Moon Hoax (Hoax Trilogy Book 1)

by Paul Gillebaard

  “Considering its size, that would be a trick,” said Peter. “But zero gravity makes it doable. Of course it would be much easier if we could get the space station’s robotic arm to move it for us.”

  “Exactly,” said Allen emphatically. “In fact I mentioned that to Doug. The problem is the ISS crew would need to operate the arm. They will not do it voluntarily, especially since the current commander is Russian. Doug later came back with a good suggestion.” Allen took a moment to refer to his notes.

  Peter contemplated bringing a gun to force the crew to cooperate. He would hate to, especially knowing some of the astronauts and fear of the revolver accidentally going off. “What’s that?”

  “Doug suggests you two claim there is a bomb in your capsule, set on a timer. If the crew does not help, the bomb will explode at a designated time, seriously damaging, and potentially even destroying, the space station.”

  “Will there be a bomb?” asked Viktor.

  “No, it will be a fake bomb on the floor of the Galileo positioned so you can show it to them if you have to. Hopefully this will be enough to cause the crew to help.”

  “I know Commander Sokolov. I work with his father years ago. He respects me,” said Viktor.

  “Well, that will help,” replied Allen. “Nonetheless, Doug feels the crew needs something to force them to act on our behalf. They will not do it voluntarily, or should I say, the many countries who own the space station will not voluntarily hand over the VASIMR engine or a Soyuz. Viktor, you knowing the commander should make the process easier. The crew, of course, will probably figure out what the two of you are planning to do and why. They may even want to help, but will have orders they must follow. Stating there is a bomb gives them a reason why they must help.”

  With all the nations and temperaments involved, Peter felt it was wishful thinking that a bomb threat would get them to cooperate. But he figured it couldn’t hurt. “All sounds reasonable to me.”

  “Great, that takes care of that. One more thing, Doug told me the CIA picked up Rob Foster earlier today and he will be in town tomorrow, staying at an LAX hotel.” Allen passed Peter a sheet of paper with the information. “Apparently there will be a CIA agent outside his door and you will have to use the code”—Allen looked at his notes—“‘Green apples clean teeth’ to get in.”

  Peter shook his head. “Who comes up this shit? Green apples clean teeth?”

  Viktor spoke up, “Maybe they tell you something.”

  Peter smiled as Allen said, “Doug suggests you visit him at the hotel later tomorrow, and of course, don’t inform Foster what’s going on.”

  “Got it.”

  Allen took one final look at his notes. “That’s all I have. So what’s on your agenda now?”

  “Bernie wanted to give us a run through of the launch procedures, then dinner and a night of intense studying,” said Peter as he got up from his chair, ready to leave.

  Moving much slower, Viktor followed. Allen walked them both to the door. Viktor moved like an old man in pain. Allen asked as he held the door open, “Are you okay, Viktor?”

  “Gravity hurts,” said Viktor with a forced smile as he passed. “I be fine after hot bath and sleep.”

  17

  BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

  Peter stared straight through the street light, not seeing when it changed to green, his mind in another world. He was mentally beat and had completely relaxed his mind. He was glad to get out of the SpaceQuest facility, even if just for a meeting with Rob Foster. As long as he was in that building, there was always something he should be doing preparing for the mission. He and Viktor had been going 24/7; they slept, ate, and worked at the complex. Every spare moment had been dedicated to the mission. The thirty-minute drive to Rob’s LAX hotel was going to allow him time to mentally relax and unwind.

  A loud honk jolted Peter from his relaxing blank stare. He rubbed his eyes, snapping himself out of it before checking his rearview mirror and seeing an angry motorist motioning him to go. How long has the light been green? He lifted his hand, signaling his apology, before putting his foot on the gas. He glanced at Viktor, wondering why he wasn’t alert to the green light and smiled as he saw his partner in the same exhausted trance.

  While Viktor was taking his little mental nap, Peter took his hand off the steering wheel and turned on the radio, hoping for soothing music. Exploding sounds of heavy metal music came blasting out of the speakers, shocking the hell out of him. He quickly shut off the loud noise, but it was too late. The damage was done. Viktor had been shaken back to awareness, giving Peter a traumatized look.

  Peter said, “Sorry about that. I guess whoever had this car last must have been rocking out.”

  Viktor smiled and started back into his trance, when he suddenly perked up. “I forgot tell you—Anya phone. She fly to LAX tonight.”

  That was music to Peter’s ears as he straightened up, his pulse rate jumping. This was exactly what he needed to hear. A visit by Anya would definitely rejuvenate his soul. He was a little miffed Viktor was bringing it up so late in the day, but it didn’t matter; she was coming to visit. Trying not to sound too excited, he asked, “What time does her flight arrive?”

  “Land at 8:55. If okay, maybe we both pick her up after meeting?” asked Viktor.

  “Sure, no problem.”

  “You like Anya, no?” asked Viktor.

  This was the first time either addressed the subject. Even though Anya was always in the back of his mind, Peter had been too busy focusing on the mission. He figured Viktor already knew the answer. “Yes, she seems very sweet. I do like her.”

  Viktor turned and gazed out the window without saying a word. The two sat in silence again, but now Anya was front and center in Peter’s mind.

  BEFORE LONG, Peter and Viktor’s mental break was over; it was time to get back to business. The two walked out of the elevator on the top floor of the luxury hotel. Down the hallway stood a CIA agent outside the presidential suite.

  “This nice hotel. CIA do right,” said Viktor as they exited the elevator.

  Peter smiled. “Yeah, I doubt Rob is roughing it.”

  As they approached, Peter quickly sized up the young man standing relaxed with arms crossed, staring straight ahead, stone-faced. Even in a suit and tie, the agent was clearly well built. Not someone I want to tangle with. Though Peter was one of the top agents, when it came to fighting techniques he wasn’t as aggressive in nature as most.

  Peter walked right up, leaned in close, and whispered, “Green apples clean teeth.”

  Without saying a word, the agent knocked on the door before opening it and motioning for the two to enter.

  Peter nodded as he passed, Viktor following. As they entered, Peter wasn’t surprised by the large, lavish suite, but Viktor’s jaw dropped wide open. Peter patted Viktor on the back before spotting Rob relaxing on the couch, legs propped up on the coffee table, casually watching a huge flat screen TV on the wall.

  Rob jumped up and turned off the TV. Peter chuckled as his nerdy friend approached dressed in a new Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and sandals, probably bought at the downstairs hotel gift shop. He looked like the ultimate tourist, making the most out of his California trip.

  “Hiya, Peter, jolly good to see you,” said Rob extending his hand.

  Peter clasped his hand in a firm shake. “Hello, Rob, good to see you, ole buddy. This is Viktor Alexandrov.”

  Rob shook Viktor’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Vik. Come on in and have a seat.”

  As Rob led the two in, Peter’s eyes were drawn to Rob’s bony white legs. Damn, that’s a scary sight. “Rob, have you ever worn shorts before?”

  Looking over his shoulder, Rob answered “What? You don’t like my skinny white legs?”

  “A word of advice—if you plan on picking up any surfer chicks, I suggest you cover those things up,” Peter said with a chuckle.

  Rob motioned for the two to have a seat before crossing to the bar. “May I offer you cha
ps a drink?”

  Peter said, “Water’s fine for me, thanks.”

  Viktor said, “Vodka, yes.”

  Rob peered at the bar. “A little cocktail sounds nice, I think I’ll have one too.” He started making the drinks. “I sure can’t complain about this blimey hotel, it’s definitely my cup of tea. However, I still have no idea why you Yanks got me out here.”

  Peter placed his laptop on the coffee table and leaned forward “I know you’ve been kept in the dark and probably have a ton of questions. To be honest, it’s all for the best. There’s not much I can tell you. You will know soon enough.”

  Rob set the drinks down and took a seat. “Well, if I get to see some bloody sites in California, I guess I can’t be too cheesed off.”

  “Yeah, I know, with the guard outside you haven’t been able to get out of this room. I will let the powers that be know this is your first trip to the States and show you around L.A.”

  “Great. The guard outside has been cool. In fact, he acquired this smashing outfit for me.” Rob proudly lifted his arms, showing off the tacky shirt.

  Peter laughed.

  Rob narrowed his eyes and asked seriously, “So what are you doing working with the CIA?”

  “Long story,” said Peter. He affected a slight smirk. “Besides, if I told you I’d have to kill you.”

  “Yeah, we don’t want that happening. So what do you need me for?”

  “It has to do with the MK laser. Nobody knows that piece of equipment better than you.”

  Rob gave a slight bow in appreciation.

  Peter opened his laptop. “Remember our visit to Jiuquan and solving the problem for CNSA?”

  “Quite, in fact that trip was a lot like this one, being dragged out of bed and whisked off in the wee hours of the morning.”

  “Yes, I remember being dragged out of bed too.” Peter grinned.

  “Yeah, from that sweet dish what’s-her-name, right?” said Rob with a wink.

  Peter fielded a curious look from Viktor. Face warming, he tapped open the relevant file. “I have some questions regarding that laser.”

  Rob said, “Okay, shoot.”

  “If the laser is engaged and set to fire, can an outside source disarm it?”

  “It depends.” Rob took a swig of his drink.

  “Depends on what?” asked Peter.

  “If the factory installed access codes were changed,” said Rob before he took another sip. He continued, “To disarm the laser, you need the access codes followed by the password. However if you have the access codes you can enter the system and reset the password. Each laser arrives with its own unique pre-programmed factory default codes allowing the customer to initially access the system before entering their desired password. These codes can be changed by the customer, which we recommend in the manual.”

  Peter leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin. If CNSA changed those codes, we’re screwed. We’d be sitting ducks on the back side. Damn, I might have to cancel this whole operation. Hoping for optimism from the engineer, he asked, “Remember looking at their drawings—did anything gave you an indication those factory codes were changed?”

  “There wouldn’t have been anything on the drawings, but maybe in their manual. I never looked,” Rob said.

  Peter stood and started pacing. “If I remember right, isn’t changing the factory codes a difficult operation?”

  “Quite. In fact we usually send a technician to help customers with the process, as well as address start-up questions.”

  “Did we send a technician to Jiuquan?”

  “Nope, they didn’t want one. Considering how bloody simple the problem was we fixed, I doubt they even attempted changing those codes, especially since their wiring was all screwed up.”

  Still pacing, Peter considered the possibility of CNSA actually changing the factory codes. Why would they? No other country was even close to flying a man to the moon. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but the assumption was enough for Peter to keep the mission alive.

  “What if we’re lucky and the codes weren’t changed? Could we lock out CNSA from accessing the laser?” He was hoping they could render the laser a piece of junk to China.

  “Quite. If you have the factory codes, you will be able to reprogram the laser with a new set, before entering a new password. Without those new codes, the Chinese would be out of luck.”

  Peter wanted to make sure China’s setup when first entering the system was of Byington’s design. “Doesn’t the MK system have some kind of software that would require the need for human involvement when accessing the system?”

  “Sure. It’s an option included in the software package. Not many customers use it. It’s pretty straight forward.”

  Peter stopped pacing and held Rob’s gaze. “Could you supply us with the software and factory codes for the MK laser supplied to China?”

  Rob smiled. “I thought you might ask me that. I have them in my briefcase in the bedroom. I already received clearance from the bosses to release these to you.”

  Peter pumped his fist in triumph. “How long does it take to change the codes?”

  “For me, fifteen minutes, for some bloke doing it for the first time, probably two hours,” Rob said with a smug look.

  There was no way Rob was going on the mission. Peter needed to learn how to do the procedure during the time it would take to pass around the back side, approximately forty-five minutes for that first pass. Pacing again and shaking his head he asked, “Why in the world does changing codes have to be so complicated?”

  “Hey, you were the blooming boss. You tell me.” Rob smirked. “Probably just another source to acquire money.”

  Viktor interjected, “Or, they not want laser get in wrong hands and be weapon.”

  “Yeah, probably both,” said Peter. “I know Byington was not shy at squeezing their customers for every ounce of profit.” Peter stopped pacing and put his hands on the back of a chair, leaning toward Rob. “Do you suppose you could teach me how to access the system, input those codes and disarm the laser in less than forty-five minutes?”

  “Probably.”

  Viktor chimed in, “You have more problem.”

  “What’s that?” asked Peter.

  “Russia intelligence know China laser take twenty minutes to lock on, power up, and fire. We need disarm before twenty minutes, or be shot.”

  Peter gave Viktor a perplexed look, surprised he even knew the time frame, but glad he did. He also was concerned Rob heard Viktor mention being shot at. Hoping the engineer didn’t catch the comment, Peter quickly asked, “Is that possible?”

  Rob cocked his head and lifted an eyebrow. “That might be a challenge.”

  Over the next several hours, Peter worked with Rob on learning the procedure. Halfway through their training, Viktor started snoring. He sat in the exact position all meeting, except his eyes were now closed. Peter recommended they just let him nap since disarming the laser wasn’t his responsibility.

  The sun crept lower in the western sky. Anya was arriving soon at LAX, and they still had too much to cover. Peter suggested another session the following day, which Rob agreed to.

  PETER STOOD TALL among the limo drivers gathered by baggage claim, holding a makeshift white sign that read “Anya Alexandrov.” He had taken Viktor back to SpaceQuest for some well deserved rest, promising to take care of his daughter. Getting rid of Viktor also gave him an opportunity to spend quality time alone with Anya.

  A rash of people entered the baggage area from the terminal. Anya’s flight had arrived twenty minutes earlier. Peter hoped she would be in this oncoming group. He aggressively stepped in front of the other drivers, putting his sign to his chest. He ignored the folks passing by as he intently searched for Anya. The crowd suddenly parted, and toward the back, walking on her own pulling her suitcase, was his beautiful angel. His heart started pounding as he raised the sign higher, knowing she was looking for Viktor, not him. He watched her scan those around him until
she did a double take. A big smile crossed her face as they locked eyes. Her stride became quicker and she extended her free arm signaling she was going to give him a hug. As she approached she said, “What are you doing here?”

  They embraced for a moment before Peter answered, “Your dad paid me five bucks to pick you up.”

  Her arms still around him she looked him square in the eyes. “You’re letting him take advantage of you.”

  Both giggled before Peter said, “You look gorgeous. Welcome to California.”

  “Thanks. I’m glad it was you who picked me up.”

  Since she didn’t check a bag, they leisurely strolled straight to his car, holding hands the entire way. Peter stole looks at her whenever he could, sometimes getting caught, but each time, a beautiful smile flashed.

  They had a pleasant conversation driving toward SpaceQuest, but Peter never discussed the mission; he assumed her dad told her of its top secrecy. Anya informed him she ended her engagement with Dean and was surprised how easy the breakup had been. She credited the change to being in a better place in her life, which Peter took as saying he was now a part of it. The thought brought a smile to his face. The more they talked, the more he believed they were meant for each other, and the more torn he became. After all, he had less than a month left on Earth. The thought pestered him like a cold sore as he tried to focus only on the moment at hand.

  They arrived at a quaint hotel close to SpaceQuest, and Peter checked her in. After putting her bag in her room, they decided to go downstairs to grab a late night bite in the hotel restaurant.

  After they sat at the table and ordered, Anya bluntly asked, “So, am I going to see much of you while I am out here? Dad says you two are wrapped up on some top secret project.”

  What was he going to say? Peter definitely wanted to spend whatever free time he had left with her. However, how much was he going to have? Any free time was probably going to be spent inside the SpaceQuest building. If he could somehow get her into SpaceQuest, possibly as a consultant for Zaftra, he could see her throughout his training. Perfect. It probably would not be the most exciting position for her, but at least a great way to get to know each other better. Plus, it would allow her the opportunity to have some last memorable moments with her father, something Peter considered important.