Paul Gillebaard - USSR Hoax

Dick fell back in his chair. “So what have you decided, Tom?”

Turning toward his boss, Tom said with confidence, “I’m your man.”

Dick let out a big sigh of relief. “Good to hear, because I had no plan B.”

“So how’s all this going to work?”

Dick’s voice became intense. “Well, fortunately the LRL building was finally certified, so we don’t have to worry about that damn building holding things up. Our focus now is on Apollo 11 returning home successfully with lunar samples. Once that happens, the Soviets will officially schedule Luna 15 to launch a few months later. Regarding stealing the sample from the vault, I’ve learned a VIP from Washington will be visiting to inspect the LRL building after Apollo 11. His focus will be on its security as well as to attest that the overall setup is sufficient to contain any possible contamination. This individual will be unaware of your operation. You will be the one escorting him around the grounds and eventually through the building, where you will snag the sample. Further details will be passed on once the material is safely in the laboratory.”

Tom took that to mean whoever was running the operation questioned whether Apollo 11 would be successful. Tom had no doubt the veteran crew would pull off the mission.

Dick picked up a piece of paper and extended it toward Tom. “Here’s a list of possible crew members you can select from for your flight.”

Excited he was now a commander and would have a say on who flew with him, Tom leaned over enthusiastically and grabbed the paper. He studied the list for a moment, which had four names on it for the Lunar Module Pilot and five for the Command Module Pilot slot.

Tom continued to scan over the list as Dick stated the obvious, “Unfortunately, we cannot break up any of the crews already training together. This is the list of the men available who I think can handle the job. I want you to pick your crew from this group.”

Tom was surprised to see Chris Riddick’s name as one of the possible CMP’s. No way in hell I’m picking that guy.

Dick leaned back in his chair. “Because you’ll be secretly snagging lunar samples during your mission, I suggest picking men who are not your buddies. This should make it easier to keep the theft from them. Having said that, I think Chris would be a good choice for your CMP. I know you have issues with the man, but having that built-in animosity will guarantee the two of you will never get close. I’m confident he can do the job.”

Shaking his head “no” adamantly, Tom couldn’t spit out the words fast enough to display his displeasure at the suggestion. “There is no way I’m flying to the moon with that guy. If he’s on that ship, count me out.”

Dick grinned and said with an edge of sarcasm, “Well, I thought since you took a punch for the man, you would be open to the idea.”

Tom’s head jerked up. “Who told you that?”

“I have my sources. Sounds like you have a soft spot for the guy.”

“That was a mistake. I should have let Chris get the crap beat out of him. I would rather fly with my son than that ass.”

Dick let out a hardy chuckle. “Is Peter ready to fly the command module around the moon?”

Tom’s serious expression didn’t waver. “Not yet, but maybe someday. I hear his Snoopy is.” He looked down at the list again, and saw Kirk Cooley listed as one of the CMPs. Kirk joined NASA with Tom and was considered one of the group’s top pilots. After performing well on a backup crew, Kirk was slated to rotate onto an Apollo mission right before he broke his leg water skiing. So he lost his slot. “Kirk looks like a good possibility.”

“He’s a good choice. Tell you what, you think about it for a few days and let me know your thoughts. But again, I don’t want you getting too close with your crew. Of course I want a strong team that functions as a unit, but you need to keep your distance. They can’t get wind that you’ll be embezzling a lunar sample during your mission.”

With all the training the men would go through, it would be a trick to not develop a bond with his crewmates. He just had to make sure he kept the heist a secret. “Understood.”

The savory smell of hamburgers cooking over the open flame was making Tom’s stomach growl. He waved his hand through the gathering smoke as he started his second round flipping the burgers. The sizzling sound of the juices falling into the flame enticed his senses. He was given the job of overseeing the grilling while David vanished into his house to get a couple of desperately needed beers. After Tom’s demanding and emotional week, he needed quality time with his family and friends. Not only had he made a life-changing decision in accepting the dangerous operation offered by Dick, but the week also included addressing Anne’s suspicions that he had been unfaithful. A relaxing barbeque at the Grants’ home on a perfect Sunday afternoon was just what he needed.

A soft female voice came from behind. “Please put cheese slices on half of the burgers.”

Tom turned and gave an understanding wave to David’s wife. “Got it.”

Joan and Anne were both dressed in colorful sundresses, sitting across from each other at the picnic table, chirping away. Occasionally they would bring their voices down to a whisper, obviously discussing something in private, involving Tom or David, no doubt.

“Here’s a cold brew, my friend.”

Tom turned back to see David holding a pair of opened beers. Tom eagerly grabbed one of the bottles. “Thanks, buddy.”

A snicker came from David.

After taking a big gulp, Tom tilted his head. “What’s so funny?”

David took a moment before saying, in an amused tone, “When I walked into the kitchen, I heard a noise under the sink. Thinking it was a mouse, I reached for the broom so I could whack the hell out of the critter. I tip-toed over to the cabinet and bent down, cocking the broom handle way back. But when I flung open the door ready to smack the broom at the slightest movement, I saw something that made me hold back.” With a smirk on his face, David purposely held off finishing the story, building up suspense while he casually took a sip of his beer.

Tom sensed a punchline coming. “So what did you find?”

David wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and said, “Your four-year-old boy.”

Tom chuckled. “What was Peter doing under your sink?”

“Apparently he and Ashley were playing hide-and-go-seek. I think I scared the crap out of him. You should have seen his big eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and calmly brought his finger to his mouth, signaling me to keep quiet and close the door.”

“So you let him stay there?”

“Absolutely. I didn’t want to take away his great hiding place. Besides, I figured he’ll scare away the mice.”

Tom smiled.

David positioned himself so he could oversee the grilling. “By the way, I invited Dusty and his family to join us.”

Being one of the potential Lunar Module Pilots on Dick’s list, the timing was perfect for Tom to get to know the young astronaut better and determine if he might be a good fit for his crew. Even though Dusty Robinson lived only a few houses down the street, Tom never ran into the guy. What little Tom knew about Dusty was that he was a former Navy man who joined NASA as part of the fifth group of astronauts. He was currently working on the Apollo Applications Program, which Tom felt was a dead-end job. “Great. He seems like a nice guy.”

“He’s a hoot. Always good for a laugh.” David pointed at the burgers. “You may want to move some of those off the flame.”

Tom handed the spatula over to his friend. “Hey, you’re the master chef. Why don’t you take over?”