The Alpha Premonition: Book 1: A Gathering Storm

by Steve Catalano

  “This aircraft is piloted by a local man, Paul Christian. It departed Oregon Meadow Airpark at approximately 12 noon. He also designed the revolutionary engine that uses gravity for propulsion that powers it. In a few moments, we will have live feed from that vehicle, and its ground crew as well, at the Oregon Meadows Airpark.

  “AIMI, com link to NASA, and tie in KPLT as too, visual as well as audio.”

  “Com link established.”

  “Thank you, AIMI.”

  “Alpha Ground, com check?”

  “Loud and clear, Dad. We see you and the Freedom crew on screen.”

  “Thanks. Steve, John, and Burt - good job. I guess we will start the press conference.”

  As NASA had already tied in the White House, the President of the United States was standing by.

  “Captain Christian, this is the President. Congratulations on a truly amazing feat. All of America is watching with pride.”

  “Thank you, Mr. President. I’m humbled to be in such distinguished company.”

  “There is another President who is standing by as well; one of your acquaintances.”

  The systems operations control room at Universal came into view, revealing Universal Airlines President Arthur Case.

  “Captain Christian, I guess we really are Universal Airlines.”

  Paul Christian smiled. President Arthur Case was more correct then he knew.

  “Good afternoon, Sir. How are things at headquarters?”

  “Paul, everyone is in front of any TV or computer screen that can be found.”

  “Not to worry, Sir. I will do Universal, this country and our planet proud. To that end, I have a statement to make. The Alpha has performed flawlessly, but to only a fraction of its design function and capability. After discussion with my ground crew and with the approval of the appropriate authorities, I plan to continue the Alpha’s maiden flight in less than 24 hours, if all systems check out. That flight will be to the planet Mars, and will culminate in a landing on that planet.”

  Commander Jim Andrews smiled and gave thumbs up, as did Armstrong. All that could be heard at NASA and Alpha Ground was cheering and applauding.

  “I have invited Armstrong Gagarin to accompany me on this journey, but please know that all of you will be with us in spirit. I would be happy to take some questions.”

  The KPLT anchor asked the first question. “How long will the journey to Mars take?”

  “Factoring in acceleration, enroute time, and deceleration, less than three hours from the time we break Earth orbit to Mars orbital injection.”

  The President looked at his science advisor and NASA liaison and asked, “Can he really do this? Is it even possible?”

  Both were still in shock, and one just shrugged his shoulders. The other was busy texting a message to get answers for the President.

  “Mr. President, we are obviously in unknown territory, to say the least. My intellect tells me no, my gut says this guy can do it.”

  Paul fielded numerous questions ranging from, ‘Was he a government agent?’ to ’Was he an alien?’

  “Do you mean illegal/undocumented or extraterrestrial? Neither,” he laughed.

  To the numerous questions about the new technology, he kept his answers simple and brief.

  When the public press conference had ended, the President wished Paul success on behalf of all Americans.

  NASA offered to assist in any and every way possible. After discussion with Alpha Ground and NASA, as well as input from Jim and Armstrong, the decision was made. Alpha Ground Control would transfer to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Steve Christian would remain the voice of Alpha Ground - soon to be Alpha Houston.

  Within minutes, Maxwell Michaels had a Marine CH-46 multiengine helicopter at Oregon Meadows Airpark to transport the Alpha Ground facility to Portland International Airport. Then an Air Force C-17 would complete the journey to Ellington Air Force Base, just outside of Houston near the Johnson Space Center. Air Force 2 had diverted to KPDX to transport Steve Christian, John Lohman, and Burt Roberts to Ellington as well.

  In less than 12 hours, Alpha Ground was up and running at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Steve, John, and Burt could have never imagined when they started their day that it would close on Air Force 2, dining with the Vice President.

  Upon arrival at Ellington, they were transported by limousine to the hotel just outside JSC where NASA kept visiting VIPs. Maxwell Michaels met them there. He had flown his NASA T-38 directly from Oregon Meadows Airpark, which by now was inundated by the press.

  Paul spent much of the rest of the evening briefing Armstrong on the Alpha and bringing him up to speed on Alpha and Alpha functions, as well as their plans for the next afternoon. After a light dinner with Jim and Armstrong and a progress check on the Alpha ground transition, it was time to retire.

  6

  Paul Christian dreamed of the Alpha and its journey to Mars. It seemed more like viewing the future, than a dream. Armstrong slept like a baby. Perhaps the vodka that he had shared with Jim and Paul after dinner made the difference.

  Paul awakened about 8 a.m. on his own body clock time. His fingers were inputting entering data into the computer as if they were racing one another - a very simple flight plan from Earth to Mars, right down to orbital injection just north of the Martian equator.

  This seemed as normal and commonplace as one of his airline oceanic crossings from the West Coast to Hawaii. How could something that had never been done seem so comfortable?

  “AIMI, smooth jazz mix on audio, please.”

  The soothing sound of piano, woodwinds, and violins filled the Alpha. “Thank you, AIMI, and can you verify my calculations on the Mars flight plan? There are still a couple of variables that I’m not certain of yet.”

  “Paul, the flight plan is correct, and I have accounted for all variables and modified the flight plan for orbital injection accordingly.”

  “You have accounted for the variables?”

  “Yes, Paul. That is affirmative.”

  “How did you do that?”

  “That information is not available.”

  “Where or how did you access the information?”

  “That information is not available.”

  Previously unknown, the variables were now known and factored. Paul saw no reason not to trust AIMI or the modified flight plan. After an energy drink and bar, it was time to give a test run to the only untested piece of equipment on Alpha. The hot shower felt good, a bit cramped, but he wasn’t expecting company. After drying off and donning a fresh outfit, Paul met Jim and Armstrong who had just arrived.

  “I see you flight tested your shower.”

  “Yes, Jim, you know what they say, it’s the simple things that make life better.”

  “Yes, right, Paul - a homebuilt spacecraft with a shower, that just happens to be leaving for Mars in a few hours. Simple, huh?”

  He grinned. “My son and some friends are now in Houston at JSC. I’m going to do a briefing in a few minutes.”

  “Can we sit in Paul?”

  “Absolutely, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Down in Houston, Steve, John, and Bert had just arrived and were enjoying a catered breakfast that NASA had provided in the primary mission control room. The large nerve center had been modified to include the AIMI station and view screen that was tied into the primary NASA view screen.

  “Alpha Houston? This is the Alpha.”

  “Alpha - Houston Alpha here.”

  “It’s okay, guys. Houston as a call sign is just fine. Let’s keep this simple.”

  “Roger, Alpha.”

  “Did NASA receive the data that I transmitted?”

  NASA Director of Operations Fred Brunswick looked at Steve Christian and gave him the thumbs up signal.

  “Yes, Dad, th
ey did.”

  John Rogers pointed to his headset as he looked at Steve Christian. Steve gave him a smile and thumbs up.

  “Captain Christian, Fred Brunswick here. I’m the Director of Operations here at Johnson Space Center. We ran the projections and triple-checked the math. The computer and our analysts and engineers gave your flight plan a ‘Go’. There were a couple areas where we had to make some educated guesses. We have never contemplated, let alone run the numbers, for a ship capable of traveling over 18,000 miles per second or 66 million miles per hour.”

  “Thanks Fred. As you have seen in the flight plan, more time will be spent accelerating and decelerating than at that velocity.”

  “Roger that. NASA is here to help in any and every way.”

  In the briefing they covered the flight plan and mission profile, normal and abnormal procedures, as well as navigation and communication. Navigation would be easier than with previous vehicles sent to Mars. Since the trip time of those slower vehicles was months instead of hours, the trajectory had to be adjusted. It was more like a rendezvous - the course/trajectory would be where Mars was at arrival, not at launch, accounting for its solar orbit.

  “Ok, it’s settled. 2100 GMT departure.”

  Paul checked every system, reviewed the flight plan, and took a little time to rest and think about the next few hours. Then it hit him - he had not spoken with his mother or brother. He realized why - they were transported by private jet to Houston.

  “Houston, this is the Alpha.”

  “Go ahead, Alpha.”

  “Have my mother and brother arrived?”

  “They just landed and are enroute to JSC.”

  “AIMI, please display split-screen time as follows: on top line countdown hours and minutes remaining till 2100 Greenwich time departure. (GMT), and the bottom line Greenwich Mean Time followed by Pacific Standard Time.”

  “Displayed as requested.”

  “Thank you, AIMI.”

  “Paul, my physical scan of Armstrong indicates a very slight cardiac irregularity, nothing serious, just a very small variance from the norm.”

  “Would our journey result in any health risk for Armstrong?”

  “None, Paul.”

  “Excellent. Thanks, AIMI.”

  “Paul made his way over to Freedom again to speak with Armstrong.

  “AG, AIMI scanned a slight cardiac irregularity when you were aboard.”

  “Yes, Paul, had it since birth, just a slight abnormality. I cleared NASA medical with flying colors and the Russian medical bureaucracy as well.”

  “Well, AG, AIMI says you have no health risk issues associated with our trip, that is, unless I decide to cook.”

  AG and Jim laughed and both shook their heads.

  Jim spoke, “That’s not what I heard Paul. Word is out at NASA that you do great BBQs.”

  “Busted, I guess. My son, Jim, and Bert spilled the beans, so to speak.”

  “Paul, you don’t have a BBQ on the Alpha do you? Being that you did not invite me to Mars, I expect an invitation to your place for some of your great BBQ.”

  “It will be my pleasure, Jim. We’ll let AG come too, and tell Maxwell he’s invited, too. He did a great job getting Alpha Ground moved and set up in Houston.”

  “I will bring some Texas Home Brew beer - my favorite, and it’s not the cheap stuff, either.”

  “So, Paul, in addition to being the brain of the Alpha, AIMI also scans and diagnoses medical problems?”

  “Jim, AIMI is always tracking and scanning many parameters of the Alpha, both external and internal as well. That included Alpha’s crew and occupants.”

  In less than two hours, at 2100 GMT, the Alpha would be departing for Earth’s first inter-planetary exploration. Orbital mechanics tend to dictate launch windows. This was true from the first unmanned satellites through the Apollo program and right into the space shuttle program.

  All previous spacecraft used fuel to attain the escape velocity required to depart the Earth’s gravity, then additional fuel to modify the inertia of orbit. Because fuel was limited, spacecraft could only depart at certain times, or launch windows, to achieve a desired orbit, whether that was terrestrial, lunar, or extra-terrestrial.

  “Well, Jim, if all goes well, Paul and I will be seeing you tomorrow. I’m heading over to the Alpha with Paul to prep for departure to Mars,” said AG.

  “AG, you just love saying that, don’t you?”

  “Jim, this is my first trip to Mars. I’m a little excited.”

  Jim, AG, and Paul all laughed.

  “Paul, best of luck and success to you, and to the Alpha. To quote that famous science fiction line, you are truly going where no man has gone before, and I am honored to be a part of it in some small way.”

  “I am honored to be in such distinguished company. Thank you for your hospitality, friendship, and good wishes. See you soon.” Paul exchanged handshakes with Jim.

  Less than thirty minutes as the minutes counted down on the Alpha’s digital clock display. Paul Christian and Armstrong Gagarin readied themselves for their interplanetary departure.

  The President and the administration’s science advisor were deep into conversation in regard to the Alpha and its journey.

  “Bill, just how can a normal guy, and a civilian at that, come this far, this fast?”

  “Mr. President, I wish I had an answer for you, I really do. Perhaps a genetic mutation, or some external influence.”

  “External influence?” queried the President.

  “Mr. President, this planet and its best minds are decades away from this technology!”

  “Bill, don’t mince words. Say what you mean.”

  “There is the distinct probability that Paul Christian is an extraterrestrial or is under the influence of same. You have seen his medical profile - his age is 53, but based on his physical, he is 20 years younger and in perfect health, with EKG, EEG, and blood factors we can’t even identify, let alone understand.”

  The President shook his head. “And in three hours or so he will be in orbit around Mars. Unbelievable.”

  “Alpha, this is Houston. Com check?” Steve Christian unkeyed his mic, anticipating a response.

  “Loud and clear Houston. We are departure minus fifteen minutes.” Paul smiled at AG. “About that time, huh?”

  AG grinned. “My time is your time!”

  AIMI had done a complete system diagnostic on the Alpha, and the ship was ready to continue its maiden voyage.

  “AIMI, Quantum core mode control to dynamic; emitters on line; all thrusters from standby to manual.”

  On the primary liquid crystal display (LCD) navigation screen, Paul selected a computer-enhanced view of Mars. On the secondary screen was the actual view of earth. The clock showed departure minus five minutes.

  “Alpha, Houston. You might be interested in knowing nearly two billion people world-wide are watching and listening.”

  “Thanks for the heads up, Houston. I will try my best to keep it clean.”

  AG laughed at Paul’s comments. He could hardly believe what was happening. Indeed, 48 hours ago he was looking forward to being relieved by the upcoming space shuttle arrival and a crew change. A Trans-Mars injection was not even present in his wildest dreams or fantasies.

  After the final checklist, Paul disengaged the magnetic docking lock.

  “Houston and Freedom. Alpha shows positive disengagement from Freedom.”

  “Alpha, Houston. We concur. We show you drifting away from Freedom at two feet per second and increasing.”

  Paul Christian had reversed the polarity of the magnetic docking lock, which was now slowly pushing Alpha away from Freedom.

  “Good luck, guys, and Godspeed,” Jim added, as he watched the Alpha moving slowly away. Paul eased the secondary thrusters in line.
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br />   As the Alpha moved further away from Freedom, Paul brought the primary thrusters fully on line, and the Alpha was now traveling away from Freedom and the Earth at nearly seven miles per second. The clock showed forty-five seconds.

  The Earth completely filled the secondary LCD view screen; Mars was almost imperceptible on the other.

  “AIMI, standby for auto-path acceleration and deceleration.”

  “Quantum core dynamic; field emitters positive; Quantum drive is green. Standing by to execute.”

  “Thank you, AIMI.” Paul pressed the enable button, which tied the Quantum drive to the auto-path, with one more fail-safe pending.

  “AIMI, executed auto-path acceleration deceleration profile on screen.”

  In less than eighty minutes, they would be traveling at 66 million miles per hour. That’s nearly ten percent of the speed of light - faster than any human had ever traveled. They would then spend the next eighty minutes decelerating.

  The Earth was still quite large in the departure view-screen, even as the Alpha passed the moon after less than 15 minutes. At their maximum profile speed, Mars was only fifty minutes away. But they would be at that speed for just a few minutes, and still had an hour to accelerate to peak velocity.

  Every five minutes, AIMI, Paul, and AG checked structural integrity, life support, and the Quantum drive propulsion system.

  “AG, we are now traveling faster than any person ever has.”

  Communications to Houston were no longer instantaneous. By the time they reached the deceleration point, it would take over two minutes to send or receive a message from Earth, almost five minutes by the time the Alpha entered Mars orbit.

  Mars grew larger in the arrival display screen. It was still considerably smaller than the Earth, but then Mars was only about one fifth the size of Earth. Mars was now becoming visible through the Alpha’s flight deck windows.

  “How about something to drink, AG?”

  “You are kidding, right, Paul? We are traveling faster than anyone has ever done. The chronometer shows we will be in Mars orbit in less than two hours. What exactly would be the appropriate beverage?”