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Chapter 52

Low Earth Orbit

Approximately 3.5 Kilometers above the International Space Station

Soyuz MS-53

Tuesday

9:58 a.m. Eastern Time


“Yes General. Four of them.”

“That’s great news Major. Sorry to hear about Major Nolvany,” General Ustimenko replied. “That is a terrible loss.”

“He died fighting and his last words saved my life, sir. He was a hero.” Allison did her best to keep tears from forming at the corners of her eyes. There was already one dead friend in the spacecraft with her. And now she had to leave another behind. “I’m sorry I could not retrieve his body, General.”

“You did what had to be done, Major Simms. Now we need to get you out of there.”

“There are still two more nukes in play, sir. I saw them attached to the base of the Davidson-Schwab Inflatable Hotel Module,” Allison said. “They looked like they were almost functional.”

“You have done what you can do, Major. It is time to get you out of there.” That time it was General Hastings. “Major, it is time to come home. That is an order. Roscosmos is working the deorbit burn package now. Stand by for further instructions.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Freedom Platform calling United States Space Force Major Allison Simms. Do you copy?” Allison was startled as the unexpected Russian voice broke over an open channel.

“Soyuz MS-53, Major Simms, this is the team currently in control of the spacecraft formerly known as the International Space Station. Do you copy?”

“Who is this?” General Ustimenko interjected. “Lytokov? Is that you?”

“Ah, General Ustimenko. I’d know that voice anywhere.” Allison didn’t respond. She wasn’t certain what she should do.

“General. This call is not for you. I am calling for Major Allison Simms of the United States Space Force who is currently in the Soyuz capsule above us with four of our nuclear warheads.”

“Those are property of the People of Russia,” General Ustimenko said.

“Finder’s keepers. General, stop wasting my time. Major Simms, I guess you are asking how we know who you are?” the voice said. “Well, we know a lot of things about you. Like, for example, the street address of your little niece, Natalie, the hospital your father is currently undergoing treatment, and we even have pictures of you and your high school sweetheart from your yearbook.”

“What do you want?” Allison toggled her mic to the open channel.

“Ah! Major Simms. So nice to meet you at last. I suspect you met our comrade. It appears you must be the one who killed him. I don’t hold that against you. You were just doing your job, as are we. Part of that job is unpleasant sometimes. And I hate the killing of a Russian hero cosmonaut like Major Nolvany. I regret that had to happen. I truly do. And Major, I do not wish to kill such an American hero either. But make no mistake, I will.”

“What…do…you…WANT?!” Allison almost shouted this time.

“I think that should be obvious,” the Russian replied. “You must bring us back the warheads.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because, Major Simms, if you do not, we will be forced to do something I do not wish to do.”

“You monster!” Allison toggled the mic open. “You better not lay a hand on my family!”

“Major, Major, you misunderstand me. I will not ‘lay a hand’ on your family, as you say.” The Russian paused dramatically. Allison was certain he was doing it purposefully, as if he were enjoying it in some sick twisted way. Allison was certain that the man was bat-shit crazy. “I will destroy all of that part of Florida if you do not comply. I am certain you noted that we had two warheads ready to go.”

“Why?”

“Why? Because I need all six of my warheads in place now!” The Russian was agitated now. “You will comply or in seven orbits when we pass the appropriate launch window a major portion of Florida will be destroyed. And if you think you can warn them to leave in time you are incorrect. As we speak, the media and social media are becoming overwhelmed with an anonymous tip. There will be no evacuating anyone.”

“You are a monster!” Allison said. “You could kill millions.”

“As I said, part of the job. You have seven orbits, Major. There will be no debate or negotiations. Good day.”


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