After analyzing the mission data, a few flight controllers had suggested that the failure probably had happened sooner than Tom and Dusty were claiming. In an effort to take the heat off Tom for not leaving Dusty, both astronauts stated the unit broke down while walking back to the Lunar Module. Since the PLSS backpacks were left on the moon, there was no way of proving the story wrong. Without hard evidence, it came down to their word versus any superficial findings. Though Dick had been backing their story, he obviously wanted to know the truth.
After a quick knock, Tom gradually opened the door, peeking in. “Hey, boss.”
Looking up with a surprised expression, Dick peered down at his watch. “Wow, it’s 10 a.m. already?” He closed up the file on his desk. “Come on in.”
Tom took the initiative of locking the door and sat down.
Dick leaned back in his chair. “So, Commander, that was one hell of a mission.”
“That it was. Sorry we didn’t achieve all our objectives. I feel for those science guys whose experiments we didn’t get to.”
“Don’t sweat it. No matter what we do up there, I doubt that community is ever satisfied.” Dick lowered his voice. “So how the hell did you snag that sample without Dusty seeing you?”
Since it happened when his partner was moving the rover, Tom felt it best to stay away from specifics. “Let’s just say I found the right opportunity.”
Dick studied Tom for a moment. “Okay, we’ll leave it at that.” His boss clasped his hands together over his stomach. “Well I’m glad you were able to get it, and more importantly, that the two of you made it safely back to the LM.” The room quieted for a second as Dick calmly pulled out his chair and walked around to the front of his desk. He leaned back before crossing his arms. “So I have a question I want answered.”
Tom straightened in his chair. Uh-oh, here it comes. I hope I don’t have to lie.
“When did Dusty’s backpack fail?”
Wow, he’s getting right to it. Tom stared into Dick’s eyes. “Boss, as we explained in our debriefing, it happened about a quarter of a mile from Explorer. So with the emergency O2 between us, Dusty had plenty of air to make it back.”
“I know what you two said on record. This is off the record. This is just between you and me. I think things occurred differently. I suspect the backpack failed earlier, probably on that crater rim when Dusty fell.” Dick bent over to get closer. “Did it?”
Tom began to squirm, trying to determine the right words without actually lying.
Placing a hand on Tom’s shoulder, the director broke the awkward moment, saying more softly, “I’ll tell you a secret. I was involved in some of the early meetings to decide how far we should allow astronauts to venture out with the rover. After shrinking the distance down to account for a single failure, many wanted to cut that distance again by half to account for the possibility of a double failure. Since the odds were extremely slim of that happening, the argument was that if the distance was cut that short, what was the purpose of even having the rover?” Dick took his hand off Tom, leaning back against his desk. He put his hands in his pockets. “Finally, the decision seemed to depend on me. I was asked directly if a double failure happened, would our astronauts accept the order to leave their partner to save themselves. Even though I knew it wasn’t true, I answered absolutely. I wanted our team to have the opportunity of using the rover.” Dick looked Tom straight in his eyes. “But I’ll tell you this. If I was put in that situation, there is no way I would ever leave my partner to die.”
Relaxing, Tom winked with a sly grin.
Understanding, Dick smiled. “I thought so. Listen, you’re a hero in my book and I’ll back your story. You did the right thing, regardless of when the failure happened. If there was a dead astronaut on the moon, this whole program would shut down. Apollo 17 would never happen.”
The stress flew right out of Tom as he practically melted into his chair from relief as Dick went back to his seat.
“Because of your heroics, I guess you won’t have your new title for long.”
Tom tilted his head. “What title is that?”
Dick grinned. “Last man on the moon.”
Letting out a hearty chuckle, Tom hadn’t even thought about the label. “No matter who has that designation, it won’t last long.” Tom thought back to Dusty’s comments about what Dick said and the possible bet. “Dusty mentioned you said it could be forty years before we get back to the moon after Apollo 17.”
“Yup, I said something like that. In fact, it might even be longer.”
“No way. That’s crazy. I’ll take that bet and even give you odds.”
Dick smiled. “Tom, I don’t want to take your money. Besides, I’m not sure I’ll still be around in forty years to collect.”
“I plan on being here.”
“I hope you are, and I hope you’re right. Maybe you’ll even get an opportunity to fly back someday with your son.”
“I’d love to show Peter his initials on the moon.”
Dick sat back in his chair, a devious smirk on his face. “Speaking of your son, have you been able to get in some quality time with the family lately?”
Tom crossed his legs, wondering where his boss was going with the question. “Not with all the post-flight appearances. Why?”
“Well, how would you like to take the family on an all-expense paid vacation to Disneyland and meet Mickey Mouse?”
What family wouldn’t want a trip like that? Tom knew there was a catch. “What are you talking about?”
Bending down behind his desk, Dick quickly reappeared holding a stuffed Mickey Mouse doll. Dick had a big grin on his face as he plopped the plush toy on the desk. “Guess what’s inside this?”
Tom tilted his head slightly. “I have no idea. Probably stuffing?”
Dick angled his body over his desk and whispered, “The canister you brought back from the moon is inside here.”
“Really? Why?”
Dick wiggled his eyebrows. “Your son is going to pass this over to a Soviet boy. That’s how we’re going to pull off the transfer.”
Tom had assumed he was done with the covert operation. Now his son was going to be involved. “What in the world are you talking about?”
“I have officially assigned you as the backup commander for the U.S.-USSR mission. There’s a big public relations event next week at Disneyland to kick off the project and officially announce the crews. One of the cosmonauts will have his family with him. He has a little boy around the same age as Peter. The plan is for your son to pass this Mickey Mouse over to that boy. Pretty ingenious, huh?”
Tom would rather Peter not be involved in the transaction. “How about I just give it directly to the cosmonaut myself?”
“That might look suspicious. Sorry, the plan is for Peter to do it. It’s all set up. It will come across as a kind gesture by an innocent little boy passing over a welcome gift. I’m sure it won’t be any big deal.”
Tom remembered Viktor had a boy Peter’s age. “Do you know who the cosmonaut is?”
Searching on his desk, Dick found what he was looking for. He pulled out a file and opened it. He ran a finger slowly down a piece of paper inside. “Umm, Viktor Alexandrov, and his boy is…Dmitri.”
“That’s the same guy I passed the material to in Geneva.”
Dick looked up. “Oh, that’s right. Interesting.”
“Is he on the prime crew?”
“Yup, looks like it.”
Tom was happy to hear the cosmonaut was finally going to get a space mission. “Good to hear. All right, so how is this all going to take place?”
“There is no real plan. It’s up to you how you pull this off. You may want to wrap this up like a present. I also suggest you have Peter pass it over when the families are first introduced. You don’t want to carry this thing around Disneyland worrying about it the whole time.” Dick picked up the toy and placed it across from Tom. “I want you to take this now and store it at ho
me. I’m positive you won’t have any problem getting it off the grounds. Of course, hide it in a safe place.”
Thinking of Dino, Tom smiled, knowing the mutt would probably tear the doll to shreds if he got the chance. “I’ll come up with a good spot.”
“Great. I’ll get you all the details and tickets sometime early next week.” Dick lifted his hands. “Hey, you and the family are going to have a great time.”
Reaching for the stuffed toy, Tom hoped there wouldn’t be any surprises. “You would think.”
THE COSMONAUT CONFERENCE room was silent when Viktor entered. The only person in the room was the KGB agent, and Viktor had a good idea why the man was there. Viktor had been recently informed of a PR event he was to attend for the joint mission with the Americans that was to take place at an amusement park in the United States. He was told that during the trip, he would be a part of another secret transfer of lunar material, and it was imperative he bring along his family. With Maria just over eight months pregnant, Viktor was worried about his wife flying overseas and asked if she could stay behind. Viktor assumed he was going to get an answer to this request.
“Have a seat.”
Viktor sat at the table directly across from the man.
The KGB agent got right to the point. “I have been instructed your family must go to America, including Maria. They are needed in the plot to receive the Apollo 16 soil sample.”
Viktor had been informed the lunar material would be in a stuffed toy that would be given to his son. “Sir, can’t I just take Dmitri, since he is the one getting the gift?”
The agent looked sternly at Viktor as he said, “No, Maria must go. Since Dmitri will be the only Soviet child on the trip, it would look odd if you took him without his mother. We want it to look like a family enjoying a vacation.”
“She will almost be nine months pregnant, possibly giving birth during the trip. Do we really want that to happen? Besides, it will be dangerous for her to travel.”
“I have confirmed there will be fully qualified doctors accompanying the Soviet delegation throughout the trip. They will be able to take care of any medical emergency.” The man stood, signaling that the meeting was over. “Either Maria goes, or we will find another cosmonaut to fill your slot.”
Viktor lowered his head, thinking furiously. Even though Maria had already agreed to go on the trip privately to him, he was still apprehensive. Hearing that doctors would be with them at all times did make him feel more comfortable. He lifted his head. “Okay, I will bring the family.”
“Good.” Without shaking hands, the man left.
Viktor stared across the empty room, hoping he had made the right call.
30
DISNEYLAND
The Happiest Place on Earth was hopping with excitement outside the Flight to the Moon attraction, but all Tom could think about was getting rid of the stuffed Mickey Mouse. Ever since leaving Dick’s office, Tom couldn’t wait to get rid of the toy. The fact that lunar soil was hidden inside weighed heavily on his mind, keeping him up at night worrying about its safety. He was pleased to finally be at Disneyland and soon be rid of the stolen material. Tom’s son was to pass over the wrapped gift to Viktor’s boy. With introductions to the Soviets about to take place, Tom would soon be free of the burden.
The crews for the Apollo-Soyuz mission and their families were in an area cordoned off from the other Disneyland guests. Tom led his family closely behind the local mayor and his wife as the American entourage started to pass through a make-shift reception line filled with the visiting Soviets. Tom saw Viktor and his family about midway down the line. Along with the Disney officials escorting the group, the overall entourage consisted of personnel from both space agencies. Tom suspected some of the Soviets were probably government agents, there to keep a close eye on the cosmonauts and their families, making sure no one attempted to defect.
After reaching the first Soviet at the front of the line, Tom shifted to the side to allow his family to move up next to him to be introduced. Tom’s heart stopped at the sight of Peter standing empty-handed. The man said something in Russian, which Tom ignored. He instead directed an angry glare in his son’s direction and said sharply, “Peter, I told you not to set the present down. Where is it?”
Surprised by Tom’s outburst, Anne put a hand on her husband’s shoulder. “Calm down, dear. Peter simply left it over on the bench. I’ll go get it.”
Tom nervously looked over to where they had been sitting and saw an old man next to the glimmering wrapped package, tying his shoe. Tom rocked on his feet until Anne had the gift in her grasp. As his wife came back, Tom let out a deep sigh, then turned back to the Soviet, apologized for his rudeness, and introduced his family.
After meeting a few other men, Tom saw a Disney employee walk by carrying a pair of Mickey Mouse dolls and hats. One of the black hats had Dmitri’s name stitched on the back. Since the boys were the only children among the group, Tom assumed the gifts were for them. Tom was concerned there could be a mix up between those Mickeys and the one Peter was going to give Dmitri. While a translator was helping Anne talk to one of the cosmonauts, Tom took advantage of the break in introductions to get his boss’s attention. Once Tom had eye contact with Dick, he motioned toward the Disney employee, who was passing the gifts over to a photographer. Dick seemed to understand the problem.
Dick excused himself from the line and walked over to the employee. Tom turned away for a moment to meet another Soviet. When he looked back toward his boss, he saw the worker depart with the stuffed toys, leaving the hats with the photographer. Tom flashed Dick a relieved smile.
Finally approaching the Alexandrov family, Tom was surprised at the sight of Maria’s protruding belly. She looked like she had a beach ball under her dress. He couldn’t believe the pregnant mother was on the trip. Tom turned and reached for Viktor’s outstretched hand. “Hello, Viktor, nice to see you again.”
Viktor bowed slightly as he gave a hearty handshake. “Dah.” He turned to his wife. “Thez Maria and son, Dmitri.”
Tom lifted the lady’s delicate hand. “Hello, Maria, nice to meet you.” Tom waved at Dmitri. Tom then stepped aside so his family could get closer. “This is my family. My wife Anne and my son Peter.”
Anne and Maria shook hands as Peter thrust the present in front of Dmitri. “Hi, this is for you. Welcome to America.”
Dmitri said something in Russian and pulled out a wrapped gift from behind his back, handing it over to Peter.
Surprised by the present, Peter immediately looked up to his father, questioning if he could open it. Getting a nod from Viktor, Tom gave his son the okay.
Viktor signaled that Dmitri could also open his gift. Both boys eagerly tore off the wrapping paper. Peter was the first to open his and excitedly held up a Soviet toy rocket. Being slightly older than Peter, Dmitri didn’t look too thrilled when he lifted the stuffed Mickey Mouse. Both boys said “thanks” respectfully in their native tongues.
Viktor bent down and whispered something to Dmitri. The boy freely passed over the gift to his father. Viktor then handed it to a man behind him.
Tom was relieved the transaction was finally complete and he could now enjoy himself.
Once the introductions were finished, the photographer asked the boys to get together for some pictures. After putting on the Mickey Mouse hats, the boys teased each other playfully as the pictures were taken. After a handful of shots, the boys were set free to play close by while the press began to take pictures of the crews. The astronauts and cosmonauts were strategically positioned by the photographer’s assistant around a spacesuit-wearing Mickey Mouse.
After ten minutes of various poses, the lead photographer called out, “Hold on, gentlemen, I need to change film.”
Peter worked his way politely through the men. When the boy reached Tom, he cupped a hand around his mouth and asked, “Dad, can Dmitri and I go ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds? Mom said it was okay if it was okay with you. A Disneyland
man will take us.”
Tom was fine with the idea, though he doubted the Soviets would go for it. Tom tapped Viktor on the shoulder and asked. Viktor lifted his hand, indicating he had to check, and turned to his mission commander, Yakov Slavsky, standing next to him. Yakov had been slated to be on the first USSR moon landing flight. If the Soviet Union had been successful and beaten the Americans, the commander probably would have been the first man on the moon. Yakov seemed to have it in for Tom ever since they first met earlier in the day, possibly because Tom was a moonwalker. The Soviet commander glared back at Tom as he answered Viktor in Russian.
Tom knew what the answer was before Viktor swung back around. “Dmitri stay. Ve all do soon.”
Understanding, Tom said to his boy, “Son, not now. But maybe you two can go on this attraction.”
Eyeing the ride’s façade, Peter whined, “Flight to the Moon? That’s a corny ride. We want to go on a roller coaster.”
Considering that Peter had personally witnessed the real mission control during Tom’s flight, the boy was probably right.
The photographer called out, “All right, gentlemen, back in position, please.”
Tom shooed Peter away. “Sorry, Son. We’ll work something out later.”
With a dejected look, the boy walked away, disappointed.
After another round of photos, the photographer finally dismissed the backup crews, calling for only the prime crews to stay. Rudely, Yakov stepped in front of Tom, planting himself next to Mickey Mouse, which prevented Tom from getting by. Viktor saw the intrusion. He leaned toward his commander and said something while pointing back to Tom. Yakov turned, rolling his eyes at Tom before moving to the side. Cosmonauts were former military officers, and an underlying rule stated you never questioned your leader. Tom appreciated Viktor standing up to his commander on Tom’s behalf.
As Tom eased himself past the stubborn commander and walked away, Anne approached with a troubled look. She whispered with a tinge of panic, “I can’t find Peter and Dmitri. I think they snuck off.”
USSR Hoax (Hoax Trilogy Book 3) Page 27