Margaritifer Basin (Margaritifer Trilogy Book 1)

by Gregory Gates

  Jeff nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Hi, welcome to the White House. I’m Samantha Bell, the Assistant Social Secretary. I thought I better meet you down here as you’re the only ones in attendance this evening entering through the East Wing.”

  “Thank you. Uh, why’s that?”

  “Well everyone else either works here or has ID that allows them to enter through the West Wing, which is a bit more convenient.”

  “Ah, I see.”

  “I’m afraid you’ll need to again show your picture ID at the desk and go through the metal detector. It’s standard procedure. And ladies, your purses will need to be inspected.”

  As they came through the metal detector, Jeff pulled Susan aside and whispered, “Can you keep an eye on Gabe tonight?”

  Susan nodded. “She has being acting a little, uh, queer this week. I brought something with me to calm her down if needed.”

  “Good thinking, but let’s hold the tranquilizer gun as a last resort. We don’t want her dancing on the McKinley table wearing the Eisenhower lampshade on her head.”

  Susan grinned. “That would be interesting.”

  “That’s one word for it.”

  Finished with the security checks, Samantha motioned toward the other end of the East Wing lobby, “Right this way.”

  As they walked down the East Colonnade, Jeff made introductions around.

  “I’m pleased to meet you all. Yes, Chrissie and I have spoken on the phone. Have any of you been to the White House before?”

  Everyone shook their heads. “No.”

  “Ah, alright. Well, we just came through the Garden Room on this side of the lobby and this is the East Colonnade, which connects the East Wing with the Residence. The East Wing houses a number of offices, most notable of which is the First Lady’s office on the second floor. And beyond this wall to your right is the theater.”

  Jeff had taken Gabe’s hand again. “How you doing?” he whispered.

  She nodded and whispered back. “Better, thanks. This place is huge.”

  “Yeah, sure is. Should have worn my jogging shoes.”

  “This is the Visitors Foyer,” Samantha continued, “and through here is the ground floor Center Hall of the Residence.”

  “Samantha,” Jeff asked, “how big is the White House, if you don’t mind my asking.”

  “No, not at all. The Residence itself is 170 feet wide, 85 feet deep and consists of four stories, not including the basement and sub-basement, and has roughly 55,000 square feet of floor space. Including the East and West Wings, it totals 67,000 square feet, with 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 412 doors.”

  “Good lord,” Abby said. “You must get plenty of exercise just walking around here.”

  Samantha laughed. “Yes. We try not to spend a lot of time running back and forth between the East and West Wings. It’s a long way. This is the Grand Staircase, we’ll be going up one floor. You’ll be on the first floor this evening. Everyone is gathering in the Red Room. The President is likely to be a few minutes late, he had to take a call. Part of the job.”

  Jeff smiled and nodded. “I can imagine.”

  “During large state affairs, the President will usually greet special guests in the Yellow Oval Room on the second floor then, when all is in readiness, come down the Grand Staircase and go directly into the East Room, here. Through here is the Entrance Hall and the North Portico beyond. This is the Cross Hall that, as I said, has the East Room on that end and the State Dining Room on the other. And along here we have the Green Room, the Blue Room and the Red Room. Tonight, because the group is small, you’ll be dining in the Family Dining Room which adjoins the State Dining Room, just across the hall from the Red Room.”

  Jeff shook his head. “Do they issue you GPS so you can find your way around here?”

  Samantha laughed. “No, actually on these two floors, the ground floor and this floor, which is also known as the State Floor, because the rooms are so large, it’s pretty hard to get lost. Upstairs in the actual family residence on the second and particularly the third floors it’s somewhat more of a maze. And here we are. Oh, before we go in, I should mention, there are no bathrooms on this floor, they’re downstairs; an usher will show you the way. Ladies, don’t be bashful to ask.”

  “Samantha,” Gabe said in almost a whisper, “um, I probably should have asked sooner but, uh, is this dress alright?”

  Samantha smiled, “It’s gorgeous. And, yes, it’s fine. I wish I had the figure for something like that,” she looked up and shook her head, “and your height.” She turned to the rest. “Indeed, all of your gowns are stunning. I’m jealous.”

  Gabe let out a huge sigh of relief. “Thank you. I’ve been scared to death.”

  “No, it’s really lovely. Oh, um, do you know everyone that will be here tonight.”

  Jeff shook his head. “Except for Senator Landers, whom we do know, we don’t even know who’s here.”

  “Oh dear. Okay, why don’t you wait here and I’ll go in and get the senator and he can take you in and make the introductions. Would that be alright?”

  Jeff nodded. “Thank you. That would be great. You’ve been a wonderful guide. Thank you very much.”

  “My pleasure.”

  Jeff and his crew waited just outside the Red Room, shifting uneasily. He smiled and glanced at each in turn. “Everybody just relax, it’s not like we’re the Christians about to be introduced to the lions.”

  Abby frowned. “You sure?”

  A moment later Samantha reappeared with Senator Landers in tow.

  “Ah, great, you’re here,” the senator said extending his hand to Jeff.

  “Good evening, Senator.”

  “Wow! You guys clean up real good,” the senator said, grinning and glancing at the others. “This is informally formal, so there’s no receiving line or anything like that. I’ll just take you in, introduce you to them and them to you and call it good enough. Okay?”

  Jeff nodded. “Fine.”

  “Oh, the President is down in the Oval, he should be here in just a few minutes.”

  “Yes, Samantha told us.”

  “Okay. Then let’s go.”

  Senator Landers led them in. “Uh, ladies and gentlemen, our guests have arrived. I’ll quickly make introductions around and then we can all just mingle and get to know one another. Starting on my far left, I’d like to present Lieutenant Commander Abigail Nolan, Ms. Christine Mallory, Dr. Susan Lú, Dr. Gabriel Frederick, and Captain Jeffrey Grey. And on this side of the room, okay, let’s see, well first I should introduce our hostess for the evening, the First Lady, Mrs. Caldwell,” then motioning as he went around the room, “Vice President and Mrs. Jensen, Mrs. Surtees, the chief of staff’s better half, the president’s Science Advisor, Admiral King and the lovely Mrs. King, the NASA Administrator, Dr. Fairfax and, likewise, the lovely Mrs. Fairfax, the ever lovely Mrs. Landers, and on the far left NASA Chief Astronaut, Colonel Sylvia Creighton, whose husband, Hal, couldn’t quite make it this evening as he’s out of town, way out of town. In fact he’s currently up on the ISS. Eh, they’re all lovely; beautiful people all.”

  The room immediately broke into a cacophony of conversation. As the first lady and vice president approached, Gabe took Jeff’s arm and held it in a death-grip.

  “I am so pleased to have you here this evening,” said the First Lady. “The President was busy, as usual, but I saw you on the Tonight Show last week, you were marvelous. Captain Grey, it’s a great pleasure, I’ve read so much about you.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. We are greatly honored to be here.”

  “Dr. Frederick, it’s a pleasure.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. The pleasure is mine.”

  “I don’t believe I have ever seen a gown quite like that in this house and I applaud you for having the chutzpa to wear it. It is stunning.”

  Gabe bit her lip and grinned. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “I don’t know why women who come here feel it nece
ssary to dress like old frumps. This is the White House for crying out loud, not Buckingham Palace. It’s lovely dear.”

  “Thank you.”

  The Vice President had apparently waited long enough, stepped in and held out his hand to Jeff. “Captain, it’s a real pleasure. I’m anxiously looking forward to hearing all about this adventure of yours.”

  “It’s our pleasure, sir, and we’re just as anxious to tell you all about it.”

  “This Chairman of the Board of NASA hat that I wear is more of an honorary thing, but frankly I really have a keen interest in space exploration and I think the expenditure over the years has returned many times that in widespread dividends.”

  “Sir, I wholeheartedly agree.”

  “Ah, here he is.”

  President Caldwell walked hurriedly into the room followed by his chief of staff. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, sorry for the delay.” He walked straight to Jeff and held out his hand. “Captain Grey, I am delighted you could make it down here on such short notice. I know you’ve got a couple of launches coming up soon and I’m sure you’re very busy. I appreciate it.”

  Jeff shook the President’s hand. “Sir, we are greatly honored by the invitation, and it’s one I wouldn’t know how to turn down even if I wanted to.”

  “Good. Glad to have you here. And this must be Dr. Frederick.”

  Gabe swallowed hard and nervously held out her hand. “Yes, yes, sir.”

  “Doctor, I’ve been told you were tall but… wow.”

  She gave him an embarrassed grin.

  The President shook Gabe’s hand then took a step back and eyed her up and down. “That is some dress. You know, when my daughter sees that she’s gonna want one just like it.” The President shook his head and smiled. “She’s not gonna get it. But on you, it is spectacular. It’s a real pleasure to meet you Doctor.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “And who have we got over here?”

  Jeff stepped over toward the others. “Mr. President, I’d like to present Dr. Susan Lú.”

  “Doctor Lú, a pleasure.”

  Susan bowed then extended her hand. “The pleasure is mine, sir.”

  “Now, I’ve read your Senate testimony – frankly, that’s one of the reasons you’re here tonight – and I recall Doctor that you speak fluent Mandarin. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And Cantonese, as well?”

  “Not quite as well, but yes.”

  “You were born in China?”

  “Yes, sir. My parents immigrated when I was very young.”

  “Well, China’s loss is our gain. Pleasure to have you here this evening, Doctor. And that is also a magnificent gown. Is that Chinese?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Lovely.” He turned to Jeff. “I have to say, you’re the best dressed bunch of astronauts I have ever seen.” He looked around to some of the others present. “No offense to you NASA folks, but this is how to dress.”

  Jeff motioned to Abby, “Sir, this is Lieutenant Commander Abigail Nolan.”

  “Commander Nolan, it’s a pleasure. I understand you’re a fighter jock.”

  Abby grinned, “Yes, sir.”

  “And you flew the Super Hornet in Iraq?”

  Jeff marveled at the President’s memory, he couldn’t have prepped that much for something as trivial as this dinner.

  Abby nodded. “Yes, sir, two tours.”

  “I just may have to have a word with the CNO about putting more women in jets. I’m glad to have you on our side. God bless you, young lady.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “And Mr. President, may I present Ms. Christine Mallory.”

  “Ah, yes, Christine. You’re the one that gets left behind, right?”

  “Yes, sir, somebody has to stay and mind the farm.”

  “Indeed. You’ll be running ground control?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Well, somebody has to do it. And their lives will likely depend on you.”

  “Yes, sir. And I have every intention of bringing them safely back home to us.”

  “I have no doubt that you will.” He again turned to Jeff. “Jeff, could I have a word alone with you before we head in for dinner?”

  “Of course, sir.”

  “Good. Excuse us for just a moment everyone. Jeff, why don’t we step into the Blue Room here for a minute?”

  Jeff pried himself loose from Gabe and followed the President through a short hallway joining the Red and Blue Rooms closing the door behind them.

  “Jeff, do you know why you’re here tonight?”

  “I have a pretty good idea, sir.”

  “Good. If I’d had to explain it, it would have been a short evening.”

  Jeff smiled.

  “My predecessor liked to do this kind of thing out on the porch over a couple beers. Personally, I think the office demands a bit more decorum and formality.”

  “I couldn’t agree more, sir.”

  “I like dressing for dinner. Gives everyone a chance to show off their finery and good behavior. And you don’t need to be rich and famous to appreciate fine things and be well mannered.”

  “No argument, sir.”

  “Jeff, as you are well aware, there are a lot of issues here.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Not just technical and economic issues,” the President shook his head, “but enormous philosophical, social, political, even environmental issues. It’s not just a question of whether or not you can do this, but whether or not you should.”

  “I understand, sir.”

  “I have no doubt that you do. As I said in there, I’ve read your Senate testimony; you did a good job, and I like what you had to say. But, as the guy that some would argue is the leader of the free world, I need to take a position on this. This plan of yours could be the greatest accomplishment ever, or the greatest disaster. Now, I have thousands of people working for me that could sit down with you at a conference table and talk till you’re all old and gray and not settle anything. So I’ve invited you here to get the straight skinny.”

  “I understand, sir.”

  “Jeff, this is your trial by fire. You and your people convince me and my people that this mission of yours not only can be done but should be done, and you’ll have my full support. Fail in that, and you’re not going anywhere.”

  “That’s fair enough, sir. I would expect nothing less from this office.”

  “Alright. Those people out there are going to ask some hard questions tonight. I expect honest answers.”

  “I don’t know of any other kind, sir.”

  The President stepped forward and held out his hand to Jeff. “I’ve read your Navy Cross citation, and I believe you.”

  Jeff took his hand. “Sir.”

  “Well, it’s Friday and I’m told the menu includes ‘Surf & Turf’. What say we eat?”

  Jeff nodded and smiled. “Sounds good to me, sir.”

  Back in the Red Room the president announced, “Emily Post would be horrified at our lack of etiquette this evening but she’s not here and what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. So what say we all head for the dining room?”

  The long narrow dining table was unconventionally laid out with nine place settings on each side and none on the ends. The President was seated in the center on one side, flanked on his right by the Vice President, NASA administrator, Senator Landers and the First Lady, and on his left by the chief of staff, science advisor, chief astronaut and Mrs. Landers. Jeff sat opposite the president, with Gabe, Chrissie, Mrs. Fairfax and Mrs. King, to his right and Abby, Susan, Mrs. Surtees and Mrs. Jensen on his left. Clearly the arrangement was meant for business, not social conversation.

  “Let’s not stand on ceremony,” said the President as the staff began serving Caesar salad, “and get right to it. I think NASA probably has the lion’s share of questions for you so I’m going to let Dr. Fairfax kick things off. Lou?”

  “Yes, sir. Capta
in, from what I’ve read and heard of your plan, I must applaud the elegance of its simplicity. Yet, one aspect would appear to be exceedingly complex. I understand that you plan to launch something in the neighborhood of half a million pounds of payload. How do you propose to do that?”

  “Sir, our forthcoming launch involves what we have managed to cobble together for these inaugural missions: two Atlas Vs, one Delta IV heavy, and a Falcon Heavy. Quite obviously, that is a very awkward and expensive way to do it. And, were we to be forced into utilizing nothing but conventional and available heavy lifters, we anticipate the need, a bit over two years from now, for at least fourteen vehicles to fulfill our requirements for the second cargo, return trip resupply, and crew launches.”

  Dr. Fairfax grinned, “There aren’t that many.”

  “Well, yes, sir, there are. It’s just that there is competition for them, principally for support of the ISS, which we recognize has a rather high priority. Still, we have already conducted discussions with ULA and SpaceX, as well as the European, Russian and Chinese space agencies – to gauge interest – and our assessment is that it is, in theory, feasible to support both our mission and the ISS. In addition to the Atlas V, Delta IV, and Falcon Heavies, also potentially available are the Ariane 5 and Proton, and possibly even the Long March 5 and the Angaras. Nevertheless, we would prefer a simpler solution. Thus, at least for now, we’re putting our money on Jupiters. As you’re well aware, Congress has, in part, funded development of the Jupiter-like Space Launch System in response to cancellation of the Ares, and that development is coming along nicely, albeit slowly. The first SLS is scheduled for test launch in four years though personally, and meaning no offense, sir, I don’t think you’re going to make that. We don’t see the J-241 as a big problem as it’s little more than a reconfiguration of the shuttle from piggyback to inline.

  “The Jupiter-241, of course, does require development of the upper stage – the Earth Departure Stage. Still, design is complete – essentially an oversized S-IVB – and, in our opinion, sound. It simply needs to be built. Given Jupiter’s availability, we could fulfill our requirements with four J-241s. But therein lays one problem: that being the EDS engines. The J-246 is out since we understand that Rocketdyne simply can’t build the required twenty-four RL-10B-2 engines within that time frame. Further, development of the J-2X is sorely lagging, owing to lack of interest. Our solution would be to utilize existing legacy J-2 engines in the J-241 configuration. I believe there are twelve J-2s in existence, either in storage or on display. We’d like to put a few of them to good use. Further, a Jupiter-241 with a J-2 powered EDS would make for an easy transition to a J-2X powered EDS on down the road. And, in our opinion, all of that is entirely doable within two years.”