Salvage-5: The Next Mission (First Contact) Read online

  “Da? Vhat about it?”

  “That can very well be your home for the next few weeks...”

  “You would not!”

  “There’s plenty of rations to last several months too, Colonel,” Samuels added.

  “Trust me, honey,” Cassie said, patting her shoulder, “He would.”

  “Very vell then...az your prizoner...”

  “Nobody said anything about being a prisoner. You asked for asylum. I can grant you that until we get back to Earth...if you want to get back to Earth, outside of a body bag, you need to trust us and co-op-er-ate.”

  “Are you threatening me, Colonel?”

  “No, no...but if Vlad has a way to get to where we are going, then we had better get going...starting with righting 253 Mathilde.”

  “Very well, Colonel...the Falcon was having only five days of reserve fuel. That is all...they’ll have batteries and food to last another two months, but they’ll have to use manual air scrubbers every day after that, or they are dead in water.”

  “That’s more like it, now...having five days of fuel does change things.”

  Samuels interjected into the conversation, “That means he can make it back to this location and to 52 Europa.”

  “I thought they vent to 10 Hygiea?”

  “I can answer that,” Buster offered.

  “That’s okay, we really need to keep to the short version...suffice it to say, Buster made the calculations...and before you even ask,” Tucker said, raising his finger in the air, “He’s a child prodigy and has a PhD in astrophysics...he has also said something about not having a good way to right this asteroid...so I’m open to suggestions.”

  “I said there is no good way, but there is a way...”

  “So, there is a not so good way, I can hardly wait.”

  “Yes, Commander...while it’s true we don’t have sufficient explosive power to completely correct the asteroid’s path, if we can get the explosive to hit the target with enough kinetic energy, we might be able to effect enough thrust to set it to the proper orbit.”

  “Like billiards,” Samuels said.

  “That’s an excellent analogy, Sarge,” Buster smiled, “Strike a cue ball hard enough and the other balls dissipate. The harder and faster that ball travels, the greater the kinetic energy. We launch the explosives in something large enough, something with enough mass...”

  “Something like the MECH perhaps?” Tucker thought.

  “Yes, I do think the MECH would provide the necessary mass, plus we can use the onboard missiles to go off with the other explosives.”

  “We have mass, do we know how fast this thing will have to travel?” Cass asked.

  “I figured that we’ll need approximately 25 gigajoules, which means,” grabbing his pocket calculator, he punched in several equations, “which means the MECH will have to get up to 36,000 KPH.”

  “How in the hell do you expect to get the MECH to achieve that?”

  “We use the Mag-ring as our cue stick,” Tucker smiled, with a wink toward Buster, “See? I’ve been payin’ attention.”

  “Well, kinetic energy depends on both the mass and speed of an object, Commander...and by the way? Good job on that too...so anyway, the jump-ring can get the MECH to fire at the asteroid and deploy our 25 gigajoule payload of kinetic energy.”

  “What kind of shock wave can we expect?”

  “That’s about the equivalent of 14 tons of T-N-T,” Buster explained.

  “You’re not seriously considering firing that MECH through the jump ring, are you?” Cass asked, as the color in her face disappeared.

  “What?”

  “Tucker?”

  “It will work, Major,” Buster assured.

  “Yeah, right...I’m so looking forward to this.”

  “All we need to do is program the MECH to fly through the ring when we have the ring’s run up sequence initiated,” Buster confidently said, “That will give us time to shield ourselves.”

  “Shield ourselves with what?” Samuels asked.

  “Distance...I calculate that we’ll need about 35,000 kilometers from the impact zone. The shockwave will have dissipated at that distance.”

  “Salvage-5 can achieve 52,000 KPH,” Sam added, “but it’ll take three minutes to get there.”

  “The MECH will be traveling at 36,000 KPH,” Buster again explained, “at 15,000 kilometers from the jump ring; it will take the MECH 25 minutes to impact.”

  “What’s the current distance?” Tucker asked.

  Cassie ran a computation and then turned to Tucker, “It’s almost that distance now...we have just a couple of hours to prepare...if we wait too long, we won’t have time to clear the blast zone.”

  “She’s right, Commander,” Buster confirmed, “taking into account the three minutes to achieve our maximum speed, we’ll be able to travel 21,600 kilometers...then factor in the 15,000 from the asteroid already...it’s pretty close, Sir...if we wait much more, that 1500 kilometer buffer will be gone.”

  “Okay, zo ve make it if ve do it now,” Slavena nodded, “But Lieutenant, vhat vill happen to the jump ring?”

  “I recommend programming the ring computers to move the ring perpendicular to the shock wave,” Buster nodded, “That will be the best defense we have...given its shape, the shock wave should flow around the ring...and the main blast of kinetic energy expelled from the impact will travel in the direction of the asteroid...we’re only talking about the back-blast wave...and I really don’t have much data to go on for those effects...we just have to plan for all contingencies.”

  “Okay then,” Tucker began, “I guess we better get everything ready...Buster, start projecting the MECH’s course and impact site...Sam, plot us a getaway course and get the engines prepped and running...Sarge, you and I will load the MECH.”

  “Commander? Aren’t you forgetting something?”

  “Cass? I want you to program the MECH for remote operation. You’re driving it from here.”

  “Oh good...”

  “Is there a problem, Major?”

  “No, Commander...no problem, none at all.”

  “Vhat about me?”

  “You can assist Major Phillips.”

  “Commander,” Cassie protested.

  “Come on, Major...it’ll give you two some time to get to know one another.”

  The two women squinted at Tucker.

  Tucker moved to the rear of the cargo bay, tugging on Samuels as he floated past, “Come on, Sarge. Let’s get the MECH-1 loaded for her final voyage.”

  “Aye, Sir!” Samuels answered, and then pushed off with Tucker.

  “You’ve all got your orders. Let’s have everything ready in an hour and a half.”

  “That’s only giving us a five minute window before we have to launch,” Cass complained.

  “Well we had better get crackin’ then!” Tucker said, stopping his direction with his hands at the top of the MECH housing.

  “Aye, aye, Commander,” Cass sneered.

  “Oh, come on...geez...really, Cass?”

  “Oh...come on, yourself...you still have lots of ‘splainin’ to do.”

  “Right...oh hey, I have an idea!”

  “I’m afraid to ask.”

  “Why don’t we just put all that aside and focus on our jobs!”

  “You heard the man!” Sergeant Samuels shouted, “Now MOVE IT! MOVE IT! MOVE IT!”

  Tucker and Samuels watched everyone scramble.

  “There is nothing that motivates military movement like a hollerin’ Sergeant! Thank you.”

  “Don’t mention it, Commander.”

  * * *

  Salvage-5

  Location:

  Kuiper Belt - Asteroid 253 Mathilde

  Earth Date: 04/16/2065 01:30

  “MECH-1 is set,” Cassie reported, “130 kilometers from the ring. MECH speed will be set at 5,000 KPH, and will engage the ring in 3 minutes after launch.”

  “Check,” Buster added, “That will give us
full speed escape velocity before the MECH is fired at the asteroid.

  “Thanks for the commentary, Lieutenant.”

  “Oh, sorry, Commander.”

  “No worries, wiz-kid...Sam, report?”

  “Salvage-5 is stationary 10 meters above the MECH. Engines are hot, ready to engage at full power. NAV check, gyros engaged and checked. Course set: 180 degrees from asteroid blast zone.”

  “Buster, check computations for course and speed?”

  “Jump ring is live and ready. She’s set to fire the MECH at asteroid 253 Mathilde at 36,000 KPH...new ETA to impact 28 minutes from MECH launch.”

  “Confirm jump ring reconfiguration settings,” Tucker ordered.

  “I got that, Commander,” Buster said, raising his hand.

  “Lieutenant...this isn’t first grade, okay? You don’t have to raise your hand.”

  “Sorry, Commander,” Buster said, slowly lowering his arm, “Sir, the jump ring’s programmed to shut down all systems and orient itself perpendicular to any blast wave emanating from the detonation.”

  “Very well, what about our clock?”

  “Earth date April 16th 2065 and 01:35 hours.”

  “Okay people...it’s go time!” Tucker shouted, “Sam, engage full power to engines for 52,000 KPH...Major, launch the MECH at the jump ring...Buster, monitor the MECH and jump ring, report when the thing has fired at the asteroid.”

  “Affirmative, Commander, I got this...whoo hooo, this is a blast.”

  “Huh huh...” Cassie smirked.

  “What?” Buster asked.

  “Blast? Really Buster?”

  “Oh hey! I made a pun!”

  “Engines engaged, full speed set to 52,000 KPH.”

  “The MECH is on course to the jump ring. ETA is 3 minutes,” Cass reported.

  “Crossing point of no return, Sir!” Samuels reported.

  “Check all systems!”

  “Current speed 25,000 KPH and climbing...NAV set and on course,” Sam reported.

  “NAV checks complete, gyros are functioning...1 minute to jump ring entry.”

  “All systems are green across the board, Sir!” Sam announced.

  The next minute ticked away slowly and methodically, “Achieved 52,000 KPH...In 3...2...1...”

  “Sir!” Buster excitedly reported, “The MECH has crossed the jump ring. She fired perfectly. The ring is now powering down systems and turning 90 degrees to the programmed position.”

  “ETA for MECH impact, 25 minutes and counting,” Cass added.

  “Samuels?”

  “Missiles are hot, Sir...ready for impact in 20.”

  “We’re nearly out of range now, Sir, but I can tell you that the jump ring has completed its positioning...yep, I’ve lost all links to the jump ring computers now,” Buster finished.

  “Confirmed, Sir,” Cassie added, “I’ve lost my link to the MECH as well. We are on course...fifteen minutes.”

  “Sam, at three minutes before impact, cut the engines, then at 30 seconds spin us around 180 degrees come to a full stop at 36,000 kilometers from the ‘roid.”

  “Aye, Sir...full stop in 2 minutes.”

  “All we can do now is hope your calculations are correct,” Tucker said, glancing over at Buster’s station.

  “Have I ever been wrong, Commander?”

  “Not as far as I know, but there’s always a first time...”

  “Thirty seconds, cutting all engines and thrusters...turning course 180 degrees, minus zero zenith...full power to breaking thrusters...and in 3...2...1...zero engines, full stop and holding position: 36,000 kilometers from 253 Mathilde.”

  “The MECH has impacted the surface,” Cassie announced.

  “Polarize our screen,” Tucker ordered.

  Sam pressed a few buttons and engaged the ship’s view polarization. The blast from the asteroid lit up the darkness of space with a flash that seemed to last three to four seconds before dimming.

  The crew shielded their eyes as the view screens leaked some of the blast through the polarization.

  “Yep,” Samuels nodded, “Looks like she struck our target.”

  “Buster, can you get any readings on the asteroid yet?”

  “I’m checking the trajectories and the computer is running simulations...but it does seem as if we have changed 253 Mathilde’s orbit.”

  “Was it enough?”

  “Hard to officially say, it’s still pretty early, Commander. We’ll know more in the next few hours, but I’d say we can celebrate.”

  “Incoming shockwave...it’s pretty weak, Sir...I think we can proceed,” Cass reported.

  “Buster? When we can safely enter the ring perimeter area again?”

  “Well, sir, there’s no radiological damage from our payload...so once we verify the shockwave will present no danger, we can head back.”

  “Excellent!” Tucker smiled, taking one of his prize cigars, he meticulously lit the foot and drew in a most excellent flavor. Then he passed it over to Samuels, “Here, drag off this one and tell me what you think.”

  Samuels intercepted the fine cigar and held it to his lips and drew in a puff. He held it in his mouth for a few seconds and then blew it out in the direction of one of the ship’s air scrubbers.

  “Nice one, Commander...very nice indeed.”

  Tucker grabbed the stogie from Samuels and took another puff, turned to Buster and smiled, “You want to try again?”

  “N-no, no; Sir!...thanks though.”

  “Commander?”

  “Slavena?”

  “May I?”

  “Well, of course,” Tucker smiled, winking at Cassie, he then passed the cigar to Slavena.

  She grabbed the smoldering cigar and held it to her lips. Then drawing in a few puffs, she too held it in her mouth for a few seconds. Then leaned over Samuels and blew the smoke at the same scrubber.

  “Captain Rothschild, full speed ahead. Take us back to the jump ring!”

  Cassie returned a dirty look toward Tucker.

  “Full power to engines, 52,000 KPH set...ETA 25 minutes,” Sam reported.

  “Everyone else rest up for the next six hours. Then we’ll make preparation to find the CSMO.”

  * * *

  Chapter 14

  Salvage-5

  Location:

  Kuiper Belt - Asteroid 253 Mathilde

  Earth Date: 04/16/2065 08:00

  Mission Objectives:

  FIND CSMO & REFUEL

  CORRECT ASTEROID 253 MATHILDE

  ENLIST RUSSIANS TO ASSIST W/ JUMP RING REPAIR

  NEUTRALIZE RUSSIAN THREAT

  Secondary Objectives:

  DELIVER PARTS & SUPPLIES

  FACILITATE REPAIR

  TEST JUMP-GATE

  “Tucker...” Cass said, gently nudging him as he snored in his bunk. “Tucker, wake up already!”

  “Huh? Wha? Oh, Cass...I mean, Major...or are we back to first name basis again?”

  “Why do you ask, sleepy head?”

  “Because you called me Tucker...”

  “Well, we do have lots of things to discuss. But that can all wait until we get back to Earth.”

  “Oh good, I was hoping...”

  “That’s when my new friend Slavena and I, will sit you down to discuss these issues.”

  “Oh, that’s bad.”

  “Well...what did you expect?”

  “I didn’t do...”

  “Nope, not gonna talk about that now,” Cassie interrupted.

  “What time is it, anyway?”

  “It’s five and a half hours later since getting back to the jump ring: 08:00. How much rack time did you finally manage to get, Tuck?”

  “Oh, I don’ know...an hour or two at best.”

  “Tucker...”

  “I know, I know...I’ll get at least two hours more when we set course for the CSMO.”

  “You better, Tuck...”

  “Cassie? I think you still do care about me.”

  “Well of course I do, yo
u big lug!” Cassie said, swatting him on the arm. “Now, come on already. We have places to go, people to see...”

  Tucker unbuckled his sleep harness and floated out of his cabin and joined with the rest of the team that had now gathered in the ship’s galley.

  “Good morning, Commander,” Buster cheerfully said.

  “Morning, Lieutenant. How’s our ‘roid?”

  “She’s moved back from the jump ring, but not completely on its proper course.”

  “How far off, and does it still present any danger? What about the jump ring? Was there any damage from the shockwave?”

  “No Sir. It’s not off by much. No immediate danger and the ring is in good shape. The wave slipped around it just like I had predicted. For the ‘roid, we should look into other options to keep pulling it back the rest of the way.”

  “Any ideas?”

  “I have been working on a few formulas that use solar radiation pressure.”

  “We use the sun to move this thing?”

  “Yes, Commander. It’s called a solar sail energy collector. We position several of these sails on the surface of the asteroid and over time, the sun’s radiation will build up. The electromagnetic energy produced by the sun applies pressure to the sail collectors, which in turn pull on the sail tethers, which pulls the ‘roid. It’s not much thrust, but it’s constant. It should slowly tug the ‘roid in the direction we need it to go.”

  “Why didn’t we just do that to begin with?”

  “Because, Commander, this method could take decades to move the rock. That’s why we needed the kinetic energy from the explosions.”

  “Cassie? What’s the asteroid’s current position from us?”

  “She’s 22,000 kilometers from the ring.”

  “All righty then, we moved it 7,000 kilometers.”

  “Just 3,000 short of target,” Buster reported.

  “I think you’re slipping, kid. Were your calculations wrong?”

  “Yes, Sir. I won’t let that happen again...my mass calculations were a little off for the MECH.”

  “Well, you’re wrong calculations were better than my best guess would have ever been. You did a great job...in fact; everyone has performed beyond my expectations...I’ll buy everyone a box of cigars when we get home.”