According to the checklist hanging above the control panel, at the eleven-minute mark Peter needed to adjust the final switch settings for the stabilization and control system. Peter listened to the countdown in his helmet and timed the switches perfectly.
“This is Kennedy Launch Control. We’ve passed the eleven-minute mark. T-minus 10 minutes, 55 seconds and counting,” said the spacecraft test conductor, Floyd Keller.
Viktor monitored the computer screen in front of him making sure all systems were “Go.” At the ten-minute mark, Galileo’s onboard computers and backup flight systems changed to launch configuration, signaling the test was nearing its end.
Peter radioed in, “Kennedy, this is Galileo and all systems are go.”
Floyd radioed back, “Roger, Galileo. All is looking good in the control room as well. Approaching the nine-minute mark; T-minus 9 minutes, 25 seconds and counting.”
Both Peter and Viktor did a final check of their monitors as they would on launch day, making sure everything was going to plan.
“T-minus 9 minutes, 0 seconds. Countdown is put on its final planned hold at the nine-minute mark.” There was a silence over the radio for a moment before Floyd said, “Good job gentleman, looks like the test went well. Sit tight while Bud goes through his status checks.”
Peter glanced over at Viktor and put out his gloved fist for a fist bump. “Good job, Viktor.”
Viktor had a puzzled look as he eyed Peter’s fist, obviously not knowing what to do.
Peter slowly pulled his fist back reminding himself Viktor was old school. “We need to have our own special fist bump.”
Viktor still looked confused.
“It’s like a high five,” said Peter, hoping that would help. No luck; Viktor still looked lost. Peter put his fist back out. “Viktor, ball your hand in a fist like this and tap the top of mine.”
Viktor slowly balled his hand in a fist before tapping the top of Peter’s. Peter then brought his around over Viktor’s and tapped the top of his.
“Now, we both pull our fist slightly back.” Peter demonstrated and waited for Viktor to do the same. “And then we lightly bring them together and do a light fist bump before pulling our hands back, opening them like this.” He moved his hand back in an open position. Viktor tilted his head as he was a little behind moving his hand back.
“Is this important?”
Peter smiled. “Yes, as commander I feel we need a special way of celebrating. So we will call this the Galileo fist bump.”
Peter was about to try again when Allen came on the radio. “Nice work, gentlemen. It appears everything has checked out fine. Looks like you two will be launching into space tomorrow, you lucky sons-of-bitches. We should have you two out of there shortly.”
Peter tried to do their fist bump, but Viktor screwed it up yet again. Peter shook his head, smiling as Allen continued.
“Viktor, Anya is waiting in the conference room to see you. I’ll have the van drive you when you’re ready. Peter you stay behind, I need to talk to you,” said Allen.
Both men looked at each other. Viktor’s open mouth and large eyes meant he knew nothing about a visit from Anya. Peter’s heart began to race as Viktor answered, “Roger.”
Peter clicked off their microphones. “Did you know she was coming out?”
Shaking his head with a concerned look, Viktor said, “Nyet.”
Peter was both happy and surprised. He wondered if she had learned the outcome of the mission and if that was why she was here—to see her dad for the last time. “Any idea if she found out it’s a suicide mission?”
“I hope no. I not want her know this.” Viktor settled his helmet on the empty seat next to him, staring straight ahead.
Peter gazed out the rocket’s window in front of him, wondering why she was here. She apparently asked to see only Viktor. Did she not want to see him? Jealousy gnawed his insides, and guilt that he had no right to feel envy. Since arriving at Kennedy he was never able to get her completely out of his mind, always wishing he’d told her his true feelings. Those last images of her upset festered in his head, reminding him constantly how hurt and distraught she was. Every time the image of her tear-streaked and accusing face crossed his mind, he questioned if he did the right thing. Fortunately, he had been able to suppress most of his guilt and hurt since arriving at Kennedy, allowing him to focus on the task at hand. But now she was here. I have to see her! But would that be right? What would I say? Will she even see me? Questions mixed with heart sore emotions poured through him; he couldn’t believe all this was happening less than twenty-four hours before launch.
Viktor asked, “When I see Anya, if she wants to see you, do you see her?”
Peter didn’t know what to say. He thought for a moment. Opening his heart to Viktor he said, “I do want to see her. I would love to tell her how I feel, but I don’t want to hurt her anymore. What do you think I should do?”
Viktor looked out the window for a moment. “Let me see her. Find out why she here. I do what best.”
Peter wasn’t sure what that meant, but he trusted Viktor as her father to do the right thing. He so hoped to see her one last time.
VIKTOR ENTERED THE CONFERENCE ROOM dressed in his flight suit. Sitting alone at the conference table was Anya. She had been crying; her eyes were puffy. He assumed she must have found out the operation was a suicide mission. Anya immediately jumped up from her chair and ran to him, arms extended. He set his helmet on the table before putting out his arms as she approached, both hugging tightly. Nothing was said for a moment; this would be one of their final embraces. Hearing his daughter start to cry brought a tear to the stalwart cosmonaut. For this moment he was only her father.
Anya was the first to speak. She said in Russian, “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to die on this mission?”
Assuming she must have found out from Dmitri, Viktor first gave his daughter a squeeze before answering in Russian. “I didn’t want to hurt you, dear. I thought it would be best keeping this information from you. I also felt you might try to talk me out of it, and I am doing this for Tom Novak. I am repaying on a long overdue debt.”
“With your life?” Anya pulled slightly away, tears in her eyes. Wiping her eyes with her shirt sleeve she said, “Dad, I know you miss Mom. So do I.” She looked down for a moment. “I guess I understand why you’re doing this. It’s just hard for me, losing you so soon after losing Mom.” A slight smile came to her face as she looked back at him. “Dad, I haven’t seen you this happy since she died. I know you have always dreamt of going to the moon. And knowing you are helping restore Mr. Novak’s legacy, I wouldn’t have taken this from you.”
Viktor pulled his daughter back to him, hugging her tightly and crying. “Anya, I love you so much. I was wrong not telling you. Please forgive me.”
“Daddy, I’m just happy to be able to tell you how much you mean to me and how much I love you. Because of you, I grew up to be a confident and happy woman. You are a great father. I never would have forgiven myself if I didn’t get the chance to tell you before you left me.”
Viktor kissed his daughter on her forehead as they hugged in silence.
PETER HAD STAYED BACK at the launch pad per Allen’s request. Eventually Allen drove up in a SpaceQuest truck from the launch control building. He quickly got out and approached Peter, who stood by the rocket holding his helmet.