Space Hoax (Hoax Trilogy Book 2)

by Paul Gillebaard

  “Yes, a TMA model with no orbital module. If you accept the mission, you would need to leave immediately for Baikonur. A veteran cosmonaut will fly you to the space station.”

  Peter figured it would take him at least fourteen hours travel time to get to Russia’s launch facility, Baikonur Cosmodome, in Kazakhstan. With the ten-hour time change, he would probably arrive mid-morning local time.

  Peter rubbed his chin, thinking. “How will we dock to the ISS without an orbital module?”

  “You won’t. Since you will not have a docking apparatus, the ISS robotic arm will capture you. You’ll do a spacewalk to enter the station.”

  Peter grabbed his cup of coffee as he looked past Gavin, taking a sip as he thought of the operation. He assumed his responsibility would be to fly the Galileo, while the cosmonaut taking him up or one of the ISS astronauts did the rescue spacewalk. He started shaking his head. He was familiar with the internals of the Galileo, and questioned it being large enough to house all five astronauts. “I think we have a problem.”

  Gavin tilted his head. “What’s that?”

  Peter set the coffee cup back on the desk. “I seriously doubt the Galileo can handle five men in spacesuits, especially if one of us is in an EMU suit.”

  Gavin relaxed his shoulders. “Not a problem; that’s already been thought out. There will only be four of you.”

  Peter leaned back as he shot a questioning look toward his boss.

  “Only you will fly over in Galileo. Once you rendezvous with the Soyuz, you will pass control of the vehicle over to SpaceQuest. Then you will do the spacewalk to rescue the men.”

  “Is the plan to return to the International Space Station?”

  “No. There is not enough fuel. You’ll have to return to Earth.”

  With his elbows planted on the chair’s armrests Peter extended his hands. “What if there is an emergency with the ISS when I depart in the Galileo? The only lifeboat available will be the Soyuz we fly up, and it can’t handle three ISS astronauts and the cosmonaut.”

  “Correct, but that’s a risk NASA has accepted. Russia should get a second TMA model up there within forty-eight hours after you leave the station.”

  Peter locked his fingers together as he looked out the window. Just as he couldn’t wear the rigid spacesuit in the Chinese ship falling through the atmosphere, he surely couldn’t wear one in the cramped Soyuz. “I doubt I can go through re-entry wearing an EMU suit.”

  “NASA agrees. In fact they question whether you could fly the Galileo in that suit. NASA concluded there is only one type of spacesuit out there that would allow you the flexibility of sitting in a seat and doing an extended EVA.”

  “Which one is that?” Peter reached for his cup and took another sip.

  “The old Skylab suit.”

  Peter practically spit out his coffee hearing he was going to be wearing a suit made for the 1973 mission. “Are you serious?”

  “Yep. In fact as we speak one is being packed on the military plane that will fly to Kazakhstan, hopefully with you on board.”

  Peter joked, “What museum did they find that at?” He set his coffee down. “Will it work?”

  “I’ve been told they rushed to locate one your size and quickly had it tested. After replacing some parts, it should do the job.”

  Peter was familiar with the Skylab suit. As he thought about it, using that suit made sense. The Skylab spacesuits were designed for both flight and spacewalks. Though the suit’s main source of oxygen during extravehicular activities, or EVA’s, was supplied by an umbilical cord attached to the Skylab station, they also had a small emergency oxygen pack strapped to the leg. These small packs differed from the Apollo suits that had large backpacks. Peter couldn’t sit in Galileo with the large Apollo backpack attached, and couldn’t hook up one on his own.

  Gavin’s eyes grew wide. “Guess whose suit you’ll wear?”

  Right away Peter thought of Dusty Robinson, the man who walked on the moon with his dad and later flew on Skylab. His dad always swore Dusty was over six feet tall, the height limit by NASA back then. Dusty later admitted he tried to avoid taking a physical in the morning because he seemed to shrink throughout the day, and he learned how to slouch unnoticeably. Peter smiled. “There is only one Skylab astronaut’s suit I could possibly fit in—Dusty Robinson.”

  Gavin looked impressed. “Damn, you’re right. The cosmonaut flying up with you will wear the new Sokol LM spacesuit, which will allow him to do the transfer to the space station.”

  “How will I move between spacecrafts?”

  “A SAFER. You will jury-rig the jetpack to the Skylab suit.”

  A sly smirk emerged on Peter’s face as he remembered slamming into the International Space Station wearing the propulsive backpack system. “Good; I’m an expert on flying that thing now.”

  Gavin shot a puzzled look.

  Peter gave a minor nod with a wink before he turned to gaze out the window. This operation was sounding like a blast, and he was convinced he could pull it off. But he hated leaving Anya so soon after getting back from the moon. How would she handle it? He hoped she would understand this was his job, a part of his life.

  Gavin interrupted his train of thought. “Russia does not want this to go public. It could be a public relations nightmare and hurt their future tourist business.”

  Peter turned with a look of coolness, understanding this was a top-secret mission. “Got it.”

  Gavin leaned back and put his hands behind his head. “So what do you think? Are you game?”

  “Absolutely. I’m your man. I’ll bring those men back safely. Besides, I never paid my bill for my last stay at the space station.”

  Gavin smiled as he grabbed a file and tossed it across the desk. “Here are the specifics. You need to leave immediately. There’s a helicopter outside waiting to take you to Andrews Air Force Base.” Gavin stood and extended his hand. “It’s great to have you back, Peter.”

  Peter quickly stood and grabbed Gavin’s hand. “Good to be back, Boss.”

  PETER HUSTLED ACROSS the rooftop helipad as he powered through the rushing air being generated by the mighty rotors of the waiting black helicopter. When he walked under the spinning blades, he lowered his head, a common reflex.

  Peter approached the helicopter’s entrance. An agent was waiting by the doorway. He yelled out over the thundering noise surrounding them. “Welcome aboard, Mr. Novak.”

  Peter gave a casual wave as he hollered back, “Thank you.” He quickly jumped in before shifting over to the back seat bench. He immediately put on the radio headset lying on the seat. Other than the pilot at the controls, he was the only passenger. The agent outside gave a brief wave before shutting the door tight, instantly cutting off the loud noise.

  The pilot looked back as he spoke into his mic. “Hello, sir; I’m Darren. Welcome aboard.”

  Peter adjusted the volume on his headset. “Thank you. By the way, you don’t have to call me sir.”

  “Are you ready for takeoff, Mr. Novak?”

  “Darren, just call me Peter. I’m all set.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Peter chuckled at the young agent. The craft started to lift as he looked outside. He always enjoyed the sensation of flying in a helicopter. After they were a safe distance up, the helicopter rolled on its side, pulling him toward the window as they went into a steep 90-degree turn.

  Peter continued to stare as he started to review the mission in his head. He couldn’t believe he was already going back into space after being back only a little over a week. He was looking forward to launching in a Russian rocket for the first time, as well as getting back into a Soyuz spacecraft. He instantly thought of Viktor, sure he would reminisce about his old friend through the mission. He was looking forward to visiting those past memories.

  This was the first mission he’d agreed to take on while in love. Anya was now a part of his life, and he had a responsibility to her. He needed to inform her he was leavin
g and would definitely return home safely. “Can you patch a call through for me?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Peter rattled off Anya’s cell number. He rubbed his hands together as he waited. Soon the ringing reverberated in his headset.

  After a few rings, her soft voice answered. “Hello?”

  Peter figured she was probably wondering who was calling after seeing an unknown number. “Hey, Baby, it’s me.”

  Her voice perked up. “Where are you?”

  “I’m in a helicopter.”

  “Are you coming home?”

  There was a short pause. “I wish I was. I’m leaving the country on a short mission.”

  Sadness outlined her voice. “Oh? When will you return?”

  Peter spoke with assurance. “Not sure. Maybe in a week or so, but there’s nothing to worry about.”

  “Where are you off to?”

  Peter couldn’t tell her, and even if he wanted to, he was on an open mic. Though no firm plans had been made between them on what they would do regarding their jobs and living situation, Anya had mentioned she needed to get back to Russia because of her work. He figured if she went back and met with Dmitri, he would probably tell her what was going on, possibly allowing her into the control room. “I can’t tell you, but go ahead and travel back to Russia and take care of what you need to. I also suggest touching base with Dmitri.”

  “Why Dmitri?”

  Peter hoped to give her a clue. “Like when I went to the moon, he might be able to give you some insight.”

  Her voice sounded apprehensive. “Oh, okay.”

  “I’ve got to go.”

  She cooed. “Take care of yourself. I don’t ever again want to think I’ve lost you.”

  Peter grabbed the pendant around his neck. “Don’t worry; everything will be fine. I don’t want to be without you, either.”

  “Promise?”

  Peter rubbed the pendant. “Promise.”

  “I love you.”

  “Love you too, Babe.”

  6

  BAIKONUR COSMODROME

  The officer’s footsteps clicked rhythmically down the concrete corridor inside the crusty old building, stationed within the compounds of Russia’s famous launch facility. Peter followed closely behind as he wiped the sweat off his brow. Due to the lack of air conditioning, he figured he was walking in one of the complex’s original sixty-year-old buildings. Though a light late morning breeze flowed through the many opened widows, it was of little help cooling him off. The passageway felt as hot as the ninety-degree-plus temperature outside.

  Hustling to keep up with the focused soldier, Peter did a final review of the file given to him by Gavin. Peter’s sweaty fingers kept smearing ink as he turned the pages. He hoped this last minute review would prepare him for the briefing he was about to walk into. It was his understanding that after this meeting he would suit up and board the Soyuz for liftoff later this afternoon. Things were happening quickly.

  This was Peter’s first visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, where many historic Russian space flights had launched, including Sputnik and the world’s first manned space flight. He was amazed he was back in south-central Asia so soon after escaping the region. Russia’s launch complex was in the desert steppe of Kazakhstan, just south of Russia, bordering China and Kyrgyzstan. He couldn’t help but think of Ying on the flight over, hoping the brave young woman was okay. Though he paved the way for her to stay a couple of months at the base, she was determined to eventually sneak back into China with her children to reunite with her family and husband.

  Peter was able to get in a solid six hours of sleep on the plane. He had no idea how much rest he would be able to get over the next forty-eight. Concentrating on the paperwork, Peter almost walked into the soldier slowing down while approaching a closed door. The officer did a hard knock before opening it and stepping back, motioning for Peter to enter. Peter did a slight nod as a welcome blast of cool air shot out of the doorway, hitting him square in the face. He charged into the large chilled meeting room expecting to see a handful of FKA officials, but instead was surprised to see only one man wearing a business suit sitting on the other side of a long conference table. A huge grin shot across Peter’s face when he realized it was his old friend, Dmitri.

  Peter bellowed, “I was hoping to see you.”

  Without saying a word, Dmitri rose and quickly walked around the table. Just before approaching, he extended his arms like an eagle in flight as he swooped in to give Peter a hug. Peter placed the file on the table before putting out his arms to greet his friend. Peter was caught off guard by Dmitri’s strong bear hug, practically lifting Peter off the ground. “Dear friend, I’m so happy you survived.”

  Peter gave his buddy a couple solid pats on the back before pulling away. “Thanks, but I’m sorry your dad didn’t.” Peter cleared the lump in his throat. “But at least he’s with your mom now.”

  Dmitri lowered his eyes. “True and he fulfilled his dream of reaching the moon, thanks to you.” Dmitri straightened up. “Have a seat. We’ll be joined by the launch and mission teams shortly.”

  After picking up his file, Peter walked over to the chair across from Dmitri. “I’m happy to see you here. I wondered if you would be a part of this operation.”

  A smile crossed Dmitri’s face as he took his seat. “Not only am I a part of it, I’m the one who recommended you for this rescue. Believe it or not, after one space flight, you are now one of the world’s most experienced astronauts, having flown in the Soyuz, the Shenzhou, the Galileo and the International Space Station. There’s no man more qualified to handle this rescue.”

  Peter was the only man to have flown in all the current manned spacecraft. “Wow, you’re right. I never thought of it that way.”

  Dmitri motioned for Peter to sit as he settled himself back in his chair. “Plus, throw in the fact that you’ve done a couple of spacewalks and flown to the moon, which, other than the Chinese, hasn’t been done in over forty years. I’d say you have quite a resume.”

  Peter swelled with pride as he took a seat.

  Dmitri continued, “Congratulations, by the way.”

  Peter tilted his head. “For what?”

  Dmitri grinned. “Winning our bet.” He started to dig into his pocket. “So how much do I owe you?”

  Peter laughed. They were kids when they made a bet related to space travel, though neither remembered exactly what it was. Dmitri was being nice in conceding the bet was about getting to the moon first. “I think a ruble. Actually the bet was probably who would walk on the moon first. So why don’t you hold off paying me.”

  Dmitri’s empty hand came out of his pocket. “Tell you what—let’s make it double or nothing on who walks on the moon first?”

  “Deal.”

  “I talked to Anya late last night. She told me you recommended she touch base with me.”

  Peter perked up. “I did. What did you tell her?”

  “Nothing about the mission, but I did tell her to catch the next flight to Moscow. She should arrive early tomorrow morning. I’ll do what I can to get her into the control room. Of course, you’re going to be a busy man.”

  Peter’s shoulders relaxed. “Good. It was tough leaving her yesterday morning. I knew you’d take care of her.”

  “Don’t worry about her. You need to worry about saving those men.”

  Peter’s body finally started to cool down, thanks to the two window air conditioners running full blast. “So when do we launch?”

  “In a little over five hours. Launch is scheduled at 2:48 this afternoon. Aleksandr Chumakov will be the cosmonaut flying you up. He’s currently being checked out in medical and should join us any minute.”

  Aleksandr was probably one of Russia’s most experienced cosmonauts, having already flown four missions. “Great. I know he’s one of your best. So how is the tourist handling all of this?”

  Dmitri shook his head. “Not good. He had to be sedated. He was getting hyst
erical and using up all their oxygen.”

  “How in the world did he pass training?”

  “Good question. It was my understanding he successfully accomplished everything thrown at him.”

  “Who is he, anyway?”

  “Carlos Calma, son of Jose Calma, the famous business tycoon.”

  Shaking his head, Peter opened his file. He had read about the flashy playboy. “SID informed me this will be a secret mission. How in the world can you keep a launch secret?”

  “We can’t. After we launch, we’ll tell the media its purpose is to replace the Soyuz you stole to the moon, informing them the cosmonauts flying will immediately return in the Galileo, ensuring the station has reliable escape pods.”

  “Smart.”

  “Of course, we eventually will have to come up with a story on why the tourist didn’t make it to the space station.”

  Peter arched an eyebrow. “Hey, you Russians will come up with something.”

  Dmitri smiled. “Let’s worry about the rescue first.” He leaned in. “Unfortunately, because of the rush, you’ll miss out on many of our prelaunch traditions.”

  Peter chuckled as he remembered peeing on the van tire with Viktor. “I experienced some of those, thanks to your dad.” He raised his hand. “You need a checklist just to keep track of them all.”

  “We do have a lot. But there is one I didn’t want you to miss.” Dmitri pulled the chair out next to him and lifted an old tattered, leather-bound book. He carefully slid it across the table. “Since you will now be flying as a cosmonaut, you should sign the log all cosmonauts sign before their mission.” Dmitri pulled out a pen from his pocket and slid it to Peter.

  Peter slowly moved his finger along the edge of the historical book. “I’m very aware of this tradition, and am honored to sign.” His note needed to be directed to Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. He carefully opened the fragile book. He slowly flipped through the pages, scanning a few entries.

  Dmitri had a mischievous grin as he pointed to the book. “Go ahead and turn to the last page.”

  Peter flipped to the final page of entries. A chill ran through his body when he saw the top note. He slowly rubbed his finger over the dried ink as he read it to himself.