Confrontation

by William Hayashi

  “Mr.—Patrick, we’re already tapping her phone, screening her email and Internet use. She’s liable to have to communicate about your being transferred up in orbit. If, or when, she does we can keep close watch and hopefully find out who she’s reporting to and working for,” explained Weston.

  “I do have one suggestion, though, that may speed things along,” said John.

  Patrick was too distressed to care much about anything at this point. His girlfriend was a corporate spy, and he was being reassigned into outer space.

  “Yeah, what’s that?” he asked wanly.

  “I would like to suggest a going-away party with people from your department, Ms. Parker, Dr. Milton and maybe even me. I can be his guest, someone from out of town he brings along. All I want to do is get a good look at her, no confrontation or anything else. I’m not going to approach her. Maybe you could even suggest she look after your home while you’re gone,” suggested John.

  “Um, sure. Whatever,” replied Patrick, distractedly.

  “Son, are you all right?” asked Milton.

  Patrick looked directly into Dr. Milton’s eyes and said, “Of course I’m not all right! My fucking girlfriend is a spy and I have to go and probably die in outer space, I am not fucking all right!”

  John left his seat to stand just behind Patrick, alert for anything the young man might do in the way of freaking out, while Weston prepared to intercept him if he went for Milton.

  Milton held up his hand, cautioning the two men to hold off.

  “Pat, are you listening?” Milton began, but got no visible response. He sharply barked out, “Patrick!”

  Looking up at Milton, Patrick said, “What? Yes, I’m listening, but as you might imagine, I have a thing or two on my mind right now. And the two of you can stand down. I’m upset, pissed off even, but I’m not dangerous.”

  John slowly took his seat as Weston made sure nothing untoward was going to happen. Milton pulled a bottle of vodka and four shot glasses from his desk drawer, and without asking, filled all four and passed them out.

  Milton said, “Son, you’re not the first victim of industrial espionage. It happens all the time. And reassigning you serves two very important purposes. First, it gets you away from a potentially explosive situation. Second, it puts you up close and personal on a project that couldn’t have been successful without your contributions. Think of the morale booster it will be for your team having you there.”

  “Small consolation if I end up dying up there,” said Patrick, resigned to his fate.

  “Son, it’s not all that bad. We’ve had exactly one broken finger and a sprained shoulder when Bishop fell off the treadmill. Your fear of impending doom just isn’t rational. I’ve already signed you up for a refresher beginning tomorrow. You’ll be on the transport leaving at the end of next week. That gives you the rest of the week to wind things up, figure out what you want to take with you, and have that party this weekend. I know it’s all sudden, but this project is too important, it has too many people counting on a successful outcome. I don’t want any taint sticking to you because of this unfortunate circumstance; especially if it would damage your reputation in such a way that this would be the last time you work in this industry.”

  “Yeah, okay, I get it. But I don’t have to like it,” replied Patrick in a surly tone. “I don’t get why I have to have a fucking party celebrating my imminent demise.”

  Tom Weston finally spoke up. “Call it a going-away party, or if I get you right, call it a wake. If you’re that upset about being in orbit, then your colleagues and Ms. Parker will understand some out-of-character behavior. That works to everyone’s benefit and makes these last few days easier for you. And wouldn’t you want to be cleared as soon as possible, maybe shaving some time off your posting in space?”

  “Am I going to be charged with some kind of crime?” Patrick asked.

  “Of course not, unless you were collaborating with Ms. Parker in the theft of private communications. No, NASA and GST believe that this matter must be investigated as quickly and quietly as possible. Furthermore, Dr. Milton has expressed a desire that you be spared any involvement in the investigation, so it’s off to space for the duration,” Weston replied.

  “Gentlemen, why don’t you let Pat and me hash everything out and I’ll be in touch later?” Milton requested.

  “No problem. Patrick, things aren’t all that bad. We’re very good at what we do. I’m sure we can get this situation resolved in no time at all. As a matter of fact, I rather envy you. Even if you aren’t enamored of being in space, it’s still a very small, very exclusive fraternity to belong to,” Weston said, getting to his feet.

  John also rose, shook hands with Milton and Patrick. “I’m looking forward to seeing you this weekend.”

  * * *

  Sydney was working on her summary of the explorations into recruiting new members to the community. The logistics were insurmountable unless she could work from Earth, or maybe from a base on the moon. Neither idea was optimal, given the fact that the US military could track their spacecraft.

  Though deep into her report, Sydney was happy to see Joy when she arrived home from her school activities.

  “Hey, honey. How was school?” Sydney asked.

  Joy walked through the living room and into her own room without a word.

  Sydney frowned, wondering what was up. She rose and went to knock on Joy’s door.

  “Joy, honey. Is something wrong?”

  Getting no answer, Sydney opened the door and found Joy lying on her bed, face buried in her pillow.

  Sydney entered the room and sat on the bed. She rubbed Joy’s back, waiting a few moments before she tried again.

  “Joy, did something happen in school today? Did you have an argument with one of your friends?”

  Joy pulled her face out of the pillow and turned to face her mother.

  “No,” she answered, tiredly.

  “Then what happened? Why are you sad?”

  “I’m sad because everyone on Earth hates us.”

  Surprised, Sydney asked, “What makes you think that? What did you hear?”

  “I didn’t hear anything! I read it on the news. Everyone wants us to give them all our things and they’re sending a spaceship to try to take them from us,” said Joy. “Clifford says they’re coming with bombs and missiles to blow us up if we don’t do what they want,” Joy said with a soft sniffle.

  “Oh, honey. That’s not true at all. If they come here they are only going to talk to us, not fight.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I was one of the last people to come here before we left the moon. When I left Earth, everyone there was trying to find out who we were and how we got there. Then we left the moon and came to live out here near Mars and Jupiter. You know your uncles Chris, Chuck and Peanut would never let anything happen to our special home. You shouldn’t worry, or be sad.”

  “So what do I say to Clifford and the rest when they try to scare everyone?” asked Joy. “They made Justine’s little sister cry.”

  “You tell them that your uncles would never let any of us get hurt and that they are being silly. Come here, sweetheart,” Sydney said, gathering Joy in for a hug. “Are you feeling better?”

  “I’ll be all right, mommy. I was sad thinking that there was going to be a big fight. I don’t want to fight.”

  Sydney gave a little laugh as she squeezed Joy tight. “No one is going to fight, I promise you. Now how about we have a special dinner? Would you like to go out and eat in the cafeteria, or would you like a really, really special dinner at Sherman’s?”

  Joy excitedly pulled herself away from Sydney’s grasp and asked, “And can I have a chocolate ice cream sundae?”

  “Of course you can, darling. Now go clean up and pick out what you want to wear, we’ll leave in an hour, okay?
”

  “Okay, mommy!” said Joy, jumping up and running to the bathroom.

  Sydney walked to her study and closed the door.

  “Genesis?”

  “Yes, Sydney. How may I be of assistance?”

  “Who was teaching Joy’s class today?”

  “Justine gave everyone their assignments. I was monitoring their research into Earth current events.”

  “Were you listening in on any of the children’s conversations?”

  “I was not. They were assigned to work on their own.”

  “Thank you, Genesis. Please connect me to Justine.”

  “Hello, Sydney. What’s up? Is it something with Joy’s homework?”

  “Nothing like that. However, she did come home very upset. Apparently some of the children were discussing the possibility of an attack by the Earth missions being sent here. Did you hear anything of their conversation?” asked Sydney.

  “No, I didn’t hear what was said, but I did find out that Clifford was the main instigator. His mother is on Peanut’s tech engineering team and they’re working on some of the defensive systems on the new jumpers. He probably overheard some of her conversations,” Justine explained.

  “I just wondered what happened, and whether or not you were aware of what was going on.”

  “Is Joy all right?” Justine asked.

  “She’s fine. She was sad and worried about a fight when the missions get here. I’m taking her to Sherman’s tonight as a treat,” said Sydney.

  Justine laughed and said, “I’m sure she’s going to like that. Tell you what, I’m going to keep and eye on her group over the next few days, maybe try to head off another incident. Clifford upset my sister as well. We definitely don’t need any more nonsense like that. I’ll keep and ear out and you posted.”

  “Good enough. Thanks for everything. We’ll catch up soon.”

  “Have fun tonight!” Justine said as she ended the call.

  * * *

  “Mr. President, is it still your position that the money spent on this mission is fully justified?” asked the CNN reporter.

  “Absolutely. Project Jove is going to gather an enormous amount of investigative data about our solar system, and more importantly, about how man is going to travel between the planets far into the future,” answered Laughlin.

  “A followup, if I may. Then what do you say to critics of this joint private venture with the world’s largest multinational, who claim that the U.S. is continuing a long history of policies that benefit private enterprise at the expense of the taxpaying citizens of this country? Private industry internalizes profit that should benefit taxpayers while externalizing risk, in effect having the government picking up the tab. My followup to you is, what guarantees do the people have that if any technological benefit should arise from this mission, the taxpayers will directly benefit and not be charged through the nose by GST for any technology from the mission?”

  “Global Space Technologies has spent over half a trillion dollars on this project alone; that is a sizable investment. This mission wouldn’t have been possible without the support of private industry,” Laughlin said, then pointed to another reporter. “Yes?”

  “There’s been push-back on your selection of an academic as mission commander. People are speculating that Dr. Roscoe is nothing more than a cynical figurehead and one of the so-called mission specialists is really calling the shots. How do you respond to the allegation?”

  Laughlin chuckled, visibly amused. “Have you ever spoken to Dr. Roscoe, Howard?”

  “No, I haven’t. I don’t think anyone here has. What’s the joke, if I may ask, Mr. President?”

  “There’s no joke. However, I would love for you to ask Dr. Roscoe the same question at tomorrow’s press conference in Houston,” Laughlin replied. “Yes, what’s on your mind, Diane?”

  “Can you give us any preview of the presser tomorrow in Houston, Mr. President?”

  “Dr. Paul Milton is going to introduce the Jove crew, their backups and the mission commander, Dr. Susan Roscoe. Dr. Roscoe will also be giving prepared remarks and if I’m not mistaken, she will be fielding questions from the press,” Laughlin replied. “Okay, everybody. For those of you traveling in the pool with us, I’ll see you bright and early in the morning.”

  “Thank you, Mr. President.”

  As Laughlin exited the briefing room, Dawkins said to him, “They’re going to be loaded for bear tomorrow. You going to go back on the flight down and chat them up?”

  “What? Feed them hors d’oeuvres on the flight before they go after the raw meat? I think not. I plan to make my remarks and then turn the whole thing over to Paul. Let him and Dr. Roscoe fend for themselves; they’ll be fine.”

  “From your mouth to God’s ear, Mr. President,” she said, laughing.

  * * *

  “Distinguished guests, members of the Project Jove team, ladies and gentlemen of the press, and those of you watching around the world, welcome to the Johnson Space Center. It is my great honor to have been invited to make a few short remarks before Dr. Paul Milton, the head of Project Jove, introduces the world to the Jove mission crew and their alternates.

  “This mission has been nearly ten years in the making. And many have characterized it as a useless attempt to contact those who have indicated they want nothing more than to be left alone. I disagree. This mission is NASA’s first important step in colonizing other worlds in our solar system. We have looked to Mars as the next frontier for our nation’s space program, and Project Jove is going to leave behind an orbital space station even larger than the International Space Station. NASA has the largest contingent of astronauts in orbit in history.

  “All of these accomplishments are important milestones in extending our reach off of our birth planet to eventually visit other solar systems. The research conducted by the Project Jove mission specialists will be invaluable, and will benefit the citizens of this country in ways we can scarcely imagine, just as it was with the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and shuttle programs. Of this you can be sure. Project Jove is just the beginning of exploration beyond our own moon, and is an exciting moment in history for us all. Thank you.

  “And without further ado, I would like to introduce NASA’s Dr. Paul Milton, the director of Project Jove. Please give him a warm welcome,” Laughlin concluded.

  The crowd gave an enthusiastic ovation, with the NASA staff standing.

  “Thank you, Mr. President, and honored guests. Thank you very much. Please, everyone be seated,” Milton said, pausing as everyone took their seats.

  “As President Laughlin said, this is NASA’s most historic mission, for several reasons. We are extending NASA’s reach farther than ever before in an historic journey. And though many would point out that we are seemingly chasing men and women who have eclipsed NASA’s capabilities, our accomplishments are no less noble, no less laudable, and no less remarkable.

  “The people you see behind me are the best-trained mission specialists that NASA has ever produced. And, this is only Jove’s maiden voyage! In the service of sustainability, if that’s a real word, this spacecraft will take many voyages throughout our solar system. The lifespan of the Jove spacecraft cannot be calculated at this point, but current estimates point to over a decade’s worth of journeys before the need for retrofit or replacement. But before I wax too poetic, let me introduce you to Project Jove’s crew.

  “From your left to right we have, Harriette Manson, Sybil Woodson, Phyllis Barnes, Rachel Cole, Judith Smith, David Carpenter, Peter Gordon and Chester Grier. The three alternates are Allison Jane, Thomas Long and Tyrone Dolittle,” said Milton, then paused for the inevitable applause.

  “And finally, I would like to introduce you to Project Jove’s mission commander, Dr. Susan Roscoe,” Milton said, stepping away from the podium so the assembled could better see Dr. Roscoe a
s they applauded.

  They observed that Dr. Roscoe was a trim-looking woman, about five foot, seven inches tall. Her slender build made her appear somewhat younger than her fifty-two years. She was dressed in her Project Jove singlet uniform with matching jacket, captain’s bars on each shoulder.

  She approached the podium and waited for the applause to die down.

  “Thank you, Mr. President, Dr. Milton, and thank all of you for that reception. To say that I’m overwhelmed is a gross understatement, and it goes without saying that I am greatly humbled and honored to have been selected to lead this mission. The opportunities are tremendous for the exploration of space well outside the Earth/Moon system.

  “Dr. Milton is correct in stating that my fellow crewmates are the best that NASA has to offer. Their capabilities are literally second to none, and I can only hope that my training will enable me to contribute significantly to the mission.

  “I would be less than honest if I didn’t express my hope that once we get out to the asteroid belt, that we can open a dialogue with the community there. There is much we can learn from them, in addition to the hope that they will be persuaded to rejoin the greater Earth community. But I digress.

  “I’m truly looking forward to the end of my training here in Houston, going out to the cape and finally getting a look at my home for the next two years once I’m in orbit,” Roscoe concluded, catching Milton rising from her chair and approaching the podium out of the corner of her eye.

  “Thank you, Dr. Roscoe,” he said to loud, exuberant clapping and hoots of encouragement.

  “Dr. Roscoe and the other members of the mission crew will be available to the press immediately after this program, so everyone get your questions ready. Again, I would like to thank President Laughlin for honoring Project Jove’s crew rollout, and of course the thousands of NASA and GST personnel who are making this historic mission possible. Thank you all for coming. I’ll see you at the reception,” Milton concluded.