reports that his speech hit home with a lot of the small countries." But Frank shrugged, dismissing the matter. More pressing matters demanded his attention.

  Frank was very busy completing arrangements for the asteroid's arrival. He had hired good people for SpaceInt, but there still seemed to be a never-ending stream of decisions and arrangements that required his personal attention. But he never missed Dolf's briefing.

  Eros was still some three months out when Dolf made the big announcements.

  "Tomorrow, we will begin the burn that will reverse the big asteroid, to prepare it for the deceleration necessary to approach Earth orbit. To do this, we must restore, at least temporarily, some of the rotation Eros had when we arrived." Dolf explained that strategically placed rocket engines, fed by the big Energia booster tank, would slowly rotate the miles-long asteroid on its short axis. He explained that the booster itself had been moved into position to counteract the rotation but the balance of the engines' drive forces was critical, as was the timing. In the event, it took six rotations before they could stabilize Eros in its new orientation. Dolf's broadcast was matter-of-fact, but it had been a nerve-wracking, exciting milestone.

  The next day's news was just as exciting. "There is more big news today," Dolf reported. "The decision has been made about where we should put Eros when we reach earth orbit.

  "The directors of Man's Hope International have decided that Eros will be parked at Lagrange point L-1, at least for the first few years.

  "Lagrange points are five points in the earth-moon system at which relatively stable orbits can be established. For years, there has been discussion of putting colonies at the L-4 and L-5 points, which are on the same orbit as the Earth, but sixty degrees ahead and behind it. L-1 is located between the Earth and the Moon, making it perfect for a way station for lunar traffic. L-2 is on the other side of the moon, and L-3 is on the sunward side of the Earth's orbit.

  "Now, L-4 and L-5 are stable. This means that a body in one of those positions will remain there without any additional power required to keep it there. L-1, L-2, and L-3 are unstable, rather like balancing a ball on a knife's edge. As long as the ball stays exactly on the knife-edge, it is stable. But if the ball slips to one side, it will begin drifting toward the moon. If it slips off the other, it will begin drifting toward Earth. This means that a body in those positions, like Eros, will need to keep applying a small amount of power to remain there.

  "The directors feel that it is worth it to have a station between the Earth and the moon, to handle expected lunar and interplanetary traffic and to serve as an emergency resource. They feel that ion engines give us the power to maintain position economically."

  Of course, the announcement set off worldwide discussion and argument. Many felt that Eros should be put in a closer Earth orbit, until they learned that a new moon the size of Eros could affect the Earth's orbit and rotation. Others wanted to put it at L-4 or L-5, as the beginning of a space colony. Still others felt it should be placed into a lunar orbit. Discussions were loud, vehement, and prolonged, even though the decision had already been made.

  A week later, just as the excitement over the placement of Eros was beginning to subside, Dolf dropped the other bombshell.

  "The directors of Man's Hope International and Space International today announced the signing of a contract for a joint venture to exploit Eros.

  "It was announced that Man's Hope International will be responsible for all space operations, to include orbital computations, computer services, and traffic control functions of the space station.

  "Space International will be responsible for all commercial operations aboard Eros. This will include provision of supplies and services for visiting spacecraft and mining of Eros for minerals, and the remains of Carter IV for oxygen, hydrogen, and water. They will also manage development of Eros as a space station and possible future transient accommodation. For their efforts, they will receive a percentage of the revenue generated."

  The reaction among the media was close to hysteria. Frank was being attacked viciously and constantly, and Susan reported that the tone was becoming steadily more hostile, despite the active work of his lawyers and public relations people. Susan was beginning to fear for his safety.

  ***

  "Hey, Charlie," Frank said. "What the hell are you doing in Cambodia? Are you still playing in the dirt?"

  "Damn it, Weatherly, I keep telling you that running one of the largest mining firms in the world is not 'playing in the dirt'!" Charlie Reynolds' voice was attenuated on the cell phone he was apparently using. "And I'm in Cambodia looking for minerals, of course. Are you still throwing money away into space?"

  Frank grinned into the receiver. Until last year, he'd held a large number of shares in Charlie's company. "Nope," he replied, "Now I'm beginning to get a lot of it back. I need some help, Charlie."

  "Yeah?" Charlie said. "Last I heard, you were dumping your shares. Why the hell should I help you?"

  "Money, of cour
se," Frank replied. "That's the only reason you do anything. And I've begun buying those shares back. How would you like to get in on the ground floor of the biggest thing to hit mining since dynamite?"

  "What the hell . . . Wait. You're talking about the asteroid, aren't you?"

  "Yep," Frank replied. "We expect it to contain millions of tons of minerals. Space International holds the mining rights, but we need a subcontractor to handle the actual work."

  Charlie's voice became excited. "Damned right we're interested. I'll hop a plane ASAP. Let's see, it's Tuesday in Brazil, right? Well, it's Wednesday here. I'll be in Brasilia sometime tomorrow. Your tomorrow. Damn it, I'll be there Wednesday sometime. This International date line is a pain!"

  "Calm down, Charlie. I'm actually at Alcântara right now, but I need to run over to Brasilia anyway. I'll meet you at the SpaceInt headquarters. Let me know your arrival time, and I'll have a car pick you up. I should warn you, though; I've already had feelers from United Metals."

  "You bastard! You wouldn't!"

  Frank's grin widened. "Of course I would, Charlie. You know me. So you'd better spend your time on the plane figuring out what you can offer."

  "All right, all right," Charlie replied in a grudging tone. "Bastard!"

  "No, no, Charlie," Frank protested. "You keep getting it backwards. You're the bastard. I'm the sonovabitch."

  The smile was back in Charlie's tone. "Yeah, you're right. I keep forgetting which is which. See you tomorrow."

  ***

  Susan had watched with growing apprehension as the attacks on Frank became more frequent and more vicious. Finally, she decided she could wait no longer, and called Fred, Frank's lead attorney.

  Fred knew Susan, of course. She'd been Frank's secretary for many years, and their romantic relationship was now public knowledge. So he took her call immediately.

  "Fred, I'm worried about Frank," she began. "He's so wrapped up in preparations for the asteroid's arrival that he's not seeing what's going on. Oh, he doesn't have to worry about being arrested this time; but that's part of the problem. People are starting to listen to this Sheik Ibn Masood, the UN representative from Yemen. I'm afraid Frank's going to wake up one morning and find they've stolen the asteroid out from under him!"

  "I've been wondering why Frank didn't step on that bug," Fred replied. "You think it's because Frank isn't taking him seriously?"

  "Exactly," Susan said. "He thinks Masood is just some loudmouth trying to divert attention from the misery in his own country."

  Fred assured her he would talk to Frank.

  "Frank, you damned fool," came Fred's voice. "Were you born stupid, or did you have to study?"

  Frank was not amused. "What the hell are you talking about, Fred? I'm busy."

  "You're always busy. Well, don't forget to plan the ceremonies. The ones where you turn over the keys to the asteroid to the goddam UN!"

  "Oh, hell," Frank replied. "You've been talking to Susan. She's all excited about some third-world jerk who's making a lot of noise in the UN."

  "For your information," Fred said, "That third-world jerk has a U.S. Ivy League education, and is a past master at guilting the first-worlders into giving him things. Right now, they're about to give him control of space. And You're sitting on your ass letting it happen."

  Frank's tone turned to concern. "You really think it's something to worry about, Fred?"

  "You have an asteroid, and right now, half the world thinks you're a gangster who must've stolen it somehow. Yesterday, Masood introduced a UN resolution to the General Assembly, stating that all celestial bodies in the solar system should be administered by the UN for the benefit of the people of the world. By the time the asteroid arrives, you'll be able to just turn it over to a UN Administrator. Happy day."

  "Shit!" Frank swore, "We can't let that happen! It'll be the death of space development. Nobody's going to spend billions to go into space if they have to turn everything over to the UN!"

  "Susan's been trying to tell you that for months, you idiot. Now, dig out your kneepads and go beg her forgiveness, and then get your ass in gear!"

  Frank's first move, after apologizing to Susan, was to get his public relations firm to get him scheduled on talk shows. This was no problem; Frank was still such a popular whipping boy that the networks were lining up to book him.

  The first put him opposite a U.S. Senator, who had been making a career out of hinting at Frank's great misbehaviors. Senator John Campbell was a large man with carefully-coiffed white hair and a resonant voice that gave him an air of depth. He was a career politician, a pragmatist who was capable of supporting both sides of an argument, if it was politically expedient.

  "Tell me, Senator," the host asked, "you support the UN resolution on space, don't you?"

  "I certainly do, Ted," the Senator replied. "Celestial bodies should belong to all the people of the Earth, not just those wealthy enough to go get one, or cunning enough to trick the people into paying for his adventure!"

  Frank smiled. "Tell me, Senator, your state has a lot of copper mining, doesn't it?" The Senator nodded, and Frank continued, "Then don't you think the UN should be administering these natural resources that belong to all the people of the Earth? Shouldn't the mining companies have to get authorization from the UN to dig that copper? And pay the UN a good portion of the profits?"

  The Senator sputtered. "That . . . That's absurd. Those copper deposits lie within the U.S., and we don't need anyone's permission to mine our own property."

  "But they're a natural resource of the Earth. Doesn't it follow that they should belong to all the people of the Earth? Including those in Yemen?" Frank waved a hand, "Never mind, Senator, I was simply making a point. If the UN can unilaterally decide that it owns 'all celestial objects in the solar system', why does it not follow that they own the Earth? What's to keep it from deciding that it owns all the copper in the Earth?"

  The Senator smiled. "The UN isn't claiming ownership of the planets. It is only making certain that unscrupulous billionaires can't steal celestial bodies that should rightfully be shared by all the world's people."

  "Excuse me, Senator," Frank replied, "but that's exactly what it's doing. It's just doing it in the name of the 'people'. That's nothing new, of course. There are dozens of 'peoples' republics' around the world that use the same line. And how many multi-billion dollar U.S. space missions are you going to vote for, if you know that you have to turn anything you find over to the UN?"

  The smile turned predatory. "Unlike rogue capitalists, the U.S. government pursues its missions in space for the public good, not for profit."

  Frank nodded. "So, if the U.S. established a base on the moon, for instance, and its personnel discovered a large vein of gold, you would not support efforts to mine it for the benefit of the people of the U.S.? Instead, you would be glad to mine it and hand it over to the UN. Is that correct?"

  The Senator's smile faded. "Well, of course, if it were found on a U.S. government reservation, we would expect to benefit from such a discovery."

  Frank's smile was angelic. "So, Senator, the U.S. government should be able to benefit from any valuables it finds, but private corporations shouldn't?"

  The Senator straightened. "Well, yes. National governments and the United Nations exist for the benefit of their citizens, not to fatten some billionaire's wallet!"

  Frank's smile remained as he nodded. "Two more questions, Senator. Exactly when was it that you decided to abandon the free-market capitalist system for some sort of socialism? And do your constituents know about it?"

  "What! Why, you . . . I'll have you know I'm a pillar of conservatism. Free market capitalism is the only system that has proven to work in the long run! How dare you accuse me of socialist beliefs?"

  Frank shrugged, unperturbed. "Quote: 'Celestial bodies should belong to all the people of Earth, not just those wealthy enough to go get one.' Quote: 'The UN isn't claiming ownership of the planets, it is only making certain that
unscrupulous billionaires can't steal celestial bodies that should rightfully be shared by all the world's people.' Please explain the free market capitalism reflected in those quotes, Senator."

  The Senator reddened. "How dare you! I will not sit here and be insulted by a common criminal!" He got up and stalked off the set.

  With minutes left to fill, the host turned to an interview with Frank. "Well, Mr. Weatherly, you obviously do not share the Senator's opinion on the UN resolution. We have two minutes; can you explain your objections?"

  Frank smiled. "Of course. I sponsored Man's Hope International in order to promote the exploration and exploitation of space. As I proved, it takes billions of dollars to launch a space enterprise. This resolution removes the only valid motive for investing those billions: profit. Profit has somehow become a dirty word, but profit is the same thing that has driven explorers throughout man's history. If I am going to spend billions on a project, I have a responsibility to my shareholders to make as certain as possible that there is a good possibility of profit at the end of the project. If the UN can seize anything of value that anyone brings back, there is zero possibility of profit, and zero possibility that anyone will be willing to spend those billions, except possibly a few governments for scientific purposes. But man's destiny in space would be destroyed. This resolution guarantees that man would never achieve his destiny, and would die with his worn out planet."

  In all his interviews, Frank continually hammered home the same message: This resolution spells the end of serious space development. Unfortunately, the results were mixed. He definitely reached some of those people able to hear his interviews, but there were nearly as many who saw his arguments as a crook trying to protect his loot.

  Time was running short. The asteroid would arrive in Earth orbit in less than two months. So, Frank and the rest of the Board of Directors of Man's Hope International decided that extreme measures were called for.