His partner radioed, “I am at the hatch.”
The test coordinator’s voice answered Blake. “Roger. Diver Two will be there in a second to help you in.”
“Roger.”
A look of panic appeared on Blake’s face, worrying Peter for an instant. Blake gradually brought both arms up and folded them around his visor so each elbow pointed toward Peter. Blake then started opening and closing them, mimicking a large shark’s mouth as he did the catchy theme song from the movie, Jaws. “Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun.…da-na-naaaa!”
Peter laughed at his partner’s shark impression when the test coordinator’s voice cut him off. “Quit clowning around, Blake.”
Blake wiggled his eyebrows at Peter before stopping the arm movements. “Roger, Boss.”
Peter remembered his old Russian partner clowning around in SpaceQuest’s training pool. Though he hoped he didn’t have to fly the mission, if he did, he was convinced flying with Blake wouldn’t be boring.
THE CONFERENCE ROOM was buzzing from the many small discussions going on as the management team eagerly waited for Walter to start the meeting. With the scheduled blast-off just eight days away, the hope was to get the final go ahead from each manager for a September 21st launch. If everything was cleared, the support team and astronauts would transfer over to the Nevada launch site for final preparations.
Peter sat to the left of Blake, who was reviewing the revised mission procedures manual passed out to all the attendees. Peter had not opened his as of yet. His immediate concern was that his backup was missing. Peter was saving a seat next to him for Jesse, the only remaining one left at the table. This was a meeting the young commander couldn’t miss if there was any chance of him taking Peter’s place and flying the mission. A disturbed look crossed Walter’s face as he looked toward the empty chair before turning to Chris and resuming a private conversation. Peter squeezed his pen as he looked toward the doorway. He was wearing two hats in the meeting, one as the commander of the mission, and the other as the boss of the astronauts.
Blake nudged him with a surprised look as he pointed to something in the manual. Before Peter could look down, the conference door rattled open. He let out a deep sigh when Jesse hustled in. The man had a big grin as he walked with a skip in his step, showing no signs of any back pain. He quickly settled down in the chair next to Peter.
Peter shot him a stern look. “You’re late!”
Excitement animated the veteran’s voice. “Sorry Boss, I had to stop by medical. Good news. I just got cleared to fly. I’m 100 percent.”
Peter bit his upper lip as he nodded. Though he was pleased with the news, a slight stab of disappointment flashed through him. A small part of him was looking forward to going back into space. Regardless, he was happy to see the commander excited. Keeping his cool, he leaned over. “That’s great, but let’s not bring it up now. I’ll have a private meeting with Walter afterward to see about putting you back on the prime crew.”
Jesse gave an enthusiastic nod.
Walter called out as he looked in Jesse’s direction. “All right, looks like everyone’s finally here. Let’s get this meeting underway.” The room quieted down as Walter turned toward his flight and launch directors. “Gentlemen, are we ready to do this?”
The launch director spoke up first. “The Zeus rocket has been moved to the launch pad and at this point is on schedule for a September 21st launch.”
The flight director eagerly followed with excitement in his voice. “Mission control is pumped and ready to go, sir.”
Walter smiled at the young director’s gusto before scanning the table. “Does anyone else have any concerns or reasons on why we should not launch on the twenty-first?”
The room stayed quiet. Walter’s voice became deep and certain. “Good, then let’s create some history.” Walter looked at Peter. “How has the training been going?”
“Great. We’ve practiced all phases of the mission and feel confident and ready to go.”
“How about the spacewalk?”
“Blake looks like a veteran in the NBTL pool. I’m certain he’ll do a great job.”
Chris jumped in as he looked over at the equipment manager. “Is Peter’s spacesuit in yet?”
The manager looked uneasy as he swallowed hard. “No, sir. It was supposed to be in late last week. I’m told it will be overnighted tomorrow, so we should have it Saturday. We ought to be able to do a fitting that afternoon.”
Walter jumped in. “That’s cutting it close with the astronauts transferring to the spaceport on Sunday.”
The manager clenched his jaw as he gave a nervous nod.
“Let’s guarantee that suit does come in on Saturday.” Walter looked at his three astronauts. “Gentlemen you’ll notice we’ve scheduled Blake’s EVA late on the second day. This should allow time for most of the effects of space sickness to subside, if he should experience any.” A dramatic pause floated over the room as the president slowly leaned back in his chair. “Being the first private company to pull off a spacewalk will be a historic achievement. It will grab the world’s attention and make us front-page news. Doing the walk early in the mission ensures all eyes will witness your visit to the ISS. NASA and the world will see exactly what EarthOrbit’s equipment is capable of.”
Peter liked the president’s exuberance.
Walter zeroed in on Peter. “Did you two train for the second EVA?”
Straightening up in his chair, Peter hoped the president wasn’t going to suggest they do the second spacewalk. From the moment he first learned of the proposal, he felt it was simply too ambitious for the young company for their first mission. However, he and Blake did practice it a few times. Its purpose was to show their capability of working in space. Blake was to do a mundane task of opening a bay door and retrieving a tool. “We did.”
“Okay, good. If you notice on the mission procedures, if everything goes as planned, we might have Blake do that EVA after visiting the space station.”
Peter was shocked the second spacewalk was listed. They were pushing their luck. If they were successful with Blake’s first EVA and rendezvousing with the station, regardless if he was in the spacecraft or not, he would suggest forgoing a second spacewalk. But at this point, he believed it was best not to say anything and instead nodded in agreement.
The meeting continued until all aspects of the mission were discussed and cleared. Once Walter was satisfied, he said the launch was a “go,” causing a heartfelt cheer. Peter and the other astronauts would soon be transferring to the Nevada site.
As everyone was leaving the room, Peter held back, hoping to catch Walter alone. He wanted to discuss Jesse replacing him on the mission. He gave a wink to Jesse when he rejected leaving the conference room with the two astronauts. Jesse gave an acknowledging nod, sensing what his boss was about to do. Though going to Walter behind Chris’s back was not the appropriate protocol, he simply didn’t feel comfortable asking Chris.
Peter was soon the last one sitting at the table. He was pretending to be reviewing his paperwork as he watched Walter out of the corner of his eye. The president was in a conversation with both the launch director and Chris by the doorway. Peter patiently waited. He exhaled when Chris excused himself. Soon Walter and the director sounded like they were wrapping things up. Peter started to get up. The president gave a dismissive wave to the director before turning down the hallway. Peter swiftly passed the director, who was going back to the table to retrieve his notepad. Peter turned the corner and hustled toward the moving president. Right before reaching him, he quickly gathered himself, “Walter.”
The president stopped and turned. “Hey, Peter.”
Peter took a deep breath. “Walter, do you have a second?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
Peter softened his voice slightly. “Jesse was just fully cleared by medical. I think we should put him back on the prime crew.”
Walter took a step back. “Have you talked to Chris about th
is?”
Peter’s response was immediate. “Not yet; I just found out.”
Looking down the hallway, Walter put his hand into his pocket. He turned back. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. You’ve been the one doing all the physical training the last two weeks. I doubt he’s ready.”
Surprised by the president’s response, Peter firmly countered. “Sir, Jesse’s ready. In fact, he has a lot more training hours for this mission than I do. He’s definitely more qualified. Besides, my spacesuit is not even here yet.”
The president studied Peter for a moment. “Let me see what Chris thinks. I’m open to putting him back on. However, I want you right by his side going through all the final preparations as if you were flying. I want you to be a plug-n-play if needed.”
Peter gave an understanding nod. “Absolutely.” Peter put his hand on Walter’s shoulder. “Jesse is the perfect man for this job. I’m convinced he’ll execute a perfect mission.”
“That’s why we picked him. We have confidence in him, too. I’ll let you know what Chris says.”
Peter hoped for the best.
19
THE CHANGE
Kuang sat directly across from the MSS man in the empty conference room, done with the small talk. He was anxious to learn the latest on bombing the International Space Station. His impatience must have been obvious since Lin Wu started discussing the subject he was summoned for without waiting for the superior officer to formally introduce it.
Lin spoke with force in his voice. “So far the operation has proceeded as planned. The commercial rocket is on the launch pad in Nevada and scheduled to lift off on Friday. We’ve confirmed the bomb is operational and secured on board.”
Kuang reached over to a small tea tray between the two men. He took hold of the handle of his favorite Yixing clay pot and calmly poured some of the steaming-hot liquid into one of the two purple cups, expecting the taste to be perfect. He first offered the drink to Lin, who politely refused. As Kuang slid the small cup in front of himself, he took in the pleasant green tea aroma as he narrowed his stare on Lin. “Do we have a detailed breakdown of their flight plan?”
“Yes. You will be pleased to learn they are doing a spacewalk prior to rendezvousing with the space station. This historic feat will definitely grab the world’s attention, perfect for our operation to get maximum exposure. Such an embarrassing accident at the ISS witnessed by millions would indubitably set all the rest of the world’s space programs back years, propelling China into the position of the top country in space.”
Kuang crinkled his forehead at the thought of the private company doing a spacewalk, a feat that took his team over a decade to accomplish. He would hate for China to be upstaged by the young firm. He ran his finger around the rim of his cup. “Why are they doing the spacewalk before flying to the ISS?”
Lin’s demeanor stayed steady. “Not sure, but we feel it’s beneficial for our mission.”
Kuang forcefully shook his head, fighting back the impulse to snap at the young man’s shortsightedness. The MSS obviously had no idea how difficult it was to venture out into the harsh environment of space. “It’s too risky. If any problems happen during that spacewalk, it will prevent them from flying near enough to the ISS. I want it rescheduled so it happens after they rendezvous with the station. We cannot chance anything stopping us from achieving our objective. I want you to insist our man changes this immediately.”
Lin’s smug look wilted as he leaned forward against the conference table. He inclined his upper body. “I will personally pass on your request at once.”
Kuang carefully took a sip of the hot tea as he peered at the man over his cup. He was starting to question if the MSS was handling the operation correctly. “How long do they plan on being at the International Space Station?”
“We have been assured they will park by the station for at least twenty-four hours, allowing your agency plenty of time to verify their coordinates before taking control of the ship.”
Kuang warily set the cup down, making sure not to spill. “How close will they get?”
Lin looked at his notes before answering. “Fifty meters.”
Kuang clenched his fist. “Is that close enough?”
“Yes. Once your team starts firing the thrusters, the crew will be confused momentarily. By the time they figure out what is happening, it will be too late to regain control, especially as we counteract any corrections they make.”
“And the MSS will detonate the bomb before impact?”
“Yes, sir, seconds before.”
THE AIR CONDITIONER was running full blast in Peter’s home as he sat comfortably on a bar stool. Anya was barefoot in a pair of tight, white jeans and a loose, blue blouse as she meticulously worked the pots on a stainless steel stove in front of him. His fiancée had been working all day in the kitchen preparing a traditional Russian meal. It was Saturday night, his last evening home before transferring over to the spaceport in Nevada. She wanted to cook him something special as a send off. They had finished the first course, which was a cold soup called Okroshka. She couldn’t wait for him to try the sour milk-based soup that she grew up loving. Though it really wasn’t his thing, he politely endured the bitter flavor as he complimented her on its taste.
Anya was soaking what looked like dumplings in a pot of boiling water. When he had come home from work earlier in the day he had watched her painstakingly hand-making the little pastries, filling each with what looked like minced meat. He was pleased when she had ordered him out of the kitchen after he asked if he could help. Before leaving, he jokingly dotted flour on her nose as he gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek.
He was now starting to feel guilty as he lightly drummed his fingers on the granite countertop while she eagerly worked in front of him. “There must be something I can do to help?”
A smile was playing at both sides of her mouth as she gave him an endearing look. “You just relax and enjoy yourself.”
He definitely was enjoying himself. He wrapped his fingers around the bowl of his chilled wine glass and slowly brought the goblet to his mouth as he watched her turn around and reach for the plates in the upper cabinet. As he took in the wine’s aroma, he proudly admired the beautiful creature from behind. As the chilled liquid flowed over his lips, he realized once again what a lucky son-of-a-gun he was.
Soon the romantic couple sat comfortably across from each other at the dining room table, light jazz playing softly over the sound system. Peter had to block out the unpacked boxes scattered behind her, reminding him of the work he still had to do before they were fully moved in.
Peter lifted his glass for a toast. “Bon Appétit.”
Anya brushed her dark bangs from her eyes as she raised her glass and lightly tapped his, the soft chime echoing over the music. “I hope you like it.”
He took a sip of wine before looking down at the half-moon shaped dumplings neatly arranged on his plate. “So what is this dish called?”
She took a sip before answering. “It’s called Pelmeni. It’s one of my favorites. My grandmother used to make it all the time.”
“Does that mean anything in Russian?”
Her elbow rested on the table as she held the glass near her face. “It actually means ear-shaped bread in the Finnic language.”
Peter saw some dipping sauces. “So do I use my hands or fork?” He grinned. “I want to make sure I eat them the traditional way.”
She smiled. “Russians aren’t barbaric. We use forks.”
He set his glass down. “You know I didn’t mean that.”
She winked. “I know.”
Peter put his napkin in his lap before picking up his fork and stabbing one of the morsels. He dipped the small pastry in hot mustard before bringing it close to his lips. He stopped short of putting it in his mouth, feeling its warmth. He sat frozen, his eyes locked on her. She tilted her head before a sly grin signaled she understood he was being a gentleman, waiting for her to take the fi
rst bite. She promptly set her glass down, speared a dumpling and took a small taste.
Being given the green light, Peter set the whole dumpling on his tongue before closing his teeth gently onto the fork and pulling the food off. He slowly started to chew. Savory flavors and mustard spread across his palate. This is good. Anya stared with her hands clenched, obviously curious what he thought. The bite was too good to rush down, so he took his time chewing. Besides, he liked seeing her squirm. Once he had swallowed the last bit, he lifted his fork and slightly bowed. “That’s damn good. My compliments to the chef.”
Anya’s shoulders relaxed. “I’m so glad you like it.”
“To be honest, I really didn’t have high expectations.” Peter quickly speared another dumpling and dipped it in the same sauce. “But damn, this is good. So what’s in it? Something is giving it that spicy tang.”
“I can’t tell you. It’s my grandmother’s secret.”
Peter grabbed his glass with his free hand and did an imaginary toast. “Well, good job, Grandmother.”
The two proceeded to enjoy the dinner and had a pleasant conversation, never addressing the space mission around the corner. Soon, Anya’s face became serious. “So you’re sure you won’t be flying?”
“I’d say that’s a safe bet. Instead, I’ll be in town next week clearing up some of these unpacked boxes.” Peter pointed to the clutter behind her, before taking a sip of wine. “Jesse was officially put back on the prime crew yesterday, moving me to backup.” He swirled the remaining liquid around in his glass. “I just got checked out in my spacesuit today, which was cutting it close if I were flying. So as long as Jesse stays healthy, he’s the one and he is unquestionably the best man for the job.”
Her crystal-blue eyes stayed fixed on him. “So you’re going out there more as their boss?”
“Yes and no. Management still wants me doing all the same preflight activity as the guys in case Jesse has a relapse, which I’m positive won’t happen. They’re just being overly cautious.”
Space Hoax (Hoax Trilogy Book 2) Page 19
