The Search for FTL

by Ted Iverson

  Chapter Fifteen

  Ty awoke in the tiny studio apartment next to his office. It was a simple room, neutral in color, with a twin bed and a night table holding a small reading lamp and an alarm clock. There was also a lone reclining chair and a small closet with a short two-drawer dresser in it. It was a good place to catch some sleep after a long day at the office.

  Rolling over on his side, he turned off the alarm wailing in his ear, then rolled back and lay there, trying to remember the last time he’d been home. A good home-cooked meal, a real bed to get a good night’s rest in, those sure sounded good right about now—but there just wasn’t any time for them. Once again he’d have to grab a quick breakfast at the corporation’s cafeteria. It would be another very long day.

  The task before him was daunting: asking for a renewal of the grant that could change the face of space flight forever. Of course, there was one small problem: he had absolutely no plans to present to the committee. He’d thought about asking for another postponement, but he decided that he couldn’t do that. He looked at the calendar. Time was running out and fast. He wished Orion and Zach might pull through for the family, but knowing just how big the job was made it difficult to actually believe they could.

  No, he was sure that failure was inevitable. He felt a responsibility, though, to at least show up at the meeting. He would at least deliver an apology to the OEC for not being able to continue what he had promised the world and his co-workers. The FTL project would have to be scrubbed.

  It’s not so bad, he tried to tell himself. After all, they could try to patent the droids that their parents had created. “A droid in every home!” Corny? Maybe, but Space Tech would have to survive somehow.

  He was feeling defeated and dejected, but he’d have to pull himself together to start the day. A shower would help. A short time later, he walked through his office and into the waiting room.

  “Why, good morning, Ty! Don’t you ever go home?” Joanne asked playfully.

  Ty jumped slightly. He hadn’t expected to see her there on a Saturday, and he’d walked right past her, hadn’t even noticed that she was seated behind her desk. Pausing, he smiled and poked right back at her, “Same could be said about you. Seems I remember you were still here last night after I retired for the evening. I think it’s you who hasn’t left.”

  She chuckled a little. “Well, with you leaving today, I thought it might be wise to come in and see if you needed any help wrapping things up. Not only that, I thought you might have some last-minute instructions for me before you leave. I don’t like surprises.”

  “Oh, so you’re sucking up to the boss?” Ty laughed. “Well that’s okay; I don’t mind. Have you eaten yet this morning?”

  “Yes, I had a granola bar and a cup of coffee.”

  “Really? Too bad you’ve had such a huge breakfast. I was going to ask you to join me. I know this really good place to eat. I was even going to buy.”

  “Really now? You’re buying? Go figure. I suppose I could get a little something.” Joanne’s eyes twinkled as she teased back.

  “Well then, after you.” Ty held open the door as Joanne exited, then followed her out.

  Alec sat in the capital library doing some final background checks on Senator Fillmore. That wasn’t all he’d been doing. In fact, he’d been very busy since arriving. He hadn’t been to the capital in ages, so for the last few days he’d been reacquainting himself with the city. Because it was so large, he concentrated on the three areas where Ty would be. First he checked out the senatorial complex where Ty would be making his appeal to the committee. At least, Alec thought, I hope there will be an appeal. He hadn’t communicated with any of his brothers for days, so he had no idea if they’d been able to find any information at all. If they hadn’t, Ty’s visit would be very short. Alec decided he better have some good escape routes in mind in case they were needed.

  The second location he scouted was the AxMet Hotel, where he was currently staying and where Ty was due to arrive tomorrow afternoon. He’d gone over the place with a fine-tooth comb, making sure both of their rooms were secure and free of listening devices.

  He’d yet to meet up with Paul Spencer, the hotel’s manager. The boys had met him years ago as children when they visited the capital with their parents. In just a short time, though, Alec would be meeting with another AxMet employee, a longtime friend of his, Ed Serner. He knew Ed from way back at the Academy. Ed was eleven years older than Alec and had been one of his instructors. They hadn’t become friends until after Ed had left for interests other than teaching. They kept in touch and had helped each other out on many cases. Their contact was usually via holocalls, so Alec was excited that this time he’d be seeing his old friend in person.

  The third and last place he scouted was the airport where Ty would be arriving. Ty had an affinity toward the older type of passenger airliners and was arriving in the corporate jet, so he could be vulnerable there at the airport. The capital’s airport security was anything but secure, and that had him just a tad worried. Still, after spending several days doing the grunt work, checking everything out, he felt sure he could handle anything that might come up.

  He gathered up some paperwork and left the library, heading down the steps and over to his parked hover. Alec didn’t want to be late for his meeting.

  It was an early morning for Senator Axion, and he had much to do. He’d decided that it was time to take action against the Bindl boys. Nothing harmful for now, just a good scare, let them know they should think twice about continuing FTL plans. He decided Ty would be the first target. After all, Ty was the one who would be approaching Axion’s committee. Maybe, if he were able to shake Ty up a little, he wouldn’t give a good presentation.

  Not that it would really matter, Axion thought.

  The boys likely wouldn’t be able to come up with the doable plan, but if they did, then Ty would need the scare. Axion had made it clear to his hired hands that they must make the deed look real, as if someone were trying to take Ty out, even though that was not the intention. Axion also decided to move up the OEC meeting so he could catch Ty off guard.

  The boys had bit on the first trap. Now he would just enjoy the fun leading up to the finale. Axion stared out the massive window of his home. How sweet this revenge will be, and how rich I’ll become. A two for one deal. It can’t get any better.

  Orion, still at the outpost, and Zach, at the OBL, were conferring for the last time before delivering the good news to Ty. “All right, Zach, you have everything?”

  “Look at this!” Zach held up several long tubes that held all the new schematics. He set them down and swept his arm over all the diagrams, charts, binders and folders full of information. “Ty’s going to need an entourage to get all of this into that meeting. Too bad it’s too detailed to present over the holo. It would be much safer if I could keep everything here.” Then he had a thought. “Orion, if he’s got questions, I need to be there to answer them directly. Not only that, but all this has to get to him safely. We can’t afford to have an intercept. Not now, not after all that our teams have put into this. So I’m going to take this to him personally. It’s hard to believe,” he added, “but we have almost managed the impossible. Now we can only hope that the committee can see that we have salvaged the dream.”

  “I hope they can, but I have my doubts. They’ve sunk a lot of money into a project that, as far as they can tell, has failed. Then the four of us show up asking them to spend more to start over? Tall order, man. I hope that Ty is up to this challenge. I wouldn’t want to be him.”

  “I hear ya, but we have to try. Orion, I need to be leaving, but I have to tell you how impressed I was with your droid team and what you all came up with for the structure. It’s quite extraordinary.”

  “Well, we certainly couldn’t have accomplished it if we weren’t here at this outpost. The material we can mine from all the asteroids is perfect and, as I’ve mentioned before, it isn’t anything like what we ha
ve on Earth. That combined with the AI droids—well, the whole process really wasn’t anything like I’ve ever seen. The droids are way beyond us. We’ll discuss more about them later. Right now you’ve got to get those plans to Ty. Zach, we want to get started on some experiments and a small, new StarDancer prototype model, so I still don’t know when I’m coming back to the OBL or Luna, so hang tight. What are your plans after you get back from Space Tech?”

  “Same as yours. Get right back at it, but I’ll be at the Orbital Lab to start.”

  “Good luck and have a safe flight. Say hi to Ty for me.”

  “Will do. Zach out.”

  Zach began collecting all the paperwork and binders chock-full of information. He couldn’t wait to see the look on Ty’s face when he saw everything he and Orion had accomplished. Stuffing the last of the paperwork into his oversized briefcase, he gathered up the tubes and headed for his shuttle.

  Ty and Joanne were sitting at a table in the cafeteria finishing their food and making small talk. “So that’s when Mom talked me into taking the job at Space Tech after college.”

  “So you wanted to be a journalist, but you ended up a secretary. That’s an interesting switch. Are you happy with your decision?”

  “Actually, I am. I mean Space Tech pays me well enough and the benefits are great. The thing I love most is the people I’ve met and the different things I’ve done. I know this all sounds as if I’m ‘sucking up’ as you put it, but I like what I’m doing now. I feel like it’s important work and, since you’ve given me a lot of freedom to make decisions that affect the corporation, I feel like I’m making a difference.”

  “Well, Joanne, you were given that freedom and responsibility because for several reasons. Your experience with Space Tech is invaluable. You’ve worked in almost every department here. You also have the ability to adapt and make good decisions when it comes to the corporation. And your personality allows you to get along with everyone. I see why you are a people person; it must be because of your journalistic training. I’m thinking somewhere down the road we should put that training to use too. What do you think?”

  Blushing, she answered, “You’re too kind. I don’t know about that. I’m just happy doing what I’m doing right now.” Joanne took a big sip out of her mug. “Ty, I have a serious question for you.”

  “Sure, what?”

  “What are you going to do about the upcoming meeting with the OEC? Your brothers haven’t come up with anything. I don’t mean to cast gloom over our breakfast here, but you’re supposed to leave this afternoon.”

  Placing both hands around his cup as if to warm them, Ty cast his eyes down. “I have thought about it, and I will make the trip regardless.” Looking up at her, he continued, “I’m going to write a speech telling the OEC that we haven’t come up with anything and that we no will longer need the grant. I’m going to thank them for all the funding throughout the years and officially announce the death of the FTL project.” He let out a sigh. Eyes on her, he went on, “I know that there will be other projects and that we’ll continue working toward the betterment of mankind, but, honestly, Joanne, I feel defeated, like I’ve let my parents and the corporation down. It’s the only thing I can do, though. Without even one bit of information, asking for the grant would be a joke. And I can’t ask for a postponement. When I did that the first time, they granted us the extra time out of politeness. After all, we had just lost our parents. Trying to ask for another, well, it would be delaying the inevitable.” He tried to smile.

  “Ty, I know you feel really bad about this, but it’s only been a couple of weeks. You haven’t failed. Your parents would have been proud of how hard you all have worked to even get this far. Something will work out, maybe not for this project, but it’ll be fine. Don’t dwell on this, we’re all, I mean every employee that works for you, we’re all behind you and your brothers. When you announced that you wanted to continue your mom and dad’s dream, we knew it might be just that, a dream. But your parents made this corporation more than a job. Space Tech is a family, and families are supposed to back each other no matter what. That’s what we’ve done and it’s what we will continue to do.”

  “You are, possibly, the nicest person I have ever met. I really appreciate what you just said; it means a lot to me. I’m afraid it doesn’t change how I’m feeling right now, but I’ll try to be positive. It may take a while though.” Glancing at his watch, Ty said, “Whoa, look at the time! As long as you’re here today, we’d better get back and finish some things before I leave.” Trying to change the mood, he gave her another smile.

  “Sounds good, and thank you for the meal.”

  “No, thank you for the great company.” Ty let Joanne exit first and, for the first time since she’d started working for him, he really took notice of her. Not as an employee, but as a woman. As he followed her out, he dismissed the thought. Rule one: no fraternizing with the employees. Then he thought to himself, Well, I am the boss. I could change the rules.

  Paul Spencer had worked at the AxMet Hotel for almost longer than he could remember and he’d risen through the ranks to become manager. During his time in the capital and at the AxMet, he’d met many prominent people who were some of the hotel’s clientele and he’d made many important contacts. If you wanted to know about someone or about what was going on behind the scenes, he was your man. Through all of this, he’d managed to maintain a low profile. He came across as a very down-to-earth person. Currently sitting across from Paul was Ed Serner, head of AxMet security. But Paul knew Ed was more than that. He was a trusted friend, and a former police officer and detective. A sharper man you’d not find anywhere. A long time ago, Paul had lured Ed away from the force to work for him.

  Ed greeted Paul: “Paul, thanks for seeing me today.”

  “It is never a problem, my friend. What’s on your mind?”

  “Well, you know we stopped guarding dignitaries long ago, but I think we’re about to come upon a special circumstance that will require resurrection of this practice. As you are aware, Ty Bindl is coming to the capital. His brother Alec, with whom you’re also familiar, is here already. Alec has been doing some ‘research reconnaissance.’ I fear it may not be enough. I haven’t spoken with Alec yet, but I’ve discovered a few things that may affect Ty’s visit.”

  “And you would like to guard Ty?”

  “In a roundabout way, yes. I would like to do it in such a way that he isn’t even aware of being guarded. I feel that if we inform him that he’s been assigned a bodyguard, it may not sit well with him. Make me his chauffeur. That way I would be close if needed.”

  “This information, would you care to share it?” Paul asked.

  “Paul, you already know. There is no need to go over it again.”

  “Yes, you’re right. I fear for his safety too. You know, Ed, his parents would never forgive us if we couldn’t help the boys and protect them. Alec, I believe, can handle himself, but the other young men...” Paul stopped in mid-sentence. A moment later he continued, “Do what’s necessary. Are you telling Alec?”

  “Yes. I’ll be seeing him shortly. I’m excited to see him again. He was one of my best students and he’s become a good friend. I haven’t seen him in a long while. Thank you, Paul.”

  “Never a problem, Ed. Stay safe.”

  In his eagerness to get going, Ed pushed his chair back harder than necessary and it screeched across the hardwood floor. He was leaving the office with a bit more pep in his step than when he’d entered. Dangerous situation? Absolutely. But life had been dull long enough. It had been a long time since there’d been any excitement in the capital. He was wise enough though that his excitement was tinged with fear. He made his way from the hotel to his hover. He had an appointment to keep.

  It was just before noon. Ty was in the middle of writing his speech to the OEC when Joanne rang him on the com. “Ty, someone is here to see you.”

  “On a Saturday?” He sighed, thinking just how much he had to ge
t done in the next hour. A visitor wasn’t what he needed. “Show him in,” Ty said reluctantly.

  The hatch slid open and there in front of him, arms loaded with tubes, was Zach. He was followed closely by Joanne, who was carrying large binders with papers protruding in every direction.

  “Hey, Ty, maybe some help?” The tubes tumbled to the ground.

  Ty nearly leapt from behind his desk. “Zach! What are you doing here?” He stooped to help pick up the rolling tubes.

  “Nice to see you too,” Zach answered.

  “You know what I mean!” With the tubes gathered and placed on his desk, Ty gave his brother a big hug and a handshake. “Just what on earth, no pun intended, are you doing here? And what is all this?”

  “I’ll tell you, but first,” Zach said, pointing at Joanne, “who is this?”

  “Oh, sorry. This is Joanne, my secre—I mean my assistant. She’ll be handling things here while I’m away. She’s been a godsend.”

  “Joanne, it’s nice to meet you.” His face twisted as he tried to remember her face. “Do I know you?”

  “Nice to see you, Zach. You actually do know me. I’m Emily’s daughter. Well, I’m sure you two have some catching up to do and I need to finish a few things. Ty, if you need me, just ring!” She gave Ty a big smile and glided out of the room, letting the hatch shut behind her.

  “Emily’s daughter?” Zach winked and mocked “Ty, if you need me, just ring!” Nodding in approval he spoke. “Ty, I didn’t know. She’s a keeper!”

  Ty hauled off and caught his brother’s shoulder with an unexpected punch. “Stop that! She’s just my assistant.”

  Zach caught sight of Ty’s blush. “Yeah, if you say so,” he said.

  Zach rubbed his arm. “Man, have you been working out?” That got them laughing. “Seriously, though,” Zach went on, “I’m not here for a family reunion. I’m here about work, and we haven’t a lot of time to catch you up.”