Moon Hoax

10 WHAT TO DO

Jack was getting ready to go to lunch when he was summoned to the president’s office. The UN had gone public with their findings, stating there was not enough evidence to prove the United States landed on the moon, and the case was going to the International Court of Justice to reach a conclusion. The president was obviously upset when he called. He wanted to meet with Jack immediately to discuss the possibility of getting an agent to the moon. He’d received Doug’s report and wanted to review it. Because of the urgency in the president’s voice, Jack skipped lunch and hurried to the White House.

As he walked in the oval office, he saw the president finishing up his lunch. “Eating on the job, sir?” Jack eyed a large half of a turkey sandwich still left on the plate.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a day as president where I haven’t worked through lunch. There always seems to be a crisis going on, and there just isn’t enough time in the day. I try to take advantage of every opportunity I get.” The president wiped his mouth. He put the napkin on the tray and pushed it slightly to the side, signaling he was done. As if watching, his executive assistant was there instantly to take it away.

Jack’s stomach growled as he took a seat across from the president, pulling out a notepad and pen from his briefcase. As the assistant walked past he couldn’t help eyeing the remaining half of the turkey sandwich, knowing it probably tasted as good as any food he had eaten at the White House. As much as he wanted it, he shouldn’t ask. “I know the feeling,” said Jack, watching the sandwich leave the office.

The president swiveled his chair over to lean back before plopping his feet on his desk. “Did you find out anything more about Chris Riddick?”

Jack put the sandwich and his hunger out of his mind. “Yes, sir, and you were right. One of the Vegas hotels where Chris has a high gambling debt is owned by a Chinese company. Though we suspect the Chinese Mafia is managing the hotel, this is not yet confirmed. I imagine he has been threatened.”

“Dammit,” said the president as he removed his feet and vaulted forward. “That’s enough for me. You need to bring him in and find out what he knows. We can’t risk our plan getting in the hands of the Chinese. If you have to lock him up, do it!”

Jack confidently nodded his head. “I’m way ahead of you sir. Chris was put on leave as soon as we learned of the connection and is currently being questioned in our offices.”

“Good.” The president lifted up a binder on his desk. “Here is Doug’s report on getting one of your agents to the moon.”

Eyeing the binder, Jack shook his head. “It still surprises me the UN actually considers we never landed.”

The president’s tone softened as he answered. “They’re just going off the facts put before them, and unfortunately those damn Chinese have done a good job skewing the truth.” The president started shuffling through papers on his desk looking for something. His face perked up when he found what he was looking for—a magazine. He tossed it to Jack, startling him. “Look at that. We got an early release. Looks like the Chinese even have Americans questioning the landings.”

Jack studied the magazine’s cover, which had a picture of a taikonaut in his spacesuit jumping high above the lunar surface while saluting the Chinese flag next to him. It was an identical picture to one of America’s more famous shots, known as the “Jump Salute.” Though Jack couldn’t remember which NASA astronaut did the salute, he had seen the photo many times and always thought it was one of the more impressive shots taken on the moon. It made sense the Chinese would pick such a well known picture to duplicate so they could get the world’s attention. The caption read, Moon Hoax? “Does the magazine back up China’s claim?”

“Not exactly. They try to stay objective.” The president leaned back and crossed his arms. “They had the picture analyzed and stated it was authentic-looking and questioned that it could have been done in a studio or doctored up in any way. But they never come out and say it was taken on the moon. They go on to state some facts. But what really surprises me is their latest poll, which shows over half of America now questions that the landings ever occurred. Americans! I couldn’t believe it.”

Jack placed the magazine back on the president’s desk, shaking his head.

The president continued. “Looks like the UN will be putting out a resolution in the next day or so banning us from space flights because of that ridiculous claim we have ballistic missiles in space. We need to make some decisions now on how we are going to end this crap. I do not want China pushing us around.”

Jack just shook his head in silence, wondering what the president’s next move was.

The president suddenly lowered his voice. “I reviewed Doug’s report on what it would take to get one of your agents to the moon. Before I go into too much detail, I want you to know they did not come up with any way of saving your man. He will die on this mission, and I have a hard time with that. I can’t just send a man out to space to die unless I’m sure this is the best and only option available. Considering all the space exploration that has gone on over the last fifty years, not one man has ever died in space. I would hate for the first one to be an American.”

Making sure all options were considered, especially any that could bring his agent back alive, Jack asked, “Did they consider sending a manned NASA rocket directly to the moon?”

“Yes. Doug looked into reviving the Constellation program for this mission. The report says even if NASA found the budget to do this and they cut corners by limiting the needed testing, the best they could still do is over a year. I assume by that time the UN would have lifted the ban. Besides that is too long to wait. By then China will have a stranglehold on us and the world.”

Jack needed to put the president at ease. “Sir, I hate whenever I approve an assignment that has a slim chance of survival. However, every agent accepts that their job may require this at any time. Every one of them has taken an oath that their country comes first, even if it requires the ultimate sacrifice. They understand their job is to serve their country and the president.”

“I’m pleased to hear that, but as commander-in-chief it is never easy making a decision that costs American lives. Before I ever make such decisions I always think back to my father’s death, and the grief I felt. I always want to make sure I remind myself every person has someone who loves them and who will be hurting deeply when they pass away. I want to make sure I have considered all options. I never take death lightly.”

Appreciating the president’s concern for his men, Jack said, “Sir, I understand. But I am sure any one of our agents would be proud to take on this mission and end this crisis.”

The president looked out the window for a moment. Without turning he said, “I want to be assured whomever you present this to is informed it’s strictly a volunteer mission and declining it will have no effect on his future.”

“I will make sure I present it that way, sir.”

The president turned back. “It will take one brave, lucky man to pull this thing off. He will definitely be a hero in my book and I will make sure his efforts are never forgotten.”

Jack nodded.

The president patted the binder in front of him. “Doug’s report says the quickest way of getting your man to the moon is using the space station’s escape pod as discussed in our last meeting. Unfortunately, since the space station is considered international property, we would have to get approval from all the contributing nations. Of course they would never approve of such an operation, so it must be done without their permission. In other words, your agent will have to hijack the escape pod.”

Jack’s eyes grew wide as he straightened in his chair. “Wow, hijack the escape pod! That might be a challenge for one man.”

“We don’t expect too much resistance from the crew, so one man could probably handle it. Also, regarding modifying the Soyuz, we lucked out. Doug learned that one of the escape pods docked at the station is a newer version Soyuz, called the K model. Apparently, this model has been modified for lunar travel. According to Doug, the Russians were hoping to charge paying tourists $100 million each for the chance to swing around the moon. Can you believe that?”

“Wow, that’s a lot of money.” Jack jotted down some notes.

“More than I have. The project was stalled after the recession and the booster rocket that was to take it to the moon was never built. However, the manufacture of the Soyuz was too far along to stop production on a couple of these prototypes, so Russia paid for them and put them in service. So according to the report, all that needs to be done to this Soyuz is attaching that plasma engine, which makes it more doable by one man.” The president linked his fingers behind his head.

Jack was tapping his pen on his notepad still thinking the operation sounded tricky. “Sir, you know such a takeover at the space station would definitely become a major international event. It would be all over the news.”

“No doubt, and China will probably figure out why he is doing it. Maybe that will ruffle some Beijing feathers.” The president smiled broadly. “Though one man should be able to pull this off, Doug did suggest there would be a better chance of success if it was a two-man mission. I hate for two men to die. I’ll let you and your agents decide what would give the mission the best chance of succeeding.”

Jack scribbled down a note. “How do we plan on getting our agent up to the space station? Will he go up with SpaceQuest as Doug mentioned?”

“That looks like the best way. We looked into putting him on a Russian flight, but after discussions with Russia, it was made very clear they do not want to get involved. We even considered having your agent go undercover as a backup astronaut that we insert onto a prime crew going to the space station, but Doug feels this would be impossible to pull off without drawing suspicion. Plus there would be too many repercussions that could come up with Russia and the world if the mission was unsuccessful. Right now, it looks like the best option is to go with SpaceQuest.”

Jack was struggling with the idea of his man going into space with an unproven commercial company. “Are they ready to send a man into space?”

The president nodded. “Doug feels they are. Even though they’re late on their first resupply mission, they still have had a few successful test launches. They’re much farther along than NASA, even if we tried to revive the Shuttle program, which I would be against anyway. I prefer NASA and the Air Force stay out of this so we don’t go directly against the UN sanctions. Doug verified SpaceQuest’s capsule would only need minor modifications to be able to handle a manned flight.”

“So if they get our man to the space station, how is he going to attach the plasma engine to the Soyuz?”

“The full details on how to do this are still being worked out. But it looks like he will attach the engine with explosive bolts during a spacewalk. These bolts will detonate after the engine does its job and jettison it free early during the flight. Doug promised to provide a detailed procedure on how to do this in less than a week, along with the recommended training.”

“What about the fuel for the engine?”

“It looks like there is enough fuel at the station, but this still needs to be confirmed as well as how to transfer it.”

Jack’s unease with the whole idea must have shown on his face, as the president added, “This probably will take a miracle to work and if your man is successful, he still dies. That’s why I want to make sure he understands what he is taking on and no pressure is put on him to accept. But I consider this a national crisis. I know you have a difficult decision deciding who you feel should take this mission. But the agent you choose will be doing a needed and honorable service for his country.” The president leaned back to let Jack think for a moment before asking, “You mentioned you had an agent in mind. Who is it?”

Jack hesitated, knowing any agent he mentioned would probably take on the mission, and thus he was giving him a death sentence. But he and Gavin agreed Peter was the best man for the job. “Peter Novak, sir.”

“The son of Tom Novak?” asked the president with a flash of surprise in his eyes.

“Yes, sir. He is our best SID agent and is well qualified for such a mission.”

“Interesting. Well, I guess he has a vested interest in all of this. Do you think he would be willing to give his life for this mission?”

“I hear he’s pissed at the Chinese. He said his dad has been struggling with all the crap that has been coming his way ever since the accusations came out.” Jack briefly looked out the window before turning back and saying, “He has never turned down a mission. I think he’d take it.”

The president tossed a copy of Doug’s report to him. “Everything’s in there. You’ll notice Doug contacted the CEO of SpaceQuest, Allen Ferguson. Since they’re a private company, we cannot be held responsible for any launches they put into space. Of course we would have to reprimand them after the fact. But if the mission is successful, all will be forgotten. Allen is an old friend of Doug’s. Doug will make sure all the needed equipment for the mission and training is passed on to SpaceQuest. Have Peter work through Allen.” The president’s tone suddenly hardened. “Jack, if Peter accepts this mission he can no longer be connected to the CIA. I do not want our fingerprints on this in any way. The only line of communication will be between Allen and Doug. Peter will need to resign from SID, and only a few of us will know he’s doing this for America. In fact, he needs to know our official response will be to denounce the act when it happens. It’s probably a good thing his dad was a moonwalker. It would seem more plausible to the world that a rogue agent would do this for his dad. Once this is put in motion, I do not want him contacting you or any other U.S. agency. He must do this on his own, and I pray to God he is successful.”

Jack jotted down his last notes. “Yes, sir. Understood.”

AS PETER WALKED into Gavin’s office, he sensed his boss was uncharacteristically tense. They were all upset with the findings presented by the UN, but Gavin seemed disturbed and uneasy for some other reason. Peter assumed the reason had to do with why he was called to his office.

When Peter sat, Gavin walked over and locked his door, something he had never done before. When he crossed back and sat behind his desk, a worried look crept onto his face. Feeling he needed to lighten the mood, Peter jokingly asked, “You seem a little agitated, boss. Have you eaten lunch?”

Not smiling, Gavin responded in a serious tone, “No I haven’t, but that’s not my problem.”

Gavin put both arms on his desk and slightly leaned toward Peter and looked him squarely in his eyes. “Peter, I have a top secret mission passed on by the president. Once I heard the details, you were the only agent I considered, and I told Jack such.”

Wow, directly from the president, that’s a first.

Gavin went on. “The mission calls for you to do something that has not happened in almost forty years and will probably take a miracle to succeed.”

Peter’s eyes narrowed. What the hell am I getting myself into—forty years and a miracle to succeed? So what. I can handle it, bring it on! No goddamn way am I ever going to turn down a mission. Never have, never will. If it’s hard and the odds are long, I’m your man, baby!

Gavin paused for awhile, as if trying to figure out the best way to say what he wanted to convey. “This mission requires you to go to the moon. The purpose is to take detailed pictures and videos of a few of our landing sites plus China’s and relay this information back to us. Of course you will have to first disengage the laser in order to accomplish this mission.”

Peter practically fell out of his chair. “Wow, go to the moon?” A million thoughts and questions raced through his excited mind. How in the world are they going to get me to the moon? Does NASA have a moon rocket I’m unaware of? Why the hell is Gavin so distraught telling me this? He knows how badly I’ve wanted to fly in space, and this mission is the granddaddy of them all!

“There is one major problem with this mission,” added Gavin.

Peter straightened in his chair. Oh shit… here it comes. He rubbed his hands on his pant legs, waiting for Gavin’s response.

“At this point, NASA has a plan on how to get you to the moon,” Gavin paused momentarily, Peter hanging on every word, “but has no way of getting you back.”

The news was a punch to Peter’s gut. He slumped into his chair, shaking his head. Damn! He could handle missions with slim chances of survival, even those with chances of being captured, but one with no chance of survival at all! That was a different story. Now he understood why Gavin was distraught.

It was a suicide mission.

Peter loved life, and as much as he wanted to do this for his country and his dad, to lose his life in the process changed everything. “Any chance of finding a way to get me back?”

“I don’t think so,” Gavin said shaking his head.

Peter had to ease the tension in the air. “Wow, you get me excited with a mission of a lifetime, and then you tell me I have to die for it.”

Not wavering from his serious tone, Gavin leaned back in his chair. “Peter, this is the ultimate sacrifice for your country and I know it will be a difficult decision to make. I want you to know there will be no negative consequences on your future with this agency if you turn down this mission. That came down directly from the president and Jack backs it. However, I will need your answer within the next forty-eight hours.”

What the hell am I going to do? I sure don’t want to die, too many women out there. But to go to the moon, wow! I have to at least hear the details. Peter leaned back in his chair and asked, “So how exactly am I going to get to the moon? Does NASA have a rocket available?”

Gavin cleared his throat. “No. In fact NASA will not be involved with the mission, and neither will SID. If you take this on, you will have to resign from the CIA. The U.S. cannot be associated in any way. Only a few of us will know you are doing this for America. NASA has laid out the preliminary plan for getting you to the moon, but you will have to carry it out on your own. Or if you choose, I can provide another agent to support you. It’s up to you.”

Peter rubbed his neck. “Why kill two men if one can handle it? Of course I have to hear the details, but if I feel there isn’t a better chance of success with help, then I might as well go it alone. So exactly how is this whole thing going to work?”

Gavin went on to explain the mission. As Peter heard the particulars, he became intrigued by the whole plan. This was not going to be an easy decision. After Gavin was done, Peter needed time to think. Gavin understood and reminded him not to speak with anyone. He suggested Peter take some time off and get back to him in a couple of days.

PETER DECIDED TO TAKE GAVIN up on his offer. He felt the best place to make his decision was visiting his parents in Houston. He was in his hotel room packing for the trip. He was pissed his room hadn’t been cleaned even though it was late afternoon. He was always messy in hotels, knowing he had the luxury of a maid to tidy up. This must be the maid’s last stop. He grudgingly worked through the mess. As he packed he couldn’t help thinking of the amazing mission offered to him. In his wildest dreams, he never thought he would ever get such an opportunity, to go where only a handful of men had gone. The moon was the ultimate assignment, but unfortunately, one that would cost him his life. He equated it to being tempted by the hottest lady in the bar, who happened to have a deadly transferable disease. Is the thrill worth losing your life over? This was not going to be an easy decision. If he decided to take on the mission, this visit to Houston could be the last time he would see his parents. He was struggling with what he should do.

As he continued packing, the shrill sound of his cell phone cut through the air. Having no idea where it was, he maneuvered through the mess searching for it. His ears indicated the sound came from the desk. Of course there was a bunch of crap on it. Why do I have to be such a slob? Good thing it kept ringing as he searched. He finally had its position pegged when he lifted a wet towel. There it was, still ringing. He picked up the phone and looked at the display: “Mom.” She must have finally gotten his message and she was going to be all excited that her only child was finally coming home. He pressed “accept” hoping to catch her before the call was sent to voicemail. “Hello, Mom.”

“Hello, honey,” she said with sadness in her voice.

Surprised she sounded so grim he asked, “Something wrong, Mom?”

“Peter, I have some terrible news,” she said. She paused, as if she were trying to compose herself before telling him something important.

His heart sank, beating harder at the note in her voice. “What is it?”

Finally, she said in a crackling voice, “Your dad had a major heart attack this morning.”

The words hung in Peter’s ear. Numbly, he said, “Is he okay? Mom, tell me, is he?”

Her voice filled with pain. “It’s pretty serious. He is unconscious. The doctors have been unable to make a diagnosis.”

Peter swallowed his fear. Stay calm. “How did it happen?”

“On the treadmill in his office. He was lying unconscious when I arrived, his head caught up in the handrails. Blood all over the place from a hit to his forehead. I was so scared. I quickly turned off the machine and cradled his head. I called out his name, but he never answered.”

Peter staggered back on the bed stunned as his mom started to cry.

“The TV was on a news channel questioning the landings.” His mom’s tone suddenly hardened. “I’m sure that’s what set him off and caused this.” She took a deep breath. “Peter, I’m so scared. I can’t lose him. I don’t know what I’d do without him. He’s my life!”

Peter tightened his grip on the phone as he lowered his head, wishing he was by her side to comfort her. “I don’t want to lose dad either. I’m sure all will be okay. You know how strong he is. I’m sure he’ll do everything he can to stay with us.” Peter took a deep breath before saying, “He doesn’t want to lose you either, Mom.”

“I pray you’re right, son.”

“Where is he now?”

“He’s in the emergency ward,” she said. “We’re at Mission Hospital.”

“Keep me posted on any updates. I was scheduled to fly out early this evening, but I’ll get to the airport as soon as I can and take the earliest flight out.”

“I love you. Please hurry.”

“Don’t worry. Call me with any news.”

Peter hung up, and tossed his phone on the bed before he slumped over and put his head in his hands. Dad could die because of those damn lies. In disgust he grabbed one of the pillows and heaved it across the room. “Dammit!” Maybe I should take on the mission. Prove those assholes wrong. Peter lifted his head and looked out the window. But what if Dad dies? I can’t leave Mom. He was now even more confused.