Saving The Mission, page 23
part #1 of The Race to Space Series
“It will be ready.”
Tracy just nodded. “I’ll check with Hans and let you know. I have to be honest Ed, judging where we are at, it will be at least another month before we are ready to launch a test flight, let alone one with paying passengers. You can’t give people false hope, equally, you can’t launch an unsafe shuttle that is not fully ready to meet the demands of a voyage. It will be suicide for you and your crew.”
Ed hoped this wouldn’t come up, he had not checked in with Hans for a while. The last time he spoke to him, Hans was adamant that any improvements would take months. Ed had ignored his advice. They worked for him after all, not the other way round. They could always launch it when it is nearly ready. Who cares if the paint is a bit worn as long as it works, right? The last one was almost successful, it was just the re-entry. It was so close to being perfect. He considered his reply. “Well Tracy, as Director of Space Operations, I assume you will at least try and make it ready”.
Tracy gave him a hard stare. “Of course Ed, but I will not launch a rocket into space that has not rectified the issues from the last shuttle. We will try and get it ready for you, but I am not making any promises. I will not launch with the same specifications as the last one and risk any more lives.”
Ed started to feel the anger well, it was almost as if they wanted this mission to fail. Ed could not risk this being delayed anymore, especially as the Russians were so close. Ed said sharply “If there are no more questions.” Ed did not wait for a reply. “Board dismissed.”
Ed watched as they all filtered out one by one and he turned his back on them as they did so. He faced out of the window and looked at the River Thames moving freely without a care in the world. As Ed was lost in his thoughts, he turned around, believing everyone to have left but saw that Tracy had held back. She had her hair tied up and was wearing her glasses with the green frame. She was wearing a knee-length black shift dress and looked every bit as intelligent as she was. Ed heard her heels as she walked over to him. “Ed, we need to talk.”
Ed looked at her with a hard stare. “Perhaps we do Tracy. I don’t expect to be undermined in my own meeting by one of my own staff.”
Tracy calmly replied. “No offence Ed, but if you just had yes men around your table, you would have far more blood on your hands. That’s why I need to talk to you.”
They both stood in front of the window looking out at the London skyline and not at each other. Ed sighed and tried to reason with her. “True. Look Tracy, we need to get this shuttle ready on time. It’s our last shot.”
“I understand that Ed but we can’t risk another bad test run. It will destroy the company, not to mention our reputation. I’m in the firing line as much as you if it goes wrong. It is my job after all.”
Ed turned to look at her and tried to reason with her. “Can you at least promise me you will try and get it ready for another run. They’ve found a way to resolve the issue out after all right?”
“Kind of Ed, they know what the problem was with the thrusters but we really need to re-enforce the sides of the shuttle for re-entry otherwise, another bit of debris hits the side and we have the same problem. That is what will take some time. We need to run simulation tests on the new reinforced exterior to make sure it will hold.”
Ed knew from experience that that process could take months, months they didn’t have time for. “We will have to trust that they know what they are talking about and do without the full tests this time.”
Tracy looked at Ed with her arms crossed, Ed could feel her look of distaste. “We need to guarantee safety Ed.”
Ed was losing patience. “Is it essential? Could we try without all the test runs?”
Tracy sighed and looked away. “Yes Ed, we could try but we could also fail and fail catastrophically.”
“If it comes to it, we go without.”
Tracy raised her voice. “I cannot sanction that Ed. You are not listening. You are only hearing what you want to hear.”
Ed replied “If you can’t sanction it Tracy, then I will. For now, I’m still the CEO, I’m the majority shareholder as is Tim and we will launch if we want to.” Ed corrected himself. “If we need to.”
Tracy turned her back sharply and walked out of the room. Just as she was at the door she turned towards Ed. “Let it be on your conscience Ed. I’m having no part in this. I will tender my resignation in writing in the coming days. You may look back on this day and wonder if you made the right call, as you look down and see the blood on your hands. You forget Ed, as Director of Space Operations, it will be on my head too. I came into this project to help the everyday man get into space. We were going to do this on a budget but cut no strings. Lately, you seem more driven by your own ambition than protecting the people you tried to help. Goodbye Ed.”
Ed was filled with rage, how dare she walkout at a crucial time. Ed thought how selfish she was being. Bringing the project to this point and then relinquishing herself of all responsibility if it went wrong. Ed thought it would be better without her anyway, less negativity in the room. He knew it would take weeks to appoint someone else and in the meantime, he could make Hans report to him directly. He could then put his own positive slant on things. He turned to tell Tracy what he thought, but she was already long gone.
Ed got out his phone and was just about to create an email to the rest of the board and suddenly he haltered as if frozen in time. He noticed the little time icon showing it was 11:30am. He cancelled his email and loaded up ‘The Word’ for a live feed of the Russians test flight. Ed sat down, watched the screen and waited.
4.
Samantha woke up at around 11am, she felt like she hadn’t slept well at all. She couldn’t decide if that was as a result of all the adrenalin from the day before or the unnerving feeling that she had since she got off the train. Even when she did drift off to sleep, her mind kept playing over the days events and in particular the experience with the man they hitchhiked with. The more Samantha recapped the events in her mind, the more she got the feeling that something wasn’t quite right about the whole situation. It seemed too much of a coincidence that: the driver was going in their direction, that he had tools in the car and that everyone else had an equally unnerving experience. Every time that Samantha awoke in the night, she tried to push the thoughts out of her mind to no success. In the end, she had resulted in scrolling through her FriendFinder page to try and switch off.
Eventually, she must have got to sleep because the next thing Samantha remembered was being woken up by her phone going off at 11am. She looked at the screen and saw a new FriendFinder request from ‘Mike Aston’. She studied the picture. Samantha considered that everyone showed their best side on their profile, Mike was standing on a sunny beach in a t-shirts and shorts looking quite handsome and suave in his dark sunglasses in an exotic setting. She accepted the request and straight away received a message:
“Hi Sam, have you heard anything?”
Samantha quickly replied:
“Hi Mike. I tried to find you on here but couldn't! Not heard. Have you?”
Samantha's heartbeat quickened, she knew that if others had heard it was unlikely she was successful. She hoped that Mike came back saying he had not heard.
“Not yet but I know a few who have. I think they are letting people know in group order.”
Samantha exhaled with relief.
“That makes sense. I’ll let you know if I do but I’m not optimistic.”
“I think you’ll be fine. Message me when you know.”
Samantha put the phone down and got out of bed. She walked over to the kitchen in her pyjamas and dressing gown and made herself a strong coffee and sat on the sofa. As she was grabbing the milk she noticed her calendar and the words “Interview” on tomorrow's date. Samantha shouted, “shit! I forgot about that.”
She walked over to the living room and sat on her sofa. Samantha felt more confident, more self-assured than she had a week ago. Pushing herself to the limit yesterday had ignited a feeling of self-belief that she had not felt for a long time. She decided to start preparing for the interview. She was just jotting down some key points from the firm's website when a message appeared on her phone. She looked at the sender and noticed it was from David Dryden.
“I’ve just heard. I’ve got to complete a medical first due to health concerns but then the place is mine if I want it. I’m not sure if I do though, even if I got through the medical. Have you heard?”
Samantha’s heart sunk. If David had been successful then it narrowed her chances to 9/1 and being up against Ross did not fill her with confidence. As the disappointment sunk through her body and felt like it weighed her heart down, she tried to feign enthusiasm. Samantha was pleased that he had messaged her rather than called so that she had the time to consider her reply and time to hide her disappointment.
“Congratulations David! I’m so pleased for you! At least they showed some common sense! Just hope you’re not paired with Ross! I’ve not heard so pretty sure I’ve not got it. I expected it tbf. Whens your medical?”
Samantha looked at her phone waiting for a reply, it took a few minutes to come through. Samantha could imagine David’s chubby fingers punching the keys and the image made her laugh, despite the huge disappointment she felt. Her phone buzzed.
“Tomorrow first thing. They still haven’t said what the whole thing is for though, the more they keep it secret, the more I’m not sure I want to be a part of it. Let me know when you hear.”
“Will do. Good luck tomorrow David, let me know how you get on.”
Samantha lay back on the sofa, sinking into the depths. Her message had been short and to the point. She did not want to be drawn into a debate about something she didn't want to think about. Her enthusiasm had diminished, her self-believe disapparated and all she wanted to do was go to the kitchen. She put her phone down and walked over to the fridge. Her eyes were drawn straight to the unopened bottle of wine in the fridge. She caressed the neck of the bottle feeling the cool glass against her fingertips. She could imagine the taste as the ice-cool liquid slipped down her throat and warming her belly. She heard her phone vibrate and it was as if her head was snapped out of its unconscious thoughts. The inner demon subsided. She said out loud,“get a hold of yourself.” She walked over to the living room.
She phone continued to vibrate signalling that her phone was ringing. She checked her phone. It was an unknown number. Her heart began to race, knowing who it could be. She swiped her finger to the right to answer the call.
“Hello?”
“Hello is that Samantha Harrington?” Samantha vaguely recognised the cold but pleasantly professional voice on the other end.
“Yes? Who is this?”
“This is Channel 3. I am pleased to confirm that we are delighted to offer you a place on our programme if you want it? It will be a challenge, both physically and mentally exhausting. Yesterday was only the beginning but it will be worth it. Are you wanting to accept?”
Samantha jumped up and down and unsteadily held the phone to her ear. She composed herself. “Yes of course. Thank you. I’m delighted.” Doubt then crept into her mind. “But I thought I’d failed the challenges, so how can I be chosen?”
The woman replied. “I do not have access to each individual case but can confirm that the assessment day was about assessing your character and ability to work under pressure with a team. It did not matter if the challenges were failed.”
A coldness suddenly ran over Samantha. Her thoughts when she woke up suddenly returned to her. “Was the last challenge fixed? We had a guy who attacked us?”
The answer was short and swift. “I can neither confirm or deny anything about the challenges Miss Harrington, but can assure you that Channel 3 would never let you be put in harm's way.” There was a long pause. “Miss Harrington, I must hurry you. Are you accepting or rejecting our offer?”
Samantha snapped out of her own train of thought and straight away replied “accepting of course!”
“Good. Filming will begin next week. Please ensure next Monday you arrive at Dayton Hotel in Warwickshire at 9am sharp. Particulars will be sent through email.”
Samantha interjected before she could hear the familiar beep on the phone line cutting off on the other end. “Wait.” Samantha had not expected a reply and was surprised when one came.
“Yes, Miss Harrington?”
“What is it all for? The show?”
There was a pause on the other end. “Unfortunately I am not at liberty to reveal that information at this time Miss Harrington. Goodbye” Samantha heard the phone click on the other end and heard the familiar beep to signal that she was now holding a phone with no-one on the other end. Samantha felt ecstatic, she didn’t know what to do first. She jumped around the living room. She typed out a message and sent it to David and Mike.
“Got a place! Super excited! See you guys next week!”
Samantha felt full of excited energy, so much so that she couldn't sit down but just paced around the room like a goldfish in a bowl. Samantha first called Mann & Cole LLP to cancel her interview which was due to be tomorrow. She felt nervous and slightly scared. Samantha hated letting people down and she felt an overwhelming amount of shame. Samantha tried to reassure herself that she was doing what was best for her and that it must happen all the time. The call ended with pleasantries with both parties wishing each other all the best in the future.
For the first time in a long time, Samantha felt wanted, needed almost. She felt happy and with a purpose. She had something to be proud of. She wasn’t sure if it was this emotion or guilt of knowing she should speak to him before he sees her on television that made her do it, but she rung her dad for the first time in over six months. She dialled.
“Sam?” Her dad's voice was husky and it sounded like he had only just got out of bed. She could hear the tiredness in his voice. He sounded older.
“Dad! How are you?” She said tentatively.
“Been better Sam. What’s happened?” There was a clipped edge to his voice which was almost accusatory. Samantha felt the rage build up in her chest but took a deep breath to subside it.
“I called to tell you I’ve been accepted on a TV show!”
There was a silence on the other end. Samantha waited for the praise but it was not forthcoming. “What kind of TV show?”
Samantha replied hesitantly, carefully choosing her words. “I’m not sure yet Dad, it’s all very hush-hush but it sounds like physical challenges. Perhaps like a SAS style programme or something.”
Samantha heard a sigh on the other end. “What about your job Samantha?”
Samantha snapped. “I left it Dad, I hated it. They treated me like crap like I was worthless.” There was another sigh and suddenly all the feeling of excitement and anticipation that Samantha had felt was fading, as if her body had been full of tiny balls of energy and they were now floating away. “Can you not be happy for me Dad? Just this once?”
Samantha held her breath, knowing that his response would determine their relationship in the future.“I had such high hopes for you. You were so good at school and now look at you. You're going to be another washed up B listed celebrity.”
Samantha felt the sting of tears in her eyes and tried to fight them back. “I had to earn money Dad. For us remember? You were struggling after mum wasn’t around, I had to leave school to help us.”
“Don’t pin this on me Samantha. You could have been anything you wanted to be but you are always looking for an easy way out.”
Samantha let go, she could not hold back the tears. Her bubble had burst and she had never regretted a decision more than calling her dad right now. She wanted the conversation over. “Keep an eye out for me on TV Dad, it will be on Channel 3.”
She was just about to hang up when she heard her dad cough. His chest sounded like shotguns going off and she could hear the continued rattle as he breathed afterwards. “Have you got a cold Dad? You should get that looked at, sounds nasty.”
After a few more coughs during which Samantha wondered if she should call an ambulance, her dad replied. “I have. It’s just a bug. I’m sorry Samantha. You know I love you don’t you?”
Samantha was taken aback. Her dad had not said that since she was a little girl. He never showed his emotions and it sent Samantha back to when she was a little girl and used to come home with grazed knees and her dad would kiss them better. The tears began to fall down Samantha’s cheeks more rapidly. A voice in the back of her mind told her something was wrong. “I do. I love you too Dad.” She paused “Is everything OK with you?”
Her Dad coughed and she heard him breathe deeply. It was muffled, as if something was on his face, stopping him breathing. “I’m fine. I’ll look out for your show. Bye Sammy.”
Samantha replied through choked tears and her wobbly voice. “Bye Dad.” The call ended and for a while, Samantha stood looking at her phone. She didn’t know what to do.
Samantha sat down on the sofa and wiped her eyes with a tissue. She picked up her phone to ring her Dad again when an email came in. She clicked to open it.
‘From: Channel 3 ontheshow@channel3.com
To: Samantha Harrington samharrington@gmail.com
Subject: Your Application
We are delighted that you have decided to accept the position on one of our latest TV Shows. Unfortunately, due to confidentiality, we will be unable to release further details until you attend next week. Please find attached a link to the location, time and what you should bring with you.
We look forward to seeing you next week.
Kind regards,
The Channel 3 Team’
Samantha clicked the pdf document attached to the email and it opened up:
‘Congratulations on being selected for our latest show called “The First Civilian.” You have been selected to be part of a competition competing for the ultimate prize (to be revealed later).
