The Man Who Sold Mars
Page 10
George glanced at Hemmingson, “Thank you, Mike. They are running scared. Every time I pick up my phone, someone is calling asking what they can do to expedite the settlement process.”
I held up the binder. “We need this. All of this and more. What about the next government or rogues? We are a nation.”
George agreed, “Whether we want to be or not.”
Hemmingson finished his glass of wine and poured another. “I want to be on our dollar. Imagine the garters I’ll ride vicariously.”
Printing our own money was not something that had ever occurred to us but as we thought about it, it grew as a certainty. “One day. But, unfortunately, we need to think like governments. Speak softly but carry a big stick.”
Dennis corrected. “Sticks. Bigger Sticks. And lots of them.”
The majority of us agreed with him and had voted in favor of all of this earlier. “We have a deal. Both sides have reviewed the contract and you can expect our signed copy within two days and the appropriate wire transfer into your account.”
Dennis and I shook hands and then he shook everyone else’s hand and exited the room.
Selena immediately revoiced her opinion. “A private military company. I don’t know if we’re making things better or worse.”
George answered, “Better.”
Tot agreed with Selena. “How do you know that the thing that takes us over the next time won’t be him or them?”
George said, “Us.”
Selena said, “Pardon?”
He continued, “How do we know that the thing that takes us over the next time won’t be “Us”. We own “The PMC”.
Several of our band were not happy to know that we not only hired mercenaries, we were one.
I told them the other reason why our work was safe, relatively safe. “No one is taking this facility. We have a fail-safe device.”
In silence, the group took a moment to think about this and with the exception of George, Hemmingson, and I reacted in horror to the news.
Kevin spoke with disbelief, “You have a nuke here?”
George corrected him. “Nukes. They might find one.”
Gardner was livid. “We’re all supposed to die for this.”
I shook my head no. “Of course not, staff would be evacuated.”
To say Selena was not pleased was an understatement. “And then boom?!”
Nonchalant George said, “Yes.”, which made her madder.
“God, I am liking all this less and less.”
I grinned to her. “I'll show you something you'll really like.”
24. My Commander
Leading my Selena by the hand, I took her to the Mars lander, large, squat and fire tuck red glistening on its pad. “This is the Mars lander. At its controls, I’ll gracefully descend to the surface of Mars, and then pop out on an All Terrain Vehicle, ATV, and joy ride along the Martian surface. You like it?”
Selena was noncommittal. She was not the least bit pleased that I was going to be away from her for so long. And, she was still angry over our army of modern mercenaries and the nukes and becoming increasingly angrier about it all.
Leading her by the hand, I took her to the bridge of the lander.
“Go ahead. Take a seat.”
She looked at the two command chairs sitting side by side and walked towards the one on the right, while standing behind her, I watched her like the goddess she is. Selena watched me from a reflection off a polished surface and in love blushed.
“Selena, please take the one on the left. The pilot in command always sits on the left.”
She blushed more. “Oh.”
Very happy, she took the seat on the left, the commanders, and I came up behind her, and with love ran my finger up and down her arm while we talked.
“Are you liking her more?”
She grinned. “Yes.”
“You know she’s green.”
“Green?”
“Environmentally friendly. At least for the Martian environment.”
“She’s powered by a deuterium-tritium reactor.”
I joked with her. “So, you have been paying attention.
She laughed and finished it with, “Ha. Ha. Ha.”
“She too will be powered by Helium 3. But like Prometheus she can run on deuterium, which is currently the key fuel for first and second generation fusion reactors and five times more plentiful on Mars than Earth in the form of—“
Playing she finished my words. “Hydrogen-Deuterium Oxygen. Someone has obviously forgotten what my undergraduate studies were and one of my graduate degrees is in. Shall I continue?”
“My Lady, please continue.”
“A milliliter of deuterium produces as much energy as 20 tons of coal. Hence your assertion it’s green, though I doubt many true environmentalists would say that because of the disposal issues with nuclear waste.”
I laughed and in play tossed back, “Ha. Ha. Ha. Anyway . . . Mars is rich in it.”
“Relatively speaking.”
“Well yes. About five times more so than Earth. An even more promising resource is the proximity of the asteroid belt to Mars. Dactyl, the moon orbiting the asteroid Ida is 1.4 kilometers in diameter, yet it contains more iron than the human race has used in its entire existence. These asteroids will be mined near Mars and in the not too distant future shipped from the planet for little cost.”
“You’re deploying robotic mining modules?”
“Yep. But more like surveyors. It’s not cost effective to mine them for iron or most things now plentiful on Earth. But, it’ll help us to get to know our neighbors better.”
“Any advertising?”
“A big heart with your name on it.”
She kissed me on the check, “That’s sweet.”
“And True. Mars and these asteroids are no doubt rich in Helium 3 due to the absence of atmospheres or greatly reduced ones and no doubt carry an abundance of mineral wealth. In time, as we stretch out through the stars we’ll develop a trade route, much like the one between Britain, the West Indies, and America. The economic potential from all this is colossal. Earth’s need for more fuel, the huge growth in fusion reactors. Their need for deuterium or Helium 3 or—I’ll also deploy a robotic harvesting facility for both. I’ll be there for a year. So—
She was not pleased. “That’s right a year. Almost three years total.”
“And missing you every moment.”
We kissed.
I finished my thought. “To the best of my knowledge there are no service stations on Mars. Something may happen where it may be needed.”
Concerned and suspicious I was keeping some of the risk of the mission from her. She said, “Something?”
“A future mission may need it to get home because of a problem. They may be marooned and have to make Mars home until . . . and need power for that survival. We’ll also use the Martian deuterium and Helium 3 to replenish Prometheus reserves if needed and bring a substantial amount home for sale and experimentation.
“And have a substantial reserve awaiting successful follow up missions.”
We kissed again and kissed. I began to unbutton her blouse. With heavy sensual breathing, meaning it and not she whispered. “Stop. Stop. We’re here to work.”
“I am.”
“You’re working on unbuttoning my blouse”
“Not any more.” That was done and my hand was inside feeling the warmth of her skin. With silence and heavy sensual breathing, she acquiesced and I went further. About to lose herself in the moment, she struggled for professionalism. “What’s her name?”
“Huey.”
“Huey’s a boy’s name.”
“I know. By tradition, ships are considered female, but they can have male or female names. You see that even amongst human names. Men and women are both named Lesley.”
“That one’s common. But you don’t see women named Robert.”
“Remember—“
“Oh yeah. So, why Huey?”
“Because there are three of them. If one breaks down, I can’t call Triple A.” I pantomimed talking on the phone. “Hello, Triple A. Yes. My Mars lander broke down. Can I get a tow? You’ll send someone out right away. Great. They’ll be here in a year or so. Ok. Thanks! See you soon.”
She laughed.
I continued. “All the space suits have remote piloting access of the landers and the Mars Transit vehicle via deployed satellite relays. If the suit's intact, the wearer's alive. So . . .”
“Ok, but why Huey?”
I imitated Donald Duck. “Because those are my nephews. Huey, Duey and Luey.”
She just watched me in a puzzled silence.
I laughed. “OK. So, I need to work on my Donald Duck.”
She was nonchalant. “Oh.” She thought about the humor in it and burst into laughter. Three squat little landers and the three squat little ducklings.
“Those are cute names, but I think you should rename them.”
“To what.”
“I think . . .” She paused to think about it. “How about George Carleton, Kevin Fay, Gardner Semet, and Michael Hemmingson.” Playfully, she added. “And of course my nemesis Tatyana Fedorova.” Then returned to serious. “They helped you make all this possible.”
I kissed her. “You left off someone very special to me.”
She blushed.
“But you gave me five names for three ships.”
“Oh.”
“You made a very good point about me memorializing my friendships. I’ll name the satellites we deploy after them. Hmmm. I can probably license the naming rights to some too. The Miller Lite Satellite.”
“Always thinking of business—”
I quieted her when I slid my hand underneath the cup of her bra. “There are different kinds of business.”
She gently slid my hand out and held it. “Let’s stick to the business at hand.”
“I was.”
She laughed. “You know what I mean. Naming the landers. We’ll call this one the Tatyana Fedorova.”
“The other the Selena Luce”
“And who will the third be named after. If it’s another woman, you’re dead.”
I was silent. There was only one choice and thinking about it made me sad. I started to tear and tried to speak. “You know . . . it’s . . . it’s . . .” My tears flowed with an abandon.
To distract me from my sorrow, Selena launched a surprise attack and started tickling me and laughing outrageously I tried to get away. Realizing I couldn’t. I launched a counter offensive, tickling her, while in vain she tried to get away. Laughing and tickling we collapsed on the floor, her on top of me. The laughing stopped and the love burned through.
A tear rolled down my cheek. She brushed it away and kissed me. “I love you.”
“You should. You’re a highly intelligent woman of discriminating taste.”
“And despite that, I love you.”
We laughed and kiss.
She glanced back at the control panel. “Which of these buttons closes the door?”
I pointed. “That one.”
She reached over and keyed it and the entry port to Huey—-Tatyana Fedorova closed.
“I feel another first coming on.”
I grinned as she removed her blouse and laughed.
I asked, “What?”
“Nothing.”
“What?”
“Nothing. I was thinking of a phone call Tot and I had.” She tossed her blouse aside and kissed me.
25. Handing Over The Reigns Of Power
Within a private room in Pounel, Cebu’s most exclusive and finest restaurant. My cadre of friends: Tatyana, Selena, George, Gardner, Kevin, Hemmingson & his princesses and I enjoyed a night of fine dinning and even finer company.
As we prepared for desert I tapped on my wine glass, its subtle metallic tones drawing everyone’s attention to me. Their eyes on me, I spoke. “The time has come to talk of many things—“
Quoting from Louis Carol’s The Walrus & The Carpenter Hemmingson drew laughs with the rhyme.
“Of shoes and ships
And sailing wax
Of Cabbages
And kings?”
Still laughing, I said. “Well, yes & no. The time has come that I hand over the reigns of power. I’ve been studying for the mission and directing the operations of YSR and I’m at –well past the point that I can no longer do both.”
Selena joked, “That’s because space is a jealous—“ she paused and without a doubt was thinking of our relationship just as Tot was and in unison without having noticed the other and not bothering to hide their anger in bitter words said, “Mistress.”
The group fell silent at this private moment—moments, made too public. Hemmingson shot a quick, tense, nervous glance at his two friends, book marking him and they beamed back, each taking one of his hands, indicating they were very happy as they were and he relaxed.
Not knowing what to say, thrown off by the unexpected moment. Unexpected at the time and place, but knowing this day or one like it was on the way, I just stood searching for a solution and vocalized my pause ”Ahhhh—“
I could see it was coming, my own personal Armageddon. Selena glanced at me, finished her wine in a gulp and Tot watched and studied me as she drank with slow measured sips. No doubt they were each thinking the same thing. Those glances told me as they always did something I was not going to like was coming. And I found myself wishing I was on Mars or someplace further.
“Kevin! More wine?” George deflected the tension.
“Certainly.”
Gardner gulped down his full glass and presented it to George. “Me too.”
Kevin made a circular motion as he pointed at a tray of delicacies in front of Hemmingson. “And some more of those things too.”
With great haste, Hemmingson passed them to him. “Enjoy.”
My four friends had created a diversion so that they didn’t have to acknowledge the intimate moment, while given me a chance to regroup.
Hemmingson placed the crowning touch on their acts and handed the situation back to my control. “What are you sleeping three hours—“
Gardner added, “Three hours a week.”
I laughed, “Ok moms. Anyway. The responsibility for Chairman of the board and Chief Executive Officer of Young Stellar Resources Group will be split by George and Selena. Selena will keep us human and compassionate. George hardboiled and business minded always on the objective.”
Beyond happy, Selena beamed. “Thank you.”
George shook his head no. “Thank you. But, I don’t want it. I will be extremely busy with other things. I will however retain my seat on the board of directors.”
I nodded my ascent to him, “Thank you. Gardner Chief Executive officer Young Sea Resources and Kevin Chief Executive of Young Stellar Resources.”
Kevin started to speak, but Gardner beat him. “Kevin and I would like to switch.”
Kevin agreed. “Yes. We knew this day was coming someday and want to work where our true interests lie.”
“Done.” I glanced from the two. “Tot will remain in charge of operations for Young Stellar Resources Group and will also have a seat on the board of directors.”
“Thank you.”
“You’ve earned that seat.”
Selena toasted her. “And more.”
So did George. “Most certainly.”
And Hemmingson, Kevin and Gardner. “Here, here.”
I glanced at Hemmingson, sandwiched rather comfortably between his two princesses. “Mr. Hemmingson—“
“I like it where I am. On the board of directors and head of lasciviousness, intelligence and retribution.
We laughed.
I playfully saluted him and said, “As you wish Mr. Hemmingson.”
“Did I say lasciviousness? Just checking.”
Tot still laughing said, “I think you’ve cornered the market on that.”
26. You Will Die During
The Takeoff To Mars
As free as I could be to dedicating myself to training for my mission to Mars—for there were still things regarding YSR that required my attention and no doubt always would—I increased my commitment to that task, training alone and in groups with the other astronauts at the YSR Philippine space compound, Eden.
I reacquainted myself to high speed, high altitude flight through the jet training program, underwent high gravity training, and studied, and studied.
In my beyond luxurious apartment, in Eden, designed and decorated by Selena, who beside me on the couch was engrossed in her own reading, deciding we needed a break, she lay down her book, kissed me and together we made tender love.
Later, continuing my training, I underwent zero gravity training, and underwater extra vehicular activity training.
And afterwards, studying in my apartment, Tot holding index cards, drilled me in rapid fire succession on emergency procedures. Successfully answering them, Tot congratulated me by tossing them in the air, grabbing me and together we made torrid love.
And so the studying and study breaks continued.
I flew the Mars transit vehicle.
And made love to Selena in her bed.
I performed space suited underwater extra vehicular activity, space suited intra vehicle repairs, on simulators I flew the Prometheus – the Mars Transit vehicle into orbit around Mars and the Mars lander – to Mars, simulated flying the lander into a Prometheus docking bay and made real love to Tot in her shower. She kissed me, then held me like her life depended on her not letting me go and said, “Я люблю тебя. Без тебя мне не место на земле.”
At the time I didn’t know that she said, “I love you. Without you I have no place on Earth.”. But I knew what she felt and I told her how I felt. “I love you too.”
She smiled, started to tear and I kissed her.
We broke and held one another under the warm water. She kissed me again. “Ты судьба моя. You are my destiny.”