The manager clenched his jaw as he gave a nervous nod.
“Let’s guarantee that suit does come in on Saturday.” Walter looked at his three astronauts. “Gentlemen you’ll notice we’ve scheduled Blake’s EVA late on the second day. This should allow time for most of the effects of space sickness to subside, if he should experience any.” A dramatic pause floated over the room as the president slowly leaned back in his chair. “Being the first private company to pull off a spacewalk will be a historic achievement. It will grab the world’s attention and make us front-page news. Doing the walk early in the mission ensures all eyes will witness your visit to the ISS. NASA and the world will see exactly what EarthOrbit’s equipment is capable of.”
Peter liked the president’s exuberance.
Walter zeroed in on Peter. “Did you two train for the second EVA?”
Straightening up in his chair, Peter hoped the president wasn’t going to suggest they do the second spacewalk. From the moment he first learned of the proposal, he felt it was simply too ambitious for the young company for their first mission. However, he and Blake did practice it a few times. Its purpose was to show their capability of working in space. Blake was to do a mundane task of opening a bay door and retrieving a tool. “We did.”
“Okay, good. If you notice on the mission procedures, if everything goes as planned, we might have Blake do that EVA after visiting the space station.”
Peter was shocked the second spacewalk was listed. They were pushing their luck. If they were successful with Blake’s first EVA and rendezvousing with the station, regardless if he was in the spacecraft or not, he would suggest forgoing a second spacewalk. But at this point, he believed it was best not to say anything and instead nodded in agreement.
The meeting continued until all aspects of the mission were discussed and cleared. Once Walter was satisfied, he said the launch was a “go,” causing a heartfelt cheer. Peter and the other astronauts would soon be transferring to the Nevada site.
As everyone was leaving the room, Peter held back, hoping to catch Walter alone. He wanted to discuss Jesse replacing him on the mission. He gave a wink to Jesse when he rejected leaving the conference room with the two astronauts. Jesse gave an acknowledging nod, sensing what his boss was about to do. Though going to Walter behind Chris’s back was not the appropriate protocol, he simply didn’t feel comfortable asking Chris.
Peter was soon the last one sitting at the table. He was pretending to be reviewing his paperwork as he watched Walter out of the corner of his eye. The president was in a conversation with both the launch director and Chris by the doorway. Peter patiently waited. He exhaled when Chris excused himself. Soon Walter and the director sounded like they were wrapping things up. Peter started to get up. The president gave a dismissive wave to the director before turning down the hallway. Peter swiftly passed the director, who was going back to the table to retrieve his notepad. Peter turned the corner and hustled toward the moving president. Right before reaching him, he quickly gathered himself, “Walter.”
The president stopped and turned. “Hey, Peter.”
Peter took a deep breath. “Walter, do you have a second?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
Peter softened his voice slightly. “Jesse was just fully cleared by medical. I think we should put him back on the prime crew.”
Walter took a step back. “Have you talked to Chris about this?”
Peter’s response was immediate. “Not yet; I just found out.”
Looking down the hallway, Walter put his hand into his pocket. He turned back. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. You’ve been the one doing all the physical training the last two weeks. I doubt he’s ready.”
Surprised by the president’s response, Peter firmly countered. “Sir, Jesse’s ready. In fact, he has a lot more training hours for this mission than I do. He’s definitely more qualified. Besides, my spacesuit is not even here yet.”
The president studied Peter for a moment. “Let me see what Chris thinks. I’m open to putting him back on. However, I want you right by his side going through all the final preparations as if you were flying. I want you to be a plug-n-play if needed.”
Peter gave an understanding nod. “Absolutely.” Peter put his hand on Walter’s shoulder. “Jesse is the perfect man for this job. I’m convinced he’ll execute a perfect mission.”
“That’s why we picked him. We have confidence in him, too. I’ll let you know what Chris says.”
Peter hoped for the best.
19
THE CHANGE
Kuang sat directly across from the MSS man in the empty conference room, done with the small talk. He was anxious to learn the latest on bombing the International Space Station. His impatience must have been obvious since Lin Wu started discussing the subject he was summoned for without waiting for the superior officer to formally introduce it.
Lin spoke with force in his voice. “So far the operation has proceeded as planned. The commercial rocket is on the launch pad in Nevada and scheduled to lift off on Friday. We’ve confirmed the bomb is operational and secured on board.”
Kuang reached over to a small tea tray between the two men. He took hold of the handle of his favorite Yixing clay pot and calmly poured some of the steaming-hot liquid into one of the two purple cups, expecting the taste to be perfect. He first offered the drink to Lin, who politely refused. As Kuang slid the small cup in front of himself, he took in the pleasant green tea aroma as he narrowed his stare on Lin. “Do we have a detailed breakdown of their flight plan?”
“Yes. You will be pleased to learn they are doing a spacewalk prior to rendezvousing with the space station. This historic feat will definitely grab the world’s attention, perfect for our operation to get maximum exposure. Such an embarrassing accident at the ISS witnessed by millions would indubitably set all the rest of the world’s space programs back years, propelling China into the position of the top country in space.”
Kuang crinkled his forehead at the thought of the private company doing a spacewalk, a feat that took his team over a decade to accomplish. He would hate for China to be upstaged by the young firm. He ran his finger around the rim of his cup. “Why are they doing the spacewalk before flying to the ISS?”
Lin’s demeanor stayed steady. “Not sure, but we feel it’s beneficial for our mission.”
Kuang forcefully shook his head, fighting back the impulse to snap at the young man’s shortsightedness. The MSS obviously had no idea how difficult it was to venture out into the harsh environment of space. “It’s too risky. If any problems happen during that spacewalk, it will prevent them from flying near enough to the ISS. I want it rescheduled so it happens after they rendezvous with the station. We cannot chance anything stopping us from achieving our objective. I want you to insist our man changes this immediately.”
Lin’s smug look wilted as he leaned forward against the conference table. He inclined his upper body. “I will personally pass on your request at once.”
Kuang carefully took a sip of the hot tea as he peered at the man over his cup. He was starting to question if the MSS was handling the operation correctly. “How long do they plan on being at the International Space Station?”
“We have been assured they will park by the station for at least twenty-four hours, allowing your agency plenty of time to verify their coordinates before taking control of the ship.”
Kuang warily set the cup down, making sure not to spill. “How close will they get?”
Lin looked at his notes before answering. “Fifty meters.”
Kuang clenched his fist. “Is that close enough?”