Space Hoax (Hoax Trilogy Book 2)

by Paul Gillebaard

  Blake held off taking a seat. “Can I get you a beer?”

  “That’d be great.”

  “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

  As Blake went off to the kitchen, a soft breeze blew in. Peter looked across to see the open sliding glass door leading out to the backyard patio. Fortunately, the screen door was closed to keep out the Texas bugs. Sitting on the deck by the doorway was a small tricycle and a bike with training wheels.

  “Here you go,” Blake called out, bringing over two opened bottles of beer.

  Peter reached up and grabbed one. “So where are the boys?”

  “They’re upstairs cleaning their rooms. Let me go get them.”

  Peter lifted his beer, toasting Blake as he hustled up the stairs.

  Peter smiled as he heard the girls chatting away. He took a big swig of the cold beer before leaning over and rummaging through magazines on the coffee table. His attention was instantly drawn to an aviation magazine that had a full picture of Carlos Calma in his spacesuit. What magazine puts that asshole on the cover? He set his beer down as he pulled out the magazine and read the title. “A Space Hero?” What? Good thing there’s a question mark. He flipped to the story in the magazine and began to read. He quickly realized the article was full of bullshit, and must have been written by Carlos’s PR team, trying to convince the world he was not the cause of their failed mission to reach the ISS. Though Carlos wasn’t the cause, Peter knew he was far from being a hero.

  He was about to toss the magazine back on the table in disgust but he spotted the name Krause Aerospace. In a corner of the article, a shaded box highlighted Carlos’s father. Peter scanned the short description about the business tycoon and was surprised to see one of the many companies Jose owned was Krause Aerospace. Interesting; maybe that can be my connection to get inside information. Peter looked out the window, rubbing his chin. He shook his head, remembering the old man was supporting his son’s lawsuit against the FKA. Then throw in the fact that he had punched the man’s son, Peter doubted Jose would help him out. He looked back down at the cover. I did save his son. Maybe if Jose knew the facts he might support me. He set the magazine back on the table, convinced he should at least give it a try.

  His concentration was interrupted by tiny footsteps coming down the stairs. He looked over to see Blake’s cute, little four-year-old boy in a bathing suit, carrying a model jet.

  “Well, hello.”

  The boy shyly walked over to Peter and stuck out his hand.

  Peter grabbed the small hand and shook. “Hello, I’m Peter. Nice to meet you.”

  The boy didn’t say a word, as if he didn’t hear Peter, and started to play with his plane on the coffee table.

  The model was an F-22 fighter jet, the same plane the young boy’s father flew in the Air Force. “That’s a cool-looking airplane. Did your daddy fly that plane?”

  The boy kept on playing, ignoring Peter.

  Peter smiled as he watched the boy, thinking back when he was the same age playing with the model of the Lunar Lander, pretending he was flying it to the moon just like his father soon would. More footsteps came down the stairs.

  Blake called out, “Did you meet Matthew?”

  Peter looked up to see Blake’s second child following his father down the stairs. “I did. He’s a little quiet.”

  As if his son simply had a small bruise, Blake casually offered, “Oh, he’s deaf.”

  Peter’s heart dropped as he looked back down at the boy, who now had a big grin as he continued to play with his toy. He was shocked Blake never mentioned it during their training. “Well, he had good manners, coming down and shaking my hand.”

  Blake smiled as he brought over his oldest son. “Good. Peter I would like to introduce my oldest boy, Brian.”

  The six-year-old had blond hair just like his little brother. “Hello, Brian.”

  Brian tugged on his dad’s shirt, indicating he wanted to tell him something in secret. Blake bent down before his son whispered in his ear. Blake spoke calmly to the boy. “I think you left it outside.” The boy grabbed his dad’s hand and pulled him toward the backyard patio. Blake showed a patient smile. “We’ll be right back. He wants to show off his new rocket to you.”

  Peter nodded in acceptance as they walked toward the sliding screen door. As they exited, Peter zoomed in on Matthew, who was now on his knees with his arm extended holding onto the jet. He was moving his arm in a wavy motion, in his imagination flying the jet. Peter got down on his knees next to the little boy. He opened his hand and pretended it was a jet. He copied the movements the boy made with his toy, following closely behind. After a few moments of this, Peter decided to take the lead. He flew his hand past the boy’s jet and was pleased to see the boy copy his moves, being a perfect wingman.

  Peter beamed as he looked down at the boy. Even though the boy wouldn’t hear him he still spoke out loud. “You have piloting skills just like your daddy.” Peter noticed a shadow on the floor and looked up to see Anya standing with a proud grin, holding a tray of appetizers. He winked, guessing she was thinking of the day when he would be playing with their child.

  Soon all four adults were sitting around the patio table under an umbrella socializing on the backyard wooden deck, the boys playing nicely in a nearby sandbox.

  Anya held her glass of wine as she stared at the children. “Your boys play so well together.”

  Suzy looked at Blake and grinned before turning to Anya. “Thanks. Of course like any siblings, they have their moments.”

  Peter lifted his glass. “The advantages of being an only child.”

  Blake teased his commander. “Oh, that’s why you’re such a demanding boss. You’re used to always getting your way.”

  Peter set his glass down. “Hmm, I never thought about it that way; I guess you’re right. Now get down and give me twenty.”

  They all laughed. Anya directed her attention to Suzy and Blake sitting across from her. “So how did you two meet?”

  Suzy spoke up. “At college in California. We both went to UC Santa Barbara.”

  Peter was familiar with the school. “That’s a pretty campus, right there on the beach.”

  Blake grabbed an appetizer. “They have some great surfing spots in the area.”

  Suzy continued. “My sorority was sisters to his fraternity. I always thought he was the cutest. Fortunately, after some hints he finally asked me out. We’ve been together ever since.” A curious look crossed Suzy’s face. “So how about you two? How does a Texas boy end up with a Russian girl?”

  Anya answered. “Our fathers trained together on the USA/USSR mission in the ’70s. They became close friends, and over the years our families often got together. Since Peter is almost eight years older than me…”

  Blake interjected, “That’s all?”

  Anya smiled. “I had the biggest crush on him when I was a teenager, but he never noticed me.”

  Peter cockily leaned back. “I had other fish to fry. But when I saw her years later as a grown woman, I couldn’t believe it. I instantly had a crush on her, but then she ignored me.”

  Anya smiled. “Because I had other fish to fry.”

  All laughed.

  Blake started to get up. “I better put the ribs on the BBQ.”

  Peter started to get up. “Need any help?”

  “Nope, you sit and entertain the ladies.”

  Peter sat back down. “My pleasure.”

  As Blake entered the kitchen, Suzy became serious. She grabbed Peter’s hand and leaned over the table, speaking in a whisper. “Blake means everything to this family. Please make sure he comes back safely. Sometimes he’s too carefree and reckless and I worry about him.”

  Peter brought his other hand over and lightly patted hers. He could sense the strong love she had for her husband. “Blake is an excellent astronaut. He’s one of our best. I promise you, I’ll do everything I can as his boss to ensure his safety.”

  Suzy’s eyes
locked onto Peter’s. “Promise?”

  “Promise.”

  “THEY ARE SUCH a sweet couple, and I really like Suzy.”

  Peter applied the car’s brake as he approached a stoplight, his stomach full of Blake’s excellent barbeque. He looked over at Anya. “They are. Plus they have some cute kids.”

  “Remember you promised Suzy you would take care of Blake; keep him safe.” She put her hand on his leg. “I’m so glad you’re not flying this mission. I understand her concerns.”

  Peter tightened his grip on the steering wheel. The light turned green, and he continued through the intersection. Guilt started to creep through him. If he was to have a complete relationship with her, he couldn’t keep secrets from her. No matter the consequences. “I know one way I can make sure Blake is safe.” Peter stole a quick glance.

  She tilted her head slightly, her tone growing suspicious. “How?”

  Peter wiggled his eyebrows. “If I fly with him.”

  He could feel her staring at him as he looked out over the roadway. There was no response. An uncomfortable silence filled the car. He peeked over to see an anxious look on her face.

  Finally she broke the silence. “Are you trying to tell me something?”

  He took a deep breath and released it, dropping his joking tone. “There’s a chance I might be in that rocket when it launches on the twenty-first. We just learned earlier in the week that Jesse hurt his back. Our hope is he will be ready for the mission, but right now, I’m filling in for him during training. Walter doesn’t want the team losing any preparation time.”

  Anya abruptly lifted her hand off his leg. Out of the corner of his eye he could see her turn and look out the side window. After a few beats, she swiveled back around. In a stoic tone she asked, “What are the odds you’ll be aboard that rocket?”

  “I don’t know, 50-50 maybe. Believe me, Walter and the team want Jesse in that seat, and so do I. If he recuperates in time, he’s the commander.”

  Anya looked ahead, mashing her lips together. After a single beat, she turned and put her hand back on his leg and squeezed. “I made a promise to myself that I would support you and be by your side no matter what. I love you that much. So if you have to fly, I am behind you a hundred percent.”

  Peter patted her hand, pleased with her strength. “I love you, thanks.”

  18

  FINAL APPROVAL

  At last there was a break in their rigorous training schedule and Peter could finally sneak in some work for SID. Dressed in his EarthOrbit-issued jumpsuit, he sat at his desk, door closed. He would attempt contacting Jose Calma. Even though it was a long shot, he was hoping the man might be able to help him obtain inside information on Krause Aerospace. After some crafty probing on the phone, and a little deceit, he was finally able to obtain the tycoon’s cell phone number.

  Before dialing up the magnate, he received an incoming call from his mother. Ever since hearing he and Anya were getting married, she had been researching churches and reception halls, constantly calling with questions. With everything going on, he finally had to politely tell her to just deal with Anya.

  Peter had been encouraged by the improvement with Jesse’s back, happy he was able to participate in some of their training. There was a real possibility the veteran would be able to go on the mission as commander after all, which would be welcome news to Anya.

  He double-checked his office door was tightly closed before punching in Jose’s number on his phone. He quickly reviewed his plan on introducing himself. He figured Jose must have been aware of the rescue if he was backing his son on his lawsuit. The question was, did he know who saved Carlos? Peter had made sure to stay out of the limelight after the moon mission, granting no interviews. He doubted Carlos was able to connect the man who went to the moon to the man who saved him. According to Gavin, Carlos thought he was saved by an astronaut named Peter Robinson, so this was the name he planned to use while speaking with Jose. Of course, his biggest concern was if the old man knew he had punched his son. If so, the man would definitely harbor resentment against him.

  After a few rings, a strong male voice answered, “Bueno.”

  Peter leaned forward, putting one hand on his desk, sure the tycoon spoke English. “Hello, Jose?”

  There was an uncomfortable silence. The man probably felt uneasy not knowing who he was speaking to. He answered with a slight Spanish accent, “Yes, who is this?”

  Peter looked out across his office. “Jose, this is Peter Robinson. I was the astronaut who rescued your son.”

  Jose’s tone instantly changed, now resonating with a receptive welcome. “Peter Robinson? What a pleasure it is to speak with you. I owe you a great deal of gratitude for what you did for Carlos.”

  Peter let out a deep sigh, pleased the man was informed of the rescue. But did he know about the punch? “I was just doing my job, sir.”

  “Damn that. You risked your life to save those men. I heard the whole story, and I have no ill feelings with you punching Carlos.”

  Peter clutched his phone a little tighter.

  “After learning about his little stunt that almost got you all killed, I would have punched him too. Sometimes he does stupid things.”

  Peter relaxed his hand as he leaned back in his chair. “Well, I guess you could say it was all in the heat of the moment.”

  A growing hint of disappointment could be heard in the frustrated father’s voice. “There is no excuse for what he did. I love my son to death, but bottom-line, he’s a spoiled kid who got everything handed to him on a silver platter. I’m sure you are aware of the suit we have pending with Russia’s space program. Though I understand why they were not open about what happened, I have to support my son. I don’t want my son’s reputation ruined.”

  Peter leaned forward and set his elbow on his desk, pressing the phone harder against his ear. He had to come across as sympathetic. “I understand. Well, fortunately, we all got back safely.”

  “Yes, and for that I thank you. So why the call? What can I do for you?”

  Peter was pleased the man had changed the subject. “I’m currently working with a private space company in America called EarthOrbit.”

  Jose quickly interjected. “I’m familiar with them.”

  “Well, we do business with one of your companies, Krause Aerospace, and I wondered if there has been anything unusual going on that might have given you or your management team any reason for concern.”

  The man’s voice became intense. “Why, has EarthOrbit been having problems doing business with them?”

  Peter promptly answered in a calm voice as he embellished. “No, nothing like that. I’ve been given the task of investigating all our vendors. Since EarthOrbit is being monitored very closely by the government and we are vying for a NASA contract, we need to confirm all our vendors meet certain requirements. When I saw you were the owner of Krause, I decided to go directly to you. I figured if there were any issues, you could make sure they were taken care of to ensure we could keep doing business with Krause.”

  “I appreciate you doing that. Unfortunately, I am not closely involved with their day-to-day activities, so I would need to do a little research.”

  It was best if Jose personally investigated the company. “That would be great. I’m just looking for anything unusual, anything that may have raised a red flag. Also, it would be great to get a contact I can follow up with later to get more details.”

  “Well, let me see what I can find out and I’ll get back with you.”

  Peter stressed that his report was due within a week and asked Jose to call him directly on his cell phone, ensuring the man wouldn’t learn Peter’s real name and be confused.

  IN THE DEPTHS of the Neutral Buoyancy Training Lab, known as the NBTL pool, Peter floated in a tight-fitting EarthOrbit spacesuit designed solely for water training. He had expressed his sincere gratitude to the suit technician for piecing together his suit, which closely matched his body’s dimensions.
Unlike space, he was not weightless within the garment with grooved parts. If it had been loose-fitting, he would have become uncomfortable in certain orientations over time, especially upside down. Since he came in late for training, there were no custom-fit suits for him. In fact, he was still waiting for his mission spacesuit to arrive.

  At the bottom of the pool, Peter was inside a barren metal shell replicating the Iris capsule. He and Blake were going to execute an underwater simulation of Blake’s EVA. Both men had already been weighted properly by their support divers, insuring natural buoyancy, allowing their movements to emulate those they would experience in microgravity. The objective of the exercise was for Blake to exit the hatch and move around on the outside of the metal shell. Blake needed to get accustomed to the locations of the handholds and practice moving from one handle to the next using his bulky gloves without losing his grip and floating away from the ship. Though he could tug on his umbilical cord to pull himself back to the ship, management didn’t want to risk damaging the lifeline.

  The number-one priority for Peter during Blake’s EVA was to observe his partner’s progress and assist if any problems occurred. He was also responsible for taking pictures and video of the historic spacewalk, which would be transmitted back to Earth for the whole world to see. The climactic point of the EVA would be Blake waving a small American flag after he reached the last handhold, which was about eight feet from the hatch. He would then re-enter the capsule.

  Instead of being hooked up to the spacecraft’s oxygen system, Peter received his air from a small portable unit. He was learning how to maneuver around the unit while being hooked up to its short umbilical cord. He also had a small plastic box that simulated the camera. He steadied himself with his free hand while waiting for his partner. Rays of light from the underwater, bright spotlights crisscrossed within the interior like the thin sticks through the plastic container in the game KerPlunk. A lot of air bubbles started floating upward outside the small entryway, signaling someone was below the hatch. Soon Peter was briefly blinded by the reflection of a spotlight bouncing off a visor before realizing it was Blake’s helmet as he slowly rose into the opening.