Chapter 325: Well Worth The Trip
Lyndon Johnson’s speech was passionate and stirring.
But the television programs that day did not play much of his speech; instead, the footage of Burning No. 1 descending from the sky and steadily landing at the designated position was repeatedly broadcast by major television stations, greatly diluting the pain brought by the Vietnam War defeat.
Rocket ignition, rocket launch, simulated rocket and satellite separation animation, rocket return to the ground, flames igniting the ground, and finally steady landing.
Such footage would still be considered science fiction even in 2020, let alone now in 1968.
From Washington to New York, from London to Paris, every television station you can think of was discussing this event.
For Americans, unable to win on the Vietnam War front, winning in aerospace is also a way to forget the pain.
“Joe, help me prepare; in one hour, I will hold a brief press conference in Huntsville,” Lyndon Johnson said to the press secretary beside him.
Joe Christian nodded: “Yes, Mr. President. Do you accept reporter interviews?”
Even for a temporarily convened emergency press conference, the press secretary has a lot of work to do, including notifying reporters, preparing the venue, and setting up microphones, lights, and broadcasting equipment at the venue.
Of course, the most important is to prepare potential questions, ready official answers for Mr. President; generally, at least 20 to 30 potential questions need to be anticipated, and if time allows, the press secretary will also conduct a quick brief simulation drill with the president, discussing attire issues in the intervals of the drill.
Lyndon Johnson nodded: “Of course.”
Then Lyndon Johnson turned to Lin Ran and said, “Professor, get ready; you’ll join me then.”
Lin Ran said calmly, “Mr. President, I’m worried that if I attend, I’ll steal your spotlight. I think it might be better if I don’t attend.”
Lyndon Johnson was in a very good mood; the successful rocket landing made him seem to see himself landing smoothly, winning re-election in this year’s presidential election without danger.
In the past, he might have thought, is this provoking me? What do you mean stealing my spotlight? How can a NASA director steal the president’s spotlight? It would definitely breed resentment.
Now, even if Lin Ran cursed him to his face, Lyndon Johnson would just smile and say you’re right.
Political animals are so calm; personal likes and dislikes can be completely set aside in the face of political future.
Dealing with Robert, Fred, and Nixon—is that a problem? Hasn’t the professor been in Washington for so many years without some friends in political circles?
The gloomy expression on Lyndon Johnson’s face from recent times was swept away; he said amiably, “Professor, if you don’t attend, the reporters’ questions will still focus on where the professor is, and they will think there is a rift between us.
In fact, there will never be a closer partner than me and the professor!”
What kind of person is Lin Ran? After so many years dealing in the White House, doesn’t he know Lyndon Johnson’s nature?
As soon as these words came out, Lin Ran immediately knew what plan Lyndon Johnson was playing and what strategy he planned to take in this year’s election.
From this sentence, Lin Ran guessed that Lyndon Johnson had grasped what strategies his election opponents would take to counter this major achievement of the reusable rocket: nothing more than saying it all relies on the professor’s merit; if we were in the White House, we would appoint the professor too; no matter who is president in the White House, it won’t affect America’s advantage in aerospace.
So Lyndon Johnson’s counter-strategy is to emphasize the deep cooperation foundation he has with Lin Ran in the past.
The subsequent press conference was as Lin Ran thought, no different.
When Lin Ran and Lyndon Johnson walked into the prepared press conference site, the on-site reporters burst into warm applause, with excitement written on everyone’s faces.
If winning means just emotional value to the public, then for reporters, winning also means real money.
When newspapers are full of bad news, sales volume initially increases; during major negative events, newspaper sales rise due to the public’s thirst for information, but then sales continuously decline; no one wants to read news of their own country constantly being beaten, and the public will passively avoid such news.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m very pleased to hold this press conference to announce that our Star Wars Program has taken a big step toward success. We have successfully completed the launch and recovery of the Burning No. 1 reusable rocket, putting three medium-orbit satellites into the predetermined orbit in one launch. The Star Wars Program is within reach.
I am confident that in my next four-year term, under the professor’s leadership, we will smoothly complete the Star Wars Program. Ten thousand satellites in the sky will make America a true empire on which the sun never sets—no, an empire on which the stars never set!”
Lyndon Johnson was passionate and stirring, his whole person rekindling fighting spirit and passion; this was especially evident to the reporters on site who cover White House news.
Joe Christian stood to their right; after Lyndon Johnson finished speaking, he tapped the microphone and said, “Next is the reporter Q&A session.”
The first question came from Associated Press reporter Merriman Smith: “Mr. President, Professor, good to see you. I’d like to ask what this reusable rocket means for America, how low the launch cost per satellite can be, and whether this will help us reverse the current decline on the Vietnam War frontline.”
Lyndon Johnson gestured for Lin Ran to answer first; Lin Ran replied, “The category of per-satellite is a bit too broad because satellite launch altitudes differ; for example, this launch altitude is 20,000 kilometers, while most satellites in the Star Wars Program only need 500 kilometers.
Also, the GPS satellites we launched this time are on the heavier side; future GPS nuclear-powered satellites will be even heavier, possibly only achieving two satellites per launch then, but for low-orbit small satellites, I expect we can achieve 30 or even more per launch within three years.
So it’s hard for me to give you a specific standard.
I can only say one thing: compared to traditional rocket launches, the reusable rocket is epoch-making; it’s like car production going from hand assembly to assembly line production, with equally significant meaning.
The launch cost per satellite will only need one-tenth of the original, or even lower, and with technological development, costs will only keep decreasing.
For the entire Star Wars Program, I estimate 10 billion US dollars can get it done.”
When talking to Americans, you have to use the car industry as an example; the secret to Ford’s rise is the assembly line; McNamara introduced a data-oriented modern management system at Ford, and later Japan’s auto industry rose by building a more refined manufacturing system on that basis, calling it lean production.
In short, progress in the auto industry and the rise of auto powerhouses bring new manufacturing production methods.
Lin Ran used Ford’s assembly line as an example, instantly bringing the reporters below from science fiction novel scenes back to reality, making everyone more aware of the era significance of this scene.
Of course, after Starlink appears, this scene will be repeatedly mentioned.
During Lin Ran’s answer, Lyndon Johnson had already sorted out his thoughts; he replied, “Everyone, this means we will forever have information superiority on the battlefield.
Tens of thousands of satellites mean we always have countless U-2 reconnaissance planes constantly bringing us information.
We will gain unprecedented military advantage, more obvious than the advent of tanks, airplanes, or submarines.
On the Vietnam War frontline, we don’t need to send soldiers one by one into the jungle to clear; we just need enough ammunition, guided by satellites, to clean the site.
We claim to be a nation on wheels; I believe in the future we will also be a nation blessed by satellites.
We will no longer face embarrassments like the Spring Offensive.”
Lyndon Johnson was beaming with joy.
The reporters below read in this the signal that the other side still wants military adventure.
Female reporter Hayes wrote in her notebook: “President Johnson treats the professor’s advantages as his own creation; the Vietnam War has become his eternal nightmare; he is always thinking about how to make up for it in the Vietnam War. Will this ceasefire really become the beginning of peace as White House insiders say? I remain skeptical; perhaps only the day Lyndon Johnson leaves the White House is the true start of peace.”
“Professor, is the name Burning No. 1 you paying tribute to yourself? Regarding the criticism in the streets about this name, saying you’re trying to stamp NASA with your own mark, a cult of personality practice—what is your response?” asked reporter Joseph Alsop from the New York Herald Tribune.
This reporter is a conservative reporter who worked in China in the 1940s and later returned to China during Nixon’s visit to China.
Working in China in the 1940s, and Lyndon Johnson letting today’s China return to GATT shows the reporter’s stance.
Lin Ran smiled: “Renaming it Kennedy Space Center—is that also part of a cult of personality?
Or is it that only white people can do cult of personality, but yellow people can’t?
Or is it that when white people’s practices are done by yellow people, it’s cult of personality?”
Lyndon Johnson slapped the table: “This reporter, if you ask such nutrientless questions again, I will urge Christian to revoke your White House press pass.”
Lin Ran leaned over and whispered in Lyndon Johnson’s ear: “I hope to revoke it immediately!”
Lyndon Johnson nodded, then said seriously: “Please have this reporter leave the venue!”
The atmosphere on site turned solemn, both showing reporters Lin Ran’s authority and letting them see a side usually unseen.
“The professor has had multiple images in the public eye: genius scholar in the public’s mind, top politician under reporters’ pens, orator on television programs, tyrant in the mouths of NASA employees—the last image we rarely see. Today’s press conference let the professor’s tyrant side rarely show, and more importantly, in the professor-president relationship, the power balance is off; the professor controls this relationship.” Helens recorded in her notebook with her pen.
These will be published as White House memoirs after her retirement, becoming important historical material for future research on Lin Ran.
“Professor, in your estimate, when will the Star Wars Program be completed?” asked Washington Post reporter Helen Thomas.
“I expect within five years; our progress far exceeds imagination,” Lin Ran said.
Lyndon Johnson added: “Once we fully occupy low Earth orbit, latecomers will find it hard to launch 10,000 satellites there because orbit positions are limited.
At the same time, we will develop interference satellites to ensure that if the Soviet Union starts a similar Star Wars Program, we can interfere and prevent them from completing observations.”
Lin Ran was a bit confused; how did he never know about interference satellites?
Lyndon Johnson thought, now we need hype, blow it up as high as possible; whether achievable or not, first give Americans the feeling of winning to the point of numbness.
CBS News reporter Dan Rather asked: “Professor, what do you think of the past rumors about discord between you and Mr. President?”
As soon as this question was asked, all reporters including White House staff pricked up their ears.
What could be more explosive than asking this to their faces?
Lin Ran was concise: “Nonsense.”
Lyndon Johnson said seriously: “This is absolutely rumor mongering, absolutely rumors created by people with ulterior motives. During President Kennedy’s time, as vice president I was already the professor’s direct leader; the professor often stayed up all night with me in the White House talking about his ambitions for space, and I was his staunchest supporter!
Later when I became president, I supported the professor without reservation; it was I who promoted the professor from Special Assistant for Aerospace Affairs in the White House to NASA director!
Together we completed the Apollo Moon Landing, advancing the Star Wars Program—there is no better partner than me and the professor!
To those spreading rumors trying to drive a wedge between me and the professor, I say it’s wishful thinking.”
Lyndon Johnson’s words made the reporters below thoughtful, because what he said was indeed flawless.
During Lyndon Johnson’s time, James Webb was transferred to finance minister, and after the position opened, he nominated Lin Ran, including the Senate vote; media reports at the time said Lyndon Johnson convinced Donkey Party Southern states conservative congressmen internally.
Many reporters below showed playful smiles; they guessed where this news came from—who else but Nixon and Fred?
After hearing this, Lin Ran thought two things: first, he never stayed up all night talking deeply with Johnson—that’s either exaggeration or rumor; second, if he now publicly said he works for China, providing technical data to China, the White House would be the first to jump out saying fake news.
If someone from China defects to America and accuses him of providing intelligence to China, Lyndon Johnson would probably immediately order that person silenced.
Thinking of this, Lin Ran showed a slight smile, captured by the photographers below and interpreted by reporters as agreeing with Lyndon Johnson’s statement.
“Professor, earlier this year you helped the White House complete peace talks with North Vietnam; in your past speeches, you’ve repeatedly shown yearning and pursuit of peace, but you’re now personally creating an unprecedented war monster like the Star Wars Program.
Isn’t this contradictory? What are your views on peace and war?”
Lin Ran said: “The war monster is for better peace, to make all sides exercise restraint.
I have always been peace’s most loyal supporter; I believe our competition through the Cold War after World War II proves peace is the consensus of all countries.”
Lyndon Johnson took over: “The professor is right; when the Star Wars Program is completed, peace will arrive; America’s missiles will bring greater peace.”
Joe Christian inwardly had no strength to complain anymore—no, Mr. President, why do you always add supplements after the professor speaks when reporters ask him? That’s the White House press secretary’s job.
You doing this makes it seem like you’re the professor’s press secretary.
The site was full of reporters, all cameras; Joe Christian really couldn’t find a chance to remind Lyndon Johnson.
Hearst Newspapers reporter Helens asked: “Professor, this year is the presidential election; as everyone knows, you maintain good personal relationships with several potential candidates; among these potential candidates, who do you support most?”
Helens previously served as White House reporter for United Press International and should have stayed there until the early 21st century, becoming one of the oldest in the White House press corps.
But because she knew Jenny, Helens jumped from United Press International to Hearst Newspapers, becoming the political news editor-in-chief of Hearst Newspapers.
In the future, relying on her relationship with Jenny, becoming editor-in-chief is no problem.
As soon as this question was asked, the site erupted in uproar, magnesium lights flashing wildly.
Lin Ran smiled: “I support President Lyndon Johnson, but I also respect the final public opinion.”
This answer was impeccable.
Throughout the press conference, Lyndon Johnson hardly got many questions, but he couldn’t resist adding his own play.
Finally, United Press International reporter Clark Mollenhoff gave the president some face: “Mr. President, at this time, do you have anything to say to the public?”
“I’ll conclude with a sentence the professor said to me privately: Our journey is the sea of stars!
Thank you everyone, God bless America, goodbye.” Lyndon Johnson stood, waved, and exited.
Lin Ran followed closely behind.
Joe Christian said: “That’s all for today; interview records will be provided to everyone soon. Thank you.”
He felt Lyndon Johnson had gone mad; the last reporter was arranged by him to save face for Lyndon Johnson, but you still mention the professor here.
Couldn’t you just say the sentence without mentioning the professor? Why say it’s what the professor said?
(This sentence comes from Tanaka Yoshiki’s science fiction novel “Legend of the Galactic Heroes,” the line of Galactic Empire Emperor Reinhard von Lohengramm. 1987)
Joe Christian thought either Lyndon Johnson was hit hard by the Vietnam War crisis and a bit lost his reason, or the professor’s reality distortion field was too strong.
Lin Ran’s existence means even without news about him, there will be many reports about him; even baseless guesses can become an article.
Some psychology scholars have written articles, “The Professor’s Reality Distortion Field,” actually discussing a serious academic issue: similar to how successful people influence cognition, making people think their views outside the professional field are also reliable.
Even successful people themselves think this way.
Similar to Musk’s commercial success making him think he can also call wind and rain in politics.
But most readers won’t care about your professional content, only remembering the professor’s reality distortion field.
Joe Christian was deeply impressed by this.
The press conference ended, polite applause rose below; Lin Ran and Lyndon Johnson exited amid the applause.
All the reporters who came to Huntsville felt it was worth the trip.
