Hustling to keep up with the focused soldier, Peter did a final review of the file given to him by Gavin. Peter’s sweaty fingers kept smearing ink as he turned the pages. He hoped this last minute review would prepare him for the briefing he was about to walk into. It was his understanding that after this meeting he would suit up and board the Soyuz for liftoff later this afternoon. Things were happening quickly.
This was Peter’s first visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, where many historic Russian space flights had launched, including Sputnik and the world’s first manned space flight. He was amazed he was back in south-central Asia so soon after escaping the region. Russia’s launch complex was in the desert steppe of Kazakhstan, just south of Russia, bordering China and Kyrgyzstan. He couldn’t help but think of Ying on the flight over, hoping the brave young woman was okay. Though he paved the way for her to stay a couple of months at the base, she was determined to eventually sneak back into China with her children to reunite with her family and husband.
Peter was able to get in a solid six hours of sleep on the plane. He had no idea how much rest he would be able to get over the next forty-eight. Concentrating on the paperwork, Peter almost walked into the soldier slowing down while approaching a closed door. The officer did a hard knock before opening it and stepping back, motioning for Peter to enter. Peter did a slight nod as a welcome blast of cool air shot out of the doorway, hitting him square in the face. He charged into the large chilled meeting room expecting to see a handful of FKA officials, but instead was surprised to see only one man wearing a business suit sitting on the other side of a long conference table. A huge grin shot across Peter’s face when he realized it was his old friend, Dmitri.
Peter bellowed, “I was hoping to see you.”
Without saying a word, Dmitri rose and quickly walked around the table. Just before approaching, he extended his arms like an eagle in flight as he swooped in to give Peter a hug. Peter placed the file on the table before putting out his arms to greet his friend. Peter was caught off guard by Dmitri’s strong bear hug, practically lifting Peter off the ground. “Dear friend, I’m so happy you survived.”
Peter gave his buddy a couple solid pats on the back before pulling away. “Thanks, but I’m sorry your dad didn’t.” Peter cleared the lump in his throat. “But at least he’s with your mom now.”
Dmitri lowered his eyes. “True and he fulfilled his dream of reaching the moon, thanks to you.” Dmitri straightened up. “Have a seat. We’ll be joined by the launch and mission teams shortly.”
After picking up his file, Peter walked over to the chair across from Dmitri. “I’m happy to see you here. I wondered if you would be a part of this operation.”
A smile crossed Dmitri’s face as he took his seat. “Not only am I a part of it, I’m the one who recommended you for this rescue. Believe it or not, after one space flight, you are now one of the world’s most experienced astronauts, having flown in the Soyuz, the Shenzhou, the Galileo and the International Space Station. There’s no man more qualified to handle this rescue.”
Peter was the only man to have flown in all the current manned spacecraft. “Wow, you’re right. I never thought of it that way.”
Dmitri motioned for Peter to sit as he settled himself back in his chair. “Plus, throw in the fact that you’ve done a couple of spacewalks and flown to the moon, which, other than the Chinese, hasn’t been done in over forty years. I’d say you have quite a resume.”
Peter swelled with pride as he took a seat.
Dmitri continued, “Congratulations, by the way.”
Peter tilted his head. “For what?”
Dmitri grinned. “Winning our bet.” He started to dig into his pocket. “So how much do I owe you?”
Peter laughed. They were kids when they made a bet related to space travel, though neither remembered exactly what it was. Dmitri was being nice in conceding the bet was about getting to the moon first. “I think a ruble. Actually the bet was probably who would walk on the moon first. So why don’t you hold off paying me.”
Dmitri’s empty hand came out of his pocket. “Tell you what—let’s make it double or nothing on who walks on the moon first?”
“Deal.”
“I talked to Anya late last night. She told me you recommended she touch base with me.”
Peter perked up. “I did. What did you tell her?”
“Nothing about the mission, but I did tell her to catch the next flight to Moscow. She should arrive early tomorrow morning. I’ll do what I can to get her into the control room. Of course, you’re going to be a busy man.”
Peter’s shoulders relaxed. “Good. It was tough leaving her yesterday morning. I knew you’d take care of her.”
“Don’t worry about her. You need to worry about saving those men.”
Peter’s body finally started to cool down, thanks to the two window air conditioners running full blast. “So when do we launch?”
“In a little over five hours. Launch is scheduled at 2:48 this afternoon. Aleksandr Chumakov will be the cosmonaut flying you up. He’s currently being checked out in medical and should join us any minute.”
Aleksandr was probably one of Russia’s most experienced cosmonauts, having already flown four missions. “Great. I know he’s one of your best. So how is the tourist handling all of this?”
Dmitri shook his head. “Not good. He had to be sedated. He was getting hysterical and using up all their oxygen.”
“How in the world did he pass training?”
“Good question. It was my understanding he successfully accomplished everything thrown at him.”
“Who is he, anyway?”
“Carlos Calma, son of Jose Calma, the famous business tycoon.”
Shaking his head, Peter opened his file. He had read about the flashy playboy. “SID informed me this will be a secret mission. How in the world can you keep a launch secret?”
“We can’t. After we launch, we’ll tell the media its purpose is to replace the Soyuz you stole to the moon, informing them the cosmonauts flying will immediately return in the Galileo, ensuring the station has reliable escape pods.”
“Smart.”
“Of course, we eventually will have to come up with a story on why the tourist didn’t make it to the space station.”
Peter arched an eyebrow. “Hey, you Russians will come up with something.”
Dmitri smiled. “Let’s worry about the rescue first.” He leaned in. “Unfortunately, because of the rush, you’ll miss out on many of our prelaunch traditions.”
Peter chuckled as he remembered peeing on the van tire with Viktor. “I experienced some of those, thanks to your dad.” He raised his hand. “You need a checklist just to keep track of them all.”
“We do have a lot. But there is one I didn’t want you to miss.” Dmitri pulled the chair out next to him and lifted an old tattered, leather-bound book. He carefully slid it across the table. “Since you will now be flying as a cosmonaut, you should sign the log all cosmonauts sign before their mission.” Dmitri pulled out a pen from his pocket and slid it to Peter.
Peter slowly moved his finger along the edge of the historical book. “I’m very aware of this tradition, and am honored to sign.” His note needed to be directed to Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. He carefully opened the fragile book. He slowly flipped through the pages, scanning a few entries.
Dmitri had a mischievous grin as he pointed to the book. “Go ahead and turn to the last page.”
Peter flipped to the final page of entries. A chill ran through his body when he saw the top note. He slowly rubbed his finger over the dried ink as he read it to himself.
I fly as a cosmonaut in honor of a friend and ask for your guidance. See you and Maria soon. Viktor Alexandrov.