Free The Cassandra Project by Jack McDevitt Page B

credibility. If they’re lying to him or feeding him false information, they’re destroying the one thing he trades on: his veracity. If he
knew
he was lying, that would be different, it’d be his choice—but my reading of him is that he’s an honorable man. Hell, you saw what precipitated that
brouhaha
with Kirby: He wanted to know what happened.” Another pause. “He’s on
our
side. One of these days, he’ll figure it out. In the meantime, I need to talk to him.” “If he’s lying or ignorant, why?” asked Brent.
    “So he’ll know he’s got a home here if they ever kick him out,” answered Bucky. “Sooner or later, the truth will come out, and they’re going to need a fall guy—and as Humphrey Bogart would say, he’s made to order for the part.” Brent shrugged. “You’re the boss.”
    “If we’re all agreed on that, set up a face-to-face for me.”
    Gloria went to her much smaller desk, and a moment later Jerry Culpepper’s image appeared on Bucky’s computer screen.
    “Hi, Jerry. Did I catch you at a busy time?”
    “These days, those are the only times I’ve got.” Jerry smiled. “What can I do for you, Mr. Bucky?” “Bucky,” Bucky corrected him.
    “Bucky,” said Jerry. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”
    “Be my guest.”
    “Your given name is Morgan. Why Bucky? The press has dubbed you ‘The Cowboy Millionaire,’ but unlike all the Texas oilmen I’ve met you don’t wear a Stetson and boots, so why . . . ?” “You really want to know?” asked Bucky with a smile.
    “That’s why I asked.”
    “It’s for Buck Rogers. I always wanted to be an astronaut.”
    Jerry smiled. “Really?”
    “Is it so hard to believe?” asked Bucky.
    “Not at all. There were days that I was John Carter of Mars or the Gray Lensman. Earth was never big enough for me.” Bucky chuckled. “I
knew
we had a lot in common.”
    “I’m not so sure,” said Jerry. “Your pin money could eat my life savings for breakfast.” “Come to work for me, and we’ll do something about that.”
    Jerry smiled and shook his head. “I’ve got a contract, Bucky.” “I have the best lawyers in the country, and I’ll pay court costs if NASA sues.” “I appreciate the offer, truly I do,” said Jerry. “But I have to honor my commitment. What would you think of me if I broke it?” “As disappointed as I am, I admire that,” replied Bucky.
    “So is that what this call is all about?”
    “No, though of course I’d be thrilled if you came over to our side.” “
Are
we on different sides, Bucky?” asked Jerry.
    “I hope not.”
    “Everyone at NASA is rooting for you to accomplish all your goals in space and hopefully awaken enough interest that we can get sufficient funding to get back in the race,” said Jerry. “You’re our best hope, so why should you be on the opposite side?” “Because
you
may know something that
we
need to know,” replied Bucky.
    “Oh?” Jerry arched an eyebrow. “What?”
    “I don’t know,” admitted Bucky. “But I have a feeling that Aaron Walker could answer that, and maybe Ralph D’Angelo, too.” Jerry tensed visibly. “Why do you think
I
know anything about it?” “I said Aaron Walker knew,” said Bucky. “
Do
you know anything about it?” Jerry exhaled deeply. “I wish I did.”
    “I believe you. For now.”
    “I haven’t been told not to dig,” said Jerry. “There’s no place I can’t go, no file I can’t see, no one I can’t talk to. But . . .” “But if it’s hidden well enough, what they let you do makes no difference.” “What the hell could it be?” said Jerry, forcing a shrug. “We landed. We came back. All but one mission went like clockwork—and when Apollo XIII screwed up, nobody made any attempt to hide it.” “Can you take a word of advice from someone who’s older and been around a lot longer than you, Jerry?” “I’m all ears,” replied Jerry sincerely.
    “Protect your ass. When whatever it is comes