Hoping to persuade Chris otherwise, Peter quickly jumped in. “I—”
Chris arrogantly raised his hand. “Don’t bother trying to convince me otherwise. If you get the job, your ability to keep the past in the past will be something that will have to prove itself out over time. However, I have to say, I feel your experience with SpaceQuest is invaluable. I think there is a lot you could offer us.”
Peter smiled, even though his blood boiled.
Propping his elbows on his knees, Chris leveled a cold stare. An awkward silence filled the room. Peter wasn’t sure if his former boss was trying to make him feel uncomfortable or what. Does he want me to say something? He decided to stand his ground and just stared back. Finally, Chris blatantly asked, “Do you still have any association with SID?”
Prepared for the question, it was time for Peter to do his best acting job and flat out lie to the man. He vehemently shook his head as he answered with strong conviction in his voice. “I burned that bridge when I went against orders to fly to the moon. I knew I wouldn’t be welcomed back if I took on the mission, but as I said before, I did it for Dad. I had to restore his legacy. As his son, I owed it to him. Besides, you know how much I wanted to get into space.” Peter couldn’t help putting in that little dig to his old boss for never assigning him a shuttle seat. The comment didn’t seem to faze Chris as he studied Peter, apparently looking for any sign he wasn’t telling the truth.
With a blank look, Chris responded, “All right.”
Having a difficult time reading the man, Peter was unable to tell if he was coming across as convincing. Regardless, Chris couldn’t inform anyone within the company of his SID background. That knowledge was classified information, which by law he was prevented from sharing.
Chris’s whole body seemed to relax as he leaned back in his chair. He moved off the subject as if it wasn’t even discussed, addressing Peter as if he was just another candidate interviewing for the open position. “I should point out that EarthOrbit’s philosophy is different from SpaceQuest’s. That company seems set on not bringing in any NASA or aerospace employees that worked within our space program. They apparently don’t want to take advantage of the years of experience that’s out there, which EarthOrbit does. That’s why we’re based in Houston, so we can snatch up NASA’s top engineers and managers as they are let go due to the retirement of the Shuttle.”
Leaning back deeper in the couch, Peter crossed his legs. He was convinced Chris was a fan of EarthOrbit’s style because they gave him a job. SpaceQuest would have never hired such a washed-up old timer, especially one who had just been fired. Their thinking was to stay away from old school engineers and managers who were content with the bureaucracy found at NASA. SpaceQuest instead sought young energetic employees eager to be a part of a flat management structure that allowed decisions to be made more efficiently and quickly.
Chris started twirling his thumbs. “EarthOrbit has tried to mix the good of NASA with what makes a private company successful. We sub out a lot of our work like NASA did. Parts are built all over the world, and all the assembly takes place here. Again, it’s so we can take advantage of the expertise that already exists in the world.”
Peter uncrossed his legs. Taking advantage of experienced companies to make parts made sense. He could see some benefits in their style of operation.
“As you know, we have successfully delivered a few satellites into space. We feel we are farther along than SpaceQuest, but yet we have not been able to secure a contract with NASA to service the space station. That’s our goal and why I was brought on board. We feel such a contract would solidify us as a world leader in space travel. The position you are interviewing for will support me in this quest, as well as oversee astronaut selection and training. We are gearing up to be the first private company to successfully put a man in space and return him safely.”
Peter tried to look impressed, even though SpaceQuest had already pulled off that mission, returning him after he had saved the cosmonauts. Of course, Chris and the rest of the world were unaware of the rescue. “This all sounds very interesting.”
Chris leaned forward. “Good.” With no expression, he looked at his watch. “Well, I’m sorry, but I have to wrap this up. I have another meeting I need to get to. I’m glad you were able to come in. Again, my biggest concern is if we can work together.”
Alarms started going off in Peter’s head. Had Chris cut the interview short? Was it because he had already made up his mind? Peter also hadn’t asked any probing questions for getting some intelligence in case he wasn’t hired. He swallowed his pride and went into damage control. “I just want you to know I would be honored to work for you again. I have grown a lot over the years and came to realize how good I had it at NASA. I definitely regret leaving the agency. Not only am I positive we can work together, I believe we’ll make a great team. I have no doubt my NASA experience along with my SpaceQuest knowledge will allow me to help EarthOrbit dominate the space business.”
Chris had a smug look as he leaned back in his chair. “It’s interesting how the tables have turned over the years, and you now need my support. I remember when you left NASA, and you arrogantly said you didn’t care what I thought. This is just like what happened with your father and me. I used to always look to him for his approval and help. Then his career suddenly depended on me.”
Peter had no idea what Chris was talking about and wasn’t even going to acknowledge it. He was convinced the guy was full of shit. Seeing the man sitting there so righteous with his legs spread was like an invitation for Peter to walk up and kick the SOB in the nuts. He had to remind himself he was there to do a job, so he took a deep breath. “As I said, I learned a lot over the last few years.”
“Well, good. Your words do sound nice.” Chris rose from his seat. “Let’s see what Mr. Goings thinks. I’ll take you over to his office to meet him.”
Peter stood. He was sure he had struck out with Chris. His last shot was to convince the president and hope that he was the final decision maker.
WHEN PETER EMERGED out from behind Chris’s shadow as they entered Walter Goings’s office, he was blown away by its sheer size and elegance. It had the same amenities as Chris’s, but was much more impressive. There was a fancy, mirrored bar, a private restroom, and an adjoining room with a large conference table. The centerpiece of the large room was a model of the Zeus rocket sitting on a marble table with a spotlight shining down on it. The white rocket with red lettering seemed to glow. Goings was working intently at his computer as they entered. Chris’s voice interrupted the president’s concentration. “Walter, I would like to introduce you to Peter Novak.”
The fine-boned, handsome man with silver hair stood and approached with a skip in his step. Peter estimated the man was in his late fifties. He had a big grin on his face as he extended his hand. “Peter Novak, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
They met halfway, right next to the model rocket. Peter grabbed the man’s hand and gave a firm handshake. “The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Goings. I appreciate this opportunity to interview with EarthOrbit.”
“Call me Walter. So what do you think of our facility?”
That was an odd question, since all he had seen was the lobby and Chris’s office. “Nice so far. Of course, I haven’t really seen much.”
Walter turned to Chris with an eyebrow arched. “Didn’t you give him the tour?”
“Sorry, Walter, I’m late for the assessment meeting.”
Walter appeared frustrated as he looked Peter in the eye. “Don’t worry. I’ll personally give you one after we’re done.”