To ensure his conversation wasn’t heard outside the room, he first turned on the television. He leaned back on the bed and rang Carl up. After some small talk, Peter got right to the point, questioning if it was Krause who determined which Parachute Deployment Device would be the prime unit, or was that decision left to EarthOrbit.
Carl was direct and decisive when he answered. “Both PDDs for your spacecraft came in together. Neither unit had a designation stating if it was the backup or prime. That was our call, which we made after a thorough inspection.”
Peter felt a little more comfortable hearing that. “Obviously both inspected fine.”
“Yes.”
Peter started to rub the side of his face. “What about the switching of the part numbers you mentioned? Did any of those changes happen to Iris 1 units?”
“I’m pretty sure the units that had their numbers switched were PDDs received later for future missions, but I’ll have to do a little more research to verify that.”
When Peter hung up, he was convinced the whole matter was a moot issue. Exhausted, he turned off the television and lights before pulling the covers over him. His last thoughts were of Anya as he drifted off to sleep.
KUANG CRADLED THE phone on his shoulder as he tapped his pencil on his desk, waiting for Lin to inform him who had been snooping around at the American space company. He was growing impatient with the MSS man’s lack of directness on the matter.
Lin’s voice crackled through the phone as he finally addressed Kuang’s concern. “We did get confirmation on who has been asking the questions.”
“Who, a government agent?” Kuang’s tapping started to increase in strength with every second that passed without a response. Frustrated, he growled. “Well, who is it?”
With a reluctant sigh, the man spoke guardedly. “Sir, it’s Peter Novak.”
The pencil instantly snapped in Kuang’s hand as his blood boiled. “What? Is this the same man who went to the moon?”
“Yes, sir.”
Kuang was furious as he stared straight ahead. “Is he one of the astronauts?”
Lin’s voice was flat and emotionless. “He is actually the manager of the astronauts. He is also the backup commander for this mission.”
Kuang’s hand was now balled in a tight fist. “Are we convinced he is not affiliated with some government agency?”
“Our background check has not turned up anything suspicious. His only affiliation with a government agency is being an ex-NASA astronaut.”
Kuang wasn’t convinced. “What are the odds this man would work at Byington Corporation, fly to the moon, and now be working for the space company associated with Tianlong?”
“It is suspicious. Much of his connection seems to be due to his NASA background and the fact his father walked on the moon. However, we will make sure he is closely watched.”
Kuang thought back to the emergency meeting earlier in the year at Jiuquan, when he sat across from the arrogant American. Supposedly, he was a vice president for the laser manufacturer. Kuang put his fingers deep into his thick, silver hair. These were no coincidences. This man had to be associated with some organization. He clenched his jaw tightly as he looked across his office. This was his opportunity to repay the American for embarrassing him and his country. Without thinking it through, he gave a snap order. “I want him to fly the mission. Tell your contact we want him put on the first crew. I don’t care if they need to postpone the mission a few days to make it happen. I want him in that spacecraft when it explodes.”
Lin kept his composure. “Consider it done.”
22
STARTLING NEWS
The small closeout room was bustling with activity as the five-man team assisted the astronauts with final preparations before strapping them into the spacecraft for their historic space flight. With all the hoses and cables lining the white room, Peter had a difficult time finding a solitary spot out of the way. Chris stood closely next to him. Both men were wearing the same white jumpsuits as the closeout team. Seeing the professionalism brought a smile to Peter’s face, remembering how cheesy his entry was when entering Galileo for the moon mission, being lifted up by a crane. The room was at the end of the access arm, a long steel scaffolding that could swing away from the rocket before launch. This gantry was how the closeout room was accessed from the elevator, and was needed for the astronaut’s emergency escape. The setup was similar to NASA’s.
The venting noise that echoed throughout the room made talking difficult. Everyone had single-sided headsets on, giving them the ability to communicate with each other as well as launch control. While Jesse was being strapped into his seat, Blake rocked nervously back and forth on the balls of his feet in his silver flight suit.
Peter worked his way up from behind and put a firm hand on the young man’s shoulder. “You’re next. Ready for this?”
Blake turned with a sly grin. He gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
The pad leader called out. “Okay, Blake, you’re up.”
Blake gave Peter a wink before turning and handing his helmet to one of the team members. A cell phone surprisingly rang. Who the hell has a cell phone up here? Peter swiveled his head, looking for the guilty party. He was shocked to see Chris pull his out. The old man studied the caller ID for a second before giving an apologetic look. He lifted has hand in an excusing manner as he backed out the door, letting in the hissing sounds of the eager rocket. Through the door’s small window, Peter observed Chris stop on the gantry, covering his free ear as he took the call. Must be pretty damn important.
Peter turned to see Blake already aimed skyward in his seat as a two-man team worked to strap him tightly in. One was using his full weight to force the astronaut down while the other pulled the strap snugly, insuring the spaceman was secured firmly in his seat. Soon the astronauts had their helmets on and had done their communication check. Peter looked back to see Chris pacing on the rocket’s access arm, getting very animated. Peter wondered what could be upsetting the man during such a critical moment.
The pad leader turned to Peter. “Time to close the hatch.”
That was his signal to say his goodbyes. “Roger.” Before sticking his head through the opening, he undid a Velcro strap on the side of one of his pant legs. He stuck his hand deep into the pocket and pulled out a gift. He knelt down and grabbed the curved entrance with his free hand to steady himself. He stuck his head in as far as he could. The interior was well-lit. Both astronauts had their visors up, excitement brewing within their eyes. “You two ready for the ride of your life?”
Jesse, in the commander’s seat, answered enthusiastically, “Ready and excited!”
“Well, I have a little present for you two.” Peter had a proud grin as he reached into the hatch. Blake’s eyes instantly widened when he saw the gift, Matthew’s toy plane hanging from a string. Peter looked at Blake. “Your son wanted you to have this. Hang it from the control panel and it will let you know when you’re in space.”
Blake’s face glowed as he reached out. Peter gently set the gift in his gloved hand. The proud father brought his other hand over, picking the small toy up by the string. He admired it as it swayed in front of him. “This is great, thanks.”
Peter lifted his hand in a reassuring manner. “I used a strong PVA string so you don’t have to worry about it snapping on you during launch.” A sudden loud burst entered the closeout room signaling someone had just entered. Without turning, Peter assumed it was probably Chris. Focusing on the men, he felt a little envious. “I wish I was flying with you guys. Think you could hide me behind your seats?”