Tom Swift Jr #35, Chapter 3: Beyond The Horizon

“I’ve always liked your office, Tom,” Ned remarked to his friend. “There’s just something about it that stands out.”

Tom Swift Sr. smiled as he walked over to his desk and sat down. Over the years many visitors and dignitaries had graced his office, and nearly all of them shared the same opinion. What caught there attention wasn’t the beautiful mahogany walls, or the thick red carpet, or the tasteful modern furniture. The real attention-getters were the models of Tom’s famous inventions that decorated the room.

“I see you’ve got all the classics here,” Ned continued, as he slowly walked around the room. “Your giant magnet, the great searchlight, giant cannon, and the airplanes – yes, the airplanes! You always had a thing for building heavier-than-air machines, didn’t you?” Ned picked up a small model from a bookshelf and looked at it fondly. “I remember this one! This is your sky racer, isn’t it?”

Tom Sr. nodded fondly. “The Hummingbird. I used that to save my father’s life. It was one of the early ones.”

Ned put the model down and looked at the pictures that hung on the wall. “These really bring back memories. There’s you and your father, back in the old days. And there’s Mr. Damon! Man, I miss him. Do you remember the adventures we used to have? We don’t do things like that anymore.”

Tom smiled. “I’m getting a bit old to be trekking through the jungles of Central America, Ned. I’m not quite as young and foolish as I used to be.”

“Nonsense, Tom. Mr. Damon was an old man when he started accompanying us all over the globe. We’re just getting soft and set in our ways.”

Ned settled down into a chair and relaxed. “I need to start paying you personal visits more often. I’ve really enjoyed today. It’s felt like old times, seeing you in action.”

“If my son’s latest idea works out, you’ll be able to get here from California in a couple hours. You could start dropping by for lunch! Hypersonic flight will change the world.”

“Do you really think he can do it? I mean, I know he’s your son, but he’s still pretty young.”

Tom Sr. leaned back in his chair and looked thoughtfully into the distance. “That’s a good question. I think his basic idea is sound, but it’s going to take some effort, and it’s not like anything he’s ever done before. It won’t be easy.”

“Is it really wise to let him try to build a nuclear-powered aircraft? An awful lot can go wrong, you know. It’s not like he’s tinkering with a motorcycle. Atomic power isn’t for beginners.”

“True, but he won’t be acting alone – he has a whole company to help him out. Besides, I’ll be keeping an eye on him. He’s got a passion for this, and I don’t want to quench it.”

Ned started to reply, but there was a knock on the door, followed by a muffled voice. “Dad?”

“Come on in,” Tom said. The door opened, and Tom Jr. and Irene walked into the room.

“Thanks for coming,” Tom Sr. said warmly. “Please, take a seat. Ned and I called this meeting to talk about the future of the tomasite project. We’re going to be taking the company in an exciting new direction and I wanted the two of you to be the first to know our plans.”

Tom Jr. and Irene took seats, and Tom Sr. got up from behind his desk and began pacing around the room. “As you know, the tomasite test today was a success. There is still a lot of work to be done, but I think we’ve demonstrated that the material will work. Our next step is going to be working on a manufacturing process. Being able to produce it in the lab is great, but we’re going to need a different technique to create it on a massive scale.”

“I’ve already started thinking about that,” Irene said excitedly. “There’s so much we can do! I don’t think it will be that bad if we – ”

Ned help up a hand. “I’m sure you’re right, Irene. However, I’m afraid that my constitution just isn’t strong enough to handle the technical details of the process. Once you and Tom work it out you can send it to me and I’ll let my engineers make sense of your blueprints.”

“Fair enough,” Irene replied. “I think I can find it within my heart to take pity on an old man.”

Tom Sr. smiled. “Irene, your help on the tomasite project has been invaluable, and I took pains to emphasize that to the reporter that came here today. I want to make sure you get all the credit that is due to you. However, there are plenty of talented engineers here that can work out a manufacturing process. I want to put your amazing abilities to use in a slightly different area.”

“Ok,” Irene said slowly. “What, exactly, did you have in mind?”

“I want you to work with my son on his hyperplane project. After all, your area of expertise is nuclear physics. I think the two of you will make an amazing team.”

Tom Jr. sat up in his chair. “So you’re going to let us go ahead with the project?”

“Of course! In fact, I’m going to do more than that. I believe that nuclear energy holds the key to this nation’s future. With that in mind, we’re going to build a research center out west that is completely focused on experimental nuclear energy. After you have completed the reactor design we will build your test reactors there and, eventually, the hyperplane.”

Tom Jr. looked at Ned with surprise. “And you’re ok with this? I mean, isn’t it going to be a bit expensive?”

“Your father’s always been the one that drives the company,” Ned replied. “My role is to make sure the bills get paid so he can keep on inventing. If he wants to take the company down the nuclear road then I’ll be there to support him.”

Tom Sr. continued. “We’re going to be doing more at the Swift Nuclear Research Institute than just working on the hyperplane, of course. My next project is going to be building a large-scale reactor that is based on tomasite technology. I think it could serve an important role in meeting our country’s growing demand for energy.”

Irene grinned. “So the two of you are going to be working on opposite ends of the spectrum! The father will work on powering an entire state, and the son will work on powering airplanes.”

“I think my son’s job will be harder than mine,” Tom Sr. said. “Building a nuclear reactor is one thing, but building one that is small enough to fit on a plane is a different challenge entirely.”

“It will be a big task,” Tom Jr. said thoughtfully.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Ned cautioned. “You have a lot of resources here. Use them.”

“So where is this new facility going to be built?” Irene asked.

“I’ve found some remote property in southern Arizona that should work,” Tom Sr. replied. “It’s fifteen miles from the nearest ranch and about seventy-five miles south of Phoenix. We wanted to find a location remote enough to rule out any possibility of harming the public, and I think this site will do the trick. Ned still has a lot of paperwork to do before the government will let us set up shop, but we hope to begin construction within the next few weeks. If all goes well we should be able to open the first part of the facility in the spring of next year.”

“The first part?” Irene asked.

Tom Sr. nodded. “Phase I is focused on building laboratories for nuclear research and development, and creating space for my tomasite-based reactor. In Phase II we’re going to add facilities to create transuranium elements, which we will sell to various organizations and research institutions around the country.”

“So you’re going to start producing plutonium?” Tom Jr. asked in amazement.

“Eventually,” Tom Sr. said, laughing. “But not this year, and probably not next year. We’ve got a lot to do between now and then.”

Irene glanced at her watch. “Is there anything else you wanted to tell us?”

Tom Sr. shook his head. “That was the main news, I think. We’ll probably spend a couple hours hashing out some of the details, of course. You’re more than welcome to stay for that if you’d like.”

“Thanks, but we’ve got to be going,” Irene said. She grabbed Tom Jr. and headed for the door.

“We have other plans?” Tom Jr. whispered.

“Yes, we do,” Irene replied firmly.

“Oh,” Tom replied. He turned to look at his dad. “Um, I guess I’ll see you later, Dad. Great job on the tomasite, by the way.”

“Thanks, son,” his father replied warmly. “Don’t stay out too late!”

Once they were outside the office Tom Jr. turned to Irene. “What was that all about?”

Irene explained as they walked out of the building and toward the parking. “Look, Tom, they’re going to spend hours talk about permits and financing and taxes and all sorts of things that neither of us care about. Let them handle that – it’s their job. You and I are going out tonight. While they are talking about their future we are going to talk about ours.”

Tom paled, and Irene made a quick negative motion with her hand. “No, no, that’s not what I mean, silly. We need to talk about the hyperplane project. And maybe do a little celebrating. Today really was a big day, you know.”

Tom let out a huge sigh of relief. “Right. Ok, that makes sense. Where do you want to go?”

“I’ve already got the place picked out. Ever been to the Blue Catfish? It’s a little restaurant on Lake Carlopa. They have the most amazing clams! And shrimp – oh, their shrimp are like something from another planet.”

Tom shook his head. “Nope, I don’t think I have. Lead the way, Ace!”

* * * * *

An hour later, Tom Jr. and Irene were seated at an outdoor table beside Lake Carlopa. The sun was just beginning to set, sending brilliant splashes of red and yellow across the western sky. The lake was smooth and calm, and a handful of boaters were enjoying the early evening.

“You were right about this place,” Tom Jr. said contentedly. “I had no idea that crab-stuffed shrimp existed. That was an incredible meal.”

“Thanks,” Irene said. “My father took me here once. I just love the view.”

“By the way, how is your dad?” Tom asked. “I don’t get to see him much anymore.”

“He’s still working on the rocketry project,” Irene replied casually. “He seems to think that the world will be launching rockets into space within the next five years. The moon’s getting a lot closer these days. It won’t be too long before someone sets foot on it.”

Tom grinned. “And you think I’m going to be that first person.”

“I think you could if you wanted to,” Irene said simply. “You’ve got remarkable talent, skipper. I don’t think the sky is the limit for you.”

“I don’t know,” Tom said slowly. “That reporter didn’t seem to agree. He thought the idea of an atomic-powered airplane was total idiocy.”

Irene sighed. “You’ve been thinking about that blasted reporter all day, haven’t you? Why do you let things like that get to you? It’s not like their opinion matters. Who cares what he thinks?”

“But he’s right,” Tom replied. “Look. My father really is one of the all-time great inventors. He’s world-famous, and he deserves it. He casts a huge shadow. I just don’t see how I could ever measure up to him.”

“And how do you know until you try?”

Tom sighed and looked out over the lake. “I understand your point, I really do, but I just don’t know. He’s got a lot of faith in me, and I don’t see how I can keep from disappointing him. He’s a legend, and I’m just not.”

Irene began to feel frustrated. “Look. You are sixteen years old. So far in those sixteen years you have had no major inventions. Wait until you’re old and gray and then decide if you measured up to your dad or not. What you need to do is forget Peele and think about your dreams. The real question is, what do you want to do with your life?”

“You know, I don’t actually have to do anything,” Tom pointed out. “My family is incredibly wealthy. I could just sit on a beach somewhere and enjoy the sun.”

Irene laughed. “You hate beaches, Tom. You’re just not the kind of guy that can sit around and do nothing for years on end.”

“It beats letting everyone down,” Tom replied.

Irene stood up. “Let’s go for a walk, skipper. I think it would do you some good. It’s time to clear the cobwebs out of that brain of yours.”

Tom paid for the meal, and the two of them left the restaurant and began walking down a path that led around the lake. For a while the two walked in silence, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

“It’s going to be dark soon,” Tom said at last.

“That means the stars will be coming out,” Irene replied. “I love the stars. Sometimes I feel like they’re calling to me.”

Tom smiled. “I guess it runs in the family! I’m a bit surprised you didn’t study rocketry or orbital mechanics.”

“Nuclear energy is the future,” Irene said. “Chemical rockets may get us into space initially, but if we want to get serious about space exploration then we’re going to have to find something better. Liquid-fueled rockets just aren’t affordable, and they’re never going to be.”

“So what do you think is the answer?” Tom asked.

“The real question is, what do you think is the answer? After you’ve perfected the atomic airplane, the atomic submarine, and the atomic car, what are you going to do next?” Irene looked at Tom and arched her eyebrows. “You can’t tell me that space doesn’t call to you.”

Tom looked up in the sky and saw the moon, low on the horizon. He began to dream. “Space travel would be amazing, Ace. I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to be on the lunar surface and look up and see the Earth in the sky, a small blue marble floating in the total darkness of space. Can you imagine? Or to see the gas giants, or the rings of Saturn, or to take a ride on a comet as it approaches the Sun – ”

“You’ll have to bring me some pictures back,” Irene teased.

“And what if we put a colony on the moon?” Tom asked. “Of course, it might be best to build a space station first – it’s easier to fix problems in Earth orbit than on the moon – but the moon would be next. And then there is Mars, and the other planets, and beyond them, the stars…”

“Do you think there’s life out there?”

Tom shrugged. “There certainly could be. Dad claimed to have seen a Martian city through his giant telescope years ago. It was never seen again, but it could exist.”

“So you do want to explore the final frontier,” Irene said.

“Don’t forget the oceans!” Tom said. “The deep ocean is as mysterious as deep space, and practically as hard to reach. Who knows what we might find on the ocean floor?”

“Atlantis!” Irene said, laughing. “Or maybe the fabled city of gold.”

Tom shook his head, smiling. “Giant squid are probably more likely, Ace. But you never know. There’s so much that hasn’t been discovered.”

“Have you ever thought about building cities down there?” Irene asked.

“It might be possible with tomasite,” Tom said thoughtfully. “I bet it’s got enough strength to keep the water at bay, at least in the shallow parts of the ocean.”

“I bet you could do it without the tomasite.”

Tom looked puzzled. “What would keep the water out?”

“Magic!” Irene said mischievously. “You’ll think of something. After all, it runs in your family.”

The girl looked at took thoughtfully and took his hand. “Promise me something,” she said.

“What?” Tom asked curiously.

“Promise me than when you get to the moon you’ll send Peele a postcard, letting him know that the son of the famous Tom Swift may not be as great a fool as Peele thought.”

Tom laughed. “I don’t think there are mailboxes on the moon, Ace. Luna is not yet a regular route of the United States Postal Service.”

Irene smiled. “It’s the thought that counts, Tom. So, are you ready to get started on that airplane? We’ve got tomasite now, you know! The real work can finally begin – no more endless guessing and fudged figures.”

Tom hesitated, and Irene looked him in the eye. “Don’t back down on me now! You have been given a very rare gift. Don’t waste it.”

Tom looked at her innocently. “Are you talking about an incredibly talented best friend who’s always there when you need her?”

Irene was taken aback, and then smiled. “So you can be taught! I knew you had a romantic side in there somewhere. That’s very sweet. But, what I meant was, some people can only dream about the things they’d like to do with their life. You, though, are different. You’ve been given the talent and the resources to achieve whatever you care to try. Don’t let someone talk you out of that.”

“But what if I fail?” Tom asked seriously.

“Then try again until you succeed. Will you do it?”

“Tonight?” Tom asked.

“No, silly,” Irene laughed. “Tomorrow morning will be fine. We’ll meet in your lab around, say – ”

“Eleven?”

Irene shook her head. “Let’s try six. It’ll be good for you!”

“Six!” Tom exclaimed playfully. “Can’t we compromise and agree on ten thirty?”

“I know where you live,” Irene said mischievously. “I’ll be there bright and early to pick you up – or drag you out of bed, as the case may be.”

“Sounds good,” Tom said. He smiled. “After all, we must not disappoint the future!”