Space Hoax

17 BLAKE HAMILTON

It had been a busy week for Peter since getting engaged. Along with the long training hours, he and Anya had moved into a quaint rental home in southeast Houston close by the office. Regardless of the hectic week, he was enjoying every moment he was able to steal away with Anya. He was looking forward to spending even more time together when things slowed down. Regrettably, that wasn’t happening soon. There had been no improvement with Jesse’s back, and with only three weeks before launch, Peter’s training hours and studying would only intensify. The time was drawing near when he would have to inform Anya of the possibility he might fly the mission.

He was taking advantage of a forced break in the current training exercise to relax his brain as he stared out the window of the Iris mockup. He and Blake would soon be practicing their emergency escape from the capsule. Blake, who was responsible for opening the hatch, had already gone through the test. This was Peter’s first time.

They sat in uncomfortable seats in a stripped-down version of the Iris spacecraft, where the control panel was void of any monitors or instruments. The hard plastic seats were dimensionally accurate as was the layout within the mock-up so the men could get used to dealing with the obstacles they would encounter when quickly vacating the spacecraft. They were both in their silver flight suits with helmets on, visors up. Though Peter had been given instructions, he was waiting to hear from the instructor over the headset on when the exercise would start and what he should expect.

He figured they were elevated over two hundred feet in the air, the height their spacecraft would be when sitting on top of the Zeus rocket. When they were given the “go,” he would follow Blake out of the hatch, and each would clip his tether cord to a small trolley on his designated zip line ten feet away. They would jump off the platform and free fall for a few moments before the cable gradually straightened out and the trolley wheels engaged as they flew along for the remaining 250-foot ride, reaching speeds up to 40 miles per hour. The hope was this quick exit would take them out of harm’s way of an actual emergency, such as the rocket exploding. They would fly down to the end of the line where an elongated spring would slow them down before they slammed into a cushioned wall. If this had been an actual emergency, they would quickly unhook themselves and dive into a bunker close by, but for training purposes this was deemed too risky. Though Peter doubted such an escape system would actually save them from an explosion, it could still save their asses from other catastrophes. The zip line gave him peace of mind, especially considering Galileo had no such escape option.

Blake interrupted his thoughts. “You know, we’re going to be flying like a couple of superheroes down that line.”

Peter turned to his partner and was briefly blinded by a glint of sunlight reflecting off the control panel. “Cool, I’ll be Batman.”

Blake cocked his head. “If you’re Batman, that makes me Robin. I don’t want to be your sidekick.”

Peter decided to toy with the young man. “Okay, you be Batgirl.”

Blake chuckled. “I don’t think so. I’ll be the Human Torch, he’s my favorite superhero.”

Peter gave a nod. “Then the Human Torch it is. Just make sure you open that hatch quick enough or we’ll both be torched.”

Blake casually replied with a trace of humor. “I got you covered, Batman.”

Peter liked Blake. He had gotten to know the thirty-two year old former Air Force pilot better over the last week during training. With his blond hair and athletic good looks, Blake came across more like a surfer than an astronaut. Though he was often kidding around, Peter was impressed with the man’s skills and dedication.

Blake’s voice became inquisitive. “So what was it like on the backside of the moon?”

Peter adjusted himself, trying to find a more comfortable position in his seat. “It was very spiritual, especially coming around and seeing your home planet in all of its glorious colors rising over the desolate moon, simply a magnificent sight. I had this sudden sense of clarity in my existence, unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I realized then how lucky I was to live on such a beautiful planet. After seeing those colors stand out over the surrounding black, it simply made me want to go home.”

Blake turned and looked at the barren control panel. He let the words hang over him as he seemed to digest the magnitude of experiencing such a moment. “I can’t wait to see Earth from space. I’ve heard all kinds of descriptions of the awesome sight, but it sounds like words can’t really describe it.”

“You’re right. It’s not just what you’ll see, but what you’ll feel. It changes you.”

Blake looked back, his eyes wide in awe. “Did it change you?”

Peter hesitated as he thought of Anya. “It made me realize how much I loved someone.”

Blake’s tone rose sharply. “A girlfriend?”

Peter lightly nodded. “Yes; in fact, we got engaged over the weekend.”

Blake raised his balled-up fist in Peter’s direction. “Congratulations; is this your first?”

Peter instantly thought of Viktor and their unique fist bump. He grinned ruefully as he understood why Blake would question this being the first go around for someone so old. He tapped Blake’s balled up hand. “Yep, first time taking the leap.”

“You’ll love it. I wouldn’t change a thing about being married. Having someone who loves and supports you is awesome.”

Peter again readjusted himself in the uncomfortable seat. “You seem like a good husband, which is impressive considering how most of the women in the office are constantly flirting with you.”

An apologetic look crossed the young man’s face. “It’s always good for the ego, but I would never do anything to jeopardize my relationship with Suzy.”

Their headsets came alive. “Gentlemen, we’ll be starting the exercise in fifteen minutes.”

“Roger,” Peter acknowledged the transmission as a sly grin crossed Blake’s face.

Blake resumed their conversation. “Any idea when you’ll get married?”

“We’re thinking springtime.”

“Nice. Here in Houston?”

Peter nodded. “Probably, though she’s from Russia. It’ll be a simple wedding.”

“How long has she lived in America?”

“She grew up in Russia before going to college at Georgetown. After getting her PhD she moved back to Russia where she has lived ever since. Her job brings her back to the U.S. often for business. We decided it was time to move in together, so she’s transferring her job out here. We just rented a home this week.”

Blake slapped his legs with both hands. “Well, damn! We need to have you two over for a BBQ and give her a good ole Texas welcome. How about this weekend?”

Peter hesitated for a moment; with Sunday their only day off, he really just wanted to gel with his fiancée after the crazy week. But maybe Anya would enjoy getting to know another couple. He turned to Blake. “Sure, that sounds great. When?”

“How about Sunday afternoon?”

Peter nodded in acceptance as he lifted a hand. “Perfect, but do me a favor, let’s not mention we’re training partners.”

Blake flashed an understanding nod. “No problem. I’ll just tell the wife you’re my new boss.”

Peter shrugged in accord. “Sounds good. So what should we bring?”

“Oh, don’t—”

A squawking voice blaring out through their headsets snapped Peter to attention. “Fire, emergency egress!”

“What?” Peter’s pulse leaped as he questioned if the voice was serious. Seeing Blake quickly unbuckle his seatbelt before turning to work on the hatch confirmed this was no joke. Peter fumbled with his belt before finally freeing himself. Whatever happened to the exercise starting in fifteen minutes? Damn!

Blake’s demeanor stayed steady as he called out over the headset, “Hatch opened,” before ripping out his headset cord and scrambling out of the spacecraft.

This was the first time for Peter to rush out of the capsule. He drew a sharp breath as he unplugged his headset and rolled over on his hands and knees on the couch to speedily follow Blake out of the hatch. As his head poked out of the opening, Blake was already hooking up his clamp to his zip line. Peter was doing fine until his flight suit snagged on something, preventing him from exiting. Damn it! He tried shaking his arm free, but was having no luck as precious seconds passed. Unfortunately the tight opening prevented him from turning around to see what he was caught on, and with his rigid helmet, his vision was blocked. He blindly kept shaking his arm trying to free himself. A sudden shadow appeared. Blake. Dude you’re supposed to be flying down that zip line. His partner quickly reached in and freed his arm before helping him out. Peter clambered to his feet, embarrassed, as Blake gave a quick thumbs-up before racing to his zip line. Peter was right behind. He clipped on as Blake jumped. Peter leaped off right behind his partner and started to fall parallel to the scaffolding before he felt a tug and began zipping along the line.

The ride was invigorating, the perfect release from all the stress he had felt all week. He yelled out a loud “Yippee!” as he looked down the line to see Blake clowning around, his hands out imitating a superhero in flight. Peter chuckled at his partner. As he approached the last fifteen feet, the trolley came into contact with the spring, and Peter’s body lurched forward uncontrollably. He estimated he had slowed down to around 10 miles per hour before he was about to hit. He turned his head and held his breath before crashing into the cushioned wall, which felt like falling off a top bunk bed.

He swallowed hard as he moved his body to verify all the parts were working properly. Everything was fine as he reached up and unhooked his clamp. His partner had already freed himself when the instructor walked toward them. He didn’t look happy.

Both men had their helmets off by the time the instructor reached them. He started shaking his head while his voice erupted in frustration. “That was way too slow. Did you two have a tea break up there or something?”

Peter’s mouth was slightly open as he tilted his head, raising both hands. “We were told the test wouldn’t start for fifteen minutes.”

The instructor narrowed his eyes directly at Peter. “You know better than anyone emergencies can happen at any time. You have to be ready at all times whenever you’re in that capsule.”

The man was right.

The instructor turned to Blake, his voice reaching an even higher octave. “What the hell are you doing coming down with Peter? You’ve been through this exercise before and know you should be way ahead of the commander. Plus you were screwing around on the way down.”

With his helmet under his arm, Peter stepped forward to defend his partner, his voice hardened and direct. “He stayed back to help me.”

By the instructor’s mannerism, it was obvious he didn’t care. “That’s bullshit. He knows the rules. He’s supposed to haul ass to that zip line, plain and simple. Instead he just burned himself up by hesitating.”

Blake spoke up. “Sorry, but there is no way I’m leaving my commander to die.”

The instructor pulled out a pen from his shirt pocket and wrote something on his clipboard. In a cocky tone he replied, “We’ll see what management has to say about that.”

The instructor was right once again. One man alive is better than none. As Blake’s boss, he should be the one to reprimand the young man. But how could he? Deep down, he wanted someone who would save his ass, just as he would for his partner.

Blake turned away from the instructor with a disgusted look; carrying his helmet by his side, he started walking back to the scaffolding to try the exercise again. As he passed Peter, a sly grin appeared on his face and he spoke in a soft tone so only Peter could hear it. “He doesn’t know I was the Human Torch. I’m not going to burn up. I’m a superhero.” He winked. “Besides, I’m not going to let you die.”

Peter smiled.

PETER HELD A bottle of wine as he and Anya walked up the few steps leading to Blake’s quaint two-story home. He wiped off the light bead of sweat trickling down the side of his face as he approached the blue-painted door under the covered porch. He was pleased the humidity was mild for a September day.

Anya pointed to something on the porch. “That’s cute.”

Peter knocked before turning to see what she meant, a charming, white porch swing that looked out over the front yard. “Looks just like the one my aunt has.” He looked out over the well-manicured yard as he waited for someone to open the door. He was surprised there were no toys about. Most of the other middle class homes on the cul-de-sac were cluttered with them. The door began to open and Peter turned back around. He smiled at Blake, who was standing in a pair of worn, leather flip-flops with a white Hawaiian shirt over a pair of loud orange surfing trunks that went down past his knees.

Blake raised both arms. “Welcome.”

Peter had to tease the young man. “Thanks, so are we going surfing later?”

Blake eyed Peter’s tan shorts and blue polo shirt. “Not you, old man, but maybe your pretty girlfriend.”

Peter turned to introduce Anya, who was all smiles in her blue sundress. “Blake, let me introduce you to my fiancée, Anya Alexandrov.”

Blake extended his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Anya grabbed his hand. “Thank you, it’s nice to meet you, Blake.”

Blake waved his arm as if he was welcoming in a large crowd of people. “So come on in.”

As they entered, Blake’s wife approached barefoot in a yellow tank top and white shorts, her short, blonde hair bouncing as she walked. “Hello.”

Blake pointed to his wife proudly. “This is my better half, Suzy.”

After shaking hands, Peter handed the wine over to the pretty lady. The home smelled like a bakery. “Something smells good.”

“Oh, thanks, that’s the appetizers.” She excused herself to get back to the kitchen. Anya offered to help, which Suzy readily accepted.

As the girls walked to the kitchen, Blake escorted Peter into the living room. Peter was amazed at how clean the home was, especially for having two young boys. The only clue kids inhabited the place was a single, large toy box in the corner of the room. “You’ve got a very nice home.”

Blake motioned toward the couch. “Thanks. This is all Suzy’s doing. She keeps this place clean, and I have no idea how she does it. Our boys can be little tornados, tearing this place up.”

Peter sat in the center of the sofa assuming his friend would sit in the lounge chair. “I know how destructive boys can be.”

Blake held off taking a seat. “Can I get you a beer?”

“That’d be great.”

“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

As Blake went off to the kitchen, a soft breeze blew in. Peter looked across to see the open sliding glass door leading out to the backyard patio. Fortunately, the screen door was closed to keep out the Texas bugs. Sitting on the deck by the doorway was a small tricycle and a bike with training wheels.

“Here you go,” Blake called out, bringing over two opened bottles of beer.

Peter reached up and grabbed one. “So where are the boys?”

“They’re upstairs cleaning their rooms. Let me go get them.”

Peter lifted his beer, toasting Blake as he hustled up the stairs.

Peter smiled as he heard the girls chatting away. He took a big swig of the cold beer before leaning over and rummaging through magazines on the coffee table. His attention was instantly drawn to an aviation magazine that had a full picture of Carlos Calma in his spacesuit. What magazine puts that asshole on the cover? He set his beer down as he pulled out the magazine and read the title. “A Space Hero?” What? Good thing there’s a question mark. He flipped to the story in the magazine and began to read. He quickly realized the article was full of bullshit, and must have been written by Carlos’s PR team, trying to convince the world he was not the cause of their failed mission to reach the ISS. Though Carlos wasn’t the cause, Peter knew he was far from being a hero.

He was about to toss the magazine back on the table in disgust but he spotted the name Krause Aerospace. In a corner of the article, a shaded box highlighted Carlos’s father. Peter scanned the short description about the business tycoon and was surprised to see one of the many companies Jose owned was Krause Aerospace. Interesting; maybe that can be my connection to get inside information. Peter looked out the window, rubbing his chin. He shook his head, remembering the old man was supporting his son’s lawsuit against the FKA. Then throw in the fact that he had punched the man’s son, Peter doubted Jose would help him out. He looked back down at the cover. I did save his son. Maybe if Jose knew the facts he might support me. He set the magazine back on the table, convinced he should at least give it a try.

His concentration was interrupted by tiny footsteps coming down the stairs. He looked over to see Blake’s cute, little four-year-old boy in a bathing suit, carrying a model jet.

“Well, hello.”

The boy shyly walked over to Peter and stuck out his hand.

Peter grabbed the small hand and shook. “Hello, I’m Peter. Nice to meet you.”

The boy didn’t say a word, as if he didn’t hear Peter, and started to play with his plane on the coffee table.

The model was an F-22 fighter jet, the same plane the young boy’s father flew in the Air Force. “That’s a cool-looking airplane. Did your daddy fly that plane?”

The boy kept on playing, ignoring Peter.

Peter smiled as he watched the boy, thinking back when he was the same age playing with the model of the Lunar Lander, pretending he was flying it to the moon just like his father soon would. More footsteps came down the stairs.

Blake called out, “Did you meet Matthew?”

Peter looked up to see Blake’s second child following his father down the stairs. “I did. He’s a little quiet.”

As if his son simply had a small bruise, Blake casually offered, “Oh, he’s deaf.”

Peter’s heart dropped as he looked back down at the boy, who now had a big grin as he continued to play with his toy. He was shocked Blake never mentioned it during their training. “Well, he had good manners, coming down and shaking my hand.”

Blake smiled as he brought over his oldest son. “Good. Peter I would like to introduce my oldest boy, Brian.”

The six-year-old had blond hair just like his little brother. “Hello, Brian.”

Brian tugged on his dad’s shirt, indicating he wanted to tell him something in secret. Blake bent down before his son whispered in his ear. Blake spoke calmly to the boy. “I think you left it outside.” The boy grabbed his dad’s hand and pulled him toward the backyard patio. Blake showed a patient smile. “We’ll be right back. He wants to show off his new rocket to you.”

Peter nodded in acceptance as they walked toward the sliding screen door. As they exited, Peter zoomed in on Matthew, who was now on his knees with his arm extended holding onto the jet. He was moving his arm in a wavy motion, in his imagination flying the jet. Peter got down on his knees next to the little boy. He opened his hand and pretended it was a jet. He copied the movements the boy made with his toy, following closely behind. After a few moments of this, Peter decided to take the lead. He flew his hand past the boy’s jet and was pleased to see the boy copy his moves, being a perfect wingman.

Peter beamed as he looked down at the boy. Even though the boy wouldn’t hear him he still spoke out loud. “You have piloting skills just like your daddy.” Peter noticed a shadow on the floor and looked up to see Anya standing with a proud grin, holding a tray of appetizers. He winked, guessing she was thinking of the day when he would be playing with their child.

Soon all four adults were sitting around the patio table under an umbrella socializing on the backyard wooden deck, the boys playing nicely in a nearby sandbox.

Anya held her glass of wine as she stared at the children. “Your boys play so well together.”

Suzy looked at Blake and grinned before turning to Anya. “Thanks. Of course like any siblings, they have their moments.”

Peter lifted his glass. “The advantages of being an only child.”

Blake teased his commander. “Oh, that’s why you’re such a demanding boss. You’re used to always getting your way.”

Peter set his glass down. “Hmm, I never thought about it that way; I guess you’re right. Now get down and give me twenty.”

They all laughed. Anya directed her attention to Suzy and Blake sitting across from her. “So how did you two meet?”

Suzy spoke up. “At college in California. We both went to UC Santa Barbara.”

Peter was familiar with the school. “That’s a pretty campus, right there on the beach.”

Blake grabbed an appetizer. “They have some great surfing spots in the area.”

Suzy continued. “My sorority was sisters to his fraternity. I always thought he was the cutest. Fortunately, after some hints he finally asked me out. We’ve been together ever since.” A curious look crossed Suzy’s face. “So how about you two? How does a Texas boy end up with a Russian girl?”

Anya answered. “Our fathers trained together on the USA/USSR mission in the ’70s. They became close friends, and over the years our families often got together. Since Peter is almost eight years older than me…”

Blake interjected, “That’s all?”

Anya smiled. “I had the biggest crush on him when I was a teenager, but he never noticed me.”

Peter cockily leaned back. “I had other fish to fry. But when I saw her years later as a grown woman, I couldn’t believe it. I instantly had a crush on her, but then she ignored me.”

Anya smiled. “Because I had other fish to fry.”

All laughed.

Blake started to get up. “I better put the ribs on the BBQ.”

Peter started to get up. “Need any help?”

“Nope, you sit and entertain the ladies.”

Peter sat back down. “My pleasure.”

As Blake entered the kitchen, Suzy became serious. She grabbed Peter’s hand and leaned over the table, speaking in a whisper. “Blake means everything to this family. Please make sure he comes back safely. Sometimes he’s too carefree and reckless and I worry about him.”

Peter brought his other hand over and lightly patted hers. He could sense the strong love she had for her husband. “Blake is an excellent astronaut. He’s one of our best. I promise you, I’ll do everything I can as his boss to ensure his safety.”

Suzy’s eyes locked onto Peter’s. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

“THEY ARE SUCH a sweet couple, and I really like Suzy.”

Peter applied the car’s brake as he approached a stoplight, his stomach full of Blake’s excellent barbeque. He looked over at Anya. “They are. Plus they have some cute kids.”

“Remember you promised Suzy you would take care of Blake; keep him safe.” She put her hand on his leg. “I’m so glad you’re not flying this mission. I understand her concerns.”

Peter tightened his grip on the steering wheel. The light turned green, and he continued through the intersection. Guilt started to creep through him. If he was to have a complete relationship with her, he couldn’t keep secrets from her. No matter the consequences. “I know one way I can make sure Blake is safe.” Peter stole a quick glance.

She tilted her head slightly, her tone growing suspicious. “How?”

Peter wiggled his eyebrows. “If I fly with him.”

He could feel her staring at him as he looked out over the roadway. There was no response. An uncomfortable silence filled the car. He peeked over to see an anxious look on her face.

Finally she broke the silence. “Are you trying to tell me something?”

He took a deep breath and released it, dropping his joking tone. “There’s a chance I might be in that rocket when it launches on the twenty-first. We just learned earlier in the week that Jesse hurt his back. Our hope is he will be ready for the mission, but right now, I’m filling in for him during training. Walter doesn’t want the team losing any preparation time.”

Anya abruptly lifted her hand off his leg. Out of the corner of his eye he could see her turn and look out the side window. After a few beats, she swiveled back around. In a stoic tone she asked, “What are the odds you’ll be aboard that rocket?”

“I don’t know, 50-50 maybe. Believe me, Walter and the team want Jesse in that seat, and so do I. If he recuperates in time, he’s the commander.”

Anya looked ahead, mashing her lips together. After a single beat, she turned and put her hand back on his leg and squeezed. “I made a promise to myself that I would support you and be by your side no matter what. I love you that much. So if you have to fly, I am behind you a hundred percent.”

Peter patted her hand, pleased with her strength. “I love you, thanks.”