USSR Hoax

10 WHAT TO DO?

Intensity was evident in the chiseled lines and creases of Dick’s face. Tom slowly took a seat across from his boss. He had no idea why he was called to the office, especially while the Apollo 10 mission was still going on. Before he could say hi, Dick rose abruptly and walked past him without saying a word.

Curious, Tom turned and saw Dick locking the door, something he rarely did. As his boss circled back to his desk Tom broke the silence. “So what’s up?”

Falling heavily down into his chair, Dick placed both elbows on his desk, clasping his hands tightly together. Small beads of sweat materialized on the director’s forehead.

Tom tapped his fingers nervously on the armrest.

Dick leaned forward, piercing Tom with a cold, calculating stare. Dick spoke in a soft, yet intense, tone, “What I’m about to tell you can never leave this room. This is serious top-secret shit.”

Tom pushed back in his seat, preparing himself for whatever might come. “Got it.”

“Apparently we made a secret deal with the Soviets. They supplied us with a part for the F-1 engine and in return we promised them lunar core samples from two missions to be passed on in secret.”

The words hit Tom like a blast of cold air, pushing him even deeper into his chair. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. We’re working with the Communists? With his mouth slightly agape, he shook his head. “Are you serious?”

Intently, never blinking, Dick answered, “Yes, I couldn’t believe it myself.”

Tom immediately thought of the markings he saw on the F-1 engine, convinced they were somehow relevant. He looked out the window, wondering why his boss was telling him this.

Dick’s voice stayed intense. “The Soviets insisted on getting material from the first mission. Apparently they’re having problems returning a Luna craft with samples from the moon. If we’re successful with Apollo 11, the material we pass on will be used by the Soviets to pull off a hoax involving a future Luna mission. They will allege that it landed safely on the lunar surface, successfully drilled out a core sample and returned it to earth.”

The Soviets had been trying to upstage the Americans with unmanned spacecraft over the last few years, even trying to be the first to return lunar samples to Earth. Now Americans were going to pass on some of their precious cargo so the Soviets could fool the world and claim a minor victory? “Why in the world would we promise them any of the lunar material we bring back?”

“Good question, and I wish I had an answer. All I know is we were having stability issues with the Saturn V during development and apparently the Soviets have the technology to solve the problem. Somehow a deal was made.”

Tom nodded his head, giving the impression he knew something.

Dick jumped in before Tom could speak. “I know what you’re thinking, and yes, I agree. What you saw at Michoud is probably somehow related. If I were you, I would forget about that. This is so top-secret, it can be dangerous to know too much. I’m not even sure who is aware of the agreement. I’m told it goes high up, but not to the top. If this information ever leaked out, it could ruin America’s credibility and probably end funding for the space program. With so much at stake, I feel the powers that be would go to great lengths to ensure the truth never got out.”

“So why are you telling me this?”

“You’ve always been my ace-in-the-hole. After I passed along the pictures you took at Michoud, I started to get wind of a covert operation linked to the Soviets and the need for one of our astronauts to be involved. With your experience and the fact that you already knew about the markings in the F-1 engine, I immediately considered you. That’s why I never assigned you to a mission. I wanted you available.” With an amused glint, Dick’s eyes widened. “How would you like to command Apollo 16?”

Tom was now baffled. Why was his boss offering him the commander’s seat on 16? “What are you talking about?”

“I only want one astronaut involved in this operation. He will steal an Apollo 11 lunar sample from the LRL vault and pass it on to the Russians. Since the deal includes material from Apollo 11 and a future mission, I need a veteran astronaut I can place in command of a future moon flight so he can embezzle a soil sample during one of his moonwalks.”

Tom sat up. “You’re kidding me. You want me to steal a lunar sample from the LRL vault and the moon?” The Lunar Receiving Laboratory was a top security-building that would house the lunar material in storage vaults as well as research laboratories and quarantine quarters. The world was concerned about a deadly organism possibly being brought back from the moon, and the LRL building was designed to safeguard against such a possibility. Stealing anything from that building would be like taking gold from Fort Knox.

Dick shook his head. “I know. It all sounds crazy. I don’t have the details yet on how it will all go down. I’ve heard there is someone in the know who works in the LRL building who will make it possible for you to snag a premeasured sample from the vault.”

“Won’t the material be noticed missing?”

“The government plans on distributing hundreds of samples from the soil and rocks Apollo 11 brings back to various dignitaries throughout the world. A plan is in place to grab the confiscated material from that lot. I believe some of the samples sent out won’t actually be lunar material and will subsequently be lost. But since Apollo 11 is the only mission where samples will be given away, any material taken out of the vault on any later mission would be impossible to cover up. The only way to secretly snatch that material is by an astronaut stealing it directly from the moon’s surface. That’s why I need you on 16.”

Tom’s head was spinning. He lifted his hand towards his boss. “Wait, slow down. So why are we giving the Soviets lunar samples from two missions and not just one?”

“The Soviets insisted on a sample from Apollo 11 and I guess part of the deal included a sample from a second mission, which needed to be in close proximity to 11’s landing. Right now, of the remaining missions, Apollo 16 is slated to land closest to 11’s landing site.”

Tom still couldn’t believe he was being asked to steal a sample of lunar soil from the LRL building, which was a new, classified building. He knew nothing of its layout or security. “You know I’m unfamiliar with that building. What if I’m caught? Will I get support from NASA?”

Dick slowly leaned back in his chair. “I’ll make sure you get the needed information to carry out the operation. But I won’t beat around the bush. Only a few within the organization will know why you will be stealing that sample. Because this is such a top-secret operation that could harm the program, no one, not even me, will back your story. If you’re caught, your career will be over. You could possibly be put on trial for stealing government property.”

Clenching the armrests, Tom’s eyes widened at the thought of being arrested.

Dick leaned over his desk. “But I plan on you not failing. I wouldn’t offer this to one of my men if I didn’t think it would work. I’ll do everything I can to ensure the operation goes as planned, and most importantly, you’ll be doing a patriotic service for your country.”

Tom looked out the window. This was serious shit. The last thing he ever expected when coming on board with NASA was to be involved in a cloak and dagger conspiracy.

Dick continued in an encouraging tone, “I know this is asking a lot, but you’re the best man for the job.”

Tom exhaled, pleased his boss was finally backing him for a mission, but in his wildest dreams, he could have never imagined such a crazy scenario. “What about the backup crew slated to rotate onto 16?”

“I will assign them to 18. I’ll come up with a reason why.”

Not only was Tom being offered a chance to walk on the moon, he was being given command, his dream. But was it worth taking a chance on being hung out to dry by the organization if he was caught stealing lunar material?

“Tom, I hate to have to tell you this, but if you don’t take this offer, I won’t be assigning you to a future mission. This is per instructions from above. It’s either take on this operation and fly 16, or your astronaut career is over.”

That put Tom in a tough spot. How could he turn down flying to the moon? “How soon do you need an answer?”

“Tomorrow.”

“All right. I’ll mull it over tonight and make a decision.”

“Fair enough. Keep in mind this is considered a high-level, classified operation that can’t be discussed with anyone, not even Anne.”

“Roger that.”

FEELING SLIGHTLY DIZZY from standing up too fast, Anne steadied herself by holding onto her chair. Apparently the few glasses of wine she’d had during lunch with Joan had made her a little tipsy. Though it was rare for the friends to have midday cocktails, the drinks were needed to help them through their emotional discussion. The ladies were at their favorite restaurant per Anne’s request. It had been obvious the last few weeks that something had been bothering Joan. Anne wanted to give her friend an opportunity to open up. Getting away from the kids and having a little alcohol had done the trick. Finally, through tears, Joan shocked Anne by saying she suspected David was having an affair.

Anne did her best to console her friend after hearing the devastating news. Though the evidence was compelling, both ladies hoped Joan’s suspicions were false. Pushing in their chairs as they got ready to leave, Anne’s heart dropped seeing the depressed look on her best friend’s face. Anne reached over and gave Joan a big hug. “I’m confident everything will work out. David is a good man.”

A sad smile appeared on Joan’s face. “I love him so much. I pray to God I’m wrong about all of this.”

Anne clutched her friend’s arms. “Wrong or right, don’t give up on him. David is a good man. You two have a long, wonderful history together, and amazing kids. You don’t want to just throw all that away. You’re a strong woman and I know you can make it through anything. But no matter what, always know I’m here for you.”

Joan reached up and squeezed Anne’s arms. “Thank you, that means a lot. And thanks for this lunch. I needed this.”

“That’s what friends are for.”

The two walked in silence to the exit. Having arrived in separate cars, Anne found Joan had parked on the other side of the parking lot. Anne gave her friend a final hug. “It’ll all work out, just have faith.”

“I hope you’re right.”

The restaurant’s door swung open and the ladies moved to clear a path. When Anne looked over she saw Chris Riddick saunter out with a big grin. “Well hello.”

Both women put on a happy face and Anne answered, “Hi, Chris.”

Chris brazenly put his arm around Anne. “Any chance I can bum a ride from you two lovely ladies?”

Anne looked toward Joan hoping she could offer.

Not getting an immediate response, Chris tried to justify his request as he removed his arm. “Sorry to ask, but I was stuck in a boring lunch meeting. I had to get out of there, but my damn ride didn’t follow. My car is at home, so I only need a lift there.”

Joan said apologetically, “We came in separate cars and I need to run some errands.”

Chris looked toward Anne with a pleading expression. Chris now lived in the Nassau Bay apartments after separating from Sandy, which were not too far from Anne’s home, so she happily obliged. “No problem, I can take you.”

Anne said her final goodbyes to Joan, then led Chris to her car. He politely opened her door before walking around toward the passenger’s side. Even in his coat and tie, she could tell he was in great shape as he passed in front of her. While driving down NASA 1 roadway she sensed Chris was stealing glances at her. Anne felt a bit guilty, enjoying the attention. Though she didn’t know exactly why he and Sandy had divorced, Anne figured it was probably because they were polar opposites; he the flamboyant flight jockey, she the shy, quiet housewife. She wondered how they ended up together in the first place.

Chris broke the silence. “Thanks for the ride. That meeting was so boring. I figured I’d be better off walking home.”

“My pleasure. Besides, you don’t want to do that. Not in this hot weather.”

“True. I guess I’m still adjusting to the Houston weather. I’m not used to the month of May being so damn hot. So thanks for saving me.”

Anne looked over and caught him staring. His piercing green eyes caught her off guard, so she turned away quickly without showing any expression.

With apparent sincerity, Chris said, “The least I could do for driving me home is to give you a thank-you gift.”

Anne was curious what that could be.

He continued. “I have one of the new, stuffed-astronaut Snoopy dolls, which I bet Peter would love.”

Anne was touched he was thinking of her son. “That’s sweet, but you should pass that on to one of your own children.”

“Don’t worry, I already have. I just happen to have an extra one.”

Having seen a magazine article about the toy, Anne knew Peter would love it. “Well, that would be wonderful.”

“Great. I might need a few minutes to look for it in my apartment, if you don’t mind coming up.”

Being a colleague of Tom’s, Anne fully trusted the handsome man. “That would be fine.”

When they reached the entrance to his home, Chris unlocked and opened the door before graciously stepping aside, allowing her to enter first. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

With most of the curtains drawn, Anne found it difficult to make out exactly what she was seeing. To be safe, she took a few cautious steps in and stopped. Cologne-scented, air-conditioned air welcomed her. She heard Chris flip switches behind her. A few hanging lights above her lit up, followed by lights throughout the apartment. The décor was what one would expect for a swinging bachelor, decorated in hip colors and all new furniture. Just to her left was a black baby grand piano next to a modern bar with a couple of silver bar stools. Across from the bar was a white leather sofa with a few black throw-pillows. Toward the back of the room, a gleaming, silver-metal circular staircase rose through the ceiling. Anne assumed those steps led up to his bedroom.

“Make yourself comfortable.”

That wasn’t going to happen. Not here. Impatiently, Anne said, “How about we look for the doll?”

Chris took off his coat and slung it over his shoulder. “No problem. You search down here and I’ll check upstairs.” As he aimed for the stairs, he called out, “It’s in a blue box.”

“Okay.” While Chris hustled up the stairway, Anne began scanning the room in search of the toy. Being nosey, she swiped a finger over the top of one of the cabinets and was astounded to see not a speck of dust on her fingertip. He must have a maid. Remarkably, no mementos hung on the walls highlighting Chris’s military career or his time at NASA. Instead, various works of modern art were displayed, giving no indication an astronaut lived there.

Chris’s voice came echoing down the stairs. “Found it.”

Anne called out, “Great.”

“I’ll be down in a second.”

Anne began looking over the fashionable apartment, convinced the suave astronaut could sweep any single lady off her feet amid these luxurious surroundings. She turned when she heard Chris coming down the stairs. His tie was off and he was holding a blue box. Instead of coming toward her when he reached the bottom, he unexpectedly darted into the kitchen. He called out, “Peter is going to get a kick out of this stuffed toy. My youngest boy sleeps with it every night.”

Anne was wondering what Chris was up to. “I’m certain he’ll love it.”

Chris came back into the living room with his hands full, carrying both the blue box and a silver ice bucket. Anne was flustered to see that Chris had unbuttoned his shirt over halfway down, exposing his hairy chest. Is he trying to impress me?

“You know these toys aren’t for sale yet.”

“I do. I really appreciate you giving this to Peter.”

Anne was surprised to see Chris take a detour behind the bar. He set the box on the bar’s glass top and said, “I’m going to fix a drink. Would you like one?”

Still feeling the effects of the drinks from lunch, Anne knew she should get the toy and be on her way. “No thank you. I need to get going.”

“I hate to drink alone. How about just one?”

Anne shook her head “no” as she approached the bar to retrieve the blue box.

Chris lifted both hands, as if surrendering. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”

Maybe the earlier drinks were causing her to drop her guard, but she relented. “Okay, one drink. But then I have to go.”

“Great, what would you like?”

“A scotch and soda.”

“Got it.” He turned and grabbed a couple of highball glasses off the glass shelf behind him, then swung around and set them on the bar. He picked up the ice tongs and snagged a few ice cubes from the bucket. The clanking sound of the ice falling into the glass seemed to loosen Anne up. She took a seat on one of the barstools and pointed to the piano. “So do you play that thing, or is it there just to impress the ladies?”

Chris poured a shot of scotch in each glass before adding soda to hers. “Absolutely I play.” He slid her glass over to her, then walked to the piano, carrying his drink.

Anne dipped her finger in the cool liquid to mix up the drink before turning around on the barstool and crossing her legs.

After delicately placing his drink on the piano, Chris pretended to flip out the tails of an imaginary tuxedo before taking a seat on the small black bench. He lifted his hands high in the air dramatically, with his fingers pointing straight down to the keys. He held the pose for a second, looking over to her, giving her a self-assured wink. He then brought his hands down slowly. After the first few notes, Anne instantly knew the piece. It was Beethoven’s Für Elise, one of her favorites. Chris wore an intense look as he played masterfully. Anne sipped her drink, closing her eyes to enjoy the beautiful, melodic pace of the song. The sound grew louder and more intense toward the middle section. She opened her eyes and saw Chris’s eyes were closed. As the composition came to its conclusion, he softened the tone perfectly.

Anne was impressed and gave a soft clap. “Wow, very nice.”

Chris got up. “Thanks.”

Anne wanted to hear more. “That’s it?”

Without answering, Chris casually walked over to the barstool next to hers. He placed his drink on the bar and sat down, his knees inches from hers. “I thought I’d give you a chance to play.”

With a nervous giggle, Anne said, “All I know is Chopsticks.”

Chris waved his arm toward the piano. “I’d love to hear it.”

“Maybe next time.” Anne felt it best to get off the subject before she embarrassed herself. “You have quite a remarkable place.”

“Oh, thanks. Obviously I didn’t decorate it. I had it professionally done. Life magazine plans on doing a spread on it later next month. Apparently the American public is interested in how an astronaut bachelor lives.” Chris took a sip of his drink. “Of course the single life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”

Anne flashed him a skeptical look. “How’s that? I’m sure there are a few astronauts jealous of the life you live.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m having a blast. However, I do miss family life.” Chris took another sip, then set his drink on the bar. “But you’re right. Some of the astronauts are envious. In fact, a few of them have asked to use my apartment so they can mess around.”

Hearing that disgusted Anne, especially on top of Joan’s suspicions. She looked down at her drink, swirling the contents. “That’s sad to hear. All the wives work hard at home so their husbands can follow their dreams.” She looked up into his green eyes and proclaimed proudly, “I’m glad Tom isn’t that way.”

Unexpectedly, Chris looked away. “Oh, sure.”

Wondering if Chris meant something by that, Anne tilted her head slightly and said, “He isn’t. I know he’s faithful.”

Chris spoke without looking at her. “If that’s what you want to think…”

Her body chilled to the core. She set her drink down hard, splashing some of the contents onto the counter before grabbing his arm. “What are you saying?”

With a distraught look, Chris turned. “You know all of the astronauts are constantly being put into tempting situations. Sometimes even the most loving husband slips.”

Anne couldn’t believe what he was implying. She tried to keep her emotions in check. “Are you saying Tom has had an affair?”

Gently taking her hand, Chris said with a sad sigh. “I shouldn’t be telling you this because it’s breaking an unwritten code among the astronauts, but I care about you. Yes, Tom is cheating.”

Anne pushed him away, the blood rushing in her ears. “No way! Not my Tom.”

With conviction, Chris said, “I saw it with my own eyes.”

“What did you see?”

“I saw Tom all over an attractive young blonde that he escorted into his hotel room.”

“You saw him take a girl into his room?”

“I did, this weekend. My room was right across the hall. He even flashed me a thumbs up sign before walking in.”

Anne felt like she just had her heart ripped out. Stunned by the shocking news, she covered her face with her hands. This can’t be right.

The soothing touch of Chris’s arms wrapping around her was comforting. He said in caring tone, “I’m so sorry.”

Mixed emotions flowed through Anne as she did her best to stay strong. This is crazy. Tom has never shown any sign of not being happy with me or our marriage.

Chris caressed Anne’s arms as her eyes welled up. She lightly dabbed under her eyes before removing her hands. She was surprised to see Chris just inches from her face. He tenderly touched her cheek, wiping away a tear. “You are such a beautiful woman.”

Trying to stay composed, Anne opened herself up for a comforting hug, but instead the unthinkable happened. Chris slowly leaned in and gently placed his lips to hers. The lingering kiss confused her momentarily as her body responded to the pleasant sensation. She hesitated for a second before realizing what she was doing. She planted both hands hard against his chest and pushed him away before quickly gathering herself. “I’m so sorry, Chris, but I have to go.” She hastily seized the blue box before jumping off the barstool.

Chris caught her arm before she could get away. “Let me escort you to your car.”

She turned. “Thank you, but I’m fine.”

His grip tightened. “Anne, don’t tell Tom what I told you. He can ruin me. I’m the only one who saw him enter that room, but many saw him in the bar with that girl.”

She peeled his fingers off her arm. “I promise I won’t divulge where I got the information, but thank you for telling me.”

She hurried toward the door as she called out in a trembling voice, “Again, thanks for the toy.” Without turning she ran out the door and to her car. She tossed the box onto the passenger seat and collapsed on the steering wheel, heart pounding. Did Chris invite me to his apartment for the sole purpose of making a pass? If so, how true could his story be? Even if Tom took a woman into his hotel room, that doesn’t mean anything happened. Not wanting to believe the worst, Anne said a short prayer, holding out hope.