Space Station Crisis

by Kevin J. Anderson

  “You don’t understand what you’re saying, Cadets,” Ansari said. “We have less than three years before impact. Earth’s space program is just now being ramped up because of the first Kylarn attack. An ambitious mission like that would take far longer. Back in 1961 when President Kennedy called on America to commit itself to put a man on the Moon, the Apollo program was a gigantic project—and it still took almost a decade to accomplish the mission. Earth doesn’t have any programs in place that can do something so difficult, so huge, in the next couple of years!”

  JJ said exactly what King was thinking. “Somebody’s got to do it, so you’d better get started.”

  ***

  Twenty-Seven

  They had been on the space station for three full days, and all of the Star Challengers were exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally. JJ was glad when it finally came time to go to their personal sleep stations for a few hours of rest. She mumbled goodnight to her friends, shut the compartment door, and tethered herself in place.

  Only a few seconds after she closed her eyes, she felt something pressing against her back, and her body was saddled with a strange weight. She leaned over to untether herself—or tried to, at any rate, but her muscles barely moved at first. She nudged the wall with her fingers so she could float over and look out the opening of her compartment, but she didn’t move. Gradually, the explanation dawned on her, and she knew that the heavy weight all over her body was gravity. They were back on Earth, and she was lying down on something hard and narrow. A bench in the Challenger Center’s simulation room.

  With considerably more effort than she expected it to take, JJ managed to sit up. In the dim light she saw her friends lying asleep on the floor and benches around her. “Wake up, everyone! We’re back!”

  “Yes!” Song-Ye blurted out, happy to be on terra firma once more—though she also sounded sad the adventure was over.

  “Aw, man,” Tony sounded disappointed. “This is it, isn’t it? We’re back home?”

  “You got it—ow,” King was also having trouble readjusting the effort needed to move, and smacked his hand against the wall as he tried to get to his feet.

  “Yeah, back on Earth.” Dyl’s voice was flat as he awoke with a groan and tried to get to his feet. A pang struck JJ as she once again thought of what returning to full gravity meant to her brother. While for the rest of them microgravity had been a useful novelty, for Dyl it had meant freedom from his uncooperative legs, and now for the second time that freedom had been wrenched from him.

  JJ raised her voice. “Commander Zota? Are you there?”

  The door opened, and Zota stood in front of them. “Greetings, cadets—and welcome back. Are you ready for your debriefing?” He looked relieved, but tried not to show it.

  “I wasn’t ready for gravity again, but I’m ready for a briefing,” Dyl said with a sigh.

  “And do we have a lot to tell you!” JJ said.

  When they were all comfortably settled in their mini-Mission Control and briefing room, Commander Zota rubbed his hands briskly together. “Now, tell me, has anything changed in the future?”

  King spoke up. “Looks that way, sir. We made a big difference last time. The whole moonbase crew was still alive.”

  “As in the moonbase was still a pancake, but the people survived,” Song-Ye amended. She had already retrieved Newton from his habitat and held the hamster in one hand. The tan rodent’s whiskers and nose wriggled with excitement as he explored the new smells on her clothing.

  In a rush, their stories overlapping, they described their experiences on the space station, from meeting Mira to the destruction of the Eye in the Sky, to being boarded by the Kylarn, and discovering the oncoming asteroids.

  Commander Zota paced the room, listening. “I’m grateful for the progress we made, but most worried about this news of Cadet Mira. I knew of the Kylarn threat … but not another group that’s fighting entirely against what we hope to accomplish. This is very disturbing. Did she tell you the name of this other man from the future?”

  “Mentor Toowun,” JJ said.

  Zota stiffened for a moment, and a dark cloud crossed his face. He sighed. “I know him. He and I both survived the same terrors. For a time we were allies and fought together … and now it seems we both escaped to the past. I am very disturbed to learn he has taken a different path—perhaps training others, just as I am training you.”

  “A fifth column?” Song-Ye suggested, with a troubled expression.

  Zota nodded gravely. “A very astute observation, Cadet Park.”

  “What does that mean?” JJ asked, frowning.

  King crossed his arms over his chest. “From history, fifth columnists are people who secretly sabotage a group from within—mess things up to help the other side.”

  “As in, Mira.” Song-Ye scowled. “I still can’t believe there are humans fighting to help aliens attack Earth! If Mentor Toowun saw what the Kylarn did to the human race even before we put up a fight, how can he imagine the same aliens would be merciful?”

  “This is definitely a problem,” Dyl said.

  “I’m afraid we must consider Toowun and Mira traitors to humanity, actively working to help the Kylarn. It is one of the reasons I cautioned you not to share too much about your mission with anyone.” Zota glanced meaningfully at Tony. “Are you certain Cadet Vasquez can be a Star Challenger?”

  Tony was very earnest. “I’ll study whatever I need to and help you spread the word—about science and technology being cool, that is. And I won’t say anything about you or time travel, unless you tell me to.”

  “I trust him—I say he’s in.” JJ took his hand, smiling at him, then blushed as she realized what she’d done. But he didn’t let go of her hand.

  “He did pretty well,” King agreed. “I think he’s a member of the team now.”

  Song-Ye shrugged. “Whatever, I can put up with him.”

  “Not a problem,” Dyl said. “Just try to remember never to wear a red shirt when we go on a mission.”

  Tony smiled with relief. “Believe me, I know better. So, do you accept me on the team, Mr. Zota? Can I be a Star Challenger, too?”

  The Commander pressed his hands together and nodded. “Indeed. So long as you understand that the mission of the Star Challengers is not a hobby, not something you do for a few months or a year and get tired of it, then move on to something else. The aliens coming to Earth are not imaginary. Your mission, all of you, is to help save the world and humankind by becoming tomorrows scientists, engineers, and leaders. As Star Challengers, you have a great deal of work ahead.”

  ***

  The “Challenger 7”

  Seven astronauts were lost aboard the final flight of the space shuttle Challenger, STS 51-L, on January 28,1888. We’d like all readers of Star Challengers to get to know them a little better:

  Christa McAuliffe was a high-school history teacher from New Hampshire. NASA decided that their first civilian to fly in space would be a teacher, and Christa was selected from 11,000 applicants. A wife and mother with an endearing personality, she was the perfect choice.

  Dick Scobee served as the Commander of STS 51-L. Growing up in Washington, he built model airplanes and dreamed of flying them someday. He enlisted in the Air Force and worked as a mechanic on planes until he could go to college and get commissioned as an officer and assigned to fly cargo planes. Later, he was accepted as a test pilot, then an astronaut. In all, Dick Scobee flew over 45 types of aircraft. He traveled with his wife June on field trips with her students and was her best guest speaker. One time, he helped create homemade rockets to teach June’s students a physics principle. He also flew in space on Flight STS 41-C.

  Judy Resnik served as a Mission Specialist astronaut. Discouraged from studying engineering as a college student because she was a girl, Judy persisted until she earned a PhD as a scientist and engineer. As an astronaut, she helped develop the giant remote-manipulator arm that folded into the cargo bay. In additi
on she was a classical pianist.

  El Onizuka, from Hawaii, served in the Air Force as a test flight engineer and with NASA as a Mission Specialist. His mission on the 51-L flight was to deploy a communicating satellite in space. El was an Eagle Scout and supported Scout groups as an adult; he also coached youth softball. He frequently returned to Hawaii to visit schools to encourage students to study and work hard to fulfill their dreams.

  Mike Smith was a Naval Test pilot from North Carolina, and assigned as the pilot aboard STS 51-L for his first space flight. When he was a high school student, Mike loved to play football, but often missed receiving a pass on the field because he spent too much time watching planes fly over. He returned to the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School as an instructor and flew 28 different types of civilian and military aircraft. Mike was also a founding board member for the Clear Lake High School soccer team booster club.

  Ron McNair from South Carolina graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a PhD in physics. Un the flight, he served as a Mission Specialist to make crucial observations of Halley’s Comet. Ron often made inspirational presentations to schools and colleges. He was a 5th-degree black-belt karate instructor and a performing jazz saxophonist.

  Greg Jarvis from California was a payload specialist assigned from Hughes Aircraft to conduct scientific experiments. Always learning and inquisitive, Greg frequently took classes at local colleges—everything from backpacking, to French, to astronomy. After being chosen as payload specialist, he spoke to many elementary schools about satellites and the space program. He was set to receive his Master’s in Business Administration from West Coast University while aboard the Challenger flight 51-L.

  To learn more about all the astronauts who flew space missions on the Shuttle Transport System (STS) flights go to www.nasa.gov.

  ***

  About The Challenger Centers

  The Challenger Centers for Space Science Education was created to honor and remember the brave crew of the space shuttle Challenger. The shuttle was carrying seven crewmembers, including the first civilian teacher to go to space, when it exploded shortly after liftoff in 1986. The teacher, Christa McAuliff, was going to show students worldwide—from orbit—how valuable the space program really is.

  In the wake of that tragedy, the Challenger Learning Centers were formed. The Challenger Centers use realistic simulated missions to inspire students with the exciting possibilities of space exploration, while also teaching them how to work as a team and how to expect success. Currently, a network of 50 Centers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reaches more than 400,000 students and 40,000 educators each year. The goal is to foster a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—in short, Commander Zota’s dream of creating a new generation of Star Challengers.

  Students and teachers, to learn more about the Challenger Centers and to find a Center in your area, go to www.challenger.org. In addition to actual class field trips, the Challenger Centers offer online adventures and interactive learning experiences.

  ***

  Praise for the Challenger Centers for Space Science Education

  “Inspiring. Exploring. Learning. It’s our mission. That’s hard to beat!”

  John Glenn,

  Former Senator and Astronaut

  “The mission of Challenger Center is to spark in our young people an interest—and a joy—in science. A spark that can change their lives-and help make American enterprise the envy of the world.”

  Former President George H. W. Bush

  “What Challenger Center has done with respect to educating America’s youth is truly commendable. I salute you.”

  General Colin Powell,

  Former Secretary of State

  “Challenger Center is at the forefront of space science education for Elementary and middle school students … America’s leaders and Explorers of tomorrow.”

  Michael L. Coats,

  Director, NASA Johnson Space Center

  “[Students] will see something and experience something that they perhaps read about, but could not truly appreciate until they came and experienced it.”

  Frederick Gregory,

  NASA Associate Administrator and Former Astronaut

  ***

  Challenger Centers

  Here is a list of Challenger Learning Centers. For the most current list, visit www.challenger.org.

  United States Challenger Learning Centers

  Alabama

  Challenger Learning Center at McWane Center—Birmingham

  Alaska

  Challenger Learning Center of Alaska—Kenai

  Arizona

  Challenger Space Center of Arizona—Peoria

  California

  Challenger Learning Center of the San Joaquin Valley—Atwater

  Columbia Memorial Space Center B Challenger Learning Center—Downey

  Challenger Learning Center at Chabot Space and Science Center—Oakland

  Challenger Learning Center Discover Museum Science B Space Center—Sacramento

  Nierman Challenger Learning Center—San Diego

  Colorado

  Challenger Learning Center of Colorado—Colorado Springs

  Connecticut

  Challenger Learning Center at The Discovery Museum—Bridgeport

  Florida

  Challenger Learning Center at Kirby Smith Middle School—Jacksonville

  Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee—Tallahassee

  Verizon Challenger Learning Center Museum of Science & Industry—Tampa

  Georgia

  Challenger Learning Center Coca-Cola Space Science Center—Columbus

  Hawaii

  Challenger Center Hawaii—Kapolei

  Illinois

  Challenger Learning Center at Heartland Community College—Normal

  Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology—Woodstock

  Indiana

  Brownsburg Challenger Learning Center—Brownsburg

  Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana—Hammond Challenger Learning Center of Indianapolis—Indianapolis

  Kentucky

  Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky—Hazard

  Challenger Learning Center of Louisville, KY—Louisville Challenger Learning Center at Paducah—Paducah

  Maine

  Challenger Learning Center of Maine—Bangor

  Maryland

  Challenger Learning Center at Howard B. Owens Science Center—Lanham

  Massachusetts

  Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Challenger Learning Center—Framingham

  Michigan

  Challenger Learning Center Kalamazoo Valley Museum—Kalamazoo

  Missouri

  Challenger Learning Center Science City at Union Station—Kansas City

  Challenger Learning Center—St. Louis

  New Jersey

  Buehler Challenger & Science Center—Paramus

  New Mexico

  Challenger Learning Center of New Mexico, Unser Discovery Campus—Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

  New York

  Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tier Region, Inc. —Allegany

  Challenger Learning Center of Manhattan—New York

  The Challenger Learning Center of Greater Rochester—Rochester

  Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Learning Center—Suffern

  Ohio

  Challenger Learning Center of Dayton—Dayton

  Challenger Learning Center of Lucas County—Oregon

  South Carolina

  Challenger Learning Center—Columbia

  Tennessee

  Challenger Learning Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga—Chattanooga

  Texas

  Challenger Learning Center—Houston

  Challenger Learning Center George Observatory—Needville

  Challenger Learning Center of San Antonio—San Antonio Challenger Learning Center of the Rio Grande Valley—San B
enito

  Virginia

  Math Science Innovation Center First Union Challenger Learning Center—Richmond

  Washington

  Challenger Learning Center Museum of Flight—Seattle

  West Virginia

  Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling Jesuit University—Wheeling

  International Locations

  Canada

  Science Centre Challenger Learning Centre—Toronto Ontario

  South Korea

  Challenger Learning Center at SongAm Space Center—Gyeonggido

  UK

  National Space Centre Challenger Learning Centre—Leicester

  For activities and ideas about what you can do to help prepare for the future, get involved at challenger.org!

  ***

  About the Authors

  REBECCA MOESTA is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling young adult author who has written for Star Wars, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek, as well as the original trilogy “Crystal Doors,” co-authored with Kevin J. Anderson.

  KEVIN J. ANDERSON is the #1 international bestselling author of more than 120 novels, best known for his Dune novels co-authored with Brian Herbert, his Star Wars or X-Files novels, or his Saga of Seven Suns series.

  JUNE SCOBEE RODGERS is a tireless proponent of the space program, June is intent on fostering a new generation of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her husband Dick Scobee was the commander on the final flight of the space shuttle Challenger in January 1986. She serves as the Founding Chairman of the Board and as a Founding Director for Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Holding a PhD from Texas A&M University and a Master’s from Chapman College, both in Curriculum and Instruction, she has taught in every grade-level classroom from Kindergarten through college. June will oversee the creation of free lesson plans and other materials to support each Star Challengers novel, allowing this Entertaining series to be used as an engaging teaching tool inside the classroom.