The three astronauts pulled on their flight suits and then climbed through the hole . On the other side, was a simulated mock up of the inside of the space ship. The purpose of this training exercise was to learn how to move in zero gravity. The underwater mission prepared them for this step of the training. The zero gravity had to be turned on and then the fun began. Jake began doing flips in the air and so did Fitz as his hair floated up. Mike was having a good time too. But there had to come a time for work as well. Fitz adjusted to driving the lunar module while looking at a manual that was literally floating in mid air. Mike also took out his Polaroid and took some great pics of the guys making faces.
But then the day was still not over, Fitz pulled on a jacket and tie and then headed to NASA public relations for a photo shoot. Some congressman wanted to have their picture taken with him in suit and jacket , because the new Apollo suits weren't ready yet. James made sure that the stories were written for the national papers and the wire service. They also wanted him in his Navy flight suit for a campaign to support the troops fighting in Vietnam. With a smile and a salute, the flash went off . Cyrus took the films to the special room to be developed and then scanned.
Finally the day was over, and Fitz got in his car and headed toward home. The car was a 1968 Mercury Cougar courtesy of the Ford Motor Company. That wasn't his only car. He also a fire engine red Jaguar like the other guys. All astronauts were given these when they got their assignments. Just so they could be photographed in them and to let them have their need for speed. Astronauts were spoiled because they flew at record breaking speeds. He stopped at the florist and Baskin Robbins for a gallon of Rocky Road ice cream for Liv.
"Hi honey, your astronaut hubby is home." Fitz said as he came through the door.
Olivia stretched and then pushed herself off of the couch. It was getting harder and harder to move. She walked toward Fitz and gave him a big kiss. He handed the flowers and ice cream to her as she guided him to the kitchen table. He put down his briefcase and then pulled out her chair since the food was already on the table.
"I made spaghetti and meatballs. It looked easy enough in the Better Homes and Gardens cook book. Plus I had Jill help with the sauce. " Olivia smiled. "She and Jake are still trying, but nothing yet. "
"Well I talked to the people from Bobby Kennedy's campaign today and they want us to go to California for his speech. They figured California because of my ties and Dad. This is not going to bide well with him at all. He is starting to push me as a viable candidate again. If I would run, I don't know if it would be as a Republican. I mean, Nixon and the war is not doing so good with the general public. Kennedy is really trying to make a difference. " Fitz explained.
" I know he is all for civil rights and he is using King's assassination as an example." Olivia stopped as she realized what she said. The day that Rev King was shot. NASA actually put a guard on the Grant household. There was rioting and looting that night. Blacks couldn't make any sense since he was shot by a white man. They basically declared war on all white people and NASA could not afford an incident,. Not with Fitz, being trained and publicized for the moon mission which was still away. Another group was also being publicized since they were going up at Christmas. With Olivia being pregnant, they also treated her with kid gloves. All of her needs were taken care of by NASA , so she wouldn't be put in the line of fire. She lived in a literal bubble. Fitz had companies using him for publicity , but anytime a couple had to be photographed, it was the Ballards. They were also pushing Jill and Jake for a pregnancy so NASA could have the pregnancy documented . They were truly the American family. Jill had been signed for working with Betty Crocker, Pillsbury and Jake and her were recruited for a campaign for Burger Chef. Olivia had been photographed for Ebony, Jet and Essence. She was a trend setter and Sears recruited her as a maternity model.
"Well , I was assured that you would be protected when we spoke. Armed body guards the whole time you are speaking. Get this, it was arranged by my father the governor. He wants us to stop by so he can visit with us and spoil the mother of his grandchild." Fitz continued.
Olivia couldn't stand the idea of seeing Big Jerry. She had fond memories of him and her when Fitz went to the store. She just didn't want to tell Fitz about his father , so if they did get together, she would put on an act. There couldn't be any drama.
"That'll be nice. I can't wait for him to meet his grandchild. " Liv lied.
"Dad just has a few problems. This baby will change him, I hope. He has to realize if he still wants me to go all the way, he is going to have to play ball. I mean, after the moon shot, the sky is the limit. I may still want to make the run for the White House." Fitz announced.
"You have thought about this?" Olivia was surprised by this revelation.
"When I was floating under the ocean, I had a lot of time to think. Whenever I wanted to meditate , I strapped on my tank and swam around outside. I would settle in some coral reef and just think. I would love the silence and the only sound was the bubbles I blew. I would look at the fish swimming by me and then I would watch the bubbles rise. It was the greatest place to think. Then I would be brought out of my trance by either another one of the guys or a friendly dolphin that wanted to play."
"You are so deep, Fitz, really spiritual. " Liv said. " You can meditate anywhere, in space or under the ocean. That is so groovy."
"It was my time I spent meeting the Dalai Lama. He had told me about meeting with the Beatles. I played basketball with this very short guy. He told me the meaning of life was love. I think I may have found it." Fitz smiled and gave her a kiss.
It was the first time they had visited California since the Gala. Olivia looked around when the limo was taking them to the hotel. They would be meeting with Senator Kennedy and his brother before the rally. The sounds of The Turtles "Happy Together" played on the radio. They arrived at the hotel, and the couple was rushed to the Presidential suite. Ethel sat with her husband and they enjoyed talking with Olivia before he was to go to give his speech. He also told Fitz that if he was still interested, he would love to consider him for his second term. Bobby Kennedy loved to plan ahead .
"Olivia, I love your dress." Ethel said as she poured her a glass of lemonade.
"I won't be able to fit into it much longer, Thank you though," Olivia said.
Ethel grinned. " Does this mean that you and the Captain are expecting?"
"Yes." Ethel popped to her feet. "Bobby, Liv and Fitz are going to have a little one."
Bobby slapped Fitz on the back. "Well, it looks like you have managed to get down to business despite training for the moon. Congrats, Dad!"
"This calls for a drink." Bobby went to the bar and took out two glasses and poured into them 200 year old scotch.
"I knew you were a scotch drinker, so here's to the little astronaut." Bobby clinked his glasses with Ethel's Fitz and Olivia's lemonade.
"They might grow up to be in the White House." Ethel smiled.
"You never know, or travel to Mars." Fitz laughed. "After all, their old man is headed to the moon.
"Olivia , you can sit with us in the VIP for when Fitz blasts off." Ethel said as she patted her knee.
"Well, thank you , " Liv smiled. "But us gals kind of have our own sorority to support each other when our men are in training or on missions."
"Of course, the astronaut wives." Ethel said. "It's important to have support. We are both so glad to have you and Liv on our team. And we won't forget it."
"Well if you want to bring me back a rock or something." Bobby laughed.
"I'll see what I can do. You just may not get it right away. Any materials from that trip have to be tagged. And I am almost sure there is no souvenir shop on the moon." Fitz continued.
At that point the security men came in and one of them whispered in Sen Kennedy's ear. He got a concerned look. "They're might be trouble, so I don't think the women should come with us."
"Bobby!" Ethel exclaimed. "You should cancel."
"Nope, sorry I have a job to do and I am not going to be afraid. They aren't going to do this to me." Said Senator Kennedy.
"You got me." Said Fitz. "I was in the Navy, plus I can't think of anything that would piss off my dad more than supporting not only a Democrat, but a Kennedy."
Bobby started the walk down the hall to the doors. He had kissed Ethel and he always said that he had sixth sense.
Before they rounded the corner, as clear as day, shots rang out and people were screaming. Fitz was pushed away when the gunman was aiming at Bobby. He was a national hero, america's hero and they had almost lost him a few times. Now they had lost a true hero. The doctor knelt down and then they pushed the stretcher toward the elevator. No one must know that he was already dead. But Olivia could see the tears in her husband's eyes.
Has anybody here seen my old friend Abraham,
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lotta people, but it seems the good die young
But I just looked around and he's gone.
Has anybody here seen my old friend John,
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lotta people, but it seems the good die young
But I just looked around and he's gone.
Has anybody here seen my old friend Martin,
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lotta people, but it seems the good die young
But I just looked around and he's gone.
Didn't you love the things they stood for?
Didn't they try to find some good for you and me?
And we'll be free,
Someday soon it's gonna be one day.
Has anybody here seen my old friend Bobby,
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up over the hill
With Abraham, Martin and John.