Space Kids, page 2
So why does he seem a little sad? Nash wondered.
Despite his obvious wealth and privilege, Finn seemed like a nice boy. A normal boy who Nash was already warming to. And, if Nash had read it correctly, Finn had a few problems with his dad, just like Nash did.
‘How will the space race work?’ Raj asked.
‘It’s something Dad wanted to have so the crews on the other space stations could join in and have fun,’ Finn explained. ‘It helps promote Misty too. We’re the only eco-friendly station so we have to set a good example. We want to show that Misty’s renewable energy blaster is the best. It might get others thinking the same way. Our blaster technology could change the future of space travel.’
‘What exactly is a blaster?’ KC asked.
‘They’re small, specially designed, high-speed, high-power spaceships. Dad’s development team has spent months perfecting the technology. Ventura’s super cool. If you take me to the docking station, I’ll show you.’
The docking station was like an airport terminal, with a long corridor where passengers waited to board various flights and shuttles. Along the corridor were gates connected to enclosed walkways – all with airlocks to ensure oxygen levels were maintained – where shuttles attached for passengers to board or disembark. Anchored to one walkway was a sleek, green-and-white shuttle with the name ‘Ventura’ printed on it in large green, cursive letters.
‘She’s beautiful,’ KC said. ‘I like the name Ventura.’
‘Thanks,’ Finn replied. ‘Dad let me choose the name. It means ‘good fortune’. We need some of the Misty crew to race with us. I can ask if you guys can come along.’ He glanced at the others uncertainly. ‘Only if you want to, of course.’
‘Are you kidding?’ Raj said. ‘I’d love to!’
‘Me too!’ KC said.
Nash felt torn. He wanted to go with the others, but what if something bad happened? His earlier incident had scared him, and he didn’t want to let anyone down.
‘Um, sure,’ he said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
Relief flooded Finn’s face. ‘Great! This may sound weird, but I don’t have many friends. I don’t go to normal school, so I don’t often meet new people.’
‘We get it,’ KC said. ‘It’s the same for us up here in space and we’d love to be your friends.’
Chapter 5
Nash noticed flashing lights in the distance. ‘We have more incoming!’ He pointed outside where several spaceships were approaching the docking station gates.
‘Everyone’s arriving for the race,’ Finn said. ‘Let’s watch who’s coming in.’
The first blaster to dock was shaped like a cat and was called Kitty-Kat. Another looked like a squid with an elongated cockpit and long, silver ‘tentacles’ floating behind it. One blaster was shaped like a Viking ship, and another was a glowing neon purple orb captained by the GLOW Space Station crew, which stood for Galaxy Leisure Orbit Wheel. There was even a blaster in the shape of a wolf. Yet another resembled a pair of scissors. It was red and had the name ‘Slasher’ scrawled in white writing on the side.
‘They’re all so unusual,’ KC said.
‘That’s the new technologies being tested,’ Finn said. ‘See the scissor-shaped blaster? It’s owned by Wordlink.’
‘They’re responsible for the space junk.’ Raj’s eyes narrowed. ‘They’re always up to no good.’
The door to Gate 21 where Slasher was docked opened and a hulking man with buzz cut grey hair, piercing blue eyes, and a scowl strode in. He wore a red spacesuit and was followed by a group of shorter, but no less scowly team members, also dressed in red.
‘That’s Miles Sergeant,’ Finn said.
Nash knew the name. Miles had been the first man to walk on Mars. Worldlink must have hired him to pilot Slasher for the Space Race.
‘They’re pushing the race rules in a blaster that big,’ Finn said.
Raj agreed. ‘That thing’s huge!’
The team that exited the wolf blaster weren’t human. They were robo-wolves! Nash liked wolves, but he didn’t like robots one bit. It had been hard enough getting used to Raj’s ferrog, but Nash had eventually learned that Rex was harmless. The same couldn’t be said for other robots.
For the most part, the robo-wolves resembled humans. They talked and walked upright on two legs, but they had wolf heads that were covered in fur. One of the robo-wolves caught Nash staring. He threw his head back and howled. The other robo-wolves joined in.
Nash shuddered. Dumb robots. I’ll be steering clear of them.
Footsteps sounded along the corridor. Nash turned to see Cooper Borgstein, Captain Malik, and Dad approaching.
‘Isn’t it great seeing all the teams arrive?’ Cooper rubbed his hands together excitedly. ‘Captain, can you check the racing teams in while I chat to the kids?’
‘Certainly,’ Captain Malik said before marching off.
‘So, kids,’ Cooper said, ‘we need a race team, and I was hoping you’d be it.’
‘I was going to ask you if they could come!’ Finn said.
‘We’ll also need you, Orson,’ Cooper said. ‘You’re a fantastic Safety Officer and the best engineer in space.’
Dad coughed. ‘Well, I don’t know about that.’
‘It’s true,’ Cooper said. ‘You wouldn’t be employed on Misty Space Station if it wasn’t. That’s why we need you on Ventura with us.’
‘I’m happy to come along,’ Dad said, ‘but the race won’t be without its risks. I’m a bit concerned about the kids going.’
Cooper argued that there wasn’t anything to worry about. Like Finn had told the Space Kids earlier, he explained that his team had been testing Ventura for months and that every safety precaution had been followed. ‘I wouldn’t take Finn if I wasn’t completely satisfied.’
‘Nothing’s perfect,’ Orson said. ‘I’d still like some time to consider it.’
Cooper gave an easy grin. ‘Of course,’ he said with a wave of his hand. ‘But I do hope you’ll want to be part of my winning team.’
Nash realised that Cooper was charming and generous and handed out compliments easily. But that was likely because as a billionaire he was used to getting his own way. It was easy being happy and friendly when no one ever told you ‘no’.
‘I want to be part of your winning team,’ Raj said.
‘So do I,’ KC said.
‘What about you, Nash?’ Cooper asked.
Nash didn’t want to miss out on the fun, but his experience earlier in the day had shaken his confidence. ‘Maybe, but I do have homework to do. My teacher back on Earth will get annoyed if I’m late handing in my assignments.’
‘Homework is important,’ Cooper agreed. ‘But don’t forget, if you join me on Ventura and we win, you’ll go down in history. Doesn’t that sound awesome?’
‘Dad,’ Finn said, ‘not everyone wants to be first like you.’
Cooper chuckled. ‘Son, I don’t want to be first. I need to be first. You don’t become a billionaire by finishing in second place.’ He smiled at Nash. ‘But we’re all motivated by different things. I understand if you don’t want to come, but I’d be honoured if you do. Shall I leave it with you to discuss with your dad?’
‘Sure,’ Nash said.
‘Great!’ Cooper said. ‘Now, I’m going to chat to the other teams. Those robo-wolves are fascinating! Come on, Orson.’
Dad shot Nash an apologetic look before hurrying off.
‘Sorry about that,’ Finn said. ‘Dad can be rather full on.’
Not wanting to say anything negative about Cooper, Nash glanced at his watch. ‘I’ve got to go. I really do have homework and I’d better check in with Mum. Catch you later.’
Chapter 6
Nash made a hasty exit then found his way back to the quarters he shared with Dad. When he got there, he didn’t feel like doing homework or speaking to Mum. Instead, he threw himself on his bed and tried not to think about the horror he’d felt earlier that morning when he was drifting in space.
A knock sounded at the door.
‘Vera,’ he asked the ship’s computer. ‘Who is it?’
A screen displaying the footage from the CCTV camera outside the apartment turned on and showed Finn standing there.
What does he want? Nash wondered grumpily.
Nash thought about ignoring Finn, but when the other boy knocked again, he decided to let him in.
‘Hey,’ Finn said, as he strolled into the apartment. ‘Nice place you have here.’
Nash couldn’t help laughing. ‘Thanks, although I bet it’s not as nice as your place ... es?’
‘Yes, places,’ Finn said. ‘Dad has plenty of houses.’ He perched on a stool at the kitchen bench. ‘Although, he never spends much time in any of them.’
‘Before I started coming to space, I didn’t see my dad much either,’ Nash said.
‘Don’t tell anyone,’ Finn said, ‘but I was terrified of coming to space.’
‘Really?’ Nash said. He was shocked that someone as big and strong as Finn, someone with a father who could make anything happen, ever felt afraid.
‘Uh-huh,’ Finn replied. ‘Why do you think I’ve never been here before? Dad’s been trying to get me into space for years, but I was too scared to come. When I heard about you and Raj and KC, though, I wanted to meet you guys.’
‘I hope you’re not disappointed,’ Nash said. ‘You probably think I’m a scaredy-cat not wanting to go on the blaster race.’
‘So, homework was just an excuse?’ Finn said.
Nash blushed. ‘Yes.’
‘I’d heard you were a bit of a gun in space,’ Finn said. ‘All the things you did when the ship was sabotaged, that took real guts.’
‘I guess I didn’t think about it at the time.’
‘Dad wants you on the blaster and so do I,’ Finn said. ‘It won’t be the same without you. I know I’d feel much better if you came along.’
‘What if I make a mistake?’ Nash said. ‘Your dad might get angry if he loses the race because of me.’
‘I doubt it,’ Finn said. ‘Besides, Dad never gets angry.’
‘Even if he loses?’
‘Well, that is a rare event, but even if he loses, he finds a way to turn it into a positive. Don’t worry about him. Just worry about coming along so we can have fun.’
Nash mulled over what Finn had said. ‘Is it weird being Super Cooper’s son?’
‘Sometimes.’ Finn shrugged. ‘Dad is a good guy though. He gives a lot back to the community and to his employees. You know, he started with nothing. He’s completely self-made.’
‘He must have worked hard to get where he is,’ Nash said.
‘He sure has,’ Finn agreed. ‘He never stops working!’
There was another knock at the door. Finn checked the CCTV camera. Raj and KC were outside. Rex was with them and so was Pluto, who was sitting on KC’s shoulder. It seemed the two had now become firm friends. Nash let them in and the kids, the marmoset, and Raj’s ferrog hung out for a while. For now, any thoughts of homework were forgotten.
While they played their favourite VR game, Thunderforce, KC said, ‘You know, Nash, I would have been scared if I were you earlier today too. I mean, what if your tether had snapped? It’s natural to be afraid some of the time.’
Nash lifted an eyebrow suspiciously. ‘What exactly are you saying?’
‘She means,’ Raj said, nudging KC, ‘that it won’t be the same without you on the blaster race.’
KC nodded. ‘He’s a thousand per cent right.’
Nash crashed out of the game and tossed his controller to Finn for a turn. ‘Okay, I get it. I’ll come on the race with you. I’d never live it down if you won and I wasn’t there.’
‘Yee-haw!’ Raj shouted as he danced around the lounge room. ‘It’s going to be the best day ever!’
Everyone turned to stare at Raj, even Pluto.
‘What?’ Raj said. ‘I’m excited.’
That’s when everyone burst out laughing.
Chapter 7
Things moved quickly on Misty as preparations were made for the space race. By lunchtime the next day, all the racing teams had arrived. Journalists and news crews – both those based on Earth and those in space – had also arrived to cover the event. Misty was always a fun, busy station, but with the upcoming race, there was an extra buzz in the air.
Most of the teams were friendly and likeable. However, three in particular worried Nash: the Robo-wolves, the Worldlink Slasher team headed by Miles Sergeant, and the Viking team, which was headed by Sven Nordisk. None of those teams spent time talking to tourists or mingling with other teams. Nash tried to push any misgivings from his mind. A launch party was planned for that evening and the following morning was Race Day. There was little time to focus on anything besides the race itself.
‘Not long to go now!’ KC said excitedly when she found Nash in the gym riding his exercise bike. ‘How many k’s are you up to?’
‘Just started,’ Nash replied. ‘Are you going to the launch party tonight?’
‘Of course.’ KC hopped on the bike beside Nash and started peddling. ‘Mum’s making me a marmoset costume.’
The two friends slipped on their virtual reality goggles and chose a setting. Today, it was the Californian redwood forests. They settled into their riding, peddling away as they listened to music, wondered at the trees, and chatted. After an hour, Nash and KC packed up their goggles and headed back to their quarters to get changed for the party. When Nash arrived at his apartment, Dad was already dressed. He looked handsome in a black suit, white collared shirt, and a green satin bow tie.
Nash had never seen Dad so dressed up, except in his wedding photo when he had been marrying Nash’s mum. Nash felt sad that his dad and mum weren’t together anymore, although he knew Mum was happy with her new husband, Mike.
Mike took Nash to soccer training after school and to the game on Saturdays. His life on Earth was a world without Dad, though, and Nash ached to spend time with him. Part of the reason he loved visiting Misty was because he got to see Dad.
Lost in his thoughts, Nash didn’t realise he was staring until Dad spoke, ‘Cooper’s orders,’ he said, waving a hand at his suit. ‘He wants us all in black tie.’
Dad pointed to a plastic sleeve with another suit in it right about Nash’s size. Nash groaned. Once again, Cooper was getting what he wanted. ‘Do I have to?’
‘Afraid so,’ Dad said. ‘Penguin suits for men. Evening dresses for women.’
‘I don’t know how that’ll go down with KC,’ Nash said. ‘She had her heart set on a marmoset suit.’ He showered then dressed in his suit and came out to show Dad. ‘It’s a bit old fashioned, don’t you think?’
‘You look very grown up,’ Dad said. ‘I can’t believe how tall you’re getting. Here, come and let’s measure you.’
While Nash grumbled about tight pants and time running out before the launch party, Dad positioned Nash against the wall and used a pencil to mark his height.
‘Step away now,’ Dad said. He got his measuring tape out. ‘You’ve grown two centimetres since last time I measured you. I think you’ve hit a growth spurt.’
‘Finally!’ Nash said. ‘Have you seen Finn? He’s enormous.’
‘It doesn’t matter how tall someone is,’ Dad said. ‘Or rich. It’s what’s inside that counts. Don’t ever forget that.’
On an impulse, Nash threw himself at Dad for a hug. Strong arms wrapped around him, taking Nash back to when he was little. Long before his parents had broken up. Long before Dad had put space and distance between them by moving to Misty. Long before Nash had been afraid of anything.
‘It’s been ages since you’ve hugged me like this,’ Dad said.
Embarrassed, Nash broke away from Dad’s embrace. ‘Sorry. I know I’m too old for hugs.’
Dad put his hands on Nash’s shoulder and gazed into his eyes. ‘You’re never too old for a hug, buddy. It means the world to me that you’re spending more time with me. I miss you when I’m up here.’
Not enough to give up your job and come back to Earth, Nash thought unhappily. There was no easy answer to the problem. Dad had to earn a living and his job was on a space station. Nash decided to push his sad thoughts aside and focus on the night’s festivities.
At least I can enjoy the best of both worlds for now, he told himself. He held up the green satin band that was meant to be his bow tie. ‘Can you help me with this?’
‘Sure,’ Dad said. ‘Then we’d better go or they’ll start the party without us!’
Chapter 8
Nash couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the Grand Ballroom decked out with shiny silver and gold decorations, balloons, streamers, and LED lights. It was like a magical fairy land.
‘Isn’t this fantastic?’ Raj said, hurrying over when he saw Nash arrive. Like Nash, Raj was dressed in a black tuxedo and green bow tie and looked as stiff as a board. ‘I spent the afternoon helping decorate the place.’
‘No expense spared I take it?’ Nash tried not to sound like a spoilsport. The place did look incredible, after all.
‘It’s all recycled materials, believe it or not,’ Raj said. ‘Cooper insisted on it. And once we’re done, everything gets packed up and sent to Earth where it will be donated to families in need. Nothing will be wasted. It’s all in keeping with Cooper’s motto of ‘Keeping Space Green’.’ Raj grinned. ‘How do you like my monkey suit?’
‘You look as uncomfortable as me,’ Nash said, tugging at his collar.
‘Hi, boys!’ Nash and Raj turned to see KC and Finn.
KC had her arm linked with Finn’s as he escorted her into the room. Like Nash and Raj, Finn wore a tux and bow tie. Unlike them, however, he appeared completely at home in the formal outfit. He’d even changed out of his hover shoes and was wearing shiny leather shoes that Nash was sure must have cost a fortune. Finn’s dark hair was gelled back, giving him the illusion of being even taller, and Pluto was perched on his shoulder dressed in a miniature green tuxedo.
