Galactic Startup Read online

  “Do you have any family?” Amanda asked.

  “My father. Also, the investor. We haven’t been close. In fact, most of my life I was a disappointment to him.”

  “I had a brother. He was killed in a car accident with my mother and father. They were on the way to see my experiment at college. I was extremely close with all of them. Their passing nearly crippled me, and I almost gave up on everything. Only the words of my mother kept me going. Pursue your dreams until you can’t, because then it’s too late.”

  Alex didn’t know what to say. The beeping sound of an approaching forklift interrupted them. They looked around the hangar and then back to each other.

  “What’s about to happen?” said Amanda.

  “I’ll show you.” Alex led Amanda back to the conference room. He brought up the working version of the website.

  “We’re going to make this live and unload all over social media. We need public support. We’re hoping that if the people are on our side, the government will have no choice but to stop trying to obtain this tech for themselves. In a couple of hours, we will take the Destiny and fly over a few locations, drop some leaflets. That should get their attention.”

  “You think it will work?” she asked.

  “A silent, futuristic spaceship flying around cities dropping leaflets? I think people will notice.”

  Chapter 6

  The Big reveal

  Time was not on their side. They had to get the ship airborne before the sun went down. For that, Alex had reassigned the security team to move all the loose equipment and tools on the ship to storage lockers and containers. Everything from screws to loose sheet metal needed to be secured for flight.

  It was early evening, and the sun was edging towards the horizon. Alex looked at Timmy, who was in the pilot’s seat.

  “You’re flying today?”

  “Yeah, Jorge wants to practice navigating.”

  “I cannot believe you let the security guys in the hangar, even on the ship!” Zeek said from one of the command chairs.

  “Lack of options,” Alex replied. He smiled. “Besides, we’re not hiding anymore. Sunshine, remember.”

  “I’m showing green across the board. We’re ready.” Timmy pushed several buttons on his display screen.

  Alex pushed another sequence of buttons on his armrest display. The roof of the hangar slowly slid open on giant, hidden gears, like a sliding door opens… on the ceiling. After only a minute the doors were completely open. They could hear the tremendous noise from inside the ship.

  “Thankfully, we don’t have neighbors,” Mason said.

  Alex smiled again. “Take us out.”

  Timmy pushed forward on the throttle, and the ship lifted off the ground. The entire security detachment watched from the hangar deck as it levitated, with seemingly nothing but magic holding it up. The silent spectacle was more creepy than awe-inspiring.

  As the Destiny rose through the roof, Jorge began plotting waypoints on his console.

  The primary viewing screen came to life with the forward-facing camera and a map display on the right. Information was superimposed on the middle screen such as elevation, speed and heading.

  A blue line appeared over the camera feed, indicating the direction of travel to the first waypoint.

  “First stop, NASA airfield,” said Timmy. In moments they were on their way.

  ***

  Cindy looked at her phone. ETA eighteen minutes. She finished loading an ATV commonly used to ferry supplies or personnel around the facilities at NASA. She checked the goods, making sure she had everything she wanted and that they were secure. Another text informed her there were five minutes remaining. She pushed the gas pedal and the ATV went zooming over the tarmac. She wove between buildings, parked cars and aircraft. Moments later, she was speeding down the taxiway towards the runway.

  ***

  At the facility’s control tower, a uniformed officer was looking through binoculars.

  “We have an unauthorized vehicle on the runway.”

  Another officer took a look.

  “Dispatch security. Divert incoming and hold all other traffic.”

  The control room began to scramble.

  “Ma’am!” said a third voice. “We have an unknown aircraft inbound. It’s…”

  “It’s what?” The supervisor asked impatiently.

  “The aircraft is traveling just below sonic speeds.”

  “No private aircraft don’t go that fast. Get on the horn with Northcom.”

  ***

  “I see her!” cried Mason. “She’s halfway down the runway and she’s got company.”

  “Jorge, open the cargo door. Timmy, put us down directly in her path. “

  The images changed on the main screen as they effortlessly glided over Cindy’s roaring vehicle. Timmy used the rear cameras to maneuver the ship down the center of the runway and come to a gentle stop on the tarmac. Seconds later, the ATV had ascended the lowered ramp. The security vehicles had stopped when they saw the futuristic craft hovering eerily overhead. The exposed decks faced the far side of the runway and away from those observing the ship.

  “She’s in!” Mason said.

  Without a word, Timmy took the craft up. In moments, they were speeding towards their next waypoint. He looked at the map screen.

  “So we decided on Disney did we?”

  “It’s not just about the domestic audience, Timmy. We need worldwide exposure. Where better than an international tourist destination?” Alex said with a sly smile. “Jorge, prep the first package.”

  Jorge stood up and went to one of the cargo bays. Opening the ramp door, a gust of wind made him stagger. The bridge door slammed open. Timmy had already brought the ship to a slow cruising speed, and the exposed sections were funneling the wind all over the ship, like a wind tunnel.

  “Close the hatches,” was all Alex managed to say as the deafening sound of the wind tore through the bridge.

  Moments later, Mason pushed the appropriate buttons and several hatches shut. However, not all of the bulkhead doors were operational yet. They could still hear the wind buffeting other areas of the ship.

  “Everything is fine, people. We just left the windows open. Focus on what needs to be done,” Alex said, hoping to prod the crew’s attention back to the task at hand.

  “This is why we needed to finish her,” Timmy mumbled under his breath.

  It wasn’t long before they were circling Disney at about two hundred feet. They tilted the ship to present only its best side to those on the ground, forcing everyone on board to cling to their seats. Jorge pushed out the bag filled with leaflets, which fluttered wildly all across the parks.

  “Let’s make a show of it, Timmy. Move closer.”

  On the ground, thousands of stunned visitors crouched in fear and astonishment as the ship spiraled downwards and completed a few laps around the spire of the Disney castle itself. On the ship, they could see them pointing and taking pictures.

  After that, they made a quick stop in Orlando, although they remained well above the downtown skyline. The spread of those leaflets was much wider.

  Alex glanced eagerly at his web metrics. The number of visitors had already begun to climb rapidly.

  “Success, people.”

  Timmy was about to make a turn to the next waypoint.

  “No more stops tonight, Timmy. The sun’s already set. Take us home.”

  As the Orlando skyscrapers receded into the distance, Cindy entered the bridge with a huge smile, accompanied by a gust of wind. She fought hard to close the door before turning to the view-screen.

  “This is amazing… Oh, and I’ve got the equipment secured.”

  “And you’re sure they won’t miss any of it?” Alex wasn’t convinced.

  “They have a warehouse full of equipment that shorted out or failed to perform as expected. They don’t keep very good tabs on that stuff,” Mason interjected.

  Alex turned to Zeek, who was looki
ng at him.

  “How many?” Zeek asked. Alex looked at his display.

  “Twenty-three thousand and climbing.”

  ***

  Renee Sorensen entered her editor’s office and took a seat.

  “Michael, you need to see these videos, it’s incredible,” she said, tapping her tablet.

  “I’m aware. I want you in Florida yesterday.”

  She paused for a moment.

  “Absolutely. Can I ask-”

  “Fully funded until I say otherwise,” he said. Renee smiled. She’d rarely known him so easily generous.

  Renee said nothing as she left the office and headed for her car with an excitement she rarely felt in her line of work. She, like most journalists, reported what they were ordered to report on, bypassing more interesting or sometimes more important news stories. The higher she climbed the ladder, the more restricted the stories got, and the more controlling the editors became.

  Reaching into her purse, she pulled out her phone, and group-texted her team. Then she returned to the “United Earth Fleet” website she had been devouring. Her heart skipped a beat as she noticed one of the tabs in the corner. It read: “Recruitment”.

  ***

  Jack pinched his nose and forced himself to listen to the words coming through the receiver.

  “Goddammit, Morris, how did this happen? I’ve got military and White House people all over me.”

  “I was waiting for more men. They’re flying in, in the morning.”

  The line was silent for a few moments.

  “Agent, your operation is terminated.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He assumed Mark was about to hang up the phone, but the NSA director growled and continued.

  “You’re still the man who knows these people better than anyone, and you’re someone I can trust. I have another job for you, agent. It’s going to be like Vegas all over again.”

  Chapter 7

  Attention

  The sun was coming up. Alex rolled over and checked his laptop. One hundred and forty-six million visitors. It was a good day.

  It was his first night sleeping on the ship. They’d decided to try it to familiarize themselves with its living space. He checked his emails on his cabin’s screen, filtering out the thousands of unsolicited responses to yesterday’s stunt.

  Zeek had sent a short list of resumé submissions. One was highlighted with a picture of Renee. Alex grinned, he didn’t follow much TV news, but even he had heard of Renee Sorensen at Global News. Zeek had plucked it out of thousands of media position requests. He had also linked to a video.

  “This is Renee Sorensen reporting outside the United Earth Fleet compound,” she said in the video. “Hundreds have gathered at the gates following yesterday’s display of what appeared to be a spaceship over Disney World Florida. They claim it operates without any rotors, rockets or other known means of propulsion. The mood here is one of tense excitement over the announcement from the unknown group, which claims to be ‘working in the interests of humanity’.”

  Renee offered the mic to one of the many faces in the crowd.

  “Why are you here?” she asked.

  “I want to meet the Vulcans!” grunted a wild-haired man. She quickly moved on to the next person.

  “I want to explore the stars and join the United Earth Fleet,” said a woman, her face glowing.

  Alex pulled up a live feed from the main gate camera. He thought he could see Renee among several other reporters and a large throng of civilians.

  He sat up and called Zeek.

  “What’s up?”

  “Is everyone awake?”

  “How the hell would I know?”

  Alex bit his tongue to hold back a retort.

  “Let’s rounds everyone up for a meeting say in twenty minutes.”

  “Sure thing.”

  Alex hung up the phone and checked the gate feed again. He noticed the anti-personnel gate had been raised. He climbed out of bed and donned the United Earth Fleet uniform. An embroidered dark blue polo shirt with his name and rank on the front along with the UEF emblem. A standard military uniform belt. Black cargo pants. Mason had insisted on practicality. Alex repeatedly pulled the cap on and off, trying to decide the best look for the cameras.

  The team shuffled into the conference room.

  “Thanks for coming. I’m sure most of you have seen the response from last night.” Alex looked at the assembled faces. Some appeared to have skipped sleep altogether.

  “Congratulations everyone,” Mason agreed straight away, looking at Zeek, Timmy, Jorge and Alex. “You guys have achieved something so spectacular, the world is ready to rally behind you.”

  Alex was taken aback by the praise from the older man, he deeply respected.

  Zeek spoke up.

  “We have had many requesting contact. Reporters, businesses, various government representatives and as of eight minutes ago, the President of the United States. He’s waiting for a call back.”

  “Jeez, okay,” Alex said, taking a deep breath. “We need to discuss next steps. It seems Operation Sunshine was well received.”

  Zeek checked his laptop. “Currently, we have one hundred and thirty-six thousand applications to join United Earth Fleet. Even more messages in our inbox.”

  “We caused some damage to the ship last night,” continued Jorge. “The force of the wind bent the exposed support beams out of alignment. I’ll need to install new ones. It will set us back a week.”

  “Now that we are operating in the open, we can hire direct help.” Alex’s phone vibrated. It was his father. He let it go to voicemail and turned his attention to the meeting.

  “We have enough funds to hire support staff. We can open up Building C and put them to work.”

  “What’s Building C?” Amanda asked.

  “Additional housing, living and workspace.”

  “We need people for communications, Also construction, general labor, more security.”

  Zeek coughed. “The President is expecting your call. I don’t think it’s wise to keep him waiting. It might affect our immediate plans.”

  Alex looked around the room.

  “Zeek, would you be so kind as to get the President of the United States on the line for me?” Alex asked, comically feigning nonchalance. Everyone smiled.

  Zeek dialed the number and handed the phone to Alex. A female voice answered.

  “White House communications switchboard, this is Tiffany. How can I direct your call?” Alex’s face fell.

  “This is Alex Prager and the crew of the Destiny….”

  “Yes, thank you. I’m putting you through to the President now.” The line went silent for several seconds.

  Everyone looked at Alex, who had to bite his lower lip to stay focused on the call.

  “This is the President. Am I speaking with Mr. Prager?”

  “Yes, Mr. President. This is Alex, President of United Earth Fleet and Captain of the Destiny. My crew is in attendance.” Zeek made a face, as did Mason and Cindy. After reviewing their faces he regretted the title-throwing.

  “Pleased to meet you. You have a remarkable ship, young man. I want to assure you that I have given orders that no government agency is to pursue you for anything that has transpired up to this point. You have been given a preemptive pardon for any security violations you may have caused. Commander Mason, it’s good to speak to you again. I take it your opinion of these people is a positive one?

  “Yes, Mr. President. We are doing great things here.”

  “Excellent, and the United States government wishes to offer its support. I call with an offer of collaboration in pursuit of your goals. We have resources we believe you would find most useful, and I’d like to put them at your disposal.”

  Alex looked around. Zeek was shaking his head emphatically. Mason nodded, and Cindy shrugged.

  “I’ll discuss it with my staff,” Alex managed to say.

  “Since I have you on the phone, I have
to ask you to consider your options carefully. We would ask you to respect the established systems that govern space travel for everyone’s safety, and to avoid international incidents. You do not exist in a vacuum, Mr. Prager. Not yet, at least. I’ve already had to speak to representatives of other governments who are very concerned about the threat your technology poses. Please understand the delicate nature of the situation. I would simply ask that you coordinate any flight plans with NASA, to avoid catastrophe. I would also request a tour of the ship if you can arrange it.”

  Alex was looking down at the table.

  “We understand, Mr President. I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Thank you, and please consider my offer. Laura Shultz, my chief of staff, will be your point of contact.”

  “Thank you, Mr. President.”

  “We hope you do achieve great things. A united Earth indeed. Right now, you have the support and trust of the nation, gentlemen. Do not lose it.” The line went dead.

  “We do not want to accept their help,” Zeek said immediately, ignoring Alex’s waxy expression. “Their intentions are an unknown. There will be strings attached, their people on our ship will likely be one of them.”

  There was a pregnant silence before Alex spoke.

  “You’re right. I don’t see any immediate need to accept anyone’s help. We have plenty of funds, we’re no longer being hunted, and we have time to complete the ship. What more do we need?”

  “Power,” said Mason. “Technology,” said Cindy at the same time.

  “The fuel generator I lifted for onboard functions is poorly suited for space travel. Fuel in space, never a good thing. I think you might be able to angle for a nuclear reactor.”

  “We don’t need that much power,” Jorge argued. “We can probably complete most missions without even turning the fuel generator on. Let alone humping a nuclear reactor across the universe.”

  “How much power did we use last night?” Alex asked.

  “We started with twenty seven percent capacity.” Jorge tapped a screen and the battery remaining display popped up around the briefing room. It showed twenty six percent. “Most of the power loss came from operating the heavy bulkhead doors and the cargo ramp,” Jorge added.