Moon Hoax

22 GOING BACK

SpaceQuest’s senior team was gathered in the conference room in the operations and check out building. The room was elegantly decorated with beautiful pictures of past rockets launched from Cape Canaveral, including the Saturn V that took Peter’s dad to the moon. The team was meeting for the final launch check-out, reviewing complete mission requirements and the final checklist to insure the team and rocket were ready for launch. The Newton 9 had already been transferred over to the pad, erected and patiently waiting for its June 28 launch, just three days away. If all checked out okay in this meeting, the countdown would begin. Sitting at the head of the table was Allen. Next to him on his right were Peter and Viktor and, across from them sat Bud, the launch director, and Bernie, the flight director.

Allen wanted everything cleared in this meeting before he would give the official go for launch, allowing Bernie to fly back to California and get Mission Control ready for the flight. His team would take over responsibility of the spacecraft from Bud’s team once the rocket cleared the tower, flying it to within fifty meters of the space station before passing control to Peter.

Sitting on the conference table in front of Allen was an odd looking piece of equipment with blinking red lights.

“What’s that?” asked Peter.

“That’s your bomb,” answered Allen with a grin. “Or should I say, fake bomb. I had Engineering put it together. The plan is to have some fake C-4 explosives on the floor of the capsule with this detonator hooked up to it. Looks pretty impressive, huh?” Allen proudly slid the detonator over to Peter.

Peter was surprised how light the contraption was when he picked it up. “Anything inside?”

“Nope, just one AAA battery. It’s all about appearance. On the back you’ll find a very small switch. Move it.” Allen gestured to flip a switch, still grinning.

Peter put his hand around the back, locating the switch and flipping it. The blinking red lights switched to blinking green.

“You just armed the bomb,” chuckled Allen. “You’ll have to set the timer before docking with the station. You can have the ISS commander peek inside the capsule if he insists on seeing it. Tell him the bomb was set when you docked and is scheduled to blow in thirty hours, unless you disarm it. Stress to him it’s designed to go off if tampered with. Obviously, if they mess with it they’ll immediately know it’s a fake. I doubt you’ll have any issues since the crew doesn’t want a bomb going off in a capsule docked to the space station. The code name for the bomb is Red Baseball.”

Perplexed, Peter asked, “Why Red Baseball?”

“Why not? I wanted it called something that couldn’t be associated with a bomb, and since the cover is red and I’m a baseball nut, I decided on Red Baseball.” Allen turned to Bud. “So how’s the weather looking for Thursday?”

“Right now the forecast looks to be overcast,” said Bud, who came across as a straightforward kind of guy with little personality. Bud was a perfectionist whom Allen trusted to ensure all aspects of the launch would be covered.

“Any chance of thunderstorms?”

“Less than 5 percent.”

“Good. Well, different than the Shuttle, we can launch the Newton 9 in cloudy weather as long as there is no lighting around,” said Allen.

Peter whispered to Viktor, “Are you going to be okay with that?” From his NASA experience he knew the Shuttle couldn’t launch in cloudy conditions because of safety reasons. Since the Shuttle was basically a dropping rock with wings, the pilot needed clear visibility to return to the launch site and land safely in an emergency situation. Unfortunately, the capsule Peter and Viktor were flying was a modified cargo transport which had no emergency return system in place.

Allen said, “I’m confident she’ll get you in orbit. We just won’t be able to track you visually through the clouds.”

Peter got an acceptance nod from Viktor before turning to Allen. “We’re confident, too.”

Allen turned back to Bud. “When is the launch window on Thursday?”

“3:04 p.m. to 3:14 p.m.”

“So if we miss that we have to reschedule for the next day?”

“Yep. In order for the Galileo to be in the same orbit as the space station, it must launch in that time frame. We will shoot for 3:08.”

“Damn that sounds tight. What if we launch at 3:15?”

“We miss it,” said Bud, matter-of-fact.

Peter nodded; he was familiar with launch windows as well. Earth’s rotation was not to be denied any more than gravity. He asked Bud, “If we get into its orbit, how long will it take to catch the space station?”

Bernie chimed in, “We calculate around twelve hours, but that brings up another problem.”

“What’s that?” asked Allen.

“The good thing is we’re getting to the ISS quicker than we originally expected. The bad news is Peter and Viktor could be doing their first spacewalk within thirty-six hours of launch.”

“What’s wrong with that?” asked Allen.

Bernie said, “We know Viktor has flown into space, but Peter hasn’t. What if he gets sick? It will take him two days to recover. I know we agreed to do the space walk as soon as possible in order to get a jump on China, but I assumed that wouldn’t have happened until late in the second day at the earliest.”

If Peter threw up in his helmet during a spacewalk, he could die. Wanting to put everyone at ease, he said, “I know there is no way of predicting whether I’ll be sick or not. But I’ll make sure not to make any rapid head or body movements while in orbit. And don’t forget Pop never got sick. So hopefully it’s a hereditary thing.” Peter slightly tilted his head and raised one eyebrow. “But just in case, I’ll make sure not to eat a large meal before launch.”

Allen, staying serious said, “Right now, the first spacewalk is set within the first twenty-four hours at the space station. We can’t afford to wait. Once China realizes what’s going on, they’ll definitely start fueling their rocket.”

Bernie said, “Okay. We know both men need to do a nitrogen purge before doing the spacewalk anyways, and this camp out will probably happen during an overnight sleep. So there’s a chance he might be recovered by then.”

Allen looked at Peter. “Doug wants us to supply him with continuous updates until you leave the space station and you’re dealing with Russia’s mission control. So from these updates we’ll know how you’re doing and can make a team decision then.”

Allen took a peek at his notes. “I was told that NASA calculated there’s enough fuel at the station for the VASIMR engine to give you the required boost needed. So as we suspected, there is no need to take up extra propellant. Also, we finally received the template for the VASIMR bolting pattern from NASA. It’s folded into six pieces and stored in Galileo.”

Bernie asked, “What about the SAFERs?”

Allen had requested two of the propulsive backpack systems from NASA to be used in an emergency. He said, “Only one was delivered, which will be used by Peter at the moon.” Allan looked at Peter. “I’ve gotten confirmation from Doug they definitely want you to take pictures from outside the capsule at the moon. They feel this will allow for higher resolution pictures which will be more difficult to disprove than those taken through the Soyuz window. You’ll use the SAFER and EMU suit stored in Galileo for this spacewalk. For the spacewalks at the space station, the plan is to use the station’s SAFERs and EMU suits. Viktor’s and your custom gloves for the EMU suits will be stored on board Galileo. ”

“Great,” Peter said. “Is the camera here?”

Bernie pulled out the chair next to him where a large metal container with a NASA insignia sat. He lifted the heavy container with both hands and plopped it on the table. “They came in from NASA over the weekend.” Bernie opened the box and pulled out three different cameras, setting them gently down in front of him. Pointing to two of them he said, “These cameras are for still shots. NASA feels it’s best to have a back up.” He grabbed the other camera. “This is your movie camera, and it operates just like your typical video camera.” He reached inside the box, and struggled as he lifted a monster telephoto lens that looked to be three feet long and a foot wide. Straining as he talked he said, “This connects to each camera, and should allow you to zoom in and get detailed pictures.”

Watching Bernie struggle while holding the lens Allen offered, “Good thing you’ll be in zero gravity when operating it.”

Peter stared at the large lens. Though he agreed it would be easier to move around in space, he found training with a similar size lens in the pool was a challenge. He slightly shook his head. Here he was a rookie photographer, responsible for taking some of the most important pictures in America’s history. “It should be easier, but I’m sure I’ll need some practice shots to get it right.”

“You should have some time during your EVA to practice,” said Allen confidently.

Bernie placed the lens down before reaching in the container and pulling out a computer, setting it next to the cameras. “The pictures will need to be downloaded onto this custom computer which has a transmitting chip and antenna built in. When you forward the pictures from the front side of the moon they will be received by the SR2 military satellite, which will forward them on to NASA.” He grabbed one last item, two clear plastic protectors with paperwork in them. “Here are the camera checklists,” he said, sliding the copies across the table to both Peter and Viktor.

Both men took a moment to review the checklists before Peter said, “This all looks pretty straight forward. But how about we review them before you leave for California?”

“Good idea,” Bernie said.

Peter looked at Bud. “I’ll need more Velcro inside the Galileo. I need to have every checklist hanging and accessible to both Viktor and me.”

“No problem. Pass on all your checklists and I’ll make copies and have them hanging for the plugs-out test,” said Bud.

Looking at Allen, Peter asked, “Is the plugs-out test still scheduled for tomorrow afternoon?”

Allen nodded. “At this point, I’d say it’s looking good.”

The meeting continued until everyone in the room was satisfied and gave the mission a go. Allen gave Bud the go-ahead to officially start the countdown.

DMITRI HAD ASKED ANYA to come by his office at the Roscosmos building in Moscow to give him specifics on their dad’s mission. He wanted a debriefing in hopes of being able to support his father and Peter the best he could once the Soyuz was hijacked. The more he knew, the better the chance he could make sure certain items were in place to assist with the operation.

His sister entered his modern office with her shoulders slumped over. Usually an impeccable dresser, her dress looked ragged and wrinkled. As she walked in she gazed at the pictures on the wall of their dad and him when they were cosmonauts. She briefly stopped at one picture of her on the ski slopes, and a grim smile crossed her face.

“Come on in, Anya.” Dmitri got up and waved to the chair in front of his desk. He closed and locked the door then gave his sister a hug before she took a seat. He could tell something was bothering her, both from the way she was dressed and her pouty look. With a sick churning in his gut, he wondered if his dad or Peter had told her it was a suicide mission. His first order of business was to find out.

“Everything okay?” he asked as he sat back at his desk.

“Sure, everything’s fine,” she said, fidgeting with her fingers, something she did only when she was upset or nervous.

Her answer did not sound convincing. Something was definitely troubling her. He needed to be tactful in finding out without tipping her off about the outcome of the mission, if she didn’t already know. “Did you spend time with Peter while you were there?” Sparks had flown between the two at Tom’s funeral, but he wasn’t sure to what extent. He was aware Peter was her main reason for going to California.

“Yes.”

It wasn’t like his sister to be so brief and non-talkative. “So what did you do?”

“I’d rather not talk about it,” Anya snapped. “Let’s talk about the operation. What would you like to know?”

His sister was a smart girl and Dmitri wondered if she figured out on her own the Soyuz would not be able to bring Peter and their father back. He decided to try another angle. “Okay, so do you feel Dad and Peter are up to speed flying the Soyuz?”

She relaxed slightly. “Dad is. He was a little rusty at first, especially learning the updates of the model K, but he looked to be getting up to speed and will be doing most of the flying.”

“Good. So how was the training attaching the VASIMR engine to the Soyuz? Any problems there? Was Dad able to handle it?”

“They seem to have it down. Dad handled all of the underwater exercises great. I could tell he was having fun with all the training,” she said with a slight smile.

“And they plan on jettisoning the VASIMR on the way to the moon?”

“Yes, by using explosive bolts.”

Dmitri was hoping to bait her. “And then use the Soyuz engine to get them into lunar orbit?”

“I believe that’s the plan, I never really got involved with the activities or procedures around the moon.” She shifted in her chair, re-crossing her legs and narrowing her eyes at him.

She was starting to figure out he was fishing for something; might as well go directly to the question. “So you never worked with them on the return flight home?”

“No, most of the focus was getting them to the moon and accomplishing their objective. Why?”

“I’m just trying to get a feel for the mission and how the training went.” He sat back in his chair, bouncing one knee. She didn’t know the mission’s outcome.

Anya was starting to study him, reading his mannerisms. One thing about his sister, she had a knack for telling when he was lying, which went back to the many years she covered for him when he lied to his parents.

“Is there something I should know?” she asked.

“No.” He blinked and tried to steer her away from the topic. “So did Peter get the codes for the MK Laser?”

Looking him straight in the eyes, Anya firmly said, “Something’s up. I know you. What are you not telling me?”

“Nothing.” He was caught. He looked down at his desk as if taking notes and asked again, “So did Peter get the MK Laser codes?”

His sister’s gaze penetrated him as she sat, silent.

“You know something I don’t know?” she finally asked.

“I don’t think so,” Dmitri said, still looking down at his desk.

“You’re lying! What do you know?”

Dimitri looked up. Anya looked out the window in deep thought. Suddenly her face turned white and she turned with a shocked look. He looked back down at his desk, trying to avoid eye contact. He heard her get up and move until she was standing right above him. She aggressively tilted his head up, and looking directly in his eyes asked, “They are going to die, aren’t they?”

Dmitri was caught. He couldn’t keep lying anymore and sadly answered, “Yes.”

Anya’s body went limp as she fell back in her chair, looking right through Dmitri with a blank stare. For a moment she looked zombie-like. He couldn’t imagine all the thoughts that must have been going through her head.

She abruptly yelled out, “Oh my God!” Covering her face with both hands she burst out crying.

Dmitri crossed to her and bent down, giving her a hug, “Dad didn’t want you to know. He felt it was best.”

Turning to hug her brother back, she said through tears, “How could I have been so stupid! I should have known they had no way back. If I would have figured that out, I would still be there.”

“Don’t blame yourself. We hid it from you. We thought it was the best thing to do,” repeated Dmitri.

“If I would have figured it out, I’m sure Peter wouldn’t have broken up with me,” she said.

Dmitri asked, “You two broke up?” He blinked again. “You two were a couple?”

Anya pulled backed a bit, tears running down her face. “I fell in love with him, and I think he was falling in love with me. On our last night together at his mom’s house he broke it off. It made no sense at the time, but now, I… I… think…” She started crying again and was having a difficult time finishing her sentence. “He… he did it for me!” She fell toward Dmitri.

Dmitri held his sister, gently rocking her, trying to calm her. “I’m sure that’s the case. Peter’s a good guy. I know he thought a lot of you. I’m sure he was falling in love.”

She abruptly pulled away, wiping her tears. “I’m flying back there. I have to! I have to know if he loves me before he goes. Besides, I have to see Dad one last time and tell him how much he means to me. Do you want to go?”

“I can’t. I have to be here to support them when they hijack the Soyuz. Dad and I physically said our goodbyes in Houston. It was tough, but I know he was excited about the adventure in front of him. Do you know when they are scheduled to launch?”

“The last I heard, it was set for Thursday afternoon,” she said.

Since it was already Tuesday afternoon in Russia, he knew she would be lucky to get there early enough to spend any time with them.

Scrambling, she quickly stood and straightened her dress before wiping her tears. “I need to take off. I have to get there as soon as I can.”

She leaned over and gave him a brief hug. “I appreciate you telling me.”

“I didn’t tell you anything. You guessed, remember?”

She turned to leave his office but stopped short of the entryway. “Please don’t tell Dad I’m coming.”

Understanding why, Dmitri said, “I won’t. Good luck.”

She gave him a swift kiss on his cheek before bolting out the door.