The First Ones There Read online

  “Can we calculate the time between the pulses?” Howard asks, “Then maybe, is there a measurable pattern?”

  “Hold on, let me see.” Josh pulls out his smartphone and opens the stopwatch application. He looks into the telescope and taps the screen every time he sees it glow.

  After a minute or so, he glances down and notices that every ten seconds the light glows and dims evenly.

  “Dude, do you see this? Every five seconds it gets brighter and dims like clockwork!” Josh says holding his phone out for Howard to see. Howard grabs it quickly and studies the pattern, “I want to give it a try.”

  “No problem. Let me save the results and start again.” Josh says while getting up out of the chair. Howard sits down and records his data and stops after a minute.

  “Let’s compare each of ours.” He suggests.

  “Sure,” Josh says taking back the phone.

  He presses a few buttons and his eyes widen suddenly, “DUDE!” Josh says excitedly. He points to both graphs lining up evenly on the top and bottom.

  “They’re the same!” Josh says with an excited look on his face, “That’s crazy! So do you think it could be some kind of pulsar?”

  “No, a pulsar pulsates by spinning. This isn’t spinning.”

  “Could it be a satellite?”

  “I don’t think so.” Howard says unsure, “That would be one huge satellite.”

  “What about your dad? He would know right, since he’s been to the moon and back several times? Maybe he’s seen something like it during his trips to space.”

  “I doubt it, but it probably wouldn’t hurt to ask him. It’s still too early to call him at this hour, but I’ll call him when he gets up in the morning… maybe even drop by and say hello. That reminds me… If you would – do a print-screen so I can have something to show him at breakfast.”

  “Good idea!” Josh says, turning to the laptop on the table next to him. He reaches behind it and hooks up the printer cable before pressing the power button. The yellow light blinks several times and becomes solid. Then he hits the print screen icon – causing the printer to whir to life. A color photo slides out onto the metal table, revealing a faint green glow on the asteroid.

  “We’ll let the ink dry and I’ll show it to my dad when he wakes up.” Howard replies.

  “Alright, can’t wait to hear what he thinks!” Josh says with a smile.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Parents house

  Howard sits at the kitchen table, clasping both hands around a white ceramic cup – as coffee is being poured into it. Feeling its warmth radiate through his fingers, Howard looks up and thanks his mother before continuing watching the sun rise between the trees. Long golden sunbeams peek between gentle swaying branches, crawling ever-so-slowly across the kitchen table and onto his exposed arms.

  “Cream and sugar?” She asks.

  “Yes, please.”

  She pours the cream from a tiny ceramic pitcher and then uses metal claspers to grab cubes of sugar, “How many would you like?”

  “Three please.” Howard says politely. From behind him, he suddenly feels a manly grip on his shoulders.

  “Morning, son.”

  “Dad! Good morning, sir. Did you sleep well?”

  “I did. Thanks for asking. What brings you back to our kitchen table?” He says opening up his newspaper. “Is it your mom’s home cooking? I bet it is! You and I know she makes a killer biscuits and gravy, right Lorraine?” He says, swatting her on the butt.

  “Don’t listen to your father, he’s biased.” She says flattered.

  “Mom’s cooking is delicious, no matter what she’s making. To answer your question dad, that’s not why I’m here.”

  “Are you broke again? Because you know your mom and I don’t have any money to give you; everything has gone up in price – except our retirement checks.” He says as he struggles to read out of the bottom of his bifocals, holding the newspaper closer to his face.

  “Huh, well isn’t that something.”

  “What dad?”

  “Just reading here an article that says three friends just became the richest multi-millionaires on the planet by being paid consultants, telling investors which stocks to buy. Is that all it takes? You give your opinion and people pay you for it? Heck, I can do that. I’ve got an opinion about everything… so where’s my money?”

  “I called and they said the check’s in the mail.” Lorraine says sarcastically, putting a plate of food in front of him.

  Howard picks up the folded paper and reads more about it, “Apparently they were in the right place at the right time. They invested in Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Facebook. No wonder they became so rich.”

  Ed puts his elbow on the table and points at Howard, “You see son, that’s what you need to do. Make smart decisions, be like them. Do something with your life… just don’t be a mooch. Nobody likes a mooch.”

  “I’m not dad and no – I’m not here to ask for money.”

  “Good.”

  “Actually, I would like your advice on something.”

  “Do I need to send your mom out of the room so we can talk man-to-man… or is it something else?”

  “Dad, no – it’s not one of those kind of talks!”

  Lorraine chimes in, “Actually, I need to go check on the laundry. You two feel free to talk amongst yourselves.” She says as she walks into the garage.

  Howard continues, “I was at the observatory last night and Josh and I saw something we thought was interesting. Since you’ve been an astronaut all your life and you’ve been on who-knows-how-many space walks, we were hoping you might be able to recognize this…”

  Howard slides the 8x10 color photo across the table in front of his Dad.

  “What am I looking at?”

  “You’re looking at a screen capture we took – looking through the telescope. We think it’s an asteroid, but what’s unusual is it has a pulsating green light that glows and dims every ten seconds in a consistent pattern, just like clockwork.”

  “And where is the asteroid located?”

  Howard answers, “Just past Jupiter, its trajectory brings it into our solar system and then it will probably sling-shot past the sun. Where it goes from there is anyone’s guess. We’re not NASA – so we don’t have the funding or manpower to see what it is. All we have is just a simple telescope, but with all the times you’ve gone to space and landed what, twice on the moon?”

  “That’s correct.”

  “We are hoping that maybe this looks familiar, or could possibly be explained.”

  Howard’s dad looks at it closer and holds it up for a better view.

  “My first guess would be some kind of light refraction.”

  “That’s what we said. Since it’s tumbling end over end like a throwing knife, we thought maybe it’s the sunlight catching it, causing that green glow we’re seeing.”

  “Usually there would be ice crystals melting behind it, but I don’t see a tail.”

  “Right, which leads us to believe it’s an asteroid. Oh and Josh pointed out that the glowing seems to be originating from on top of the surface.”

  “What about when it’s not facing the sun?”

  “You mean on the dark part of the asteroid? Yeah, it still glows bright and dim, which leads me to believe that we can safely rule out sunlight refraction.”

  “Remind me again, what kind of telescope do you have?” Ed asks.

  “An old Hershel 36” parabolic mirror telescope. It’s not high-tech, but it can still hold its own against today’s expensive telescopes.”

  “I know that – I’m the one who bought it for you, remember? Does NASA know about this? Have you told them?”

  “Not yet, so I’m not sure if they know. I know funding has been cut in the recent years so my guess is probably not. Josh’s friend in Hawaii tipped him off about the asteroid, but he’s an amateur astronomer. Oh, I did show Amber.”

  “Amber? You still with that pretty lit
tle woman?”

  “Yes dad, we’re still going out.”

  “When are you going to pop the question? I’m not getting any younger you know.”

  “Dad, we’ve been dating for about nine months. I’m not sure if we’re ready for that yet. If you don’t mind, I would like to go back to figuring out what this is.”

  “Fine, but if you would call your dad more often, I wouldn’t be asking twenty questions, like when are you getting married or if you popped the question yet.”

  “Trust me, you’ll be the first to know.”

  “Will I? I hardly hear from you – except when you want something.”

  “Tell you what… I’ll work on popping the question if you’d help me figure this out, do we have a deal?”

  Howard extends his hand out to shake.

  “Alright, deal.” His dad says shaking it tight, “So how else can I help you with this mystery?”

  “I was hoping maybe you can ask some of your former co-workers to maybe help out.”

  “From NASA? What do you want them to do?”

  “I don’t know – maybe ask them to use their telescopes to look at it? Maybe confirm they’re seeing what we’re seeing?”

  “Remember… I haven’t stepped foot inside NASA for a long time, son. Heck, I don’t even know if any of my co-workers are still there, but if they are I’ve got a few friends who still owe me a favor.”

  “That’s great dad! Thanks!”

  “No promises… but I’ll see what I can do. Hand me the phone, will you?”

  Howard takes the cordless phone off the charger and hands it to his dad, “I can’t believe this technology still exists today!”

  “That’s because they don’t make things like they used to. Everything nowadays dies or breaks just by looking at it. Not like back in my day, when you built things to last forever.”

  “Like what? Give me one example.”

  “Your 75-year-old telescope, it can still out perform a lot of newer scopes.”

  “Touché Dad. You got me there.”

  Howard’s dad presses the buttons on the phone and puts the receiver to his ear, listening for a few seconds, “Bah – damn automated machines – I hate them! Why can’t we talk to people like we did in the good old days?”

  “Press the hashtag key.” Howard suggests.

  “The what key?” He asks confused.

  “The hashtag key.”

  “What the hell is a hashtag key?”

  “You know, the one that looks like tic-tac-toe.”

  “Oh, you mean the pound key. Get it right son, that’s the pound key!”

  “Fine, whatever dad. Just press it a few times and someone will usually pick up.”

  He presses it a few times and is surprised when he hears it ringing through on the other end.

  “I think it’s working!” He says before quickly clearing his throat, “Yes, this is Ed Shepard, to whom am I speaking with?”

  Howard watches with anticipation as his dad works his magic.

  “Steve you say? You don’t sound like a Steve to me. That’s a very heavy Indian accent to be a Steve.”

  “DAD!” Howard says embarrassed – while quickly putting both hands on his face.

  “Anyways STEVE, if that’s really your name – I need to talk to Daniel Adams. Is he still working there? What do you mean you don’t know? He either is, or isn’t – Geezus, it’s not rocket science!”

  Ed leans back in his chair and listens, “No, I don’t know what extension he’s at, just put him on the line.”

  Howard can’t believe what he’s hearing, “Dad, he’s not a switchboard operator!” He says under his breath.

  “Wait, you’re telling me that this isn’t NASA?”

  Ed listens intently for a few more seconds before the look on his face drops, “Oh - I’m terribly sorry, must have dialed the wrong number.”

  He hangs up and looks at Howard, “That was Steve from tech support. I must have dialed the wrong number. Still, what kind of Indian name is Steve?”

  “Dad, there are a lot of Steve’s from all types of ethnicities. Here, let me help you dial again.”

  Howard whips out his phone, “Okay Google”

  His phone chirps to life, “What is Daniel Adam’s phone number at NASA?”

  “I’ve found three numbers. Work, mobile, or fax?”

  “Work.” Howard says holding the bottom of the phone close to his face.

  “Okay, the number is (281) 483-0123”

  Howard punches the numbers on the dial pad and hands the cordless phone to his dad. Ed hears the phone ringing on the other end and someone picks up.

  “Samantha! How are you doing? This is Ed Shepard, May I…”

  Ed is momentarily interrupted, nodding his head up and down, “Yes, THE Ed Shepard. That’s me.”

  He nods his head some more, rolling his eyes as he listens to Samantha fan-girl over the phone.

  “Yes ma’am, I’m honored to be talking to you to. Yes, I’ll be happy to send your son an autograph of me. Okay, calm down, catch your breath. Listen, is Daniel Adams still working for you guys? He is? Great! Can you put me through to him please? Greatly appreciated… Uh-huh, you’re welcome.”

  Ed covers up the mouth piece of the phone, “It’s ringing.”

  “Danny-boy! This is Ed Shepard! Long time no hear. How ya been? Oh good and the wife and kids? Good, good. Where you at now? Deputy Administrator? Are you kidding me? Well damn! Congrats buddy!”

  Ed covers the mouth piece of the phone and mouths the words Deputy Administrator of NASA before taking his hand off, “Say, are you doing anything this afternoon? You are huh? How about tomorrow afternoon? Do you mind if my son and I swing by your office? We’ve got something we think you might want to see. 2 p.m. tomorrow? Perfect! That’ll work. We’ll see you then.”

  Ed holds the phone out in front of him and presses the end key, “Alright, We’ve got an appointment tomorrow afternoon with the second highest person at NASA. I suggest you go back to the observatory tonight and get more photos, coordinates and anything else to make your case.”

  “Thanks Dad!” Howard says giving him a hug.

  Ed uncomfortably draws back and pats twice, “Yer’ welcome. Now get off of me.”

  “Yes sir.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  (NASA Headquarters – Houston, Texas)

  “Hello old friend, it’s been a long time.” Daniel says while pumping Ed’s hand up and down in a firm handshake.

  “Good to see you!” Daniel says smiling.

  “This is my son, Howard. He’s an amateur astronomer and a damn good one.” Ed says introducing him.

  Howard shakes his hand, “Pleased to meet you, sir.”

  “Likewise, the pleasure is mine. Please, have a seat. What brings you into my office?” Daniel asks while Howard stares all around the room – looking at all the degrees and photographs displayed proudly on the walls. Ed elbows Howard in the side to refocus.

  “Oh, uh… sorry. I was just admiring all the accolades on the walls – and is that a picture of you and my dad on the wall?”

  “Yes, it is – back when we were on the Apollo 19 mission together. That was what… forty-five years ago Ed?”

  “Something like that. Heck, I still remember it like yesterday.” Ed says cracking a smile looking at the photo.

  “We’re not as young as we used to be, huh Ed?”

  “Heh – you can say that again. That’s not why I’m here. My son here has something he wants to show you.”

  “What do you have?” Daniel asks.

  Howard pulls out a folder from his backpack and looks at the photos before passing them over. “What you see in front of you are a couple of photos – screen shots if you will, taken last night from my telescope at an old observatory.”

  Daniel’s attention perks up, “Really? What kind?”

  “Of telescope?”

  “Yeah.” Daniel says – appearing interested.

  “It’s not
hing fancy, just an old Hershel.”

  “Wow. With a little love and TLC, those things can last forever! Right Ed? They don’t make things like they used to.”

  “We were just talking about that yesterday.” Ed replies.

  “How big is the mirror? Twenty-four, Thirty-six, Forty-five?”

  Howard answers, “It’s a 36-inch parabolic.”

  “Nice – I grew up using a 24-inch back in my day. There’s nothing quite like looking through a Hershel and seeing the far reaches of outer space.” Daniel says sitting back in his leather chair, “Speaking of, I’m guessing from these photos in front of me that this is some kind of space anomaly? Tell me, what are your thoughts? What do YOU see?” He asks Howard.

  “I think it’s an asteroid…”

  “I agree with your assessment. What else?”

  “Um… well, it has a pulsating light and I don’t think it’s a refraction of sunlight. And because there’s no tail, I don’t think it’s a comet – which is what my colleagues and I originally first guessed.”

  “Collogues? How many are you?” Daniel asks intrigued.

  Howard looks towards the ground embarrassed, “Well, it’s just me and my best friend Josh. Just the two of us, but he’s really smart! He’s an honor student.”

  “I’m sure you’re both very smart. Have you and your friend thought of becoming astronauts? NASA is always open to interviewing highly qualified personnel.”

  Howard moves uneasy in his chair, “Yes sir, I have. In fact, it’s been my dream since I was young to follow in my dad’s footsteps… to go out into space and look down at the earth below.”

  “Then why aren’t you in the astronaut program?”

  “Because according to NASA’s pre-requisites I don’t qualify on several fronts. For one, I’m an inch short of the minimum height requirement, my eyesight isn’t the 20/200 you guys want – even corrected with glasses… and lastly, I just don’t have $200,000 dollars to apply.” Howard looks towards his Dad who looks away ashamed.

  “Understandable, young man. That’s too bad too, I’m sure you’d be a fine astronaut. What about your friend? Is he interested?”