The mere fact of the colony’s existence had galvanized more than a few of America’s blacks into considering the means of achieving their own independence and equality in a country whose promise of the same for its nonwhite population had been nonexistent since its inception. And for an entire race who suffered having to do twice as much to get half the credit, those fortunate enough to be at the highest level of achievement were nothing short of extraordinary. Life in a United States, where whites were on their way to becoming a statistical minority, was going to get very interesting.
Children Of The Night
“Crap!” said Jonathan when he verified the readings the station’s A.I. called to his attention to on the Ops console.
“What’s that?” Cheryl asked as she entered the control room.
“G2's reporting that we have a drop in pressure in the water storage container. We’ve lost over half of our reserves so far, and water’s still leaking,” he replied.
“G2?”
“Yes, Cheryl, how may I be of assistance?”
“Are we still losing water from the tank?”
“Yes, although I have reduced interior pressure as much as possible, there is no way to stop the leak before the tank is down to twenty percent of normal capacity.”
Cheryl looked at Jonathan, who just shrugged.
“Once we repair the leak, can we survive until the next resupply mission?” she asked.
“If the crew rations the remaining water for consumption only, yes,” replied the A.I.
“Smelly and thirsty for the next three weeks. I’m not looking forward to that. I think we should schedule the next resupply immediately,” Jonathan suggested.
Cheryl activated the intercom, “Everyone to the control room.”
Moments later, Rachel and Larry arrived together.
“Problem?” Rachel asked.
“We have a leak in the water containment tank and by the time we repair it we’re going to be down to a fifth of what we normally carry,” Cheryl explained.
“Can we just call for a water resupply from home?” Larry asked.
“We could, and they would drop everything and send a resupply ship. But I have a better idea,” said Cheryl.
Rachel, looking at the grin on Cheryl’s face said, “You’re not thinking what I think you’re thinking?”
“Why not? We have two ten thousand-gallon tanks in the hanger. Why do you think we have them in the first place?” Cheryl said.
“Wait a minute, I thought they were left over from when they originally filled the reserve tank,” Larry protested.
Catching on, Jonathan exclaimed, “You’re crazy. No way are we going to get authorization to go to Earth for a drink of water!”
“I’m not planning on asking. I don’t want to have them send a jumper here with replacement supplies when all we need is water. G2?”
“Yes, Cheryl. How may I be of assistance?”
“What is the largest freshwater lake in Europe?
“Lake Ladoga in northwestern Russia.”
“What about in Iceland?”
“Lake Þórisvatn in south central Iceland.”
“Thank you, G2.”
“Why not the U.S.?” Larry asked.
“Because the U.S. military can track our ships and no one else, including the Russian military, can. Do you think the U.S. is going to inform Russia one of our ships is inbound? The last thing they want is for Russia, or anyone else for that matter, to have any chance to get their hands on a jumper. So if we drop down in Russia or Iceland, there’s no way the U.S. is going to be able to deploy fighters to intercept us, especially as fast as we can fly over other sovereign territory before we land, fill the tank, and get the hell out of dodge!” Cheryl explained excitedly.
The rest thought it over for a few moments, then Jonathan said, “Well then, let me suit up and repair that leak. It’s got to be done in any case.”
Larry jumped up, “You’re okay with this plan? Without checking with Ops before we head to Earth?”
Rachel laughed, tossing her head in Cheryl’s direction. “Have you ever tried to change her mind?”
“Point taken,” Jonathan chuckled. “Cheryl, put together the mission so we can all review it when the repair is finished. G2?”
“Yes, Jonathan. How may I be of assistance?”
“Please display your best guess of the location of the leak.”
The console displayed the schematic of the exterior of the space station, highlighting the section of the exterior skin of the station and the likely location of the breach.
“That looks like a meteoroid strike. Why didn’t the shields hold, G2?”
“Judging from the rate of water loss, it appears that the particle, about two to three centimeters in size, was traveling approximately fifty thousand KPH. The collision radar did not register it at all, it was traveling too fast. I have re-calibrated the collision radar to alert you to any similar inbound debris if it’s large enough to detect. I have also produced a list of the equipment you will need to repair the puncture. According to my calculations, it will take two of you just over an hour to repair the inner lining, replace the insulation, and patch the outer hull.”
Jonathan nodded. “Who’s coming with me?”
“I’ll go, I could use some time outside,” Rachel replied.
“Then Cheryl and I can put the mission together. We should be done by the time you two get back inside,” Larry said.
Rachel and Jonathan left to gather the supplies and tools G2 recommended for the repair, then checked out their space suits before donning them. Once in their suits, they checked each other. Even though they would be right outside the station, none of them ever left anything to chance.
“We’re ready to head outside,” Rachel announced over the radio.
Larry donned a wireless headset, “Need any help?”
“We got this,” Jonathan replied.
“Okay, we’ll be standing by,” Larry said. “G2, please monitor both of them, their suit telemetry and their transmissions.”
“Affirmative.”
“Okay, here’s what I had in mind. At first, I figured I’d just fly one of the jumpers to a freshwater lake, dip and run. But the tank vented twice what a single tank can bring back, so we should take both. This way we only have to hit the surface once. We stay as far away from the U.S. as possible so even if they do try to intercept us, they’ll have to cover a hell of a lot of ground to reach us. By then we should be back in orbit and out of reach.”
“It actually seems easy enough. What I’m worried about is what Chris is going to say when he finds out,” Larry said, frowning. “That cat has a temper, and this is exactly the kind of thing he really hates: somebody taking unnecessary chances.”
“True, and with G2 logging everything that goes on here, chances are he’s gonna find out no matter what. But I can’t see him getting too wigged out if we pull this off successfully,” Cheryl said, holding up crossed fingers.
“From your mouth to someone’s ear. Look, let’s figure out exactly where we dip. I’d like it to be as cold a lake as possible to get as clean a supply of water as possible. Ice runoff would be best,” Jonathan said, pulling up a map of Europe on one screen with Iceland on the second.
“Don’t call me crazy yet, but I just got a really wacky idea,” Cheryl said.
“Wackier than this?” he said, pointing to the maps on the screens.
“Way more!”
“Okay, I give. What are you thinking now?”
“Peanut said the station’s shields would stand up to anything Earth can throw at us. What if we take the whole station?”
Larry was speechless. When he could speak, he hissed, “Have you lost your fucking mind?”
“I told you it was wacky. But tell me, what’s wrong with the idea?”
“For one thing, everything in the station is tech the Earth doesn’t have. No way should they eve
r get within a thousand miles of this station! And they can’t ever get hold of any of Chris’ G-waves, that would be the whole ballgame. Besides, there’s no way we could collect water through the hull, there’s no piping for collection. I can’t approve this wacko idea of yours, that’s just crazy talk!”
“Yeah, I figured as much. It was just an idea,” she said sheepishly. “Anyway, let’s see what G2 knows about these locations. Thankfully, the recycling system will make easy work of filtering fresh water.”
“The idea is simple enough. And truth be told, no one on the planet can match our speed. If we stay close enough together our shields should overlap in case some asshole decides to take a shot at us. The jumpers are pretty stealthy, but that’s no guarantee we won’t be eyeballed,” said Larry.
“With the radar and optical upgrades, G2 should be able to track anything sent after us. Just between you and me, I think we should drop down over Iceland. I really don’t want to mess with the Russians, especially after Chris destroyed their space center. Their first response is going to be sending a shitload of missiles at us, even though their lake is larger. Let’s have G2 do up the waypoints for the mission, then I’ll see if they need a hand outside.”
They plotted the details of the mission, then went to the hanger to inspect the two water tanks left over from the station’s original construction. When Cheryl checked on Jonathan and Rachel, she found everything was going well.
She and Larry mounted the tanks under the jumpers, testing the collection mechanism, which was little more than remotely activated hatches.
“It shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes for the tank to fill if it’s fully submerged,” Larry said, from underneath the jumper. “What do you think, both dip together, or take turns?”
“Depends on the conditions. If there’s no one about, then we both dip at the same time and then get the hell out of there. If we get seen and someone shows up, then one jumper can stand guard over the other,” she replied.
“According to G2's estimates, total time inside the atmosphere is twenty-two minutes if nothing goes wrong. The last thing I want is for either of the tank’s collection hatches to malfunction. G2, how will collecting only a single tank full of water affect our supply situation here?” asked Larry.
“An additional ten thousand gallons will not require any crew rationing until supply can be replenished at the next crew rotation. Hydroponics, atmosphere treatment and the fish pool will continue to operate at full capacity, but there will be no reserve as specified by Operations when the station was provisioned and launched.”
“See, even if one of the ships can’t collect, we’re fine until the next shipment from home,” Larry pointed out. “Maybe we hedge our bets and just fill one tank, leaving the other jumper to fly high cover in case anyone sees us.”
“Fine by me. As long as the station ends up near capacity, I can live with that. But if the opportunity is there, then we fill both,” she replied.
“You going to send the mission profile to Ops?”
“That is the question, isn’t it? Let’s wait until Rachel and Jon get back, then discuss it.”
* * *
“Christopher?” came the call out of thin air.
“Yes, Genesis. What’s up?”
“I have Chuck on the line for you.”
“What up, Chuck?”
“Where are you?”
“In my office. I’m doing some analysis of Peanut’s last interdimensional probe run data. What do you need?”
“Hang on, I’m on my way.”
A few minutes later, Chuck arrived. And after they hugged, Christopher pulled back, “Okay, what the fuck is going on?”
“Sit down. It’s no big deal, I just wanted to be the one who gave you the news.”
Once they were seated, Chuck began. “The Earth station had their reserve water tank punctured by a fast-moving piece of rock and it almost completely drained.”
“Was anyone hurt?”
“Not at all. But instead of waiting for resupply from here, they put together a mission to dip into one of Earth’s lakes using the original tanks from when we stocked the station,” Chuck explained.
“Where? The military isn’t going to let them anywhere near the Great Lakes like last time—"
“They aren’t going to the Great Lakes, they’re going to dip into some lake in Iceland,” explained Chuck.
“Smart. But I’m not happy about their planning an Earth mission without my approval.”
“Chris, stop! You haven’t been in on any mission planning for quite a while, especially the science missions. That’s why I stopped by, I didn’t want you losing your mind over their mission if you heard about it afterward. It appears safe enough. Genesis?”
“Yes, Chuck. How may I be of assistance?”
“Would you display the Earth station’s mission profile on Chris’ screen?”
Christopher’s screen lit with the mission summary alongside the path the jumpers were taking to Iceland. He read the mission summary, mentally checking off several details.
“Who did this, Cheryl? It looks like her handiwork.”
“Probably, there’s no signature at the bottom. I guess they wanted to spread the blame if you hit the roof,” Chuck said with a chuckle.
“When are they taking off?” Christopher asked.
“As soon as they get an approval.”
Christopher grinned, “Genesis. Please send my approval to Operations.”
“Done, Christopher. Is there anything else I may assist you with?”
“That will be all, thank you.”
“Who the hell are you and what have you done with my friend Chris?” Chuck asked, laughing.
“Hey, it’s just the cooler, laid back me,” Christopher replied with a shrug. “What are you working on these days?”
“Still planning the Jupiter science mission. I’m working on some modifications to the mission jumpers. I’ll probably be piloting the one that’s going deep into the Red Spot.”
“What kind of weather are you expecting?”
“Impossible winds, lightening that would power this habitat for several years, and dirigible life forms riding ammonia and hydrocarbon currents in the lower atmosphere. But that’s only after we take a crack at the frozen moons and try to get some water samples. Most of our team is convinced that there’s life under the ice crusts. The problem everyone is working on right now is how to penetrate a hundred miles of ice to get down to the oceans below.”
“That actually sounds pretty exciting. When are you all planning to go?”
“Not for a few weeks yet, we still have to figure out a way to get samples from under the crust. So far, we’re looking at dropping down into fissures to reduce the amount of drilling, or whatever, to get to water. That’s been a bitch to solve. But I’m sure we’ll get it. Maybe you can stop by one of the planning meetings and lend a hand? You might see something we overlooked,” Chuck suggested.
“No problem. When’s the next time you’ll be getting together?”
“Tomorrow, right after lunch. Just show up, I think your being there is going to be a great surprise for the team, and a damn good ego boost. Thanks man,” Chuck said, slapping five with his lifelong friend. He then got to his feet and turned to leave.
“Say hello to Iris for me and see if the two of you can come by for dinner soon. Or we can hit Sherman’s. Want me to get Pat to call Iris and set it up?” suggested Christopher.
“Perfect! Want to add Peanut and Bernice?”
“Absolutely! It’s been way too long.”
“Wizard. I’ll see you at the planning meeting tomorrow. I’ll have Genesis give you a reminder,” said Chuck, then left.
“Genesis?”
“Yes, Christopher. How may I be of assistance?”
“Message to the Earth station. ‘Good luck on the mission. Let us know what we should load up on when we send out the new crew and supp
lies. All the best, Christopher.’ End message.”
“Transmit immediately?”
“Yes, please. Thank you, Genesis, that will be all.”
* * *
“President Wilcox, please come with us,” said her personal Secret Service agent as she barged into the President’s Study off of the Oval Office.
“Why?” asked President Wilcox.
“Two of the colonist’s spacecraft are inbound at a hell of a clip, Madam President, and we’re here to escort you to the bunker,” Agent Miller replied.
“How do we know they’re coming here?”
“Madam President, we can discuss that downstairs, but we have to move, now. Otherwise we can and will carry you,” Agent Miller warned as two very capable looking male agents entered the room.
The President got to her feet and quickly moved to the door “Keep your hair on, there’s no need for threats.”
The phalanx of agents, with Wilcox protectively in the middle, moved at almost a run to the elevator leading down to the President’s Emergency Operations Center located deep below the east wing of the White House.
Once downstairs, with the bunker sealed, all the communications systems were brought online, including the direct feed from Shelter 14 in Utah where the original gravity detector was located. The Shelter 14 feed displayed the location of the inbound spacecraft relative to the positions of Earth and the moon.
“Colonel—” she began.
“Adams, ma’am.”
“Colonel Adams, how soon will the spacecraft arrive in Earth orbit?” Wilcox inquired.
“About twenty-three hundred hours, Madam President. A little less than three hours at their current speed,” he replied.
Turning to Agent Miller, Wilcox asked, “What was the damn hurry, Tanya?”
“Apologies, ma’am. Protective protocols require that you and any family members in the White House be secured in the PEOC whenever any potentially hostile spacecraft are inbound toward Earth.”
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