Chapter 10

After a long four-day journey, Conor and his new friend Kristof arrived in Moscow, from where he could possibly get a way to go to the States. Kristof was relieved that they have finally arrived safely and that his jeep was still with them.

They had encountered several more robbers on the way, and they all fled after seeing Kristof cracking his knuckles.

'So, here we are in Moscow. Where should we head to?' Kristof asked. Conor had the same thought.

'Let's just go to the White House first and see if anyone can help.' Conor directed Kristof.

'Erm, don't you think it's better to go to Roscosmos first? I mean, they might know better than the government.' Kristof suggested. Conor thought it over and hesitated a bit.

'I think you are right. Let's go to Roscosmos, it's better. Do you know the way?' Conor replied.

'That's the bad news, I don't know the way. But I do know it's in Meshchansky District. We'll just have to drive around after that.' Kristof said.

After around an hour of driving and looking around, they finally found the Roscosmos headquarters and went into the parking lot. After giving identification, they proceeded into the building and walked to the concierge. While waiting for someone to come, Conor thought about what to say.

Shortly after, a man in his fifties came out walking, together with a young lady who must have been his assistant.

'Welcome to Roscosmos, gentlemen. I'm the director here, Mikael Andreyev. How may I assist you?' the man said.

'Hello, my name is Conor, I'm from the United States. This is Kristof, from the Siberian region. I think we should get cozy to start discussing the issue.' Conor said.

'Very well, please come to my office. Would you like anything to drink?' Mr. Andreyev asked. Both Conor and Kristof shook heads. They made their way up to the office of the Director, situated on the top floor.

Once in the office, they all settled down and Mr. Andreyev indicated to his assistant to leave them alone.

'So, what is it that you want to discuss?' Mr. Andreyev asked.

'Sir, I used to be a physicist working for NASA-' Conor begun but he was cut off.

'Wait, wait. NASA closed like a century ago. And you used to work for NASA? Are you the famed Dr. Conor Sam of Operation Reality Hole?' Mr. Andreyev asked.

'Erm, yes. I am Conor Sam but I never knew NASA closed-' Conor said.

'GOOD LORD! Dr. Sam, it's a pleasure to meet you. We had given up hope that you would ever show up. Please, sir, settle down, we have a set of protocols for your extraction back to the States.' Mr. Andreyev said.

'Uh, extraction?' Conor asked while wearing a confused expression.

'Yes, sir. Every country has agreed that should Conor Sam show up someday, extraction back to the States should be arranged immediately.' Mr. Andreyev said.

'Extraction as in military-style?' Kristof asked now. He was being silent the whole time.

'No, not that kind of extraction. He will be sent on a private jet. Why would we extract him like that? He's no criminal or terrorist, right?' Mr. Andreyev answered with a chuckle. Kristof grinned too.

'I need to go back to the States as soon as possible, can you arrange for that?' Conor requested.

'For sure, Dr. Sam. No problem at all. Is there anything else you need? Absolutely anything.' Mr. Andreyev asked.

'Now that you mention it, can you please let Kristof and his family move to Moscow? They are not doing so well out there in Siberia.' Conor said. Kristof, in the meantime, looked as if he saw a ghost.

'No, what are you doing, Conor. No, Mr. Andreyev, no need-' Kristof began but he was cut off.

'I insist. You can send me the bills later.' Conor said.

'No, no, you don't have to, I'm fine in Siberia-' Kristof tried to argue but to no avail.

'Noted, Dr. Sam. I will arrange for immediate movement for your friend and his family. Don't worry, we will finance everything for him. Pleasured to meet you, sir. Please let Natalie escort you to the car so you may be taken to the airport.' Mr. Andreyev said with a big smile. His assistant which presumably was Natalie came into the room. Conor shook hands with Mr. Andreyev and bid him goodbye.

Once they were outside the building, Kristof confronted Conor.

'Ms. Natalie, could you give us some time? Thank you. Hey, Conor. Why did you ask Andre to move my family to Moscow? We are doing fine in Siberia.' Kristof said.

'No need to lie to yourself, man. Live here, the government will finance your living. You won't have to work hard or worry again.' Conor said.

'I- Thank you so much Conor. I really owe you a lot. Bring it in, brother.' Kristof said and hugged Conor.

'Don't worry, man. It's the least I could do. You saved my life by giving me a place to live.' Conor said while patting his friend in the back.

'So uh, we'll meet again?' Kristof asked after letting go of the hug.

'Of course, I would love to meet you guys again. Give me your number, I'll dial you up when I am home.' Conor said. Kristof nodded and gave his cell phone number; which Conor wrote down on a piece of paper.

'Alright, man. Privyet.' Conor said and patted Kristof's shoulder.

'Privyet.' Kristof replied with a smile. Conor smiled back and walked towards Natalie who held the door of the car open for him. Conor entered the government car, had one last look at his new friend, and let out a sigh. The car started to move towards the airport, and Conor began having thoughts of how he would explain things back in the States.