The Beacon: Hard Science Fiction by Brandon Morris (red white and royal blue hardcover TXT) 📕

all previous orders, such special requests have been completed in less than twenty days.”

“And then when would the launch be possible?”

“Our next rideshare launch is scheduled for April 30, on a New Glenn from Blue Origin. There’s still room for twenty units. If you agree, I can reserve a spot for you right now.”

“Just a minute. You haven’t named a price yet.”

“The price is really very reasonable. Rumor has it that Blue Origin is just trying to buy market share with especially low prices. But whatever the reason, you’re benefiting from it.”

“That’s great, but what is the price?”

“Well, the 6U module alone we normally offer for 400,000 euros, including launch. Plus the special requests and the rush surcharge—”

“You didn’t mention anything about those.”

“All contracts with a launch date in the next 60 days are subject to the 15 percent rush fee, but don’t worry. If you sign the contract right away, I can offer it all to you for just 298,000 euros, including sales tax.”

Phew! Almost 300,000 euros. Half a house. Probably payable in advance. He wouldn’t be able to sell his mother’s house that quickly. When Franziska heard about it, she’d think he was out of his mind. All because of a crazy idea, she’d say. But that was wrong. It was not an idea. He had proof, even if it was not enough for others. After all, the fate of the Earth was at stake.

“Okay, I agree,” he said.

“What about insurance?” asked Miguel.

“Insurance?”

“The launch could fail. The rocket could explode. Then all the payloads will be lost.”

“What’s the risk?”

“That’s hard to quantify. So far, no commercial New Glenn mission has failed, but there’s always a first time. We’re working with a major insurance company. For 19,000 euros, your 6U unit is fully insured. If the first attempt fails, you get a second one free of charge.”

Peter took a deep breath. That would be 317,000 euros. Who knew what else they would add? But certainly not so much that he’d have gambled away his inheritance completely. The market was good, and he could certainly get more than 600,000 for the house.

“Then I’ll take the insurance,” he said.

“A wise decision,” the woman said, taking the 6U unit off the shelf once again. “I forgot one more thing. You can choose the paint finish on the base module. How about gold paint?”

The CubeSat suddenly shined golden.

“Or maybe a nice red?”

The cuboid looked as if it had been dipped in blood.

“We also have various patterns.”

Pink hearts were spreading over the satellite.

“No, thank you,” Peter exclaimed.

“The paint is complimentary. I recommend gold, which also helps with thermal management.”

“Well, gold then.”

“I’ll send you the contract on your computer. You can sign it digitally.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, yes. One more thing. Unfortunately, since you’re a new customer, we can’t start fulfilling the contract until you deposit a guaranteed amount with us.”

“How much?”

“Fifty thousand euros. If you transfer it today, there should be no scheduling problems.”

“I... Of course. I’ll transfer today.”

Bummer. He wouldn’t get the liquidity value of the house that quickly. He’d have to transfer the money from their joint account. If he remembered correctly, it should have just under 60,000 euros.

Peter looked up. He was standing alone again in his living room. Dark smoke seeped out of the kitchen through the crack under the door. Shit! He ran to the oven. Why hadn’t he smelled it earlier? Thick clouds came out. He turned it off and yanked open the door. A gush of hot smokey air blinded him. More smoke spread through the kitchen. Peter started coughing. The pizza had turned into a lump of coal. He thrust the kitchen window wide open, then opened the front door and all the living room windows. What was he supposed to eat now?

He held a dishtowel over his mouth and nose, and got some sausage and bread from the refrigerator. With that, he retreated to the living room.

08 52 36 +28 19 51

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March 13, 2026 – Passau

“Are you insane?” Franziska’s voice exploded in his ear.

He’d been pleased to see her number on his caller ID, but he should not have taken her call. Who could have guessed that the bank advisor who looked after their account at the small cooperative bank would check with his wife about the transfer? And, first thing in the morning?

“There are good reasons for everything,” he replied. “Believe me, honey.”

“I’m not your honey! And of course there are reasons. You want the money for yourself, that’s obvious!”

“I just borrowed it temporarily, until I sold the house.”

“What, you want to sell our house? And I’m just finding out about it in passing? But there’s no way you can do that without my consent.