“Interesting. You would think there is no connection there, but knowing China, I think there might be. Jack, I want you to stay on top of that, and see what else you can find out regarding the laser and what happened when they went to the moon, and keep me informed.”
“Yes, sir, I will keep you abreast of any new developments,” Jack said.
Doug said, “Bottom-line sir, it comes down to the rocks. This is our best evidence, separate of actually going back to the moon for a visual sighting of the landing sites, which we should be able to do with the orbiter next month.”
“I believe in your press conference you should state this,” proclaimed the secretary. “Say there are many items to prove the landings happened, but the most concrete evidence, other than a visual sighting which we should be able to do soon, are the moon rocks themselves. State we are working with the UN to get some of the top qualified scientists in the world to compare ours to China’s. Say we are confident when the rocks are compared, they will prove to be of different origin.”
President Edwards again leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. “Why do I get the feeling we are setting ourselves up?”
6
PRESS CONFERENCE
President Edwards waited behind the curtain, reviewing the final notes handed to him by his press secretary, Harry Minas. He was pleased to read NASA’s confirmation they would be able to modify the LRO with cameras powerful enough to take detailed pictures of the landing sites. The notes indicated implementing these changes should not have any impact on its original launch date of May 9, just two weeks away. The LRO would not have enough propellant to fly over all the landing sites, but would at least be programmed to fly over two of them. NASA was confident changing the LRO’s flight plan to accommodate this request would not prevent it from completing its designed mission. If any issues or problems developed in getting accurate pictures from either site, they could change orbits so it could fly over other sites. However, changing to multiple orbits could prevent the LRO from ultimately completing its intended mission. The president smiled, relieved NASA could at least get pictures of two of the sites. Such pictures showing the hardware left by the astronauts should be proof enough to the world. He looked up from his notes, saying to Harry, “This is good news.”
The president gave Harry a nod that he was ready to start the press conference. As he turned and started to walk out from behind the curtain, Harry quickly grabbed the president’s arm, indicating he needed to wait. Harry was talking on a headset handed to him. The president turned, raised his eyebrows and mouthed, “Why?”
Harry pointed to the headset and covered his microphone before saying in a whisper, “There is a technical problem with one of the microphones. They are fixing it now and it shouldn’t take long.”
Bill took a few steps back from the curtain and stood waiting for the go-ahead. This gave him a chance to organize his thoughts on what he planned to say. After another quick review of the information, he looked down at the floor, thinking of the magnitude of this press conference. When he was a teenager he watched the moon landings on television with his family. Like most of his friends, he too wanted to be an astronaut. He considered them heroes. He remembered how proud his dad was when America first walked on the moon. His dad said with all the turmoil going on around the globe, this was what the world needed. For that brief moment in time, the human race had become one—no Germans, no Chinese, no Russians, and no Americans. They were all human beings reaching out to another planet. The president smiled remembering how his dad glowed with excitement during that first landing, as did everyone in the room. He preached to everyone how lucky they all were to witness one of the greatest achievements ever by man.
Now here he was, president of the United States, having to go in front of the world to defend America and this great accomplishment. He had a responsibility to all the astronauts who risked their lives for their country, as well as the hundreds of thousands of men and women who worked many long and hard hours, sacrificing family and friends so the United States of America could reach the goal of being the first country to put a man on the moon before the ’60s ended. He owed it to his dad, who passed away just two years ago.
Harry turned to Bill and said he was clear to go. The president confidently walked through the curtain into the East Room, holding his head high. As he turned to go up the stairs to the podium he looked around to see the room packed with journalists, many standing against the walls. He expected this kind of interest considering one superpower was basically calling another a liar. There would be only one winner in this fight, and the world wondered which country it would be. President Edwards needed to make a strong and confident response to China’s bold-faced lies. He could feel the energy and buzz in the room. He planned on attacking these lies with honesty and integrity. China was up to something even though his top advisors assured him their accusations would be proven wrong. His response would be the reaction China would be expecting. He decided to just present the facts as they were.
Bill pasted his stern presidential look on his face as he approached the microphones. He took one last look at his notes before he looked into the crowd and began to speak with a defining force in his voice:
“Ladies and gentleman, I have to first say I am appalled and outraged to be standing up here today to address these serious accusations brought forth against the United States by China. To state America has lied to the world over the past forty years about one of the greatest achievements of mankind is very disheartening. It is a fact that the United States has landed on the moon. Not once, but six times! The scientific community has never questioned this. With the overwhelming evidence presented over the years, there has never been any question this great achievement ever happened. We consider this an attack against the United States and these accusations will not be taken lightly. We are prepared to cooperate with the UN and supply them with the evidence they need. I am confident China will be proven wrong. Thank you, I will now take a few questions.”
The room jumped with a nervous excitement. Many hands rose wanting to get the president’s attention and ask a question. Though the president was given a list of journalists he could call on, he was always free to pick whomever he liked. He usually called on the first few journalists listed, then randomly picked from there. The first journalist on the list was his friend with the Washington Post. “Joe, go ahead.”
Joe stood. “Thank you, Mr. President. You say there is no truth to China’s accusations. Why do you think they would make them in the first place and on what grounds?”
“There is absolutely no truth to their accusations. Joe, you and I both know America landed on the moon. I have no idea why China would say we did not. I have my own gut feelings why they might, but I will let you make your own conclusion. Right now, only China knows why they are doing this.” The president then called on the New York Times. “Yes, Scott.”
“Sir, China claims they have proof, and one of these is that they have similar rocks as our moon rocks, found years ago in China. Is this possible?”
“No, it is not possible,” replied the president. “If they did get their rocks from a meteorite as they claimed, they would show frictional damage from entering the earth’s atmosphere. Ours of course did not enter the atmosphere on their own, but were brought to Earth by NASA astronauts. So, when our rocks are compared to theirs, this physical difference alone will show our rocks made it to Earth without falling through the sky. This by itself should be enough evidence to prove China wrong.” The president pointed for the next question. “Go ahead.”
“Thank you, Mr. President. Where will we send our rocks to be inspected, and who will do this?”
“We will not send out our rocks to be inspected. Instead, approved scientists will be allowed access to the Lunar Sample Building at the Johnson Space Center in Houston where the rocks are stored. They will be given the opportunity to test and verify the rocks in this building. Of course, much of t
he information they will find has already been gathered and published. I was also told they will do the same with China’s rocks.” The president pointed to Martin of CNN. “Yes, Martin.”
“Sir, isn’t there some way the United States can verify the hardware left on the moon? Maybe using a high powered telescope or sending a lunar satellite?”
“Surprisingly, there is not a telescope powerful enough to see the hardware left by our moon landings. Regarding sending a satellite to the moon, it just so happens we are scheduled to send up our first lunar orbiter in over ten years this month, called the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO. This was scheduled over a year ago for the purpose of scouting the moon for future moon expeditions. The orbiter was not designed to take detailed pictures of our existing landing sites. However, NASA is now in the process of modifying the orbiter to allow it to do just that. This mission is top priority for NASA, and they will implement these changes to get the orbiter launched as soon as possible. Pictures from this mission alone should also prove China wrong.”
“Sir, what is Russia’s stance on all this, considering they are now our only way of getting our astronauts up to space and to the International Space Station?”
“I have not spoken with Russia’s prime minister as of yet on this matter. But Russia has been an excellent partner in our recent space exploration and in supporting us during this ‘gap’ of not having a manned space vehicle. I am confident Russia will stand by us regarding the fact we did land on the moon.” The president waved his finger to make his point. “If any country was to state we never landed on the moon, it would have been Russia, who lost the space race over forty years ago. As we all know, Russia has never questioned that the United States was the first and only country to have landed on the moon.” He gestured for the next question.
“Sir, has there been any response from any of the moonwalkers on this? Also, it was just learned that China is stating the moonwalkers, as well as high NASA officials, should be tried in the International Court of Law for lying to the world. What is the United States’ response to this?”
This was the first the president had heard of astronauts being tried, and he considered word of such a propaganda ploy by China. He had not been debriefed on any attacks against the moonwalkers or NASA officials. If this statement was true, and China was going as far as trying American heroes, dragging their good names through the gutter, he would need to retaliate with a strong and appropriate response. He gripped the podium with both hands and took a calming breath before answering. “I am unaware of any trial, and I doubt this situation will even get that far. Ladies and gentleman, I consider this an attack against the United States by China. Everyone in this room knows that America landed on the moon. It is ridiculous for me to even be up here addressing these questions, especially with much more pressing issues in the world needing our attention. We will get these accusations cleared as quickly as possible and prove China wrong. That is all the questions for now, thank you.”
The president turned and quickly walked down the podium steps and through the back curtain as journalists continued to call out more questions. “What is this about China wanting to try the moonwalkers?” he snapped at Harry.
“Sir, we are just getting information on this now. Apparently China petitioned this to the UN a few hours ago. This is all we know at this point.”
The president glared at Harry. “Damn it, how can the media find this out before the White House? I want you to find out exactly what this is all about now and let me know!” The president turned in disgust and stormed off down the hallway.
7
REASSIGNMENT
Even the sudden wet weather or the lack of sleep couldn’t dampen Peter’s spirits as he held his coat over his head in the driving early morning rain that pelted his jacket. “I sure won’t miss this goddamn weather,” he mumbled as he readjusted his make-shift umbrella. He was happy to be going back to the States after being requested back by his boss, Gavin Ross, the director of SID. Byington Corporation had finished its contract with China, and due to the lack of activity with CNSA following Peter and Rob’s visit to Jiuquan, Gavin decided it was time for Peter to be reassigned.
As Peter frantically searched for one of Britain’s black cabs, he realized he wasn’t sure exactly where he was. He took a quick glance at his watch. Damn, it’s already after four. His flight out of Heathrow was scheduled to lift off at 6:25 am and he still had to stop by his apartment to pick up his bags. He had no idea how long that would take. His co-workers had given him a sendoff party at a local pub the night before, and as a “farewell” gift to himself he ended up escorting a raving beauty to her flat. They were all over each other during the cab ride and he wasn’t paying attention to where they were going. He hoped he wasn’t going to pay the price for indulging in one last fling before flying back to the States.
Peter let out a big yawn as he struggled to wake up. He found locating a cab in the dark difficult. He tried to avoid the many puddles as he continued searching. Finally, he spotted one coming down the street and aggressively waved his arm. The driver made a daring move, cutting across two lanes and came to a sliding halt right in front of him. Peter stepped back to avoid the splashing water. Yes! My kind of driver. He quickly opened the door, throwing in his wet coat before jumping in behind it. “Thanks for stopping. I’m in a hurry to get to Heathrow, but I need to stop by my flat first at 2665 East Nightingale Street. There’s an extra 20 pounds if you can get me to the airport before 5 a.m.”
“Got it,” said the driver as he clicked the meter, quickly shifting the car into gear, and racing off.
Peter had to grab the handle over his head to prevent himself from sliding on the now wet seat. As he held on, his cell phone rang. The display read Dmitri Alexandrov. A grin came to his face as he thought of his long time Russian friend who he hadn’t spoken to in over a year. He quickly pushed the answer button on his phone. “Hello, Dmitri, how are you, ole buddy?”
“Hey, Peter, I’m good. How are you?” asked Dmitri from the other end.
“Great! In fact I’m on my way to catch a plane for the States. I’ve been in England for the last year on assignment,” said Peter.
“Oh, sorry. It must be early there.”
“No worries. I’m awake.”
“Well I’m in D.C. on business for a couple of days and was checking to see if you were in the area. I know you get out here a lot. I was hoping to get together and reminisce about old times?”
Peter smiled at the thought of seeing his friend. They had a long history together. Plus as the assistant director in the Russian Federal Space Agency, his friend might even have some insight on China. “Perfect, that’s where I’m flying to. I get in early morning your time and have meetings most of the day, but I should be available for dinner. How’s that sound?”
Dmitri readily agreed and the two worked out a time and place to meet.
PETER LAY MOTIONLESS in the tight quarters trying to convince himself he was comfortable enough to fall asleep. He always had a hard time sleeping on airplanes. He pulled the blanket tighter around his body trying to make his own little cocoon. He hoped to catch up on needed sleep over the remaining seven hours of flight time if he wanted to be refreshed for his late morning meeting with Gavin. He purposely faced the window, trying to avoid seeing any activity going on around him. Outside the window, the wing extended into a sea of darkness. At the end, a single flickering red light lit up the fragile wing every time it flickered.
The light mesmerized Peter as he thought back on the past year’s assignment. Though he was proud of what he had accomplished and learned, he was still shocked by China’s crazy claim, and disappointed in himself for not seeing it coming. With all my dealings with China, I should have suspected something! He wondered who actually knew at CNSA. Everyone he talked with was openly envious of America’s success and talked about how they hoped to duplicate it, becoming only the second country to put a man on the moon.
Pe
ter slowly gravitated over to one side of his seat as the plane began to roll into a turn. Though the sky was completely dark outside with no reference points, he knew from his movements the wing was rising. Soon his body was pulled down into his seat, indicating the plane was now in a tighter turn. When the plane began to level off, the moon rose over the wing, as if it came out of nowhere. It was like watching a fast-forwarding moon rise. Once the plane did level off, the moon seemed to be balancing on the end of the wing as if it were a soccer ball, tempting Peter to come out and kick it. The sight was ironic since everything going on in his life seemed to revolve around that big rock. He pulled his hand from underneath the blanket and extended his thumb to cover the moon. Moving his thumb back and forth, he covered and uncovered the moon just as his dad had done almost forty years earlier with the earth when he stood on the moon. As Peter continued, it took him back to that magical day. Absorbing the jet engines’ humming, he closed his eyes.
PETER WAS TOO HOT and excited to have his Snoopy covers over him and had kicked them off long ago. His room was dark except for the light that shone through the slightly cracked door, casting long shadows that scared him as he lay in bed. He did everything he could not to be frightened, feeling his father would be disappointed in his seven-year-old boy if he knew. He so wanted to be strong like his father, especially on this special night, a night he would remember for the rest of his life. This was the night his dad, Commander Tom Novak, was going to walk on the moon.
Muffled noises of people laughing and talking drifted up from downstairs. His mom had promised him she would wake him as soon as his dad was about to disembark from his spacecraft, so he could witness the historical event. All kinds of people had gathered at their house; grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends of his parents and even some astronauts. To get his mind off the scary shadows, Peter remembered the many times his dad had sat him down and excitedly described exactly what he would be doing on the moon. This calmed him as he recalled his favorite part, his dad promising to write his initials, PDN, in the lunar surface dust just before he would board the spacecraft for home, where they would stay undisturbed forever.
Moon Hoax (Hoax Trilogy Book 1) Page 5