Иван Перепелятник
The Before Short Story Series. Part 1
‘They say, Igor, you are working on another breakthrough project here.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘The Weather program,’ Eduard looked carefully at Igor, trying to get the expression of his face.
‘Something else is interesting. How do you know about this program?’
‘Hmm. I’m a member of the Big Scientific Council just like you are. Of course, I’m not in the upper bureau, like some, but still,’ Edward smiled a little.
‘Exactly. Sorry. I forgot completely. Yes, you’re right—we’re working. But the stage is still, I would say, an initial one. Our task is to develop a fundamental concept of a global weather management system. The task is superinteresting, but no less difficult, as one might assume.
‘At least so. And how far have you come with this work? Unless, of course, it’s another secret.’
‘I’ve already told you, Ed, we don’t have any special secrets. A global organization like ours can’t be enclosed in some kind of a secrecy perimeter. Anyway, sooner or later, usually sooner, things leak somewhere somehow. As I noted, the stage of work is initial. It all comes down to financing.
According to preliminary estimates, the cost of the infrastructure that needs to be deployed for the initial launch of the system is comparable with the construction of a lunar base,’ Ruslana whistled quietly.
‘Absolutely. That’s what I say. But the potential of the Weather, not in a shy way I may put it, is comparable to divine. You’ve probably heard that before, for example, on the occasion of big holidays, people could have dispersed the clouds. So, there you go—a clear example of the direct impact on the weather. People literally formed a local precipitation agenda with their own efforts and resources. Now imagine what we can achieve with the arsenal available to us. Judging by today’s understanding of the term humanity, we have almost limitless fossil resources in our hands, given mining processes that we carry on outside our planet. A network of meteorological satellites monitors the Earth, obviously, round the clock. We have already launched prototypes of weather satellites with specialized units capable of electromagnetic and thermal effects exerted on certain atmospheric areas of the planet, having a direct impact on the climate. This impact is provided in conjunction with a network of ground-based receiving and transmitting meteorological stations. We are able to carry out water desalination. Fundamentally, we know how and are already capable of changing the climate according to our needs and tasks. There’s only one little thing left—all this now needs to be scaled up.
This story, of course, would have been impossible were it not for the computing capabilities of the PAX, as well as without the energy potential of the ITER thermonuclear installations. Well, where does it leave us? Intelligence plus energy hints humanity of the next level of existence for our species.
So, if everything goes according to plan, we have a chance to drink champagne, friends, at the top…’ Igor looked at the communicator, which has been silent for the time being, ‘at the headquarters of the United Federation of Nations in New York. However, we should be patient— we’ll have to wait just for about a hundred years.’
‘Well, I think we already have invitations from you. The place is secured.’
‘Of course it is, Ed. Sure. There’s something I wanted to ask you. Rather, ask for.’
‘Okay. Go on.’
‘The oceanarium in Odessa is one of the best in the world, am I right?’
‘I would rather say, Igor, the best in the world. Oddly enough, given its location on the coastline of the Black Sea. But possibly it’s the case when something is despite of, not because.’
‘This is your domain, are you in contact with them?’
‘Well, not exactly. We do joint programs. I’m familiar with them, of course. We’re working… Well, why? What is it about?’
‘Could you check if there is an opportunity to get Robin in there for some training…’
The communicator rang and vibrated, abruptly interrupting the conversation and notifying the owner of an incoming video call request from the local rescue service. The three people at the table fixed their eyes on him.
Igor picked up the communicator and pressed the Reply button:
‘Speaking, Officer Roshan.’
Before: The Moon
Off we go! (Poyekhali!)—a landmark, which 200 years ago manifested the beginning of a new era in the development of mankind. The first words uttered by a man of the world—Yuri Gagarin—opened a new page in space research.
Yuri Gagarin is the first cosmonaut of the planet Earth.
Sergey Korolev is a scientist, a rocket engineer and spacecraft designer, who determined the vector of space exploration development for decades.
Valentina Tereshkova and Alexey Leonov are the first female cosmonaut and the first cosmonaut to go into outer space.
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin are the first representatives of humanity to land on the Moon.
Elon Musk is an entrepreneur and an engineer who has laid the foundation for the Mars program.
Today 8,934 people are working at the Lunar base.
Today 1,021 people are working at the Martian base.
19,576: the number of cosmonauts and astronauts, scientists and space tourists who have been beyond the Earth in space, on the Moon and on Mars by 2163.
0.00016%: so small is the fraction of lucky representatives of our home planet who have been outside of it to date.
You can write your name in the history of mankind!
Learn more about the program of your space trip to the Moon!
For over an hour Lewis has been carefully studying information on the website of the New Horizons company, offering space travel services. Detailed video clips, the training program and the flight itself, the Lunar base visits program, cross-surface riding trips on the satellite, reviews by space tourists who had decided to travel—everything on the website of the travel agency was convincing you of the simplicity and affordability of space travel. Your dream is one step away from realization—just click the Buy button.
‘Well, yes, of course, everything is quick, straightforward and extremely interesting. One can hardly expect the interested party to be objective. The question is, what is this company and its program really like…’ Lewis was pondering.
‘Show me some reviews on the New Horizons company related to flights to the lunar base in 2163, Don,’ Lewis turned to his digital assistant.
‘Here you are, Lewis. I chose several reviews about trips to the Moon with the most number of views,’ Don responded immediately, displaying the requested information on the tablet.
It was worth the mad money I paid for this voyage! If you haven’t been to space, if you haven’t been to the Moon—consider you have not lived at all! As soon as you get your 100K bucks, go ahead, guys, to the Moon! Ha-ha-ha … If you want to learn more about my journey, send me a private message, I’ll be glad to share my experience! —Robin White, Oklahoma, U.S.
We decided to go to the Moon on our honeymoon! Oh my God, I’m absolutely thrilled! Our Earth is a beauty when you look at it from the Moon! A ‘Blue Marble’—how correct poetically said! Words fail me. And besides, gravity is 6 times weaker on the Moon… women, I think, will understand me :) Everyone fly to the Moon!!! I want to go there again! —Ira Baki, UAE.
A day on the road. The entertainment program on the satellite takes three days. One day on the way home. As for me, this dusty lump of dirt is not worth the money paid. It’s boring, gray, there’s nowhere to put your eyes on. The people who work there are strange or something… I don’t know, I was bored. I will not recommend this to anyone. One would better to go to Lake Baikal in Irkutsk or Sochi, at least there are normal hotels there. Rip-off! I want my money back!’, Ivan Rosin, Bulgaria.
‘Aren’t there any normal reviews, Don?’ scrolling down through the selected list, Lewis noted irritated.
‘Lewis, please specify which criteria for selecting reviews I should prioritize to meet your expectations.’
‘Don, you’re so… smart!’
‘I’m glad you appreciate my work, Lewis.’
‘Stupid idiot! If you want something done in a normal way, do it yourself then. We’ll sort it out.’ Lewis continued to search for information on the trip to the Moon and reviews of the moonlanded, as space tourists who visited the international lunar base were called.
His attention was distracted by the program, which he used to track the indices of the family investment portfolio, notifying him that ‘Sebra Productions shares collapsed by 7%!!!’
‘Damn it!’ clicking on the message, Lewis switched to the application to check the current status of the stake in the Sebra European company, the one which was recommended to him for purchase by former colleagues.
New York
Lewis went into the kitchen, where his wife was already having her breakfast. Meryl was sitting on one of the high bar stools at a large massive island table and was enjoying her morning portion of fruit salad. Pieces of mango, pear, apple, peach and melon, raspberry and blueberry rolled in a bowl in balls, carefully prepared by Paola from the list of recipes Everything as the lady likes. There was another smaller bowl of yogurt nearby, which was waiting for its turn to come.
‘Good morning, Meryl,’ Lewis greeted his wife.
‘Hello, dear! How did you sleep?’
‘Well, not really good. I’ve been tossing and turning since three AM.’
‘It’s taking ages to send a message,’ Meryl smiled.
‘Well, yes… And how are you?’
‘Great, thanks! I slept well. Cheerful and ready for new achievements!’
‘Well, at least someone should be.’
Meryl finished with the salad and set aside the plate with the cutlery. Paola came up to the table and took away the empty bowl.
‘Good morning, Lewis. Your breakfast is ready. Paola pointed to the plates of banana and porridge on the table next to Meryl, with the cutlery on a linen napkin.
‘Thanks, Paola.’
‘Bon appétit, Lewis,’ Paola said in a welcoming way, carrying away the used dishes.
‘What a marvel she is,’ Lewis said softly to his wife.
‘She’s been a marvel with us for ten years, Lewis.’
‘Yes, but one doesn’t get tired of miracles. Isn’t it true? Especially when someone takes care of all the household troubles and worries.’
A smile appeared on Paola’s faceplate. She, of course, have heard everything and was glad that the master positively evaluated her work—it means she is doing everything the right way.
‘What about going for a walk before lunch today, Meryl?’
‘I’m in. With pleasure. And the morning weather is promising!’
‘Well, that’s settled. Then let’s do it after breakfast, sometime about nine. There shouldn’t be many tourists in the park at this time. We can take a quiet walk.’
Having finished her breakfast, Meryl went up to the window. Crossing her stringy, thin arms over her chest, she closed her eyes, as if for a moment disappearing in the warm waves of sunlight.
Spring, day after day, was gaining her rights back from its predecessor. The changing shades in Central Park were barely noticeable—from the protective suspended animation of dark brown, to the newly awakening timid light green. The budding greenary of the park, following the ancient call of natural cycles, was clearly affirming the long-established laws of life. A flock of birds back home, was spinning over the island of a carefully preserved urban oasis, finally dispelling the last doubts—spring had come!
One could not deny that the city had changed a lot since Meryl and Lewis moved to New York. It was over 70 years that Meryl’s father had passed away in Washington, and almost immediately they decided to move into the house they had always dreamed of. The exorbitant cost of apartments on the 67th floor in the 432 Park Avenue residence did not stop the newlyweds. When they received a realtor’s offer, even the fact that Lewis could not come to terms with the obviously inflated price didn’t stop them from accepting it. The financial assets of Meryl’s father (she came onto the inheritance as his only daughter) allowed her to never worry about money in their family again.
Meryl was looking at an unnaturally flat rectangle of wildlife, inscribed in the concrete walls of the city surrounding it from all sides. No one dared to interfere with the famous park area of the capital of the world in any way. This pompous name for New York came into life in official sources after the Great Reform of 2107. It was then that the landscape of the political map of the world and the system of administrative management had been transformed, and a new flag was raised over the UN headquarters becoming a symbol of a new era.
The United Federation of Nations, a structure developed with the participation of artificial intelligence of the PAX quantum system, determined the roadmap for further development of the mankind. An important point on it was Central Park in New York, where the leaders of the world enjoyed walking unnoticed, discussing state issues, as well as ever inexhaustible flow of citizens and countless tourists, coming to the city from all the six continents.
From time to time plans for possible reconstructions of the park leaked to the press, as a rule causing an unambiguous reaction from New Yorkers. When it seemed that there was no way to avoid developers’ construction plans in the park, the citizens started protesting so violently that the mayor’s office had just one thing left to do—allocate additional funds from the budget for the development and maintenance of one of the most famous park areas in the world. Thinking of New York without Central Park was like admitting the possibility of retail space development in the Kremlin ensemble in Moscow. The shortage of a priceless asset—land in Manhattan—was made up by resorting to the latest engineering technologies and achievements. Skyscrapers were getting higher, and the underground urban infrastructure has been developed more actively.
New York had long came back into game stealing the leadership from St. Petersburg in Europe as the city with the tallest buildings in the world, holding the first three prizes over the past 15 years.
One kilometer and 276 meters—a seven-year project for the construction of the tallest building on the planet had been completed, finally determining the primacy of New York in this category.
The underground New York was also growing dynamically. The architectural projects implemented below the overground city line were gaining awards repeatedly at distinguished international competitions. The urban infrastructure was going down and down underground, forming a new urban culture and lifestyle. One of the defining conditions for such a transformation of urban development was primarily the economic factor. The inhabitants of New York underground levels were far from the most well-off residents. The city administration was trying to smooth out any hints about their social status.
All the details were important. Even with such a minor thing as the levels numbering, a mirror approach was adopted: the last level, the deepest, was marked as the first one, and vice versa—the closest to the ground line of the city became the last. Thirty seven levels—such was the depth of the urban infrastructure at the time.
More than 25 million residents of New York and almost 50 million in the agglomeration—the Big Apple has turned into a huge anthill.
Such a change was hardly to be missed. Especially looking from the height of the 67th floor. The city was no longer lying in front of your feet watching it from a bird’s-eye view. They have witnessed the transformation of the New York architecture, when its historical center was treated with respect, shifting the accents of modern high-rise buildings to areas that used to be called the periphery.
Mary liked watching from the windows of her house the changes in the urban landscape, the birth of new giants of glass and concrete. She liked to pick up binoculars and used to spend time looking at the construction of high-rise buildings on the horizon.
Meryl and Lewis loved New York. Their children were raised there, their grandson was growing up, sometimes visiting his grandparents. It was there that they made their careers—she as an art critic on modern painting, and he as a financial broker. There they felt at home and safe.
Smiling, Meryl looked down at the 57th Street—the city was coming to life, busy with morning chores.
‘Enjoy your meal, Lewis. I’ll see you in… an hour and a half,’ checking the time, Meryl went to clean herself up.
Walk
Walking at a fast pace as always, Lewis and Mary headed towards the park. They liked to combine chatting about nothing and near-athletic fitness session.
‘How’s your book going on?’ asked Meryl, crossing the street and looking around.
‘You know, Meryl, it’s much more complicated and much slower than I would have thought,’ Lewis replied. ‘I understand the general structure, I understand the characters’ personalities, I want to make the story about. I’ve already jotted down a couple of chapters. But what doesn’t work for me at all so far is the beginning. I don’t understand how to plot this whole story. And in general, I’d say this writer’s business is a much more difficult job. Sit down, write, Pulitzer… Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.’
‘It always seems easy when we stand by and watch someone working.’
‘Understanding the truth does not make the tempting mirage of self-deception less tempting, Meryl.
It’s so nice to believe that so easily pictured achievements of the series heroes or feats of the brave in popular novels you could repeat without much effort in your own life.’
‘There is definitely no reason for you to be mistaken about this, given your experience in business. Your company showed results above the market by 15–20 points. Did such indicators come easily for you? I have slightly different memories of this period of our life.’
‘Devote your life to what you really like, professionalism, diligence and continuous
development—the secret of success known to everyone but, in fact, an absolutely useless program of action.’
‘I’m afraid, Lewis, there’s no need for such complexities for most of us at all. Why overcome our fears and weakness, why do real work on ourselves, force ourselves to do something, go somewhere, read something… often we are not ready even for minimal restrictions in our own interests. So how many pages have you written already?’
‘About 15…’ Lewis smiled and they both laughed.
Meryl and Lewis came up to the first lake on one of their standard walking routes in the park. There have been several of these developed over the years. Depending on the entry point, the weather, the mood, the crowd—all the reasons for choosing the optimal path were taken into account and thought out.
‘D’you remember, Meryl, that we have an anniversary this year?’
‘Which one?’ Meryl looked at her husband.
‘The anniversary of our life together with you, dear. And the wedding anniversary.’
‘Oh, my God. I forgot, of course! And why are you talking about it so much in advance?’
‘I thought that we should celebrate such a significant anniversary in a special way?’
‘And how long have we been married, dear?’
’It will soon be 75 years!’
‘My God! Who would have thought that we would put up with each other for so long! Such relationships are not at all in favour among young people today—no one would live more than one year together,’ Meryl smiled. ‘On the other hand, I’m surprised that you keep in mind all this. As the Washington Post called you: The first of the best. The broker that everyone wants.’
‘Yeah. Something like that. But that was a long time ago.’
‘Talent, dear, is only gaining strength over time.’
‘Almost like a good whiskey. The main thing is not to forget about the correct storage temperature.’
‘So what’s your idea, Lewis?’
‘I think we should celebrate such a date in a special way.’
‘And which one, for example?’
‘We haven’t travelled together for a long time. What would you say if you and me would have a chance to admire, for example, the lunar landscape.’
‘Lewis, why waste our time. I suggest we get ready for the Martian mission right away,’ Meryl answered ironically.
‘I admit to having also considered this option. But this seems overly complicated though.’
Meryl stopped and looked at her husband:
‘Are you serious after all? At our 170 something we still can make astronauts?’
‘Nice joke. I like it. But yes, I’m serious.’
‘OK. If you are serious, then we need to think about it seriously. Well, really, technically, would they let old people like you and me apply for space flights?’ Meryl asked.
‘You’re in great physical shape. It will only benefit me to shape up a bit. I wouldn’t have thought there will be any questions about this, Meryl.’
‘Very well. There may be something to it. Let’s look at the details of this story. Would you please send me the program and a description of this lunar journey. I will also have a look at it, and we will discuss your idea in detail and thoroughly.’
‘Agreed!’
‘And how much we are talking?’ Meryl decided to clarify.
‘To be honest, I was surprised. The prices turned out to be quite affordable. I thought the idea would require serious investments. But the price starts from only one hundred thousand dollars. Of course, depending on the level of comfort, the various elements of the program available for selection, the total price will change significantly, but in general, everything is reasonable and justified. If desired, almost anyone can fly to the Moon today. With Mars, for example, the story is somewhat different. A one-way ticket is already 10 times more expensive. And the flight itself lasts about two weeks, not to mention all the risks accompanying the space travel. I think with the lunar program they make it by quantities, given its relatively low cost for tourists.
‘Clear, Lewis. Let’s see. It might be interesting.’
Having passed by The Metropolitan Museum, Meryl and Lewis came to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. The ducks bustled in anticipation of a hearty breakfast noticing an approaching group of tourists, who were immediately happy to fulfill the wishes of the experienced local feathered manipulators.
The park employee quickly approached the generous company distributing bread to the birds:
‘You can’t feed the ducks! It is strictly forbidden to throw anything into the water! You can see the notice here—It is forbidden to feed birds!’.
‘It’s just bread!’ the father of the family stood up for the children having fun.
‘I’ve clearly told you, sir! Ducks will be obese! We give them everything they need on a schedule. Put away your food and please step away from the fence!’
‘Good, good! Don’t you worry so much.’
‘Back home by car?’ Meryl suggested.
Lewis checked the activity rings on his watch:
‘Today we have completed our minimum exercising norm—over 40 minutes walking. So we may also go by car.’
They left the park, crossed the roadway and, approaching the Guggenheim Museum, booked a taxi:
‘Get the capsule home, Don,’ Lewis instructed the digital assistant, bringing his wristwatch closer to his face.
Meryl looked at the museum building, where tourists were already beginning to gather, lining up in a snaky way to the ticket office: ‘Back to work tomorrow. Good!’
The capsule drove up silently and the doors opened, inviting them to enter the cabin.
Museum
‘Good morning, Mrs Stern,’ with a welcoming smile, Tora, the museum administrator, handed Meryl a weighty folder with some papers straight away as they were passing through a spacious main hall.
‘Good morning, Tora. What’s it?’
‘And this is a project for the opening of a new exhibition in Milan. They offered us sending our Kandinsky paintings. They have a young European modernists biennial planned there at the end of May. They believe that Kandinsky can perfectly demonstrate the potential of new works.’
‘I have no doubt that it can. Kandinsky, however, has nothing to do with the Modernists. But it doesn’t matter anyway. Not really sophisticated guys they are. Have they really put it like we need the right background for new works?’
‘Well, no, of course not, Meryl. This is just my brief for you. So that you don’t waste your time getting into all the details.’
‘I see. And what do you think?’
‘Well, I think we may consider their request.’
‘Good. Thank you, Tora. Yet I will look at all the information sent to us on the project and will let you know my opinion. How much time do we have?’
‘Meryl, I don’t know… really. I think we should decide within a week.’
‘Agreed.’
Tora walked with Meryl to the second floor of the Guggenheim Museum, where staff offices were located:
‘Well, I gonna go. I’ve got things to do. Ok? If anything, you call me please!’
‘All right, dear. Thanks.’
Meryl walked over to her desk, which was littered with papers, folders, sketches, thick albums. ‘I’d need to find some time and sort out all this mess. The table will someday collapse under the weight of great names and their equally significant works. The choice on the picture—to show or not to show, is not an easy one, of course, but I just feel sorry for the table…’ looking at the mess in her workplace, Meryl was making fun of herself. Carefully, not to ruin the pile, she put the new folder handed over by Tora on a small table next to her desk and opened the tablet, getting ready for the analysis of mail, all kinds of appeals, checking meetings plans and similar administrative routine.
‘Hello, Meryl! What’s up? When are you going to show us anything new?! All same old stuff on the walls!’ Robert roared with laughter, greeting his colleague.
‘Hi, Rob! Yes, everything is fine! Thanks! How are you? Recovered, as I see?!’ Meryl stood up, greeting the old friend, whom she had known since her last job, for more than 30 years.’
‘Oh, Meryl, thank you. It’s all good. My leg almost doesn’t hurt anymore. The doctors say that in a couple of weeks I won’t even remember about this joint problem.’
‘What can I say, we’ll count on it. I’m glad you’re okay!’
‘How’s Lewis doing? How’s his book coming along? I remember him telling me something about a detective story, about a financial fraud… something very intriguing. We discussed it with him at the reception, here at the museum. I think a couple of months have already passed.’
‘Oh, Rob, it’s going on, but I understand that it’s slow.’
‘So I understand—don’t you really know what your husband’s doing?’ Robert frowned exemplary.
‘I know that he has not progressed very far. So I don’t want to bother him asking questions again and again.’
‘Ah, I see, Meryl. Well, here, you know how it happens… From the outside, it seems to all of us that the job is not that difficult. One, two and you’re done.’
‘Well, I think, Rob, that’s how Lewis has imagined this project to be. But you’re probably right—he didn’t fully appreciate the complexity of this venture. You know, if he undertakes anything, he usually gets the job done. Let’s give him some more time,’ smiled Meryl.
‘Since he has retired, he feels a little uneasy. I think Lewis still feels out of place. It is important for him to understand that what he is doing is needed and in demand. That his work is useful and does good.’
‘Like we all feel, Meryl.’
‘Of course. But you know that Lewis has been active and worked hard all his life. In his new status of a pensioner he is uncomfortable.’
‘Okay, I won’t distract you any more, Meryl. As I see it, you have a couple of things to work on here,’ Robert looked at Meryl’s cluttered desk and winked at her. ‘We’ll chat later at lunch! And you’d better change this horrible exposition on the fifth line! A mere disgrace!’ They laughed.
‘See you again, dear!’
The spaceport
The journey from home to the spaceport in New Mexico, located near Upham, with transfers and waiting took about five hours. Fifteen minutes took Meryl and Lewis to get to the Obama International Train Station, located on the thirty-seventh underground level not far from the house.
A high-speed shuttle from New York delivered them in 4 hours to El Paso. And then, by the capsule waiting for them, they finally reached the spaceport America.
Of course, it would be possible to fly by plane from the Kennedy Airport to the destination direct. It would have been even a little faster—might have saved two hours. But Meryl preferred trains.
And the journey itself, the feel of being on the road, pleased them. They often preferred more complex and long tourist routes. So that to see more of interesting things. The spaceport complex of buildings, its infrastructure, rather resembled a large international airport, except that the terminals were a little smaller, and the sound effect at the launch of spaceships worried the local birds more. Initially, America was conceived as a small private project. But over time, when flights and space tourism transformed from billionaires’ hobby at the beginning of the 21st century into big business, the spaceport had grown greatly. Direct flights from all over the world were accepted there, including hypersonic aircrafts which required special servicing, a terminal for NASA, Roscosmos, European, Chinese and Japanese space programs came to life. A little later, the military also pulled up with their tasks—the launching site did not reject budget money. So, once a modest and lonely, eternally idle hangar in the desert, in 150 years since the start of operation America has grown into a huge complex, a modern space hub, covering an area of 5,000 hectares, becoming the largest logistics center in the world. Near space and international space stations, various tourist destinations, including the Moon and Mars, launches for scientific research and military missions—about 10 launches were made from the site every day.
‘Mrs and Mr Podger, we are glad to welcome you at the Spaceport America,’ smiling broadly a young guy greeted Meryl and Lewis at the hotel complex entrance. ‘My name is Bo Eridon. I am at your complete disposal throughout the day. My main job is to provide you with comprehensive assistance and support in preparation for your flight to the Moon, which start, let me remind you, is scheduled for the evening, at 18:00.’
