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Rated: 13+ · Book · Sci-fi · #1369089
The main characters are introduced, also hard science, political and religious intrigue.
#558293 added January 1, 2008 at 10:13pm
Restrictions: None
EPISODE 3 - CAPITUALIZATION
FADE IN:

EXT. MIKE'S FRONT YARD

The Air Force Major is already waiting in the road when Mike
goes outside. Mike is carrying fresh supplies for his
cooler as well as the laptop. He sets them on the TV tray,
adjusts a very loud Hawaiian shirt, and pulls a plastic
bottle of what appears to be orange juice from the cooler.
He takes a long draw on the bottle and starts to sit down.

                                                 AIR FORCE MAJOR
                             Are you ready to surrender yet?
                             We have you surrounded with
                             superior forces. There's no way out.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Sure there is.
                                       (Mike points to the sky)
                             I can leave any time I need to
                             make a beer run. Your bosses are
                             in a powwow right now deciding
                             whether to let bygones be bygones
                             and send you home.

                                                 AIR FORCE MAJOR
                             Military Intelligence won't allow
                             that to happen. We will get what
                             we want, regardless. You have a
                             cache of weapons and we want them.
                             We won't allow them to remain in
                             the hands of civilians.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (laughing)
                             Military Intelligence? Now
                             there's an oxymoron! You forget
                             we've done that already. I
                             really don't want to do it again.
                             Besides, they are only potentially
                             weapons. Right now, it's just a
                             space drive and that's all I ever
                             want it to be. Since I own it
                             and have no allusions to world
                             domination, the drive is in the
                             safest hands on Earth...mine, and
                             it's going to stay there.

                                                 AIR FORCE MAJOR
                                       (angrily)
                             Every two-bit country in the
                             world is going to be after your
                             so-called drive. You don't have
                             our resources to protect it.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Au contraire, mon Capitan.
                             Besides my drives being able to
                             protect themselves pretty well,
                             it's precisely those resources
                             everyone would be after. Your
                             people have a rather poor record
                             of keeping secrets and tend to
                             share with others that I don't
                             personally approve of when it's
                             convenient for them. As long as
                             I have it, I say if, when, and
                             how it will be used and for what
                             purposes. Right now, that's
                             going to be scientific exploration,
                             on my timetable, with my rules,
                             period. I really don't want to
                             see the Middle East start to look
                             like a large slice of Swiss
                             cheese. Now I do believe that
                             the military would show a modicum
                             of restraint before letting
                             loose...oh, maybe a minute or so.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             The others you really report to
                             would use it in a heartbeat and
                             any potential benefit would be
                             lost several nanoseconds after I
                             turned it over. I don't think
                             I'm in the mood to give it to you
                             today. Now, would you mind
                             moving a little bit to your left?
                             You're standing in my sun.

The Major spins on his heel and stalks back to Mrs. Kaminski's.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (to laptop)
                             It's going to be another of those
                             days.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             "I can tell already. You really
                             shouldn't go out of your way to
                             aggravate that poor man.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (mock petulant)
                             But it's so easy.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                                       (parental tone)
                             You need to get out more. Your
                             normally warped sense of humor
                             has taken a decided turn for the
                             worse.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             All right, I'll play nicely. It
                             looks like your plans for the
                             ship worked perfectly.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Of course.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             And we definitely need to work on
                             your ego thing. Have you had a
                             chance to work on the larger ship?

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             I'm almost finished. I just need
                             to access a few more databases on
                             aeronautical architecture. There
                             are a just a few more details to
                             work out on the bottom stages.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Let me know if there's anything I
                             can do.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Just supply the brawn and money,
                             and I'll be the brains.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Definitely have to work on the ego.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER
                             There's a call coming in with a
                             Washington area code by the way.
                             The number matches one of the
                             White House trunk lines.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Put him through, please. Mr.
                             President, how are you this morning?

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                                       (WEARY)
                             I've been better. Have you
                             decided what you're going to do?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I thought you understood last
                             night that my decision was made
                             quite a while ago. I fully plan
                             on business as usual, albeit now
                             with an audience, armed troops
                             parked on my street, and that
                             pain-in-the-butt Major slash NSA
                             operative threatening me every
                             few hours.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             You have confirmed to me that you
                             are a dangerous man, Mr.
                             Angelskov. So has your former
                             commanding officer. He appears
                             to have extremely mixed emotions
                             about you.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (laughing)
                             Oh, I'll bet he does. How is old
                             Barry?

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                                       (Ignoring the question)
                             I have a report here that the
                             site of your demonstration last
                             night left a circular crater over
                             2000 feet deep. That's an
                             impressive amount of destruction
                             with no dangerous radiation or
                             fallout residues. You do have
                             possession of the perfect weapon,
                             Mr. Angelskov and my fear
                             continues to be that you might
                             decide to use it in a more
                             populated place.

Mike's shoulders sag and his voice is weary with frustration.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Sir. I've told you before, and
                             I'm certain Barry confirmed it; I
                             have absolutely no plans on using
                             it as a weapon. I didn't design
                             it as a weapon. I didn't mean it
                             to be a weapon. It is a space
                             drive and that's what I intend
                             for it to remain. The foremost
                             reason for me not to share it
                             with anyone is that it can be a
                             weapon. Unfortunately, it's like
                             atomic power; you can light up a
                             city with electricity or
                             incinerate it with a blast. The
                             U.S. was the first to develop
                             atomic power and look what its
                             first application was. I'm not
                             prepared to become 'Shiva,
                             Destroyer of Worlds'.
                                       (beat)
                             Besides, the biggest difference
                             between you and me is that I'm a
                             private citizen and you're a
                             country. Just think about it for
                             a moment, Mr. President. The
                             balance of power between
                             countries is precarious at best.
                             It's tied together only by
                             mutually assured destruction. If
                             a country, you or anyone else,
                             controlled something like this,
                             how long would we have before
                             everyone else on this ball of mud
                             came after you and forced you to
                             use it?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                                       (beat)
                             Now I'm perfectly willing to sign
                             any agreement or treaty or
                             whatever to that effect, with you,
                             the U.N., or anybody. I would
                             only consider using it
                             destructively if there were no
                             alternative or I detect someone
                             else trying to perfect one like it.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             We may consider that. This is
                             still too dangerous a power to
                             rest in the hands of one person.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Mike's voice suddenly
                                       changes from
                                       frustration to that of
                                       an executive closing a deal)
                             Look, Sir. I think I can come up
                             with a plan of cooperation that
                             will benefit both of us if you're
                             interested.

                                                                                          DISSOLVE TO:

BLACK

FADE IN:

EXT. MIKE'S FRONT YARD

Mike is laying back on his lawn chair, slowly sipping a
Guinness and speaking with President Forest through his
laptop computer.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Now I'm perfectly willing to sign
                             any agreement or treaty or
                             whatever to that effect, with you,
                             the U.N., or anybody. I would
                             only consider using it
                             destructively if there were no
                             alternative or I detect someone
                             else trying to perfect one like it.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             We may consider that. This is
                             still too dangerous a power to
                             rest in the hands of one person.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Mike's voice suddenly
                                       changes from
                                       frustration to that of
                                       an executive closing a deal)
                             Look, Sir. I think I can come up
                             with a plan of cooperation that
                             will benefit both of us if you're
                             interested.

There is no immediate response on the other end, but Mike
can tell that the circuit is still open. The President's
staff is re-assembling.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             I'd like to strike a deal where I
                             would share the fruits of the use
                             of my research with you.

                                                 GENERAL APPLEHOFF (OS)
                             Captain Teramore said you would
                             have a deal up your sleeve. You
                             will turn it over, then.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I didn't say that. I said we'd
                             split benefits evenly. I retain
                             full possession and use of my
                             devices, but I would provide
                             ferry service for supplies up to
                             the International Space Station,
                             launch a couple of satellites for
                             you and maybe even come up with a
                             cheap way to permanently get rid
                             of all that nuclear garbage
                             you're burying outside Las Vegas.
                             Let's face it; it costs you
                             millions to toss a piece of space
                             junk into orbit. I can now do it
                             for thousands. The rocket
                             boosters you dump in the ocean
                             every time a shuttle goes up cost
                             almost as much as the whole ship
                             and computer I have in orbit.
                             Besides, your shuttle fleet is
                             near as old as I am!

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             And what would you want from us
                             in return?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             All I'm asking for is a little
                             cooperation and to be left alone,
                             basically. I'd like to place an
                             order with Lockheed to have them
                             build me a new and improved
                             vehicle. I put together the
                             prototype everybody saw the other
                             night by myself and it isn't
                             designed for passengers. It's
                             just that, a prototype. I'm just
                             one person and I'm getting a bit
                             old to be fooling with a super-
                             sized erector set as I've got in
                             mind. What do you say? Sound
                             interesting?

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                                       (Sarcastically)
                             I'll discuss it with my advisors.
                             What are your immediate plans if
                             you're not trying to hold the
                             world hostage?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (returning the sarcasm)
                             Well, since it's almost noon, I
                             think that I'll switch to
                             Guinness and then head on down to
                             my shop to put some finishing
                             touches on a new communication
                             system I've been working on.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             You are taking this situation
                             very casually, Mr. Angelskov.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Angel. And I'm giving it the
                             seriousness it deserves. I'll
                             share with you for a modicum of
                             cooperation and some peace and
                             quiet. You want the whole
                             enchilada, though, and to cut me
                             out. If you don't want to work
                             with me, I'm certain I can find
                             someone who will. It would be a
                             nuisance, but not an
                             insurmountable one, to move my
                             operation elsewhere. All that I
                             ask is that you give my offer
                             some thought. It won't cost you
                             a cent.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST
                             Captain Teramore briefed us that
                             you would eventually come to
                             terms. We will get back to you.

Forest disconnects.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (turning to laptop)
                             Barry must be having a cow by now
                             if they're sucking him back into
                             this.

True to his word, he grabs a stout from the cooler and
ambles down the slope to the workshop.

Mike opens the small single door on the huge metal building
and flips on the lights inside revealing a large room that
more resembles an aircraft hanger than a workshop. The area
is as immaculate as a surgical suite, which also doesn't
really say workshop.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Well, what do you think?

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             I think you were right this
                             morning. This is definitely going
                             to be one of those days. I've
                             just about finished up on the new
                             designs.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Excited)
                             Fabulous! Let me know when you
                             can burn them on a CD.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Aren't you getting ahead of
                             yourself? He only said they'd
                             think about it.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Smugly)
                             I didn't leave a bunch of choices
                             for them. He's a politically
                             perceptive guy and no dummy. He
                             knows that it's my way or no way.
                             If they don't want to play nicely,
                             we'll move. I'm certain I can
                             reverse the force field and move
                             this entire parcel somewhere else.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             That would be better than
                             disassembling you and hauling off
                             the rest of the equipment.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             You really are evil sir. I can
                             tell you're actually enjoying
                             this. You realize that we
                             haven't discussed any move.
                             Where did you have in mind?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Sheepish)
                             I always liked Ekatrinburg,

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             That's Siberia. It's cold there!

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             You should complain? Most of
                             your brain is in liquid helium at
                             minus 273 degrees Celsius!
                             Siberian winter should be like
                             Death Valley to you.

The house makes a growling noise.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Besides, you realize that I
                             wouldn't let you deactivate me
                             for transport.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I'm aware of that. Remember, I
                             put that instinct into you. You
                             just reinforced it. Besides,
                             worst case, we can wait them out
                             indefinitely.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                                       (Very sarcastic)
                             That makes for a lousy social
                             life, you know.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Like I have one now? At least
                             you get to meet new computers on
                             the web. I've been stuck here
                             with you, the ship, and the
                             communications satellites for a
                             couple of years, building the
                             junk that you've designed.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             Cripes, I've never met most of
                             the people I hired to staff the
                             offices of all my corporations!

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Life sucks, then you die. If you
                             didn't waste a third of it in
                             non-productive sleep, you might
                             actually get somewhere.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Nobody likes a cynical machine. I
                             should have named you CAT.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER(OS)
                             Why is that?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Because I made you and now I'm
                             your pet!

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                                       (dripping sarcasm)
                             Awwww.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Changing subject)
                             Ship?

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             Sir?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Can you run out a couple million
                             miles further? I want to run a
                             test on the COM gear.

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             I can be there in a few minutes
                             since the main drive proved
                             effective.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Good.

He goes over to four high-powered transmitters that looked
more like personal computers and are sitting on a workbench
along one wall.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             Let me know when you're ready for
                             a communications test.

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             You know they work, sir. Why do
                             we need any further testing?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Because I want to make certain
                             that there is no light-speed
                             limitation. For this whole plan
                             to work, communication must be as
                             close to instantaneous as we can
                             make it. I really don't want to
                             wait several minutes for an
                             answer, I want to be able to say
                             something and hear a response
                             immediately. We'll check it for
                             video distortion also.

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             Aye, aye. Almost there. I think
                             we were off a bit in calculating
                             the pull of the singularity. I'm
                             traveling almost twice the speed
                             I was expecting.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Just make sure the two of you
                             incorporate that into your next
                             round of calculations! I'm not
                             terribly interested in becoming
                             the living proof of the Lorentz-
                             Fitzgerald contraction or the
                             Einstein-Rosen Bridge.

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             Noted. I'm in position now. How
                             is the communication?

Mike checks several instruments on the bench and a video
monitor. He makes a few adjustments on one of the machines.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Perfect: no lag and no distortion.
                             Are you stationary relative to Earth?

                                                 PROTOTYPE
                             Yes sir. It took less reversal
                             pull than I expected.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Note that too, please. I don't
                             need everyone ending up a blob on
                             the deck just to stop.

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             No chance of that, sir. Internal
                             accelerometers registered close
                             to zero both ways. Your
                             encapsulated drive field theory
                             seems to have panned out.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (bowing to a camera in
                                       the corner)
                             Well, thank you. At least one of
                             you appreciates me.

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             "There is a minor problem, though.
                             We appear to have attracted every
                             other piece of space junk for
                             100,000 miles and they are
                             definitely heading my way.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Can your shields hold them?

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             If not, I can get out of the way
                             in time. But we'll have to keep
                             in mind that the singularity
                             pulls me and everything else in
                             my path with it.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Noted. I'll let the two of you
                             analyze your data and then
                             correlate the results into the
                             final flight plan.

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             I did note one more thing, sir.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Which is?

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             My time-of-year clock is no
                             longer in complete synchronization
                             with the signal I'm receiving
                             from Esads. I'm missing a few
                             seconds.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Run a diagnostic and have Esads
                             upload the full works of Einstein
                             to you. I have a feeling that
                             the original bad hair day was
                             right once again. Come back when
                             you're finished.

                                                 PROTOTYPE (OS)
                             Aye, aye.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             House, is all of this still live?

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             You never canceled your request,
                             so everything has been on the net.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Good, just checking. This way
                             everybody can be in on new
                             discoveries.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Sir? You never call me by my full
                             name; just 'house'.

Mike's eyes get large and he looks around as if he knows
he's in trouble.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Innocently)
                             Sorry about that.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             About my name...

Mike now has a rather panicked look on his face.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Yes?

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             I was talking on a USENET server
                             in London last night that thought
                             it was hysterical.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (looking extremely nervous)
                             Why so?

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Eat Shit And Die, Sucker?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Oops...

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Sir, we have to talk...

                                                                                          DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. FRONT YARD

Almost a week passes before President Forest contacts Mike
again.

There is now the better part of a company of Marines and a
few ground pounders that are either Ranger or Delta Force
have relieved the majority of the reservists. The Major
disappeared the day after Mike had spoken with the President.

The sniper in the tree down the street has been replaced
with another sharpshooter, even though there are few leaves
left after the last encounter.

Mike has taken his position in the lawn chair just to
irritate the MPs who have replaced the Major in the street.
Several had actually become semi-friendly during this time,
mainly because guarding a house in suburban Atlanta seemed
easy duty, albeit stupid.

Mike has maintained his routine of wandering down to the
workshop at noon, but is so bored otherwise, he almost
wished he still had the Major and the General around to goad
and tease. The ship has returned several times to bring
supplies surreptitiously acquired from several of the
subsidiary companies Mike controls.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Sir, I have several calls for you.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Ah, humanity beckons. Who do you
                             have?

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             ABC, CNN, and the President.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Put the President through and
                             give my apologies to the networks.
                             Tell them I'll get back to them.
                             Also remind me we have to work on
                             your priorities.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             As you wish.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Adjusting camera on
                                       the laptop)
                             Mr. President. It's a beautiful
                             day in the neighborhood.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             Have you decided to give up yet?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             We've covered this already. I
                             could've sworn we've been here
                             before.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             You can't blame me for trying. I
                             hope you realize that we cannot
                             allow private citizens to run
                             around loose with weapons of mass
                             destruction for one thing. Also,
                             the Vice President has informed
                             me that NASA has told him that
                             they have jurisdiction and
                             authority over all space travel
                             in this country.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I know, Title 14 of the CFR. Sir,
                             NASA has totally blown any chance
                             of innovation. They insist on
                             researching dead ends while
                             relying on technologies developed
                             during the Second World War. No
                             way would you get me to ride in a
                             machine powered by a stick of
                             dynamite! Face it; I have come
                             up with the only practical and
                             reliable means of getting off
                             this planet and potentially
                             exploring our neighbors. I'm
                             really not in the mood to turn it
                             over to a group of bureaucrats
                             who will either misuse it as a
                             weapon, or study it to death for
                             the next three generations while
                             sending humans into space on a
                             glorified firecracker that the
                             Chinese invented 1000 years ago.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             Besides, I'll guarantee that even
                             though I invented it, there's
                             nobody in your administration
                             that would give me a security
                             clearance high enough to continue
                             to work on it, much less use it.
                             I'm not getting any younger and I
                             still have dreams I aim to
                             fulfill. I hope that it will be
                             with your cooperation, but I can
                             do it without you if I have to.
                             In addition, the fact it can be
                             misused as a weapon only
                             strengthens my resolve not to let
                             it out of my hands until you can
                             assure me that it will be for
                             peaceful purposes only. I hope
                             your Science Advisor has
                             thoroughly explained that in the
                             wrong hands, somebody could
                             squish the entire planet to the
                             size the size of a grapefruit. I
                             don't want to be responsible for
                             that.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             He still doesn't trust that you
                             will do what you say and maintain
                             the peace.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I'd trade him in on a younger
                             model if I were you; one that
                             hasn't been brainwashed by
                             traditional textbook science.
                             Besides, he was a biologist if I
                             remember correctly; what does he
                             know about physics?

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             I'm getting a lot of yelling and
                             screaming from Congress and the
                             Secretary of Defense on this.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Oh, I'll bet! I apologize for
                             that, really I do. Step back for
                             a moment. Congressional
                             representatives are only
                             interested in one thing,
                             extending their power.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             The SecDef is interested in
                             maintaining a position of power
                             over others through force. I
                             really don't trust either, do you?
                             Now I know that you know there
                             are 'Black Ops' groups that even
                             you don't know about in your
                             organization. This type of power
                             could coronate somebody as
                             emperor of the universe. I
                             assure you that I don't want that
                             job, but I know that there are
                             people on the hill who would kill
                             for it. That's why they ran for
                             office in the first place. Not
                             going to happen on my watch!

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                                       (solemnly)
                             Your points are well taken, Mr.
                             Angelskov. I will definitely
                             take them into consideration and
                             we'll talk again.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Loudly, but not shouting)
                             "Please do. But just between us,
                             my recommendation would be for
                             you to follow your gut alone,
                             without advice or advisors.
                             Despite my tone, I do respect the
                             office you hold. You didn't get
                             it handed to you; you earned it
                             because you're good at what you
                             do. We are both reasonable
                             people, but you're in a position
                             of being pressured into something
                             that you don't feel is right, or
                             having to compromise for
                             political expediency. I don't
                             have to and I'm not in any great
                             rush. I have talked it over with
                             my house and we can pick up our
                             marbles and find another game if
                             your people won't play nicely.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             I'll keep that in mind.

The connection goes dead.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Can you get me President
                             Puchinskiy on the line?

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             I believe I have his private
                             number stored. Give me a few
                             minutes.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Go for it.

Mike opens another Guinness and lays back in the lawn chair.
The day is looking brighter by the minute.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Sir, President Puchinskiy.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Dobryi vecher.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             Good evening, Mr. Angelskov.

Puchinskiy's voice is in perfect English. He speaks with
just a trace of a British accent, a holdover from his days
at Cambridge, where he had graduated with honors.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I assume that you've been
                             following what's happening here
                             in the 'States'.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                                       (A trace of a smile)
                             It would appear that you are
                             holding the world by the short
                             hairs, Mr. Angelskov.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             No Sir! Moreover, please call me
                             Misha or Mike. I am threatening
                             no one. That is why you are
                             privy to everything that I
                             discuss with or am willing to
                             release to my government.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             I was curious about that. You
                             grew up when our countries were
                             still adversaries and most
                             Americans still do not trust us
                             the same as many Russians still
                             do not trust you.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS; CONT'D)
                             Is it because your roots were in
                             the Rodina that you include me?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             No, Sir, not really...well, maybe
                             a little bit. The real reason is
                             that, in my mind, there have only
                             been two Super-Powers in the
                             history of the planet, Russia and
                             the United States. That kept a
                             balance, even though you two were
                             declared adversaries. Since your
                             former government re-formed, you
                             have performed miracles bringing
                             the Federation into the 21st
                             century and making it a world
                             leader once again. I admire that
                             tremendously. I'm not really in
                             the mood to start another contest
                             between our countries, so I do
                             intend to keep all things equal.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                                       (Reservedly)
                             Ya spacibo.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             There is no need to thank me, Sir.
                             This is to prove to the world
                             that my personal agenda is
                             apolitical. My aims are purely
                             scientific curiosity. I hope you
                             realize that I do not intend to
                             turn this over to you either.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             I believe you made that abundantly
                             clear to your president. I did
                             receive your disk and you know
                             that we are working on it. My
                             people assure me that they can
                             break your code in less than the
                             18 years you told your president.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Shrugging)
                             Maybe. I have absolute faith in
                             your programmers, but your
                             hardware still sucks. I still
                             say 18 unless you and President
                             Forest can get it together and
                             cooperate.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             Alas, I don't see that in the
                             immediate future.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Maybe I can spur that along. In
                             any case, I've been considering
                             the possibility of moving my base
                             of operations. Would I be
                             allowed to relocate within your
                             borders?

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                                       (Brightening)
                             That is a possibility. But there
                             are people in my Duma who share
                             your Congressmen's view of the
                             situation. Also, my military is
                             very much interested in your
                             invention.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             People are the same all over, as
                             are governments. Only the names
                             have been changed to protect the
                             innocent. My concern is for the
                             welfare of genus homo -- all
                             humanity. For the advancement of
                             knowledge, not power. I believe
                             you can understand that. I don't
                             think that I will have to, but
                             I'd like to know that the option
                             of moving to your country is open
                             if I need it.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             We can make space wherever you
                             please. I overheard you tell
                             your computer that you like
                             Ekaterinburg. That would always
                             be a possibility.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Thank you Sir, I appreciate it.
                             It shouldn't come to that, but
                             you never know which way the
                             political wind will blow and I
                             have to plan for all
                             contingencies - especially now
                             that the fortunes of each of our
                             countries can change every four
                             years.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             Da, ya znaiu. You would be
                             interested in coming home, then?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Possibly. My grandfather had a
                             falling out with Stalin and made
                             the move. It was never my home,
                             but I have always felt the drive
                             for excellence. As you observed,
                             I grew up with American values
                             and thoughts, so it would take
                             some time to integrate back into
                             any Slavic heritage. I ask only
                             because I respect your ability as
                             a leader and I respect the
                             endurance of the Russian people
                             to the many hardships they have
                             endured over the centuries. You
                             have the industrial base that can
                             provide the materials I would
                             need and larger tracts of open
                             land than I could find in the U.S.
                             You are my first choice of
                             relocation if I find it impossible
                             to work here.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             Again, I thank you. I believe I
                             can keep our politicians from
                             interfering with any negotiations
                             you and I need to have. I still
                             have my oligarchs and kleptocrats
                             to deal with, but I think that
                             they can be held at bay.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I appreciate that very much.
                             Your system is a bit more
                             expedient than mine is, and I can
                             appreciate that. I like to keep
                             my options open. I think that
                             there will be mutual benefit for
                             cooperation between not only you
                             and me personally, but also
                             between our countries and
                             governments. I want to make
                             certain that we all start out
                             working well together.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             I can also understand this. Will
                             there be anything else you need?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Not at this moment, Sir. It is
                             still premature, but hopefully I
                             will have another request in a
                             few months that will explain
                             things a lot better.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             Until we speak again, then.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             House, can you get me Jim McKinney?

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Certainly, his schedule says that
                             he's at the main office in Zurich
                             today.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             You rang?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Yeah, I think it's just about
                             time to begin preparations for
                             the project and I'll need you to
                             start smoothing the way.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                                       (Tinge of doubt)
                             You think Forest is going to get
                             out of the way, then?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I didn't leave a pile of choices.
                             I'd have much rather started off
                             with full cooperation, but this
                             is better than nothing.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             I hear you. I didn't expect him
                             to come around this soon, though.
                             I'd still be careful if I were
                             you. My instincts from CIA
                             taught me to trust no one.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I plan on it. Get started on
                             renting the hangars I need and
                             assemble two teams of security
                             for the project. Also, see whom
                             you can dig up for procurement at
                             both places.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             We'll need an ace scrounger that
                             can locate and get all of the
                             stuff we'll need quickly. You
                             know the type. Your teams will
                             also need to be security
                             conscious because you can't be in
                             two places at once.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             You got it. I won't be able to
                             tap too many of my Company
                             buddies...still too gung-ho.
                             However, I can probably get some
                             ex-KGB. Maybe even some Mafioso
                             if you don't mind. Anything else
                             you need?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             You know best, so I leave that
                             entirely up to you. There's
                             nothing else that I can think of
                             at the moment. We won't need the
                             hangars for at least another six
                             months, but I'd like to get a
                             head start so that nothing crawls
                             out of the woodwork at the last
                             minute.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             Check. For your information, the
                             FBI subpoenaed our records
                             yesterday. Hauled out most of
                             the filing cabinets and took all
                             of the executive computers from
                             the operations there in the States.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (disappointed)
                             What took them so long? I'd have
                             thought they could track the
                             company down faster than that.
                             You've canceled the logins?

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                                       (Hurt)
                             Mike! You didn't hire me to be
                             stupid.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Well, pick up more computers and
                             get back on the network as soon
                             as you can.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                                       (Grinning)
                             Already done. Since they were
                             all thin client, we just had to
                             plug and play.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Good. Let me know when you're
                             ready and keep monitoring what's
                             going on here.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             Will do.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Oh, arrange for the ship to pick
                             up another carload of Guinness in
                             Dublin for me, will you? I have
                             a feeling it's going to get dry
                             here fairly soon.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             I didn't think you built in that
                             much storage space.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             She doesn't need it. She'll use
                             her gravity field to enclose the
                             supplies and just tow them along
                             behind her.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             No problem, then. Roddenberry
                             would have loved you.

                                                                                          CUT TO:

EXT. SERIES OF SHOTS

Life slowly returns to almost normal over the next several
weeks. Most of the neighbors don't speak to Mike at all,
which wasn't unusual since they hadn't spoken much to him
during the previous years.

The majority of the military has pulled out and Mike hadn't
seen any black suits in a while.

The shield stayed up, however, mainly to discourage the
tourists who now stream past this otherwise lazy street.
Most wave from their cars or give thumbs up. Occasionally,
there is a single finger salute or someone would walk up to
yell at the house, but more often than not, there appeared a
general approval. At least there are no pickets or protesters.

Mike still puts in an appearance around nine each day, and
is now on completely friendly terms with the duty guards.
He spends an hour or so conversing with them before going
back to putter in the workshop.

One high point is when the prototype ship returns with his
supplies, navigating flawlessly from space down the
cylindrical shield around the property. It is greeted at
about 10,000 feet by several Apache helicopter gun ships
that ineffectually fire missiles at it. These explode
harmlessly against the sides of the shield. The ship lands
in the rear building where Mike, with the help of several
machines, unload the cargo. That done, the ship returns to
her orbital station.

He contacts the purchasing officers at Lockheed-Martin and
Sukhoi, more to begin negotiations and to give a heads up
than to firm up any contracts. Life becomes relatively
boring because it has fallen into routine.

                                                                                          CUT TO:

INT. WORKSHOP

Mike is busy fine-tuning his communication sets.

                                                 HOUSE COMPUTER (OS)
                             Sir, President Forest is calling
                             for you.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (muttering)
                             It's about freaking time. Put
                             him through, please.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             Have you rethought your position,
                             Mr. Angelskov?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Yes Sir and I still hold all the
                             cards.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             I thought that's what you'd say.
                             You do understand that you're now
                             in violation of close to 30 laws
                             regarding the security of this
                             country.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Interrupting)
                             Most of which didn't exist two
                             months ago when this began. I've
                             been assured by counsel that we
                             can overturn all of these charges
                             on appeal if it has to come to
                             that. I do have to admit that
                             I'm rather proud to have been
                             able to unite the Executive and
                             Legislative branches in this way,
                             though. You guys usually don't
                             play nicely together.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             The Congress fully understands
                             the threat you pose to the
                             security of not only the United
                             States, but the entire planet.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Hint of sarcasm)
                             And you're the keeper of
                             planetary security?

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             The United Nations Security
                             Council has been meeting to
                             consider sanctions against you
                             and this great country, since you
                             reside here. We cannot tolerate
                             that.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             You can assure the Secretary
                             General that I have no intentions
                             of usurping any of their
                             authority, or even yours for that
                             matter, Mr. President. I am only
                             here protecting that which is
                             mine. I am more than willing to
                             share any further discoveries
                             with the whole world, just not
                             the base technology. I had been
                             hoping you would understand that
                             by now. I do note that your
                             approval rating in the polls is
                             down almost 25 points since
                             you've been harassing me. Don't
                             you think your electorate should
                             have something to say in this
                             entire affair?

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                                       (Exploding)
                             That has nothing to do with it!

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Sir, we're still 'live', even
                             though CNN, MSNBC, and FOX only
                             carry recaps of my day. It has
                             everything to do with it. You're
                             running around 40% approval
                             rating now; like to try for 20?
                             That's why everything I do is
                             public knowledge. Watching me
                             fix dinner may be the ultimate in
                             boredom for most people, but
                             watching me talk with you has
                             been an enlightening experience
                             for those with votes and just
                             keep in mind that next year is an
                             election year. This is one of
                             the few times in American history
                             that everyone has instant access
                             to all of the facts without
                             having them filtered by paid-off
                             journalists with an agenda or an
                             editor. Now I do know that you
                             still have the backing of around
                             40% of the public. These are the
                             people that feel the US has a God
                             given right to decide how the
                             world is run. I am personally
                             not interested in fundamentalist
                             rhetoric. The 'All Mike, All the
                             Time' network is raising the
                             consciousness of the people with
                             no spin added. Somewhat scary,
                             huh? I'm not going to tell you
                             squat because I don't want your
                             job. Whether I agree or disagree
                             with what you do is not the issue
                             at hand. I just want left alone
                             so that I can explore the solar
                             system, and, if you play nicely,
                             I'll share what I learn with you.
                             If you don't, I'll leave you and
                             the U.S. in the dust. Now what's
                             your offer?

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             What do you mean my offer?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             You wouldn't have called me, Sir,
                             if you didn't have a plan B when
                             the threats didn't work. I'm
                             more than open to your options.
                             I hope you realize that with what
                             you're spending daily on my
                             surveillance I could build and
                             launch another satellite. This
                             is starting to get silly for me
                             and expensive for the taxpayer
                             and I'm perfectly ready to move
                             where I can proceed without hassles.

There is a long pause at the other end.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             We are prepared to offer you
                             amnesty from the charges we have
                             against you at the moment and
                             will allow you freedom to
                             continue your research under the
                             supervision of NASA and NSA.

Mike chokes on his beer and starts coughing.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Still coughing)
                             I'm sorry, Sir. For a moment, I
                             thought you were someone with a
                             clue. Please call me after
                             you've taken your next Prozac.

He starts to reach for the cutoff switch.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST(OS)
                                       (Almost frantic)
                             Wait! All right. We will allow
                             you to proceed as long as you
                             keep this office in the loop. I
                             want to know everything that you
                             are planning to do before you do it.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Ahhh, good old plan C. That's
                             all I ever asked, Sir. I
                             promised weeks ago to share my
                             discoveries with you and everyone
                             else, and I still plan to do that.
                             What I won't give you is the
                             method to destroy civilization,
                             as we know it.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             Now you're not in a world war, so
                             don't try pulling the Smith Act
                             and the patriotism bit on me.
                             That may have worked in the
                             forties, but it won't now. There
                             is not going to be another
                             Manhattan Project, or even an
                             Atlanta Project. It's my
                             computer, my scientific curiosity,
                             and me. That's all. I want the
                             freedom to contract out the
                             fabrication of the next generation
                             of space travel and when it's
                             finished, I will notify you of
                             the next step. I know your Air
                             Force liaison there will get
                             copies of the design I submit and
                             I don't mind. They can build the
                             shell, but I'll build the engines
                             right here by myself.

Another long pause and Mike looks around the shop.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                              Granted.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Thank you, Sir. I knew I could
                             count on you. You're not making
                             a mistake.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             I pray not.

The President signs off and Mike taps a few keys on the laptop.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Jim?

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             What's up?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             We've got a go, at least
                             tentatively. I've just
                             transmitted the specs to Lockheed
                             and Sukhoi.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             You realize Mikoyan-Gurevich and
                             Boeing are both several million
                             under Lockheed's price. Why not
                             let them do everything?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Yeah, I know. However, Lockheed's
                             only a couple of miles from here.
                             They'll do the main cabin and
                             engine section as well as the
                             American laboratory section.
                             Boeing's across the country and
                             we'd have to come up with a
                             transport to get the pieces to me
                             to assemble the engines. I need
                             Sukhoi to make the lower lab to
                             exact specs without being able to
                             fit the sections together on-site.
                             I don't think that's possible
                             here. I need you to oversee the
                             construction in Russia to make
                             certain that both sections will
                             lock up properly. I plan on
                             riding this sucker myself, so I
                             want it done right the first time.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             Why not go with Boeing, then?
                             They've got a decent track record,
                             and they can do it cheaper.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             This is not a bid situation. It's
                             not up for the lowest bidder. I
                             plan to be on board for the
                             maiden flight and I don't want
                             someone who might cut corners to
                             make a profit. I'll pay an
                             honest price for an honest
                             product if they can assure me of
                             quality workmanship. Lockheed
                             made the SR-71, which is still in
                             the air damn near 50 years later,
                             and nothing has ever surpassed it
                             for what it does. Sukhoi makes
                             the best jet fighter in the world.
                             I want quality, not cheap.
                             Capice? Kerstanze? Znayou?

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                                       (Defensively)
                             Yes, I understand. It's just
                             that you're spending almost 50
                             million more than you have to.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I know that - unions! Close the
                             deals for the hangars at
                             Sheremetyevo and Hartsfield,
                             we'll need them shortly. I also
                             need a couple thousand gallons
                             more liquid helium here when you
                             can get it. Oh, and seventeen
                             tons of calcium cuproxide for the
                             superconductors.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             There should be no problem on
                             either front. Do I have to
                             remind you that we're on a fixed
                             budget now that most states have
                             bills pending to personally bar
                             you from playing their lotteries?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Yeah, I know. We may have to
                             ramp up the biofuel business. We
                             might also consider reselling
                             some of our spare power to the
                             local electric companies where we
                             have the facilities. Maybe even
                             think of selling time and
                             channels on a couple of the
                             satellites; Lord knows we have
                             the bandwidth.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                                       (Voice brightening)
                             I'll check into all of those.
                             You may be onto something there.
                             They can't legislate that away
                             from us. You'd actually be
                             providing services! I'll turn
                             you into an honest businessperson
                             yet. I'll get in touch with all
                             the local directors and get the
                             ball rolling on making this a
                             paying corporation for a change.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Mock protest)
                             I've always been honest.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             I'd say bending television
                             signals through time to get the
                             winning lottery numbers a day
                             ahead borders on insider trading.
                             You're really on the line here.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                                       (Still mocking)
                             No law against that...yet. At
                             least not at the time I was doing
                             it. Look on the positive; I
                             didn't play the market that way
                             and I own all the companies
                             privately. Now there the SEC
                             might have had a beef.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             Why not license out the power units?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Soon, maybe. I'm not quite ready
                             to go public on the details that
                             everyone overlooked for the past
                             three generations. We start
                             putting the power companies out
                             of business and you'll be
                             fighting off more hit men and
                             politicians than you can think of!
                             Besides, if we put that on the
                             market and refuse to sub-license
                             the technology, some idiot
                             congressional representative will
                             try to get us for being a
                             monopoly. You remember what they
                             did to that software company a
                             few years back.

                                                 JIM MCKINNEY (OS)
                             You've got a point. Anything else?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Not at the moment, but keep your
                             cell phone handy.

                                                                                          CUT TO:

EXT. SERIES OF SHOTS

Lockheed B2 building showing construction of the main
section of the new ship.

Prototype towing supplies to Mike's workshop.

INT. MIKE'S LIVING ROOM

It is a particularly sunny and warm August day when Mike
contacts President Forest again.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Sir, it's almost time for the
                             second part of the favor I spoke
                             to you about earlier.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                                       (Distinct chill in his voice)
                             I've been waiting for the other
                             shoe to fall.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             It's nothing like that, Sir. If
                             you would please ask your
                             secretary to bring in the FAX
                             that I just sent you, it should
                             be self-explanatory.

There is a long pause and finally the President's voice
comes back.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             All right, what is this?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             A list of specialties I would
                             like you to personally select to
                             crew my proposed mission. I need
                             you to select the country's best
                             archaeologist, hydrologist, and a
                             microbiologist who can double as
                             an MD and possibly forensic
                             pathology, and I also need a
                             geologist.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                                       (Warily)
                             What is this about a meteorologist
                             and a child?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I have already personally
                             selected a meteorologist who also
                             doubles as a television journalist.
                             Her daughter is a math genius, a
                             skill essential to the success of
                             the mission. All I need from
                             your office is a little
                             encouragement for them to join
                             the project. President Puchinskiy
                             has also just received an
                             identical FAX with precisely the
                             same requirements.

There is another silence with a few mumbled words coming
through indicating that Forest is conferring with someone.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             What are these stipulations about
                             government employment?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Sir, I want the best intellectuals
                             you can find. However, none can
                             be under any government grant, a
                             former or current officer in the
                             US military, or hold any civil
                             service rating.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             You still don't trust me?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             About as much as you trust me,
                             even after all this time. This
                             is a purely scientific expedition.
                             I want to keep you in the loop
                             and have you participate. I want
                             to contribute to the general
                             knowledge of the country and the
                             world. I don't have the time or
                             energy to mess around with a spy
                             on your payroll or with an ultra-
                             nationalist militaristic type. I
                             want scientists, not enemies.
                             Please, I'm too old to want to
                             play games. You know from my
                             record that I always do what I say.

Another silence.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             Why the journalist?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Because there will be a constant
                             contact with the popular news
                             media, just like I've always
                             insisted on. Whatever we do will
                             be broadcast globally. The
                             cameras and microphones will be
                             rolling 24/7 as they are now. I
                             just wanted someone aboard who is
                             not only trained in broadcast
                             news, but would double as a
                             meteorologist since Mars can
                             experience unexpected and severe
                             weather changes.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             I promise to have no control over
                             the broadcasts except to provide
                             content. This will be the
                             ultimate in free press and
                             reality TV. If I screw up, the
                             world will know at the same time
                             you do.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                             I'm going to have to run this
                             past the cabinet before I give
                             you any answer.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             That's fair enough. Thank you.
                             You have about five months before
                             I need a firm commitment. Each
                             scientist can bring along 1,000
                             pounds of equipment and no more.
                             I am going to cover the costs up
                             to that limit. Anything over
                             1,000 pounds and there will have
                             to be a $1,000 a pound charge
                             against them or whoever is
                             sponsoring them. I will supply
                             food, clothing, and all other
                             essentials. All they'll need to
                             do is stock their labs with
                             whatever equipment and materials
                             they think they will need,
                             keeping in mind that we might end
                             up leaving some stuff behind.
                             I'll send along details of where
                             and how this is to be done after
                             you select the crew for me. They
                             can bring along one carry-on of
                             casual clothing, if they want.
                             I'll supply all of the rest and
                             the work clothes.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                                       (Emotionlessly)
                             I'll discuss this with my
                             advisors and get back to you.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Please keep in the back of your
                             mind that I'm going to do this
                             with or without you, but I'm
                             giving you first shot at
                             cooperating.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                             Please tell your National
                             Security Advisor that I'm not the
                             enemy, but I am going ahead with
                             this regardless of your support.

                                                 PRESIDENT FOREST (OS)
                                       (Sounding disgusted)
                             I've memorized your service jacket.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Then you already know that I
                             always do what I say.

Mike presses several keys on the laptop.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL (CONT'D)
                                       (Enthusiastically)
                             President Puchinskiy!

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             Yes?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             I assume you've read the FAX I
                             sent you and analyzed what I told
                             President Forest.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             Da. Am I to believe that you
                             request the same favor from me?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Yes Sir. I need your country's
                             best in all the fields I
                             mentioned. In addition, I have
                             selected a meteorologist and
                             journalist whom I would like you
                             to encourage to accompany us. The
                             terms are the same as I placed on
                             my country, so that everything is
                             equal. This is not to become a
                             contest. I only want to find
                             some things out for myself. In
                             addition, I would like to share
                             identical information with both
                             your countries simultaneously.
                             I'm on a joyride, but the
                             scientific value could be immense.
                             If anything turns up of interest,
                             then nobody is ahead; everybody
                             is equal.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                                       (Emotionlessly)
                             The woman you request works at
                             NTV. You understand that they do
                             not necessarily agree with our
                             policies?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Yes, Sir. That was one of my
                             considerations. This is not
                             political. I want to share this
                             journey with all of your people.
                             I also want to share anything we
                             find with everybody. I will tell
                             you exactly what I told my
                             President; this is not going to
                             turn into a contest if I can help
                             it. I would sincerely like to
                             have you both behind me in this
                             endeavor, but I will do it alone
                             if I have to and then everybody
                             loses.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             And there were considerations?
                             Especially the requirements of
                             having her son accompany you?

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Yes, Sir. Correct on both counts.
                             He has skills I require for this
                             trip.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             I do not understand. He is
                             barely passing his courses and is
                             constantly in trouble with the
                             politsya.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Precisely, Sir. However if you
                             check, his father was one of your
                             finest Air Force officers -
                             decorated many times for skill
                             and heroism. The son has
                             outstanding reflexes and flight
                             intuition. Here is a young man
                             that can teach me things about
                             the fine points of piloting.

                                                 PRESIDENT PUCHINSKIY (OS)
                             I will have to consult with my
                             advisors and return to you. You
                             understand, of course, that there
                             will be much opposition. The
                             hard-liners are eating me alive
                             on this issue.

                                                 MIKE ANGEL
                             Yes Sir, I do. Nevertheless, I
                             also know that you are the person
                             to overcome that opposition and
                             keep a level head during this
                             whole affair. I believe you can
                             see the opportunity that I extend.
                             I thank you very much for
                             anything you can do for me and
                             this project.

                                                                                          CUT TO:

INT. TELEVISION NEWSROOM

SHARON MANSON is mildly annoyed.

We see a tall, thin, woman in her mid-thirties with close-
cropped strawberry-blonde hair. Her hand is up to her ear
to listen to the message the director is telling her.

                                                                                          CUT TO:

INT. NEWS DIRECTOR'S OFFICE

                                                 SHARON MANSON
                                       (Walking in without knocking)
                             You wanted to see me, sir?

She takes a chair without asking.

                                                 NEWS DIRECTOR
                             Yes.
                                       (beat as he puts down
                                       a short stack of
                                       summaries of the day's stories)
                             The President called me this morning.

                                                 SHARON MANSON
                             What does Carson want now?

                                                 NEWS DIRECTOR
                                       (Straight face,
                                       watching for a reaction)
                             Not the station president, the
                             country's. There's a month-long
                             assignment he'd like you to take
                             on for him.

He gets the reaction he'd wanted.

Sharon doesn't know what to think at this point and is
flustered.

She quickly composes herself and looks warily at her boss.

                                                 SHARON MANSON
                             What kind of assignment would
                             this be? You know I can't leave
                             Carol for that length of time.

                                                 NEWS DIRECTOR
                             You're aware of that nut up the
                             road that's building a spaceship?

                                                 SHARON MANSON
                                       (Shrugging)
                             Who isn't? I've done at least
                             one story a week for the better
                             part of a year about him. From
                             all reports, he can do what he
                             says he can. I'd love to hear
                             the full story.

                                                 NEWS DIRECTOR
                             Well, you may just get that
                             chance.
                                       (looks down at his
                                       desk to avoid her eyes)
                             He needs a meteorologist, a
                             journalist, and a mathematician.
                             He's asked for you and Carol to
                             go along.

                                                 SHARON MANSON
                             What?

Sharon almost falls out of her chair. She is very flustered
now. Her face has lost most of its color and her normally
green eyes have turned a distinct blue.

                                                 SHARON MANSON (CONT'D)
                             You can't be serious!

                                                 NEWS DIRECTOR
                             As a heart attack. The President
                             called me to assure you that the
                             government was now backing this
                             project and he wants me to
                             encourage you to take it. Look
                             at it from a purely news
                             standpoint, you'll have a
                             national exclusive and our
                             ratings will skyrocket through
                             the roof. Not bad for spring sweeps!

Sharon is still dumbstruck.

                                                 SHARON MANSON
                             Why would he want Carol? Neither
                             of us is particularly athletic
                             and I'm certain that neither of
                             us could pass astronaut training.
                             Besides that, I'm not sure that
                             I'm crazy about the idea of
                             sending a 16-year-old into space
                             anyway...especially my 16-year-old.

                                                 NEWS DIRECTOR
                             You don't need astronaut training
                             as I understand it; something to
                             do with artificial gravity or
                             whatever so you wouldn't be
                             floating around. Nobody's going
                             outside in space, just when it
                             lands. From what the President
                             told me, it will be a purely
                             scientific flight. This Angel
                             fellow evidently knows that Carol
                             has finished most of the advanced
                             math courses at Georgia Tech even
                             though she's still in high school.
                             He wants a math wiz and evidently
                             this is a package deal.

                                                 SHARON MANSON
                             From what I remember, this man
                             wants to go to Mars. That would
                             take almost 6-months each way!

                                                 NEWS DIRECTOR
                             The President says this new drive
                             travels faster than anything we
                             currently have.

                                                 NEWS DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
                             From what Forest told me, the
                             trip will only take a few hours
                             each way leaving 30 days for
                             exploration and investigation on
                             the planet's surface. You can
                             take along 1,000 pounds of gear
                             if you want and he says that
                             he'll supply the satellite recon.
                             What do you say? This is the
                             opportunity of the century, both
                             professionally and personally.

Sharon's head is spinning at this point.

She slowly stands and goes to the water cooler in the corner
of the office. After a long drink, she turns,

                                                 SHARON MANSON
                             I'm going to have to think this
                             through thoroughly. It's an
                             awful lot to try to absorb in one
                             sitting. This was from our
                             President Forest, you say?

                                                 NEWS DIRECTOR
                                       (nodding)
                             If you can, the President would
                             like to know by tomorrow. They
                             seem very anxious about this project.

                                                 SHARON MANSON
                             I'll let you know.

Sharon fairly stumbles out of the office. By the time she
reaches her desk she had regained some composure, but still
begs off the rest of her shift and leaves the building.

                                                                                          FADE OUT:


Ben W. Gardner
Sedona, Arizona

"I do not fear computers. I fear lack of them." --Isaac Asimov

http://ca.geocities.com/vladilyich/

In The Beginning - ISBN: 1-4116-3848-4
Just In Time - ISBN 1-4116-3851-4
Ad Astra - ISBN: 978-1-84728-518-8
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