Paul Gillebaard - USSR Hoax

“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.