“OK, Harry, that doesn’t sound so bad,” Van said, now leaning back in his chair. “However, I seem to remember something about Chinese militarization plans for the Moon, which might not be good.”
“You are right, Commander. Recent discoveries from Chinese planning sessions suggest that China seeks a military advantage on the Moon and elsewhere. In fact, their space program is a part of the People’s Liberation Army, or PLA. Nearly every intelligence source I have accessed supports the view that China sees space as the, quote, ‘ultimate high ground,’ and that space warfare is inevitable.”
“Then this launch might mean an acceleration of China’s goal of occupying and even militarizing portions of the Moon?”
“It is possible, Commander.”
Van closed his eyes for a moment, thinking now of what a problem this might actually be. “Great. That’s all we need. And just when I thought things were going so well, we now have two big powers involved. Any chance the Chinese might discover our Moon facility?”
“No, Commander. It is well hidden on the far side, and Chinese interest seems to be only on the near side, especially in the northern or mid – to upper polar regions.”
“OK, Harry, keep track of that flight, as I’m sure you’re probably doing.”
“Yes, Commander. I am following and recording all space flight activity.”
CHAPTER 12
In the United States, all the media was focused on the successful flight of Space Ship 4. CNN, MSNBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox News had 24/7 coverage about one aspect of the flight or another.
“For you viewers out there, I am Allison Cooper, and I have with me astronaut Stan Walters, the pilot of Space Ship 4. Stan, what was it like to be the first American to launch from Earth and successfully maneuver in space?”
“Well, Allison, first of all, there were two of us. Danny Ramos, my copilot, was an equal partner in this success. Speaking for both of us, it was fantastic. It was the kind of experience we dreamed about as kids.”
“I’m sure it’s a dream of many people, children and adults alike, to fly into space. What was the single most exciting thing about the flight?”
“It’s hard to pin down any one event, but if I had to, I would say breaking orbit and maneuvering as we pleased. As a kid, I remember running around my front yard with my hands spread out like wings and making noises like rocket engines as I twisted and turned all over the place. Danny and I got to do that but not in our front yards, and not pretending. I guess you have to experience the thrill before you can actually appreciate it. Words don’t do the experience justice.”
“That sounds exciting, Stan. What’s next for you two on your space adventures?”
“That’s a close-held subject, Allison. What I can say is that each flight we make will be more advanced than the last.”
“We noted that the Chinese have launched for several orbits of the Moon. Can we say that Space Ship 4 may also be headed there?”
“As I said, our plans are close-held. As an American, however, I think that flights to the Moon and landing there are inevitable—regardless of who does it. The technology is here and available, as we have demonstrated.”
“Thank you, Stan. All of America is excited and proud of what you and your team have accomplished. Now a word from Toujour Soap.”
At Rancho Rendon, Frederico, Dieter Hellman, and Elias Boller met again to discuss the future. Frederico was sitting instead of his traditional pacing while he talked. Walking had become a little more difficult in the past month or two.
“Gentlemen,” Frederico said with a strange smile, “you can see that we no longer have the company of Mr. Silva. But that is not a bad thing. Brazaero has served its purpose in design and testing of the first viable spaceship. As you both know, we have shared an actual spacecraft, along with its designs, with our friends in China. The profit was significant, but the fuel profits promise to be much greater. While our other friends, the Russians, have taken advantage of the engine plans we shared with them, as well as the fuel for the Pitchka, I believe that we are in an advantageous position to now share the Passaro II design with them as well. Dieter, do you still have your Russian contact?”
“Yes, Frederico, and he is pushing me hard for more help,” Dieter said with a grin.
“Excellent. Then plan to provide the design immediately. I will provide you with the price and negotiating instructions. They will not like what we will charge, but I think they have no other choice at present. As the Americans say, let us strike while the iron is hot.”
“Right away, Frederico,” said Dieter. “But if I may, I have a question.”
“What is it?”
“Why are we assisting the Chinese and the Russians as we are? They could easily escalate their differences, and without some force like the US acting as a buffer, is that not a formula for catastrophe?”
“Good question. First, we are not releasing fuel to the US because I do not believe their divided government will be a serious buyer in the near term. They seem to want to spend money on internal social programs rather than on defense, and they have been more introspective in the last eight years. Second, I likewise do not believe that our two current customers would be happy if we suddenly started favoring their chief enemy. Third, I doubt it’s likely that the Chinese and Russians are about to start World War III over these issues. I have spent time with them both and know that they also realize that global war is not in their best interests. They may fight each other in some way, but that will only boost fuel sales. Finally, I believe that eventually the possibility of conflict will free up funding in the US, and we can then provide the Americans all they want at an increased price.”
“So we are manipulating the market?”
“That is one way to put it. I prefer to think of it as marketing demand.”
“Thank you for the clarification, Frederico.”
“You are welcome. Elias, how is our fuel production going?”
“Far better than we expected. However, we need another production facility to keep pace with demand,” Elias said seriously.
“But we have enough to keep the Chinese and Russians supplied?”
“More than enough, Frederico. But we are getting requests from all over the globe for more.”
“Good, good. But as I just mentioned, let us limit deliveries to the Chinese and Russians for now. Except perhaps a small amount to Galactic Adventures. That is a novel venture that I am interested in watching. Just imagine, selling tourist flights into space. Only in America. But back to the subject at hand: Are there other facilities near production?”
“The Philippine site has recovered from its ‘accident’ and will soon be online. Another company in Texas is beginning the construction of a fuel production site but are many months away from even a small amount of product availability,” Elias said, looking at his notes.
“Very well. I would like you to start negotiations with the Philippine facility for a buyout. Feel free to use Dieter’s skills if persuasion is needed.”
“I have already been looking at that facility and believe it is worth our investment. I can start the negotiations right away.”
Frederico was shaking a little now, with a slight twitch in his right eye. His smile was gone. “One final question, Dieter. Have we heard anything of note about Childs and Stellar Projects?”
“Nothing of note, Frederico. Stellar is involved with some high-temperature materials and a protective shield for small space particles. But nothing more.”
“I find that hard to believe!” shouted Frederico, shocking both Dieter and Elias Boller. “I do not think the fusion engine and the fuel came from the Easter Bunny! I believe it came from Childs, and he likely is getting more involved. I want you to start monitoring him more closely and keep me informed often. Keep in mind he has the protection of the Carson Group. Forget that and you will end up like poor Eric Borman.”
“I can handle that,” Dieter said seriously, wondering what had just happene
d to his boss.
“Excellent. Then you both have your instructions. Shall we have dinner now?”
Both men were stunned at the rapidity their boss had shifted to rage and then back to calm.
Sitting in the main control room of the Baikonur Spaceport, Gen. Dimitry Anikin of the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces watched the graphic representation of the two spacecraft now in flight. One was the Chinese Chang’e 5 and the other was the Pitchka. But mostly his eyes were on the Chinese.
Anikin looked over at his aide, Capt. Mikhael Vavilov, who had become like a son to him. “Mikhael, remind me,” he said, “how long have the Chinese been exploring the Moon in their ship?”
“Three days, General.”
“And how long has the Pitchka been aloft?”
“Four days, sir.”
“And what has the Pitchka been doing?”
“While in orbit it has been collecting electronic data and images of the Earth and, specifically, military installations around the world. When out of orbit, the crew has practiced maneuvering as well as collecting data on the human reaction to space, sir.”
“Da. So let me see if I can summarize. The first Russian adventure into free space has been for taking pictures and listening to radios while flying about like children with a new toy. The Chinese, on the other hand, have been flying around the near side of the Moon at will. They have circled the northern pole and probably created the best map in existence, and then they proceeded to fly into and around many likely landing or even colonizing sites and mapping each one of those as well. Does that pretty much summarize it, Mikhael?”
“Ah, when you put it that way, sir, yes.”
“Da, da. I think that describes it. Contact the Pitchka and confirm their fuel and life support status. I may have a new mission for them.”
Van was spending some time sitting in a chair on the porch of his Arizona cabin. He seldom had time for this and was enjoying the scenery and the soothing sounds of the forest around him. He was even smiling. This is what I had in mind when I first started looking for a place like this. No city noise, no crowds, a cool breeze, sunshine. I need to invite Barbara here to enjoy this with just me…. and then tell her about the Host.
Then Harry broke the silence and Van’s thoughts. “Commander, the Russians have changed their routine in the Pitchka and are leaving Earth orbit.”
“What?”
“The Pitchka has left orbit, and instead of experimental maneuvers, they seem to be headed for the Moon, Commander.”
“The Moon? Are you sure?”
“Yes, Commander, quite sure. If their flight path does not change, they will reach the northern pole in a day.”
“How can they do that? They have been either in orbit or in short maneuvers for four days. Can they have the fuel and oxygen to do that?”
“I believe so, Commander. The Pitchka is the largest of the spacecraft to date. It could easily carry the extra fuel and life support needed for an extended flight.”
“How about the Chinese? The Chang’e 5 is smaller, and they must be at the end of their fuel supply.”
“Not necessarily, Commander. Remember they went straight for the Moon, while the Russians experimented mostly in orbit. After reaching the Moon, the ship would experience relatively low gravity, which would reduce the need to expend fuel except when changing course. Their most critical limitation might be oxygen. Even then, they may have prepared for that with an adequate supply and good scrubbers.”
“You may be right. But it’s not the scenario I pictured. I had hoped that we might be looking at the Brazilian and the American private spacecraft doing the same thing. Instead, despite our efforts to avoid it, we have two of the major powers buzzing around the Moon like vultures on a dead carcass. I don’t like it one bit.”
Stan Walters and Danny Ramos were having lunch at Maria’s in Truth or Consequences, not far from Spaceport America.
“What are you having?” Stan asked, looking over the top of his menu at his copilot.
“Just the regular, the cheese enchilada plate and iced tea.”
“Yeah, I guess I’ll have the same. It’s all good here.” Stan gave the menus to the waiter taking their order.
“I saw your interview with Allison Cooper,” Danny said with a crooked smile.
“Don’t get ideas, Danny. It was just a PR run for the company.”
“But she is cute and you’re a hero. Do you mean to tell me that there was no attraction there, no little spark?”
“I was only there for about forty minutes, and most of that was in their green room. I only got to be on set and speak for about five minutes, then I was gone.”
“But you didn’t call her or anything?”
“No, Danny. She is married, you know,” Stan grumbled, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms.
“Oh…. but that hasn’t always stopped you. Remember that reporter, Anne What’s-her-name?”
“It was Anne Porter, and all we did was have drinks and a bite to eat after her interview. It was her way of trying to get more information.”
“Sure, sure, you can tell the world that, but I’m the one who knows better.”
Stan paused and leaned forward while the waiter delivered the enchiladas. “Danny, you’re impossible. Eat your food.”
“New subject. What do you think of these Chinese and Russian Moon flights?”
“I think they’re dangerous,” Stan said, looking Danny squarely in the eyes.
“Why?”
He put down his fork and started ticking off reasons on his right hand. “Because first, the Chinese are on record for wanting to place people and military equipment on the Moon. And second, the Russians seem to be playing one-upmanship without regard to what might happen when, not if, they clash. And third, here we are in the good ole U S of A with only one capable spaceship. And one that was designed for tourism, not exploration or even military use.”
Finished with his enumerations, Stan resumed eating, and Danny took a new direction.
“I was wondering about that. NASA is way behind the power curve on all of this. I even heard that they’re trying to get one or more of the old space shuttles out of the museums to retrofit, sort of like the Russians did.”
“What you heard is true. The two newest ones are Atlantis and Endeavour. The easiest to get to is the Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex. Endeavour is out in California and a little harder to get. What I heard is that they’ve dragged the Atlantis into a special hangar at Kennedy to see if it can be retrofitted. But I wouldn’t hold my breath on seeing it anytime soon. You know NASA—all rules and no risks.”
“You’re right there. What are the chances we’ll get to go? There’s been talk at the upper levels, I know for sure.”
“I suppose it’s possible, Danny. We would need to bulk up on fuel somehow. Otherwise, life support is adequate and I’m willing. How about you?”
“All my life, Stan. All my life.”
Stan put down his fork again, getting ready to ask a question that had been on his mind since he and Danny had first met.
“You say that all the time. Is there some meaning behind it?”
“You mean being ready for this all my life?”
“Yes.”
“When I was a kid growing up in East Texas, we had a small ranch. At night, I used to like sitting outside and watching the stars. Imagining what it would be like to go there. Asking myself who or what was out there. By the time I was twelve, I could identify all the constellations. Then in college at West Texas State I minored in astronomy. Space and the stars have always been a fascination of mine.”
“Imagine that—Danny Ramos, the astronomer. Who would have guessed?”
CHAPTER 13
“Chang’e 5, this is Jiuquan Control, over.”
“Jiuquan Control, this is Chang’e 5, go ahead,” said the pilot known as Chau.
“Chang’e 5, you have company, over.”
“Company? What
are you talking about?”
“Chang’e 5, the Russians have a spacecraft, the Pitchka, following your search paths on the Moon. They are currently surveying the northern pole.”
“That cannot be. We just made a smooth landing on the floor of Vallis Alpes and dropped off package M1. We are on the move again away from the valley, preparing our return to your location,” Chau said with a high sense of concern.
“Understood, Chang’e 5. Suggest you return briefly to the northern pole to feign interest there to confuse the Russians and divert their attention away from Vallis Alpes.”
“Yes, Control, we are diverting to the pole now. Chang’e 5 out.”
As expected, the Chang’e 5 located the Pitchka conducting an apparent survey of the northern pole.
“Russian Pitchka, this is Chang’e 5. You are interfering in a peaceful survey of the lunar surface by the People’s Republic. You must leave immediately while our survey is active,” announced copilot Lo, speaking in Chinese.
The Russian crew made no response and continued their survey work.
“Russian Pitchka, you are interfering in People’s survey work with danger to navigation. Leave area and go home,” announced Lo in a flat and demanding tone, this time in broken English. Neither Chau nor Lo spoke any Russian.
Once again there was no response from the Pitchka as it continued its polar survey.
Chau looked at Lo and said, “What else can we do? They will not leave, and we cannot make them.”
“Our orders are to distract them and divert their attention. Perhaps if we were to simulate a concentrated survey of a part of the pole area away from the Russians, we might make them think it is of high value to us and forget about going south,” said Lo.
“It is worth a try,” said Chau as he maneuvered the Chang’e 5 to an area several miles from the Russian operations.
As hoped, the crew of the Pitchka grew more interested in what the Chinese were doing and slowly allowed their survey to drift toward the Chang’e 5. Lo and Chau continued their mock survey. What they did not realize was the closeness of the Pitchka, which was now out of sight.
Immortal Guardian: Hoast Saga Book 2 (Host Saga) Page 10