“Sure. It’s an option included in the software package. Not many customers use it. It’s pretty straight forward.”
Peter stopped pacing and held Rob’s gaze. “Could you supply us with the software and factory codes for the MK laser supplied to China?”
Rob smiled. “I thought you might ask me that. I have them in my briefcase in the bedroom. I already received clearance from the bosses to release these to you.”
Peter pumped his fist in triumph. “How long does it take to change the codes?”
“For me, fifteen minutes, for some bloke doing it for the first time, probably two hours,” Rob said with a smug look.
There was no way Rob was going on the mission. Peter needed to learn how to do the procedure during the time it would take to pass around the back side, approximately forty-five minutes for that first pass. Pacing again and shaking his head he asked, “Why in the world does changing codes have to be so complicated?”
“Hey, you were the blooming boss. You tell me.” Rob smirked. “Probably just another source to acquire money.”
Viktor interjected, “Or, they not want laser get in wrong hands and be weapon.”
“Yeah, probably both,” said Peter. “I know Byington was not shy at squeezing their customers for every ounce of profit.” Peter stopped pacing and put his hands on the back of a chair, leaning toward Rob. “Do you suppose you could teach me how to access the system, input those codes and disarm the laser in less than forty-five minutes?”
“Probably.”
Viktor chimed in, “You have more problem.”
“What’s that?” asked Peter.
“Russia intelligence know China laser take twenty minutes to lock on, power up, and fire. We need disarm before twenty minutes, or be shot.”
Peter gave Viktor a perplexed look, surprised he even knew the time frame, but glad he did. He also was concerned Rob heard Viktor mention being shot at. Hoping the engineer didn’t catch the comment, Peter quickly asked, “Is that possible?”
Rob cocked his head and lifted an eyebrow. “That might be a challenge.”
Over the next several hours, Peter worked with Rob on learning the procedure. Halfway through their training, Viktor started snoring. He sat in the exact position all meeting, except his eyes were now closed. Peter recommended they just let him nap since disarming the laser wasn’t his responsibility.
The sun crept lower in the western sky. Anya was arriving soon at LAX, and they still had too much to cover. Peter suggested another session the following day, which Rob agreed to.
PETER STOOD TALL among the limo drivers gathered by baggage claim, holding a makeshift white sign that read “Anya Alexandrov.” He had taken Viktor back to SpaceQuest for some well deserved rest, promising to take care of his daughter. Getting rid of Viktor also gave him an opportunity to spend quality time alone with Anya.
A rash of people entered the baggage area from the terminal. Anya’s flight had arrived twenty minutes earlier. Peter hoped she would be in this oncoming group. He aggressively stepped in front of the other drivers, putting his sign to his chest. He ignored the folks passing by as he intently searched for Anya. The crowd suddenly parted, and toward the back, walking on her own pulling her suitcase, was his beautiful angel. His heart started pounding as he raised the sign higher, knowing she was looking for Viktor, not him. He watched her scan those around him until she did a double take. A big smile crossed her face as they locked eyes. Her stride became quicker and she extended her free arm signaling she was going to give him a hug. As she approached she said, “What are you doing here?”
They embraced for a moment before Peter answered, “Your dad paid me five bucks to pick you up.”
Her arms still around him she looked him square in the eyes. “You’re letting him take advantage of you.”
Both giggled before Peter said, “You look gorgeous. Welcome to California.”
“Thanks. I’m glad it was you who picked me up.”
Since she didn’t check a bag, they leisurely strolled straight to his car, holding hands the entire way. Peter stole looks at her whenever he could, sometimes getting caught, but each time, a beautiful smile flashed.
They had a pleasant conversation driving toward SpaceQuest, but Peter never discussed the mission; he assumed her dad told her of its top secrecy. Anya informed him she ended her engagement with Dean and was surprised how easy the breakup had been. She credited the change to being in a better place in her life, which Peter took as saying he was now a part of it. The thought brought a smile to his face. The more they talked, the more he believed they were meant for each other, and the more torn he became. After all, he had less than a month left on Earth. The thought pestered him like a cold sore as he tried to focus only on the moment at hand.
They arrived at a quaint hotel close to SpaceQuest, and Peter checked her in. After putting her bag in her room, they decided to go downstairs to grab a late night bite in the hotel restaurant.
After they sat at the table and ordered, Anya bluntly asked, “So, am I going to see much of you while I am out here? Dad says you two are wrapped up on some top secret project.”
What was he going to say? Peter definitely wanted to spend whatever free time he had left with her. However, how much was he going to have? Any free time was probably going to be spent inside the SpaceQuest building. If he could somehow get her into SpaceQuest, possibly as a consultant for Zaftra, he could see her throughout his training. Perfect. It probably would not be the most exciting position for her, but at least a great way to get to know each other better. Plus, it would allow her the opportunity to have some last memorable moments with her father, something Peter considered important.
Before he could even discuss Anya with Allen, he would first have to tell her the details of the mission, and he struggled with the idea. She might figure out it’s a suicide mission. Would that devastate her? I just need to make sure certain details are kept from her. I can do that. I’m sure Allen will understand and support that. Damn it, he better, she’s Viktor’s daughter! I’m telling her!
Fortunately, the restaurant was empty. Only a few tables were occupied, none close enough to hear their conversation. Peter put his hand on top of Anya’s. “Your dad and I are working on a top secret mission. But I don’t want that to prevent us from spending time together.”
She flipped her hand over to grab his as she gazed endearingly into his eyes.
He continued, “I want to spend as much time as I can with you.”
A twinkle appeared in her eye.
Damn I’m falling for her! “Man you’re beautiful. Okay, where was I? Oh yeah, I believe that because you’re connected with Zaftra, I can get you into the company we’re working with. But I have to tell you the specifics of our mission and come up with a plan explaining why you need to be there.”
Her gaze never strayed from his eyes. “I’m so delighted to hear you say that. Dad warned me you two were going to be busy and I probably wouldn’t get to see much of either of you. I almost didn’t come out because of that.” Squeezing his hand she said, “So what’s this secret project?”
Peter went on to describe the mission. Anya was shocked to hear they’d be stealing the Soyuz and the dangerous timing of disarming the laser, but delighted for her father. She expressed it had always been his dream to fly to the moon, and was thrilled he was finally getting the opportunity so late in life. She was also pleased and impressed that Peter selected him.
He neglected to mention they had no way home from the moon. The words almost left his lips but something inside refused to allow him to disclose that part. I hope she doesn’t hate me when she finds out.