All the people there started to cry. They all looked at Tom for his decision.
Tom did not see any way except to do what Grissom wanted. What a noble man Grissom was for being willing to do this.
“Grissom, I guess I am going to have to accept your wonderful and brave offer. Of course, we have your DNA, and we can create a new Grissom, but we are all going to miss the real you. What you are willing to do is beyond the scope of what any person could be expected to do. When people go into war, they know that they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice but hope that they will live and come home to their families. Very few of them knew exactly how they were going to die and how much pain they would be in.” Tom put his hand on Grissom’s shoulder briefly. “When Janet is safe, at the appropriate time, we will let her know what a courageous decision you made. I do not feel comfortable letting Janet know at this time what you are going to do. I do not want her to cry and be miserable during the launch. We certainly will not forget your sacrifice. You are a great hero, my friend.”
Tom then hugged Grissom tightly. Grissom followed Dorothy and Carson to meet with the major to make the necessary adjustments to the magnets.
Tom relayed the information to the other ships and told them that someone may have to stand outside near the fuel pump to make the adjustments. The other commanders said they would see if anyone would volunteer. If not, they might have to order someone to do it since time was of the essence.
Tom then went on the view screen to make the announcement to the ship that they had found a way to launch and within twenty-four hours they would try again.
In the next few hours the major, and his team, worked fervently to make the changes. He then ran some simulations with Dorothy and Carson looking on as well as Grissom. Dorothy and Carson explained to the major what Grissom needed to do and where he needed to stand to do it.
The major was to keep an eye on Grissom the whole time in case someone had to pull him out early. As soon as Grissom finished, the major would ensure he would be taken care of until the end. When the major heard the sacrifice Grissom would make, he and the other soldiers stood at attention and gave him a big salute.
The president walked up to Grissom and shook his hand. “You’re a man of honor. I will do what I can to give you the Congressional Medal of Honor as soon as I can.”
Chapter 57 – Keeping Them Busy
Yuri Pavlov, The Oligarch, near Moscow
President Ivanov was sitting in his office in the Kremlin surrounded by state officials and generals. As the second forty-eight-hour countdown began, he contacted Yuri, as always, via the Russian network.
When Yuri signed on, Ivanov welcomed him. “Yuri, the great day is here at last. Soon we will launch our new spaceship that can reach the farthest galaxies in the search for a planet to live on. You should be commended for doing such a fantastic job on the Russian spaceship. We have also noted that the American craft is getting ready for launch again.”
“Yes, President Ivanov. I am aware the Americans, it seems, have fixed the fuel problem and are going to try again. They are planning to make their second try at a launch. We have been in contact with them as well as the Germans and the Australians.”
“Yuri, what I am telling you now is strictly confidential. Only you and your co-commanders can be trusted with this information. You cannot share what I am about to say to you with anyone on the other three ships. Do you understand that?”
“Yes, Mr. Ivanov. I understand completely.”
“If you do tell anyone, I will remove you as commander, and you will be charged with treason. You will either spend the rest of your life in prison or be put to death. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, my President. What do you wish to tell me and how can I help you?”
“Only Russians can be the first to settle on a new world. We have always been first when it comes to space travel, and our work is far superior to the Americans. Once the Americans and the Russians are in orbit, we are going to shoot down the American spacecraft. It will be totally destroyed. I cannot let the United States become the first country to settle on a new planet. I cannot even understand why they are launching first. We are the greatest nation when it comes to space. If we destroy the American spaceship, it will be easy for you to force the Germans and Australians to do what you want. If the Germans and Australians do not follow your orders, you will also destroy their ships. You will do what you have to with assistance from us to destroy the vessels. Do I make myself clear?”
Yuri was horrified, but he had no choice. He had to accept the orders or face his own death. His family was on board. If the Americans found out about this plan, there would be a space war that neither commander wanted. It would only end with one of their ships being destroyed.
“My President, how will you shoot the Americans down? They will be moving at a breakneck speed. Our missiles may not be able to catch up with a ship going that fast. It will be tough to accomplish.”
“Leave that to me, Yuri. I have already spoken with the generals responsible for our missiles. We plan to launch at least eight missiles at various targets in Europe and one missile at the spaceship. That way we will keep the Americans and their allies busy playing defense. The Americans will think we are beginning a large attack on Europe and will move to defend Estonia and Ukraine. They will not realize what our primary target is until it is too late for them to do anything about it. The generals assure me that we do have missiles that are capable of hitting the ship while they orbit Earth. They will just have to make sure the missiles are on the right trajectory. The spaceship is too large to avoid a missile attack like this.”
“I understand, sir. We will settle the first planet colony for the greatness of Mother Russia. But what happens if for some reason the spaceship evades the missile? Do you have a back-up plan?”
“Yes, Yuri, we do have a back-up plan. If the missile fails, it will be up to you to destroy the spaceship. You have been given some very destructive missiles of your own that you will launch at them. After all, if our missile fails to hit the American ship, they will most likely come after you. Then it will be your ship in danger of being destroyed. Surely, you cannot allow this to happen.”
“I wish I could share your confidence, sir. What makes you think your plan will succeed? Dr. Burns is a very resourceful commander. He was a fighter pilot, sir.”
“Yuri, calm down. I guarantee success. The Americans have spent too much time fighting amongst themselves about the course of action they should take when it comes to the armed forces. Because of the natural disasters that have hit the country in several places, they have lost much of their firepower and missile capability. Now, America is weak. President Stevens will not be able to retaliate, despite what he says. We know they have disarmed many of their nuclear missiles in their silos, so they will not be able to use them against us. They have been weakened, while we have become stronger. Mr. Burns has not fought a battle in outer space, and I doubt he is capable of doing so. We are now capable of fighting back if they choose to attack us. Be confident, Yuri. It will be over in a matter of days, and Russia will be victorious.”
“I will go back to the ship now and prepare. I have confidence in you, Mr. Ivanov, and the Russian generals. You will go down in history as the man who defeated and destroyed the American empire. We will be the victor and go on to a long and prosperous space flight.”