From @tikatu
From @tikatu to @spaceshipsoutthepool
Deep Space at the Museum
The winter wind cut through Jeff’s hair as he exited the hired limo, raising the collar of his topcoat to protect his neck.
“Space may have been cold, but it was never windy,” he muttered, moving up the small wheelchair cutout to where Kayo stood, dressed in a black coat with teal buttons running up one side, her hair in a strict bun, and her ears covered by teal woolen ear muffs.
“Who’d have thought Washington could get this cold, huh?” Scott said as he joined his father. “Missing the island weather, Dad?” He passed Jeff both a cane and the woolen driving cap Parker had sourced for him. “I know it’s not far to the entrance, but you lose the most heat from your head.”
Jeff harrumphed, but took the hat and settled it properly over his silver and gray hair before taking possession of the cane. Scott himself was wearing a brown fedora that coordinated with his long camel-colored wool overcoat. Virgil, who ducked out after him, wore a rugged corduroy jacket with fleece trim and the hat Kip had gifted him. Alan followed, wearing a puffy red winter coat and a baseball-style cap with ear flaps.
“Whoa!“ Alan’s eyes grew big as he scanned the wing-shaped steel-and-glass portico over the entrance to the National Air and Space Museum. The spear in front of it caught his attention, and he leaned back to get a better look.
“Ah, Ad Astra.” John had joined them, wearing a long, black woolen trench coat, buttoned to his chin, a thick white scarf wrapped around his neck, and a plush tuque with its ear flaps down. His square sunglasses reflected the star cluster at the top. Behind him, Gordon was handing Lady Penelope from FAB-1.
“That means ‘to the stars’, right?”
“Yep. Designed by Richard Lippold in 1976.” Grandma joined her two space-going grandsons. “A little before my time.” She adjusted her purple knit bucket hat, swinging one pompom-embellished end of her matching scarf over a shoulder. Slipping on a pair of reflective, heart-shaped sunglasses, she took Alan’s and John’s arms.
“Is everyone here?” Scott asked, doing a quick head count. “Where’s Brains?”
“H-Here.” If John looked overdressed, Brains had him beat. He had so many layers under his knee-length toggle coat that his shape was practically round.
Virgil offered a hand to pull him from the depths. “Y’know, there’s heat inside the museum.”
“I did not know if w-we were going to walk far. Better to be prepared f-for the weather.”
Kayo eyed the camera crews set up on the wide sidewalk. With a nod, the family was surrounded by a security detail worthy of a president.
“Man, we haven’t been here since we were kids.” Gordon walked arm-in-arm with Penelope, his navy pea coat providing a striking contrast to her pink, skirted coat.
“I have never been here before.” She smiled, tilting her head his way. “We must visit again later, when we don’t have such a momentous occasion to attend.”
Behind them, Virgil turned to John. “There’s an art exhibit I hope to have time to visit.”
“The one on astronaut artists?” John nodded. “I read about that. They even have Alexei Leonov’s first piece. The first art in space. I think I’d like to see that, too.”
The group reached the top of the steps, where the head curator, Leslie Matumbo, waited for them.
“Welcome, Jeff Tracy and family,” she said. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you where you can deposit your coats, and we can go on to the new exhibit.”
She led them through the permanent Milestones of Flight Hall to an elevator past the Welcome Center. Every Tracy—including Gordon—had their head on a swivel, either gazing up at the historic aircraft suspended from the ceiling or staring at the displays along the walls. Brains nudged John as they passed Friendship 7, the craft carrying John Glenn, the first man to orbit the Earth.
John chuckled. “Looks like my namesake was a bit cramped in there.”
“Even more cr-cramped than the space elevator?” Brains smiled, giving John another friendly nudge.
“Yeah,” John drew out the word. “My elevator is roomier.”
Virgil glanced back at them. “Good thing this place has more than one elevator available. With our security detail, we won’t all fit in one.”
Ms. Matumbo motioned to one of the open cars, suggesting without words that Jeff should step in. He was followed by Kayo, Scott, Grandma, Penny Gordon, and two of their security detail. The doors closed; the rest of the family shuffled into the other car, accompanied by Ms. Matumbo and the remaining security personnel.
“This way,” Ms. Matumbo gestured to a room across the hallway. “This is our largest conference room. You can leave your things here.”
As they entered, Jeff’s face lit up with delight. “Kris! Bernie!”
“Jeff?” A woman with silver threaded through her brick red hair turned from her dark-skinned companion. Her eyes widened. “I can’t believe it! Jeff Tracy!”
Jeff crossed to them, arms open.”C’mere, you two! Give this old man a hug!”
Laughing, the two women embraced him. He turned to his family. “Let me introduce you to the family. This is Kristina Finn and Bernice Asher. They were the crew of the Calypso, and I had the honor of training them.”
Bernie shook her head. “The honor was all ours, Colonel.”
“We’ve already met a few of your family.” Kris offered a hand to Scott. “Good to see you again, Scott.”
“You, too.” Scott shook her hand.
“I still think you look a lot like your father.” She winked at him.
Jeff began the rounds, introducing them to the rest of the clan. When they came to Alan, Kris put an arm around his shoulders.
“You’ve got one really talented pilot here. Especially for someone so young!”
Alan’s cheeks reddened at the praise.
Jeff shook his head. “Wish I could claim credit, but everything he knows he learned from Scott.”
Brains approached, hand outstretched. “It’s good to see you in person again.”
“Same here, Brains.” Bernie took his hand. “It’s not like we haven’t talked over the data or anything…”
“Excuse me!” Ms. Matumbo said from the door. “I’m informed that the last person invited to the opening of this exhibit has arrived. When he’s brought up, I’ll want to speak about the logistics of this event.” There was a knock on the door; Ms. Matumbo opened it to reveal Wayne Rigby and…
“Th-Theo?” Brains started forward.
“The Mechanic?” Scott murmured to Virgil. “What’s he doing here out of GDF custody?”
Virgil shrugged. “Rigby’s here, too. He’s probably still in custody.”
In the weeks after Jeff’s return, the Mechanic thought long and hard about what he should do. After all, he had taken advantage of both the Chaos Crew’s attempt to break him out of jail and of International Rescue’s proximity to return to Earth. With the T-Drive Mark 2 complete and without the Hood in his head, he felt guilty—not just about his past but also about endangering the family sheltering him. Brains picked up on his preoccupation and, together, they brought the problem to Jeff and Scott.
This led first to a lengthy consultation with the Tracys’ lawyers, and with three of those lawyers, Brains, and Scott by his side, he surrendered to the GDF. They were still untangling which crimes were deliberate and willful, and those where he could be considered under duress. Until then, he remained in GDF custody.
Kayo sidled up to Rigby while Brains spoke with Theo, and helped him with his coat
“What’s he doing here?” she asked, her voice just above a whisper.
Rigby set his uniform jacket over the back of a chair. “He’s here at the museum’s request since he had a hand in both of the T-Drives. Colonel Casey approved the furlough.”
“Oh!” Kayo blinked in surprise. “I suppose that makes sense. How long is he going to be out?”
“Long enough for this shindig and an overnight stay at the local GDF base.” He gestured with his head to the Tracys. “I’m willing to hang around for a couple of hours if anyone wants to chat with him.”
“I’ll let them know.”
Ms. Matumbo raised her voice. “Now that everyone’s here, let’s discuss how this will work. Colonel Tracy, Ms. Asher, Ms. Finn, and Mr. Foster will go first. Give us ten minutes to finalize our set-up before you all join us. I’ll say a few words and introduce each of them—starting with the crew of the Calypso and ending with the Colonel, who will say a few words, too. We’ll get video of the introductions and speeches, then of them perusing the materials. Give them thirty minutes for that, then the rest of you can join him in the exhibit. We’ll be taking pictures for the first hour or so after the exhibit is open to the public.” She glanced around at the assembled Tracys. “Are there any questions?”
“I have a concern.” Kayo stepped forward. “As head of the Tracy’s security team, I need to be with the Colonel.”
Ms. Matumbo opened her mouth, as if to object, but she closed it when Rigby spoke. “Mr. Foster is here under the forbearance of the GDF. I am required to be with him at all times.”
Ms. Matumbo rolled her shoulders, squaring them up as she faced Rigby and Kayo. “I understand. Please be discreet.”
“We will,” Rigby replied.
Virgil raised a hand. “Can we visit some of the other exhibits during that half-hour?”
Ms. Matumbo smiled, teeth white in her dark face. “Certainly! You are our guests today.” She scanned the room. “Any other questions?”
There were none, so she herded Jeff, Asher, Finn, and Theo out, with Kayo just ahead of Jeff and Rigby following the group closely.
John moved away from their security team, then opened his phone. He spoke softly. “EOS?”
The rondel of EOS’s lights appeared in a miniature hologram over his wrist Yes, John?
“Do you have eyes on Father? Is there sound?”
I do and there is. Shall I connect you to the cameras?
“No, that’s not necessary. Please record whatever’s happening, and follow Dad through the exhibit, wherever you can.”
Do you expect trouble?
“No. I think Dad would like a remembrance of this event. So would I.”
You have spoken of the frailty of human memory. I will do my best to help you both remember this event.
“Thanks, EOS.”
You are welcome, John.
John tucked his phone in his pocket and turned back, only to find Grandma fussing over everyone’s looks.
“I saw those camera crews out there and I’ll bet dollars to donuts there will be one downstairs.” She examined Alan’s face. “Good. You’re clean. Comb your hair.” Glancing over at John, she added, “You, too. You both have hat hair.”
Penelope chuckled. “I must admit, John, you looked positively Russian in that tuque.” She glanced at her watch. “We should join the festivities.”
Another elevator ride, and the family—plus security—were standing outside the entrance to the exhibit. An animated sign took the viewer quickly past Mars and through the outer planets, including Pluto, then the exhibit title appeared: Out Beyond Pluto: Visitors to Deep Space.
As Sally had predicted, there was at least one news crew there, though some of those using their phones to capture the event were probably also with the Fourth Estate. The Tracys filled in behind them; Virgil had his phone out to record, too.
“I’d like to introduce four pioneers in deep space flight,” Ms. Matumbo said. “First we have Astronauts Kristina Finn and Bernice Asher, who spent eight years traveling past the Heliopause into the space beyond and returning safely. The data they brought back in their ship, the Calypso, has revolutionized our knowledge of lies beyond our solar system.”
Those around clapped as Kris and Bernie smiled, Kris giving a little wave.
“Then we have someone whose work on not one but two faster-than-light engine designs will make trips like the Calypso’s a thing of the past. Meet Theo Foster, one of the engineers behind the mighty T-Drive!”
The applause for Theo—who most of the press knew as the Mechanic—would have been a pale smattering if not for the Tracys, who clapped enthusiastically. One of the reporters turned to see who was applauding so loudly… and did a double-take to see who stood behind her.
“And, finally, a man who needs no introduction,…” Ms. Matumbo grinned. “…but is getting one anyway.” She paused as the small audience laughed. “Colonel Jeff Tracy, founder of our exhibit sponsor and of International Rescue. He rode the T-Drive equipped Zero-X all the way to the Oort Cloud for eight, long years.” She gestured to Jeff, who smiled and nodded. “I’d like Colonel Tracy to say a few words before we open the exhibit.”
Jeff stepped up to the microphone to applause. “Thank you, Ms. Matumbo.” He gestured to the three people behind him. “It’s great to be reunited with old friends. Kris and Bernie.. I mean, Bernice… were trainees of mine back in the day. And Theo… without Theo I wouldn’t be standing before you now. He was the key to unlocking the T-Drive so my sons could rescue me.” He straightened. “And if you ask me, there are six other people who have been to deep space, though their visit was brief. That would be my five sons, and the smartest man I know, our engineer, Brains.”
He cleared his throat. “I think I’d better hand this back to Ms. Matumbo before I get emotional. My thanks to the Smithsonian and the Air and Space Museum for creating this exhibit. I can hardly wait to see what’s inside.”
People clapped again. Ms. Matumbo took the microphone again, turning to the four people behind her. “And we thank you all for providing the materials for this exhibit.” She faced front again and said simply, “Our new exhibit, Out Beyond Pluto: Visitors to Deep Space is now open. Please let our contributors have some time to visit before anyone else.”
She led the group into the exhibition space. Kris and Bernice went first, followed by Jeff and Kayo, then Theo and Rigby bringing up the rear. A few reporters shouted questions and one or two tried to enter the exhibit, only to be thwarted by museum guards. The rest of the press turned, almost as one, to swarm around Scott, shouting questions as if this was part of the program. The Tracys’ security detail moved in, trying to insert themselves between the reporters and the family.
Virgil nudged John. “C’mon. Let’s check out that art exhibit.”
John nodded. He turned to one of the security men and, with a motion of his head, asked him to come along.
“Do you know where it is?” John asked, as they went down the wide hallway between exhibits.
“Yup. Checked everything out before we came. The gallery’s on this floor at the end of the building.”
“Hey, guys! Wait up!”
At the sound of Alan’s voice, they paused and looked back. It seemed most of the press had been pushed back; Scott and, God help them, Grandma, were holding an impromptu press conference. Fleeing the scene were Alan, Gordon, and Penelope, with a lone TI security member bringing up the rear.
“Where are you two going?” Gordon asked.
“Art exhibition,” Virgil replied
.
John added, “About astronaut artists.”
Gordon rolled his eyes. “Figures you’d find something to appeal to both of you. We’re heading for the gift shop and then the café.”
Alan glanced between the two pairs, one brother just hanging out with another versus the other brother and his girlfriend. The gift shop and café sounded amazing, but he knew two things. One, he’d be a third wheel if he went with Gordon and Penelope, and two, if he went with them and did whichever they were not doing, Kayo would have his hide for not taking security with him. (It did not occur to him that Penelope was security enough for Gordon and vice versa.)
“Can I go with you guys?”
Virgil shrugged. “Sure.”
“As long as we stick together so Dave can keep an eye on all of us,” John warned him.
“Works for me!” Alan turned back to where the few reporters left were packing up their gear. “Hey, where‘d Scott and Grandma go?”
“Upstairs.” Penelope waved at the escalator past the Deep Space exhibit. “I believe there are planes suspended from the ceiling further along.”
Alan sighed. “I’d rather have gone with them.”
“Well, now you’re stuck with us.” “John put an arm around his shoulders. “Let’s find this art exhibit. Virgil’s getting antsy.”
“I am not!”
John returned Gordon’s wave as the two groups parted.
They found the gallery in a corner, a little further along. The animated sign ran through five or six pictures above the exhibit’s title: Astronaut Artists: Space Through Their Eyes.
“So all these people are astronauts and made art in space?” Alan asked.
“Mostly, they made art about space and their experiences in it,” Virgil explained. “Sometimes, they were the first to make art in space.”
“In this case, the definition of ‘in space’ includes in orbit.” John steered them to the central case first. “This is the first art ever made in LEO by cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, over a century ago.”
“It’s a sunrise from space; I’ve seen plenty of those.” Alan turned to John. “Man, that’s tiny! The pencils are longer than the paper. Couldn’t he have brought something bigger?”
John shook his head. “No room to put it or to spread it out, even if he folded it up. The Voskhod 2 had two crew members and was even more cramped than the later Apollo flights. Did you know he was the first man to spacewalk?”
“He was?”
“He even painted the experience.” Virgil waved them over to a freestanding wall. “He painted it after the fact, but probably used the photo taken at the time as inspiration.”
They admired the art and moved along. There were several paintings by Alan Bean, an astronaut on the Apollo 12 mission, displayed. Next, they found watercolors by the International Space Station astronaut, Nicole Stott. Sculptures and paintings from Moon colonist, Guiying Meining were on display, as were pastel and pencil drawings by Ibrahim bin Almar Al-Ghazzawi.
“I read about him,” Alan said. “First artist on Mars.”
“Looks like we’ve just about finished here.” Virgil rounded a corner and stopped so short that John, consulting his phone, ran into him.
“That’s not space.” Virgil pointed to the sketch, grabbing John’s shoulder. “It looks like… Tracy Island!”
“Oh, yeah! That.”
John shot Alan an incredulous look. “You…” He shook himself. “Explain, please.”
Alan’s eyes went wide. “Oh, crap! I forgot you hadn’t seen it. Just Scott and me. It was on the wall in the Zero-X. Dad drew it.” He frowned, blond eyebrows drawing together. “How’d it get here? Wasn’t it destroyed with the planetoid?”
“It was, son.”
Virgil glanced up from the information tablet he’d read. “It’s a print., made from a picture you took.”
Jeff nodded. “Sketching Tracy Island was something that kept me sane. I offered the scan I’d made of it to the Museum, along with some of my log entries. When I didn’t see it in the Deep Space exhibit, I asked Ms. Matumbo about it. She told me it was here.”
“Well, it is the first art made in the Oort Cloud.”
“Technically, Alan, it was.” John checked his phone. “Ugh. I should have set an alarm. The new exhibit is going to have a line now.”
“John, you and your brothers lived through most of it,” Kayo said. “Rigby is taking Theo down to the café. Time to get off your feet, have some food, and conversation.”
“That sounds good to me!” Alan hugged his father. Jeff let his hand rest on Alan’s shoulder.
“C’mon, John. I want to talk to Theo.” Virgil gestured with his head, indicating John should go first.
John let out a light sigh, then followed Jeff out, with Virgil and Dave from security last in line.
As they found the escalator down, Alan could be heard to ask, “Can we go to the gift shop, too?”
