“We have two pods of air-to-air missiles and one 20mm cannon, General.”
“That is all? What about radar?” asked the general with one eyebrow raised.
“That is all we had the time to do, sir. We may be able to install radar next time.”
“True, you did have a short time. Very well, Major, give Pitchka the signal to launch.”
The now-armed Pitchka rolled down the Baikonur Spaceport main runway, headed back to the Moon.
“Spaceport, Space Ship 4 ready for takeoff,” announced Danny, this time in an excited voice.
“Roger, Space Ship 4, winds are from the west at three knots, temperature is again a cool 77 degrees, and the barometer is 29.91. Cleared for takeoff. Good luck, and say hello to the man in the Moon.”
“Roger that, Spaceport. On the roll.”
“Here we go again, Danny. Ready for this one?” said Stan as he pushed the throttles forward.
“All my life, Stan. All my life!” said Danny again with the biggest toothy grin ever.
CHAPTER 15
Chang’e 6 made several false surveys of the Moon surface before heading for the southern end of Vallis Alpes. This was the first mission for the Chang’e 6, but the same two experienced pilots, now astronauts, flew it. Chang’e 5 remained at Jiuquan to receive the same modifications as the Chang’e 6.
“This makes our fifth and last drop, does it not?” asked Lo.
“Yes. After this we have some of the People’s technicians to bring here to set the base up,” replied Chau as he turned the Chang’e 6 toward the center of Vallis Alpes.
“Chang’e 6, Jiuquan Control, over.”
“Control, this is Chang’e 6.”
“Chang’e 6, the Russian Pitchka is nearing the Moon and should be there in two hours. In addition, the Americans have launched a craft called Space Ship 4, which is also headed to the Moon. Be advised that they cannot see your drop in Vallis Alpes.”
“Understand, Control. Are we cleared to use weapons if they get too close?” asked Lo.
“If there is no other choice, Chang’e 6, but try your best to elude them. They must not see the base preparations.”
“Understand, Control. We will try to evade the craft before the need for weapons. Chang’e 6 out.”
The captain addressed his copilot. “Do you have the Pitchka on radar, Lo?”
“Yes, they are headed on a path that will likely take them within visual range of our site.”
“Then we must lure them away. Let us head toward them and then toward the northern pole and see what they do,” said Chau as he began maneuvering the Chang’e 6 to visual range of the Pitchka.
“Baikonur Control, Pitchka,” called Maj. Anton Bovarin, the Pitchka’s pilot.
“Pitchka, this is Control, what is your message?”
“Control, we have the Chang’e 5 in sight. They were headed toward us but have changed course to the northern pole.”
“Understand, Pitchka. However, we believe that this is a different spacecraft called the Chang’e 6. Follow but maintain a safe distance. We do not know the capabilities of this spacecraft yet, so gather all the information you can while appearing to survey, over.”
“We confirm, Pitchka will follow safely. Survey equipment is on and running. Pitchka out.”
“Mikhael, what were the Chinese doing before Pitchka sighted them?” asked a curious Anikin from his command chair in his operations center.
“Unclear, General,” said the major. “They were heading straight for the Pitchka and then turned north.”
“Trace their course up until they turned north. See from what direction they came,” said Anikin with one hand on his chin and his eyebrows furrowed.
“Yes, General. Their path was from west to east. Looking back, there are several locations from which they might have come, including Vallis Alpes.”
“Interesting,” commented the general slowly. “Does Control know what the Chinese were doing before Pitchka arrived?”
“Reports from Control suggest that they were surveying a variety of areas in no known pattern.”
“More interesting,” said Anikin, eyes almost squinting shut. “I believe our Chinese friends are up to something, and they don’t want us to know. And they are using a different spacecraft to do it. Have the Pitchka break away and vector them along the reverse course the Chang’e 6 was following just as the Pitchka arrived. Let’s see what might be out there.”
“Executing as I speak, General.”
“Space Ship 4, Spaceport Control, over.”
“This is 4, go ahead, Control,” answered Danny.
“Space Ship 4, be advised that the Chinese and the Russians are currently conducting lunar surveys, over.”
“Roger, Control, we copy. What areas are they operating in specifically, over?”
“Space Ship 4, our observations suggest that they are roaming between midlatitudes and the northern polar region. Also, this Chinese spacecraft may not be the same one that has made all the previous flights.”
“Roger, Control, are you in contact with their space controllers?” asked Danny.
“Space Ship 4, we only have an emergency connection. No real-time exchanges.”
“Roger, Control, understand no direct contact. Any details on the new craft?”
“Space Ship 4, we have no data on this ship other than the dimensions are the same and performance seems to be the same as before.”
“Thank you, Control, Space Ship 4 out.”
“Well we knew the Chinese and the Russians might be up here, but I never expected they would be here at the same time,” Space Ship 4’s copilot said thoughtfully.
“I’m with you on that, Danny,” said Stan, agreeing with Danny’s apparent concern. “Let’s keep in regular contact with Spaceport Control once we reach the Moon. We need to avoid those two ships. I wish we had radar.”
“We had room for cameras or radar, and the cameras won out. After all, we should all be doing the same sort of survey work,” Danny said optimistically.
“Yeah, we need to fight for radar when we get back. Who thought the Moon would become crowded?”
“Crowded and dangerous. Remember what happened to the Chang’e 5 and the Pitchka early on?”
“They hit each other. Nice start to a new era with two major powers pissed at each other,” Stan remarked.
“You’re right. Let’s make sure to stay away from them both.”
“I’m with you, Danny, one hundred percent.”
“Jiuquan Control, Chang’e 6, over,” said Chau with some concern.
“This is Jiuquan Control, send your message, over.”
“Control, we just saw the Pitchka depart the northern polar region near us and they seem to be headed south. What are your instructions?” queried Chau.
“Chang’e 6, Control, remain in your general area but start a slow survey process to the south. Let us see what the Russians are up to.”
“Chang’e 6 understands and is beginning a slow survey path south, out.”
“Commander!” announced Harry to a sleeping Van in the cabin.
“Wha—? Was that you, Harry?” responded Van in a voice still confused with sleep.
“Yes, Commander. You need to come to the Ops Center as soon as possible.”
“Why? What’s the matter?”
“I believe the Chinese and the Russians both have armed spacecraft on the Moon at the same time.”
“Oh shit! I’m on my way,” said Van as he struggled to put on clothes on his way to the elevator. Entering the Ops Center, he immediately said, “Tell me what’s happening!”
“Both countries have ships maneuvering around the Moon right now, Commander.”
“That’s not new. What’s this about them being armed?”
“Sensors we have on the Moon plus my own observations indicate that both the Chinese and the Russian ships have rocket pods on them. In addition, it appears that the Pitchka also has a small cannon under its nose, likely a 20mm, C
ommander.”
“What on Earth—or in this case, on the Moon—do they need those for?”
“I am not certain, Commander, but it is possible that one or the other may be prepared to protect their interests on the Moon.”
“What interests? There’s nothing there to protect.”
“Possibly, Commander. However, I have noticed over the past five Chinese flights, including this one, that there is a consistent interest in the southern end of Vallis Alpes.”
“What do you mean by ‘interest’?”
“In the past four trips, Commander, the Chang’e 5 or 6 has disappeared into the southern end of Vallis Alpes and then reappeared about fifteen minutes later.”
“And why is that important?” asked Van, rubbing his forehead while thinking about the issue.
“If the Chang’e craft had maintained a constant speed from entry to exit, they would have reappeared within five minutes. There has been a ten-minute difference in every case, Commander.”
“So they either slowed down or stopped during each pass.”
“Yes, Commander.”
“And what do you believe they did during those ten minutes, Harry?”
“Unclear, Commander. They could be just doing a slower and more detailed survey of the region, but they could have done that in just one or two passes…. or one extended pass. The data suggests that they may be dropping something off each time.”
“And the only thing that they would likely drop, given their long-term strategy would be pre-supply items for a potential habitat!”
“That is a strong possibility, Commander.”
“We need to know exactly what they’re up to. And the best way to do that is go and have a look. Have you made the ZPE additions to the Truman and the Enterprise?”
“Yes, Commander. I have also taken the liberty of adding an under-the-nose plasma cannon on each.”
“Good man, Harry. How soon can we launch and proceed to the Moon?” Van felt he had to see what was going on for himself. Are the Chinese actually building a secret site on the Moon? How big is it if they are? And what is their overall goal? Worst case, could they be building an offensive capability that would change the balance of power? That could delay or even destroy our goal of global unification before the Arkon come. Let’s just hope it isn’t that bad.
“In four hours or less, Commander. I am doing the final testing on the new systems now.”
“Good, let’s plan for departure in four hours. Now I’m going back to bed.”
CHAPTER 16
“Baikonur Control, Pitchka,” called Bovarin.
“Pitchka, this is Control, what is your message?”
“Control, Pitchka has started following the path you gave for the Chang’e 6. When we look ahead, it seems to go nowhere.”
“Pitchka, Control, we see that but want you to follow the path anyway. Keep your cameras rolling. General Anikin says look for anything out of the ordinary.”
“Yes, Control, look for anything out of the ordinary. Pitchka out.”
“Well, Viktor, here we are on the Moon where everything is out of the ordinary. Any ideas?” asked Bovarin to his copilot, Captain Viktor Gorev, with a laugh.
“No, Major. Except perhaps Moon men.”
This time both astronauts gave a hearty laugh.
“Jiuquan Control, Chang’e 6, over,” said Chau with concern.
“This is Jiuquan Control. Send your message, over.”
“Control, it appears that the Pitchka is retracing our path as we were approaching Vallis Alpes. Do you have instructions, over?”
“Chang’e 6, Control. We see what the Russians are doing but see no danger yet.”
“Control, Chang’e 6. It is possible that they will not fly to our site, but if they do, we are not in position to defend it. Suggest that we proceed farther south just in case.”
“Chang’e 6, Control. Your suggestion is approved, but stay at a safe distance from Pitchka, over.”
“Chang’e 6 understands. Proceeding south, out.”
“There it is! The Moon!” shouted Danny as Space Ship 4 approached lunar orbit.
“Have you been asleep the whole flight, Danny? It’s been in front of us for hours.”
“Well, I might have dozed off a little. But still, it’s so big!”
“I’ll admit, when you are this close, you have a new perspective on size. Remember, we will not go into orbit. There is little to no tourist interest on the dark side,” Stan reminded him.
“This time I agree with the suits. Where to first?”
“Control told us to start at the northern pole and then follow the Apollo landing sites starting from 15, then 17, 11, 12, 14, and finally 16. Then proceed to the southern pole. If we see anything interesting along the way, we can investigate. We have only two days, however,” said Stan.
“Sounds like a plan!”
“Chang’e 6, Jiuquan Control, over.”
“Control, Chang’e 6, send your message.”
“Chang’e 6, there is another spacecraft approaching the northern pole. It is the American private Space Ship 4, over.”
“Control, Chang’e 6. A private ship, not an American government ship?”
“Chang’e 6, that is correct. It belongs to a tourist company called Galactic Adventures.”
“A tourist company? What are they doing here?” asked Chau with surprise.
“Our guess is that they are researching the lunar surface for possible tourist flyovers.”
“How stupid are the Americans? When there is so much of value here, all they can see is a fun ride. We have them on radar, but I do not see them as a threat. Chang’e 6 out.”
“Ready to go, Harry?”
“Yes, Commander. All systems have completed tests successfully.”
“Very well, then. Let’s get the Enterprise pointed to the Moon, shall we? Stealth mode.”
“Yes, Commander.”
“Baikonur Control, Pitchka.”
“Pitchka, this is Control, what is your message?”
“Control, Pitchka has completed the western reverse course of the Chang’e 6. From this point, it turns northeast again toward the northern pole. We have sighted nothing unusual,” said Bovarin in a bored tone.
“Pitchka, Control, stand by.”
“General,” said Vavilov, “the Pitchka reports nothing unusual on the Chang’e 6 course. They are turning northeast now. Do you have instructions?”
Gen. Dimitry Anikin was an experienced officer and used to deception in warfare. This path of the Chang’e 6 still did not make sense. Why would they be flying southeast, then turn due east as soon as the Pitchka arrived at the Moon?
“Mikhael, before the Chang’e 6 turned east to intercept the Pitchka, where would their course have taken them?”
“One moment, General.” The aide did some calculations. “That course of the Chang’e 6 would have taken them over Vallis Alpes and then to the southwest.”
“Very interesting,” muttered the general as he pondered the lunar map, his chin again on his hand. “Mikhael, have the Pitchka change its course and fly toward Vallis Alpes. Let us see what the Chinese will do.”
“Yes, General, I am relaying that to Pitchka now.”
“Jiuquan Control, Chang’e 6, over,” said Chau with some alarm.
“This is Jiuquan Control. Send your message, over.”
“Control, Pitchka has just changed course and is now headed toward Vallis Alpes. What are your instructions?”
“Chang’e 6, stand by.”
More than a few minutes passed as the generals at Jiuquan Control debated what to do next.
“Chang’e 6, Control, over.”
“Control, Chang’e 6, send your message.”
“Chang’e 6, stop your current work and proceed to the Pitchka’s location. Follow at a safe distance and observe. Report if Pitchka turns southwest down the valley.”
“Control, Chang’e 6. Breaking position and proceeding to follow Pitchka at
a safe distance, out.”
“Stan, I’m not too impressed with this northern pole. I sort of expected a big ice cap, not just a bunch of craters,” said Danny with disappointment.
“They tell me the water is there, Danny, just a little hard to see from here. What say we head south over Vallis Alpes toward the Apollo 15 site? We may be able to see the lunar rover and other equipment. You know, David Scott and James Irwin spent three days there.”
“Three days on the Moon, just think of it. But we’ll only get a few minutes of overflight. Then on to the Apollo 17 site, correct?” asked Danny.
“Correct,” said Stan. “After the 15 site we’ll head roughly east toward Littrow Crater.”
“You sound like a tourist guide already,” said Danny with a smile.
“General,” said Vavilov, “the Pitchka has reached Vallis Alpes and is asking for new instructions.”
“That is a very big valley, is it not?”
“It is large, no doubt, but not too big. It measures one hundred sixty-six by ten kilometers or one hundred three by six miles, sir.”
“Yes, we should be able to survey that in a short time. Have the Pitchka begin a survey from the northeast to the southwest. Keep watch on the Chang’e 6. If I am right, the Chinese will not like this.”
“I am relaying the instructions to the Pitchka now, sir.”
“Look at this on the radar, Chau,” said Lo with alarm.
“What am I seeing, Lo?”
“The Pitchka has stopped at Vallis Alpes and looks to be starting a survey of the valley starting from the northwest.”
“That is not good! Call Control and tell them what is happening.”
“Jiuquan Control, Chang’e 6, over,” said Chau with greater concern.
“This is Jiuquan Control, send your message.”
Immortal Guardian: Hoast Saga Book 2 (Host Saga) Page 12